Life is beautiful.If we want to experience.Beauty around us.Let ourselves lose.In moment with time.Vivaan was sneezing.Non stop from morning.He had to manage office from home.Shivani got him steaming.Cup of coffee.Touching his head and checking temperature.Lately he developed this habit.Of catching cold easily.She advised him to visit doctors too.Because of his allergy.

S-"Vivaan when will you grow up.Have been asking you to visit doctor.From months.Still not giving priority to this."

V-"Mom Im fine.Just running bad cold and fever.Dont worry.When is Dad returning from his trip?I feel he has given up on his family.Hardly get to see him with us.Hope he isnt involved with something else?Do you keep your eyes on him."

S-"You are impossible.He is your father.Dont forget that."

He smiled at his mother.As she got angry on him.For his jokes.This is what he loved about his parents.Their love and understanding.Trust is foundation of relationship.

V-"Tell me something Mom.You and Dad have been together.For years.What is it that makes you both.So compatible and easy with each other.Decisions and anything."

S-"Well this is what marriage makes you do.When you have life partner.You share your happiness,grief and all emotions with him.Doing that makes you easy.It makes you feel someone is there.Share your pain.Who will be with you till.End and never leave your side."

Shivani saw him lost somewhere.She knew where his thoughts.She cursed herself for making him remember.Saddest part of his life.No matter what happens.She would never forget how life has given her son.Biggest pain.Ramya will never be forgotten.She touched his head.Ruffling his hairs.He gave weak smile.

S-"Life is all about embracing happiness.Whatever form it comes.My son understands that."

V-"I hope I do.Nowadays all Im doing.Planning and plotting.Your son has become.Like villain in films."

S-"Can see outcomes of your.Planning and plotting.Vivaan I was thinking.Why dont you go for trip.For few days.It will be change.Something you both need."

V-"Who?"

S-"Who else.You and Varna.You never went to any place.After marriage.Situation wasnt like that.Take her somewhere nice.She will feel good."

V-"yes but before feeling good.She will strangle me.Then cry for your son.Mom she is Varna.You are forgetting."

S-"Vivaan.You keep on misinterpreting her.Her actions doesnt sync with whats.In her heart."

V-"How should I deduce that Mom.Im trying."

It was Sunday morning.Vikram was seen getting angry.On helpers who were cleaning garden.Varna heard his voice.She havent seen him this angry.She took his coffee in garden area.He was shouting at helpers.Garden and plants were mess.Leaving few here and there.Vivaan have not been keeping well.So he wasnt able to concentrate much too.

V-"Thanks for coffee Varna.Thought Im not getting one today."

Var-"You shouldnt shout like this.Not good for your health.You have blood pressure problems."

V-"What should I do then.See Im not here for few days.They mess up everything.Vivaan is also not looking at all this properly.I love my plants and cant see them.In this state."

Varna followed him.As he went to one part of garden.Where some leaves dried up.Almost dead.He touched them.Finding few still fresh.He started watering them.He was about to touch another plant.When heard Varnas voice.

Var-"Dont touch that.Its poisonous."

V-"How do you know that?"

She bit her lips.Vikram smiled at her.After few minutes both were seen.Walking around garden.Having good conversation.

V-"I didnt knew.You are fond of gardening too.Im so glad now.Someone like me.You know Vivaan and me.We used to do all this.Together.This whole place.Plants and all set up.Was done by him.But see him now.Given up on everything good.Nowadays everyone have become so workoholic.Dont have time for good work."

Var-"I used to take care of my plants.Back at home.No matter how busy.My schedule was.I spent hours with them.Karuna aththai used to get so angry."

V-"This word used to.Is good for nothing word.See whatever we are fond of doing in life.We should never let it be in our past.Im sure you havent forgotten your hobby.We never do.Your mother in law could never.Make me read books much.Like she does.Same way I dont force her to spend time with my plants."

Var-"You both are compatible."

V-"Well compatibility doesnt happen.We have to make it happen.Few adjustments here and there.Now see she is glaring at me.From inside.If I dont go now.She have many things to tell me."

Varna felt nice.After spending time with Vikram.She walked alone for few minutes.Remembering her childhood.Brought back memories of her father.Vikram reminded her of Prakash.How she felt deprived of love.For so long.It was right she never tried to contact them.In this time from her end.She does talk on phone.Asking Karuna about his health.Didnt he once have heart to speak to his daughter.Doesnt he miss her.She didnt fail to.Control tear forming in her eyes.Alice playing with ball and her children.As Varna bent down.Rubbing her head.She craved for love in life.Will she ever get.Her eyes saw Vikram and Shivani.Laughing over something.They made couple so much.In love.After years of marriage.Varna thought.About her own marriage.Her experience.With past and present.

Whole house has turned into mess.Some weird cooking competition has turned up.With Reyaansh and Varna ending.Up on one team.Vikram and Lata on one.Vivaan and Nandini on third team.Shivani was judge for today.All she was seeing.Chaos and kitchen messed up.Lunch time was almost there.But it was good to see.Her family finally like normal one.

