Chapter 27

Next morning, Gupta House

Khushi wakes up in her room all snug in her blanket holding Mr. Pooh. She kisses Mr. Pooh on the snubby nose and gets up to go to the washroom.

But as she passes her vanity, she notices a note stuck on the mirror with a clear tape.

The Note:

As she reads the note, her eyes widen and she gives a loud war cry and starts dancing around the room clutching the note to her chest…

Garima spills coffee on the breakfast table at the sudden cacophony coming from upstairs.

Buaji looks up and exclaims: Hai re Nandkishore. Shuru ho gayee Sanka Devi ki sanak subah subah…

(Oh my Nandkishore. Sanka Devi got started with her crazy fits early morning)

Shashi smiles behind the newspaper.

Ten minutes later Khushi comes bounding from upstairs tying her hair in a ponytail with a rubber band and stumbles on the untied shoelaces.

Khushi’s Look:

Buaji exclaims: Arey Sanka Devi, tumko Nandkishore ne aankhen kahe diya hain?

(Sanka Devi, why did Nandkishore give you eyes?)

Khushi sits on her chair in the breakfast nook and starts tying her shoes: I fixed Jiji’s marriage. The groom’s family will meet you in Mannu bhaiyya’s wedding next Saturday. (Finishes tying off the shoes and looks up with a huge beaming smile) Can I have mango pickle with my paratha?

Garima and Buaji’s mouth hang open while Shashi peers at Khushi over his glasses to figure out if she is pulling their collective legs.

Garima grabs Khushi’s hand which was about to put a huge portion of paratha in her mouth: What do you mean you have fixed Payal’s marriage?

Khushi (frowns at the missed bite): I mean exactly what I said. The boy is handsome, well-mannered, educated and successful. He is from a very well to do and loving family. Jiji will be very happy there.

Buaji: Hai re Nandkishore Sanka Devi. How can you fix marriage? We have to see the boy too. If not face to face yet, but at least we have to see his picture… How can you…

Her tirade stops as Khushi waves a picture in front of her nose.

The pic:

Garima and Shashi peeks in the picture. Garima asks: There are three boys in here. Which one is the oldest?

Khushi busy chewing her paratha hurriedly points out to Arnav on the right.

Buaji thinks the elder son must be the groom, but he looks too rough and tough for delicate Payal. So she says: Errrmmm… What if Payal does not like him?

Khushi is surprised thinking how can Buaji even think anyone won’t like Aakash, let alone Payal? Khushi says: Buaji, they both like each other. In fact they work together. Even today they went out on a nature trip together. Love is in the air, Buaji, love is in the air. (Winks at her dumb founded family).

Garima still ponders over Arnav. She asks: But will he treat Payal well? He looks a bit too errmmm… strong for Payal.

Khushi exclaims: What? He is the sweetest, nicest, loveliest person ever. He has such a sweet smile mom...

Buaji, Garima and Shashi tries to find Arnav’s smile sweet but it looks more like a smirk to them. So they look at each other in confusion.

Khushi jumps up and says: Okkay gotta go. Lots of stuff to do. They will meet you on Mannu Bhaiyya’s wedding so I will pick your outfits myself. Bye…

And she rushes out the door.

Buaji ponders: Well, if Payaliya likes him, then we might as well meet the family. They are coming to Sinha bhai’s wedding, so they must know him.

Garima agrees: I agree. Let’s meet them at the wedding, then we will decide. We also have to ask Payal about it.

Shashi nods his head and goes back to his newspaper.

Nandi smacks his head: What is wrong with you humans? Why do you complicate things so much? Couldn’t you have asked who was the groom instead of asking who was the eldest son?

Devi Maiyya (chewing popcorn): Told you. Never underestimate the sheer complexity and stupidity of the human brain.