Gulmohar Valentine - A Glimpse

Prologue

There was a flash of lightning followed by a loud rumble of thunder. Although it was just two o’clock in the afternoon it was quite dark. “Indu... please don’t get late. I’ll be waiting for you and Maashi Maa,” Eliana said hurriedly. “Of course! We’ll be there before time. You don’t worry,” Indu soothed her childhood friend over the video call. “What are you wearing to the party? I hope not some of that weird stuff in your wardrobe,” quipped Eliana. “Maashi Maa... please see that she wears something stunning.” “Yes dear... don’t worry. I won’t let her wear all that torn and tattered stuff,” said Mrs. Mukherjee shooting her daughter a motherly stare. “O come on! It’s your day, Eli. You and Aaditya will be in the limelight. Have you forgotten? It’s your first wedding anniversary! What has this to do with what I wear?” grumbled Indu. “Don’t quibble! Listen to me. It’s December... the holiday season, you must wear something nice. How about that lovely rose pink gown you have? The one with the embroidery on the sweet-heart shaped neck, the sleeves and the hem. It will be a perfect match with that white fur coat. You will look so beautiful. And listen, wear those pearl earrings that...” Eliana rattled away. “Eli... someone would think you’re trying your hand at matchmaking!” remarked Indu. “What nonsense! You know we both help each other to decide our outfits whenever we attend get-togethers and go to parties. I want you to look amazing. Don’t forget it’s a special day for me,” Eliana said happily. “O great! Alright! I’ll get the gown ready. Mind you... I’m just doing this for you! You know how much I miss you,” Indu sniffed. “Indu... don’t be silly. We meet almost every week. I’m in the same town as you are. Hearing you, someone would think I’m miles away and haven’t met you for years. Just last Saturday Aadi and I had dinner with you and Maashi Maa at your home. This reminds me... Maashi Maa, could you share the recipes of Chom-Chom and Tomato Khejur Chutney? Aadi loved those. I wanted to try my hand at them,” Eliana gushed. “Wow! This is exactly what I mean... you can’t speak a single sentence without mentioning Aaditya. You’re Aadi’s wife more than my friend, Eli!” Indu muttered, puffing up her face comically. “Hush Indu!” Mrs. Mukherjee chided her. “Eli loves you a lot. You will always be a sister to her. You know that!”

“Maashi Maa... don’t scold her! I know she’s just seeking attention. She’s missing me,” laughed Eliana. “Indu darling, I’m coming for tea today. Expect me in an hour. Maashi Maa... Please make some onion pakoras and bread pakoras with hot ginger tea.” “Hurray! Saw that, mummy! It works every time,” giggled Indu. “And, now since you’re coming here you can help me with my gown for the party and tell me about your dress as well.” “Indu... for heavens sake! When will you grow up?” grumbled Mrs. Mukherjee. “Don’t worry Maashi Maa... very soon. Let her meet ‘the one’ made for her and she’ll forget both of us,” laughed Eliana. “Pooh! What a thing to say! I shan’t speak to you, Eli!” Indu made a face at her friend. “Alright! Don’t speak to me. Maashi Maa and I will have a good chit-chat over tea. You won’t get a single pakora, I’ll see to that,” teased Eliana. “Eli... you’re the limit!” Indu said laughing. “Now stop teasing me and come fast. I can’t wait to meet you.” “You’ve got to disconnect the call, my dear, then only I’ll be able to come to you. Bye! See you Maashi Maa!” “You girls are absolutely crazy!” laughed Mrs. Mukherjee. “Bye dear... I’ll get those pakoras and tea ready.”

Chapter 1

It had been a beautiful sunny December day. The rains had finally stopped four days ago. The night sky was strewn with the most dazzling array of diamonds. The pinpricks twinkled far above the couple who stood admiring them from the garden. The night air was scented with the delightful fragrance of chrysanthemums and roses. “Beautiful... aren’t they?” breathed Eliana staring at the stars. “Yes... but not more than you, Jaana,” Aaditya said softly, kissing her ear’s shell. “Aadi, please stop! You’re...” Eliana bit her lip. “I’m... what?” enquired Aaditya linking his fingers with hers, turning to face her and tugging her closer to his chest. His breath feathered her curls kissing her cheeks. “Aadi... the guests will start arriving any minute now. Mummy, Maashi Maa and Indu are all inside. What they’ll think?” Eliana blushed and tried to pull away. “Moreover, my lipstick will be ruined.” “Eli... I don’t mind what they think. You’re my wife. But I’ll spare you for one valid argument – your lipstick will be ruined,” Aaditya’s chest rumbled with laughter.

He bent his head and kissed her cheek softly. “There... that’s something you can think about all evening. It will bring a glow to your face.” “Horrible man!” Eliana whacked his arm playfully. “Now let’s go inside before they think we’ve eloped.” “Wow! What an idea! Eloping with my wife! Mrs. Eliana Bhargava... why would I do that? Who has ever eloped with his own wife?” Aaditya cocked his head and looked at her playfully. “Stop teasing me and let’s go in!” Eliana giggled. She tugged at his arm. “Alright, you win, darling,” Aaditya meekly followed her.