I stood outside of Varun's flat. There is no wonder if his friends sprawling around due to hang overs of last night. Typical Saturday mornings. I tilted the nob and the door hasn't locked. I opened the door and living room is empty. If Varun had already woken up, why he didn't even message me from morning? I went to his room and he wasn't there. I heard his voice from balcony. 

"Okay baby", I heard him. Baby? Divya? They are teasing Vishwa I guess.

"Yeah, good", I heard him. He sat on a chair facing other side. He wore a blue and white checks shirt. His voice is little different. I tiptoes towards him. I was about to close his eyes from behind.

"Love you", I heard a female voice and a girl in video call. I never saw her before. Who is she? 

"Love you too", he replied. What he said? 

"Varun, who is she?" I yelled. I had consumed by jealous. I couldn't think properly. He jerked for my voice and turned back. Who is he? 

"I will call you later", he cut the call. 

"Who are you?" he asked. He seemed little similar to Varun. Similar height and similar voice. He has black eyes rather brown. He has different hair style and body build. 

One thing clicked in my mind that he is Varun's brother. And that girl might be his wife. Bathroom door opened and Varun came out half naked in his night pants. A deep frown formed on their faces with different meaning. Is there any other embarrassment than this? May be yes, with that voice.

"Where is sugar?" a woman in early fifties stood at the door. A frown formed on her face too. Yes it's the most embarrassing one. 

"Who is this girl?" her question directed to Varun. 

I checked myself once. I never ever imagined my first meeting with my future mother in law would be like this. I wore over sized bat sleeves pale green t-shirt paired with casual white parallel pants and tied my hair into messy bun. Any maid might look a lot better than me. What will Varun's mother think about me?

"She is my...", Varun gave a small pause looking at me.

"Colleague", I said.

"Friend", he said at same time. Varun's mother and brother exchanged a weird glance and looked at us. Unintentionally I'm playing with hem of my shirt. 

"Chinnu", she called with a doubt tone mixed with warning. Chinnu? Aww it's cute.

"Colleague or friend?", Varun's brother asked with a smug smile. 

"Friend", Varun said with straight face. 

"Looks very close friend as she came to your flat", he mumbled raising his brows which is audible to us. His mother didn't listen I guess. Varun gave a warning look mixed with pleas to his bother. 

"How long have you known each other?" he asked with same smug smile. 

"7 years", I said. 

"9 months", Varun said at same time. Varun gave a unpleasant look to me and I mirrored it.

Can't he shut his mouth? Previously he said that I was his friend. I figured that he meant college friends. Here he said 9 months. In fact, it's better for me to shut my mouth. His mother gave a serious look expecting an valid explanation. But his brother seems unbothered with a evil smirk. 

"Amma, actually she is my friend from college and I again met her here as we are working with her company. So we are friends and colleagues", Varun said with a smile. Convincing explanation. 

"Oh really?.... what is she doing here?" his brother asked with hints of sarcasm. He is pulling it intentionally.

"It's just.... I.... She....", he shattered. 

"Actually, I'm living in this apartments only.... 10th floor. I came here for a file", I lied. I hope they believe. They nodded. 

"What's your name?" she asked softly. 

"Chaitra", Varun and  I said in unison. Varun's mother and I gave a look to him. He bowed his head. She looked back to me. 

"Chaitra, auntie", I said. Can I touch her feet in respect? It may be too much. 'Chai, you are his friend, act like that.' I gave a smile. 

"Nice name", she smiled and I replied. 

"I'm Arun", his brother forwarded his hand. I shook with a smile. She left out of the room after indicating me to follow her. Arun followed her. I glanced at Varun. 

"What's this all?" I mumbled.

"I will explain you later. For now, don't worry", he said. 

"Don't worry?... How?" I mumbled giving a pout.

"She is very cool person. Chill", he said. He could say anything, because she is his mother. I'm really tensed and scared. 

"Chaitra, do you like to have anything?" she asked. 

"No auntie, I'm good", I said. 

"Ah, I forgot", she facepalmed, "Chinnu, where is the sugar?" 

"In second rack", he answered. 

"Where?" she asked again.

"Auntie, I will help you", I said with a smile. She gave a unpleasant look. 

'Chai, can't you shut your mouth for good few minutes?', my mind taunted me 'Now, give her an explanation how you know about his kitchen.' 

