Blue Dream – Chapter 9

Grandfather has a secret desire. Not so secret—we all know he wants to buy a big car for the family.
(But getting Granny’s approval? Mission impossible.)

Grandfather is a self-made man. Now he has the money.
But Granny, who supported him all his life.
(For that he has to pay price for the rest of whole of his life.)

Normally, it takes a month for Granny to approve a new table, or a new chair or inviting grandfather’s relatives.
A car? That’s a year-long battle—minimum.

Still, Grandfather has a plan:
Courage. Patience. Perseverance and a little bit manipulation(grandfather is bad at that better he stays on patience)
He keeps her happy, and wait for the right moment.

A few days later…

Granny: “My sister is visiting tomorrow with her husband and grandchildren.”
Grandfather (excited): “Wonderful! I’ll pick them up from the station.”
Granny: “No need. They’ll manage.”
Grandfather: “As you say.”
Granny: “They’ll stay for a few days.”
Grandfather: “We’ll be happy to have them.”
Granny: “You’ll take her husband to your office every day. Good time pass for him.”

Grandfather runs his own company. He did not like her idea but he had no choice. (It is his workplace, not a club)

She looked at us and declared,
“My sister is bringing her grandchildren. Keep them entertained.”
We were more than happy—six of us plus two more? Jackpot.
More chaos, more fun.

Then came the kitchen orders:
“Three special meals a day. They must be delicious,” Granny told Mom and Chachi ji.
They smiled and said, “Sure.”
When some guest are there at home, for sure work load is more but granny is less nagging and critical. 

When they arrived, it felt like a mini festival.
I was thrilled—good food, laughter, and no nagging to study.
(And let me tell you, pretending to study is harder than actually studying!)
Everyone was happy—except Grandfather.

His patience was truly tested at the office.
Uncle questioned every little thing about his work style.
And on top of that, he wouldn’t stop bragging about how brilliantly he runs his own business back home.
(Human desires are the root cause of misery—how true.)

(Grandfather smiled, but you could hear his inner scream.
Human desires are the root cause of misery. So true.)

Back home, Granny’s sister was having the time of her life.
Four glorious meals a day, all served with love.
She told Granny,
“You’re lucky. Your daughters-in-law treat you so well.”
Granny sniffed.
“It’s all show. Just acting sweet because you’re here.”

“Really?” her sister asked.

Granny said, “They argue with me on silly things. Always trying to escape kitchen duty and run off to the market with their husbands.”

“How often do they go?” her sister asked, wide-eyed.

Granny fell silent for a moment, and after a long pause, she finally spoke,“They’re just not confident enough to go anywhere on their own. They can’t manage without me”. 

Granny continued, “When they visit their parents, they come back all full of attitude and ready for a fight. You know how hard it is to manage a big family. They never miss a chance to criticize me, and to turn their husbands against me.” 

Granny’s sister, nodding in understanding, replied, “I know exactly what you mean. My daughter-in-law does the same thing.”

Granny got encouraged and said, “I do so much for them and their families. I’ve built up property and bought gold to secure their future. I save every penny, but they don’t value it. Not one bit.”

Her sister gave a sympathetic nod. 

Granny’s tone shifted, a hint of something more mysterious in her voice. “Come, I’ll show you something.”

Her sister, curiously followed Granny to her secret room. Granny opened the door with her keys which was hidden in her secret pocket (a lot of keys there…does not itch her)

The door open, revealing a closet filled with gold sets—bracelets, rings, necklaces—the kind of wealth that could leave anyone breathless. Granny had been collecting these treasures over the years.

Her sister’s eyes widened, there was something else in her gaze—an appreciation for her sister. 

Females…females can be easily impressed with gold and jewels even if they don’t get anything still they enjoy such a view)

Granny’s sister, admired the collection, “You’ve really done a great job.”

Granny, satisfied with her sister’s reaction, gave a subtle smile. (Mission accomplished).

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.
Granny looked up and asked, “Who is it?”
Mom’s voice came from outside, “It’s me.”
“What?” Granny snapped.
“I need to talk to you. Please open the door,” Mom said.
“Go away. I’ll talk to you later,” Granny replied sharply.
“It’s urgent,” Mom insisted.

Granny turned to her sister and muttered, “They never let me be in peace.”
Mom added, “It’s a phone call from Grandfather. He says he needs to talk to you.”
Granny shouted, “Just take the message!”

