SHE'S ONE OF US -CHAPTER 10

"I KNOW YOU WILL SAVE ME"

The next Saturday morning , Sai arrived. He realized the home wasn't  home. Sai said Amma "So quiet today ? Where is Shree and Akhila ?". Mom said "Akhila went for her classes and Shree may be outside or upstairs". Sai added "Amma ! Is something wrong ? Any problem? ". Mom said "Not really , But we have  a marriage proposal for Shree and today evening the family is arriving and the proposal will be finalized today". Mom  also described about the marriage proposal and what actually happened. Sai was dumbstruck. Sai said "I didn't arrive for three days and these many things happened , Amma ! Can I meet Shree now ?". Mom shrunk her eyebrows and said "It is unusual that you ask permission". Sai gave a fake smile and went to upstairs. Without any noise , like a cat , he came and stood near Shree. He saw Shree with her back facing  him and was starring the sky . She didn't notice Sai standing by her side. The moment she wiped her droplets from her eyes, she noticed Sai , with his eyes fixed on her. She didn't expect Sai that day. She pretended as if she was  happy with a fake smile and asked "When did you come?". Sai said " For the past five minutes , I was standing near you , But you are not in this world . What's going on ? ". and added "I am very much upset when I heard about the marriage proposal? How can this happen?". Shree again turned and fixed her glance on the sky. Sai added "I am really wondering , Can poverty leads the family to make such a worst decision?".  Shree remained silent. Sai said "Shree , Look at me and answer. I am talking to  you . Do you have anything in your mouth which stops you from talking? Come on speak up". Shree turned to him expressionless and said "What to do ? What to say ? Nothing to do and Nothing to say". Sai was angry and felt completely down and couldn't tolerate. He thought he wasn't worth a human as he couldn't help Shree. He bent his head down and his eyes were red and said "Is that the stupid fate decides good people life? . I am leaving now,  as I couldn't see you like this". The next moment when Shree turned ,She couldn't find Sai. Tears poured down from her eyes .

Two days later ,Sai with gloomy face arrived home. Shree was as usual energetic and was taking tuition. She saw Sai ,who came upstairs. She smiled at him, But he didn't smile back. Shree tilted her head and said "Where is the standard smile on your face ? ". Sai stood silent. Shree said "Oh my God ! What happened to you ? What is wrong with you ?. Did Latha called you ?. Are you worried because of  that?". Sai said "I will be down stairs. Once you are done with your tuition , Call me". Shree nodded. After the tuition , Sai came upstairs and said " Amma told me that everything would be finalized the day itself. How can you smile ?, but I can't ". Shree smiled and asked  "Why ?". Sai couldn't talk. There were lot to say , but the words were caught inside his throat and he choked.  Sai managed and  in a low tone said "I don't know. My heart aches when I heard that you are getting married to a widower.? You are only nineteen and studying......". Shree heard everything with a smile. Shree said "Okay ! What Latha saying ?". Sai starred at her and said "What am I talking ... and Why are you changing the topic. That is not at all important". Shree said "It is important. Don't ever say that". Sai was annoyed . He turned and glanced the sky. Shree said "Okay Okay . Can't you judge with my smile that everything is okay". Sai said "Everything okay means what  ?. No I can't judge , because you learnt to smile for everything and make fun of even bitter things you experience". Shree laughed and said "I don't want to see you sad anymore, Here comes the flash back". Shree started telling what actually happened that day when the IAS officer family arrived.

Two days before , That evening ......

IAS officer's Mom and Dad came home. They were  well educated. The officer's Dad was an ex-collector. Shree's Mom said " Sorry , I like to tell you one thing .As of now we don't have an idea about our elder daughter getting married". The officer's Dad was bewildered. Shree's Dad added "Our younger daughter will get married to your son". The Officer's parents were watching the family very closely. They could feel the sadness and unwillingness for the proposal. They also understood the poverty made them decide this. The Officer's Dad said "How old is she? I mean ,your younger daughter?". Shree's Dad said "She is nineteen and she is doing her First Year Physics in the Women's college nearby". The officer's parents looked at Shree and said "She is too small" and Officer's Dad said to Shree's parents "Yes we are searching for a good  daughter in law who plays a dual role as a wife and a mother. Please don't mistake me. As,  me and my son play a vital role in the society , We shall not arrange a marriage for a girl who is studying and turned just nineteen and I shall not make use of your poverty , if so I am a selfish person. We will find some other alliance. Thank you" and turned to Shree and said "What is your plan after your degree?" . Shree was very happy and said "Uncle, I want to do my PG and PHD in Physics and become a Professor in the college , But Now, On seeing you , I like to become an IAS officer, but I am not  intelligent as you" and twinkled.
The officer's Dad said "It is not a big thing. If you have that idea really , you can seek my help. If you think you can , You will achieve. All the best" and smiled . Shree too smiled back and the family left.
Everyone in the family was relaxed. Shree ran to her Raghavendra swamy and said "I know you will save me" and took the picture and kept close to her heart.



