"Bavagaru?"
Durga called smiling.
"Oh.. You remember me.. That is good."
Dharmaraju taunted.
"Adenti Bavagaru.."
Durga tried to explain.
"Not here Amma.. Pedanana. Let us go home."
Bhargava intervened.
"Ra ra.. Naa pedda kodaka.."
"Mavaiyya.."
Mahika tried talking when he stopped heer with one gesture.
"Bhargava Ranganathudu said right? Not here. Let us go home."
Saying Dharmaraju moved to his car but not before giving one look to Vedmohan. Others stood with their jaws dropped.
"Rei, thaati chettu.. Was that really your peda mavaiyya Adharmaraju?"
Parthavi whispered and turned to look and got shocked to see Bhargava standing there.
"Oh.. Bava.. Athi.."
But Bhargava chuckled.
"Don't let Amma hear it Maradalu pilla."
Parthavi nodded.
"Let us go to your place?"
"Okay Bava.."
And everyone walked to their traveller. Maanas and Jagadamba said that they will join them at Madhurawada seeing that the family required some privacy and they left in a cab. As they walked down the stairs, Parthavi grunted.
"Heels.. They should have named it hell!"
She heard a chuckle and looked up to see Raghunandhu standing close to her.
"If you cannot manage why do you wear them?"
"Ask the person who clubbed heels, wedges with saree as fashion. Kaallu danchestondi."
Raghunandhu laughed.
"You care about fashion?"
"Not me.. But when I am coming with my would be family, I should be respectable kada? I cannot look like a fashion disaster."
"No one is going to treat you like one. Definitely not with me beside."
He said looking down at his sunny orange with blue stripes shirt that was hanging loosely on him.
This time, she laughed.
"True that."
"Here.. Take my hand.."
Saying he held her hand and helped her down. Hearing a very feeble noise she looked down to see Vedmohan and Satya grinning at them and Vedmohan gave a wink making her go so red. She gave him one glare and then focused on Raghunandhu who was saying something.
"Avunu Parthavi.. Did you see the parcel I gave you?"
Parthavi bit her tongue.
"Athi.. when I was about to open it, We flew to Hyderabad.. Aa tharuvatha, we became busy with arrangements.. So.."
"Ante, you did not.."
"Sorry Raghu.."
"Maybe you should.."
Raghunandhu started dissapointedly when she cut him heatedly.
"What is so special? Why don't you just tell?"
"Bava is special! And he can't say that himself now, can he?"
They heard Vedmohan and both looked up at him.
"You are not in yet?"
"How can I miss this?"
"Rei po ra!"
Nodding his head, Vedmohan went inside.
"Nice respect for me!"
Raghunandhu said and went inside. Frowning Parthavi followed him inside.
Inside she saw that Raghunandhu is sitting beside his mother holding Prabhav in his lap. She frowned at him but he started playing with Prabhav.
"Yem ayindi? What is wrong with him?"
She wondered. Then she went and sat beside Prabha taking Dhitvi.
"Bangaaram.. Something is wrong with your Raghu mavaiyya.. Yem untadi?"
Dhitvi blew a raspberry giggling.
"Athaiyya.. Mavaiyya asked not to bore Dhitvi kutty with your bak bak!"
Prasiddhi said jumping on her lap making Dhitvi giggle. Parthavi glared at Raghunandhu who turned his face away.
"Everything is fair in Love and war.."
Shantha said clearing her throat.
"This is world war!"
Prithvi said getting a jab from Bhoomi.
"Parthu..is everything fine?"
She asked.
"It was so far Bhoomi."
Parthavi said frowning.
"Maybe Partha.. You should learn to do things in time without postponing."
Sathya advised.
"Stop talking in riddles! Even better.. Stop talking."
Parthavi growled. The elders just left it to the kids as they continued talking among themselves.
Soon they reached Parthavi's house.
"Nana.."
Prabha went to her father and showed all the sarees and Dhotis to him.
"Good.. The material looks and feels really good Lakshmi."
"Its a very good shop Mavaiyya."
"Ahh! Ra ma.. Viyyankuralu.."
Sundarama chuckled.
"Adenti Mavaiyya!"
Durga chuckled too with a tinge of red in her cheeks.
"Now you are respectable Mother in law of my grand daughter. Aa matram mariyatha ivvali kada?"
"Anta ledu le.."
"Thathaiyya!"
Saying Raghunandhu sat on the arm of the chair making Sundaramudu laugh.
"Manavada.. How was shopping?"
"I understood nothing!"
Sundaramudu laughed.
"It takes some time to understand that bachelorhood is leaving and responsibilities of gruhastam are stepping in Manavada."
