Hello readers,
In my previous post I was telling you about the book I wrote, “Chai and Marigolds”. I would like to share a snippet of my book. Happy reading!
The Past – Thirteen years ago
It was a rainy Sunday afternoon when Rani was sipping tea with her parents in the living room. Her father read the newspaper; Rani and her mother were watching TV.
“You know Rani,” said her mother. “When I was your age, I was already married.”
Rani laughed. She looked at her mother and replied, “Yes mummy. I know.” She took another sip from her cup of tea. “You have told me many times.”
Her mother looked up at the ceiling and then referred to her husband, “Hai Bhagwan (Ooh God), what will happen to this girl?”
Rani was glad when the phone’s ring interrupted as she hoped it would distract her mother. Rani’s mother got up to answer the phone. “Everything in this house, I have to do. What will happen when I die one day?” she said dramatically. Rani and her father looked at each other and burst out in laughter. When her mother picked up the phone, Rani heard a voice shouting on the other line. Rani giggled. Shouting was a habit many Indians had when calling from abroad. “It is for you,” said Rani’s mother to her husband. “It is Ram from London.”
Ram was her father’s old school friend. Once in a while, he called, but whenever he was in India, he always visited. He would also call in advance requesting Rani’s mother to make gulab jamuns (Indian donuts) because according to him, they were the best gulab jamuns.
“Namaste Ram,” Rani’s father saluted. “How have you been? I was going to call you one of these days. What a coincidence,” he teased.
“I am doing fine, Sandeep,” said Ram. “We are all busy with everyday life that sometimes we just don’t seem to be able to pick up the phone. Don’t you agree?”
“Yes, you are right. Now we have grown old with more responsibilities,” reminisced Rani’s father. “Those times of running around in the fields are gone. Can you remember?” For a moment, Rani’s father saw himself running with Ram through the mustard fields as the yellow flowers waved at the sun.
“You know what Sandeep? The next time I am in India, we should do it. Run through the fields like two young men!” Ram laughed. “Can you imagine?” He paused for a few seconds. “Sandeep,” Ram said with a serious tone. “This is not a social call.”
“Is everything ok?” replied Rani’s father alerted.
“Yes, yes,” Ram responded quickly. He paused again before saying, “My nephew is studying to be a cardiologist and my sister is looking for a suitable wife.”
“Hmm,” said Rani’s father. “What are you trying to say?”
“Well,” Ram continued. “I think your Rani will be perfect for him. They are a match made in heaven. Both are two good-looking people. What a nice couple they would make.”
Author: Mila Kumari
Order your copy of “Chai and Marigolds” at your #digital bookstore now for € 2,99 only!