Hello😀

Why did I hear her screaming voice at the start of the song? 😫💜

Vaanga vaanga story kulla polaa🚴‍♀️💜🦋

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The moment the control I had over myself slipped from my grasp as soon as she entered my room and I leaned down to her height-only the god know why I did that.

That day passed like a fast-moving train. College hours were consumed by semester exams, while my part time job ended with the manager's apology and words of appreciation for my hard work.

But, the final hours of the day were filled with peace, smiles, teasing, and words that left me a bit confused. For the first time in my life, I found myself searching for proof of the thing I had been opposing that old man for.

After locking the doors and windows, I sat on the floor beneath my amma's portrait, scattered letters spread out before me. I picked one up and swallowed hard, my heart racing.

With trembling hands, I opened it to see the writing inside.

July 04,1994

Yen vaazhdren nu theriyaadha oru vaazhka. Puduchavangala kalyanam pannaa vaazhka nallaarkumaa? Love marriage eppavum kashtathula dha mudiyum'nu summa sollalaye? Amma, appa sonnaanga idhellaa venaa nu, aana naan adhayum meeri avaru dha venum nu kalyanam panneetu poi avanga munnaadi nikkumbodhu nee naasamaa pova'nu saabam vittaanga. And, now, it's happened.

(A life where I don't even know why I'm living. What's the use of marrying someone you love? Isn't it true that love marriages always end in hardship? Amma, Appa... they cursed me, saying I would be ruined, that my life would fall apart when I stood before them after marrying him. And now, it's happened.)

Swallowing my tears, I set that letter on the table beside me and reached for the next one, and opened it.

July 07, 1994

Appa, I miss you so much. Ungala vittutu, unga petcha kekkaama kalyanam pannadhukku. Naan nalla pattuten pa. Naan indha letter aadhu post panna mudiyudhaa nu try pandren pa. Yen'naa enna oru iruttu room'le pooti vachirukaanga, pa. Enakku veliya enna nadakudhu nu kooda theriyaadhu, pa. Epdiyaadhu vandhu enna unga kooda kooptu ponga please, pa. Sorry, pa. Enna epdiyaadhu kaapaathunga, pa. Please, pa.

(Appa, I miss you so much. For marrying without listening to you and leaving you behind... I've paid, pa. Please help me, pa. I'll try to send this letter to you, pa, because they've locked me in a room. Please, somehow, come and take me with you. Please, pa, I'm so sorry. Save me, pa. Please, pa)

Even though I felt suffocated, and struggling to breathe properly, I reached for another letter.

July 17, 1994

Vijay, kaapaathu da. Avaru kooda en paiyan irukkaan. En paiyana avaru enna seiraaru'nu kooda enakku therila. Avana epdiyaadhu kaapaathu, Vijay. Enna katti poattu vachirukkaanga. Ennaala onnum panna mudila. Enna nu kaettaa, naan paithiyam'nu aththai soldraanga. Enna kooda vidu. En paiyana epdiyaadhu kaapaathu, Vijay. Chinna paiyan avan. Please"

(Vijay, please save me. He has my son with him. I don't even know what he's going to do with my child. Please find a way to keep him safe from him. They've locked me up and call me crazy and a fool. Please, save me. You can leave me behind, but my son is just a little boy. Please, at least save him. I beg you.)

I clenched the letter in my fist and tossed it into the corner of my room feeling enough of reading her begs for her and my life. Pulling my knees to my chest, I buried my face in my hands, groaning loudly at the thought that, even though she wasn't safe, my amma was caught up in the very thing I should be saved from-that old man.

She had suffered so much.

How could he lock his own wife, the woman he said he loved, in a dark room like that?

Was he truly that heartless? Why? Why did my amma marry him?

"Ughhh..."

Slamming my fisted palms against the table beside me, I stood up and glanced at my disheveled reflection in the dressing table mirror.

With torn shirt buttons, messy hair, and reddened eyes, I looked like a madman. I screamed and punched the mirror, shattering the reflection staring back at me.

I hate myself. I hate everything. I hate everyone.

Aahhhhhhh!

With trembling hands, I noticed the beer bottle bag on the bedside. I moved towards it quickly, but just then, my phone chimed with a notification. I unlocked my phone and saw a message from Seetha,

Seetha😇: "Reached my house. Sleep well, professor. Everything will become normal. I'm here for you. I love you ❤"

I stared at her message for over a minute, feeling nothing.

But when my gaze fell on the bottles, I threw my phone aside, grabbed a bottle, tossed off the cap, and drank until I collapsed on the floor beside the bed.

The next day, I felt gentle, continuous tapping on my cheeks. Struggling to open my eyes, I was met with the worried face of Elango, and then my gaze shifted to that old man.

Averting gaze from him, I grabbed my head with my palm, pushed myself up, hissing in pain as a sharp throb pulsed from the right side of my forehead.

