Tavishi is having heart to heart chat with her little
friend, Bhawna, daughter of her previous neighbor who is visiting her
in summer vacation. Shekhar enters the room and announces something unexpected.
“Vishal wants to meet you. He wanted to come over and…and I invited him tomorrow
for dinner.” He says rather sheepishly.
Vishal is Shekhar’s closest friend. He could not come for
the wedding as he was abroad.
Tavishi smiles. “It’s okay.”
“Are you sure? I couldn’t refuse…”
“Oho, I’m pregnant, not ill. Don’t worry. I’ll manage.” Tavishi
says with mock annoyance though she likes Shekhar’s concern.
Tavishi got married eleven months back, and now she is
three months pregnant. She remembers how everyone was delighted to hear this
news. But, at the same time, expectations of having a male child from her
in-laws bothers her a little. Just a little, because Shekhar has no such
expectations. He, just like Tavishi, wants a healthy baby irrespective of
gender.
“I’ll help chachi!” Bhawna puts in immediately and
assuredly.
That night weather changes drastically, and a violent storm
hits the city. By the next morning, dust has spread like thick mats in the
entire house. Slightly irritated, Tavishi asks her house help to clean the
house thoroughly.
Tavishi hands a list to Shekhar. Vishal, though very down-to-earth, comes from a very wealthy
background. Tavishi wants everything perfect.
She is finishing little household chores, and Bhawna is
moving like her shadow, talking about numerous things. Tavishi is replying with
patience and smile. Main problem is that the electricity is gone for long
hours. Tavishi takes out her new Borosil Dinner Set. This is perfect time
to use this elegant set. She thinks. Right then doorbell chimes.
“Must be Shekhar. How thoughtful of him to come early.” Tavishi
thinks, smiling. Indeed, it is Shekhar, but who’s this tall handsome man smiling
beside him. “Oh, no! Is it Vishal? Why so early? I am not prepared!” Tavishi
shrieks inwardly, but flashes a broad smile instead.
Tavishi opens the door, and Vishal greets her pleasantly and
chivalrously. He presents her a gift pack. It’s getting dark, and a dying emergency
light is blinking in the house. She feels odd, and immediately switches on the
light and fan in the drawing room. She wanted to save the battery of inverter
for the comfort of the special guest.
She lights a candle in the kitchen and Bhawna joins her.
After serving light refreshments, Tavishi thinks to quickly fix a starter, as she has not prepared the dinner yet. Not her
fault. Vishal is an early bird.
Recently, Tavishi has seen some quick fix recipe on Khana
Khazana, and she decides to make a soup. Weather has turned cool and it would
be a smart choice. Bhawna squeals at this idea, and she asks how she can help. Tavishi
is touched at the thoughtfulness of this little girl. After serving a steaming
soup in a lovely bowl, she gets back to the kitchen. She spots praise in
Shekhar’s eyes.
“How boring!” Tavishi mutters to herself, and curses the
electricity as she opens the kitchen window. The greenery outside is blanketed in
darkness. A gush of cool breeze hits her, and soothes her mind a little.
Suddenly, she hears a lovely song. Bhawna has started the FM on the mobile
phone. She places it on the fridge. Bhawna is just twelve but sometimes this
little girl amazes Tavishi with her wisdom.
The ambience was different now. Cool breeze, lovely songs
and Bhawna as a nice helping hand and companion. Bhawna also wears apron, just
like Tavishi, and beats yogurt for raita. Peels cucumber for salad, dices paneer for shahi paneer, and says,
“It feels so good na, chachi, even though there's no electricity!” Tavishi didn't realize when she finished
preparing dinner. Meanwhile, she even managed to talk to her husband’s friend.
But Tavishi is not sure about the taste and look of the
food. Preparing dinner for a guest in a candle light, huh? At least she has
nice dinner set. She thinks as she sets the dinner table. She switches on the
light and fan in the dining space but whoa! The inverter battery has no life
now. The house is plunged in the darkness. There will be a forced candle light
dinner. It is so embarrassing!
Tavishi lights three large candles on the table, and cordially
(And sheepishly) invites her guest to the dining hall. After dinner, Tavishi
offers coffee. As she enters with the tray, Vishal smiles and says, “You
took a lot of trouble for me.”
“Oh no. It’s nothing. I’m glad you came.” Tavishi says with
a smile.
Vishal sips the coffee and says, “I must tell you Shekhar,
bhabhiji has great culinary skills! The presentation, food, and everything. You’re
lucky, man! Thank you so much for a lovely dinner bhabhiji.”
Tavishi could see a proud gleam in her husband’s eyes, and
feels gladly relieved. “You’re most welcome.” She says.
“Who’s this girl?” Vishal asks, looking at Bhawna.
“She is a dear friend.” Tavishi squeezes Bhawna’s
hand tenderly.
After Vishal left, Shekhar comes to the kitchen. “Thank you
Tavishi for managing everything wonderfully! Now girls, you have your dinner,
and I’ll clean the kitchen.” He says.
Bhawna laughs, and Tavishi smiles at his thoughtfulness. “Honestly, I felt no strain having Bhawna with me in the kitchen. She was a great help and entertainment.”
“Really Tavishi! We should have a daughter, just like
Bhawna. Girls are lovely, and make home beautiful.” Shekhar says, and Tavishi
cannot help admiring her husband’s thought. She inexplicably feels happy and
light.
Enjoyed the feast,me too.
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