"Okay", she said without questions. My luck. 

I found milk on counter already. I drew sugar and tea powder from cupboard. I helped her searching cups. All the while a question nagging in my mind. Why they come here suddenly? It sounds noisy, so I kept quite. Varun didn't even mention about their visit. 

 She poured tea into three cups. She is about to take the tray. "I will", I took the tray. She smiled and take her cup. 

Arun sat on couch watching TV. I offered him tea and he took a cup from tray with a smile. Meanwhile Varun came out dressed formally. Is he going anywhere? I gave remaining cup to him. I really need a talk with him, but how? 

"Are you going anywhere?" she asked him. 

"I have a client meeting", he said.

"It's weekend right?" I asked casually. I really need a lock to my mouth. 

'Chai, your not his girlfriend now. Stop behaving like that', my mind voice.

"It's an unplanned meeting. Clients came to Mumbai for some work and scheduled this meeting like a friendly lunch. It's just a wind up meeting nothing serious", he said. Why all the unplanned things happening today itself? 

"Chaitra, come here", she called. I joined them in couch. Varun is arranging his bag.

"Where are you from?" she asked sipping her tea.

"Vizag", I beamed. 

"Vizag", she said with a bright smile and wide eyes "we are also from Vizag." We chatted general things for 5 minutes. She completed her tea. 

"I will be back", she said and left to bed room.  

"Now tell me, you both are really friends?" Arun asked. I glanced at Varun. 

"Arun", Varun huffed. Arun staring at us with raised brows. 

"Okay, whatever you are thinking is right?" Varun admitted. 

"Say it properly", he asked in serious tone which scared me. 

"Yes, she is my girlfriend...... Happy?" Varun mumbled with straight face. Arun laughed. I sighed in relief

"So, you came here for her?" he asked. 

"No, I met her here", Varun said.

"Then, what's that college friend thing?" he asked. 

"Arun, I will explain you everything later. For now, don't say anything to Amma", Varun plead. Arun nodded with smile. 

"I will leave", I rose from my place. 

"Do you have any work?" Varun asked. 

"No", I shrugged.

"Then stay with Amma", Varun suggested. 

"Seriously?" I narrowed my eyes. Here, I was already tensed and searching ways to escape. 

"I have a work outside and he also leaving for meeting. She left alone. Accompany her and try to get good impression", Arun suggested. 

"I'm scared", I mumbled. 

"It's okay, she is a cool person", Arun said. I had a urge to roll my eyes but controlled. 

Varun came to my side and sat on armrest. "Don't worry", he said patting my shoulder to soothe me. I slumped my shoulders and leaned back. Arun is checking his mobile.

"I'm looking like a Poodle", I whined with a pout. He laughed.

"Drama queen", he muttered under his breath but I listened. 

"Your looks are the least concerning thing now", he said and I nodded. "Moreover you seem fine."

"Manju, said her wishes to both", Arun said. 

"You said to her already", Varun glared and Arun shrugged ignoring him. Being out of loop I looked between them. 

"My sister in law", Varun said. 

"Say her to not mention anything to Amma", Varun asked and he nodded. 

"Say my apology to her", I said looking down "I thought... that you were Varun and.... I reacted like that.... I'm sorry." 

"It's okay", he winked. I heard room door opened and Varun swiftly rose from my side and went back to his files. 

To be frank I'm excited, scared and I felt few things funny too. Especially Arun, he is not a typical big brother and they both have a good understanding. Am I allowed to call him brother in law? May be its very soon. Again room door closed. We all sighed.

"Do you guys had you break fast?" I asked. 

"Nope", Varun said. It already past 10:30 am.

"I will prepare something", I raised to my feet and left to kitchen. 

"Varun, is Upma fine for you all?" I asked. 

"Yeah, that's fine. Add some cashew", he said without looking at me. 

These onions are the most annoying ones. Narmada used to handle them mostly. I added all the ingredients and closed the lid for cooking. Meanwhile I fried Cashew nuts. I added the nuts finally and closed the lid and turn off the burner. I cleared my mind while cooking and I felt some what good now. 

I went to living room and Varun's mother came out of room same time. She wore a casual cream and brown coloured salwar. She tied her hair into messy bun just like me. She gave a smile to me. Varun inherited that smile from his mother. 

