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Vaanga vaanga story kulla polaa🚴‍♀️💜🦋

Long chapter ahead ‼️

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Aayush

It feels so.. what to say? It's hard to put into words, but it fills my heart with warmth to see her happily roaming around and enjoying her first IV trip with her classmates and friends.

Even after my request, though she tried to get my attention, she still made sure to enjoy herself with her friends.

I came to know one unique thing about her is that she speaks to everyone-literally everyone, even strangers.

When I noticed a man's lingering look and the way he smirked at her, I clenched my fists, struggling to resist the urge to punch him in the nose and pluck his eyes out.

And from that moment on, I couldn't help but keep a close watch on her, more so than anyone else. Because, while others stayed within their friend circles, she was like an untamed deer, freely hopping around, and I made sure to keep an eye on her for her safety.

Now, we were in the Kaveri Nisargadhama forest.

"Photo edunga, photo edunga"

(Take a photo, take a photo)

Her hands were lifted on either side, with one macaw perched on her head and two budgerigars on her forearms.
Her wide, curious eyes mixed a mix of fear and awe, and her mouth was open in a fish-like grin.

She eagerly urged someone to take a photo of her, though she didn't pointed anyone out. So, Kamali and Madhu captured the moment. While I looked at her with a smile, my hands stuffed casually in my pants pockets.

"Professor professor. Unga phone le edunga quality nalla irukkum.. aiyooo.. kadikudhu idhu.. hehe"

(Professor, professor. Take it with your phone; the quality will be better... Oh no, it's biting me... hehe)

I chuckled softly, shaking my head at her antics, and pulled out my phone, handing it to Charan. After receiving a wink from her, he took pictures of her from every angle. I smirked, bit my lower lip, and watched as Charan returned the phone to me just as she rushed toward us. Charan gulped and smiled nervously at me.

"Charan vaa namma polaa"

(Charan, come. Let's go)

"Dho vanten"

(Coming)

He went with Kamali. I shook my head but hissed as my hand was pulled down with force. She peeked into my phone to check her picture while standing on her toes. Her soft hair fell over my forearm as she leaned in.

"Kaatunga"

(Show me)

She excitedly swiped through her pictures with admiring eyes.

"Seetha"

"Haan. Sollunga. Indha pic nallaarku illa?"

(Yeah, tell me. Doesn't this picture of me looks good?)

She asked me, lifting her face to look at me since I was bending down from her earlier pull on my hand. Her eyes were at the level of my jawline. I clicked my tongue, glanced around, and gently removed her hold. However, she quickly grabbed my phone to view her photos. I sighed, let her be, and then made my way toward the boys' gang who were by the boating area.

Then, one of the boys from the group dragged me into the boat for a pedaling ride. After we finished the boat ride,

"Vishwa, official group'le ellaarayum lunch'ku boating area'ku pinnaadi irukka tent'ku vara sollu"

(Vishwa, in the official group, tell everyone to come to the tent behind the boating area for lunch.)

I told the boy I went boat riding with, as I didn't have my phone with me and had forgotten to get it back from her. When we reached the tent, Kamali and Charan were just arriving. I glanced around but didn't see her anywhere.

Then I spotted her in the lunch queue with Aakash. I moved behind her, and she quickly handed my phone back to me without anyone noticing, as if we were secretly maintaining a relationship.

Secretly maintaining a relationship? Why did we handle it like that? What the fuck, Aayush? Have you lost your mind?

I cursed myself, grabbed my food, and sat beside Rekha mam and across from Charan. There was only one spot available, so, it wasn't intentional.

As I took the first bite of my food, I glanced at Seetha who was beside Charan, noticing that she was looking at the side of my arm. I frowned and realized that the corner of Rekha mam's cotton saree was brushing against my bicep.

I shifted slightly to create some distance between us and focused on my food, eating silently without giving her another look.

After finishing our lunch and spending a few hours exploring the park, we headed to Mandalpatti at 3 p.m.

"Get into five people per jeep"

Rekha mam instructed the students. I watched as the students eagerly climbed into the jeeps with their friends. I made sure to speak with the drivers, saying the need to take care and drive safely, as the road up the hill was rugged and rocky.

After all the jeeps had left, I turned to see Charan and Seetha's faces peeking out from their jeep, smiling at me wide. I chuckled and moved towards the jeep. Opening the front passenger door, I sat inside and told the driver to start. Before we set off, I turned back to see Seetha, Charan, Kamali, Pooja, Yuvan, and the last seat occupied by Aakash and two other boys whose names I didn't know.

To reach the hilltop, there were 22 hairpin bends. As we navigated the 7th bend, the students began squealing with excitement at the stunning view through their windows. However, Kamali and Pooja started feeling nauseous due to the twists and turns. I suggested them to switch to the window seats to get some fresh air.

Now, the seating arrangement was Kamali, Charan, Seetha, Yuvan, and Pooja. Seetha, positioned in the center, pouted as she rested her cheeks in her palms, while she took in the scenery through the front windscreen of the Bolero jeep.

I shook my head and looked out at the scenery through my side window. Charan connected his Bluetooth to the jeep's sound system and played some songs to help divert their attention and make the ride more enjoyable.