"Abbo Thathaiyya.. Entha pedda maata!"
Vedmohan said smiling.
"Its important to enlighten him about it.. You see, otherwise how will he know the way to escape if he is not ready? He is marrying Parthamma, Naa inti Seethamma after all!"
He said making everyone laugh.
"Chaalu le thathaiyya, praising your Seethamma."
Jagatjanani came there taking a look at the sarees.
"You are no less amma, Naa Doctor Amma!"
He smiled pulling her cheeks making her giggle.
"Thathaiyya! Jakkamma.. And her Akkamma puranalu done?"
Rajvitha called coming out of the nearby washroom.
"Jakkamma ente Thingarabuchi.. She is my amma.. And that is Parthamma.."
Sundaramudu chuckled.
"Mee Parthamma.. Maa Vathinamma!"
Rathnitha said making Parthavi giggle and look at Raghunandhu, who was also looking at her smiling. But as soon as she turned to him, He turned away making her frown.
"Ratnam.. Thinnava?"
"Ate Thathaiyya.."
"Rajam?"
"Your kitchen is clean because of her Thathaiyya.."
"If your stomach is full, then no worries.."
"Thathaiyya.. You know them?"
"Yes Kodalu pilla..
Gunamba came there standing next to Durga. Parthavi turned to Raghunandhu who again turned away. Before she could understand or anyone could explain further, they heard Sreenu.
"Sir.. sir.. Listen to me.."
"Enti sir sir? I get to know about engagement when they are about to get married. That too only because I care enough to know about their coming to Bejawada and then thanks to our business in Vizag. But they don't care enough kada.."
Erupting like volcano Dharmaraju came inside but he stopped looking at Sundaramudu.
"Peddayya?"
"Aa noona lo aava ginjalu la chitapatladam enti Dharmaraju? Why are you jumping like mustard in hot oil?"
Sundramudu asked frowning in confusion and saw that Rathnitha and Rajvitha hid behind Gunamba.
"You here?"
"This is my daughter's house Dharmaraju.. Lakshmi, you know him?"
He asked his daughter who shook her head in denial and then nodded her head.
"Entamma aa oopudu?"
"Athi nana.. He is Alludu's peddanana.."
"Ante? Viyyankuda? Ente Gunamba?"
"Yes Gurugaru.."
"What a small world Lakshmi.."
"Nayna Veda.. Get him a chair.."
"Yes Thathiyya.."
"Peddayya.."
"Wait.. Amma Sathya, get him some water."
Sathya went in as Vedmohan got him a chair. Dharmaraju sat and looked around in confusion.
"What is happening here?"
"First you tell me, how come I did not know that my grand daughter is marrying your nephew."
Dharmaraju looked down.
"Peddayya.. Athi.. I.. we.."
"All families have their problem.. But a marriage brings families together. Whatever problem you have, settle before marriage, I don't my grand daughter's marriage to become a drama stage. Samasyalu pareeshkarinchuko Dharmaraju.. Right now.. We will leave you to it.. Padha.. Lakshmi, Prasadu.. Take our family to the room upstairs."
Sundaramudu paved a path as elder.
"Thathaiyya, I would like Vedmohan, Sathya and Parthavi to stay as they are my family too."
Raghunandhu said making the elder one smile.
"Good!"
He said and moved up with his family.
"What is happening here? Ratna, Rajju, Gunamba what are you doing here?"
"We came for the wedding Nana.."
"Without.."
"We thought you would not like.. But its our brother's marriage. You can have your issues with the family, its with you elders."
"We and Annaiyya never had problems. So we wanted to join our family."
Both the girl explained.
"Pillalu.."
But Dharmaraju stopped Gunamba.
"Bhargava.. If you wanted my family's presence, shouldn't you ask me? Where is the respect?"
"Respect should be earned."
Parthavi mumbled beside Raghunandhu making Dharmaraju turn to her.
"Oho.. you are Raghunandhu's ka poye pellama?"
"Yes.. I am Parthavi Ambujakshi."
"Peru anta bhaga ne undi. Sahavasam eh.."
He said eyeing Vedmohan who hung his head. At that moment, he felt Sathya's hand slide into his and hold it tight.
"My friendship and friends circle is good only. They are people who will stand by me."
"Without even understanding whom you are standing opposed to?"
"That is what is friendship is about. You don't get to insult and then walk away without consequences."
"Remember that I am your father in law."
"I do.. But before any of you came in to my life, Vedmohan became my friend."
"Partha.. Stop.."
