A Family's Unspoken Love
Achu smiled as Devaki settled between Vasudevan. Hari had plans to move to Bangalore after his exams, where his brother would help him secure a job. In due time, Deepu would also depart."Will you go with them?" Devaki inquired.
"I'm not going anywhere, leaving my mom and dad. Let's stay here and build our lives," Achu responded. "We can plan trips if we want. What do you think?"
Both Hari and Deepu embraced her warmly, indicating their agreement with her sentiment.
Under the banyan tree, Hari and Achu patiently awaited Deepu's arrival.
"Is she coming?" Achu asked.
"Of course, she is," Harry reassured her.
"Mmm."
"By the way, Mom and Dad already know you like her."
"When did they find out?"
"Today. They asked me."
"And what did you tell them?"
"I told them that you like her."
"But Dee, how am I going to face Uncle and Aunt?"
"Just look straight ahead," Harry advised.
He glanced at her, a hint of concern in his eyes.
"Don't look at me like that. I said it to support you. Otherwise, don't you want to help her get out of this situation?"
"Don't do it, Dad. Your father holds a high position. We shouldn't tarnish his reputation by seeking help."
"Mmm, I don't recall that," Harry said, looking at her.
"That's exactly what I said," Deepu remarked, spotting her approach.
Just then, Deepu rushed toward them, panting heavily.
"Could you have come a bit slower?" Harry asked.
"I couldn't contain my excitement at seeing you," Deepu admitted.
"Mmm, come on, let's get going," Harry said, leading the way.
They made their way to the temple, which was bustling with activity.
"It's quite crowded," Achu observed.
"Let's move quickly. Soon, you won't be able to turn around," Harry warned, looking at them.
They continued walking, enjoying the rhythmic drumbeats. The three of them entered the temple and descended the steps. Due to the crowd, Deepu and Achu clung to Hari's arms.
"Dee, Hari, those boys are staring at us," Deepu whispered to him.
"They're not looking at you; they're looking at me. After all, don't I have two hanging on my arms?" Harry responded with a wry smile.
Both Deepu and Achu glared at him.
"Ahh, there's no one as lovely as us to hold their hands," Deepu teased, looking at Harry.
Harry gave her a stern look.
"Look straight ahead and keep walking," he advised.
Deepu and Achu realized that Hari was craving ice cream.
"Harry wants ice cream," they both told the ice cream vendor.
"Brother, three chocolate bars and three Palleys, please," Harry said, taking money from his pocket.
"Add a salted gooseberry to that," Deepu added.
"Both of you wait here. I'll go and get it," Harry offered.
As people watched him approach, enjoying their ice creams, they paused their conversations.
"Let's go," Harry said as he joined them. The salted gooseberries were handed over to Deepu.
All three walked back to the shade of the banyan tree.
"Dee, let's try on these bangles," Deepu suggested.
"Sure," Achu agreed.
They adorned their wrists with the black and red bangles they had purchased from a nearby store.
"Super," Hari complimented them.
"Dee, do you need to hurry?" Hari asked.
"Yes, I have to get home before it gets dark. My father will be back," Deepu replied.
"Mmm."
Deepu then proceeded to share an incident with them.
"Something happened today," she began.
"What happened?" Achu inquired.
Deepu shared the temple incident and how Gokul's arm got injured, causing Achu to burst into laughter.
"Why are you laughing like that?" Deepu asked, puzzled.
"I already knew that his arm was hurt," Achu revealed.
"How did you know?"
"Because he's the one who broke it," Achu explained, a playful smile on her face.
Deepu winked at Hari, and they shared a knowing look.
