The Bride - Part 5

Jyoti and Priya changed soon and started out for their flower-lady search mission. Jyoti grabs the car keys.

"Didi, lets take the Scooty instead. It will be easy to squeeze it through crowded lanes", suggested Priya.

"Good thinking", replied Jyoti.

"Jyoti, be careful. Don't dig too much in the matter. Remember there is Sangeet at night. Don't take too long", said a cautious Nalini.

"OK kaku. But you call us once Anu wakes up and let us know how she's doing."

"Sure. Drive safe".

"Bye Kaku", said both and they rode away.

Nalini comes back in the house. All the guests were busy with their own routines. Children were playing around. Elders were sitting with their cups of tea, men watching the morning news. Though all were worried about last nights Anu's behavior, they seemed to be ignoring it and thought that the wedding go through as planned. Nalini sees Shalu searching for someone.

"Vahini, there you are! Anu tai woke up", said Shalu.

"OK. Did you check if she has fever?" said Nalini walking towards Anu's room.

"No vahini. I thought it would be better if you do", said Shalu biting her tongue.

Nalini just nods back. Anu is up from bed and shes feeling a little dizzy.

"Oh-oh. Sit down Anu. How are you feeling?" asked Nalini touching Anu's forehead.

"Fine aai, but just feeling a bit dizzy," replied Anu.

"It doesn't feel like you have fever. Thats better."

"Fever? And hey, what happened to my mehendi?" said Anu looking at her hands.

"Oh yes, you had a slight fever last night. Dr. Kulkarni gave you an injection for feeling better. You have to dance during the sangeet tonight and stand for a long time tomorrow during the wedding."

"But how did my mehendi get washed away?"

"Do you not remember last night?"

"Why? What happened?"

"Sure you don't remember?"

"No! Tell me?"

"Well, you don't like the design what the girl was drawing. So you washed off your hands", replied Nalini hiding the truth from Anu.

"But from what I see, the design looks good."

"Don't worry now. I've called the girl again today. She'll do it as you like."

"Oh good. Be sure that she comes soon. And by the way, hows Aaji?"

"She's fine. She'll be home before the sangeet starts."

"Thats nice." Anu looks around, "I don't see Jyoti didi?"

"Jyoti? Well... she's just gone out with Priya for some last minute shopping."

"Wow! Yesterday she told me not to do shopping and now look at her, early morning she's out! Shopping!" Anu gets up. She's feeling better now.

"C'mon now, go and freshen up. The big day is coming soon!"

Anu looks happy now and she's dances her way to her bathroom. Nalini notices that Anu doesn't seem to remember the last nights events. She and Shalu look at each other. There is a relief in their eyes. Nalini says a small prayer in her mind and walks out of Anu's room.

"Shalu!" Anu calls out from the bathroom.

Startled Shalu looks towards the bathroom. She walks cautiously towards the bathroom door. Her hand on her chest, "Yes tai?"

"Can you get a cup of tea for me, please?"

Shalu lets out a big breath. "Surely tai!" and she goes out.

To be continued.....