"Arjunaru villu.."

Song played in the background, mingling with their squeals and laughter. I looked at them through the center mirror and saw Seetha leaning on Yuvan's shoulder, watching the views through the front windscreen. I noticed her hair spread across his left arm and side of his chest and I quickly averted my gaze.

Stiffened, relaxed, and cleared my throat.

"Kamali, Pooja... Ippo epdi irukku?"

(Kamali, Pooja... How are you feeling now?)

"I'm okay sir"

Pooja replied

"Enakku thala suthudhu"

(I'm feeling dizzy)

Kamali whined.

"Yesappaa"

(Oh, Jesus !)

Charan groaned, and Kamali nudged his stomach with her elbow, causing him to wince.

"Just 10 more bends to go, we'll reach there soon."

I said to Kamali.

"Ennadhu 10 bend aahhhh? Naan varla naan poren"

(What? 10 more bends? I can't do this, I'm done!)

Seetha exclaimed with a whine, I glanced at her as she sat up straight from Yuvan's shoulder.

"Mch, setha amaidhiyaa irukkelaa maami? Thala valikira maara irukku enakku"

(Ugh, can you be a bit quieter, maami? I'm getting a headache)

Yuvan hissed.

"Naan enna da pannen? Enakku bore adikudhu. Arjunaru villu song'eh 10 dhadava odeerchu.. vera song maathu da. Charan uhh.."

(What did I even do? I'm just bored. You've played 'Arjunaru Villu' like 10 times already. Change the song, Charan...)

She complained, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Enna di?"

(What?)

"Vera song maathu"

(Change the song)

"Neeye maathikko po"

(Change it yourself)

She sighed and leaned back in her seat. Taking out her mobile, she quickly put it back in her bag, probably noticing there was no signal.

Then, I squinted as I saw her glance around at the others, then catch my eyes through the mirror. She locked her eyes with me for a few seconds until I looked away. And, I heard her clear her throat.

"Mkum.. Charan uh"

"Enna.. Kamali anga paaru mist form aagudhu paaru"

(What?.. Hey, Kamali, look over there! The mist is forming!)

He exclaimed, his voice filled with sudden excitement as he pointed out the window.

I looked at Seetha who was staring at Charan. I smiled.

"Yethanaadhu bend idhu?"

(Which bend are we at now?)

Kamali asked Charan. Seetha glared at them.

"16 nu nenaikiren"

(I think it's 16)

"Innum evlo irukku?"

(How many more are left?)

"Charan'uh enakkum vomit vara maadhiri irukku"

(I feel nauseous, Charan)

Seetha said loudly, stopping their conversation. I glanced at her as she briefly looked at me with tired face before turning back to Charan. Then I looked at Pooja, who was leaning against the window with her eyes closed, and at Seetha, who was sipping water from the bottle Charan had offered.

"Konjam wait pannu maami, Namma reach aageervom"

(Just wait a bit, we'll be there soon)

Yuvan said to Seetha. I glanced at her who was palming the side of her head with her palm.

"Illa nekku window seat venu. Kaathey varla Inga. Breath pannave mudila"

(No, I need a window seat. I can't breathe properly)

I blinked and told the driver to stop the jeep. Turning back to her, I said,

"Munnaadi vaanga, Seetha"

(Come front, Seetha)

She blinked at me, her lips slightly parted in shock, then I glanced at the others, who were staring at me.

But I hadn't done anything wrong.

She was feeling nauseous, and as her protective professor, it was my responsibility to ensure her comfort. I didn't understand why they were staring at me like that.

Oh !

If they thought it might make their friend uncomfortable, I could move to another jeep-it's not my problem.

"Illa. I'll move to another jeep. Seetha neenga munnaadi utkaandhukonga. Naan Rekha mam ku call pannii.."

(No. I'll move to another jeep. Seetha, move to the front seat. I'll call Rekha mam and..)

"Paravala neenga ingaye irungo, naan adjust pannipen"

(It's okay, you stay there. I'll adjust here)

Seetha interrupted me, exclaiming it.

"Paravala. Neenga utkaandhukonga"

(It's okay. You sit here)

I exclaimed back, and she gave me a sharp look.

What's the problem now?

Naan ippo enna dha pannanu?

(What should I do now?)

"Sir. Yedhukku neenga vera jeep maaranum? Rendu perum munnaadiye utkaandhukonga. Bolero jeep dhane munnaadiyum moonu peru utkaarlaam"

(Sir, why do you need to switch to another jeep? Both of you can move to the front seat. In this Bolero jeep, three people can sit in the front)

Charan said, and I looked at Seetha, who stared at him in shock.

"Illa illa naan ingaye utkaandhukuren. Naan pinnaadi venaa poi utkaandhukuren"

(No, no, I'll stay here. I'll sit at the back if needed)

My eyebrows shot up at her comments, as if she had never sat, stood, or been beside me before.

"Pinnaadiyum suffocating'aah dha maami irukku. Munnaadi poiko. Namma sir dhane"

(It'll be suffocating at the back too. Move to the front. He's our sir, after all)

One of the boys from the back seat said. I silently looked at Seetha, who stared at me before giving a slow nod and a faint, "Okay" Kamali then opened the door, got down, followed by Charan and Seetha.

