"Sei.. Parthu.. Tell na.."

Ishaani pulled Parthavi who was about to run away from there.

"Avunu.. Tell na.. What happened after the alumni meet.. Cheppu bey."

"Yei.. Let me go!"

Parthavi said and tried leaving but Harshita blocked her path and raised her brow.

"Where are you trying to escape ma? Nizam cheppu.. What happened?"

She asked. Bhoomi who came there after putting Dhitvi to sleep also joined the gang.

"Ala adugu Harshu.. I have been asking the same for a long time now and this girl stays silent except for the redness that suddenly appears in her face."

Everyone gave one loud noise making Parthavi hit Bhoomi.

"Ou.. Ouch.. Osei.. Do all this to your Raghunandhu. I cannot bear your hits.. Amma.. Ayya.."

She said breathing hard.

"Shut up Bhoomi. Don't overact."

"Bhoomi akka.. You know, Bava is so in to her that all her hits will also be like flower shower for him."

Anbumozhi said and gave Tasha a hi5.

"Just like Bhaswath bro?"

Parthavi and Ishaani said and gave each other a hi5.

"Yov.. Shut up re.. I don't hit him.."

Anbumozhi tried to reason. But in vain.

"Hit me? Bava.. she makes noodles of me."

There Bhaswath cried making everyone laugh. It was decided that the girls were to be with Parthavi while guys stayed behind with Raghunandhu. Just like in Bhoomi's place, here at Vedmohan's place too, everyone were having fun.

"You are lucky to get hits by your wife. Its her love that she showers on you."

Said Veer earling a loud cheer from everyone.

"Anbu is not like your Laddoo ra. This woman is phoolan devi."

"In that case Vigna, you are lucky that she uses only her hands and not some rifle on you."

Said Pritvi earning another round of cheers. Bhaswath bowed down in surrender.

"Never underestimate women. They will love you like no one and when you do wrong, they will teach you a lesson becoming Amma Maha chandi."

Bhargava said standing like Shri Krishna Vishwaroopa Geeta upadesha pose. All the guys bowed down and then laughed when Bhargava got hit from Mahika who came there to give milk glasses.

"Order from Athaiyya that you all are to sleep soon and wake up soon. Tomorrow we have to go to Madhurawada house for Pandhiri and then return here soon for dhampudu. And you Mr. Husband.. Your darling prince is refusing to sleep without you telling him a bedtime story."

"Coming.."

Saying Bhargava ran with his milk glass leaving the guys laughing behind.

"Maa chandi."

Someone said and everyone laughed again.

"Don't give that chandi Maa kaali looks to us. We want details.."

And all the girls chanted DETAILS DETAILS in chorus.

"We left the campus.."

Parthavi started knowing that she is not going to escape.

"Sathya was standing outside waiting for a cab.."

"Don't involve me. I was waiting for Lohi... I mean Ved."

The girls cheered even more louder this time. But Rashika came in between and stopped them.

"This detail will be taken later. For now, Parthavi Ambujakshi.. Spill it out."

She said pulling Parthavi to the middle of the bed that was laid on the ground of the wide room. Parthavi sighed.

"Sathya and Ved left in Raghunandhu's car while we both walked. Then we both changed to nightclothes and Raghunandhu stayed with me, not wanting to disturb Ved and Sathya and not willing to let me on my own. Then we both slept and next day we went on shopping for Ishaani and we all met at her home and then we again went back slept and next morning we went to Ishaani's home and then me and Sathya boarded flight toVizag."

Parthavi finished and looked at everyone who were looking at her with a mix of shock and anger.

"Idente, night doordharshan news la? We asked for DETAILS!"

Said Priya but Harshita and Ishaani smiled with a glint in their eyes.

"Priya, you forgot to notice the important point in her news reading. They were together and alone for two nights. And look at her cheeks looking as red as Bhaagamathie's saree. Ante something happened."

"Harsha.. Aa something eh enti ani we are asking kada?"

