Serendipity

Episode #20 : It Is Love

*the song on which Suman and Abhimanyu are dancing*

~

SCENE 1

Abhimanyu was standing before the mirror in his room, setting up the collar of his aubergine coloured velvet coat. He was ready in the same coloured suit for the anniversary party of the hospital being held at a hotel in an hour. If asked, he would have chosen the function to be simple and be held at the hospital itself but it was the brilliant idea of his father to make it grand and appease the health minister who was the chief guest.

Show off!

He put on his smart watch and was just adjusting his hair by his fingers when he saw his mother at the door through the mirror.

"Ready ?" - she asked with a smile, entering the room.

He turned around to take a good look at her graceful presence in the saree. Mothers were always beautiful, no matter what they chose to wear. Even if dressed the simplest, one couldn't find a single flaw in their appearance.

"I am. Are you ?" - he asked to make sure, his left eyebrow arching up.

It had been another argument. Harshwardhan was not keen on taking Manjiri along as he was embarrassed to show the world that doctor Harshwardhan's wife was simple and domesticated.

"The person who's father's land is Birla hospital standing upon, I'm sure has all the rights to be present at the party."

Abhimanyu had said at the breakfast table, making his father go quiet for a moment.

"But what will she do there ? She doesn't like parties and such." - Harshwardhan said looking meaningfully at Manjiri to voice her agreement.

Abhimanyu was not to be fooled. "Even I don't like parties. So I think you guys should go, Maa and I will stay at home." - he offered smiling sweetly at his father.

Harshwardhan paled. If the doctor, whom he used as the face of the hospital, won't be at the anniversary party, the media will go berserk.

"Manjiri, be ready by 7 tonight." - Harshwardhan said through gritted teeth. He threw the napkin at the table, stood up and left.

Abhimanyu smiled and resumed eating his apple.

"Of course I am. See ?" - his mother said, breaking his reverie. "I have worn a Banarsi saree."

At 'Banarsi', he was instantly reminded of a certain someone. He had not seen her since yesterday as she didn't come to hospital. Despite his initial oath of staying away from her, he couldn't stop himself from asking her whereabouts from Anand who told him that Suman asked for a leave as she was shifting to the hostel. For some odd reasons, Abhimanyu felt like there was more to it because as much as he knew Suman, she wouldn't skip her duty so easily.

"And you are looking gorgeous!" - came Neil's voice as he sauntered in the room, wearing a nile blue suit. "I am sure you'll steal the limelight." - he teased.

Manjiri gasped and raised her hand to hit. Neil laughingly hid behind Abhimanyu, using him as armour. Manjiri chuckled, her eyes softening at both her sons.

"May God protect you both from all evil." - she took kohl from her eye and applied on Abhimanyu's and Neil's nape.

Abhimanyu and Neil smiled and hugged their mother in unison.

"We should get going now else your dear husband will sue us." - Neil said dramatically, making Manjiri gasp again. She raised her hand again and he ran out the room laughing, she right behind him.