Lata was making dessert item.While Vikram was helping her at his best.He was good cook.On other side.Reyaansh was kneeding dough.In way as if he was punching bag.Varna saw that and couldnt hide her laugh.She was making something.Till now no one can get to know it.It was like secret.Nandini was making curry and biriyani.Wiping her sweat off.She could see Vivaan fanning himself.With paper.It was too hot.

R-"Varna fighting with punching bag.Is much better than this.I mean.How do you manage household chores.Like this.Not easy man."

It was sight to watch Reyaansh.Almost losing his breath.Wearing an apron with shirt and knee length shorts.Her eyes shifted to others.Keeping on mind they have to win as team.As she hurried with her dish.She raised her brows.To see what was happening outside on garden.She could see Nandini cooking alone.As she opened window from kitchen.Get better sight.Her mouth opened.Watching Vivaan playing with Alice.Lying on tent outside.Poor Nandini was handling.Everything alone being ordered by him.

R-"Varna Im done."

Var-"Reyansh see.Nandu is working alone."

R-"Wow so we are winning."

Var-"Thats not right.We all are teams.So why only one person will be working.Not fair."

R-"Everything is fair in love and war.I mean this is competition.Anna is too lazy to move his hands.With cooking he has zero idea.Yes he can eat well."

After getting done with her work.Varna came outside to see.Nandini cutting tomatoes.She didnt see Vivaan around.She started helping Nandini.Getting smirk from her.

Var-"Why that look?"

N-"Someone wants to help someone win.Can see that."

Var-"Dont dream so much.Was feeling bad you are working alone.Your partner is good for nothing."

N-"Hey he is not that bad.He helped me looking for recipe."

Both laughed sharing moment.As they were done.Vivaan came with two parcels.Of curry packed from outside.He was checking to see.If anyone was around.Till he bumped with Nandini.

N-"Anna this is cheating.What if someone finds out."

V-"We will tell them.Nandu took hours to cook one biriyani.So dont have option."

N-"How mean.Least I made something.You didnt."

V-"Hello I got these.So we are done.Its too hot.Cant be here now.Come lets go inside.I think we won."

Both gave hi five.To each other.With beaming smiles on face.Situation was much tense inside.Vikram and Lata were arguing.Over garnishing their desserts.Varna checked time.Started panicking as Reyaansh was.Almost half dead.Sleeping on table in kitchen.She shake him.Splashed water on his face.They saw Shivani was already on table.Calling time out.

Var-"This is cheating.I have seen him.Getting food from outside.This wasnt allowed."

Varna glared at Vivaan.Who was hiding behind Nandini.Standing with embarassing look.Reyaansh took chance.Jump in.

R-"See so we won.Cheaters.Nandu being doctor you cheat.How will I show my face to world.Very bad."

N-"Shut up Rey.I didnt cheat.Anna got this from outside."

Others chuckled while Vivaan slapped his head.This was Varnas plan.To make Nandini speak truth.She smirked.Crossing her arms.Vivaan glared at her.

V-"Rey I dont know.How she became doctor.She trapped you girl."

R-"Whatever Anna.We won.Mom what are we getting?As prize."

V-"No way.We got food on table first.You guys took extra time.So we were first.Right Mom."

Var-"Competition was to make food at home.Not getting from outside.This makes us winners."

V-"Really speaking like saint.As if you didnt cheat.Who came to help Nandu.Wasnt this part of competition then."

Sh-"Varna this is bad.Why did you help them."

R-"When did this happen?Where was I."

Var-"Sleeping.Yes so what.I helped her because her partner was.Doing nothing but sleeping.Poor girl was alone."

V-"Look at her making excuses.Cheating is cheating.Mom tell us we are winners."

Var-"But this is not fair."

V-"Everything is fair when you do?Tell me why did you help us then."

Var-"Told you because Nandu."

R-"What Nandu.Say you wanted to help your husband win.Who didnt lift a spoon.He will win now.Varna you ruined all my efforts."

Var-"What.No I didnt."

Vivaan smirked standing.Staring at her.She was embarassed in front of everyone.With all arguing and making noise.Shivani was sitting with Pranush on her lap.He wasnt getting why all were shouting.He was focused on giving good wash to his chubby fist.

Sh-"Enough.All stop now.We have baby here.Vikram you too."

Vivaan went to stand behind Varna.Making her frown.She shifted to Reyaansh.Who was busy fighting with his wife.Vivaan drifted more towards Varna.His shoulder touching hers.She glared at him.He made innocent face.

V-"You could have told me.So eager to help me.Would have dropped plan of winning."

Var-"Please.Im not fool to do that.I never lose.See."

V-"I see.Vivaan Reddy never loses.Watch now."

Both were giving each other deadly looks.When Shivani announced winner.Lata and Vikram.Vivaan and Varna came out of eye lock.Seeing Reyaansh nagging.Nandini went to take shower.Doesnt caring much about all this.

R-"Mom you are being partial.Towards your husband.We worked harder than Dad."

Vik-"What did you do.At this age we made three desserts.You couldnt make dough properly."

R-"Anna say something."

Var-"Congratulations Aththai.Im happy.At least deserving ones won."

R-"Our partners ditched us anna.All efforts wasted."

