Match in the Making
Once in Delhi, Sandhya found the winter severe and the rehearsals taxing. Nevertheless, the prospect of participating in the prestigious parade excited her no end. And to uplift her spirits further, her parents wired their coming to the capital to watch the spectacle.
Then came the Republic Day, and the nation was wont to celebrate. Marching on the Rajpath that 26th January morning, Sandhya envisioned Roopa glued to her TV set. Besides, she was conscious about the presence of her parents, somewhere in the crowd, waiting to see her march past them. The thought that her dear ones were savoring her every step enhanced her grace and enlivened her vigor in her smart gait.
Soon, a thrilled Sandhya, made it back to the camp, and waited for her parents in all eagerness.
When the delighted Kalmalakars came to pick her up, she was overcome with emotion in that joyful reunion.
‘We’re proud of you, dear,’ said her parents patting her.
‘I’m glad you’ve come,’ she nestled to her mother.
‘Are you put up with our Rao uncle?’ Sandhya said getting into the Ambassador.
‘Of course,’ said Kamalakar.
‘Oh, how he used to tease me in those days,’ said Sandhya, as the Ambassador headed towards Chanakyapuri. ‘If only he had a son, he would have made me his daughter-in-law, that’s what he used to say.’
‘In fact,’ said Damayanthi, ‘he recalled that as he received us yesterday.’
When the Ambassador came to a halt in the portico of the Madhava Raos’ house, they came out in welcome.
‘Here’s a smart girl for us,’ exclaimed Madhava Rao leading them into the drawing room.
‘Charming as well,’ said Chitra Rao who was all in admiration of Sandhya.
‘Oh, how I regret,’ said Madhava Rao in jest, ‘that we didn’t adopt a boy.’
‘We can still have her in our family,’ said Chitra who got a brainwave, ‘if she’s married to Raja Rao.’
‘No doubt it’s an idea,’ seconded Madhava Rao. ‘They should make a fine pair.’
‘Is the search on,’ enquired Chitra, ‘for a suitable boy?’
‘Now that she’s in the final year,’ said Damayanthi in contemplation, ‘it’s time we began the hunt.’
‘What’s the hurry?’ questioned Sandhya coyly.
‘Perhaps you’ll change your mind,’ said Chitra as though to put ideas into Sandhya’s head, ‘after meeting my nephew.’
‘It looks like you’re rooting for him,’ said Kamalakar thoughtfully.
‘That’s true, and his resume speaks for itself,’ said Madhava Rao. ‘He’s a Civil Engineer from IIT, Powai, and did his MS in Architecture at Brooklyn. Now he is a Senior Architect at Pioneer Architects, the market leaders. It’s rare to come across someone with his talents. Above all, he has the ability to think. And that should make him a good captain to steer ashore the marital ship through troubled waters. However, he’s twenty-eight, if that’s an objection, as Sandhya could be barely twenty.’