“...you rushed me into marrying you and are wondering if you did the right thing.” Ranjini winked at him.
He pulled her hard to his body, crushing her in his arms. “No way do I regret that. I want you, for my wife, always. But it’s true that I didn’t foresee periamma’s reaction.” He frowned heavily. Being extremely sensitive to the vibes around him, Chandrakanth had been shaken by the dislike he sensed in his aunt. It was all the more of a shock in its unexpectedness. Okay, he had known that she was an old lady who was set in her ways. But why dislike Ranjini for that? He couldn’t understand that Maragadham was hurt and angry by the sudden wedding. Who best to take out her temper on, but her nephew’s bride?
“The point is moot now, but she must be angry because of the hasty marriage, which she wasn’t even told about, let alone been invited to.” Ranjini spoke softly, her hand on Chandrakanth’s cheek.
“Okay, but why be angry with you? She should take her temper out on me, right?”
Ranjini laughed. “Come on Chandru. Has she ever lost her temper with you?”
Light dawned slowly on Chandrakanth’s face as he sighed. “Do you want to come with me to the studio tomorrow? I’ve got a vanity van that goes with me to most of my shoots. You can work from there,” he offered.
“At 6.30 in the morning? You are joking, I hope.” Ranjini shook her head at him, a smile on her face before pulling his head down to kiss him on his lips. “This is my home too, right? I’ll live here. Oh yeah, I’d love to join you in your van some times. But not tomorrow.” She didn’t want anyone to get the wrong impression that she ran away from situations.
Chandrakanth’s respect for his wife went up a notch at that moment. “Come, let’s go have coffee. Better yet, I’ll ask Keerthi to get two cups out here on the terrace.”
Ranjini nodded. “That’d be awesome. I love your terrace, Chandru. It looks so beautiful.”
“It’s also yours now,” said her husband, pressing his lips to her forehead. “One more thing. We need to host a reception for at least a couple of thousand guests. Vivek will handle everything. I thought next Saturday should be fine. Will that be okay with you and your family?”
Ranjini stared at him, her eyes gone wide. “I think so. But two thousand people?” She shook her head in a daze, giving him a weak smile. “Rather Vivek than me.”
Chandrakanth laughed. “Vivek loves organising things, despite Maragadham periamma, actually.”
That night, after they made love, Ranjini waited for Chandrakanth to go to sleep before going to the room next door and continuing with her work as it was barely eleven. She worked steadily till 2.30 am before going to bed, throwing an arm around Chandrakanth and burying her face in his back.
Chandrakanth woke up the next morning at five, and smiled when he saw his fast asleep wife, pressing a gentle fist against her lower jaw to shut her parted lips. He kissed her forehead before getting ready for his day, beginning with a rigorous workout at the gym in the basement of his home.
He left the house, waving to Maragadham periamma, at exactly half past six, leaving the woman wondering where her nephew’s wife was.
Maragadham was fretting and fuming, ready to explode when Ranjini finally walked down the staircase at ten, calling out cheerfully, “Good morning periamma,” before going directly into the kitchen to beg Easwaran for a cup of coffee.
“Do you know that your husband went to work at six in the morning?” Maragadham stood at the entrance to the dining room, her hands on her hips and her arms akimbo as she glared at the young woman sitting at the table, sipping her coffee with relish. Easwaran brought a plate of hot idlis, with cups bearing sambar and two types of chutneys.
“6.30 actually. Yeah, I know periamma. Why don’t you join me?” Ranjini patted the chair next to her. “Unless you’ve already had your breakfast.” When Easwaran answered in the positive, she continued, “Maybe a cup of coffee then?”
Maragadham continued to glare at her niece-in-law before going to sit on a chair that was the furthest away from Ranjini, who was digging into her plate of idlis with enthusiasm. “In our homes, a wife is up before her husband and makes sure that he has everything at hand before he goes to work.”