Then, she whispered to her sister, “Can’t they figure out anything on their own? That girl has no brains.”

Five minutes later, another knock.
Granny’s irritation was now visible.
Mom said, “Grandfather is saying he wants to take the whole family out for lunch. So I won’t cook anything today.”

Granny paused, then replied, “Wait, I’m coming out. Don’t hang up the phone.”

She quickly hurried to put all the gold back into the locker.

Granny rushed to the phone, all charged up. “Tell me, what special thing do you want to eat? I’ll have it made at home.”

Grandfather replied calmly, “I thought it would be nice to take your sister out for lunch at least once. Her husband wants to go too.”

Granny paused. “Let me talk to my sister and get back to you.”

She hit the hold button and marched back to her sister.

“What happened?” her sister asked.

Granny sighed deeply, as if carrying the weight of the economy. “What can I say about my husband? I’m here saving every rupee, and he wants to blow it all on restaurant food! If you and your husband really want to go, I’ll arrange it. I’ll stay back.” 

Her sister looked confused. “No, no… I’m happy having lunch at home with you.”

Granny zoomed back to the phone. “She’s not interested in going out,” she declared. (victoriously).

Grandfather tried again, “It would be a nice change. They’re leaving tomorrow after all.”

Granny stood firm. “She herself refused. I can’t help that. It’s best if you just take her husband out. No one else wants to go.”
(Thirteen people minus two, Granny saved a lot of money) 

Mom appeared nearby, face drooping. “So… we’re not going out?”

Granny waved her off. “Home-cooked food is always the best. Now go and make something special for lunch.”

As Mom turned to the kitchen, Granny whispered to her sister, “See? Always looking for an excuse to avoid work.”

Later that evening, Granny did something unexpected—she took her sister’s grandchildren out. Not to a park or a fair. Oh no.

To her own stationery shop.

The children’s eyes lit up—they thought they were in Santa’s warehouse. Pens, stickers, notebooks—they started grabbing everything like mini shoplifters in training.

Granny didn’t say a word. She just watched, quiet, like a saint.

(Generous? Not really.
But strategic? Absolutely).

Once the free shopping ended, Granny led the excited kids straight to the street food hawkers nearby.

“Eat whatever you like. As much as you want,” she declared. 

The children were bursting with joy—and samosas. They couldn’t stop praising Granny on the way back home.

I watched it all, burning inside.

I said to Granny, “You never let me have anything from our own shop. And they took so many things!”

Granny didn’t scold me. And gave me a kind look. (For the first time, not being judgment. What a great day for me) 

She simply took my hand and led me to her room.

I was thrilled. Finally, I was her favourite.
(And that was the beginning.)

She sat me down gently and said, “I trust you more than anyone else.”

(Really? I was flattered. Floating, even.)

She continued, “Those kids… they took advantage of the situation. No manners at all.”

I nodded like a wise, old, foolish owl. “You’re right. They shouldn’t have done that.”

Granny smiled. “You’re such an honest child. You never take anything without permission.”

I puffed up with pride.

“But now it’s too late,” I said, “They’ve already taken the stuff. What can you do?”

Granny leaned in. “You can help.”

“How?”

She whispered, “Go into their bags and quietly take back a few expensive stationery items. Hide them in my closet.”

I froze. “That’s stealing.”

Granny shook her head gently. “No no… It’s a lesson. To teach them not to be greedy. And anyway, these are our things.”

I nodded. “You’re right. I’ll do it.”
(She was being so sweet—I would’ve agreed to rob a bank.)

Granny even said. “You are my favourite.”

I glowed like a bulb.

Guri, Tipu, and Manu joined me. Operation Stationery was on. We crept like secret agents, laughing and whispering.

It was a lot fun. 

How Granny later handled her sister… I have no idea.

Some stories stay in the closet.

Granny said to Grandfather, “They’re leaving tomorrow. You’ll have to drop them at the railway station. Book a taxi tonight—they have way too much luggage.”

Grandfather nodded. “Sure, I’ll do that.”
Then, he added,
“But don’t you think it would’ve been better if we had our own car? That way we could save on taxi money.”
(Good timing…my smart grandpa) 

Granny kept quiet without a bad expression… No frown.… No sigh.

