THOSE PRICEY THAKUR GIRLS by Chauhan Anuja

Author:Chauhan, Anuja [Chauhan, Anuja]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, azw3, epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2013-02-17T18:30:00+00:00

‘All in favour of First Officer Dev Pawar, raise your hands!’ cries out Binni’s husband Vickyji, getting to his feet and thumping the dining table with vigour. ‘Majority wins.’

The Brigadier’s phone call last evening, in which he placed his eldest son’s proposal before Mrs Mamta, has led to a high-level conference at 16 Hailey Road. The whole family is gathered in the drawing room to discuss the ‘situation’. The arrival of two sons-in-law – one from Bhopal, the other from the US – has only added to the war-room like atmosphere.

‘That’s just silly,’ Eshwari remarks. ‘Majority has nothing to do with it. What Dabbu says goes.’

‘You be quiet,’ Binni snaps. ‘Ma, she should be in the drawing room with Monu-Bonu and Samar. Chabbu, go.’

‘No,’ Eshwari says combatively, tossing her spiky fringe out of her eyes.

Binni scowls. She has never really forgiven Eshwari for thumbs-downing Vickyji outright when his rishta came for Binni, five years ago. Eshwari, then only twelve, had taken one look at his photograph, drawn a horrified gasp and blurted out, ‘Don’t do it, Binni didi! He can’t even shut his mouth – you’ll spend your whole life keeping him from swallowing flies!’

Which was a slight exaggeration. But it can’t be denied that Vickyji’s teeth radiate out wondrously, like the rays of a cartoon sun. They are also nicely spaced – like modern housing – with a half-inch gap between each tooth. This causes his spit to sometimes spray out. Add to that his short stature, wispy curls and sing-song nasal voice, and one can understand why his wife avers that looks are nothing, it is character that is of supreme importance.

And Vickyji’s character is top ka, declares Binni loyally. See how much guts he has! Doing his own business instead of being a salary slave like that boring Anant Singh.

Basically, I’ve got a dud set of brothers-in-law, Eshwari muses gloomily. The first is a handsome bore, the second is a thook-spraying loan solicitor and the third is so persona non grata that I’m not even allowed to mention him. I have to get Dylan into this family.

‘Of course this can’t be settled by a show of hands,’ the Judge says testily. ‘Sit down, Vickyji.’

Vickyji sits down, not at all abashed.

‘Either way, it’s a problem of plenty,’ Anant smiles gravely. ‘Which is great news. You’ve become such a star, Dabbu. Well done.’

‘I’m a little surprised, ekchully!’ Vickyji admits. ‘Because theek hai, she is reading the news and all, but it’s not like she’s very beaut – I mean,’ he amends hastily, with an apologetic glance at Debjani, ‘she’s no Binni, let’s just say.’

He looks at his fair, buxom, bold-eyed wife with proprietary pride. Binni blushes.

‘B for beautiful,’ Eshwari murmurs, nudging Debjani. ‘D for dowdy. E for, um, excruciatingly ugly.’

Anjini waits for Antu to jump in and extol her virtues too. But he doesn’t. He isn’t speaking to her at all. Why has he even bothered to come? she wonders petulantly. If all he’s going to do is ignore me! I’ve a good mind to sleep on the terrace with the girls tonight.

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