As the group was busy in their chatter, they suddenly heard an elder voice say, "What's going on here?" Everyone fell silent immediately. Gurdeep and his wife, Uma, entered the room. Rajeev, breaking into a broad smile, hurried over to give Gurdeep a big hug. "Uncle, it's so good to see you," he said warmly.
Gurdeep returned the hug with a tight squeeze, his expression softening. Rajeev then gently took Gurdeep and Uma by the hand and led them towards Gowthami. "Uncle, Aunty, I'd like you to meet Gowthami," he said, pride evident in his voice.
Uma's eyes widened with delight as she took in Gowthami's appearance. Gowthami stood gracefully, her long, dark hair cascading in soft waves around her shoulders. Her eyes, deep and expressive, were framed by thick lashes that gave her a look of gentle intensity. Her skin glowed with a natural warmth, and her lips curved into a shy but welcoming smile. She wore a simple yet elegant sari that accentuated her slender figure, and her entire presence exuded a quiet strength and beauty that was captivating.
Uma stepped forward, her face lighting up with genuine admiration. "Wow Rajeev, that's Osum you chose." Uma remarked,her voice filled with warmth, approaching Gowthami, "She is really beautiful and gorgeous." she said, "We're so happy to welcome you into our family."
Gowthami blushed slightly, lowering her eyes in modesty. "Thank you, Aunty," she replied softly.
Gurdeep, however, remained silent throughout the introduction. He watched Gowthami intently, his expression unreadable. Rajeev noticed his uncle's quiet demeanor and felt a twinge of uncertainty.
Uma, sensing the need to ease the moment, continued to praise Gowthami. "Rajeev, you must tell us how you met this amazing girl. She seems perfect in every way."
Rajeev smiled, his confidence returning. "It's a long story, Aunty, but one I'll be happy to share over dinner."
The room began to fill with a sense of anticipation and curiosity about the upcoming nuptials, and the silence that had fallen when Gurdeep and Uma entered gradually lifted. Yet, Gurdeep's silence lingered like a shadow, leaving a subtle tension in the air. Rajeev couldn't help but wonder what was going through his uncle's mind as he quietly observed Gowthami.
After some talk, Gurdeep cleared his throat and said, "Uma, we should leave now. We have a lot of work to complete before the wedding."
Uma nodded, turning to Rajeev, "We don't have much time to your wedding; the festivities must begin the following day," said Uma. She replied, turning to face him."Please conclude your chat with Gowthami if there is anything you'd like to chat about with her right now ,since you aren't permitted to see her till your wedding ceremony is completed."
Rajeev felt a pang of urgency. He had so much to discuss with Gowthami, so many things he wanted to share and ask. He nodded seriously. "I will, Aunty. Thank you."
Uma smiled, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "Take care, and make the most of this time," she said, giving Gowthami a reassuring squeeze on her hand before turning to leave with Gurdeep.
After that, Gurdeep and Uma departed to tend to the wedding preparations. As they left, the room gradually filled with a quiet, reflective atmosphere. Gurdeep's interactions with Gowthami had been notably reserved, and it left Sashi with a bizarre impression she couldn't quite shake off.
Gurdeep's eyes had lingered on Gowthami with a curious intensity, as if he was trying to place her in some distant memory. His silence during the brief meeting had been almost palpable, thickening the air with unspoken thoughts and emotions. Unlike Uma, who was effusive in her praise and warmth, Gurdeep's demeanor was markedly more subdued.
Sashi watched the couple leave, her brows furrowing slightly. "Did you notice how uncle was looking at Gowthami?" she whispered to Abhi, who stood beside her.
Abhi nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, it was... unusual. Almost like he recognized her or was trying to remember something."
Sashi shook her head, trying to dispel the strange feeling that had settled in her gut. "I hope it's nothing. But it was odd, wasn't it?"
....
As they stepped out of Ram's house, Uma couldn't suppress her curiosity any longer. The image of Gowthami's face had etched itself deeply into her mind, and she turned to Gurdeep with a questioning look. "Have you seen her? She looks a lot like—"
Before Uma could finish her sentence, Gurdeep cut her off sharply. "Don't compare," he said, his tone carrying an uncharacteristic edge of urgency and finality. His eyes, usually calm and thoughtful, were suddenly stormy with a mix of emotions. "It will be best that way."
Uma pursed her lips, feeling the weight of his words settle heavily between them. She had learned long ago when to push and when to retreat, and this was one of those moments where silence was the wiser choice. She cast a last, lingering look back at the house, the light laughter and chatter of the group inside now a muffled echo as the door closed behind them.
They walked towards their car in a heavy silence, each lost in their thoughts. Uma couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at Gurdeep's reaction. She knew there were stories and scars in his past that he preferred to keep buried, but the resemblance she saw in Gowthami had stirred something she couldn't quite ignore.
Gurdeep, on the other hand, kept his gaze fixed ahead, his mind racing. The uncanny resemblance between Gowthami and someone from his past had rattled him more than he cared to admit. He took a deep breath, willing himself to focus on the present. He had to ensure that the wedding preparations went smoothly and that Rajeev and Gowthami's happiness remained undisturbed.
As they reached their car, Uma cast one more glance at her husband. The lines of tension on his face were unmistakable, but she respected his need for space. She hoped that in time, whatever memories or ghosts had been stirred would settle back into the past where they belonged.
"Let's focus on the preparations," she said gently, hoping to bring his mind back to the tasks at hand.
Gurdeep nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Yes," he agreed, his voice quieter now. "Let's make sure everything is perfect for them."
They got into the car and drove away, leaving behind the vibrant household and its lively inhabitants, each carrying their own thoughts and unspoken questions into the evening.