"Be quiet Ved. Just because your parents went against his wishes and got married, it doesn't make them criminals and you a sinful addition. It was not like, your parents weren't happy except for the treatment of certain someone. People should realize the outcomes of their doings. It left you orphaned, deep in depression to the stage of becoming suicidal. Mr. Raghunandhu, I am sorry. I understand that he is the elder in your family and might even become the deciding authority. If your marrying me is going to be based on my being friends with Vedmohan, then.."
She was stopped by Raghunandhu's arms going around her.
"When did I ever say that Parthavi. If Vedmohan is your friend, he is my brother. We already lost him once. Thanks to you that we have him back in our family."
"Avunu Parthavi. We once made a mistake of not standing up for him. This is not happening in this family again. Everything ultimately comes down to personal choices and happiness. We are not going to let certain old fashion thoughts seep back into our family."
Bhargava said and stood beside Vedmohan.
"When he should be guiding us as the eldest of all, he left us giving importance to his false esteem and honor. From that moment on, Amma has been our elder. So it will be her who will be deciding on anything. I am sorry for letting you down once Mohan. I am not letting my brother down again."
Shantha said and stood beside Vedmohan too.
"Our family might not be perfect Parthavi. But I won't let any harm come your way."
"No family is perfect Raghu. Who will know that well than myself. But false honor and esteem should not be reason for unhappiness and cleavage in the family. One's personality is not to be judged by mere things that they show to the world. It is not that easy."
"I know. Peddanana, I am sorry. But it was your decision to leave our family. We never asked you to."
Raghunandhu rested the case.
"Kaani Bava garu, you are still the eldest. Even the wedding invitation have been written on your behalf, just like I did for Bhargava. For his marriage, when I came to invite, you.."
She gave a break unable to continue and looked around at her children who were ready to blast. Silencing them with a look, she continued.
"From then on my children have asked me not to repeat it. I don't want to hurt them by going against their wishes bava garu. So this time, I sent Nandhu first. But you did not respond. But now only I come to know that you were not informed. Consider my apologies on his behalf. But please join the festivities as the elder and bless the kids."
Durga requested very humbly. Dharmaraju looked around one at his family. How they stood together.
"Evandi.. See, if you don't like, let us leave. But let the girls be here. Let us not force our elders' issue on the kids."
Gunamba said. This made Dharmaraju hang his head down in shame.
"Guna.. Did you think that I came here to pick up a fight with them? Ledu ma.. I wanted to join them. But I am old fashioned kada? I could not let my ego and come down to them now, can I?"
Dharmaraju at last came down.
"I did a mistake by not standing by my sister's decision and not trusting her. I did not understand that until I saw them both die one after another. Guilt did not let me go back to my family after that. You all, if you can, please pardon me."
"Pedda maatalu vaddu bava garu. It doesn't look good for you to apologise to us like this."
Durga smiled not letting down the honor of her family.
"You are our Peddanana, Nana's elder brother. We never thought less of you peddanana."
Bhargava said and bent down to take his blessing along with Mahika. Seeing them both, Prabhav too followed the suit making everyone chuckle.
"How did I miss my time with my grandson. I am sorry Bhargava. And you too Kodalu pilla."
"Like he already said, there is no need for such big words mavaiyya. You are elder and will remain so. Its your blessings that we want. Not your apologies."
Mahika said making him smile.
"Nee perenti nayna?"
He asked Prabhav. Little Prabhav, smiled and said
"Pabab"
Cutely making everyone chuckle.
"Prabhav Peddanana. Prabhav Ramachandra"
"Nice name. Prabhav."
"Yes!"
Prabhav said making everyone laugh again. Dharmaraju turned to Parthavi who stood there holding his gaze.
"Kotha kodala.. Parthavi."
He called. She went to him and turned to Raghunandhu, who joined her as both took his blessings.
"Already trained my son to follow you? That too with just a look?"
He grinned naughtily making her go red.
"Nana.. what did you think of our Vathinamma?"
Rathnitha said holding Parthavi's arms.
"Nothing less. She is feisty. Raghunandha.. You don't raise your voice, while man your wife to be has some decibels."
"Life will not get boring Peddanana."
Shantha said. Dharmaraju laughed.
"Amma doesn't talk, Nana once starts talking, doesn't stop. It is entertaining. Just like that kada Akka?"
Rathnitha asked and gave a five to Rajvitha laughing.
"Yei!"
Gunamba tried to shut them up fearing her husband. She knew that he was very close to the girls, but such open talking wasn't something that she has let them in front of him. But he just chuckled.
"Nicely put. But don't damage me like this in front of another family. Mainly pedayya's family."
He said shaking his head.
"Inka another family enti Dharmaraju? We are same family now. That too, you are the viyyankudu, the father in law elder of my granddaughter. Mariyatha manushulu!"
