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Prerna – The Inspiration – Episode 2
The usual short journey to Pune seemed like eternity. When she reached her house, she saw her father standing in the balcony waiting for her. He looked older than he actually was; at a closer look she understood that it was not the age but he looked tired and worried. His health was affected mostly by this worry and she knew that she was the root of this worry. This thought made her feel sad because there was absolutely nothing wrong with her and she was living a good life. There was nothing going on in her life that should make her father anxious and worry unnecessarily.
She smiled at him and ran inside to meet him. He kissed her forehead and that made her cry. She again felt like a little girl in her daddy’s arms; away from all the problems of life – completely protected.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHVMtfI6DLg
She went to her room and unpacked. Lunch was quiet followed by a nice nap in her old room which was almost the way she had left it. It was after dinner when Prerna’s dad gently brought up the topic. But his approach this time was direct and very different.
“Do you want to get married?” He asked looking at her directly.
Completely taken aback, Prerna sipped on to her coffee to think before answering.
“I don’t know,” she said, “I don’t feel the need to do so.”
“Marriage, according to me, should not be a need” he said, “it is more of a want, a choice.”
“I wanted it the first time it happened. But things took a very different turn.”
“This time I’m not very sure.” She said, “But I am ready to give it a try again. At least meet the boy.”
Her father smiled at her and then told her about the boy. To Prerna, his description seemed good. He was educated and well placed in life. He too was giving marriage a second chance as the first one had ended in a bitter separation. Her father knew him from few years and often met him at his friends’ house.
Her aunt (father’s sister) and her teenage daughter came the other day to help around the house. Her aunt made the usual refreshments which went really well with the occasion. Her daughter wanted to be with Prerna didi and help her get ready. She was way too excited and it seemed that it was the first time that she was going to experience. She clicked so many pics that evening that Prerna had not clicked in the past 5 years. Her enthusiasm made Prerna smile and she too joined her cousin and enjoyed the process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OClLMbnndVU
The boy and his family came on the given time. His name was Piyush and he was not at all nervous to be there, or at least it did not show on his face even if he was nervous. At his mother’s suggestion, they both went out for a walk. He seemed pleasant and easy to talk to. He told her what he liked and asked her about her interests. Piyush seemed intrigued at Prerna’s choice of simple living. He congratulated her on her social service, but seemed a little detached from the compliment he gave her.
The party left after a while and so did Prerna’s aunt and cousin. Her father did not talk to her much about the evening and went to bed early. Prerna was in her room and looking out at the dark clouds which were about to pour. It was winter and it was going to rain! It finally started drizzling and Prerna stretched her hand to feel the little droplets on her palm. A soft wind brought the rain inside the window and she was drenched in the cool rain. After many years, she enjoyed getting wet in the rain.