SHREE RE-BUILT SAI'S BROKEN CASTLE

Shree said everything to Sai. Sai was so happy. He took a deep breathe. His heart became so light. Sai said "Thank God , Nothing happened. You know these two days I felt like as if I had been lost in darkness". Shree smiled and said "You are happy right and now answer my question . Did you talk to Latha ? What she said ?". Sai stood silent for a minute and said "Please Do not ask that". Shree was confused "Oh Why? What happened ?". Sai was not ready to say anything about Latha. But Shree pulled words from his mouth. She started pestering him. Finally she was annoyed and said "I am not going to  talk to you till you tell" . Sai said "Okay , I will tell , Here comes a flash back again".

A Week before , In the evening Sai called Latha. He was nervous. After three rings , Latha picked the call. Sai in a trembled voice "Am I talking to Latha ?". The voice at the other end said "Yes , Latha speaking , May I know who is this ?". Sai said "I am Sai". Latha realized with whom she was talking. Out of shyness she paused for a minute. Sai said "You there?". Latha in a trembled voice "Yes". Sai said "How are you ?". Latha said "I am good". Sai asked "Won't you ask me the same question?". Latha chuckled and said "Sorry , How are you ? and I am a bit nervous". Sai felt like a hero and started to duet with her. Latha asked "What you doing ?". Sai said "I just joined as a lecturer in a college. What about you ?" . Sai was so keen to get an answer for this question ,  as Shree insisted the same question twice to him. He decided, next time when Shree asks this question , He should proudly answer her. Latha said "Didn't my Aunt tell you ?". Sai said "No , but she told to wait for five more years , Why so long ?". Latha again chuckled and said "I am doing my eighth standard in Girl's  Higher secondary school". Sai bewildered and said "Hey , You are just kidding right ?". Latha in a little high tone "Why should I ? , Really I am doing my Eighth standard and my family has planned my marriage once I am done with my higher secondary" . Sai was shocked and felt ashamed and his heart broke into pieces. He couldn't talk anymore. He had built a beautiful love castle in his heart which was completely broken. In his dream of duet , He gave a hard slap on Latha's cheeks and said "Being in Eighth standard , Do you need love ? Stupid . Go and concentrate on your studies. Nonsense". Sai heard a shouting from  Latha in phone  "You there ???" and came into the real world. He disconnected the phone without a Bye. The next day when he went to temple , Sai met Latha's aunt and scolded upfront. Sai said " I thought she was a big girl by seeing her figure and her matured face , But at least you could have told me that she is doing her eighth standard. Latha's aunt said "Is it a big issue?". Sai was annoyed and said "Why not , Definitely . Falling in love with a kid, Totally nonsense . Tell her this and ask her to stop dreaming about me. It is just an Infatuation.  I totally erased her thoughts from my heart. Good bye" and left the temple.

Shree been opened half mouth while listening, When Sai stopped , She couldn't stop laughing. She laughed out loud. Sai too joined her. They both laughed and laughed. Shree kept on  thinking the same and laughed continuously . At one point Sai stopped laughing and watched her eyes silently. She had tears in her eyes while laughing. There was a "Boom" in Sai's heart too , like Shree had before when her hands were around Sai's shoulders , But the difference was , Sai realized that  he deeply fell in love with Shree.


And Now , I can hear you saying Chella! Thank God the marriage proposal went like a dew in sun.
The  reason for Sai -Latha  love breaking definitely would made you laugh like Shree. I also understand your eagerness that  how Sai going to propose his love for Shree.
Will the love be proposed  or buried in his heart?
Keep Reading the Upcoming episodes .......... ;)