Hello 😀

First of all, I had already informed everyone days ago that I wouldn't be updating my stories on Saturdays and Sundays as I planned to spend some time with my family. But, it seems like that was forgotten starting from last week itself by some of them 🌝

So, as a reminder and since I had some vetti time, I've updated this chapter.

Looking forward to see more votes and comments from you all. Thank you in advance!❤🙏

Vaanga vaanga story kulla polaa 🚴🏻‍♀️💜🦋

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That evening, I brought Elango's military green bike to a stop at the bus stop. Just as I felt a tap on my right shoulder, I sped off toward the restaurant with a smile.

When we arrived, I got off the bike and felt a gentle tug on the back of my shirt, which brought a smile to my face. I then headed inside, walking towards the path that led to both her room and mine.

As I stopped at the path in front of my room, next to the stairs that led to hers, she got visible before me a few seconds later when I gently pulled her right hand off the back of my shirt, having noticed the surveillance cameras had turned the other way.

I smiled at her, and she smiled back before tilting her head toward the stairs, unexpectedly revealing her chubby cheek to my view.

Her jhumkas and the loose strands of hair brushed lightly against her cheeks, contrasting beautifully and adding to her charm.

The sudden urge to blow on her hair and gently move it away was real, pure, and raw, catching me off guard.

But, I held it back, groaning inwardly as I rubbed my neck and averted my gaze. And just as I was about to enter my room, hoping to distract myself from the overwhelming desire-one I absolutely needed to avoid, especially toward my student,

"Sir"

I turned toward her when she suddenly called me and saw her smiling at me, her dimples deepening as she flashed that adorable grin.

Then, she lifted her hand to tuck a few curls behind her ear, causing her bangles to slide down from her wrist to her forearm. It felt as if something was tickling me, prompting me to look into her eyes, which were already locked onto mine. And, her lips parted to ask,

"Naan pottumaa?"

(Shall I go?)

My head nodded absentmindedly, and she turned to leave with a small smile. But before I knew it, my hand instinctively reached out to grasp her wrist, catching her bangles and stopping her from moving away from me.

She turned toward me, her brow furrowing as she asked,

"Ennaachu, sir?"

(What happened, sir?)

I gulped, wondering what I should say now. But I found myself lost in her eyes, gripping her soft hand tightly, the gentle touch contrasting with my own. Just as I prepared to pull her closer, I jerked away, leaving her hand when we heard,

"Mr. Aayush"

I glanced at one of the head cooks, but he was looking at Seetha with a smile.

My soft gaze quickly shifted, and I turned my attention back to Seetha, who had also averted her gaze to look at the head cook. So, I called out her name,

"Seetha"

She saw me and I gestured with my eyes for her to leave. She nodded and quickly ran off, leaving me standing in front of the head cook.

"Sir"

He shifted his gaze from Seetha, who had just entered her room, to me.

"Unga friend'aah Aayush avanga?"

(Is she your friend, Aayush?)

He asked me in a hoarse voice, and I wasn't foolish enough to miss the intent in his eyes.

I fisted my hands but then smirked, saying,

"I'm not just a friend, sir. I'm looking after her. But I think I need to take some extra care of her from now on. Neenga enna sir soldringa?"

(What do you think, sir?)

I asked him with a smirky smile. He smiled back slightly, patted my shoulder, and walked into the kitchen. I gritted my teeth and fisted my hands, but I calmed down when I heard,

"Ss.. ssss"

With a frown, I lifted my head to see her standing in the doorway of her room, her hands gripping the frame as she looked at me with a smile, bending slightly backward.

I smirked at her, but I gasped, my mouth open, when she winked at me before stomping inside her room.

Tit for tat?

I wondered.

Looking around, I shook my head and rubbed my neck with a smile before heading into the kitchen to start my work.

After an hour,

"Hello, cooks"

The manager's voice made us pause our respective tasks and move together to greet him.

"So... yes. I have some important news for you all. Since today is Thiru Karthigai, we need to do something different for dinner. Do you have any special ideas?"

He asked, and many of them started suggesting various ideas.

Except me.

"So, Mr. Aayush, do you have anything to add?"

