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Vaanga vaanga story kulla polaa 🚴🏻‍♀️💜🦋

Long chapter ahead ‼️

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Aayush

Hurt. I felt a sting of hurt when she quickly pulled her hand away, as if my mere touch had burned her.

I understand it might have been unexpected, or maybe she wasn't ready for it, or perhaps it just startled her.

But in that moment, my heart yearned for some strange comfort from her. So, when she pulled away, it pierced my heart even deeper, made me retreat to Kamali and Charan's seat. I told Kamali her friend was calling her, and as she hurried to Seetha, I took a seat beside Charan.

"Sir"

Charan called me. I glanced at him, offering a slight smile before closing my eyes and leaning back in my seat. When the bus stopped at the toll gate, I moved to the driver's seat to ensure everything was in order. And on my way back to Charan's seat, I felt a tug on my little finger. I paused, then gently released it and returned to sit beside Charan.

The next time the bus stopped, everyone got off to cut the cake and enjoy themselves, dancing to folk songs in front of a café.

But when my gaze fell on Seetha, I sighed, noticing her standing off to the side with a sad pout as she stared at me. I quickly looked away, offering a small smile to the boys who were dancing, while also scanning the area to ensure the girls' safety. After half an hour, we boarded the bus again and continued our journey. I moved from the last seat to stand beside their seat, gripping the overhead handles to steady myself.

Now, the hem of my tee was tugged, making me sigh. I turned to see her blinking up at me, her face resting sideways on the seat as she tilted her head to look up at me.

"Enna?"

(What?)

I snapped at her.

"Sorry"

My gaze lingered on her pouted lips as she mouthed it, but I shook my head and looked away. And from the corner of my eye, I saw her whisper something to Kamali before resting her head on Kamali's shoulder and closing her eyes.

I leaned back in the seat beside her, running my fingers through my hair, waiting for the students to tire out from their dancing. But my thoughts kept drifting back to her. I really wanted her to enjoy the trip, but the incident from earlier only seemed to deepen her worries, I think. Now, after that hurtful experience, I'm just going to stubbornly keep my distance from her because I know it's not just about the feelings she has for me-it's something that hurts now.

That's.. that's painful. More painful for both, me and her.

I can't be beside her like before. I can't smile like I used to. Something changed. Something went wrong.

And I want to see her just like I see my other students, as usual.

The bus fell into silence slowly, except for the soft melodies playing through the speakers. I sat alone in the single seat in front of her, staring out the window at the passing world, eventually drifting off to sleep.

Seetha

I understand that he's hurt, but what is causing his avoidance of me now?

How can I know that he suddenly needs comfort from me?

I was genuinely shocked and scared, wondering what if he lashes out at me for reaching out and holding his hand, thinking he needed comfort from me?

So, I just removed my hand. But also my heart said, I should have been bolder. I should have read his mindset through his eyes, as I usually do, and offered him comfort. Because, as my earlier thought, his mother is no more, and that's why he's been behaving so rigidly and alone.

Maybe he has trust and commitment issues when it comes to being in a relationship, especially with someone like me, a student. It must be difficult for him to decide so quickly to be with me and for me to be with him.

After all, a relationship isn't something to be taken lightly; it requires full trust and commitment.

Amidst these thoughts, I leaned on Kamali's shoulder and fell asleep, determined to give him time to trust my love and to stay by his side no matter what.

The next morning, we got off the bus at the Coorg resort and retrieved our luggage from storage. Aayush sir distributed the keys, assigning four members per room. I sent Kamali to collect our key, and we headed to our room on the upper floor. After freshening up in the room I shared with Kamali, Madhu, and Jiji, I went out to stand on a small balcony with a yellow railing attached to our wooden room.

From there, I could see a large, slow-moving river used for boat rides, with lotuses blooming in the early morning sun. I breathed in the warmth of the breeze, hugged myself with my sweater, and smiled as I stood there, tucking my hair behind my ear and rubbing my arms. It was chilly too.

