The Biking family - X (By Mark Bradshaw)

While the ladies were dropping off Ragav, their sweethearts were at the fields with Sanjay and Ram. Ram revealed that they had 1 acre of land when they moved in. They adopted innovative methods such as earthworm based fertilization and mixed cultivation. Over time, they managed to increase the yield from 100 kg per acre to 1 ton per acre. All of that was done using organic methods. They taught these methods to other farmers who owned lands nearby. Together, they formed a co-operative to sell their produce. Those who worked in their farms were treated as their own family.
Sanjay went to agriculture college and learnt even more. Despite all prosperity, they remained simple. Their home cooking gas was bio-gas. The water pumps were solar power based pumps. Even during the worst power cuts, they remained unaffected by power problems. After all, sunlight is available in plenty. Seetha used to visit the farm for learning the techniques. Eventually, she got hooked to Sanjay. Sanjay blushed when he told that. 
The men were amazed at this awareness. The country needs more people like Ram. The ladies then returned home. They mentioned about Anjali acting as Ragav's girlfriend. The whole family burst into peals of laughter. It became late and the families were about to return. Aparna said, she will come over with Ganesh and the two kids in the car. Krishna would drive the bull with Anjali as pillion. Raja would rive the CBZ with Rani. Suddenly, Ram's wife asked Aparna why don't you guys stay back. After all, tomorrow is a holiday. She just couldn't resist having Bindu and Rahul around. It reminded her of those days when her daughter and Sanjay were playing around. As a mother Aparna figured out what she had in mind. 
Anjali said, she will go straight to her home as would Rani. Aparna would take Rahul and Bindu along in her car and the kids would stay with them for two weeks. The next time they would meet at Anjali's. Before leaving Anjali hugged the two kids and said, be good kids ok!! The kids retorted, "You be a good girl Amma. The tightly hugged her and kissed her". The whole family once again burst into laughter. How naughty these kids are? Rani repeated the same. She couldn't let go of loving kids. However, she was used to staying away from kids. Ragav used to do the same earlier. With tears they bid good bye to Ram's family and hit the road.
Aparna stayed back that night with Ganesh and kids. Aparna had conversations with Ram's wife (Suma) as only a mother and daughter could have. They talked about everything from food to clothing and the kids. Suma saw every bit of her daughter in Aparna. Occasionally, she would cry but Aparna quickly wiped off her tears. The kids were left to sleep with Ram and Suma. Ram couldn't get over the love that grandchildren gave. Innocently, they could come and sleep with them. The unadulterated smile brought boundless joy. Sanjay and Seetha went to their befroom. Aparna and Ganesh slept under moonlights. It was a different experience for them. They were bowled over by the love and hospitality shown by Ram. Ganesh said, how can we even match it . Aparna said, we can't. Villagers have no match when it comes to hospitality. Even a 5-star hotel can't do it. It is just priceless.
The next day, the Aparna woke up and went for a morning walk with Ganesh. The fresh unpolluted air of villages and the chirping of birds felt awesome. They had their early morning coffee, woke up the kids. Seetha gave bath to the two kids. She took care of them like she would to her own. After an early lunch, the were ready to depart. Aparna just went to Seetha and hugged her. She said, Sanjay is lucky. Sanjay hugged Aparna and said, he is lucky to have her as a sister. He would miss her once she leaves. The couple along with kids paid their respects to the elders and left home. Suma had packed good food so that they don't have to eat outside. Their thoughtfulness and hospitality was the topic of discussion throughout the drive. 
Anjali and Rani were happy pillions when they returned. However, Raja and Krishna found thier rider role a bit strange. They were more used to the ladies riding and them being pillion. Half way through the trip they switched roles. Rani looked gorgeous wearing her saree as did Anjali. No sooner did the ladies take over the handlebar, the gents took over the ladies. Rani drove with Raja alone after a long time. For Anjali it was reminder of the romantic trip they had to Aparna's a couple of weeks back. Raja pinched Rani in her hip. Rani giggled. Occasionally, she would slow down to 10 kph, turn around and kiss him. He would still hug her around her chest. Raja asked her not to exceed 50 kph. Rani replied, I am thinking of 30. They were just sad that their home would come too soon.
Eventually, the couples reached their respective homes around 1:30 am.
 Ganesh and Aparna went back home. The kids occupied their space for the next two weeks. Ganesh would come back from work early everyday just to be with the kids. His world seemed to revolve around them as was Aparna's. Aparna once went to the bike renter took them around town in a lightning 535. Rahul sat on the fuel tank and Bindu behind her. The sight of kids on the fuel tank was a throwback to the yesteryears when Ragav used to do the same. She just thought how fast do the kids grow up.
Then came the time to return. The family returned to Anjali's  in a luxury bus. All the four went back. Anjali welcomed them. Rani and Raja came on separate bikes. They returned Anjali's pulsar. Anjali returned Aparna's T-bird. They all returned home the next day. Rani went back on her CBZ with Bindu sitting in between the parents. While on the bike, Aparna was in a zone. The bike was her child. She wore a white salwar. She rode pillion this time. While riding, Ganesh asked if she is upset with anything. " Honey, do you want to ride?" Surprisingly, the answer was no.
He stopped at one of the restaurants and went over for a coffee with Aparna. He had heard for the first time that she didn't want to ride? Surely, something serious was going through her mind. He broke the ice and asked what are you missing in life. Aparna opened up and spoke up.
Ragav has been with me for 18 years and he has gone to college. You go to work every weekday. I am here all alone at home having just the bike for company. How long do you think this can go on? I have been busy all my life. I want to do something. Ganesh suggested that she give him a ride on the t-bird everyday to work. you can also pick me up in the evening. This will give you relief for atleast 3 hours everyday. Before you know, we will be back together. They were back on the saddle. Aparna felt better and let Ganesh ride.
She tried the trick as suggested by riding back and forth on her t-bird ferrying Ganesh to and fro the office. She wore colourful sarees every day while riding. News about her ride spread. Many knew about her ride timings and would line up the roads those specific ties of the day. Policeman handling manual traffic signals would stop the traffic in her direction of driving everytime she drove. Tea shops lining her route made brisk business. Traffic police would stop her arbitrarily and ask for her licence. Aparna began to sense what was going on and wanted to do something about it. The bull had already logged 6000 kms by then. 
What did she do? Will see again later.