Naz poured out heatedly.

"Athey kada.."

Vasudhara said standing with hands on hips.

"URRRHHH!!"

Came Parthavi's irritated sigh when Prabhavathy came there and chased everyone to sleep.

"All the vaanara sena.. Go to sleep. Amma Ishaani.. Sanjeev babu is waiting outside. Wants to see you anta."

Among loud giggles, Ishaani went to meet her husband who was there to make sure that she was okay and if she wanted anything.

The morning sun was yet to rise from behind the orange blanket while everyone here woke up and got ready in lightning speed. Soon they were in their respective houses for Pandhiri pettadam where the bride and groom's house threshold was decorated with palm bark, leaves and coconut leaves and flowers. Panthulu did pooja for the first bark planted in front of the house. Then they all went to their respective staying houses. And started the ritual of Pasupu and biyyam dampudu.

Prabhavathy and Mahika brought the Vigneswara Biyyam mudupu in which rice was tied in a cloth after pooja to lord Ganesha.

"Amma Prabhavathy garu, Durga garu. Here put this rice in this rolu and Turmeric in another one, then for minapa Gugulla vadiyalu too in another dhanchandi. Ahhaammm.."

Sankaram Shastry said and every woman took a rokali and started.

"Dhanchedapudu, you must sing.. Why are everyone so silent?"

Called Bhoomi's Mother in law, Swarajyam who joined the festivities. Everyone welcomed her and her husband Veera Doraswamy dearly.

"Hmm.. Start.. Atthalenu kodalu Uthamuralu olemma.."

Swarajyam started making Bhoomi laugh as she ground the rice in the rolu and all other ladies joined.

"Kodaleni Atha Gunavanthuralu.. Ahamm.. Ahammm.."

Prabhavathy laughed grinding the turmeric as she looked at Durga who continued.

"Kodala Kodala.. Koduku pellama olemma.."

Durga called looking at Mahika.

"Pachi paala meedha meedaedhamma? Aa vedi paala lona venna edhamma?"

And everyone laughed as everyone took chances in hitting and grinding the turmeric and rice.

"Vathina.. Save the rokali's by tying them with a cloth. Tomorrow.."

"For Pelli Koothuru. Sure Vathina."

Prabhavathy said to Durga as both the ladies, saved the turmeric in a brass pot and closed the pot and then tied the pestle with a yellow cloth and carefully kept them near the Pooja room. After that everyone went inside the house as Sankaram Shasty made arrangements for Shri Maha Ganapathy homam and he started the pooja as per the Vidhi. Sundarama who was much interested and studied all these kept intimidating watch on Sankaram Shastry as he first got Anujna(Permission) from mother earth and Lord Ganesha to perform the Homam. Then as per Shastra he went on with every single step and at last came to Sankalpam.

"Ayya, we are starting the sankalpam. The main purpose of performing this homam is to remove any obstacles and let the marriage become successful and the couple stay blessed. But anyone else having anyother purpose, please think and pray to the lord for it to become a success."

And he said the sankalpa mantram along with the gotram, star and name of the people from both the families and started the Homam with homagni prathishta.

Everyone prayed to the lord as the Homam went on and at last, Shastry put a package of cloth with coconut, ghee, silver coins, turmeric, Kumkum, Gandham, Akshada in to the fire along with ghee as everyone chanted the lord's name.

Shastry took the Homa Raksha(Ash) and gave it to everyone and then distributed the prasadam.

"Peddayya, homam done. Tomorrow, Pelli kodu and pelli koothuru karyakram can be done. This theertham should be sprayed in this house, the vididhi and both the family houses."

Saying Sankaram Shastry gave a kalasam that had the theertham and took a some prasadam to his home as given by Prabhavathy. Maanas, Sreenu and Raghunandhu, Pritvi and Vedmohan took the theertham along with Sundarama to do Shuddhi to all the houses.

"Amma Sathya.."

Durga called.

"Amma?"