What a romantic climate, isn't it?

As my mind drifted slowly towards the thoughts of my grumpy professor, I heard a throat clear from behind me. But, before I could react, a hand gently hugged my shoulder.

"Inga enna maami pandra?"

(What are you doing here, maami?)

I gave her a slight smile and turned my attention back to the river and the blooming lotuses and asked her,

"Kamali, naan onnu unkitta kekkatumaa?"

(Kamali, can I ask you something?)

She stood beside me, leaning back on the railing and looking at me, shrugging her shoulders as she said,

"Kelu"

(Yeah)

I looked at her and opened my mouth to talk about the unexpected incident between me and my professor, but then stopped and shook my head, saying,

"Mmm.. illa venaa vidu"

(No, nothing. Just leave it)

She stared at me, but I didn't look at her, so we both fell into silence.

After a minute, taking a deep breath, she also turned towards the river and asked,

"Aayush sir edhaadhu sonnaaraa?"

(Did Aayush sir say something?)

I turned to face her quickly, and she tilted her head to look at me with raised brows, adding,

"Thanks solleetu varen nu ponava, half an hour kalichu varumbodhey thonuchu, yedho nadakudhu nu. Ennaachu?"

(I felt something was going on when you went to say thanks to him and came back after half an hour. What happened?)

I gulped and shook my head, averting my gaze from her.

"Adhellaa onnu illa"

(No, it's nothing)

I whispered softly but jolted when she placed her palm on my shoulder. And I lowered my gaze as she asked,

"Edhaadhu pretchanayaa? Did he say something?"

(Is there a problem? Did he say something?)

I looked at her and shook my head, immediately denying,

"No. Avaa onnum sollala"

(No, he didn't say anything)

"Pinna ennaachu? But, Seetha, may I say something? Please give him some time. Vera vera department'le irukka paiyana love pannaa'le avankitta solli puriya vakkardhu kashtam. Avaru oru professor di. Love pathi ellaam yosichu kooda paathirukka maataaru. So, give him some time"

(Then what happened? But, Seetha, may I say something? Please give him some time. It's hard to make someone understand our feelings when they're in a different department. Now, he's a professor, and he might not be open to thinking about love at all. So, give him some time.)

She gave the exact advice that was on my mind. But when his new avoiding nature came into view, I was completely pissed off.

"Appo avarum nekku adhey time kodukanumo'layo?"

(Then, he should give me the same amount of time, right?)

I asked her. She forrowed her brows.

"Enna? purila?"

(What? I didn't get it?)

"Naan edhaadhu sonnaa kettaa dhane? Naan onnum venum'ne pannala. Nekku andha time le enna pannanu purila. Adhaa apdi.. adhukku naan enna panna mudiyum? Naanu avarukku time kodukanum nu dha nenaikiren, neeyum apdidha nenaikira. Aana yaarum enakkum adhey time venum nu nenaika maatengiringa, not even him"

(He can't even understand anything. I haven't done anything intentionally. I don't know what I should do at that time. So... what can I do about it? I think I should give him time, and you think the same. But no one seems to believe I need the same time, not even him.)

I just yelled at her in frustration.

"Enna di aachu? Medhuvaa pesu. Yen kathura?"

(What's wrong? Speak calmly. Why are you shouting?)

She tried to calm me down.

"Naan enga kathuren? naan enna sonnaalum onnu puriyardhu illa avarukku. Aana naan onnu panla'naa mattum avlo kovam varum. Seriyaana urru face. Cheyy"

(Where am I shouting? He doesn't understand anything, no matter what I say. But if I do something wrong, he gets so angry. Such an arrogant face. Ughh)

I huffed, finishing my shouting, and my palms trembled from the force. I turned forward but gulped upon feeling a strong gaze on me. And I looked down to see him standing there in his same red tee and black jeans, watching us while pulling up his left sleeve to his elbow with his right hand.