Sundaramudu came down with Lakshmi and others.
"Ledu Pedayya, you are elder here. And sorry for all this.."
"Don't be Dharmaraju.. It was important. Always remember this. We should learn to go with the changing times. It doesn't mean that we are letting our culture go. We are just making it flexible as per the trend. Otherwise you will always stuck in a time warp while others will move forward."
"Saranagathi guru garu. Brahmopadesanam anugruhisthosmi."
Dharmaraju said bowing down. The whole family stood stunned as they saw a very different Dharmaraju. This was not the Dharmaraju they knew.
"Dharmaraju.. If you know, only then talk. Don't kill Samaskrutam."
He said making everyone laugh. Prabha took Hariharan aside and explained everything who soon joined the festivities.
"Viyyankuralu, Durgamma.. Tomorrow is auspicious. Start Vigneswara pooja, Vigneswara biyyam kattudu and pandiri pettadam. Early in the morning."
Sundaramudu said getting everyone's nods.
"Nana, the pelli venue.."
"Akkayapalem lo mana Prasadu illu undi kada?"
"But.."
"Pakkane, Veda's home is also there kada? Either one can be used as vididhillu and other as pelli illu kada? Yem Durgamma?"
"Sure Mavaiyya, we can use Prasad bava garu's house is quiet spacious. We can use that as the venue while Mohan's home, Shantha's house can be used for stay. Other guests can stay at a hotel."
"We can book hotel under our firm's name Amma, bulk booking will be easy."
"Bhoomi's house is close to Shantha's in Gajuwaka. We can use that too."
"Right Shakthi.."
"This house of ours is also close only."
"Ledu Parthamma, this house has another purpose."
Sundaramudu said hearing which, Shantha, Bhoomi and Mahika giggled. Parthavi frowned and then seeing other ladies smile her frown deepened. Then she looked at Raghunandhu who too frowning turned away.
Discussing other details for the next day, everyone left for their respective places. Raghunandhu till he left kept his distance from Parthavi puzzling her.
After everyone left, Parthavi ran to her room and retrieved the parcel she had very carefully kept in her cupboard. She opened it urgently and found a beautiful but simple red and grey georgette saree.
She smiled thinking about the saree. Because this was the saree that caught her attention during their engagement shopping. But she did not think much about it. She understood how attentive Raghunandhu was about her. Now she understood why he was so restless about the pack.
"Moddhu!"
She chided cutely. Taking her mobile she clicked a selfie with her holding her ear with a very sorry face and sent it to Raghunandhu.
In reply an angry emoji came making her chuckle. She sent a voice message saying, "SORRY"
'Apology accepted.'
Came a text.
'Really sorry andi. Seriously did not get time to open it. We were so held up with many things.'
'You did not even remember.'
'I am very bad in that department.'
'In future don't forget me.'
'How can I? You will be with me kada?'
'When I go somewhere for something for a few days?'
'Then too. Raghunandhu.. You are not a stranger or some lifeless things to be forgotten.'
Not getting a reply, she called him.
"Hello?"
"Raghunandhu.."
"Hmm?"
"Sorry cheptunna kada? Why are taking so much footage."
"So now I am taking footage?"
"Urrrhhh.. Please?"
Raghunandhu smiled. And Parthavi smiled understanding.
"Damn! How can I act angry after that?"
"YOU WERE ACTING?"
Raghunadhu moved his phone away and rubbed his ears.
"Reduce your volume ammayi!"
"Okay abbayi!"
"You will tear my ear drums one day!"
"Don't worry, you will still understand me."
Raghunadhu laughed.
"You are a personality Parthavi. Has anyone told you that?"
"Many.. I say that myself sometimes."
This made him laugh more. Composing he stood near his room window.
"Parthavi.."
"Hmm?"
Parthavi smiled twirling her hair bangs.
"Did you like it?"
And then frowning at her behavior she left it.
"Chi chi!"
She said loudly without thinking.
"Chi chi na? You did not like?"
She hit her forehead.
"Ledu.. I mean.. I liked it.. The chi chi was something else."
He let out a sigh. This girl will drive him crazy one day.
"Raghu.. How did you.."
"I have my talents Ms. HR!"
She chuckled.
"Nice talents Mr. Architect."
"Thank you."
Smiling both stood silent for sometime.
"Thank you Raghu. I forgot about this myself."
"You will look.."
She held her breath.
"Not bad in that.."
She let out an angry breath and glared at the pic displaying in her mobile.
"Urhh! Moddhu!"
"Dragon!"
Grunting she cut the call as he laughed on the other side. Now it was not much time before they bonded together forever.