"Mahi has gotten all the blouses of Parthavi's ready. Give it to Parthavi. Let her check if everything is right and then you and Mahika pack the blouses with the respective sarees and keep it aside."

"Ento Vathina.. You yourself got all her blouses ready."

"Its a deal between my Kodalu and my kaaboye Kodalu. Even I don't have a say in that Vathina."

Both the sambandhi's chuckled.

"Ammadu.. Parthavi.."

Swarajyam called Parthavi who was ready to change. She was followed by her husband.

"Randi Peddamma.. Peddanana"

Parthavi called and touched her feet taking her blessing.

"Salla ga undu thalli."

The elder couple blessed her.

"We all were very much worried about you not getting a proper groom and every single man who came to see you vanished without a word. But looks like that sakkati sukkalanti Ramachandra himself is written as husband for you."

Parthavi just smiled.

"Appude pelli kala vachesindi.. Naa Bangaaru thalli."

Saying she clicked her finger around her forehead removing evil eyes.

"Appude ante appude athaiyya. The moment she saw Raghunandhu."

Came Bhoomi with Dhitvi who giggled seeing her grandparents.

"Randi Bavagaru, Akkaigaru.. Baagunnara?"

Came Sivaprasad with Shakti.

"You people talk, I will get you some coffee and refreshments."

Saying Parthavi left the family in privacy and went inside to send someone with refreshments. Her friends and Rishi Annaiyya made a very good arrangements for catering in the wedding. They were really good.

She went to her room and saw that Sathya has already brought her blouses.

She tried one by one and as she tried one by one, her thoughts kept getting serious about this marriage. She was getting married for real. She was going to another house to spend her rest of the life with a man whom she knew much less about.

But she frowned. She thought she knew Raghunandhu well. So why was she getting this scared?

"I am mad!"

She said to herself as she changed to her normal dress. Soon her mobile rang and she smiled as she saw the pic displaying. The small boy looking angrily with his hands and legs crossed.

"Hello Mr. Angrybird."

"Me? And Angrybird? Remember your friends call you that. Not me Ms. Fire breathing dragon."

"Ahan? Then whose picture was that I saw in your sister's house? The small boy, looking angrily at the camera with his hands and legs crossed?"

"How do you know that it was my picture?"

"Your eyes."

"Ahem Ahem.."

Parthavi bit her tongue and he who guessed this chuckled.

"So.. How is everything going on?"

"Hmm.. good.. You were there kada.."

"Yeah I was.. But surrounded by family and friends. Rishi Bava's parents have arrived from Nalgonda."

"That's good."

"Even Vathina's parents are here from Srisailam."

"Hmm.."

"What is wrong Parthavi?"

"Nothing.."

"Ento cheppu.."

"Nothing.."

"Parthavi.."

"Huh?"

"What is going on in that mind of yours?"

"You.."

"What?"

"Yem ledu.. Was thinking about our marriage."

"And?"

"I felt everything was going too fast.."

"Its like just yesterday you came to see me and now we are getting married in not even a weeks time."

"Parthavi.. Are you having second thoughts?"

"Chi.. No.. I don't know. I just suddenly have this feeling in my stomach."

"Did you eat anything?"

"Ye.. Cha.. Moddhu.. Not that.."

"Mari?"

"Ento Raghu.. Soon we will be married. New responsibility. New family. You.."

"I am not new to you. I am 2 months old."

"What a poor joke at a poor timing"

"I never said I have good sense of humor."

"Rama rama!"

"Leave him alone. You tell me why do you suddenly feel this fright?"

"Don't know. Am I ready for this responsibility? Being a wife?"

"Husband and wife relationship is scaring you?"

"I don't know. I have never been a wife you see."

"I have not been husband a hundred times either."

"Raghu..!"

She said sternly. He chuckled.

"Sare.. Sorry.. Continue. What is tensing you up?"

"I don't know. New life, new place... And then there is something even more important. A very integral part of us as husband and wife."

"Adenti?"