I opened the door for her, and she glanced at the seat beside me before getting in and sitting down, closing the door behind her. She lowered her gaze to her lap.

I shifted closer to the driver's seat, maintaining some distance between me and her. She, in turn, moved to the window side and sat, clinging to it.

As the minutes passed, I noticed her fidgeting with the strap of her bag, silently. Meanwhile, Charan and Yuvan were complaining that their Mandalpatti adventure was spoiled because of the girls. I told them to quiet down and checked the time-it was already 4.

When I turned to speak to Charan, my foot accidentally brushed against hers. She quickly moved her foot away, and I adjusted my position before calling Charan.

"Charan, it's already 4. I think we won't be able to have the campfire tonight"

"Sir, we can reach the resort by 7"

He replied with a hint of shock, likely recalling that we are having a campfire tonight at the same resort where we stayed this morning.

"Illa, Charan. Inniku Inga climate nallaarku kandippa pasanga kelamba maataanga. Ingerndhu kelambave 6 ku mela aayirum. Then thirumba resort ku poradhukku 9 aageedum. Apro kelambi yeppo campfire prepare pandradhu?"

(No, Charan. The weather here is such that the students definitely won't have the heart to leave this place. It will be past 6 before we even leave, and by the time we get back to the resort, it will be around 9. When will we have time to prepare for the campfire?)

"Sir. But cancel panna mudiyaadhu sir. Ellaarume campfire ku dha romba eager'aah irukkaanga"

(Sir, but we can't cancel it. Everyone is really eager for the campfire.)

"Naan cancel panna sollala Charan. Adha vida nallaa nalaiku Namma Chikmagalur resort'le prepare panlaame?"

(I'm not saying we should cancel, Charan. Instead, it might be better to prepare for it tomorrow at the Chikmagalur resort.)

I explained to him.

"Charan. Sir soldradhu kooda Correct dha. Actual'aah namma ippove ready pannaa anga poi pandradhukku ellaame correct'aah irukkum"

(Charan, sir is right. If we prepare everything now, it will be the right way to proceed as it'll be more organized and better to handle things at the resort tomorrow)

Yuvan too said.

"But, campfire ku DJ'laa irukka maataanga sir Chikmagalur resort'le"

(But, there won't be a DJ for the campfire at the Chikmagalur resort, right, sir?)

Aakash asked me, softly.

"DJ yedhukku? songs ku dhane? Nammale pottukalaa"

(Why a DJ? We can just play the songs ourselves.)

Yuvan replied to him.

"Illa da adhu nallaarkaadhu. Yen Aakash?"

(No, that won't be good. Am I right, Aakash?)

Charan asked him for a suggesstion.

"Yeah. But enakku oru idea thonudhu"

(Yeah. But I have an idea)

"Sollu Aakash"

(Tell me, Aakash)

I asked him.

"Sir namma class'le dha naraya singers irukkaangale avanga paadattum, Karaoke phone'le pottukalaa.. mic , woods and fire mattum ready pannaa we can make it. Right?"

(Sir, we have many singers in our class. They can perform, and we can set up karaoke on a phone. If we just arrange for the mic, wood, and fire, we can make it. Right?)

He hesitantly shared his idea, but we couldn't help but smile at it.

"Actually that's a good idea. Seetha kooda nalla paaduvaa sir avale paadattum boys gang'le Vimal nu oru paiyan nalla paaduvaan avana venaa join pannika sollalaam"

(Actually, that's a good idea. Seetha sings well too; we can have her perform. Also, Vimal from the boys' gang sings nicely. We can ask him to join as well)

Kamali exclaimed.

"Mmm. Ask them and get the campfire preparations underway."

I told them.

"Okay sir. Seetha, unakku okay dhane?"

(Okay, sir. Seetha, is that okay with you?)

Yuvan asked her, and I kept my gaze fixed on him, waiting for her response without turning around.

"Enna paadanum'nu solleerungo first'eh, appodha naan setha prepare pannipen"

(Tell me which songs I should sing first, and I'll get prepared accordingly)

"Ippo namma summa dhane poro? Songs'laa ready pannalaa, karaoke mix panni vaikalaa oruthar phone le. Nalaiku stay panna pora resort'le mics and campfire sets pathilaa naan solleeren"

(We can get the songs ready and mix the karaoke tracks on someone's phone. I'll check at the resort for mics and campfire setups for tomorrow)

Charan said.

"Resort'le edhaadhu sonnaa sollu Charan. I'll ask them"

(Let me know if there's anything needed at the resort, Charan. I'll ask them.)

I said to him.

"Sure sir"

He smiled, agreed, and called the resort where we would be staying for the tomorrow's night.

Then, I leaned back and noticed her still fidgeting with her bag strap as if she were about to tear it apart. I frowned at her behavior.

Is she uncomfortable here or beside me?

I thought and cleared my throat before looking at her side face.

"Yen nervous'aah irukka? Comfortable'aah illayaa Inga utkaara? naan venaa vera jeep'le.."

