A College Love Story - Part 17

crazywriter · Oct 16, 2012

http://www.indusladies.com/forums/stories-fiction/193501-college-love-story-part-16-a.html

After their meal, they were having their ice cream. Sir said, “Varsha, I really think you should stop calling me sir.” She was a little surprised. “How can I do that, sir, you are my teacher.” He replied, “Yes, as long as I am your teacher, you will find it difficult to call me by my name. I was wondering if I should take up teaching at Karnatak University, and pursue my research side by side. What do you think?” Varsha was silent. She said, “How will it help you, will it be better if you study and teach at the University?” sir said, “Not really, it doesn’t make much of a difference course wise, it would at the most be more convenient for me, I need not travel frequently.”

Varsha wondered what to say. She did not know what would be the best option here. If she suggested that Madhav sir go to Dharwad, it would mean that they both would have to work on a long distance relationship. That would be difficult. Moreover, would she be able to continue without seeing him regularly? She said, “I would prefer if you continue from here,” she hesitated for a moment, and added, “Madhav.” Sir looked up in shock. “Oh wow! You just made my day, Varsha!” he grinned. “Keep it up,” he said. She smiled back at him. “Oh by the way, my parents would like to meet you and your family sometime. They have never seen you, so they are really eager to meet you. My sister also wants to meet her athige (elder brother’s wife). Varsha suddenly became very conscious of herself. Madhav could sense that. he said, “Don’t worry, it will not be like an office interview. They just want to make a courtesy call to your family.” Varsha relaxed at that. “When do they plan to come?” he replied, “They will call your parents and check for a convenient time. maybe a Sunday evening for tea or something!”

After lunch, they left the place. On the way, Madhav said, “Shall I come and speak to your parents maybe tomorrow? I will know when is a good time for my family to visit.” Varsha said, “Sure, no problem. So the next day, Madhav landed up at Varsha’s house. All of them were sitting and chatting and laughing. “I shall ask my parents to come and visit you next Sunday. They will need a few hours of travel to reach here. I hope that will be fine, Athey and Mava.” Her mother said, “Of course, maga, that is no problem at all. Where will they stay?” he replied, “At my place. I stay in a small rented place near college.” Her father said, “Oh, that is good,” Madhav said, “I think they will call you and confirm it in a few days.” Her parents assured him that there would be no inconvenience.

The rest of the week for Varsha was spent in worry, excitement, and some apprehension. She did not know how his parents would be. And what would his sister be like? Her parents, in the meantime, were preparing to receive their guests. On Wednesday, her father brought one tin of Rashagulla, some namkeen, and a box of Dharwad peda. Her brother was excited too, as he would hopefully get an ally in Madhav anna as he called him now. Of course, with time, hopefully, he would be able to call him Madhav bava.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny. Varsha awoke and walked around the house trying to make herself useful, but eventually was sent out to sit in the balcony to watch the gate. Due to her over excitement, she was making herself a nuisance! Madhav and his parents were expected sometime after lunch. So the family sat down for a quick bite. Varsha could hardly eat, and ended up having only a few spoons of curd rice. After that, she resumed her post at the balcony. Her brother Vijay joined her. “Madhav anna has a sister, doesn’t he?” Varsha absent mindedly said, “Yes, a younger sister. I guess she must be older than you,” He sensed that Varsha was not in a mood for small talk, so he sat beside her silently, counting the minutes.

Soon enough, the two heard the gate creak. Varsha jumped up, “They are here!” and ran in to tell her parents. Vijay took up the task of playing host, and welcomed them all inside. “Namaskara, please come in, I am Varsha’s brother.” Madhav anna’s mother said, “Hello maga, what is your name?” he said, “I am Vijay,” Anna’s father asked, “Which class are you in?” Vijay replied, “Eighth standard, uncle.”

Varsha’s parents had come out, and escorted them all inside. They all settled down in the living room. Madhav’s mother said, “What a peaceful place, you have also maintained your house very well!” Varsha’s mother replied, “Thank you, Amma, we are happy to receive you at our home. Please make yourself comfortable.” His mother then turned to Varsha, “Ah, the lady herself! I have heard so many things about you, maga, it is such a pleasure to finally meet you!” Varsha blushed at being addressed like this, and hung her head.

Her father said, “Let us have some snacks and some cool drinks, we have made kokum (a local fruit that is used to make juice, which is very popular in Karnataka, usually taken in summer to cool the system. It has a slight sour and sweet taste, and is almost black in colour.), I hope you all like it,” Madhav’s father said, “Of course, we all like it! In fact, it is my all time favourite cold drink, pepsi and coke have no chance against our good old kokum!” His mother added, “Please don’t take too much trouble, I hope we have not created any inconvenience.” Varsha’s father said, “Oh no, Amma, it is our pleasure to have you over.”

For a while, there was very little talk. They all sipped kokum and nibbled on the sweets. Madhav’s father seemed to be quite a foodie. He helped himself to seconds as soon as either of Varsha’s parents suggested. “Mandakini, my wife, is as strict as a school teacher. She is keeping quiet and letting me eat only because we are sitting as guests in your home. Had we been at home, she would have chased me out after one piece!” Mandakini aunty gave an exasperated smile, and playfully hit her husband. “He is just like a child, what to do! One has to be strict! Mrinalini, my daughter, is just like him, Madhu on the other hand is a more responsible person.” Purushotham uncle, his father said, “Oh yes, Mini is the little one, so we spoiled her.” He smiled indulgently at his daughter, who had not spoken at all. “But with the headmistress around, it is not possible to spoil anyone too much!” everyone laughed.