Ranjini lifted her gaze from her plate to look at Maragadham. “I agree with you periamma. But in your homes, women are probably full time housewives. I am not one as I run a business that takes up a lot of my time. In fact, it’s more than full time as I need to be in touch with clients in America late at night. I go to sleep after two in the morning. Chandru knows about that and is okay with it.”
“There’s no need for you to go to work. My nephew earns enough to take care of his family.” Maragadham bit out the words.
“Did he tell you that?” Ranjini had finished the idlis now and sat back to enjoy a second cup of coffee, having complimented Keerthi on his culinary skills as it was the assistant cook who had prepared the breakfast that day.
Maragadham didn’t really know what to answer to that direct question. Before she said anything, Easwaran asked, “What would you like to have for lunch madam?”
Ranjini looked at the man and then at Maragadham. The matriarch must be the one to give the instructions to all the servants every day. She wasn’t keen to change the routine. “Didn’t periamma tell you?” she asked.
Easwaran nodded vigorously, his arms folded and his posture respectful. “Amma has already told me what to make. I’ll also send sir’s lunch for him. I am only asking you about what vegetarian dishes you would prefer.”
Ranjini looked up at him, a thoughtful look on her face. “I don’t want to create too much work for you uncle. I can have this sambar with rice, if you have some left over.” When he nodded, she continued, “Please make some vegetable curry or kootu. I’ll also have some curd and homemade pickle if you have them. I like everything.” He nodded again, smiling. “Do you make chappathi or puri sometimes?” She asked him with a hopeful smile. “I also like biryani with thayir pachidi. You decide uncle. There’s no need to ask me.” A visibly pleased Easwaran nodded his head for the third time before going back to his domain. He rarely had a chance to decide the menu what with Maragadham around. Preparing meals for Ranjini was going to be fun as he decided to give it his hundred percent.
Ranjini pushed back her chair to get up. “I’m going up to work periamma. I’ll see you at lunch. Easwaran uncle,” she called out. “I’ll have lunch at three.” She lowered her voice when he stepped out of the kitchen. “If you sleep in the afternoon, just leave the food on the dining table. I can help myself.” She realised from his sheepish expression that she had guessed right. “No need to wait on me, please.”
As she turned to step out of the dining room, Maragadham snarled, “Wait, I have not finished with you. Why did you postpone the reception to next Saturday? I wanted it to be held today.”
Ranjini looked at Maragadham blankly, her mind already on the list of instructions she had to give her two colleagues who worked from their respective homes—Ryan Malhotra from Delhi and Savitha from Mayiladuthurai, both final year engineering students. “I don’t understand. I never postponed anything.” She walked swiftly to the living room, going towards the staircase.
One foot was already on the steps leading to the first floor, when Maragadham’s voice stopped her again. “I want...”
Ranjini took a deep breath to calm down her own temper. “Look here periamma. Have the reception today itself if that’s what you want. Only find out if Chandru’s free. I’ll present myself whenever you say. Is that fine? You’ll have to excuse me now. I need to make some urgent calls.”
She walked away, ignoring Maragadham’s mutterings as the old woman said, “If the calls are so urgent, why the hell didn’t you wake up sooner?”
Ranjini took the stairs two at a time, refusing to rise to the old lady’s bait.
12
“Urvashi amma is in charge of costumes for films. She comes up with some awesome designs and has a battalion working for
her. She’ll be able to help you at short notice.” Chandrakanth told his wife as he lay on the bed with his head on her lap while she ran her fingers through his hair. He looked up at her face, his gaze moving to her neck, shoulders and lower down to her breasts, finding himself growing hard. He couldn’t get enough of Ranjini, it seemed. Raising his hand, he brushed a thumb over the tip of her left breast, pleased to hear her soft moan.
Ranjini bent closer to his face, offering her breast to his seeking lips, holding his head between her hands, her thumbs caressing his ears. It had been barely minutes since they had made love and already wet was pooling between her legs as she felt the tug of Chandrakanth’s teeth on her teat. She fell back on the bed with her husband’s body stretched over hers, whimpering with pleasure as he made love to her all over again.