(Why are you nervous? Are you not comfortable here? Should I move to another jee..)

"Sir, it's okay. Naan. Adhu.. Yaarum illaadhabodhu naan evlo venaa, I can be bold to you. Now, en friends ellaarum irukkaanga adhaa.."

(Sir, it's okay. I can be bold with you to the extent when there's no one around, but now that all my friends are here. So..)

She dragged her words, and I smirked.

Evlo venaalum?

(To the extent?)

I think she believes she's being so bold with me always, forgetting how she lost her breath when I came closer to her that day in my cabin to compliment her black orbs.

"Ohh. That's fine. Nee comfortable'aah utkaandhukko. Uncomfortable'aah irundhaa sollu"

(Ohh. That's fine. You can sit comfortably. If you feel uncomfortable, just let me know.)

"Okay sir"

I heard her whisper softly, almost like a cat.

Oh, dear. Where's your boldness now?

My mind mocked her. I stifled a chuckle and asked,

"Uncomfortable'aah illa'le?"

(Are you uncomfortable?)

"Illa sir"

(No, sir)

She replied, finally lifting her face and looking into my eyes. I hummed and turned forward, but I could feel her gaze still on me. So, I turned and looked at her, noticing how she urged me to maintain eye contact through her black orbs. The intense gaze broke when our shoulders and arms bumped against each other due to the sudden rocky road.

"Last hairpin bend sir. Konjam rugged'aah irukkum. Safe'aah puduchukonga"

(Last hairpin bend, sir. It's going to be a bit rugged. Hold on safely.)

The driver announced, and as the jeep jostled left and right, we were unintentionally pressed against each other. I silently cursed myself for asking her to sit here. But, when she moved her arm forward, I instinctively shifted mine behind her when her side brushed against my bicep-the side, that was the side of her right bosom.

I swallowed hard at the touch, trying to create some space, but she slid closer due to the sudden turn, and our thighs pressed together like magnets. I sighed, feeling a wave of heat rush through me, and something indescribable stirred within.

Something, I couldn't quite put into words.

Neither of us could move away, even though we both knew we were in an awkward and intimate position-one that only intensified the moment beyond anything.

I reached for the handle above her head, my elbow brushing at the back of her head as I did, and just as the jeep hit one final bump, her palm landed on my thigh. I glanced at her in shock, and she widened her eyes, looking back at me before quickly pulling her hand away and turning to face the window as the jeep came to a halt at the hilltop.

"Happaaa da. Oru valiyaa mudunjadhu"

(Happaaa da, finally it's over!)

Pooja exclaimed with a sigh while I tried to compose my racing heart.

"Kudhira savaari pona maadhiri irukku. Ennanga da adventure idhula ungalukku?"

(It feels like riding a horse. What's the adventure in this for you all?)

I heard Kamali's voice, and the doors were unlocked at the back. I glanced at Seetha, who was trying to open her door. Rolling my eyes, I thought she would have likely get out as soon as the jeep came to a stop.

"Mch, open aaga maatengudhu"

(Mch, it's not opening)

Her voice came as a whisper again. I turned back to see everyone had gotten out of the jeep except me and her. Sighing, I leaned over her back, not minding how my front was pressed against her. I placed my hand over hers, which was on the lock, and opened it, almost my whole arm resting over her arm.

When I opened my mouth to tell her to step out, she turned towards me with a smile, her excitement as if I had won the lottery or something.

"Epdi open panninga?"

(How did you open it?)

But I just sat there and looked into her eyes as we were just a few inches apart, and I could feel her breath on my chin as I bent down to her height to open the door.

Her smiling, excited face gradually shifted to a nervous one, her eyes fluttering before moving towards my lips. My palm, resting over her forepalm, gave a slight squeeze in response to her intense gaze towards the area that could undoubtedly lead to an awkward or inappropriate situation.

For a brief moment, her shoulders tensed, though I couldn't quite determine the reason. But upon hearing the excited squeals of the students outside, I released her hand, pulled my face back, and she quickly opened the door and exited the jeep.

I sat there, stunned, replaying the moment in my mind. I rubbed my face with my palms and stepped out, smoothing my hair. After giving her a quick glance to make sure she was okay, I saw her taking a selfie with her friends. I turned away to enjoy the view, trying to forget what had just happened, but I knew I wouldn't be able to, and neither would she.

As I could still feel her hot, unsteady breath lingering on me. And It was intoxicating.

A complete intoxication.

Seetha

After our Mandalpatti ride, we returned to the resort, having taken numerous selfies, photos, and group videos to capture the memories on our phones. This time, I sat in the center seat with Kamali, while Aayush sir and Charan occupied the front seat as I wanted to avoid repeating the awkward moment from earlier.

However, I won't deny that the memory still made me blush and flush with red all over.

The Mandalpatti experience was truly adventurous. We were presented with stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the surrounding valleys. It was an incredible sight to witness, and I made sure to take plenty of pictures to show my parents.

Then, when we boarded the bus, Charan arrived with sirrr and stood between the seats.

"Guys, an important news"

Charan said.

I knew what the news was about-the campfire.

