by Farahad Zama
Mr Ali said, “Raju, that’s the man I sent to investigate, the Christian man!”
Aruna replied, “Yes, sir. And Mr Koteshwar Reddy rejected the match because of the groom’s religion, but I got the feeling that Sujatha liked Raju. She has obviously prevailed over her family.”
“You are right.” Mr Ali shook his head. “I only sent Raju to their house to flush out the secret spoiler of the girl’s matches. I never thought it would actually lead to a wedding.”
Aruna smiled. “All that happens is for the good, sir. Let’s chalk up another success for the Marriage Bureau for Rich People.”
“Wah, wah!” said Pari, clapping.
Mr Ali took a bow. Even Mrs Ali seemed mollified. “Humph!” she said, but looked proud.
Rehman’s voice came from inside the house. “Ammi, is there more curry?”
Mrs Ali said, “He is twenty years older than Vasu, but he hasn’t grown up one tiny bit. I wonder where he gets that from.” She gave her husband a sharp glance and made a move to get up.
Pari touched her on the hand. “Stay here, chaachi. I’ll take care of Rehman.”
“You are a godsend,” said Mrs Ali relaxing back into her chair.
Pari jumped up, twirling the end of her plaited hair, like a cowboy twirling a lariat. Only Aruna seemed to notice the spring in Pari’s step as she stepped inside.
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