"Aayush. Endhirikka venaa da paduthukko. Unakku conscious varadhukku dha naan eluppunen. Paduthukko da"

(Aayush. You don't need to wake up. Just sleep. I only woke you up to bring you back to your senses)

Elango said, tapping my chest, but I frowned at him, still clutching the throbbing side of my head.

What the fuck had happened to me?

Why did it hurt so much?

"Yen da? College ponum. Vali vidu"

(What's wrong with you? I need to go to college. Leave me a way)

I pushed the blanket away, but he grabbed my hand, stopping me. I glanced at him in confusion as he glared at me.

"Loosu maadhiri pesaadha, Aayush. Thalaila adi patrukku you have to take rest"

(Don't talk like a fool, Aayush. You got hit on your head; you need to rest)

I narrowed my brows at his words and tilted my face to glance at the mirror beside my bed. Seeing the bandage on the right side of my temple, I hissed in pain as I touched it.

But how did this happen?

"Enna da aachu?"

(What happened to me?)

I asked Elango, and he clenched his jaw at me in response, anger flashing in his eyes.

"Kuduchuttu night keela vilundhu thalaila adi patrukku da. Appa dha night enakku call panni vara sonnaaru, nee kathura satham kettadhu'nu. Apro innoru key ready panni open panni paathaa thalaila kaayathoda, tharaila vilundhu kedandha. Doctor check panneetaaru. Onnum illa. Rest eduthaa seri aayidum"

(You fell and hit your head after getting drunk last night. Your father called me, saying you were making a ruckus. So, I got another key, opened the door, and found you lying on the floor. The doctor checked you. You're fine. Just take some rest, and you'll be okay)

I listened to him keenly, but I shook my head, saying,

"Illa da inniku first year ku exam irukku. Python, da. Naan poi dha aaganum. Pasanga paavam, da. Doubt'naa yaara keppaanga?"

(No, today is the semester exam for my first-year students. Python, dude. Those guys are so pitiful. Just think about it-who will help them if I don't show up?)

I explained the seriousness of my absence today, but he started snapping at me, not realizing how important it was.

"Deii Loosaa nee? Vera yevanaa irundhaa sevulaye naalu vitruppaan. Unna purunju dhane da ivlo soft'aah peseetu irukken? Amaidhiyaa paduthu rest edu da. Avlodha solluven"

(Hey, are you crazy? If it were anyone else, they would've slapped you nicely. I'm only talking softly because of your situation. So just relax and take a rest. That's all I'm saying)

I paused for a moment, but the innocent faces of my students flashed before my eyes, strengthening my determination to go to college for them, no matter what.

"Illa, macha. Naan poi dha aaganum. konjam pasangala purunjukko. Naan manage pannipen, da"

(No, dude. I have to go. I need to help the guys a little. I can manage it, trust me)

With trembling legs, I got down from the bed despite his protests, moved into the bathroom for a warm bath, and then we headed to the college.

After teaching and clearing my students' doubts, I smiled and wished them the best of luck as they nervously made their way to the exam hall. I then headed to my cabin to take a short rest.

Soon, the time flew by, and I waited for Vinayak and Ajay along with their friends to share their experiences with the question paper and discuss the marks expectations.

Just as I tried to step out, I felt myself being pulled into the air, my back hitting the wall of my cabin.

Then, I looked down to see the glaring and shining eyes of a familiar face, which had become visible now.

I smiled at her, but I was taken aback when I realized we were still in the college.

"Seetha.."

I looked around, murmuring her name, only to see whether someone else was in the staff room. But before I could process it, my face was jerked down, and I felt her grip on my light purple shirt collar.

And my eyes softened as I saw tears rolling down her chubby cheeks, which had become my new addiction to kiss so often.

But now, those cheeks were now stained by her precious tears, making me gulp and look into her eyes, which reflected a weight of fear and uncertainty.

"Enn..ennaachu? Epdi adi pattuchu? Yen enkitta sollala? Nalla dhane irundhinga? Nethu night dhane paathen. Adhukkulla enna panni vachirukkinga"

(What... what happened? How did this happen? Why didn't you tell me? You were doing well, right? I saw you last night. What have you done in between?)

Her voice trembled badly. As much as I wanted to hug her tightly, giving her comfort and warmth, whispering sweet nothings into the soft crook of her neck, I gripped her hands that were clutching my collar, trying to free myself. But she shook her head, tightening her grip even more and pulling my face closer.

I gulped, tilting my head sideways to scan the staffroom, but my eyes fluttered shut and a smile crept across my lips as I felt her little fingers tracing the bandage on my wound.

So, now, my little student was scared of my wound.

With a smile, I cupped her wrist and pushed her gently against the cabin wall, but my heart raced as I heard footsteps approaching, sending panic coursing through me.

"Turn invisible, Seetha. Fast"

I reminded her urgently, my voice barely a whisper as I don't know what I should do now. But she just looked at me, nervously wetting her lips, giving me that innocent, wide-eyed look.