I arranged plates and placed upma dish on table. Nervously I stood beside the table. I don't know how to serve guests. My mom used to take care of that. I helped her and did whatever she said. It's the first time I did everything on my own that too its not my home and they are my freaking future in laws. How will my mom react after knowing all this? A shiver ran down my spine. 

"There is no need for you to do all this", she said. 

"It's okay auntie", I smiled. She drew a water bottle from fridge. Shit, I forgot. I don't even ask what they prefer to drink. Idiot.

"I don't know what you prefer.... how to serve...", I hesitated. 

"It's okay... I will look after that", she said with a smile. 

"Come on join with us", she asked. They already sat.

"No auntie, I already had my break fast", I said. 

"At least sit", she said. Varun pulled me down beside him. 

"Arun, take me to a shopping mall", she asked. 

"No Amma, I have some work. Sorry", he said. 

"Chinnu", she turned to Varun. He gave most innocent looks. 

"Sorry Amma, I have a meeting", he said. 

"What about afternoon?" she asked. These brothers exchanged glances and shook their heads. Escape masters.

"I will help you there", I interrupted. Varun gave a nod with smile. 

They finished their food. Arun left to his work. Varun continued his phone calls with Kumar and others about project. I helped him to arrange his documents. 

"Lets go?", Varun's mother asked. 

"Yeah auntie", I nodded. She went to room. 

"All the best", I gave a quick hug. 

"Thank you and take care", he pecked my forehead. 

She came back with a clutch. "Chinnu, best of luck", she wished him and pecked his forehead.

"Thank you Amma", he smiled. We were about to go out. 

"Chaitra, take the car", he threw the keys and I caught them. I planned my bike. Car is a better option in this rainy season. 

***************

We headed to saree section. We found a empty counter and the sales person greeted us. We sat on chairs. I messaged Narmada about this shopping already. She started texting continuous question. I started answering. 

"Chaitra, how is this?" she asked showing a maroon colour saree. 

"Good", I said with a smile. To be frank I don't like it. 

"Is there any special occasion near?" I asked. She is looking some fancy type sarees. 

"Manju is pregnant. I'm going to visit her", she said looking at sarees "This shopping is for her."

"She is pregnant?" I said most like a question. She nodded with smile.

"Congrats auntie", I said with a smile. Varun never mentioned about his sister in law before. He is going to become uncle and he didn't share that happy news. Weirdo.

After like an hour we moved to another shop without buying anything. I hope she will find something here. We spent one more hour there and bought two sarees. One is baby blue colour and another one is grey and blue combination. 

We had our lunch in food court. After that we went to another mall. She bought another saree for Manju and two other sarees for herself and her sister. She bought a saree for Varun's future wife also. It's cream and pink combination one and I like it. She said that they are looking to arrange his marriage next year. How will she react after knowing about us?

To be frank it's a fun time with her. Really she is so cool and funny. Varun has to learn from her. She said many things about her sons. And asked me many questions about us. I shared how we used to be good friends in college. And how he used to boss us in office. Very cautiously I picked my words.  I skipped few things to avoid her suspecting us.

*****************

"Chai, go", Narmada pushing me. I heard someone knocking our door. I'm not in any state to open my eyes. 

"Go", she pushed. 

"You go", I pushed her and pulled my blanket up to my ears. 

"It's Varun. Go and open", she said hoarsely. With most difficulty I opened my eyes. It's complete dark.

"How you know it's Varun?" I asked in hoarse tone.

"Who else would knock our door at this hours other than your stupid boyfriend?" she replied without opening her eyes. 

"He is not stupid", I said and checked the time in mobile. It's 12:46am.

"Whatever go open and you both get out", she said as we heard another bang. I rubbed my eyes to open them completely.

I headed to main door. I switched on the light in living room. I heard another bang on door. If it's really Varun, I will kill him for sure. I opened the door angrily. Varun stood there in his night wear. He flashed a bright smile and swiftly hugged me. A small squeal left my mouth. 

"Are you mad?" I yelled. He closed the door with his foot.

He wounded his hand around my waist, other hand on left side of my face and pressed a long kiss on my cheek. Meanwhile I forgot my anger.

"What's this for?" I asked. I wounded my hands around his neck.

"I'm missing my Pikachu", he cooed. 

"I miss you CHINNU", I pulled his cheeks.  

"Don't call me like that", he tried to warn. 

"But that's so cute Chinnu", I laughed. He rolled his eyes.