(An achievement for Grandfather).

A few days later…

Grandfather said casually, “Let’s go visit my sister for a few days.”

Granny replied with eye down, pretending to be busy knitting. “I don’t have time for holidays. Who will manage the house and Papa’s shop?” 

Grandfather looked pissed off holding his frustration inside.  

Grandfather took a deep breath and said carefully. “Shall I go visit her… alone, then?”

Granny’s eyes narrowed. “How can you go without me? I’ve never gone anywhere without you in my life. Not to my parents’, not to the market, not even to my siblings’ homes.” (The frog never leaves his well)

Still grandfather balanced his tune, “That’s true. Then I’ll ask her to come visit us for two days.”

Granny after a long pause said, “It is better if you invite her on weekend. We both can spend time together.”
(Smart way to reduce the chance of her visit altogether.)

Grandfather smiled. “Alright. And just so you know… if you ever want to visit your sister or brother without me, that’s absolutely fine with me.”

Granny didn’t respond. (But the look on her face said: Nice try).

Granny, with attitude, “Why would I do that? My home and family are everything to me.”
(that means no freedom and happiness forthe family or Grandfather—till she dies.)

Grandfather tried the high road. “You’ve done so much for our family.”
(It will not work on granny)

Grandfather came directly to the main issue and said, “I think we should buy a car. Your brother and sister have one—it’s embarrassing that we don’t. Also we have big family of 13 members. We need a car.”

Granny said, “I don’t care.”
(She had gold and property to show off—who needs wheels?)

Grandfather tried again, “It’s an asset for the family. You could even brag to your siblings later.”

Granny raised an eyebrow. “What? I never do that.”
(And the earth is flat.)

She continued, “A car has no resale value. Property and gold do. We should buy more of those.”

Grandfather said, “We already have plenty of property. But no car. There’s no comparison. I want a car.”

Granny replied coolly, “I’ll think about it.”
(Her way to avoid the discussion)

Grandfather became hopeful.
(He is too innocent.)
Every day, he made sure to spend quality time with Granny.
(Of course, the only thing on his mind was… the car.)

One evening, Granny said, “You should do something about Lolo and Tipu. They’re not focused on their studies.”

Grandfather nodded earnestly. “You’re right. I’ll handle it now.”

He called me and Tipu in a struck voice, “You both have to study hard. No choice. Go get your books—now!”

I was so shocked, I obeyed instantly, grabbed my books, and tried to focus on… something. (I still don’t know what.)

But Tipu, cool as ice, said, “I won’t study.” 

Grandfather narrowed his eyes. “If you don’t study, what will you do in life?”

Tipu shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Grandfather, clearly irritated now, said, “If you don’t put your head in studies then you have to do household task.”

Tipu, without blinking, replied, “Sure. I don’t mind.”
(She must be joking, I thought.)

I stared at her, stunned. Messing with Grandfather? Where did she get this much courage?

Grandfather, offended, “Okay then, go and clean all the vessels in the kitchen!”

I expected her to break and apologize. After all, even Mom and Chichi Ji took over an hour to wash those piles of dishes.

But Tipu stood up, marched to the kitchen, and began scrubbing like it was her calling.

The house fell silent.

She finished not only before time but made everything shinier than I’d ever seen. Even Granny peeked in, stunned.

Grandfather burst into laughter, and soon we all joined in.

As for me—I knew I could never pull that off. Washing vessels? Too risky. I’d rather accept a punishment like sitting silently in a corner of the balcony all day.

From that day on, Grandfather and Granny quietly gave up on Tipu.
(Her lifetime problem? Solved.)

Granny had become more… pushy lately. 

One morning, she hovered near Grandfather, who was deeply engrossed in the newspaper.

“I’m managing our elder son’s (Ram) shop,” she declared. “But he never dares to argue with me. Not even once. Doesn’t spend a single rupee without asking. He does everything exactly the way I say.”

Grandfather mumbled, “Hm…”

Granny narrowed her eyes. “Are you even listening?”

Grandfather, not looking up, replied, “Totally.”
(do I have a choice.)

Granny said, “But our younger son, Shyam—he’s always onto you. Too independent. Carrying too much money in his pocket, spending it on his wife and kids like he’s Ambani’s cousin! How can you allow that?”

Grandfather said, “It’s fine by me.”