Panic surged through me.

No. Not again.

My heart pounded in my chest as the sound of footsteps grew louder.

"Enna?"

(What?)

"Marandhutten"

(I forgot)

She whispered in a frightened tone. Her voice trembled, and her eyes darted between me and the approaching footsteps.

I looked at her in disbelief.

This girl...

"Unna vachuttu naa enna dha panna poren nu therila, ma"

(I don't know what I'm going to do with you, ma)

I whisper-yelled, trying to keep my frustration under control.

She pouted at me, still sniffling and wiping her tears with the back of her palms, making me sigh.

Before I could figure out what to do, we both froze, alerted, when we heard,

"Yen sir neenga vera? Naane ippodha duty muduchuttu varen"

(Not like that, sir. I've just now finished my duty)

Vinitha mam.

I glanced at Seetha, who looked like a deer caught in headlights, her eyes wide with panic. She opened her mouth to say something, but I quickly motioned for her to stay quiet, pressing a finger to my lips while my mind raced to figure out what to do next.

"Summa sollaadhinga ma'am"

(Don't lie, ma'am)

"Elango... I'm dead now"

I muttered under my breath, the panic in my voice barely contained. Sighing, I gently cupped her trembling hands that were clutching my shirt.

We were trapped.

There was no way I could act like the professional professor right now-not with Seetha clinging to me, tears still streaming down her face.

Even if I tried to push her away and pretend we were discussing something formal, both Elango and Vinitha mam would know she had been crying by seeing her tear strained face.

And that alone could lead to a misunderstanding, especially with Vinitha mam. She might assume something else entirely, and the situation would spiral into an even bigger mess.

My only option was to escape. I needed to get Seetha and myself out of here without being seen or caught. Taking a deep breath, I whispered,

"Seri relax. First andha paper enga vachirukka? Eduthu read pannu. Time waste pannaadha. Naan adhu varaikum avangala samaalikiren"

(Okay, relax. First, where did you keep that paper? Take it out and start reading. Don't waste any time. I'll handle them until then)

"Aahn, okay"

I turned to leave, but she jerked, her widened eyes locking onto mine in panic when I paused and faced her again, saying,

"Invisible aagaama veliya vandhuraadha. Purunjadhaa?"

(You shouldn't step outside without becoming invisible. Do you get it?)

She blinked and slowly nodded in understanding. I hurriedly exited the cabin, running my fingers through my hair just as Elango was about to enter. He paused, frowning at me, but I forced a smile, trying to mask my anxiety about being caught as I straightened my shirt collar.

"Enna da?"

(What?)

Elango asked.

"Enna?"

(What?)

I asked back glancing around to see that Vinitha ma'am was in the adjacent cabin, which belonged to Rekha ma'am.

"Yen oru maadhiri thiruttu muli mulikira?"

(Why do you have that sneaky look now?)

Elango's question pulled my attention away from Vinitha ma'am and back to him.

I gulped, again forced a smile, and shook my head.

"Nothing"

I replied, trying to sound casual.

"Ohh. Aana enakku nee yedho thappu panna maadhiriye thonudhe"

(Ohh. But I feel like you were doing something wrong)

He said, giving me a suspicious glance.

"Thappaa? Enna thappu?"

(Wrong? What wrong?)

I asked, attempting to hide my shock.

"Adhaa naanu kekuren. Enna thappu panna?"

(That's what I'm asking. What did you do wrong?)

He was questioning me as if I had done something really wrong. I let out a sigh

"Deii loosu maadhiri pesaadha poda"

(Hey, stop talking like a fool and get lost)

I pushed his shoulder. He stumbled but quickly regained his balance. Then my gaze shifted to Vinitha mam, who was approaching us with a smile. I returned her smile and turned to Elango, putting on an innocent expression, as he asked,

"Ippo yen da enna thalli vitta?"

(Why did you push me just now?)

"Elango, sir. Naan yeppo sir ungala thalli vitten? Viluga poninga pudikka ponen adhu thap..(felt a grip on the back of my shirt) ..paa. Aahn. Thappaa? Sollunga Elango, sir"

(Elango, sir. When did I ever push you? You're misunderstanding; I was just hel... (felt a grip on the back of my shirt) ...heping you. Is it wrong? Tell me, Elango, sir)

I replied with faked disbelief while he shot me a glare. I gulped hard under his intense gaze and we heard,

"Ennaachu Aayush sir?"

(What happened, Aayush sir?)

Vinitha mam asked me. I gave her a smile and said,

"Nothing much, ma'am. I was just having a casual chat with Elangovan sir"

But I could see Elango still casting suspicious glances at me from the corner of my eye.

"Ohh. Inniku question paper easy'nu pasanga solleetu irundhaanga sir"

(Ohh. Then today the students were saying that the question paper was easy, sir)

"Aahn. Aama mam. Nalla panneerkardhaa dha sonnaanga.."

