Eklavya

Chapter XLIII

Nalini shot an accusing look to Malti who smiled back sheepishly, "Why are you not taking care of your health?" he ended.

"Don't take Malti's words seriously. She has a way of making a mountain out of a mole." Grumbled Nalini under her breath as Malti gasped in shock at her words then pouting her lips squinted her eyes at the elder woman.

Waving off her antics, Nalini indulged in speaking dearly with her grandson, "When are you both coming to Lucknow? Last time, only you visited me. This time I want both of you to come together." She spoke strictly.

"Of course, we'll come together this time," Rudra assured her, taking a pause before continuing, "Grandma...."

"What do you want to say, Rudra?" Nalini gently asked, her voice encouraging him to say whatever was in his heart.

Rudra struggled to find precise words as his ears turned red in embarrassment, "What do you think of Saanvi?"

Astounded for a moment, Nalini blinked before a victorious smile graced her benevolent face. 'So, my ship has finally sailed!' She mused. Wanting to tease her grandson a little bit she decided to feign ignorance.

"Saanvi? You mean Chanda! What about her?" she asked.

Rudra scratched his head, grasping words to form a single sentence, "You've always talked about how much you adore Saanvi and how much you find her company enjoyable,"

"I said that! I wonder when did I say those words?" Nalini stated, puzzled.

Rudra paled and that then grumbled, "Stop teasing me Grandma. You sure must've realised by now what I'm talking about,"

Nalini giggled heartily at her grandson's plight. Poor boy was downright embarrassed and she so wished he was in front of her so she could enjoy the uneasy look on his face.

"I love that child, just as I love you two." Nalini spoke instantly infusing some relief in Rudra's body, "Just remember I would hate to see tears in her eyes. And I'd hate it even more if you're to become the reason behind them,"

Rudra nodded his head diligently at this and assured her, "I promise I would never give you a single chance of complain Grandma,"

Curling her lips up in a pleased smile, Nalini spoke, "That's good to hear. Now leave all that and quickly fill me in on your cute little love story,"

Rudra swore he'd never felt as embarrassed as he had that day.

~*~*~*~*~

Irritated beyond bounds, Anamika shot a death-glare in Advay's direction. This was the fifth time she'd caught him changing the position of the tokens.

Currently they're in Advay's room playing Ludo with Rudra and Aarav also. As today was a state holiday all of them decided to give their tired bones some respite.

But like the cheat Advay was he'd been constantly changing their tokens' positions and what not. Even the little brat Aarav was surprisingly so in tune with him today.

'Of course! Cheaters are always on the same page,' she scoffed.

It was Rudra who'd smacked the head of that oaf first. "Change the positions again and I'll beat you to a pulp,"

Advay acted as if Rudra had said something blasphemous, "What?! Me?! I never did that. What proof do you have anyways?"

"Of course! Rule one of being a cheater is to never admit that you cheated in the first place," Rudra scoffed, glaring daggers at Advay.

"That's why I never like playing with you two," Anamika hissed at them in irritation.

Offended at being lump together with Advay, Aarav quickly rebutted, "Why are you dragging me in this now? I always play fair."