What the hell? Did he hear me calling him 'urru face'? Eww, what a wonderful nickname, Seetha, for this handsome guy. I sarcastically thought as I looked at him, his front hair waving in the soft breeze, I was left speechless until I turned to look at Kamali, who had also spotted him. She glanced between me and him before opening her mouth to say something.

"Sir, ivala.."

(Sir, she..)

I immediately covered her mouth with my palm and dragged her into our room without giving him another glance.

Once we were inside the room, Kamali wriggled free from my hold and pushed me away.

"Enna di pretchana unakku?"

(What's wrong with you?)

She asked with a look of disbelief, but I was too shocked to focus. What if she said something to him about me? What if he misunderstood again and avoided me forever? My mind was racing with overthinking.

"Nokku enna pretchana? Avaa'te enna solla pora? Ennavaa irundhaalum naan paathukuren. Nee yen theva illaama pesura?"

(And what's wrong with you? What are you going to tell him? Whatever it is, I'll handle it. Why do you have to speak unnecessarily?)

Kamali stared at me for a moment before walking out of the room, silently. I furrowed my brows, then realized what I had just said. I sighed, palmed my face, and laid down on the bed, trying to ease the back and leg pain from the long journey first.

That's when a message from him popped up in the official group,

My professor: "Get ready and come to the dining area, which is to the left of the entrance, before 8 a.m. We need to leave for the company at 9 o'clock. Wear casuals"

I sighed and we all got ready one by one, except Kamali, who still hadn't shown up.

After taking a hot bath to ward off the chill in the air, I put on my inner clothes and stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my body.

"Kadhava saathu di yeii"

(Hey, close the door girl)

When Madhu's gaze fell on me, she screamed at Kamali, who was near the door speaking with someone. I clutched my towel to my chest and hid behind the door in a panic.

"Solleetu vara maatiyaa maami nee?"

(Won't you come after informing us, maami?)

Jiji hissed at me.

"Neenga dhaane iruppinga nu vandhutten. Sorryy"

(Sorry, I thought you were only here.)

I said softly, as I hadn't expected this. New to the trip outside. You need to be more careful from now on, Seetha, I reminded myself.

"Seri vaa. Ava veliya poitaa"

(Okay, come. she's gone outside.)

Madhu said. I came out and put on my sandal-colored leggings and a beige and white striped top that ended below my knees, while Madhu and Jiji were doing their makeup.

Then I looked at Kamali, who came inside, closing the door behind her without even sparing me a single glance.

"Kamali, yaarta pesindu irundha?"

(Kamali, who were you talking to?)

She stopped right before me, looked at me with a straight face, and asked,

"Unakku yedhukku? Ennavaa irundhaalum naan paathukuren"

(Why do you care? Whatever it is, I'll handle it.)

She repeated the same words I had said to her earlier.

I clicked my tongue and grabbed her wrist, stopping her as she tried to move past me.

"Seri sorry Kamali. Adhu yedho kovathula solleeten. I'm sorry. Neeyum enmela kochukaadha"

(Sorry Kamali. I said it in a moment of frustration. I'm sorry. Please you too don't be angry with me.)

I pouted at her. She sighed, patted my shoulder, and then took her clothes and went into the restroom without saying a word.

Samadhanam aanaalaa illayaa?

(Has she forgiven me or not?)

Pulling down my top and pants neatly, still feeling confused, I moved towards my handbag, opened the zip, and took out the eyeliner and sunscreen. I applied them to my eyes and body, respectively, and left my hair loose.

After Kamali came out, we locked the door and climbed down the steps, ready for our first day of the trip.

"Neenga pongo naan poi key koduthuttu varen avarta"

(You go ahead, I'll go and return the key to him.)

I said and ran towards his room, which was shaped like a tent with triangular roofs.

Cute'aah irukku le?

(Isn't it looking cute?)

Admiring the tent, I moved inside the room. But with each step, my eyes fell directly on someone's bare, chiseled chest and navel. My mouth dropped open, and I just screamed,

"Perumaaley !"

(Oh god !)