(Ah, yes, ma'am. They said they did great)

I glanced at Elango, who raised his brows at me, so I quickly shifted my gaze to Vinitha ma'am as she said,

"That's good to hear, sir. Alright, I'll take my leave now"

"Okay mam. You carry on"

I smiled at her, and she returned the gesture before stepping into her cabin. Sighing in relief, I turned to Elango, only to gulp at his intimidating look.

Aahaa !

"Macha. Enakku time aagudhu, da. Seekro ponum. Nee paathu veetukku batharamaa podaa. Seriyaa?"

(Bro, I don't have much time. I need to leave. You should head home too safe. Okay?)

I patted his shoulder and turned to head into my cabin, but halted when he asked,

"Nee enga.. part time job'ku poriyaa inniku?"

(Are you going for your part-time job today?)

I glanced at him again and said,

"Aama. Poren. Enna macha kelvi idhu?"

(Yeah, I'm going. What kind of question is this, dude?)

"Ohhh. Illa thalaila adi patrukke, adhaa ketten"

(Ohhh. No, I was just asking because of that wound on your head)

I touched the bandage, and the memory of her tears at the sight of it flashed before my eyes, making me smile slightly as I said,

"Illa macha. Naan poiye aaganu da. Illanaa feel pannuvaanga"

(No, dude. I have to go. Otherwise, they'll start worrying)

"Yaaru feel pannuvaanga?"

(Who will start worrying?)

I widened my eyes but coughed a little and said,

"Illa. Feel illa. Feel'naa sonnen?"

(No, not worry. But did I say they'll worry?)

I asked, stammering in between. He scrunched his face and responded,

"Aama polanaa feel pannuvaanga nu sonniye?"

(Yes. You just said that they would start worrying)

"Ohh apdiyaa sonnen?"

(Oh, did I say that?)

I stammered again, but a smile crept onto my face, only making Elango more suspicious of me. I cursed myself under my breath.

Shit. Why are you blabbering like a fool now, Aayush?

Clearing my throat, I continued,

"Illa, machaa, naraya customers varumbodhu oru cook illanaalu kashtam dhane da? Adhaa feel pannuvaanga nu sonnen"

(I mean, if a cook isn't around when a lot of customers come in, it becomes really tough, right? That's why I said they'll feel it)

"Ohhh"

He scrutinized me from head to toe. I let out a sigh.

"Seri seri macha. Naan kelamburen. Nee paathu po da. Bye"

(Okay, okay, I'll take my leave. You go ahead and take care. Bye)

I turned and stepped into my cabin, without waiting for his response. Letting out a sigh of relief, I closed the door behind me and, after grabbing my bag, murmured,

"Hold onto my bag, ma"

After a few seconds, I asked,

"Polaamaa?"

(Shall we go?)

I felt a tug on my bag, as if someone were pulling it. Smiling, I started to make my way out of the cabin, but before I could close the door, it was suddenly pushed shut by someone-Seetha, at least for me, but for anyone else, it seemed to close by itself in the air.

Invisible'ahh irukkaa ngra nenappe illa pola ivalukku.

(It seems like she's not thinking about being invisible at all)

I gulped in terror and looked around, startled by a tap on my shoulder. When I turned, I saw Rekha ma'am smiling at me.

Aiyo indhamma vera yeppo paathaalum correct timing'le wrong'aah entry kudukudhe.

(Aiyo, this woman always makes her perfect entry at the wrong time)

I sighed inwardly, then smiled and greeted her.

"Hello"

"Hello, sir. Kelambeetinglaa?"

(Hello, sir. Are you leaving?)

"Haan. Aama ma'am. Naan appo kel.."

(Yes, ma'am. I was just about to le..)

Suddenly, she interrupted me, saying,

"Seri vaanga polaa"

(Okay, let's go then)

I stared at her, confused, and replied,

"Illa naan Elango kood.."

(No, I am going with Elango...)

But I was interrupted again when we heard,

"Aayush, sir. Neenga ponga. Enakku inniku konjo work irukku"

(Aayush, sir. You go ahead. I have some work today)

Elango said from his cabin. I shot him a glare, but he just gave me a smug smile in return.

Dhrogi.

(Traitor)

I forced a tight-lipped smile and gritted my teeth as I replied,

"Okay, sir"

He smirked at me.

"Seri vaanga, sir, polaa"

(Okay, let's go then, sir)

I offered Rekha ma'am the same forced smile I had given Elango moments earlier as we walked towards the lift. And, I made sure Seetha was with me by gently touching her right palm, which was gripping my bag, now and then.

Once we reached the parking lot, Rekha mam chattered non-stop, and I found myself gulping, wondering how I could divert her attention. I needed to take Elango's bike for my part time job, as I used my own for college.

