Hello 😀

Vaanga vaanga story kulla polaa🚴‍♀️💜🦋

*********

♡♡

Aayush

After what felt like a dream, I made myself dinner and finished it just in time to expect her call, which came precisely ten minutes later. Smiling, I answered, settling back on the bed with one hand tucked comfortably under my head.

"Oi"

"Hello, professor, naan ungakitta onnu solla marandhutten"

(Hello, professor, I forgot to tell you something)

I narrowed my brows at her hurried, serious words and tone and asked,

"What?"

"Neenga ooty return aana two days apro naan oru kovil'ku poyirundhen"

(Two days after you returned to Ooty, I had gone to a temple.)

I waited in silence for her to continue.

But,

"Hello, irukke'laa?"

(Are you there?)

I blinked my eyes and replied,

"Aahn, irukken, ma"

(Yeah, I'm listening)

"Appo edhaadhu sollunga.. naan peseete irukken.. neenga amaidhiyaa irundhaa nekku epdi theriyum neenga kekure'laa illayaa'nu?"

(Then say something... I'm the one talking here... how will I know if you're even listening if you stay silent like this?)

I smiled and said,

"Okay, okay. Sollu"

"Mmm.. kovil'ku poyirundhabodhu anga oru.."

(Mmm... when I went to the temple, I saw some..)

And I heard the sound of a door opening on her end, followed by,

"Innum thoongalayaa, paapa?"

(Still not asleep?)

It was her father. I quickly ended the call to avoid getting her in trouble at home and sighed.

Ennamo solla vandhaaley..

(She was about to say something.)

I rested my hands between my head and the pillow, replaying everything that had happened today in my mind. At the end, to suppress the urge to pull her back into my embrace, I picked up my phone and began scrolling through YouTube. Suddenly, I recalled Charan's request for me to start an Instagram account.

After a brief hesitation, I tapped on the Instagram app that Charan had downloaded for me earlier that day and I hadn't yet deleted. I entered "Professor" in the username section with a smile, filled in the other details, and finally created my Instagram account, which was completely empty—zero followers, zero following, and no posts.

Next, I browsed through my gallery for the perfect profile picture and selected one where I was wearing a black-and-white striped shirt and black pants, with only my back visible. I set the photo, and after a two-minute loading delay, when I pondered over what to write for my bio I suddenly remembered I could follow her.

Insta'le laa paapa irukkumaa?

(Will paapa be on Instagram?)

I decided to search for Charan's profile since I remembered it from when he looked it up on our trip. A smirk spread across my face as I recalled how she had kissed me back like a pro, mimicking my actions with her lips.

Kiss'eh adikudhu insta'le irukkaadhaa..

(She's kissing me, so why can't she be on Instagram?)

I chuckled at my thoughts and found Charan's profile set to public. Choosing it, I began scrolling through the pictures he had posted. Afterward, I clicked on his followings and searched for "See..." and came across two accounts that caught my eyes.

Seetha

And, 

Seetha_mahalaxxmi

I frowned and clicked on the first account, where the profile picture showed a macaw perched in someone's hand, with tiny fingers just visible in the frame. Recognizing those fingers, I smiled and clicked the follow button without a second thought. 

Then I scrolled through Charan's posts, added some features like a bio, and made my account private while waiting for her call. But, eventually, I fell asleep, unaware of it.

The next morning, I woke to the sound of knocks on the door, followed by,

"Deii eruma, endhiruchu ready aagu da. Evlo neram kathuradhu.."

(Hey, hurry up! It's time to get ready. How long are you going to take?)

Groaning, I slipped out of bed, headed to the restroom, and took a quick shower. Afterward, I chose a plain black shirt and pants, opting for something dark since it had been few days since I wore them. Then, quickly gathering my belongings, I dashed out of the room.

"Macha, vaa da polaa"

(Dude, let's go)

I shouted, rolling up my shirt sleeves as I made my way towards the entrance to leave the house.

"Saapdalayaa, Elango?"

(You don't want to eat, Elango?)

I paused upon hearing the old man's query using the name Elango, but I knew he was indirectly asking about me.

"Aayush saaptu polaa, vaa"

(Aayush, come on! We'll leave after having some food)

I took my time tucking my rolled-up sleeves neatly above my elbows and replied,

"Illa.. naan.. enakku pasikala, macha. College'ku late aagudhu, polaa vaa.. "

(No... I'm not hungry, dude. We'll be late for college; let's go)

I left the house and started my bike, only to realize it was out of petrol. Sighing in disbelief, I glanced at Elango, who was waiting for me after starting his bike.

"Ennaachu?"

(What's wrong?)

"Petrol illa, da"

(Out of petrol, da)

"Seri thalleetu vaa"

(Alright, come on, dragging it all along)

He said nonchalantly and began to get off. I hurriedly stopped him, shouting,

"Deii deii, nillu da!"

(Stop, man!)

