We arrived at Anshu's place just like yesterday. I was still pretending to be mad at Anvesh. It was fun. So, it's fine. As soon as we arrived, Vennela ran towards me and almost hugged me. She was happy to see me, I could say that. I was happy to see her too.
The party started and we all got busy with the guests. The party was so enjoyable and every guest was happy. And then I was stuck to Ganesh's grandmother. She is a funny person. She was complaining, "Why are you not getting married yet?". I was just smiling at her. And she started narrating her marriage life. She got married at 14. She had four children before she was 21. She was scolding Ganesh for getting married so late. I said that he is just 28, isn't it? Twentyyy eightt!! She shouted at me. Vennela and Anvesh were also listening. She also forced Anvesh to get married. Anvesh was blushing and she was teasing him. Later, she targeted Vennela. I immediately countered her saying Vennela is too young. I think you shouldn't bother your granddaughter yet. She smiled and started saying no one can change these stubborn young people. Vennela thanked me for that.
It was after 4pm, guests dispersed and everything cooled off. I sat in a chair relaxing. Anvesh approached me and started speaking, "Ash! This juice is really good. Try it!'. I said nothing, I stood up and started walking. Anvesh was watching me. I was smiling and I ran into Vennela. I sat beside her and started speaking "Vennela! I didn't see your parents today?". She smiled and was about to answer. Anvesh interrupted us and offered the juice cup to Vennela. She took it and said thank you. He looked at me as if he was teasing me. I smiled at him and he sat beside me. Vennela had a sip and started speaking "My father got retired recently and my parents are out on a long tour".
"Wow! It must be fun." I told her.
She started speaking, "My grandma was scolding them when they were starting for their tour. You are the elder one among my children. Instead of getting these young people married, you people are going on tour. Shame on you people. Think about your age.
Look at your first little brother, he got both of his sons married!
I was listening and it was so funny. I laughed and told her that both of them were elder to Teja. She scolded me for interrupting her. She forgot about the tour and started scolding my father. You are 60 and you are retired. You are not even bothering about your children.
My father told to her that we are grown up and we can take care of ourselves.
And then she said if you are reckless like this, Teja will bring some stranger and will say that I already married her.
Teja heard that and he shouted on my grandma, Padma! Enough for now! Let them go and have fun!
She sat silently for a moment and then started helping my mom with her packing list."
We were enjoying her story and I asked her, "Why is Teja calling her with her name?".
Anvesh and Vennela laughed out. Vennela told me that their grandmother is only scared of one person and that's Teja. The grandmother strongly believes that her husband is reborn as Teja. He has the same face, behaves exactly like him and the same anger. After learning that, I laughed out too.
Teja heard us mentioning him, he joined us and sat beside Vennela. He said, "I think I heard my name!". Vennela laughed and told him that they were speaking about their grandmother.
Ganesh and Anshu also joined us. This was our new group of friends. Everyone was free and happy speaking to each other. It was fun, all of us together. We finished discussing Vennela's / Ganesh's grandmother and Vennnela said she has to tell the penthouse story.
She started and we were all listening.
-(to be continued)
Authored by Shabbu White.