Charan began explaining the situation and mentioned that Vimal and I would be singing a song to make the campfire memorable. Everyone agreed without protest. Aayush sir then asked them to provide song suggestions. One by one, they gave me ideas, which I noted down in my notepad. They also helped me mix the karaoke for the songs.

By the time we reached the Coorg resort, it was past 10. We quickly packed our things and headed to Chikmagalur.

At the Chikmagalur resort, we were assigned rooms with two people each. Kamali and I, excited, chose a room on the third floor after getting the key from Aayush sir, which Kamali had managed to get. After the close encounter in the jeep, I found it hard even to meet his gaze, as my mind kept replaying the moment.

After arranging the songs into a complete mix, we went to sleep beside each other, but not before sharing our first day of IV experience with my parents.

I changed into a blue cotton dress with a vibrant pink border and striped designs at the hem in shades of pink, green, and gold. The dress was full-length with long sleeves.

After finishing my hair so it was loose and not sticking together, Kamali playfully grabbed the top of my head and moved it left to right.

"Yeiii kamaliiii"

I swatted her hand away and turned to glare at her.

"Enna? enna moraikira?"

(What? Why are you glaring at me?)

She asked.

"Ippo nee yen en thalaya apdi aatuna?"

(Why are you playing with my head now?)

"Veliya porom, konjamaadhu modern'aah deess podalaam'le? Yeppo paaru churidhar illanaa ipdi odambu fullaa maracha maadhiri dress poda vendiyadhu"

(We're going out, so why not wear something modern? You always stick to churidars or dresses that cover you fully)

She chided me. I rolled my eyes and turned back to face the mirror.

"Nekku idhaa comfortable'aah irukku"

(It's comfortable for me)

"Epdidhano"

(Whatever)

I fixed my hair while she did her makeup, and then we headed downstairs after locking our room. At the dining area, we had breakfast with our friends before boarding the bus to Hanamma Falls. From there, we took a jeep to visit several places. We explored the top hill views, including Mullayanagiri, where I shared a spicy corn with my professor without him knowing. At Z Point, we recorded a video of the mist blowing from our mouths, and at Jhari Falls, we played in the water, getting drenched up to our knees.

In the evening, around 4 o'clock, we arrived back at the resort and had a late lunch. Afterward, we began our dry games, including zip lining, rock climbing, trampoline, swings, slides, and more. Once we had changed into our swimwear, we joined our friends in the swimming pool.

I was wearing a sandal-colored tshirt and black cotton pants.

"Hey vaa andha slide'le irundhu keela sarukki varlaam !"

(Hey, come on, let's slide down from that slide !)

Kamali dragged me toward the slide, and I stood there, holding her hand with a bit of fear, as the slide ended at the pool.

"Kamali naan varla, venaa"

(Kamali, I'm not coming)

I took a few steps back, but she continued to drag me. After a few minutes of this, she managed to pull me along, and we slid down together, shouting with a mix of fear and excitement.

"Aahhhhh"

Charan and Yuvan stood at the end of the slide, helping us to stand up straight. We exchanged giggles and headed back to the top for another slide, this time with Madhu and Jiji. We waited for the strangers to move away, and my eyes caught sight of my professor climbing the steps, dressed in a black embroidered loose shirt and light green track pants. I grinned at him, and he responded with a slight smile before joining us with Aakash and a few other boys.

I opened my mouth to greet him playfully but winced as someone dashed on my front. I turned to see a stranger looking at me with an apologetic expression.

"Sorry madam"

I smiled slightly, and shook my head.

"It's okay"

"Hey vaa di polaa"

(Hey come on, let's go)

Kamali dragged me and we slid down again before moving for another round. As I moved past him, I tickled his palm, then turned back to see him following me. I smiled and faced forward as we waited for the girls from our class to slide down. I was giggling at them who were trying to walk on the slide, only to end up sliding down as the boys pulled their legs.

I laughed, throwing my head back, but when I straightened up, I bumped into the same man who had collided with me earlier. My head hit his chest, and as I looked up, he smirked and leaned down to my height. I hurriedly took a step back, and he smirked, saying,

"Kempu nimage sarihonduttade"

(Red suits you)

I couldn't process what was happening suddenly and couldn't understand the words that he uttered. Kamali grabbed my shoulder from behind, but before I could react, I flinched and closed my eyes when the guy was slapped and hit against the slide's handle.

I gasped and looked up to see Aayush sir, rolling up the kaapu in his left hand, glaring at the man who was groaning on the floor at the top of the slide. I gulped as Aayush sir bent down, grabbed the guy by the vest strap, and slapped him hard on his cheek.

I jerked at the sound and looked at Kamali, who was also standing there in shock. I averted my gaze back to Aayush sir, who was now punching the guy's nose like a punching bag.

What the hell is wrong with him?

I hurried, wriggling out from Kamali's hold, and rushed towards Aayush sir, seeing the guy bleeding from his hard punches. I grabbed his biceps with both my hands and pulled him back. He turned to look at me, and I was shocked to see the red rage in his eyes.

"Si..sir enna pandringo?"

(Si.. sir, What are you doing?)

I stammered as I asked him, my words trembling while he looked like a raging bull.