He stopped and glared at me. I turned off my bike, hopped onto his bike behind him, and placed my hands on his shoulders.

"Pinna naan epdi evening thirumba varadhu? Nee vera en bike dha evening'ku venu'nu solluva"

(Then how will I return in the evening? You keep saying you need my bike for the evening!)

"Bus'le vaa"

(Return through the bus)

"Enna velaadriyaa?"

(Are you kidding?)

He asked, slightly turning just his face to look at me with a serious expression.

"Illa macha serious'aah dha soldren" 

(No, dude, I'm telling you seriously)

I replied, maintaining the same serious expression.

He huffed and turned back to face forward, murmuring,

"Mch, yeppo dha da bike ku olunga petrol podra vishyatha follow pannuva?"

(Dude, when will you ever learn to put petrol in the bike properly?)

I smiled and said,

"Innum rend naal'le new year'le da? kandippa ennoda new year resolution'eh adhaa. you don't worry, da, Elango"

(There's still two days until new year, right? So, that's definitely my new year's resolution. Don't worry about it, Elango)

"Velanguna maadhiri dha"

(Let's see)

He started the bike and roared out of the house. As I lifted my hand to fix my hair, it came to an abrupt halt when I saw the beauty before my eyes. The next half minute felt like a dream as I watched her blinking eyelashes against the strands of hair that fell from her forehead, brushing against her lips. Then my gaze descended to her waist, slightly visible as she squatted down to draw a kolam at her house entrance. 

Noticing that she hadn't seen me, I crept my hand under Elango's, which was gripping the handlebar, and honked the bike horn continuously for more than three times.

Elango shouted a string of colorful words into my ears, but I was too captivated, staring at her, waiting for her reaction as she lifted her face. 

She squinted her eyes at our direction, and when our gazes met, her expression fluttered with shyness. I smirked as we passed her, but I turned back to catch another glimpse of her. She was looking at me with a blush, flipping the hair strand near her eye over the white towel tied on her head, giving me a clear view of her beautiful, traditional face.

Our eye contact was broken as soon as she disappeared from my view. I turned back to the front and fixed my hair, hearing Elango's voice grumbling,

"Orunaal illa orunaal iyer aathu'le nee semathiyaa adi vaanga pora di"

(One day or another, you'll definitely end up getting a good beating at Iyer's house)

But I brushed off his comment with a smile, lowering my face, and then turned serious when Elango asked if I had informed her about the invisible powers and their origins. With that serious conversation, we reached the college and walked side by side, pulling down our shirt sleeves before entering the lift to the top floor.

Following the meeting with the principal about the upcoming academic year and department specializations, I spent the rest of the morning working on online lectures. After lunch, I assisted Elango with his class's green card entries, where student details and their scores in internal assessments and model exams are recorded. Since he was filling in for Shailaja ma'am, who was on maternity leave, he had to manage all her responsibilities in addition to his own.

By the end of the college day, I felt a sudden urge to see her and hold her hand in mine. So, once Elango dropped me at the bus stop, I dialed her number, waiting for her to pick up, but she declined.

My frown deepened as I tried calling her again, but it went unanswered. Confused and disbelieving, I was about to message her, raking my fingers through my tousled hair on my forehead, but I stopped when I heard,

"Seri"

(Okay)

I lifted my gaze to see her getting down from someone's bike—a guy of average height with a well-built physique, curly hair, wearing a white shirt and brown pants. He looked at her with a smile that wasn't just friendly. She adjusted the straps of her bag, her eyes lowered, avoiding his gaze. 

As I continued to watch as he said, "Bye" , and she mouthed a silent response, hesitating a moment before glancing both ways to cross the road. I glanced back at him; he was still watching her with a smile, but I couldn't tell exactly where his eyes were since his face was slightly turned away. 

Clenching my jaw, I walked towards her and stood beside her, then crossed the road, letting her follow me. We walked to the college gate without looking back at him. But, after a quick check to make sure he was gone, I turned completely and again walked out of the college, leaving her behind.

A wave of frustration simmered within me, intensifying with each thought. I knew she might have had her own reasons, maybe she didn't have the privacy to call and explain. But still... 

Still, the woman who had drawn so close to me—both physically and mentally—was now igniting a fire within me at the sight of her stepping off another man's bike. It's not that I don't trust her, or that I'm angry at her. It's the way that man looked at her that's eating away at me. 

The way he looked at her stirred a flurry of questions in my mind, each one more unsettling than the last. Clenching my phone tightly in my fist, I tried to shake off the image of that man's smile directed at Seetha, just as I heard...

"Professor, please.. naan choldradha kelungo"

(Just listen to what I'm saying)

I stopped just before the other side of the bus stop, and she appeared in front of me, her shawl covering her face, revealing only her pleasing eyes. I grabbed her wrist and pulled her beside me as vehicles sped by on the road behind her. She clutched my shirt near my bicep and whispered,

"Sir..."