"Hey"

I heard my professor's voice and quickly turned away, showing my back to him. I palmed my face and felt a wave of heat spreading over my entire body as I realized I had just seen my professor's bare things.

"Why did you come here?"

He asked, his voice muffled. I frowned, gulped, and replied,

"Key..key kudukka, sir"

(To.. to return the key)

I stammered, and just at that moment, I felt a hot presence behind me. hen, his warm hands gently grabbed my shoulders. I jerked but stayed silent as he guided me out of the room. And my shoulders relaxed when he finally removed his hands.

And I wondered,

If I should open my eyes now or not.

Then I heard the sound of a door locking and a snap before my face, followed by,

"Oii"

In his voice. I slowly removed my hands from my face and grinned at him, saying,

"I'm sorry"

"Yedhukku?"

(For what?)

He asked and walked ahead, and I followed him behind, as usual.

I thought about what I had apologized for, then getting the point, I replied,

"Neenga yedho expect panneerkel. Aana naan adha purunjukala. So, I'm sorry. Okay?"

(You were expecting something, but I didn't understand that. So, I'm sorry. Okay?)

Yes, I apologized to him for my mistake yesterday, not for what just happened.

Because, that was a mistake I seem to make every second.

With thoughts of his perfect torso and the black navel etched in my mind, making my face flush with color, I walked forward, only to stop abruptly, bumping into his chest. I hissed, looked up at him with my face lifted, finding him with raised eyebrows and his hands on his hips.

I gulped and took a step back with an innocent look. And as he continued to stare at me, I asked,

"Ennaachu?"

(What happened?)

"I was not expecting anything"

He said exaggerating the words and turned, walking ahead. And I wasn't sure if he was running or just walking quickly, but I had to hurry to keep up with his long strides.

At least he's not avoiding me like he did last night, and I'm grateful for that.

"Poi sollaadhinga professoreyy. Seri adha vidungo. But please nethu maadhiri avoid mattum pannaadhel enna"

(Don't lie to me, Professor. Okay, leave that. But please don't avoid me like you did last night)

He slowed down his pace, and I walked beside him, panting slightly, as he asked,

"Avoid?"

"Aama nethu panningle"

(Yes, you did it last night)

I said, looking up at him, but the morning sunrays made me squint my eyes. And he moved forward, and I saw him with a smile as his head shielded me completely from the sunlight.

I grinned, but,

"Seetha, are you enjoying yourself here?"

He asked me. I frowned and replied,

"Yes konjo. But, neenga pesunaa naan motham happy"

(Yes, a little. But when you talk to me, I'll completely feel happy.)

I shrugged my shoulders and hopped on my feet, clasping my hands, thinking about how things could be when he spoke to me casually without ignoring me throughout the trip. I smiled widely, but my smile dropped instantly when he said,

"But I'm not"

I stopped, turned, looked at him and asked,

"Haan?"

"Kashta pattu kooptu vandhirukken, unga'aathula irukkavanga kitta ellaam pesi. So, mothamaa happy aah iru konjo. Naan un professor. College ku vandhaa kooda paathuttu dha irukka pora, pinnaadi sutheetu dha irukka pora. So, go. Just go and enjoy the trip. Enna nenachuttu en pinnaadi sutheetu irukka onnum naan unna indha trip ku kooptu varla. Inga innum naraya rasikardhukku irukku. Adhellaa poi paaru po"

(I've put all my effort into bringing you here, so make sure to enjoy yourself. I'm your professor, and I'll be at the college every day while you'll be following me wherever I go. So, go. Just go and enjoy the trip. I didn't bring you here just for you to follow me around. There are many more things to admire, so go and see them all.)

He said with a straight face and walked into the dining area, leaving me to reflect on his words.

But he's right, isn't he? I should value the effort he put into convincing my parents and remember how much I wanted this trip from my very first year of college. I shouldn't behave like this, as he pointed out. However, I can't just leave him too.

Who will give him a company?

So, I'll enjoy the trip with my friends and also make sure to spend some time with him.

That's the plan.

