Chapter 23: chapter 23

Everyone decided to go shopping for Diwali. Shashikala and her family were in one car. In Surya’s car, Surya was driving and Ravi was in the back seat. Ravi was expecting Rona to sit beside him but Sandhya hopped in and sat beside Ravi. Surya was angry and he knew the reason behind Sandhya’s behavior. Out of no other choice, Rona sat beside Surya. Surya was furious and raced the car. The cars halted at a shopping mall. The manager was already informed that Surya and his family would be arriving and he welcomed them. Vamshi, Deepu, and Venkatesh went to the Men's section. Surya assured everyone to purchase whatever they liked and not hesitate. Rona and Shashikala were looking at the latest necklaces while Sandhya sat numb. Surya encouraged Sandhya to shop but Sandhya hesitated, “No, Surya. I’m fine!”“Sandhya? You have to buy something. Wait, let me find a good necklace for you,” he said and found a necklace.“Sandhya, look at this necklace. It suits you well!” said Surya.Sandhya thought the necklace was amazing but all of a sudden, Rona walked in there and said, “Wow, that’s a beautiful necklace! Let me try that.”“But I thought it might be for Sandhya!” said Surya.Sandhya eyed him furiously, smiled at Rona, and said, “Rona, why don’t you try it?”Rona tried the necklace and said, “Umm, it doesn’t suit me!” and left.Surya was ecstatic and purchased it for Sandhya.Sandhya wanted to buy a suit for Surya and was looking at the latest collection. She found a navy blue suit and said, “Surya, look at this! It will look excellent on you!”“Yeah!” and as they were talking, Rona walked in with another suit and asked Surya to purchase it.Surya was confused and Sandhya was dejected. She thought Surya might purchase the one Rona suggested to him. Surya felt vulnerable and purchased both of the suits so as to not disappoint them. Ravi and Surya exchanged looks. Ravi shrugged his shoulders out of helplessness. They reached back home.The bungalow was glittering with lights by evening. Meenaskhi wanted her Son and her daughter-in-law to perform a ritual. A priest was called upon. Sandhya wore a light pink saree and left the room. She looked at Rona as she came out and felt disgusted. Everyone was waiting for Surya at the pooja.The priest said, “It’s time for the pooja. Where is Surya?”Meenaskhi said, “Ravi, can you go get Surya?”Ravi nodded his head and found Surya coming, “He is here!” said Ravi.Everyone looked at him. Sandhya thought Surya might be wearing Rona’s selected suit. Sandhya turned her head and was astounded to see Surya in the suit she chose. He looked like a prince. Sandhya was on cloud nine. Surya smiled at her gently. The priest interrupted everyone and said, “Come, it’s time for the pooja.”They finished the pooja. They walked out to burst crackers.Deepu, Vamshi were igniting the mood. They were bursting crackers and so was Rona. Surya was guarding everyone and alerted them to be careful.Vamshi and Deepu came to Sandhya and said, “What is this? Why aren’t you bursting crackers? Look how Rona sister is enjoying it, she is daring!”.Sandhya was hurt and picked up a 5000 wala to burst it. Surya looked at her and said, “What are you doing, Sandhya? It is dangerous!”But she didn’t care and bursted it. After a long bursting sound of crackers, a long silence prevailed. “Why are you doing this, Sandhya? What if something happens?”“Surya, I’m very well aware of what I am doing. I’m not a kid. Let me live how I want to,” she said and Surya stood there in silence.Everyone finished bursting crackers and Sandhya slept alone in the room and Surya wasn’t there. Adding to the situation, the rain stormed in and the environment seemed violent.