Because if anyone saw me riding my own bike while picking her up and dropping her off before and after my part time job, it could lead to trouble. That could be the day we got caught. So, I used Elango's bike for my part time job and reserved my own bike for college.

As I was lost in thought while she chatted about something that didn't quite register in my mind, we suddenly heard a sound of water splashing.

Turning, I saw the scooty now drenched in water. Confused, I looked up at the sky, noting that it wasn't raining. Just then, I heard Rekha Mam gasp, followed by,

"Aiyo en scooty"

(God, my scooty)

What?

I was taken aback, gripping the strap of my bag, but I couldn't feel Seetha's presence.

"Seetha, wh.."

I paused, only to be pulled backward by a grip on my wrist as Rekha ma'am rushed toward her scooty. I silently laughed, understanding everything that had just happened, letting my little student drag me along.

Then, quickly, I hopped on Elango's bike before Rekha mam could notice, speeding off just as I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder.

Once we exited the college campus, I said,

"Rowdy. Unakku yen ivlo kovam varudhu?"

(Rowdy. Why were you so angry?)

I teased, but when no response came-not even a tap-I felt the weight on my back, along with a slight wetness. My heart softened, realizing,

She's still scared because of my wound.

Taking a deep breath, I reached for her right hand on my right shoulder, gently pulling her finger down. Her palm grazed across my chest, and she instinctively gripped my collar again.

Smiling softly, I made a decision. I decided to take the day off from work today, not just for me, but for both of us. As I diverted the path to somewhere peaceful, determined to calm her down first.

After an hour, I parked my bike under the shade of a tree. Gently, I began loosening her grip on my collar, carefully lifting each finger one by one as I realized she had fallen asleep.

Once her grip was loosened, I softly held her little fingers in my hand, feeling their warmth as I ensured her comfort.

Evlo kutty'ahh irukku !

(How little, it looks !)

Admiring her little fingers and nails, shaping them, I suddenly felt her body jerk against my back, and her grip on my collar loosened.

The next thing I knew, her hand left mine. Glancing ahead, I noticed that she had become visible again and was now standing in front of me, arms crossed under her chest.

Smiling to myself, I got off the bike, locked it, and moved toward her. But before I could reach, she had already walked ahead and sat on the large root of the tree, burying her face into her palms.

I sighed softly, squatted in front of her, and gently draped her black shawl over her left shoulder, which had fell down.

"Seetha"

Then, I called out in a gentle, caring tone, hoping to break through the invisible barrier she'd built.

She remained silent, refusing to respond. I took a deep breath and gently touched her knees. As if on cue, she straightened up and finally met my gaze.

"Seeth... "

I began, but she interrupted with a whisper, her voice fragile as she pointed at my wound with her index finger.

"Epdi aachu?"

(What happened?)

She asked, her concern pouring into those two words. The sight of her finger so delicately hovering near my injury was enough to make me feel touched.

"Onnula, ma. Veetla table'le iduchukutten"

(I got hit on the table at my house)

I replied softly.

"Nejama?"

(Really?)

She asked, her voice filled with suspicion.

I just hummed in response, avoiding her gaze, feeling the weight of guilt settle in.

Lying to her while looking into her eyes was harder than I expected.

Then, as her fingers gently caressed the bandaged wound, I glanced up at her, noticing her eyes brimming with unshed tears once again.

I sighed deeply and cupped her cheeks with my hands, trying to soothe her worries even as my own guilt lingered.

"Seetha. Please. Enakku onnu illa ma. Ippo yen alara?"

(Seetha. Please. I'm alright. Why are you crying now?)

I asked softly, but she sniffled, her cheeks and nose turning pink. My thumbs wiped her tears away as I stared at her simply, not knowing how to stop her from crying.

Because, it was the second time someone was upset about my health or injuries. When I was a child, my mother would scold me and cry if I came home hurt after playing with friends. Now, Seetha was crying for my wound.

The realization that every tear she shed was for me filled me with guilt, while the innocence of her face softened my heart.

However, guilt overwhelmed me more as she hiccuped between her cries while looking into my eyes. So, I shifted closer, wiped her tears, and cupped her cheeks firmly, saying,

"Shh. It's okay, it's okay. Don't cry, please. I'm sorry"

She looked at me with narrowed brows, a mix of concern and confusion evident on her face.

"Neenga.. yedhukku.. ippo sorry kekuringa?"

(Why are you asking sorry now?)

She asked, stammering through her hiccups.

"Therila. Nee alugaadha. I'm sorry"

(I don't know. You don't cry. I'm sorry)

I said because, honestly, I had no idea why I was apologizing.

Just checking if my apology could work like magic to stop her tears.

As I hoped, her lips curved into a smile, and she chuckled through her tears.

And, I felt a wave of relief wash over me at the sight of her smiling face.

"Sorry"

I said again.

This time, she giggled like a kid, and the warmth spread through my heart.