“I’m still not sure if I want to wear a sari or a ghagra choli for the reception. What do you think?” Lying back, sated, in Chandrakanth’s arms, Ranjini continued the conversation from where they had left off.
Holding her close to his chest, Chandrakanth whispered in her ear. “I’d say chuck both of those; I like you exactly the way you are. But since there’ll be other people around...” He burst out laughing when Ranjini’s small fists connected with his bare chest in rapid blows. Catching both her hands in his, he grinned. “Okay, you wild cat! I was just teasing.” He gave her a swift kiss on her reddened lips before saying, “Why don’t you get both sets of clothes ready? You can take a decision when you are in the mood for it and you’ll be prepared for either case.”
“You’re smart, I must say.” Ranjini gave him a wink before pressing her lips to his rough cheek. “I’ll go tomorrow. Would you know if Urvashi amma stocks up on Kanjivaram saris too?”
“If she does, there might not be too wide a choice. Get your sari from Pothy’s or Nalli’s. Do you want Vivek to go with you? I’ll be able to spare him for a few hours. Actually, it’d be ideal since Urvashi amma knows him well. What say?”
Ranjini nodded her head vigorously, a smile on her face. “Oh, that’d be great. Did I tell you that you’re the best?”
Chandrakanth’s coffee coloured eyes blazed with heat as he bent down to kiss the tip of her nose. “You did, but you can tell me again. I have no issues.” He winked at her. “I’ll get Vivek to call you before he picks you up.”
“What about your clothes?” she asked.
“My tailor’s coming over to take measurements tomorrow or the day after. Vivek’s handling the appointment, so I’m not really sure.”
Ranjini traced her charcoal gaze over Chandrakanth’s sharp features, liking what she saw. He was too handsome for words, her husband, a dark fuzz covering his fair cheeks. “What do you plan to wear?”
He took her hand and nibbled on her fingers as his gaze studied her face with equal fervour. “A three-piece suit, what else?”
“Will you get yourself a set of kurta-pajama along with a Nehru jacket? Just in case I choose to wear a ghagra choli?” Ranjini looked into his eyes. This was the first time she had made a suggestion about his attire, about anything at all actually. Would he listen to her?
Chandrakanth snuggled his face on her breasts, closing his eyes and breathing deeply. “That’s a damn good idea. Let’s talk about colours tomorrow. Will call you.” He yawned. “Sleepy now, g’night.”
He was fast asleep within a few seconds. Ranjini could feel the even rise and fall of his chest against her body as she ran a caressing hand down his smooth back, revelling in the texture. She smiled to herself, her mind running over the different colour palettes that would suit both of them. No, she didn’t want them to wear the same colours, not at all, but something that would complement for sure.
Ranjini woke up in the morning to see a message from Vivek. “Hi! I’m free from 10.30 onwards for a few hours. When would be a good time to pick you up?”
With a sleepy smile, Ranjini sent her reply. “Hey, thanks a ton. 10.30?”
Vivek’s ‘okay’ came back immediately.
Stretching, Ranjini got out of bed, walking into the bathroom. She was impressed by the way her husband left the bathroom—neat and fit for her use. His used clothes were thrown into a bamboo basket in the dry corner, the soap was left in its dish, the lid on the shampoo bottle was tightly shut, and the toothpaste and his brush were in the stand where they belonged. There were no damp towels lying around. Mentally blowing him a kiss, Ranjini stepped under the shower, setting it to a perfect temperature.
She got ready swiftly, wearing dark blue jeans and a sleeveless, hip length, synthetic top of deep orange. Brushing her thick curls thoroughly, she tied them up in a high pony. Applying kohl to her eyes and kumkum to the top of her hair parting, Ranjini took her handbag before rushing down the staircase.