"Not as cute as my Pikachu", he pulled my left cheek. Now it's a fair game. 

"How's your day with my mother?" he asked. We both started rocking to our sides slowly. 

"It's good. She is really very cool", I beamed. 

"She likes you a lot", he said. 

"Really?"

"Yeah... She said that herself." 

"Tell me, what you both did all day?"

"Wait, let me close the door", I said and close our room door. I don't want to disturb Narmada. He sat on couch and I joined with him. He placed his head in my lap and laid flat. 

"Now tell me", he asked. I started slowly brushing his hair.

"Its nothing much.... Shopping and all. Wait, Why you didn't tell me about your mother's visit?"

"I don't know anything until yesterday evening. Actually mom planned a visit to Arun. Arun changed the plan as he had some work here. It's been one and half year I saw him lastly. So he asked mom to come here. She agreed as she is missing me too. And they informed all this yesterday evening. They came here this morning only." 

"Did mom asked anything about us?" he asked. He already started playing with my hair curls. 

"Yeah, she asked. I said about our college days. I didn't drag anything about our relationship." 

"Good. I will tell my parents later", he said.  

"Do you want to share anything to me?" I asked. I observed he hesitated for something. 

"Thank you", he said. 

"Why?" 

"For not telling anything."

"Are your parents against love marriages?" I asked. 

"Sort of" he sighed. I stared at him expecting a reason.

"It's all because of Arun. He used to work in Ahmedabad earlier. There he met Manju. She is from a Gujarati orthodox family. They got to knew about my brother and forced her to marry other guy from their family. They eloped and married in a register office. He informed all this to me but not to my family. Actually that all happened unexpected."

"Two states?" I asked and he laughed.

"My father was upset with all this and stopped talking to him. In fact he didn't talk to me many days for supporting Arun. After 3 or 4 months after his marriage mom forgave him and accepted them. Dad also accepted them but still angry on Arun. He felt cheated.

Mom convinced my dad to visit them. It's the first time mom meeting them after their marriage. My father denied to visit him. I think it will take some time." 

"Why you didn't say anything about this to me?" 

"We never got this topic", he said. He is right. 

"Telling anything about us to my parents is a hard task. It may effect Arun also."

"Yeah, I can understand", I nodded. 

"I will take care of it", he said. I pecked his forehead. I trust this man. We stayed in silence for some time.

"What about your day?" I broke the ice. 

"It's quite good. Our deal completed and our partnership also locked. They offered me another project also."

"Wow, congrats. Why you used to say good things always late?" I annoyed. 

"I want to tell you one more thing", he started and I hummed.

"I will be going to Jaipur with my mother tomorrow", he said. 

"Tomorrow?" I asked. He lifted his head from my lap and sat facing me.

"Yeah, it's a sudden plan. Actually I have to go there next week to sign the official documents of our partnership. Arun asked me to join with them. They insisted me and I accepted. I will be spending a week with them. Kumar will join me next week for deal and we both will return back."

"It's super good", I said with a smile. To be frank the idea of Varun leaving for a week didn't sit correct for me. 

"I'm going to miss you", I said. He nodded and leaned back. He placed his arm over my shoulder and pulled me close. I peacefully placed my head on his shoulder and pulled myself close.

"Come with me", he said. 

"Huh?"

"You listened. Come with me. Lets take a break for a week. Arun also invited you."

"No, I can't come with you", I denied. 

"Please."

"No.... I don't think that's wise. I don't want to fool your mother for 1 week."

We sat in silence. Many things running in my mind. I looked at our intertwined fingers. Being with this man is which I always wished. Earlier I managed myself for three years. But now I'm too scared to leave this hand and too weak to live without him. 

"What happen?" I snapped out with his voice.

"I'm thinking about our families. I don't understand how to face them and how will they react about us. We can't avoid them for long right? We have to face it", I held his hand tight "I'm so scared, Varun."

"Don't worry, we will figure out something together", he assured and kissed top of my head. 

************

How will Varun's family react for their relationship? 

*************

I can't give next chapter soon. But I promise a super surprise waiting in next chapter. You will like it. 

This story is coming to end..... It's going to end in 3 more chapters. Just let me know if anyone want bonus chapters. I'm glad to write them. 

***************

Happy Birthday Memer RanganathMannem

Follow his page in Instagram, if you want informative content 

Page: """"godavari_guy""""

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