A week later

“Ishu, how long are you going to take? We'll miss the train,” nagged Dhruv.

The clock struck 6. The skies started to darken from the radiating orange to a canvas that highlights the stars.

The clinking sound of the utensils and the whistle of the pressure cooker rang in the atmosphere.

“Ishu…”

“Dhruv, I'm preparing dinner. It's almost done, but there are still dishes to do, so it'll take a while,” replied Ishi, tired from his nagging rather than the chores.

“Ishu, you go ahead and get ready. I'll take care of packing and dishes, said Dhruv.

“By the way, did you pick your outfit or are you still deciding?”

“Abba! Stop nagging and annoying me, Hero garu! Yes, I did pick my outfit; now I'll go and get dressed. Are you happy?”

“Very much!” He replied with a charming smile of his.

Carrying their luggage, the couple walked out of the house. Dhruv locked the gates and rechecked everything; later, they handed the keys to their neighbour.

As they waited for a taxi, they saw a grey-coloured car zooming towards them. It stopped in front of them, and the windows were rolled down.

“Amma?! What are you doing here?” Asked Ishi, surprised.

Dhruv seemed unfazed by the surprise as he was a part of his in-law's plan.

“To drop you both off! Why else?” stated her father in a duh tone.

“Get in! What are you staring at?” Ordered her mother.

Ishi and Dhruv boarded the car. Ishi had mixed feelings. Her heartstrings were pulled; her fears were assured by her father that afternoon, but still some of it lingered somewhere at the corners of her heart.

She was zoned out and drifted to the land of dreams.

A few hours back.

The doors of the elevator opened, Ishi was greeted by her father carrying vegetables.

“Ishu!!!” He greeted as his eyes beamed with happiness, reflecting his smiles from his heart.

Ishi hugged him and sneakily took the vegetable bag from him.

“Ishi let me carry it,” said Balaram.

“Let it be, Nanna,”

Balaram unlocked the door, and they entered. Ishi placed the vegetable bag on the dining table.

“So how's the preparations and packing going?” enquired her father.

“Never-ending,” replied Ishi with a sigh, her face full of tiredness and sleep deprivation.

Balaram gently smiled at his daughter, realising how fast she grew up and how time has passed.

Ishi lazily slumped on the sofa.

“Nanna, when is Amma going to come back?” asked Ishi.

He glanced at the clock and replied,

“In about two hours, which reminds me that I have to cook lunch.”

“Want any help?” offered Ishi.

“Would love some but not in this state; go and get some rest. You have to travel in the evening,” said Balaram.

Ishi smiled at her dad, masking the sadness, but her gloomy face didn't go unnoticed by Balaram.

She took heavy steps and went to her room. The moment her body hit the mattress, sleep engulfed her, giving her the peaceful slumber she needed the most.

It was quarter past two in the afternoon. Ishi hazily woke up from her sleep. She searched for her phone and found it on the bedside table beside a photo frame.

A photo of Ishi and Dhruv from their wedding when they both placed jeelakara bellam on each other's head. Dhruv in his signature smile with dimples on his cheeks adorned by bugga chukka. Ishi shyly glanced at him as the Thera was removed. Both of them silently promised each other a new beginning together with affection and blossoming love.

Unknowingly Ishi face broke into a heartful smile. She captured the picture with her mobile, wanting to relive and treasure the moment forever.

“Ishi! Ishi! Your mum's back, and lunch is ready! Ishi, wake up.”

She heard her father yelling but was too involved in the moment to reply.

“What are you doing, Ishu? Keeping an evil eye on my daughter and son-in-law?” He jokingly teased her.

Ishi chuckled at it.

“Is the wedding album done?” She asked her dad.

“No, not yet, he said that he'll give it soon. I'm sure that soon is when a new member will be added to our family,” he teased her again.

“Nanna!” Ishi yelled in embarrassment.

“Ishu, I know that it's a lot to take and adjust yourself to the new beginnings in your life. I also know that you're worried about leaving us and your in-laws, moving to a new city. Bengaluru is just an hour away by flight. You'll be here in no time. Prioritise yourself, take care, and enjoy Ishu. You'll not get back your youth, so live it, and also let us enjoy our retired life without any nagging,” said Balaram, pulling his daughter into a hug.

Ishu chuckled at the last part. She felt at ease, at home.

Present

“Ishu, wake up!”

She heard her husband and father waking her up.

“We've reached the railway station,” said Daksh.

He took out the luggage and walked behind.

They waited at the platform for the train to arrive.

“Ishu and Daksh, be careful, take care of yourselves, eat on time, and don't immerse yourselves in work. Last but not the least don't forget to call us,” said Revati looking at the couple.

“Happy Journey!” wished Balaram as he embraced the couple.

Ishi and Daksh boarded the train. They bid their goodbyes as the train’s horn was heard.

The train chugged and picked up its speed as it travelled past the city's outskirts.

“So when are Atha and Mama going to be back from the trip?” asked Ishi, starting the conversation.

“I've no clue. I wonder if they're going through teenage or old age. They're surprising me every day with a new tale of adventure!” replies Daksh.

“Well understandable, someone I know does the same,” teased Ishi playfully.

Daksh broke into laughter hearing her comment.

“Well, I'm sure you like them,” he said, his eyes glinting mischief.

“They are the only surprises I look forward to too,” whispered Ishi, taking out their dinner.

They both relished Daksh’s favourite button idly dipped in sambar.

“Thank you, Daksh. If you haven't arranged our house before, I don't know how we'll manage it tomorrow after travelling for so long. The only thing I want to do is sleep,” thanked Ishi.

“Ishu, I've just done my responsibility. Thank you, since you're the one who did most of the packing. And we still need to arrange the wardrobe and kitchen,” replied Daksh with a sigh, thinking about the work that's left to do.

Ishi's day ended on a positive note, just like the idly she had. Though she has a lot on her plate, the fluffy button idly filled her with the comfort of little things. She awaited the new day filled with surprises unknown to her to come.

Glossary

Amma- mother

Nanna- father

Atha- mother in law or aunt

Mama- father in law or uncle

Jeelakara bellam- it is a part of wedding rituals done in some regions of Southern India where a mixture of cumin and jaggery placed on betel leaves is kept on the head of the bride and groom, signifying their union. People believe that the auspicious time of this ritual is more important than the nuptial chain.

Bugga chukka- A black dot placed on the groom's right cheek and bride's left cheek to ward off the evil eye.