Granny raised her voice slightly. “Then I look like the villain for being strict!”

Grandfather gently offered, “But Ram has never complained about anything…”

Granny crossed her arms. “Still we both have to be on the same page. You should start asking Shyam about every little expense. Daily basis. Keep records!”

Grandfather sighed. “Okay.”

That very day, Grandfather got influenced and reacted according to granny in his office. As result he got into unnecessary argument with Chachaji . 

The atmosphere turned awkward, Chacha Ji looked hurt, and Grandfather spent the rest of the day staring at his ledger like it might apologize for him.(Grandfather was in the heaven, so peaceful in the morning but now in hell). 

A Few Days Later — Open Fight, Plan B

Granny said to Grandfather, arms folded tight, “Have you noticed 

Shyam’s attitude lately? He’s behaving strange with me. Taking his wife and kids out every Saturday evening like they’re on some world tour. And when I ask anything, they don’t even answer properly. Where is all this money coming from? It’s your mistake—you’ve given him too much liberty.”

Grandfather, for the first time, snapped.
“Enough. Don’t interfere in my office and work.”

And that was it.
Granny had been waiting for this crack. (No more car talks)

The next day, Grandfather stood his ground. On the other front granny was totally ignoring him.

Grandfather did not want to get into this endless another loop of cold war suitation and then pleasing granny and then another strike by granny and cold war again. 

He decided to take it to another level. Full front confrontation, He declared during the breakfast time when whole family was around, “ If you want to ignore me to avoid car decision. I don’t care (really). It’s my money and I’ll buy car and do what I like. You can’t control me.” (How long this bravery last, let see..)

Granny started crying (classic crocodile tears).

She said,“I’ve stood by you all these years, and this is what I get in return? You talk to me like this? I’ve only ever thought of saving your money. But you’ve never valued me. It’s Shyam and his wife—they’ve filled your ears.”

Grandfather softened, “No one influences me,” he said, sighing. “Please don’t cry. Let’s talk this through calmly.” (Granny made him feel guilty, clearly plan B failed.)

Grandfather tried another approach.
“I’ve worked hard my whole life. Now, after fifty years, I can finally afford a car. It’ll make me happy. It’s practical—for the whole family too. Who knows how long I’ll live? Let me enjoy one small dream.”(emotional drama does not work on granny, actually nothing works on her)

Granny listened silently with no reaction. 

Because in her head, one logic ruled all:
A car means travel.
Travel means expense.
She believes – money, once in the bank, should never come out.

For her, saving wasn’t a habit. It was a religion.

Plan C

Grandfather stopped eating. Granny stopped eating too.
I don’t know how grown-ups manage such things. I can’t even stay without food for a few hours—my stomach starts protesting louder than a temple bell.

Mom gathered all of us and said, “Take food to Granny and Grandfather. Do whatever it takes to make sure they eat.”

Granny had locked herself in the other room, stitching under-trousers for Papa from leftover cloth from Aunt’s old suit.
Grandfather was in his usual spot, eyes buried in the newspaper. Not just headlines—he was reading it word by word, as if there’s an exam tomorrow and the entire syllabus is yesterday’s news.

We split into two rescue teams. Granny’s favorite, Sonu, refused to help (he find this all weird). That left Gauri and Tipu to handle Granny, while Manu and I took Grandfather. Suku is too small for negotiation-level work.

Grandfather said, “I will not eat until Granny gives up being unreasonable.”

I said, “Okay, stay angry with Granny (I want that too) but don’t punish yourself. Just eat something.”

Grandfather kept a straight face.

I leaned in and whispered, “I have an idea, eat secretly. I won’t tell anyone.”
That cracked him. He smiled.

“You’re wonderful,” he said. “If you really want to help me, let Manu massage my legs and you massage my head.”
(Sonu was wise. He had stayed out of this.)

As soon as he started dozing off, Manu gave me a quick look and silently mouthed, “Run.”
And just like that—he slipped out. Brave boy. Left me behind like a true soldier sacrifices his friend at the battle.

Five minutes later, after a long internal debate, I gently lifted my hands and began tiptoeing away.
Just two steps in, Grandfather’s eyes popped open.

“Where are you going?”

I stammered, “To drink water.”

He asked, “Where’s Manu?”

I said, “He left long ago.”