I felt ready to say it once more, just to see that smile again.

"Sor.."

"Porum, professor"

(Enough, professor)

She stopped me, and I smiled as I pulled out my kerchief from my pants pocket and handed it to her. After she wiped her tears, I quickly snatched it back and shoved it into my pocket before she could react. She glanced at me, her brow furrowed in confusion.

I simply shrugged my shoulders in response. She smiled and stood up in front of me, and as I stood up as well, her gaze met mine before shifting back to the bandage.

"Seriyaa poidumaa? Doctor enna sonnaanga?"

(Will it be okay? What did the doctor say?)

Yaarukku theriyu ?

(Who knows?)

I wondered in response to her question.

But gulped as she smiled at me, her dimple deepening in a way that made my heart race. Pushing aside the urge to kiss that adorable dimple again for the fourth time, I instead said,

"Seri aageedum'nu dha ma sonnaanga. Don't worry I'm fine"

(It will be alright, they said. Donit worry; I'm fine)

She smiled and tucked her loose hair strands behind her ear, taking in the place I had brought her to for the first time. I eagerly waited for her reaction, and as her lips curved up, so did mine.

She squealed, her eyes wide with excitement, looking at the vast green landscapes, the shimmering silver lake, and the birds chirping in harmony. A wide smile graced her face, revealing her dimple again as she exclaimed,

"Wow!"

I chuckled as she turned towards me with her bright, excited face and asked,

"Idhu enna place? Switzerland'ku vandhuttomaa? Enna kidnap panneetinglaa, professor?"

(Is this Switzerland? Have you kidnapped me, professor?)

Her teasing voice and mischievous raised eyebrows made me shake my head in disbelief.

And I playfully swatted the hand resting on her hip with a smile and said,

"Switzerland dha. Namma ooru Switzerland"

(Yes, Switzerland! Our own little Switzerland)

I walked past her, still smiling, but she quickly ran ahead and blocked my way, standing directly in front of me with a mischievous grin.

I casually shoved my hands into my pockets and raised my brows, amused, waiting to see what she would do next. She smiled even wider and asked,

"Indha yedam ungalukku epdi theriyum?"

(How do you know this place?)

"Mmm.. childhood'le vandhirukken"

(Mmm... I used to come here in my childhood days)

I said, and remembered the joy of those moments with my mother and her husband.

"Indha place name enna?"

(What is the name of this place?)

"Destiny resort"

I replied to her.

"Ohh I see"

She then turned around and walked ahead, her eyes catching sight of the birds on the ground. Before I could even react, she began to run, laughing, spreading her arms wide, causing the birds to flutter into the air along both sides of her path.

It was a beautiful sight, and I couldn't help but smile at the enchanting scene before me.

She looked like a princess from heaven in this destiny resort, fulfilling my dreams.

As she then dashed towards the shimmering lake, I followed closely beside her. She took my wrist in her palm, peered over the water, and flashed a radiant smile that lit up her face.

"Evlo crystal clear'aah irukku paarungalen"

(Look how crystal clear it is)

She exclaimed with excitement as she wondered at the lake's crystal-clear water.

"Mmm. It's the Emerald Lake"

"Ohh. Lake'ah? Nicee.. nallaarku indha place"

(Ohh. Is it a lake? Nice... this place is wonderful)

She said, turning to look at me. Then, she lifted her leg as if to step into the water but quickly stepped back, muttering under her breath,

"Nekku indha thannila kaal vaikave manasu varla"

(I don't have the heart to putting my feet in this water)

I chuckled at her whining tone as she walked past me across the beautiful landscape. Just as she was about to move away, I grabbed her hand, bringing her to a halt. She turned to look at me, a frown appearing on her face.

"Vaa"

(Come)

I said, dragging her slowly toward the area I wanted her to see. Her eyes lit up as she squealed in delight upon spotting the white rabbits and rats playing nearby.

"Hey, muyalu. Evlo cute'ahh irukku"

(Hey, rabbits. How cute these are)

She murmured in an aww, and I let go of her hand, saying,

"Poi paaru po"

(Go and see them)

She nodded eagerly, diving into play with the rabbits that darted around their place. I watched her with a smile, admiring how she tucked her hair behind her ears and adjusted the shawl that kept slipping off her shoulders. Her hands would rest against her chest as she leaned down to play with the rabbits, standing on her toes to catch a glimpse of the rats placed higher up. Her deep dimples and fluttering eyes, coupled with her wide smile, completely captivated me.

The person, the soul who came into my hands unasked, without any expectations.

After about ten minutes, I was startled by the ringtone of my phone. I glanced at her one last time before answering the call from Elango.

As I spoke, I turned and walked toward a bend in the landscape, where a cozy spot invited me to sit. I reassured Elango that I'd be home soon and that he didn't need to worry about my wound. Then, the conversation shifted to the serious one when he mentioned that the old man was quite upset with me over it.