I smiled with determination, took a plate, and got poori, idly, sambar, and vadai for breakfast from the servers. I sat beside Rekha mam and in front of Aayush sir. To Aayush sir's side were Charan and Yuvan, while Kamali was seated next to Rekha mam.

I had my breakfast silently, glancing at him now and then as he spoke with Charan in a low voice. I squinted my eyes and thought,

Naan love pandranaa, illa indha Charan love pandraanaa nu enakke doubt ah irukkey.

(I had doubts about whether I am in love or if Charan is in love with him.)

When Rekha mam left after having her food, I smiled, moved beside Kamali, and asked,

"Dosa'laa poda maataanga laa?"

(They won't put dosa for us?)

Sir and Charan stopped talking and stared at me.

I looked back at them.

"Dosa kallu ulla dha maami irukkum. Neeye venaa poi suttu saapdu"

(The dosa pan will be inside, maami. Go ahead, make one yourself if you want)

Charan said. I opened my mouth to ask him to make one dosa for me, but

"Epdi sudanum nu theriyanum'le first adhukku?"

(For that first, she needs to know how to make it, right)

Kamali mocked me. I turned towards her, glaring.

" Kamaliiiii"

She chuckled, and I glanced at Charan and Yuvan, who were laughing at me, and Mr. Aayush sir, who seemed to be suppressing a laugh. I huffed and finished my food in silence.

After eating, we boarded the bus. I took a seat with Kamali, while Charan was with Aayush sir. As the bus departed from the resort, Charan stood up, moved between the seats, and announced,

"Guys, listen. We're heading to the company now. After a brief visit there, we'll be off to Chiklihole Dam. Then, we'll have lunch at Nisargadhama Park in the afternoon, then head to Mandalpatti for an exciting adventure, mark my words, you'll love it to the core. Finally, we'll return to the resort for a campfire in the evening"

Charan said with more dramatic expressions, waving his hands and rolling his eyes. I giggled.

"Evlo seekro mudikiromo avlo seekro company visit muduchuttu, matha yedathukku polaa. Okay?"

(The sooner we finish the company visit, the quicker we can head to the other places. Alright?)

Rekha mam asked us with a smile.

"Yeahhhh"

We all shouted, and I couldn't help but admire him who is in his off white shirt and black pants.

What a man !

As everyone settled into their seats, I took the one behind the driver's seat, which was the first on the left.

Through the partition glass between the driver's area and the passengers, I could see him clearly. His shirt sleeves were snug around his arms, and I noticed the black sunglasses peeking out from his pocket. Being as tall as he is, his smiling face was easily visible over the seat as he chatted with Charan.

But when his gaze suddenly met mine through the glass, I blinked in surprise. He raised his brows at me, and I quickly grinned and looked away, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks. I leaned on Kamali's shoulder, trying to hide my blush by covering my face with my fisted palms with a wide grin of getting some kind of satisfaction.

Kamali and I were enjoying the ride, taking in the views through the window. But my phone buzzed with a notification from him, making me frown.

My professor: "I am sorry"

My professor: "Enjoy the trip for my sake"

I smiled even though I don't know for what the thing he is apologizing now, responded with a thumbs-up emoji to his second message, and then put my phone back on my lap. After that, I chatted with Kamali and took videos of the scenery to post on our Instagram stories and WhatsApp status.

After half an hour, we arrived at the company. Aayush sir was the first to climb down, followed by Charan, Rekha mam, Kamali, me, and the others.

As he gestured for us to move forward into the company, I glanced at him while walking past, but he ignored me. I rolled my eyes and continued walking with Jiji, who was on the phone with her mother, talking about our arrival. Hearing that made me miss my parents, so I pouted and took out my phone to call them, but just then, Rekha mam said,

"Students, switch off your mobile phones.We're getting inside the company"

I sighed and we set our phones to silent mode, putting it back in our bag.

Who has the patience to switch off the phone and then turning it back on again? Huh.