"Kaiya vidu"

(Leave my hand)

His voice was rugged, but he still held the man's vest strap with his other hand. The man, despite his bleeding nose and lips, looked at me with the same smirk.

"Ye..yen ipdi avara adikiringo? blood varudhu avaalukku. Paavam sir, vitt.."

(Why are you hitting him like this? He's bleeding, sir. Poor man. Let him go...)

"Yaaru ivan paavamaa? Apdiye adichana vai"

I closed my eyes, raised my shoulders, and turned my face to the left when his arm wriggled free from my grip with such force it felt like it might twist my hand.

And I braced myself, thinking he might hit me too, like he did the man. But when I didn't feel any pain or touch, I opened my eyes and lifted my face to see him standing there in front of me, breathing heavily. Tears began to well up in my eyes on their own.

"Prof.."

"Pesaadha. Room ku po"

(Don't speak. Just go to your room.)

I frowned as tears rolled down my cheeks. After nearly a month with him, he had never raised a hand against me, even when he was on the verge of losing control due to my actions. But now, he was acting as if I'm the only person he hates most in the world, and it felt like my heart was being shattered into pieces.

Is he behaving like this because I tickled his hand, or is there something else? Did I make him pissed off by me?

"Sir naan enna.."

(Sir, what did I..)

"Pesaama, amaidhiyaa room ku po nu sonnen. Po. Kamali.."

(I said, don't talk and quietly, go to your room. Go. Kamali...)

I stared at him through my tears as he looked past me towards Kamali.

"Ivala room ku kooptu ponga"

(Take her to the room)

I felt a firm grip on my wrist as someone dragged me away, and I could only stare at him, sobbing silently.

"Irunga"

(Wait)

I stopped as the pull on my wrist ceased and looked at him. He had removed his black embroidered shirt and extended it towards me. I stared at him, unsure of what to do.

"Idha podu"

(Wear this)

I gulped, my gaze shifting between his shirt and him.

"Podu nu sonnen"

(I told you to wear this)

His voice was gritted. I took the shirt from him silently and put it on with Kamali's help. I then looked at him for any further commands, feeling like a robot, unable to fully grasp the situation around me.

"Room ku ponga"

(Go to your room)

He repeated the same command. I stared at him, then glanced around at my classmates, Rekha ma'am, and many strangers who were watching me.

I felt ashamed.

What did I do to deserve this?

Why is he always shouting at me?

What's wrong with a woman falling in love with someone?

Why can't I have genuine feelings for someone?

Until now, I tolerated every time he shouted at me because he had his reasons-his frustration over my confession and his lack love towards me. But that was always within his cabin. This time, though, I hadn't done anything wrong, and yet he shouted at me in front of strangers and my classmates. What will they think of me? I can't forgive him for this. I will never forget this for the rest of my life.

I'm not going to speak with you, professor. I won't forgive you for any reason you give for this act against me. I wriggled out of Kamali's hold on my wrist and sat on the bed with a thud, crying. Kamali tried to console me, but I pulled my knees close to my chest, crying, leaning against the headrest and throwing his shirt on the bed in anger.

I have feelings too, beyond just following him everywhere he goes. I'm not a robot to endure his reasonless shouts and yells. It's just all exh..

I halted my thoughts when I heard the door open and looked up to see him standing there, his chest bare. I stared at him as his eyes remained fixed on mine. Taking a deep breath, I stood up, walked toward him with bold steps, and faced him directly.

"Ungalukku enna dha pretchana?"

(What's your problem?)

I yelled at him. He stared me down, and I stood there, lifting my face to meet his gaze, throwing daggers with my eyes.

"Ungala dhane kekuren? Apdi ellaaru munnaadiyum kathra alavukku naan anga enna pannen? Unga kaiya pudikka kooda illa. Summa en fingers touch aageerkum, adhukku enna apdi thittuvelaa? Naan summa summa neenga soldradhu ellaam kettutu pora naala nekku kovam varaadhu nu illa"

(I'm asking you, why did you shout at me in front of everyone? I didn't even touch your hand. Just a touch of my fingers, and you're yelling at me? I'm not someone who will just quietly endure everything you say. I also get angry if the mistake is not mine)

I continued shouting at the top of my lungs, not caring about anything around me. He blinked at me and then averted his gaze over my head towards Kamali. I turned to look at her and then back at him.

"Naan dhane peseetu irukken? Anga enna paakurel? Apdi enna naan thappu panneeten? Naan onnum feelings illaadha robot illa enakkum kovam varum. Summa reason'eh illaadha vishyathukku'laa enna katheetu irukkaadhel. Naan summa paathuttu irukka maaten"

(Am I the one talking here, right? What are you looking at over there? Did I do something wrong? I'm not a robot without feelings; I can get angry too. Don't keep your anger for reasons that don't even exist. I won't just stand by and watch.)

He took a deep breath, scratched his eyebrow with his finger, and turned his gaze away from me.

"Naan solleete irukken. Enna paarungo, naan thitteetu irukkeno'layo?"

(I've been telling you. Look at me. I'm scolding you only.)