"Paasam'aah? Yaaru avarukkaa?"

(Affection? Who? Him?)

I chuckled bitterly as he kept shouting at me to believe in the man's affection for my mother and to reconsider my viewpoint. By the end of the conversation, I was utterly fed up.

"Podhum. Niruthu da. Avaru en appa'uhm illa, naan avarukku paiyanum illa'nu naan unta yeth.."

(That's enough. Stop it. I've told you countless times that he is neither my father nor am I his..)

I stopped suddenly, and my phone slipped from my hand, my body jerked forward as a heavy weight settled on my shoulders. Before I could react, something soft brushed against my cheek.

Turning to see what it was, I noticed her hands loosening from around my shoulders. And she jumped down from the bend of the landscape and started running away from me.

Did she really do what I'm thinking she did now?

Snapping back to reality from the shock, I quickly grabbed my phone and rushed after her. But she was already on the swing, blushing and lowering her gaze at me, her cheeks a soft pink. I approached slowly with a smirk, positioning myself behind her as she came to a stop from swinging back and forth.

"Madam, enna panninga?"

(What have you done, madam?)

I asked her teasingly, leaning down a little, tying my hands behind me. She lowered her gaze even more and whispered,

"Aahn. Neenga dhane venaa'naa thiruppi kuduthuru'nu sonninga?"

(Aahn. Aren't you the one who said to give it back if I don't want it?)

Her voice was barely audible, laced with a hint of embarrassment. I chuckled and placed my hands on the ropes of her swing, gripping them firmly. As she looked up at me with a wide grin, I smiled back and asked,

"Thallavaa?"

(Shall I push?)

She nodded eagerly, gripping the ropes of the swing tightly. As I pushed her, her delighted squeals filled the air, a sound that made me smile. After a few more pushes, she squealed,

"Wait. Wait. Wait!"

I caught the ropes, halting the swing's movement, and glanced at her with a frown. To my surprise, she removed her dupatta, rolling it around her neck like a makeshift scarf.

"Enna pandra?"

(What are you doing?)

I asked and she replied,

"Idhu enna disturb pannudhu"

(It's disturbing me)

"Adhukku?"

(So?)

"Adhukku'naa?"

(So?)

She glanced at me, tilting her face up, and I sighed before saying,

"Enta kudu"

(Give it to me)

"Haan?"

She looked me up.

"Mmm kudu"

(Mmm. Give it)

She removed her dupatta and handed it to me, and I kept it over my left shoulder. As I looked at her, she averted her gaze from the dupatta resting on my shoulder to meet my eyes.

"Puduchukko. Thalla poren"

(Hold on. I'm going to push)

I warned her playfully, and she immediately gripped the ropes of the swing, panicked, which made me laugh as I pushed her higher.

She squealed with delight, waving her hands at the birds and chatting with them as she flew through the air before coming back to me.

"Yayyy!"

She exclaimed, her excitement contagious.

After a few more minutes of playful swinging, we made our way towards the bike parking area. Even though I was taller, her enthusiasm made her steps seem larger; she hopped along with her bag snug against her right side, waving her hands in the air, the strap of her bag resting on her shoulder.

I followed her, smiling dreamily, realizing that this place felt even more beautiful and peaceful now than when I visited in my childhood with my mother and her husband.

The place and the atmosphere around me feel different when she is beside me.

Eventually, she slowed her hopping, rubbed her arms, and tilted her head up to meet my gaze. I turned from the path ahead to smile back at her. She, too gave me a smile and said,

"Inniku super'aah irundhadhu"

(Today was awesome)

"Mmm.."

I softly hummed, accepting her words, my gaze fixed on her eyes.

We had spent an hour together, alone in the most peaceful place. The sounds of nature mingled with her laughter-I'm sure it will take me many days to forget the melody that still lingers in my ears.

"Inga yen enna kooptu vandhinga?"

(Why did you make me visit here?)

She asked, and I squinted my eyes, pressed my lips together as if deep in thought, wearing a teasing look and said,

"Nee aludhuttu irundha'le? Adhaa"

(Aren't you crying? That's why..)

I shrugged my shoulders.

"Ohoo"

But she looked back at me with the same teasing look.

"Enna?"

(What?)

I raised my brows, one hand shoved in my pocket while the other raked through my hair.

"Onnulaye"

(Nothing)

She glanced at my hand raking through my hair, a hint of yearning in her eyes, before her gaze shifted back to the path ahead, a grin playing on her lips.

I smiled at the moment, feeling warm inside as we walked together, enjoying the calmness of the place and each other's company.

"Leave solleerlaam? Veetla drop pandren"

(Will take a leave, okay? I'll drop you at home)

I informed her, and she looked up at me in disbelief.

"Leave'ahh? Yedhukku? 5'o clock dhane aachu? Naan yerkanave one day leave poten, professor"

(Leave? Why? It's only 5 o'clock! I already took a one-day leave, professor)

"Adhukku?"

