"Your Uncle is returning. I must go. You enjoy the terrace. Or you can also check out the kitchen garden is also lovely." Mrs. Roy said pointing the turning lane.

Dhritiman could Mr. Roy returning with a big bulged bag. His eyes widened. If the bag look this bunged from so far, then... here goes his resolution to lose his tummy. He recalled the day when Minerva had made him drink green tea saying he needed this for his 'pot like belly'. That was the first time, or perhaps the only time they had bickered like a couple. He had a happy mood while going to office.

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"Good morning." Dhritiman greeted softly. Minerva by now was adjusting the pipe with the tap to water the plants.

She turned, gave him a smile and turned back again. Dhritman went speechless for a while. Those perfectly manicured fingers were now muddy. Those stylishly cut bangs, yes that's the term Tiya used to use, those bangs were now smeared with soil. Even her t-shirt seemed like hundred years old! My god! So different from the perfectly groomed fashion designer. And yet looked as if she was made for this gardening!

"You want something?" his trance broke by her words. Want something? Really? Is it this casual? He opened his mouth to say something but failed to say any. Blinking several times, finally he managed, "Can I help?"

"Well, you have to." She quipped.

Have to! "Pardon."

"Move."

"Pardon." He repeated.

Minerva gave a frustrated sigh. "Will you please move yourself? You are standing on the pipe, blocking the water. I can't water the plants." She gave sarcastic smile.

And for the third time in a span of sixty minutes he felt like a fool.

Minerva burst into laughter looking at him. "Loosen up buddy. You are not here for some exam." He finally managed to smile.

"My request still remains." This time Dhritiman genuinely wanted to help.

"You sure? Think about it."

"I am."

"it's going to be dirty work." She warned.

"Madam, you forget I am the police. Dirty is nothing." He chuckled.

"Don't tell me I didn't warn you." She sang in a tune and left.

Minerva couldn't help but to have a little fun in his expense. Of course her mother may scold her for this, but right now, she can't stop herself.

Going to the corner of the garden, she waved him to join her.

Dhritiman happily walked towards her. But what is this smell? Uhhu! Yuck.

"See these buckets?" she asked in a perfect serious face.

He saw three buckets kept side by side. What's there in those buckets?

He scrunched his nose as he looked down. Fertilisers! Goodness!

"Manure. Natural ones you know. Cow dung... You want to help anymore?" Minerva smirked.

No. Dhritiman can't give now. He can't look a chicken now. What could she ask for? To carry the buckets obviously. And he had enough muscles and powerful lungs to pause breathing while he carries those buckets to the required spots. He knew his speed very well.

"I know what you are trying to do Minerva. But today I won't back out." He chipped honestly.

Minerva shrugged and took the shovel. "Air the manures. And spread them where I say. Why are looking like... oh! Roll up your sleeves put your hand in the bucket, and start stirring slowly. Atleast for five minutes. And then, just follow me." And without another word, she left.

Damn it to hell! That clever chit! He can't believe what he has led himself into. Now, he would have to... yuck!

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How is Minerva settling the manure with bare hands just like that? Dhritiman had long ago stopped breathing nose and started with mouth. But look at this girl!

"kakimaaaaa" (Auntie...) They both turned at the familiar voice. Riddhi. What the hell is he doing here?

Minerva's eyes twinkled which didn't go unnoticed by him. Will her eyes twinkle like this if she hears his voice?

"Dada tui gobor diye ki korchish?" ( bhaiya tu gobar k sath kya kr rha?) Riddhi's eyes were filled with mirth.

"Aah! Minu pranked you too! Good good." With that he turned and went into the house again.

Minerva burst into laughter. Dhritiman mocked an angry face but couldn't fight laughing. But this feeling didn't sit well with him. She didn't prank him like this exclusively.

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As Dhritiman entered through the back door, he heard Riddhi's voice. "Kaku k dekhlam bajar theke mutton kinche. Chole ashlam. Sb khatir shudhu jamai er jonne naki. Amio tomder jamai er bhai." ( Uncle to dekha bazaar me mutton khareedte hue. Bs aagya mai. Ab sari khatirdari damad k liye hi? Mai bhi aaplogo k damad ka bhai hun.)

"Besh korechish." (Sahi kiya) Mrs. Roy replied happily.

He couldn't believe his ears. He knew Riddhi was free with Minerva's parents, but he never imagined that he (Riddhi) would be this comfortable and frank with them. How come?

More surprises awaited him as he entered the kitchen. Yes, that's where the voices were coming from. Riddhi was passing the veggies that Auntie was directing him to.

What the hell? Why is Riddhi acting as if he son of the house? If anyone is nearly the son, that is he, himself!

N.B: Hello! I am sorry for being late. I know you all must have lost all hopes from me about being regular. I know :( So sorry. 

Okay, now coming to the point, I know the story is going pretty slow, I can't make up my mind on whether to get into details or give a overview. So tell me how is it? and please please give some suggestions. One more thing I want to ask. My dear dear friends, are you not liking the story? why so less votes? :( Please give your votes.  Please give me all your love and vote and tell me your views in your comments. 

Thank you

LOVE LOVE LOVE <3