As we reached the entrance of the company's main building, Aayush sir greeted the Manager with a handshake and a friendly hug before they began their session. I was in the last row with Charan beside me, and Kamali next to him. Glancing to my left, I noticed Aayush sir standing close by, his arms crossed over his chest.

I couldn't help but grin, and after making sure no one was watching, I tugged on his pant pocket with my forefinger. He looked down and glared at me. I smiled sheepishly and turned to face forward.

Soon, puffs and tea were served to all the students. I ate them but started feeling bored, which soon turned into sleepy. I yawned, covering my mouth with the back of my hand, and tried my best to stay focused. However, the English accent of the manager or HR, I don't know who he is, only made me sleepier. My eyes gradually closed, and my head jerked forward slightly. Just then, I felt Charan's grip on my palm which was on my lap. I looked at him, noticing he was trying hard to suppress a laugh.

"Thooko varudhu da"

(I'm sleepy)

He chuckled softly, and I managed a slight smile, trying to force my eyes open again. But despite my efforts, they shut on their own once more. But suddenly, I jolted awake as I felt a tap on the back of my chair and screamed,

"Perumaaley !"

It felt as if the tap had struck me directly. Instantly, all eyes were on me. I gulped and turned around, only to find Mr. Aayush Kumar standing behind me, looking a bit nervous. I narrowed my eyes in confusion, but before I could react, Charan nudged my arm. I glanced at him, and he gestured for me to stay quiet. Pouting slightly, I scratched my brow and decided to stay silent, still unsure of what had just happened.

The session dragged on for a few more minutes before finally coming to an end. There was a brief time where we were allowed to explore the company, but we were eager to wrap it up quickly. Once that was done, we rushed back to the bus, ready to begin the real IV trip.

With folk songs playing at full volume and everyone in high energy, we finally arrived at Chiklihole Dam.

I adjusted my dress, gathered my hair into a ponytail, and began to step off the bus, trailing behind him by playfully nudging Charan towards Kamali, urging him to join her.

As soon as I placed my feet on the ground, the sound of flowing water reached my ears, but the bright sun made me sigh. I saw him, walked ahead and stood beside him. He glanced at me down, and I met his gaze, lifting my face but he quickly looked away. And I followed his line of sight, watching as everyone slowly climbed from the bus.

He then moved forward without a word, and I took a step to follow him , but Charan suddenly pulled me back by my ponytail, causing me to pout at him in irritation.

Kamali dragged me and I walked with them, following him behind with a grumpy face while looking around the place.

"Enga di dam'eh kaano?"

(Where is the dam?)

I asked Kamali, seeing that the place was just filled with water on either side of the sandy road.

"Unga sir vegamaa munnaadi poraaru paaru. Neeye kelu avarkitta"

(Your sir is going ahead quickly. You should ask with him.)

She replied. I grinned and watched him moving forward silently, with us trailing behind.

"Sirrrr"

I called out, loudly. He turned towards us, stopping in his tracks.

"Enga dam'eh kaano?"

(Where is the dam?)

I asked him as he raised his brows and squinted his eyes to adjust to the sunlight.

Why can't he just put on his sunglasses?

"Ingerndhu oru 2 kms nadakanum, apro dha dam paaka mudiyum. Idhellaam dam thanni dha paathukonga"

(You need to walk about 2 km from here to see the dam. Just keep an eye on the water along the way, which is from the dam.)

He said sarcastically at last and turned to walk forward again, leaving me smiling.

"Chey. Enna di ipdi kalachuttaaru?"

(Why is he teasing us like this?)

"Avaru kedakuraaru"

(Just forget it)

I shrugged my shoulders, and got hold of Kamali's wrist.

"Kamali naama oduvomaa?"

(Kamali, shall we run?)

I asked her, grinning mischievously.

"Yedhukku?"

(For what?)

She asked back with a frown.

"Avara mundhuvom. Kalachuttaaru le?"

(We will go ahead of him. Didn't he tease us?)

But, she wriggled from my hold.