I smiled, took a step forward, and said,

"Sir, since it's Thiru Karthigai, I feel that the only thing that truly captures the Karthigai vibe is the vella seedai (mini sweet balls) my mom used to make when I was young"

I gave my idea while Mr. Shekhar smiled at me.

"So, each of you can prepare every dish and have it ready before giving me the names of the orders, we need to make them visible to the customers. After you finish your preparations, you can help the other workers if you want, as they will be lighting the lamps"

He informed us with a smile and then left the room. I quickly prepared the sweet balls and went to find the manager to give him the names of the seedai and the additional dish, which was appam.

"Excuse me, have you seen our manager?"

Not finding him anywhere on the ground floor, I asked the receptionist.

"He's in the storeroom"

She replied.

"Could you please tell me where it is? I'm new to this restaurant"

"Sure, it's the last room on the second floor. You'll see the room board there"

Thanking the receptionist, I made my way to the first floor and opened the accountant's room, only to find it empty. Smiling to myself, I hurried to the second floor and opened the door to the storeroom.

There, I was greeted by the sight of my student's back as she knelt slightly bent over, lighting the mud lamps on the floor, causing me to quickly avert my gaze to another girl of the same height in front of her.

As I entered, both girls turned to look at me. Seetha smiled and handed a plate of lit lamps to the other girl, saying something quietly to her. The girl stood up and left the room, passing by me.

I returned my gaze to Seetha, who continued to smile at me.

"Professor, Inga enna pandringa?"

(What is my professor doing here?)

She asked, mockingly.

I chuckled and glanced around, as if searching for someone, and asked,

"Summa dha. Manager enga?"

(Just nothing. Where is the manager?)

I asked but quickly averted my gaze yet again when it fell on the small gap between her blouse and saree, revealing her back waist as she turned away to light the remaining lamps.

"Avaaa ippo, setha nerathukku munnaadi dha veliya ponaa"

(He just went out a little while ago)

She replied and then knelt down, straightening herself as she tucked the pallu of her saree into her waist.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart and the unfamiliar desires that were growing for my student.

But she didn't feel like the same little student I used to see, scold, and sometimes admire for her childish antics. Instead, she seemed like a grown woman, captivating my heart and making me feel like I might fall to my knees in front of her.

Then, with a deep sigh, she stood up, taking the plate of mud lamps in her hands. And, when she turned to face me with a smile, I gulped, entranced by her glowing face illuminated by the lamps' light, like a goddess who had jumped straight from the moon.

Is she really this beautiful, or am I hallucinating or something? Gulping down the overwhelming desire, I managed a slight smile as she walked past me out of the storeroom, and I let out a frustrated groan.

Ponnunga saree kattunaa mattum epdi da ivlo azhaga theriyuraanga?

(How do girls look so beautiful just by draping a saree?)

I wondered, closing my eyes as I visualized her captivating image in an elegant saree once more. It made me sigh and shake my head in an attempt to erase those thoughts.

Then, finally, I stormed out of the storeroom, trying to eliminate the overwhelming feelings swirling inside me while also searching for the manager.

But as I turned to enter the kitchen, I froze in my tracks. My legs moved on their own toward the entrance of the restaurant, where I saw a lean boy in a dhoti and shirt talking with Seetha.

She laughed at something he said, playfully hitting his shoulder before placing the mud lamps on the compound wall.

For a brief moment, everything around me faded away, leaving only the two of them in my view. It was as if my world had gone silent, focusing entirely on them.

He grabbed the plate in his hands while she smiled, taking each lamp one by one and placing them on the slabs. Suddenly, another girl appeared and playfully smacked the back of his head with her palm.

They both went inside, with him trailing behind her, grumpily. As they passed by, I averted my gaze to Seetha, who was walking toward me, dusting off her hands and pulling the tucked pallu out from her waist. She smiled at me with slightly narrowed brows, and while my lips instinctively curved into a smile, but,

"Hello"

I turned to find the same girl who had been with Seetha and the lean boy earlier. Confused, I frowned but hesitantly greeted her back.

"Hello"

"Is there anything you want to say?"

She asked me, and my frown deepened. I shook my head, replying,

"No"

"Then why were you following us?"

She asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

I blinked, caught off guard, and stammered,

"I wasn't... following anyone. Just came here to check on something"

Then, I heard a giggle from beside me. My gaze shifted to Seetha, who was smiling teasingly at me. I shot her a glare, but she just chuckled and turned to the girl, saying,

"Nekku therinjavaru dha. You go ahead, Moni. I'll come"

(He's someone I know)

She told the girl.

"Ohh"

That girl saw me from head to toe, before leaving the place. I let out a breath of relief, only to feel a tap on my arm. Turning around, I found Seetha standing there, her eyebrows raised, arms crossed beneath her chest, and a faint smirk playing on her lips.

I smirked back and said,

"Naan manager'eh thedeetu irukken, madam. Please tell your friend that I'm not following you"

(I'm just looking for the manager, madam)

"Ohh"

She casually smiled, nodding her head, and I sighed with a defeated smile.

"Seri, ma. Yaaro unkitta pudhusaa peseetu irundhaangale adhu yaaru'nu paaka vandhen"

(Okay, ma. I came to see who was talking to you newly)

She continued to stare at me.

"Promise"

"Seri okay"

As she walked past me, her arm brushed against my chest, and I chuckled, following her. But, we halted abruptly when the manager, Mr. Shekhar, stood directly in front of us.

"Mr. Aayush?"

He looked at me expectantly, as if waiting for an explanation for why we were wandering around instead of focusing on our work.

"Sir, I was searching for you"

I said, trying to keep my tone casual.

"I was just in my room, Aayush, not at the entrance"

I pressed my lips together, and he shook his head, averting his gaze towards Seetha as he said,

"You may go, Ms. Seetha"

He said, sending her off with a wave of his hand.

Seetha nodded at him, then walked past and climbed the stairs to her room. Before disappearing, she turned back to give me a smile, which I struggled to return, as the manager stood before me, casting an intimidating look.

After submitting the names of the dishes I prepared, I returned to the kitchen to continue my work.

The day remained smooth until I noticed Seetha, who was unusually quiet as we waited for the bus to board towards her house after her shift ended.

"Seetha"

She hummed softly, glancing up at me.

"Ennaachu?"

(What happened?)

She simply shook her head.

"Okay. But, remember that you won't be able to leave until you tell me what's on your mind"

I threatened her, but she lowered her head, avoiding my gaze. So, glancing around to ensure no one was watching, I gently grabbed her hand. She flinched at first, but I tightened my grip and locked eyes with her.

Her eyes turned misty, and a surge of concern washed over me. I clenched my free hand into a fist, swallowing hard, uncertain about what had happened to her.

"Nothing's wrong, right?"

I asked, searching her face for any signs of reassurance. She hesitated for a moment before shaking her head again, but the uncertainty in her eyes told a different story. I could feel the tension in the air, and it made my heart race with worry.

"You know you can tell me anything, Seetha"

I added, trying to convey my sincerity.

"Sir.."

She started.

"Mmm"

I hummed softly, keeping her hand close to my heart, hoping to share a warmth that conveyed a silent promise of, nothing would slip through my fingers if something or someone tried to harm her.

"I... I made a mistake in today's tally work"

She confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, and I let out a huge sigh of relief.

"Idhukaa ipdi irundha?"

(Is this why you were sad?)

I asked her, and she pouted her lips. Smiling gently, I lifted my free hand to wipe away her tears, all the while keeping her other hand pressed close to my heart.

"Mistakes are normal in any job, Seetha"

I reassured her, my voice softening.

"What matters is how we learn from them and move forward"

She just hummed, and I couldn't help but sigh again.

"Manager edhaadhu sonnaaraa?"

(Did the manager say anything?)

Seh shook her head.

"Then what?"

"Nekku kashtamaa irukku"

(I'm feeling bad)

She sniffed like a kid, and I smiled as I asked,

"Enna kashtam?"

(Why?)

"Therila"

(I don't know)

I chuckled at her voice, which had dropped to a low, almost cat like meow.

"Seri. What should I do now?"

"Purila?"

(I can't get it)

"Indha kannula irundhu kanneer varadha nirutharku naan enna pannanum nu ketten"

(I asked what I should do to stop the tears from falling from these eyes)

I pointed to her doe-like eyes, now brimming with tears.

