Priya’s brother-in-law’s engagement party was going on in full swing. Rings had been exchanged and the new couple were busy with the photographers. As the night spread its dark blanket, people had started departing after enjoying a hearty dinner.
Once the ground was clear and all senior citizens had been escorted out, Rahul went to the parking area to get the secret stuff from his car .
“Hey Rahul! What are you doing here?” asked Priya as she peeped inside.
“Champagne bottles..?” She stared at him in disbelief.
“You know your mom and dad are strictly against it. What will happen if they come to know about it?”
“My brother got engaged today. This is a moment of celebration. It would be incomplete if we don’t open a champagne bottle. No one will come to know anything. Just chill darling,” replied Rahul.
Priya was still worried as Rahul took the box inside but she followed him quietly.
The young crowd cheered merrily when Rahul opened the bottle and raised a toast to the newly engaged couple. Everyone present there danced to the beats of the band with champagne filled glasses.
“Priya, this is for you,” said Rahul.
“But Rahul….”
“Don’t be a spoil sport.”
Priya took a sip hesitatingly. It was sweet. She liked it. Slowly, she completed her glass. Someone refilled it. The soft breeze, the music, she loved everything and unwittingly gulped down four more glasses, one after the other. She now felt as if she was among the stars, laughing whole heartedly, without any fears, without any social bars.
Suddenly someone shook her.
“Time to go sweetheart,” said Rahul.
As they reached home, Rahul opened the door as noiselessly as possible. Rahul held Priya’s hand and tiptoed towards their bedroom.
But Priya refused to go with him, “I will sleep with mom. I have to tell her something!”
Rahul was shocked. What was she thinking? Had she become tipsy? He had not observed her much as he had got busy with his friends.
“Mom is sleeping. You can talk to her tomorrow “
“No!”, she said adamantly, “I will sleep with Mom. MOM ! MOM !”
Rahul tried to calm her down but Priya was out of control.
Suddenly the lights were switched on.
“Priya! what happened?”
“Nothing Mom…..” interjected Rahul but his sentence remained incomplete.
Priya had gone and hugged her mother-in-law.
“I love you Mom,” said Priya. “I love you sooooo much.”
Aarti was startled because of Priya’s behaviour. She had always been her Sanskari Bahu after all.
She wrinkled her nose, “Have you taken alcohol?”
“No Mom. Justttt a little bit of champagne. I refused but Rahul forced me. He too had it. A full bottle,” replied Priya as she faltered.
Aarti was shocked. She gave a stern look to Rahul. Her dutiful son!
A flustered Rahul could only look down at the floor, “I am sorry Mom.”
“We will talk tomorrow,” said Aarti.
———————
Next morning..
“Ohhh! my head hurts like hell,” said Priya.
“Mine too!” Rahul groaned.
_—————————
Word count: 500 words
Borrowed word: Champagne
The word Champagne has been borrowed from French word Champagne .
Glossary:
Sanskari Bahu: cultured daughter-in- law