I yelled again. He looked at me, lifting his eyelashes, then lowered his hand to tie it behind his back together and stared at me.

"Thittu"

(Go ahead)

I glared at him.

What an attitude !

"Enna? Enna velaadrelaa? Enna paaka comedy piece maadhiri irukkaa ungalukku? Love uhm serious aah eduthukka maatengurel, kova pattaalum serious'aah eduthukka maatengurel. Seri enna vidungo. Yaaro oruthar avara yen apdi adichingo? Sethu poyirundhaa enna panneerpinga?"

(What? Are you kidding me? Do you see this as some kind of comedy show? When it comes to love, you can't take it seriously, and when I'm angry, you can't take it seriously either? Fine, let it be. Who do you think you are? Why did you hit him like that? What would you have done if he had died?)

I asked a set of questions while his eyes turned red with rage again and his jaw clenched.

"Sethu pogattum nu vitruppen"

(I would have let him die)

I gulped, my tears flowing more, realizing that he had just shifted his rage from me to someone else.

"Oh. Appo enmela ulla kovatha andha aalu mela kaamchirukel apdidhane? Appo enmela kaamchirundhaa ennayum apdiye sethu po nu vit.."

(Oh, so your anger towards me is being directed at that person, is it? If you had shown the same anger towards me, would you have just left me to di..?)

My words faltered, and my eyes widened like a fish as his long fingers wrapped around my neck, pushing me back to slam into the wall behind me. I looked up to see his face inches from mine, and I gulped, and shivered feeling the intensity of his anger through his eyes.

"Enna ? Aahn enna vittaa over'aah peseete pora? Avan enna sonnaan, pannaan'nu theriyumaa unakku modhala? Adhukulla enna ennamo pesura? Unmela enakku irukka kovatha kaamchu edhaadhu pandra alavukku. Naan Onnum nee nenaikira maadhiri avlo cheap illa."

(What? why are you talking too much? Do you even know what he said and did? I don't have anger towards you to the extent of hurting you. I'm not as cheap as you might think.)

I gulped, clenched my fists, and looked at him, stunned and scared.

"Ap..appo yen adi..adichingo?"

(The..then why did you hi..hit him?)

"You want to know?"

He leaned down to my height. His fingers were not pressing into my neck but were holding me firmly, restricting any movement. I nodded slowly.

"But, I'm not in the mood to say it"

He released his hold on me, stepped back, and moved toward the entrance of the room to leave. I blinked, glared at him, and yelled,

"Nillungo"

(Stop)

He stopped but didn't turn toward me.

"Yethana peru enna neenga anga thittumbodhu paathaanga nu theriyumo? En appa, amma kooda enna ipdi thittunadhu illa. Aana neenga, en feelings genuine'aah irundhaalum thitringa, summa touch pannaalum thitringa. Ivlo pudikaama pogudhu'le enna? Apro yen naan kitta varumbodhu thalli vidala? Po nu solli adikka vendiyadhu dhane? Love illanaa yen jeep'le unga seat kitta enna kooptingo? Ponnungalukku feelings vandhaa avlo yelakaaramaa pochu le ungalukku'laa . How cheap.."

(Do you know how many people has seen me while you were shouting at me? Even my parents have never yelled at me like this. But you, even if my feelings are genuine, you still shout at me. Why did you not push me away whenever I came close to you? Why do you call me to your seat in the jeep if there's no love? Is it that easy for you to treat feelings of the women? How cheap...)

He turned towards me with anger.

"Enna? Aahn? Enna adikka porel'laa? Adingo appo vaadhu en moolaiku konjam unarchi vandhu ungala vida solludhaa nu paakalaa. Adinga vaango.. adinga.."

(What? Huh? Are you going to hit me? Yes, hit me. Let's see if that makes my brain realize and tell me to leave you. Come on, hit me... hit me...)

I moved forward and lifted his hand, but he grabbed my arm, twisting it behind my back and pulling me close to him, asusual.

I looked up, and tears streamed down my cheeks.

"Yen ipdi pandringa? Naan apdi enna pannen ungalukku? Neenga sonnadhu ellaame naan paatukku kovathula pesuringa nu nenachuttu vitten dhane? Love pannadhu thappaa? Enakke therila'nga epdi love vandhuchu nu. Paithiyakaari maadhiri oru naal night fullaa utkaandhu neenga unga amma illaama epdi thavichi poyirupinga nu nenachu aludhadhu en thappunaa, enna mannichirunga. But, please edhaadhu panni unga mela enakku veruppu vara vainga. Naan ungala vittutu poyidren. Aana ipdi kathaadhinga asingamaa irukku enakku ellaaru munnaadiyum. Naan.."

(Why are you doing this? What did I do to you? Didn't I just assume that you were speaking out of anger when you shouted like that? Is loving someone a mistake? I really don't know how I fell in love with you. But, like a fool, I sat up all night, crying, thinking about how you managed without your mom. If that was wrong, please forgive me. But please do something that will make me hate you. I'll leave you. But don't shout at me like this; it's embarrassing for me in front of everyone. I...)

"Seetha "

"En appa.."

(Even my dad..)

"Seetha"

"Amma kooda ipdilaa.."