But, her sniffling ceased, the tears stopped, and slowly, a beautiful smile blossomed at the corner of her lips as she softly replied,

"Idha neenga enkitta kaettadhey nekku porum. I can sleep in peace"

(You asking me this is enough for me. I can sleep in peace)

She spoke with a seriousness in her voice, accompanied by a soft smile that made me gulp hard, realizing the depth of her feelings for me.

It felt as if I had been purposely distancing myself to maintain the boundaries of our official relationship-professor and student.

But in that moment, her sincerity shattered those barriers, leaving me questioning everything I thought I needed to preserve.

With a gentle smile, I wiped the tears from her cheeks. She flinched slightly, her cheeks turning a shade of crimson, causing me to quickly withdraw my hand and turn away.

After releasing her hand, I tucked my wet fingers, still with her tears into my pants pockets.

Once the bus arrived, she climbed in with some difficulty due to her saree, settling next to one of the ladies as there were no window seats available. Then, she smiled at me before waving her hand. I nodded back with a smile as the bus pulled away, taking her further from me.

Sighing, I headed back to the restaurant to resume my cooking. However, I paused when I heard some commotion coming from outside the kitchen.

Glancing around, I noticed the other cooks whispering among themselves, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. But, suddenly, the door burst open with a loud noise, drawing my full attention.

"Appam seira aalu yaaru inga?"

(Who's the one making appams here?)

I frowned and stepped forward, offering a faint, "Sir"

The manager shot me a glare.

"The customers outside have been waiting for their dish for over 15 minutes, Mr. Aayush. What are you still doing?"

He snapped at me.

"Sir, I just returned... I will.."

"Returned? Where did you go?"

He pressed, his tone sharp.

After glancing around, I replied,

"To send off my friend"

"Send off your friend? Nonsense.. varadhey part time job, adhula maathi maathi paathukardhulaye time poidudhu, ava oru thappu pandraa, nee oru thappu pandra.. neenga'laa yen'yaa velaiku vandhu enga uyira vaanguringa?"

(Send off your friend? Nonsense... Even you're doing a part time job, and you both wasted your time looking after each other. That's one mistake after another you've both made today. Why are you coming here to work just to ruin our peace?)

He yelled at me in front of everyone, and I felt my anger boil at his disrespectful words.

"Sir, I did inform you before joining that I send her off and pick her up every day"

"Oh, yeah. Informed? Enna agreement pottu kuduthiyaa? Orunaal un friend thaniyaa po maataalaa? Inga athana peru wait panneetu irukkaanga, unakku un friend dha mukkiyam'naa yen vaelaiku vara? Apdiye ava koodaye po vendiyadhu dhane?"

(Oh, yeah. Informed? Did you submit any agreement? Is it that your friend can't go by herself for a day? There are customers waiting here for their orders, and you think it's acceptable to prioritize your friend over work?)

He shouted, and when I opened my mouth to convince him.

"Neenga rendu perum love panneetu suthuradhukku idhu onnum park illa. Restaurant. Ennoda restaurant. Inga oru vaela seriyaa pannalanaalum naan kaeppen. Olunga vaela mattum paakuradhaa irundhaa paarunga rendu perum, illanaa kelambi poite irunga. Innu anju nimishathula order table le irukkanum. Purunjadhaa?"

(You both can enjoy your little romance elsewhere; this is a restaurant-my restaurant. If you two can't handle the responsibilities, then you might as well not show up at all. Orders need to be served within five minutes. Got it?)

His voice thundered in the kitchen, filling the air with tension. I clenched my fists, trying to keep my composure despite the anger boiling inside me.

"Yes, sir"

I replied through gritted teeth, knowing I had to keep it professional, even as frustration raised through me.

"Therinjavan friend'nu vittadhu thappaa pochu. Grown-up squirrels"

(It was a mistake to appoint someone I know who's friend of him. Grown-up squirrels!)

He murmured the last part and exited the room. I clenched my fists, returning to my table. Though I could feel everyone's eyes on me, I pushed through and resumed my work, but then I heard,

"So.. Mr. Aayush.."