(So?)

"Adhukku'na? Inniku poganum. Neenga venaa ungaathukku pongo. Thalai valikardhaa?"

(What so? I have to go today. If you don't want to, go home. Is your head hurts?)

She asked and I shook my head, replying,

"Illa"

(No)

"Nejama?"

(Really?)

She knitted her brows.

"Mmm. Romba naal apro oru valiyum illaama irukka day idhaa en life'le"

(Mmm. It's been so many days since I've had a day without any hurts)

She stared at me and stopped in her tracks. I halted and turned to her with a frown.

"Yen ninnuta?"

(Why did you stop?)

"You suffered a lot?"

She whispered.

"Haan?"

"Naraya kashtam patrukinga dhane?"

(You've been through a lot of pain, haven't you?)

I smiled and answered,

"Ippovum padren, Seetha. Adhellaa marandhu irukkardhu ippodha. Indha nimisham dha. But.."

(I'm going through it even now, Seetha. Everything else is forgotten right now, at this moment. But...)

I walked and stood in front of her, looking down at her as her face tilted up to meet my gaze.

"At this moment, when the memories of the past flood back, I find myself behaving like a fool. Enakke theriyum. Naan romba over'aah poren nu. Aana.. I can't help it... and, Seethaa.."

(At this moment, when the memories of the past flood back, I find myself behaving like a fool. I know I'm overreacting. But... I can't help it... and, Seetha...)

I leaned in and took her hands in mine, while she stood there, staring into my eyes.

"Indha adi pattadhu kooda. Nethu naan ellaam nenachu, drink panni.. keela vilundhu.."

(This injury also happened because yesterday, I thought about everything, drank, and then fell..)

She wriggled out of my grasp before I could finish my sentence inbetween the stammerings and started walking back into the resort area, leaving me confused.

"Hey, enga ma pora?"

(Hey, where are you going, ma?)

I asked, following her as she walked ahead.

"Poi solleetinga'le? Ponga ponga"

(You lied, didn't you? Just go away)

She waved her hand without even looking back, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her antics. Shaking my head, I quickly rushed after her, jogging, and instinctively wrapping my arm around her waist without a second thought, twirling her around to face me.

My ear caught the soft squeal and gasp she let out in shock.

Her left hand landed on my chest while her right one rested near my stomach. Her wide eyes, still locked with mine, were filled with surprise.

And, I could feel the weight of her breath as her chest rose and fell heavily. So, she adjusted herself, taking a step back to leave a bit of space between our bodies. I, too, loosened my grip around her, letting her regain her comfort, though the tension between us lingered in the air.

Smiling softly, I reached up to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. As my fingers brushed her cheek, I cupped her jawline gently, my thumb lightly tracing the curve of her skin.

Her eyes met mine, and she blinked, her eyelashes delicately brushing her cheeks before fluttering back in place.

Taking a deep breath, I began,

"Poi sollanum'nu manasaara nenachirundhaa, ippo unkitta unmaiya solleerka maaten, Seetha. You know..un kanna paathu ennaala poi solla kooda mudiyala. Enna panna nu therila. Aana, as I said before, ennaala indha kanna thavara vera yendha kannaiyum idhey obsession oda ini paaka mudiyaadhu"

(If I had lied to you wholeheartedly, I wouldn't be telling you the truth now, Seetha. You know... looking into your eyes, I can't even lie. I don't know what you've done to me. But as I said before, I can't look at any other eye with the same obsession as I do with yours.)

Looking into her eyes, where I saw my own reflection, I opened my mouth and said,

"These are special. Because, they hold not only yours. But, also my hopes, my dreams and everything that related me. And, vera enna soldradhu.."

(What else..)

Exhaling, I added,

"You're special to me"

She blinked, gulping hard.

I nodded, affirming,

"The whole you"

I whispered with all my senses, and she smiled at me lovingly. As I leaned in to kiss her cheek again, I frowned when her hand moved from my stomach to cup my chin, gently turning my face to the left. Her soft lips brushed against my cheek hesitantly for the second time.

Understanding her hesitancy, I smiled and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer. There, I felt her lips press firmly against my cheek with a soft wetness as she gasped at my action. When I lifted my eyelashes and glanced towards her eyes, I noticed the surprise in her wide gaze.

Letting out a chuckle, I moved my hands to her waist as she wrapped her arms around my neck, and we embraced tightly, forgetting the whole world around us.

Yet I knew I had so much more to say to her and to hear from her. With a longing to share all my happiness and sadness, I held her close, burying my face in her neck and savoring the warmth that enveloped me now-nothing more than that.

Just me and her.

**********

TBC..

Epdi irundhuchu?

Areyy guys, sat and sun update illa nu sonnen'le? Marachal problem'ahh ellaarukkum enna maadhiriye?🌝

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