(And mom didn't shout..)

"SEETHA"

I shivered at his yell, instinctively looking up and meeting his eyes. They were filled with the same neutral expression I had seen countless times before, but something was off. His gaze flickered to my shoulder for a brief moment before returning to mine, and it hit me-maybe I had misjudged the situation entirely.

He didn't yell because of what I thought. No, it wasn't even about that. If it were, he would have just told me directly, without the public scene. But something did happen, something more significant, and I had a sinking feeling that whatever it was, I had just made things worse.

And my overthinking mind twisted everything the wrong way.

"En shirt enga ma?"

(Where is my shirt, ma?)

He asked softly, and I blinked, staring at him in silence.

"Wear it"

I swallowed hard.

He released his hold on me, and my hand slowly dropped as I continued to stare at him.

"Po"

(Go)

He said and left the room. I blinked, turning around, and my gaze caught the mirror. My eyes squinted in confusion before widening with realization. Quickly, I moved to sit on the bed, clutching his shirt tightly to my chest.

Lost in a whirl of emotions, I found myself staring blankly at the floor, unable to make sense of anything. Suddenly, a glass of water appeared in front of me. I looked up and saw him standing there.

"Kudi"

(Drink this)

I blinked with my eyes staring into his.

"En.. ennaachu anga?"

(What happened there?)

I asked him, stammering.

"Onnula nee idha ku.."

(Nothing. You just drin..)

"Did he say something bad about me?"

I asked, my voice barely a whisper. He averted his gaze, standing there in silence. As I stared at him, the realization dawned on me-this was the reason for his outburst on that man, not anything I had done.

The weight of knowing that someone had spoken something bad about me in front of everyone settled like a lump in my throat, a heaviness in my heart.

And that was it-I needed someone now. Someone to protect me from everything. I needed my appa. I just wanted to be in his embrace, feel his warmth, and listen to his heartbeat until all the pain faded away.

"Prof.. professor"

He looked at me.

"Will you help me get back to my home?"

I asked him, softly.

He placed the glass on the nearby table and stepped closer.

"Yedhukku, Seetha?"

(For what, Seetha?)

He asked.

"I don't want to be here. I want to go home"

"For what?"

He asked again.

"Inga yaarum nallavanga illa. I want to go back to my home"

(No one here is good)

I yelled this time.

"Seetha"

"I'm not feeling safe here. I want to go home. Will you hel.."

Before I could finish, he grabbed my wrists firmly, pulling me against his chest. I fell into him, tears streaming down my face as I cried. He tightened his grip on my wrists behind my back and remained silent. After a few moments,

"Seeth.."

"Avan enna sonnaan? Enakku purila? Edhaadhu romba kevalamaa pesunaanaa? Ellaarukkum ketrukkum le? Epdi ellaarayum thirumba naan paap.."

(What did he say? I can't understand. Did he say something really wrong? Everyone must have heard it, right? How am I going to face everyone ag..)

"Seetha. Enough. Just stop. Yaarum Onnum kekala. Apdiye ketrindhaalum.."

(Seetha, enough. Just stop. No one heard anything. Even if they did, it doesn't..)

"Illa professor. Avan enna pesunaan. Enna sonnaan? Enakkuuu.."

(No, professor. What did he say? I..)

"Shhhhhhh. Ingapaaru"

(Look at me)

He suddenly released my wrists and cupped my face with his hands. I looked up, gripping his elbows with my trembling hands, bracing myself for his words and focusing solely on what he was about to say.

"Onnume sollala ma. It's just a compliment. Compliment nu eduthukko. See, naan ippo white vest potrundhaa oruthavanga nallaarku nu soldraanga nu vachukko. Andha maadhiri dha idhuvum. He said red suits you. Adhuvum oru dress dha. Okay? Let's just take it as a compliment. Mmm?"

(He didn't say anything bad. It's just a compliment. Take it as a compliment. See, if I wear a white vest, people might say it looks good on me. It's the same with this. He said red suits you. Okay? Let's just take it as a compliment. Mmm?)

He whispered in his deep, warm voice. I stared at him as he held my face firmly in his hands. I tried to pull away, but he simply pulled me back and hugged my head to his chest. Slowly, I wrapped my arms around his hips and looked down, listening to his heartbeat while he whispered more sweet nothings, resting his chin on the top of my head.

"It's okay. You're safe, Seetha. I'm here. Your friends are here for you. Nothing has happened to you. Let's not cry about this. Let's forget it together. No one knows what he said except me and you, since he spoke in Kannada. Leave it, Seetha. Please. Shall I call Kamali in?"

I closed my eyes, shook my head, and focused on his comforting words while inhaling his warmth.

And when, I tightened my hold around him, in that moment, I felt as if I were truly safe at home.

My home.

**********

TBC...

Epdi irundhuchu??

Sorry for the late updates. Please bear with me until Sep 10th. After that, I'll try to give daily updates for both of my stories ❤️

I'm really nervous about this chapter. It wasn't planned beforehand, it just came to mind, and I wrote it out. I'm not sure how you all liked it 🙂

Please vote and comment ❤️🙏🏻

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