"Chinna ponnaa di nee? Kammunu nillu"

(What are you, a kid? Stay quiet)

"Hey, pleaseeeee Kamaliii"

"Amaidhiyaa vaa, Seetha. Katheera poraaru"

(Come quietly, seetha. He might scold us)

She warned me. I clicked my tongue and said,

"Mch, seri nee varlanaa po"

(Fine. If you're not coming, just go ahead)

I turned back and saw Pooja.

"Pooja, nee variyaa? namma oduvom?"

(Pooja, are you coming? Let's run)

She narrowed her brows at me and asked,

"Oduvom'aah? Enga?"

(Run? Where?)

"Dam ku?"

(Dam?)

She smiled but looked around before gazing back at me.

"Sir, illanaa, mam paathu thitteetaa?"

(What if sir or ma'am sees and scolds us?)

I glanced behind her and noticed Rekha ma'am walking with the boys' group, slowly making her way forward while talking to someone through her phone.

"Mam pinnaadi dhane varaanga? Ivaa onnum solla maataa, variyaa illayaa nee?"

(Mam is way behind, right? He won't say anything. Are you coming or not?)

"Seetha. Amaidhiyaa iru konjo"

(Seetha, just be quiet)

I heard Yuvan's voice.

"Mudiyaadhu. Indha veyil'le epdi ivlo medhuvaa nadakardhu? Vaa Pooja polaam"

(I can't. How can we walk this slowly in this heat? Come on, Pooja, let's go.)

I caught her wrist with a wide smile.

"Seri, vaa polaa"

(Okay, let's go)

Pooja too agreed.

"Avarta thittu vaangunga rendu perum ponga"

(Fine, both of you go ahead and get scolded by him)

Kamali chided at us. Pooja looked at me. I smiled sweetly at her and said,

"Adhellaa avaa onnum sollamaataa, vaa namma polaa"

(No, he won't say anything. Let's just go, come on)

We caught each other's palm and were about to run but froze when he suddenly stopped and turned towards us.

His eyes locked on mine, and I quickly averted my gaze, letting go of Pooja's wrist. I quietly moved beside Kamali, and wrapped my arm around hers.

Then, feeling a gaze on me, I lifted my face to see Kamali staring at me with her brows raised in a teasing manner. I smiled sheepishly and quickly dragged her towards the path's side edge, saying,

"Vaa Kamali, naama selfie eduppom"

(Come, let's take a selfie)

And we took selfies and solo pics.

Then we neared the reservoir, where there was a narrow path of a bridge with green railings on either side.

Wow !

Since it's not as famous as other tourist spots in Coorg, it was less crowded. I stood by the railings and peeked down to see the water flowing at full speed.

"Guys, be careful"

I heard Rekha mam's voice.

"Kamaliii.. inga paaru meenu irukku"

(Kamali... Look here, there are fish)

I shouted at her excitedly.

"Meenu paakavaa vandha? vaa Inga.."

(Are you here to see the fish? Come here..)

Charan pulled me by my ponytail again, and I took a selfie with them.

And we stood there taking in the views around. But feeling bored again, I searched for him and spotted him at the edge of the bridge. I smiled and took steps toward him, saying,

"Naan poren"

(I'm going)

"Enga pora? nillu.."

(Where are you going? Just stay..)

Yuvan stopped me by holding my pink sling bag. I sighed and turned towards him.

"Yuvaneyy. Anga edge ku polaa da, vaa da"

(Yuvan, let's go to that edge, come)

I whined to him, pointing at the curved edge at the end of the narrow bridge.

"Hey podi. Andhaalu adippaaru"

(Hey, no. That man will hit us)

I hit him on his shoulder.

"Aahh yen di?"

(Aah, why girl?)

He winced, rubbing his shoulder where I had hit him.

"Andhaalu ngra? Avaru un professor"

(That man? He is your professor)

I warned him, pointing my index finger at him.