"You will not let me until I say kada?"

"Only if you say and come out clean, you will feel relaxed."

"I am talking about the intimate side of our relationship."

"Why is it giving you tensions? Even after our experience in Hyderabad."

"Seriously Raghu? Having this conversation through phone itself is difficult enough. And you are not helping. What we did in Hyderabad was not even a starter."

"Parthavi. This part of our relationship will only start when you and me, we both are up to it. We cannot rush things. I thought you were comfortable around me."

"I am. Very much.. But.."

"Inka enti? Do one thing. Open the window."

"Hain?"

She opened the window of the room and went to the balcony parapet and saw him waiting down there.

"Hain?"

She called through the phone.

"If possible. Come with me."

"Where?"

"Come na."

Parthavi asking him to wait went and tried getting Bhoomi's attention. But she was busy. But then she saw, Harshita, Ishaani and Sathya discussing something. Silently she went to them to hear them discussing..

"Harshu, they have planned the Shobanam for the wedding night itself."

"Parthavi ki moodindi.."

Ishaani giggled.

"Did you see the saree for that?"

"Perfect.."

"Ahem ahem.."

All three turned to see Parthavi standing there frowning.

"Hey?"

"I will talk to you three later.. For now, help me."

"Enti?"

"Sathya.. Raghu is waiting outside."

"Oooohhhh.."

"Shut up.."

"Don't worry darling. Padha."

Saying the three escorted her out without attracting anyone's attention. They returned inside after making sure that Raghunandhu knew of their risk taking and also warned to drop Parthavi soon. But they were greeted by Durga and Mahika.

On the other side, Raghunandhu stopped his car in front of a supermarket and asked her to get down. Once inside, he took her to the chocolate section and billed a Silk chocolate and gave it to her who took it with much gratitude. Then they were inside the car again in the parking lot. Since it was afternoon, it was much empty and gave them the privacy they needed.

"Feeling better?"

He asked caressing her hand that was on her lap as her other hand was busy feeding the chocolate to her mouth.

"Hmm.."

"Be frank. Are you afraid that I might do something against your wishes?"

"Chi.. No.."

"Ahh thanks.."

"I don't know Raghunandhu. The pace of all this is intimidating me.. And just now I heard a talk that our Shobanam muhoortham is on the wedding night itself."

"Then what? It will be a month away?"

She glared at him.

"How much ever time you take, you can never be prepared for this until you are comfortable. Even I am new to this Parthavi."

"I know.."

"Whatever happens, just remember this.."

He said as he held her cheek in his palms.

"I will take good care of you. Nothing against your wishes will be done. Trust me."

"I do.."

"The muhoortham is only a formality. You can decide as you wish."

"Ante.. you are ready?"

"Oye. you are taking wrong direction. I am saying that, I am already good with my Parthavi. I am fixed that you are my wife. So its now up to you t trust me."

Then there was a long silence. The conversation gave both of them the relief they wanted for the wedding jitters they started to have.

"Sorry for the bother. Its just that.. Pre wedding.. Jitters.."

"I understand. Whenever you feel so.. Just remember that, just like for you, my life is also changing. I have new person in my life who is not just my responsibility. But also my life. I really really like you. I don't know love. I don't have a name for this. But the moment you came out of that room, I felt something. And the way you spoke your mind just kept increasing the feel. You in our every step together showed me that you were exactly the person with whom I would like to share my life. I hope its the same for you."

"Nizam cheppana?"

"Cheppu. Pour it out."

"When I saw you, I really wanted to chase you away. But something stopped me."

"Enti?"

"Your chest hair that peeked out from the open top button of your shirt."

She said and giggled making him laugh along.

"And?"

"And.. Sorry for being stupid and getting scared. I should have known that my Moddhu will always care for me."

"Good. So now shall we go shopping for something very important?"

"Enti adi?"

"Condoms."

He said and laughed as she hit him. Her cheeks burned as they turned crimson while he took all her hits laughing happily.