I tilted my head to see one of the head cooks, whom I had indirectly threatened for his lingering gaze on Seetha, standing beside me with a smirk, his hand resting casually on the counter.

Ignoring him, I took the batter and heated the tawa as he asked,

"Idhudha neenga sonna.. taking exxtraaa care'aah?"

(Is this what you call taking extra care?)

He leaned in close, whispering in my ear, emphasizing each word, and I gripped the knife tightly, trying to focus on cutting the potatoes for the stew to serve with the appam.

"Mm.. ipdi oru ponnu kedachaa extraaa care edukalaam thappilla. I can feel you, Aayush"

(Mm... If you manage to get such a girl, it's only right to take extra care of her. I can feel you, Aayush)

He patted my shoulder, but I swiftly twisted his wrist, shoved him against the wall, and held the knife to his throat. He gasped, eyes wide, as he opened his mouth to scream, but I silenced him with a harsh whisper.

"Shhhh.. Kathuna, yerakittu poite iruppen. I'm warning you. Just keep your fucking eyes off her, or you'll meet the real me. Ipdi ninnu summa peseetu irukka maaten. I swear I'll chop off your head"

(Shhh... Just know that I'm serious. I'm warning you. Just keep your fucking eyes off her, or you'll meet the real me. I won't stand by and let you talk casually like this. I swear I'll chop off your head)

After releasing him, I cleaned the knife and focused on preparing the stew and appams while he stomped away, silently.

I personally delivered the order to the customers, offering my apologies. They nodded in understanding as I left. Back in the kitchen, I resumed my work, my mind swirling with various thoughts.

"Neenga rendu perum love panneetu suthuradhukku idhu onnum park illa. Restaurant"

(You both can enjoy your little romance elsewhere; this is a restaurant)

The manager's words echoed in my mind throughout the shift.

Was our closeness that apparent to others? If so, how did it look to those in our college?

My overthinking mind flooded me with questions.

This afternoon, when she entered the first-year class with Kamali, she kept glancing at me in front of her friend and the other students.

What must they think of us?

Why haven't I scolded her for behaving this way in front of others?

This could lead people to form negative opinions about her, about me, and about us as a whole.

Our relationship might come off as inappropriate, setting a bad example for society.

It feels wrong, and yet I find myself unable to voice those concerns.

The genuine affection or care or admiration or whatever it is now we have for each other might turn into something that people will despise or gossip about.

And for her parents, her father placed his daughter in my care with the hope that I would look after her during the trip.

But am I betraying that trust?

As a professor, my role is to guide my students and ensure that boundaries are maintained, rather than crossing them with any personal feelings.

Yet, I found myself crossing those boundaries, allowing her to become the center of my attention.

Taking the bottle from behind the bean bag, I tossed the cap aside and gulped down the drink I had previously avoided since she entered my life as more than just a student.

However, as the last few drops slid down my throat, I suddenly coughed, halting my drinking when I heard,

"SIR"

I gasped upon seeing her at the terrace entrance, holding a plate of mud lamps and an oil bottle, still dressed in the same saree, her brow furrowed in disapproval.

And I was taken aback to find her here.

"What the fuck are you doing here?"

Her expression shifted instantly, reminding me of my choice of words. I sighed and stepped closer to her.

"I'm really sorry. That was a s..slip of the tongue. So, what are you doing here?"

I asked again.

"I came here to place these on your terrace"

She said, lifting the plate slightly for me to see.

"For what?"

"Mathavaa aathula'le vizhakku vachirukkaa. Ingadha onnume ila. Adhaa vandhen"

(All have placed the lights at their house. There's nothing here. That's why I brought them)

I sighed.

"Yaara kaettu vandha?"

(Who gave you permission to come here?)

"Yaara kekanu?"

(Who did I want to ask for permission to come here?)

I rolled my eyes at her boldness.

"Vachuttu kelambu"

(Just place it and leave)

Saying so, I averted my gaze and walked over to the terrace railing, finishing the entire bottle before placing it on the slab. When I turned back, I found her murmuring something under her breath as she lit the lamps, kneeling on the floor.

I moved closer, squatted down beside her, and reached out for the cotton threads meant for the lamps.

