Eighteen Minus (COMPLETED)

Chapter 18

KARTHIK
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'Biscuit Rotti!!! Tantadaaaa!!!' Rashmi cheerfully brought the plate full of Biscuit Rotti, a famous Mangalorean snack on the table. It looked delicious and smelled heavenly. I smiled and quickly picked one and munched upon it. It was yummy. It brought so many childhood memories alive as I kept munching on it.

'Yencha Aatanda?(How does it taste?)' she asked and I smiled saying
'Shashikala Maami taught you well. It's come out very well!!! Good job Rashu!!!' I said and continued munching on it when she smiled saying

'Amma doesn't hate you Karu!!! She's just upset that you denied marrying Ramya when she really wanted you to be her son in law!!! She doesn't understand that Ramya was in love!!! She still blames you because you said no to the wedding she was forced to have Ramya married outside our caste!!! You know how Amma is when it comes to family, surname and pride!!!' and I smiled saying

'I don't care Rashu!!! Your sister is happy and that's all that matters. You and I are generations apart but we still have a strong bond but Ramya and I...we were childhood buddies!!! Mom was kicked out by Mrs Durga Kamalakar Shetty but Shashikala Maami and Periyamme were always there for mom. Periyamme was bound by Mrs Shetty's rules and regulations but Maami openly announced that she would do as per her wish. She was the only family I visited during my summer vacations Rashu. I played, ate from her hands, and listened to stories from her.

Hurts a lot when I see hatred in her eyes.' I opened up when Rashmi slowly rubbed my back and patted. I couldn't stop a few drops of tears from escaping from my eyes.

'Karuuuu please yaar!!! Shhhhh!!! You have to be strong!!! You know na Sagar uncle wants you to take over as the head of the Guttu Mane? You are the 'Odeya' (Owner) of this household, the village...you are educated and you are the rightful heir of all this!!! You are the eldest child of the Shetty household. The most educated as well!!! I know whatever happened in the past has hurt you and Anita Aunty a lot but you deserve this...it's your right and our pride!!!' she said when I wiped my tears as anger bubbled inside me and I said

'Never!!! Not in this lifetime Rashmi!!! I won't do it. I don't want anything from Mrs Shetty's household. Believe me if it was in my hands I wouldn't even be in this village right now!!! This place and these people only gave my mother pain and humiliation. Nothing else Rashmi!!! I know Periyamme needs me but Ganni is also capable of handling things. I know he's a doctor but he also knows his family responsibilities. He will manage!!!'

Rashmi looked at me and said
'Ganni is a kid Karu!!! You know he's immature at times!!!' and I raised an eyebrow saying 'Then you marry him and turn him into a mature man!!!' I said when she scowled and started hitting my chest and I chuckled. She held my hand and slowly pulled me into a warm hug. It was much needed. I am strong and I know I can handle it all but at times even the strongest man needs to let down his guards. Rashu and Ganni were the family...my cousins I frequently kept in touch with because I didn't want to hurt Maami and I didn't want to be in the shade of Mrs Shetty even by mistake.

'We miss you so much Karu!!! So much!!!' and I smiled saying

'I know baby!!! I miss you too' saying I tightened my arms around her when I suddenly heard the sound of a glass falling on the floor. I turned around and saw Shika standing by the door. She looked hesitant to come in and quickly said

'Ummm I...I was thirs...thirsty!!! So I...Sorry I didn't mean to invade your privacy!!!'

While Rashmi quickly said 'Hey Vanshika!!! Nothing like that!!! You are acting like you found your husband having an affair with someone!!! Haha typical tv serial style ...you know that Dhom tananana thingy!!!' and I slapped back of Rashmi's head making her go 'Owww you jerk!!!' and I chuckled