The sound of the doorbell interrupted Gopal and Ambika's conversation. Muttering all the possible scenarios Ambika swiftly walked towards the door to open it.

"Stop there,Ambu! First check who it is!" Whisper shouted Gopal.

"As if it is a thief, who came to rob us in broad daylight" replied Ambika sarcastically.

Face palming himself,  Gopal uttered, "What if he is our putraratnam?" (Purtaratnam literally translates to 'son who is a gem'. It is a metaphor usually used to compliment if someone is as precious as a gem especially a male when he achieves or does something good. It is equally used as a satire too!)

"Aiyoo! I forgot!" Replied Ambika, smiling sheepishly.

"Tsk...tsk..." Clicking his tongue and nodding his head in disappointment, Gopal walked towards the door and stood beside Ambika peeping through the peephole. After staring at the familiar faces he relaxed. Analyzing her husband's  facial expressions Ambika opened the door. Huge smile adorned Ambika's face from ear to ear.

Hugging her best friend Kalyani, she shed few a tears on her shoulder which flowed out of pure joy from the overwhelmed soul.

"Atta, even I am here" reminds Mihika

(Atta - Aunt)

"Even me, Nanamma!" Aadya joins her mother.

(Nanamma - paternal grandmother. But here Ambika is like an aunt to Mihika's husband Nithin or like a sister to Kalyani's husband Dev Raj)

Wiping her tears, she smiled and welcomed them inside. Kalyani's husband Dev Raj, got down from the taxi. The moment he stepped down his eyes laid on Gopal. He immediately ran in slow motion and yelled, "Gopal!"

Pushing the ladies aside Gopal ran towards him yelling,

"Raju, mera jaan!"

(Raju, my life!")

Both of them hugged each other, stumbling and almost embracing the ground.

"He calls everyone jaan" complained Ambika

"Nanna and Mama are still dramatic Atta" stated Mihika

(Nanna - Father
  Mama - Uncle)

"Men will be men", commented Kalyani.

"What can we say drama runs in this family" said Ambika

"Kid at heart always a kid" replied Aadya

The adults agreed with her.

"Where is your luggage?" Ambika questioned after they entered the living room.

"Nithin is bringing it, Atta" replied Mihika

"Poor boy, carrying all the burden alone" pitied Ambika

"Worry not Nanamma, Rithik is helping Nanna!" Said Aadya

"What about you?!" Ambika asked her

"Me?! I am only here to eat Nanamma's delicious Gulab jamuns!" Replied Aadya, licking her lips.

"You will, only if you'll help your dad and brother" said Ambika with a smirk.

Groaning Aadya went to help them. By the time she reached the porch, they had already bought the luggage inside.  Rithik just jumped on the sofa and lied on it like a sloth while Nithin settled on a chair beside him. Raj sat on the beautiful swing that looked pleasant and huge surrounded by greenery in the garden. Gopal joined him and sat on the swing with one leg folded and the other hanging down. Both of them were catching up the missed moments together.

Ambika bought Tang for the kids.

"Thanks Nanamma!" Said Rithik gulping down his drink.

"Nithin mari niku?" Ambika asked him

("What would you like Nithin?" Ambika asked him)

"Whatever you'll give him, Atta he'll drink it" said Mihika

"Absolutely Pinni! But I would prefer strong filter coffee of yours. It'll beat the tiredness of the journey" replied Nithin

(Pinni - Aunt)

Ambika along with Kalyani went into the kitchen to make coffee. Gopal and Raj continued their talks. The topic was mainly about
'Abhi'

"Gopal, what's the plan?" Enquired Raj

"Only the blueprint is ready..." replied Gopal

"Then, should we go with the flow?" Asked Raj raising his eyebrows

"Do we have a choice?"

"Of course, the kids!" Answered Raj

"What kids?" Asked Gopal confused

Their conversation was interrupted by Ambika and Kalyani who bought the coffee and snacks.

"What kids, Annayya?" Ambika asked him curiously

(Annayya - Elder brother)

"Grandkids" replied Raj

"What do you mean Andi?" Asked Kalyani, slightly annoyed

(Andi - A term used to address someone with respect)

"I mean why don't we all go on a vacation to enjoy nature, which has been urged by Aadya and Rithik. I'm sure that'll help... you know what I mean..." he replied with a suggestive look

"Ah! Yes... sure... sure" said Kalyani clearing her throat.

"Ambu, when will Ram and Seetha arrive?" Asked Gopal

"They should in an hour, around 12:30 pm" replied Ambika

"We'll go and inform Mihi and Nithin about the plan so that they'll see about the tickets and all that stuff" replied Kalyani as they both walked back inside. Ambika placed the coffee tray on the table and took the empty glasses to the sink.

"Mihi, your father and uncle are suggesting we visit the nearby places. What do you think?" Asked Kalyani

"Good idea, Attayya! I'll look into it and arrange everything once everyone arrives" said Nithin

"Finally you said yes Ammama!" Squealed Aadya

"Wake me up when the lunch is ready" requested Rithik drifting off to sleep on that uncomfortable sofa.

"Hey sleepy head, at least be excited!" Yelled Aadya.

Ambika came back and took a seat beside Kalyani.

"Rithik, go and sleep on the bed, if you're sleepy" suggested Ambika

"Nanamma, I'm too drowsy to even get up" replied Rithik groggily

"Don't complain about body pains later" warned Ambika. He was already dosed off to give her a reply.

"Atta, ignore him. When will Adi and Shanti arrive?" Asked Mihika

"Around two in the afternoon I guess," replied Ambika.

"Avi is coming?! Why had I not been informed?" Screamed Aadya with happiness and excitement.

~

"Pack this and this. That one too!" Said Shanti, handing the ironed clothes to Adi.

"Shanti,  do you think we need all this? Why do we need a first aid kit?" Asked Adi

"What if you or Avi get hurt?" Uttered Shanti

"Well I think there is a first aid kit at home. I'm sure Attayya has it" replied Adi

"Then if you get hurt in the airport?" Questioned Shanti

"Ma,if you keep on adding the list we'll need  packers and movers and we're  going to be late!" Said Avi

"Shanti, do you remember that on our wedding day-"

"Dad, we are seriously going to be late!" Shouted Avi.

Closing the zip of the last suitcase, Adi carried the luggage downstairs. He placed it near the gate and called for a taxi. Shanti locked the door and was waiting beside Avi.

"Did I turn off the gas?" She asked

"Yes Ma, you did" confirmed Avi

"What about the T.V and A.C? Oh no! The geyser!" Exclaimed Shanti.

"Ma, we turned off everything.  No need to worry. Look, the taxi is here!" Pointed Avi