But, I winced as she swatted the back of my hand, saying,

"Thodaadhingo"

(Don't touch)

I frowned and waved the hand she hit, glancing at her with mild annoyance.

"Suthamaa illa neenga. Saamy porul'eh thodaadhingo"

(You're not clean. Don't touch the sacred item)

She snapped angrily. I rolled my eyes, stood up, and leaned against the terrace door frame, crossing my arms below my chest as I stared at her.

"Thoongaama enna panneetu irukka ivlo neram?"

(What have you been doing all this time without sleeping?)

She remained quiet, saying nothing in return.

"Unna dha"

(I'm asking you)

"Naan yen sollanum?"

(Why did I want to say?)

I glared.

"Ippo enna unakku?"

(What do you want now?)

She stayed silent, taking the plate and moving to place the lamps on the slab, unaware that she was now visible to everyone-anyone from the surrounding houses or even the street could see her on this house terrace at this hour.

Letting out a sigh, I reached for her hand and stopped her.

"Enna pandrel? Kaiya vidungo"

(What are you doing? Leave my hand)

She whimpered.

"Loosu, indha time'le indha veetu terrace'le unna yaaraadhu paathaa ennaagum?"

(Fool, what do you think will happen if someone sees you on this terrace at this time?)

"Ennaagum? Thalli pongo, alcohol smell adikardhu ungakitta irundhu"

(What will happen? Move away, I can smell alcohol from you)

She whined, scrunching her face and covering her nose with her saree pallu, all while still in my hold. Her gesture made me release her hand abruptly and step back, feeling ashamed.

Seeing my reaction, her eyes widened as she quickly placed the plate on the floor and rushed towards me.

"Sorrry. Naan ven.."

Her words caught in her throat as I grabbed her left wrist, pressing her back against the wall and I reacted soon before she could comprehend what was happening, as my hand shot up to raise her arm above her head, pinning it to the wall, while my other hand rested on the wall behind her, near her arm.

She gasped, her eyes wide, and her throat bobbed with a hard gulp before whispering,

"Enna pandringa?"

(What are you doing?)

Her doe-like eyes fluttered around, as if searching for something through mine, while I felt my intoxicated body inching closer.

I leaned in, aligning my face with hers, my gaze locking onto her trembling, full pink lips.

Then, I shifted my gaze back to her eyes, lifting up my eyelashes and softly asked,

"Do I smell, Seetha?"

She tried to wriggle free from my grip on her left hand.

"Shh"

I shushed her, and she pressed her lips together, staring at me in silence with that innocent face.

My eyes roamed over her beautiful, pink-tinged face, absorbing every detail as if trying to etch it into my memory.

While she started to glisten with sweat.

When I finally met her gaze, her eyes held nothing but love for me. I could see it so clearly-the trust she placed in me, allowing me this closeness, giving me the freedom to be near her like this.

It was just overwhelming for me.

At that moment, I couldn't help but ask,

"Yen ivlo nambura enna?"

(Why do you trust me this much?)

She blinked, smiled softly, leaning back against the wall comfortably with her free hand resting on my chest, and whispered,

"Nambikka pora alavukku inga ippo enna nadandhadhu?"

(What happened here now for you to question my trust on you?)

Overwhelmed, I leaned down toward her face, glancing at her closed eyes and the way her chest rose heavily, her fingers gripping my shirt tightly near my chest.

With a small smirk tugged at the corner of my lips, I turned towards the entrance of the terrace, stealing a glance at her from the corner of my eye, mischievously.

A few seconds later, when she opened her eyes, I saw the confusion cross her face as her forehead furrowed and she turned toward the entrance too.

But before she could react, I turned back quickly and softly pressed my lips to her cheek with a smile.

A soft audible gasp escaped her lips, her eyes widening in shock as I slowly pulled away, struggling to detach myself from the warmth of her skin.

I wish I could feel her soft, chubby cheeks every second.

She turned slowly and saw me, her mouth agape as if she were about to ask something-probably what I was doing. But before she could speak, I said,

"Anga paaru"

(See there)

I gestured with my eyes to the left of her and to the right of me. Her furrowed brows shifted to the area I was pointing at, and as her head tilted, I took the chance to gently plant a kiss on her other cheek as well, applying a little pressure.

