The same weekend, Krishna and his mother Abirami, visited Thulasi's house. It was very obvious that Abirami didn't like their house. May be she was expecting a rich daughter-in-law thought Saradha..... She wondered whether this is really a good idea to go ahead with this plan.... But she didn't say anything.
And of course Abirami was very angry with her son. But she was not able to show her anger directly. Krishna has made it clear that whatever be the case he will marry Kavya only. But this house looks so old and these people seem to be without any good stuff...
After initial greetings and talks,
"Is this your own flat?" asked Abirami.
"No... This is a rented flat.... But... To tell you the truth, we are also from a good family madam... But five years back my husband signed guarantee for his friend and when that friend ran away, we had to pay for his money through our properties and it also took my husband's life....Now because of my elder daughter Thulasi, we are somehow managing our life...." said Saradha.
Abirami felt bad for the three women for a few seconds and then immediately cleared her mind and thought,
'I can't soften my heart... It is their problem..."
She also liked Kavya but then she looked enquiringly at Thulasi. Thulasi seemed to be happy. There was no trace of distress in her face...
"You all should pardon me for asking some blunt questions but I think it's better if we talk everything directly..." said Abirami
"Yes that's true..." accepted Saradha.
"Why are you trying to find a groom for your younger daughter when your elder daughter is not married yet?" asked Abirami.
There was an uneasy calmness for a few seconds. Krishna felt very uncomfortable, he wanted to scold his mother but he was not able to do that in front of others...
Thulasi looked at her mother... Saradha was trying to compose herself... So she replied to Abirami.
"There is no special reason.... I had to take care of mother and my sister and hence I never thought about a separate life for me" said Thulasi directly looking at Abirami's eyes with a smile.
Abirami's heart melted for a second. Thulasi looked so very beautiful and gracious. It's so bad that she has to sacrifice her life like this.... Again Abirami's mind scolded her...
'No Abirami, don't allow your heart to soften....'
Abirami was a bit confused. She decided that this is not going to help.... If I stay here for some more time, my heart will melt and I will also accept this marriage... She decided immediately, it’s better to discuss further in her own territory...
"Ok Thulasi... I think you are the one who is leading this family now... I would like to talk to you at my home tomorrow... Can you please come there?" asked Abirami.
Though a bit confused, after checking with her mother through eyes, Thulasi accepted Abirami's request.
"That's fine then.. We will meet tomorrow and decide..." said Abirami and stood up from the sofa.
Krishna too got up half heartedly. He kept starring at Kavya as if he didn't want to leave that place. Abirami had to literally pull him out from that place.
It was not very difficult for Thulasi to identify Krishna's house. It was a pretty looking house in a nice posh area. The house spoke volumes about their wealth. Thulasi was a bit confused about the reason for Abirami's invite.
When she rang the bell, a maid servant opened the door. After asking her name, the maid went inside and came back immediately and said,
"Please come in...."
And she took Thulasi to the living room. Abirami was sitting there in a sofa and there was one more person sitting in front of Abirami and showing his back to Thulasi. Thulasi greeted Abirami, and while doing so she was able to see the other person's image in the decorative mirror just behind Abirami. He was also starring at her through the mirror and Thulasi was totally surprised by his contempt look...
To be continued...