V-"Dont worry.Will make sure.This is covered up."

After half of day went.With fighting and cooking.Finally lunch was served on table.Varna fed Pranush.Took shower and helped Nandini on serving.Vivaan was making faces.At Reyaansh still cribbing about how much he worked hard.Pranush was with them.All settled on table.When Vivaans eyes fell on his favorite dish.He didnt have it for long time.His face brightened with smile as he.Started tasting it.

V-"Mom this tastes awesome.Who made this.Must be Aththai."

L-"No Vivaan sorry.We made only desserts today."

Sh-"Nandu you made this?"

R-"She took hours to cook one biriyani.Haha."

N-"What did you do.Punching the dough."

Vik-"Then who made.Well whoever did.Tastes delicious.Shivi even your cooking skills.Have competition now."

Vivaan was relishing his favorite curry.Not letting anyone touch.Shivani looked for Varna.She came serving desserts.After having lunch.All were discussing who made what.It came out that Varnas secret.Recipe was curry.She made and it hit Vivaans ears.She was busy with Pranush.He looked at her.

R-"Now I know.Why she wasnt letting recipe out.Annas favorite dish.Thats cool."

Vivaan smacked his head.Nandini and others started teasing too.Varna remained miffed.trying to make them understand.This was an experimental dish.Karuna aththai taught her.While back at home.Damage was already done.Can she make them understand now.She cursed herself.After all dishes she has to cook that one.But why.She made faces.Keeping Pranush toys on one side.Cleaning bed.When Vivaan entered room.Observing her actions.It was fun to see her all red with anger.Even he knew maybe.She cooked that by accident.What he liked was she wasnt reacting.Violently like before.

Few days later it was random evening.Varna was in garden.Having tea and watching Alice and her babies.They make her smile now.It was good to see her antics.She was enjoying her evening tea after wrapping up all chores.Vivaan came to see sight.So beautiful and he wished to capture this in his phone.For some reason.Varnas smiled looked different that day.Something he wanted to see back.On her.She didnt knew till her eyes fell on him.Standing at distance.Smiling to himself.She felt weird.He changed his expressions immediately.As she started walking inside house.He remembered something.

She was brushing her hair.Sitting in front of dresser.He came from behind.Unable to say what he wanted to.He scratched his head.Then taking his laptop.Started working.She shrugged off her thoughts.He and his weird behavior.Her eyes fell on box.Neatly place on table.She looked at it with observation.There was some jewelry inside.She frowned and opened it.Find a beautiful set  inside it.Simple but classy how she likes.For moment she liked the necklace touching it.Along with ear rings.Her smiled started fading hearing his voice.

V-"Wasnt much sure about your choices.Hope this goes well."

Var-"You got this for me?"

V-"Yeah.I wont keep it here.If its for Mom or Aththai.Wont bring this for Pranush.Its of no use to him."

Var-"I know that.Thats why asking.Why this?"

V-"Its a gift.I guess thats simple."

Var-"Why will you gift me something."

V-"Now is there rule too.People cant gift Varna anything."

Varna closed box.Making up her mind.She handed it back to him.Making him disappointed from inside.He wasnt sure how she will react.But he was seeing this coming.

Var-"I cant take this.Sorry."

V-"You didnt like it?"

Var-"When did I say that?"

V-"Then whats problem.Can get it changed."

Var-"You dont need to gift me anything.I mean.Why."

V-"If you need reason.Then fine.You made that dish really good.That day.So this is from my side.Thank you."

Var-"I didnt made that dish for you.It was a random try.Im tired explaining."

She was about to leave.When he caught her hand.Startling her.She looked at his eyes.They were calm but expressive.She feared them.He left her hand.Situation was awkward for them.

V-"Everything cant be explained Varna.Sometimes we need to let things.Be way they are.Anyways if you say so.Take this as gift from me.Least for making you work.Troubling you for all these days.Small gesture.I can expect this much.From you maybe."

He left box on table.Leaving from room.Varna sat with dejected face.She shut her eyes.Every time he is in front of her.It makes things so much.Complicated for her.Inner turmoil she goes through.She went to touch box.Opening it.Light smile graced her lips.She sees evrything.Knows everything.Only she cant accept things way they are coming to her.Doesnt matter how she justifies her every action.She cant be on denial.With this for sure.As she looked at neckpiece.Remembering that day.It was intentional.She made dish for him.But can she ever confess this to him.To her own self.She wont.

............................................................................................................

Have two news for readers.One good and one bad.Good news is that Im back.I will finish Fragile Hearts.So dont worry.Im not leaving this incomplete.Hope you will like this chapter.All ViVarna admirers.

Bad news is that.I have unpublished The Lost Princess.Reason is obvious.When one goes on long break.Its difficult to connect with story.You were writing.Its like an off for me.I havent deleted story.But I want to finish Fragile and Silent screams now.I will surely.

Hope you all can understand.Writing is my hobby.Something I love and I cant write for sake of.Posting updates and wrapping up story.I needed some time.Im doing much better now.Thank you to those who wished me.Sorry to those who were angry and disappointed.With my absence.

Please do not forget to vote and comment.

:)