"Podi loosu. Deii machaa, iva enna adikuraa da"

(Get lost, idiot. Hey dude, she is hitting me, man)

He moved towards Charan, complaining about me, and I followed him with a glare but then walked past them towards Aakash, who was walking alone on the bridge.

Aakash. He's an ultra-introvert guy in our class.

"Aakash'uh. Enga thaniyaa pora?"

(Aakash, where are you going alone?)

I asked him, walking beside him. He turned to me and asked back as,

"Nee inga enna pandra?"

(What are you doing here?)

"Avaa'laa romba late pandraa. Vaa naama andha edge ku polaa"

(They're taking too long. Come let's go to that edge)

I asked, thinking whether he would come or not.

"Anga sir nikkiraaru thittuvaaru"

(Sir is standing there; he will scold us)

He told the same warning as everyone. I sighed.

I wondered why everyone was so scared of him.

"Adhaa naanu soldren. Anga sir nikkiraaru. Yedhuvum solla maataru, safe dha. Vaa pola"

(I'm telling you the same. Sir is there. He won't say anything. It's safe. Come on, let's go.)

I grabbed his wrist and pulled him towards Aayush sir, who was standing with a few more boys and girls.

"Hi!"

I greeted him. He turned towards me but I frowned when he continued speaking through his phone. I sighed and turned away when he glanced at me with his eyebrows knitted together.

Then, I noticed someone, a stranger, with a drone and the camera in his hands. I smiled widely, moving towards him.

"Helloo"

The man turned towards me, and I didn't even see his face clearly, my main interest was the drone. I had seen this place's drone views on Youtube, and it was incredibly beautiful.

"Is this your drone?"

I asked, pointing to the drone in his hands and saw him. But, he looked me up and down with a smirk.

I felt uncomfortable, suddenly at the smirk and his look, and my face went pale. My heart raced with an unknown fear. I took a step back, bumping into something.

"Seetha"

Hearing Aayush sir's voice, I turned around to see him staring intently at the man in front of me.

He grabbed my wrist and gently moved me to his left. I stood there as he turned to face me, gesturing for me to walk ahead by nodding his chin. I stepped forward, and for the first time, he followed behind me. My face lit up with a smile again as I quickened my pace towards the curved edge. There, I saw Kamali and Charan taking selfies.

"Hey, naanu naanu"

(Me, me)

I slipped between Kamali and Charan, and we took selfies together.

After taking selfies and admiring the semicircular, arc-like shape of the dam, we all lined up side by side on the bridge.

From the edge, Aayush sir lifted his hand and took a selfie of us while I stood beside him. We all screamed excitedly, and he snapped that picture too. I stood on my toes to check the photos from his phone which was in his hand, and everyone gathered around him to view them, pushing me aside. I noticed the girls standing close to him and watched them with a straight face.

"Seri seri, naan group le send pandren. Paathukalaa. Next place polaam vaanga. It's getting late, here"

(Alright, alright, I'll send it to the group. Check it out. Let's head to the next place.)

He slipped out from between them, walked past me, fixing his hair and I grinned, turning back to follow him with the others trailing behind us, murmuring.

I took out my phone and unlocked it, but sighed when I saw the screen was completely dim. I tried to adjust the brightness by covering the screen with my palms but gave up and took a solo picture using Kamali's mobile. We then boarded the bus once again, heading towards the Kaveri Nisargadhama Forest.

*****************

TBC..

Epdi irundhuchu?

Don't worry, I won't describe every moment at each location in separate chapters. I'll be moving quickly and focusing on scenes that are important to the story.

There will be no updates for the next two days as it's Saturday and Sunday, so that I've given a longer chapter today. I tried to update it last night itself but fell asleep halfway through. Thankfully, no one in my family noticed the screen of my phone near my head. Thappuchutten 😮‍💨

And, Look forward to something special in the 24th chapter 😌 Don't expect, 'SOMETHING'. It's just, 'something'. Hehe.. vartaaaa🚶🏻‍♀️

Please vote and comment ❤️🙏🏻

See you all in the next update bubyee🚴‍♀️💜🦋