Sunday, 8 June 2014

1. Srilaxmi’s shrimantham



CHAPTER 1
Srilaxmi’s shrimantham

Rajeshwar was working as railway superintendent. He had twin boys of 2years age. His sister Srilaxmi was now 7 months pregnant. Today they were having a function called ‘srimantam’ for the pregnant lady at their house.

Rajeshwar got down from an auto with flowers and sweets. He was happy to see the rangoli and the decorations in front of the house. Srilaxmi was sitting on a chair. Many ladies were around her talking happily.

Rajeshwar’s wife Srilekha came near him. “You have arrived on time. Wash you hands and legs and join us.”

Rajeshwar looked at his sister, Shrilaxmi and smiled. He placed the sweets and flowers on the table. Srilekha distributed the sweets. The guests took the sweets and applied kunkum on the pregnant girl’s forehead.

The guests were leaving. The 2 years old twins Ram and Laxman were playing around. They saw their father enter the room and ran towards him happily. They hugged him tightly.

Rajeshwar laughed at his sons and opened a special peda box. “Wait. First I have to give peda to your mommy.”

Boys shouted, “No. First give to me.”

Rajeshwar pinched Ram’s cheek. “If you want a sister, the first peda is for your mother.”

Srilaxmi laughed. “I am sure that it will be a girl this time.”

Rajeshwar took one peda and put it into her mouth. “This time you must give us twin girls.”

Srilaxmi laughed, “No. I don’t want twins again. After the delivery I want to get that operation done so that I will not have any more children.”

Rajeshwar was surprised. “Why?”

“I am so grateful to you all for having got an orphan like me married. This is my 2nd delivery.”

Srilekha caressed her head lovingly. “You may be his sister, but to me you are like a daughter.”

Srilaxmi looked up at hum with love. “My husband is just a tailor. He may be happy to have children but it is so difficult to bring them up.”

Rajeshwar said, “Don’t worry. We are there for you.”
He looked at his wife. “Srilekha, tomorrow you go to the bazaar and get dresses for these children.”

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