But, she quickly pushed me away, placing both hands firmly on my chest. I caught her hands just as she was about to hit my chest, a shy smile blooming on her lips.

I guided her hands to cup my cheeks with mine. Her eyes softened as she blinked at me, and I moved a step closer, leaning in to press our foreheads together.

Our eyes fluttered shut, and in that moment, we could feel each other's breath and hear the steady rhythm of our heartbeats.

I was amazed at how, despite the storm of rage and frustration stirred by the events at the restaurant, my heart and mind could find peace with just a single glance at her by my side.

It was something strange and pure, a feeling that only she could evoke in me, unlike anyone else.

And I was fully aware of my actions and what I was about to do next.

"Finish off your degree soon"

She opened her eyes to meet mine, and we held eye contact for a few moments longer.

I see a pure innocence in her eyes that ignites new desires within me-desires to cherish her, to be by her side, to share everything with her, and to be constantly within her line of sight.

Her hands slipped down to my neck as she stood on her toes, wrapping her arms around me, slowly. I responded instinctively, wrapping my arms around her waist, lifting her off the ground, and gently placing her on the bean bag beside us. I nuzzled into her neck, savoring the warmth of the moment.

The memory of the day I had refused her to hug me flashed through my mind, making my lips curve into a smile. Because, now, that same closeness enveloped me in warmth.

As I held her close, it felt as if all my reservations had melted away, leaving only the sweet embrace of something more than just a connection.

I couldn't help but amaze at how quickly everything had changed, how she had entwined herself into the fabric of my life, bringing light where there had once been uncertainty and fear.

Also, the warmth of her presence wrapped around me like a comforting blanket, making it hard to imagine being apart from her ever again.

Our first proper hug lingered for a few more minutes, free from any unwanted thoughts. I crushed her gently in my arms, feeling her tighten her embrace around me as well, which only made me smile wider as I nestled against her neck.

Eventually, we pulled apart, and I noticed her face and neck flushed a deep red. Just as she prepared to get down from the bean bag and run away, I caught her wrist and pulled her back to my chest, whispering in her ear,

"Yaarukkum theriyaama po"

(Leave without anyone knowing)

She lowered her head and nodded but didn't say a word, causing me to frown. I released my grip on her arm and looked at her, noticing her pout.

I chuckled.

"Enna?"

(What's wrong?)

"Marandhu poiten"

(I forgot)

"Adipaavi"

(Are you crazy?)

I laughed at her.

She whined, asking,

"Sirikkaadhingo. Ippo naan epdi engaathukku poven?"

(Don't laugh. How am I supposed to get home now?)

"Andha paper enga?"

(Where is that paper?)

I asked, trying to suppress my laughter.

"Adhu.."

(That..)

She lowered her head. I frowned at first then remembered from where she took her cute little purse, when she met me first in this same terrace to inform me about this invisible power and smirked,

"Ennaachu, ma?"

(What happened, ma?)

I asked, innocently.

"Adhu vandhu.. naan vandhu.."

(That.. I..)

She stammered, without meeting my gaze.

"Nee vandhu?"

(You?)

"Naan vandhu adhu.."

(I.. that..)

I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Enna, ma?"

(What?)

"Illa neenga.."

(No.. you..)

"Time waste pannaadha ma. Yaaraadhu paaka poraanga"

(Don't waste time, ma. Someone might see)

I let out a fake sigh at her.

"Mch, naan enna venumne'vaa ipdi time waste pandren?"

(Mch, am I wasting time on purpose?)

She whined, murmuring under her breath, clearly not wanting to listen, but I heard her perfectly. It made me bite my lips and cover my eyes with my palm, just as she lifted her lashes to look at me.

"Done"

I heard her giggle, but soon after a minute, a huge gasp escaped from her, making me lower my hand. Then, my eyes widened as I saw the paper in her hand.

A small portion of purple had appeared in the bottom-right corner of the paper, which had been entirely brown just days before.

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

TBC..

Epdi irundhuchu?

Is the storyline moving too fast? Illa.. okay vaa?👀

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