“Lazy brat,” he muttered. “You’re a good girl.”
(Yeah… and now I’m paying the price.)

“Keep massaging my head until I fall asleep,” he said, casually stretching like he had no concept of time.

Clearly, a hungry stomach cannot sleep.
Or remember that it’s a child, not a robot. 

That night, when I was half asleep, I heard all the adults in the house discussing something in the living room. The conversation was dull and repetitive. (Granny will never give up.)
I preferred to sleep — it had been a tiring day.

I had no idea how the meeting ended, but the next morning, Grandfather was having his hearty meal. Everything seemed back to normal.
It looked like Grandfather had made a compromise as usual. (Crocodile tears worked!)

A few days later, on an early winter morning, the doorbell rang. It was some relatives.
I preferred to stay wrapped in the quilt. (Granny and her relatives again!)
The whole house was awake — except me.

There was chaos. Why is everyone so loud in the morning? Where do they even get the energy from? I could barely open my eyes.

Gauri shouted in my ears, “Our relatives have come in a big blue car!”
I mumbled in my sleep, “Who cares…”
She yanked the quilt, “Get up, you lazy girl! You have to see their car. It’s so beautiful.”

Back then, there were very few cars on our street. I dragged myself out of bed, and she practically pushed me to the door.

The moment I saw it, my eyes popped open.
It was a royal blue, shiny Ambassador car.

I gasped, “It is amazing car and color. I like it. I wish it were ours”

Gauri said, “We are so lucky to have rich relatives! No one in our neighborhood has a car — or relatives with a car.”

All my siblings stood beside me, admiring the car.
Even the neighbors peeked out from their balconies.
(It was a moment of pride for the whole family.)

Granny called us inside and said, “It is so cold outside. Come inside now.”

She continued, “Give your greeting to the guests”. She always says to do that when we have her side of relatives or rich relatives.

The best part? I knew I’d get a special breakfast today. (What else is needed in life)
They were Granny’s eldest daughter(Neru’s in-laws — her brother-in-law’s family. They had driven all the way from another city.

After breakfast, Grandfather took out a thick bundle of cash from his closet and handed it over to the relatives.
Grandfather is so kind and generous — giving away money like that!

Suddenly, all the adults began hugging each other, distributing sweets, and chatting excitedly. The whole house buzzed with joy.
I had never seen Grandfather so happy before.
We children didn’t really understand what was happening — but since everyone else was smiling, we smiled too.
I wished our home could be like this every day. Usually, it felt like tension was stitched into the walls — Granny’s nagging behaviour in everyone’s life and Grandfather’s serious face, a subtle fear so no one should dare take him lightly.

Fifteen minutes later, Mom finally told us the big news:
“The royal blue car you see outside — it’s ours now. Grandfather has bought it.”

We screamed with joy. Jumped, danced, and ran around the house.
Grandfather watched us, a wide smile on his face (At least someone is expressing it. Granny sitting with no expression as always)

So, that night — after Grandfather’s food strike — Granny had finally agreed. She struck two arrows with one bow:
She pleased her married daughter Neru’s husband’s family (securing Neru’s position in their house), and managed to get a second-hand car to fulfill Grandfather’s long-standing dream.

Grandfather happily accepted the deal.
Something is better than nothing.

My siblings and I — and pretty much everyone in the house — didn’t care if it was second-hand or even third-hand.
It was our first car. And that’s all that mattered.

It was time to celebrate.
Mom brought out a diya, a flower garland, and sweets for everyone.
Granny did a proper puja — she placed the garland around the bonnet, dabbed kumkum on the car, and gently positioned a small deity on the dashboard.

Grandfather called a professional photographer to take pictures — not of just the car, but the whole family with the car.

We were all in our nightdresses — but who cared?
The car was in the background. That’s all that mattered.

Then, we all squeezed into the car, ready for our very first ride…
—to the temple, just two blocks away.

I said, “That’s it?”
Granny replied, “This is enough for today.”

We kids stood whole day in the balcony gazing our car. Granny tried to control us but we were unstoppable. 

Granny instructed Shyam Chachaji, to get one car cover and it got under covered (she destroyed our view. What is her problem?)

 Seeing us sad grandfather said, “Soon I will take you all out for long drive, maybe this weekend” 

We trusted him. We always did. So we nodded, satisfied.