Days are passing peacefully for Patel Family. The month of October has started and the rainy season is almost ending. It has been more than one month since Varsha started going to college. Varsha and Ira go to college together and come back together and in college also during lunch or in the library, they are together mostly.
Varsha has adjusted to college life. She has joined the friend circle of Ira. She has also made few friends in her class. She most of the time wears Saree to the college. Sometimes some students laugh at her and even in family few people like Arpit and eldest uncle commented on her dress but it did not affect the mood of Varsha. She just said that this dress makes her feel more comfortable physically and mentally and also there is no rule which forbids her from doing that. Akash as always never suggested anything or ridiculed her that was good enough to make her happy.
In just more than one month of her studying, she has become famous in college due to her dressing style and unique ora of a naive and innocent girl. And of course, Ira is there to save her sister-in-law from annoying flies. Time for Ira and Varsha is moving slowly but with much joy. Akash also asks Varsha about what she is learning and asks questions or helps with the problem when forced by Ira. Husband and wife are not too close but also never disrespected or repelled each other.
Akash goes to the office every day except weekends. Varsha and Ira go to college in the morning and play around or work in the garden in the evenings. The youngest two, the son and daughter also follow them around sometime. Ira many times pulls Akash into the garden and makes him work or just sit with them on the side of the stream. Varsha feels happy as Akash talks with her, questions her, laughs at her clumsiness sometimes and also scolds her in his annoyed voice but it all feels like his care to her.
On the morning of the first Sunday of October, the family is having lunch. All family members are present today. Sometimes someone is out due to work or sometime Arpit or Akshay are outside with their friends. Most of the family member try to be present on lunch on weekends because there are only two days when family members can have lunch together.
Maids Ramu and Sita are serving the dishes on the dining table and family members are sitting patiently. After dishes are served, everyone looked toward Grandpa who just coughed so as to attract everyone's attention.
Ira laughed and said "Ramu Uncle! Bring Grandpa's medicine."
"You Devil! It seems I have to use my stick on you. You are becoming more annoying day by day." Grandpa scolded and Ira laughed. Then Grandpa coughed again and after looking toward everyone said in a calm voice "Anyway, I wanted to tell that I received an invite yesterday about some party of young entrepreneurs. This part is being organized by some prominent businessmen in coordination with the state ministry of industries and commerce."
Youngest uncle asked "Father! when is the party? Have you decided for anyone to go?"
Everyone on the table stopped eating and looked toward Grandpa for his answer on youngest uncle's question. But before Grandpa could respond, the eldest uncle said "Father! Why don't we send Arpit for this party? Akash is already experiencing the business and its operational functions. If Arpit also does some social interaction, he might be able to contribute to the business and help Akash."
Grandpa remained calm even after his second son's interruption and said while shaking his voice "No, that won't do. The invitation has mentioned for people up to the age of 45 and the couples. The purpose of this party is for the top 100 chosen young business graduates to present their ideas and young entrepreneurs or business families to get talented individuals. Ok, so I was saying that a couple needs to go." After this Grandpa stopped and looked at the expressions of everyone.
After her husband finished a part, Grandma said while looking toward youngest uncle "Although the youngest and his wife can go, I believe it is still better for Akash and Varsha to go. This party might be a good platform for them to make a few friends in the business circle. It will also help Varsha to understand the culture of high society people."
Youngest uncle also said while nodding "Yes, this is correct. I will find it awkward to present myself as a businessman as my expertise is just sales and inventory. And many people younger than me will be there. Akash is training to lead the family business, so it will be good for him to mingle with that crowd and make the acquaintances."
Some people are listening while eating and some are actively joining the conversation. Varsha who is sitting beside Ira and is eating slowly while listening to the conversation is feeling afraid as talk is progressing. She is afraid because she has never been to these high profile parties and does not know how to act there. What if someone on the table, questioned her?
"Grandpa! I wish to go. I can bring my girlfriend. She is also going to be the part of our family in future anyway." Arpit interrupted the conversation with his perturbed voice.
Ira said mockingly "How can you be sure that she will join our family? No one from her family has come to propose in our family yet. Has anyone in the family ever met her except you and eldest uncle?"
"But she will still do better in the party to represent the family." Arpit insisted.
Ira got angry and said "Better than who, Sister-in-law? But what a shame, she is not a member of our family yet. Brother! Instead of insisting on bringing her to party, please confirm if she is really your girlfriend or not. Don't think that no one knows who she is and how is her nature. She is just a rich spoiled girl."
Arpit retorted, "Don't talk nonsense when you are not sure. How can you know about the relationship of others? So, stop making assumptions or spreading rumours."
Akash said calmly "Stop, you both." He looked toward Ira and said, "I know you like to argue with people but don't do it here when elders are talking." Then he looked toward Arpit and said: "You and your girlfriend might be too much in love but she is still not a member of our family, so forget it."
As always, Akash has only said what was needed and the argument is stopped. Grandpa looked toward Akash with a proud gaze and felt happy that in family elder brother has control over his younger brothers and sisters. Eldest uncle wished to speak but seeing the warning gaze of his mother, he stopped from speaking.
Ira showed her tongue to Arpit and he made an annoyed expression toward Ira and looked hatefully toward Varsha. Varsha saw his expression and felt sad and looked toward Akash who saw this exchange and asked Arpit "Do you have any problem with your sister-in-law? If you feel any of her actions or habits are not suitable for our family, you can tell her. I am sure she is trying hard to make the change."
Varsha is looking toward Akash who is speaking calmly and a storm is brewing in her heart. Akash has talked so much for the first time to support her. Her eyes turned misty and unknowingly she turned toward Ira and found her smiling at her making her shy. Varsha lowered her head and started eating to hide the mist in her eyes.
Arpit did not expect this question from Akash and almost got startled. He tried hard to hide his surprised expression and said calmly "No. Why would I have any problem? I am just concerned that she will mess up the things in Party and make us a laughingstock within the business circle."
Varsha raised her head and found everyone looking toward her. Everyone seems to be waiting for her response but she did not know what should she say. Seeing eldest uncle's mocking gaze and also expectant gazes or Grandpa and Grandma, Varsha felt self-conscious. She looked toward Akash with pleading gaze hoping he will help.
Akash looked toward Varsha who is looking toward him with an apprehensive gaze. It seems she is afraid that Akash will berate or mock her. Akash felt funny in his heart seeing her expression. Opposite to everyone's expectation, Akash asked her "You have to remember to follow me and do as I say while we are at the party."
Varsha was afraid of what Akash will say. The moment she heard his words, she could not believe for a moment. She came out of her daze when Ira nudged her and a beautiful smile bloomed on her face and she said in a cheery voice "Yes. I promise."
Grandma also could not help but smile seeing this. Grandpa laughed and said "That is all. It is decided then. Now, all of you finish your lunch."