Maragadham greeted Ranjini with a frown. “Where are you going?”
“Good morning, periamma. Right now, I’m going to the dining room to get some coffee and breakfast.” Ranjini answered cheekily. “Do you want to join me?” She gave Chandrakanth’s aunt a wide smile, not too bothered about the older woman’s deep scowl.
Maragadham eyed Ranjini’s handbag nastily as if it was a snake with its hood raised to strike at her. “Answer my question,” she snarled.
“I’m going shopping.” Ranjini sat down at the table even as Keerthi brought her a steaming cup of coffee.
“Does Chandrakanth know?”
“What’s your point, periamma?” Ranjini’s temper was quick to flare as she lost her patience.
“How dare you? How dare you talk to me so disrespectfully? I’ll...”
Ranjini shook her head. “I don’t understand what you mean. What does it matter to you if Chandru knows that I’m going out shopping or otherwise?”
“Don’t forget that I’m Chandrakanth’s periamma. Haven’t your parents taught you to respect your elders? How can you...?” Maragadham was shaking with temper by now, her face a dark shade of red.
“I haven’t forgotten anything. And please don’t drag my parents into this. I can see that you can’t stand me. That’s just too bad. But I can’t do a damn thing about it. If you have any grouse against me, I think it’s best that you take it up with your nephew and don’t pick on me at every opportunity. Please leave me alone while I have some breakfast in peace.” Ranjini’s voice was cutting. She shut her eyes for a few seconds, irritated with herself for losing her temper. But what the hell! Ranjini was used to leading an independent life.
Ranjini pulled the plate of rava pongal and coconut chutney before beginning to eat it swiftly, not really relishing the food. Leaving half the food uneaten, she pushed her plate away, requesting Keerthi for a second cup of coffee, her eyes shimmering with angry tears. She had failed to keep her promise to Chandru. It was just two days since she had come to live here and already she had been rude to his aunt. But, Maragadham periamma had turned out to be a thorn in her flesh. Ranjini brushed away her tears impatiently. She wouldn’t let the woman bring down her morale.
Vivek walked in just then and wasn’t really surprised to see Maragadham periamma’s flushed face. The old lady was a control freak and completely insecure to boot. He was well aware that she hadn’t forgiven her nephew for his hasty marriage to Ranjini. Never saying a word to Chandrakanth, Maragadham tended to throw her weight around others. He hadn’t really expected Ranjini to be spared.
“Hello periamma!” He called out to her, walking directly towards the dining room, confident of where he would find Ranjini at that time of the morning.
“Engada pora?” Maragadham stood in his way, demanding to know.
“Ranjini’s having breakfast, right? I came to see her.”
“What’s your business with Chandrakanth’s wife?”
Vivek looked up and down at the matriarch, biting his tongue to stop the harsh words that threatened to spill over. How was it the old lady’s business?
“I’m accompanying Ranjini to the shops.” Vivek sidestepped Maragadham neatly and walked on. He sat at the
table, requesting Keerthi for a cup of coffee. “Hi Ranjini! Are you ready to leave?” He didn’t say anything when he noticed Ranjini’s red nose, though he wasn’t really surprised.
“In a minute. Have you had breakfast?”
Vivek gave her a friendly grin, looking at his watch. “That was a couple of hours ago.”
“That’s when decent folk eat breakfast.” Maragadham had walked in right behind him and volunteered her opinion.
Ranjini laughed sarcastically. “Aren’t you the lucky one, Vivek? Periamma thinks you are decent.”
Vivek had to bite on his lips to stop the laugh that was trying to burst forth. He raised a thumb acknowledging Ranjini’s wit before accepting the coffee cup from Keerthi. “I have time till one. Do you know what all you plan to purchase?” Vivek asked Ranjini.
Ranjini rolled her eyes, not keen to discuss anything in front of Maragadham. “Will you be meeting Chandru after that?”
Scorpio Superstar (Written in the Stars Book 1) Page 8