But I stayed silent, holding back the urge to lash out without knowing the story behind the scene that was slowly driving me insane. Once we reached the restaurant, I went into the chef's room, leaving her behind. I felt more afraid of my own anger than anything else, worried that I might lose control and make her cry. 

I knew that even a slight harsh tone from me had left her in tears more than once, making me realize how sensitive she had become around me.

Before starting work, I unlocked my phone and sent her a message,

"Let's talk about it afterward. I have complete trust in you"

At the right moment, as her shift was ending, I went to the manager's office to request permission for both of us to leave early. Though he cautioned me not to make it a habit, he somehow granted permission after I promised not to repeat it. Grateful, I rolled up my sleeves and climbed the stairs to her workspace.

Opening the door, I stormed in and grabbed her bag from the desk and looked around to find another woman, roughly her height, nearby. Fixing a final stare at the man behind that woman, I tightly took hold of Seetha's wrist and draged her out, her protests and struggles fading into the background.

Once we reached the bus stop, I got on a bus heading to one of the stops between our houses, and she followed after me. I looked into her eyes, which blinked away the tears welling up.

I motioned for her to take a seat in the back row by the window, and I sat beside her, resting my arm along the back of her seat. She turned to me, whispering,

"Don't you trust me?"

I lowered my face to meet her gaze, and in a quiet tone, I whispered back,

"Didn't you see my message?" 

I asked, keeping my voice soft but firm.

She looked down, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag, and after a brief pause, she nodded slowly.

"I saw it... but..." 

She murmured, her voice trailing off as she glanced out the window.

I waited, giving her the space to explain, but the silence between us only seemed to grow heavier. Finally, I let out a sigh, leaning back.

"Who was he?"

She turned to me, gulped and lowered her gaze, the movement drawing my patience to a thin line. So, without a second thought, I grabbed her arm with the hand I had resting behind her on the seat, pulling her close enough that our faces were just inches apart. 

In a low, harsh whisper, I demanded, 

"Let me know who the fuck he was, Seetha"

She flinched slightly at my tone, her eyes wide as they darted up to meet mine. Her mouth opened as if to speak, but no words came out right away. Instead, she looked down, as though gathering the courage to explain.

My gaze drifted to her hairline, and I released a deep breath. Slowly, I slid my hand up to her nape, cupping it gently as I tilted her face to meet my eyes. 

"Tell me, no matter what it is" 

I murmured. 

"But remember, I trust you completely. It was just... the way he looked at you, Seetha. You know..."

My words trailed off as her eyes held mine, unblinking, a silent reassurance hidden in their depths. 

"That look... it was something so troubling, something I can't even stand replaying in my mind"

I paused, my thumb brushing gently against her nape making her shudder slightly. 

"It's just... too much to handle, and you know that"

She gulped once more, and I pulled her into my embrace, holding her close. Her warm breath tickled the side of my neck, and she whispered, 

"Naan nethu ungakitta sollanum'nu sonnadhu idhudha, professor"

(This is what I meant to tell you yesterday, Professor)

I thought back to her words from last night before her father interrupted. Resting my cheek against the side of her face, I felt her bury herself deeper into my neck, her hands clutching tightly at my shirt collar. 

Then, she continued softly, explaining that she had seen him at the temple—that he was her maama, her aunt's son, someone she'd known since childhood but barely remembered. She was so young back then that he was more of a faint memory. 

A wave of relief washed over me, and I held her cheek tenderly, but she only nestled further into my neck, her closeness stirring a comforting warmth.

The bus was almost empty, just us, the driver, and the conductor up front, deep in conversation. I lowered my hand from her cheek, resting it on the seat beside me, when she wrapped her arms around my waist without hesitation, making me smile. 

And, her voice trembled slightly as she continued,

"Inniku naan eppavum pola kelambunen evening, appo avaa correct'aah veetukku vandhaa.. vandhu appa kitta avaa enna drop pandradhaa sonnaa.. naan evlovo try pannen, Jiji wait pannuvaa naan thaniyaa poikiren'nu sonnen. But, appa maama koopadraa'le ma, nokku safety'aah irukkum poitu vaa'nu anuppi vachaa"

(Today, as usual, I left in the evening, and that guy came home correctly. He told my dad that he would drop me off. I tried to convince him so much, saying Jiji will be waiting for me, and that I will go alone. But Dad insisted, saying, 'No, you'll be safe if he takes you to college')

I listened quietly, letting her finish, and when I sensed she had more to say, she pulled back slightly, leaning into her seat as I loosened my hold and sat up, clearing my throat. Then she spoke, her voice wavering.

"Avaa kooda bike'la vara nekku suthama pudikala, professor. It made me feel like I was betraying you"

(I don't really like riding on a bike with that guy, professor. It made me feel like I was betraying you)

Her eyelashes fluttered, fighting back tears, and I shifted closer again, resting my hand on the seat behind her. Gently, I placed my other hand over hers, where they lay intertwined on her lap. But, she lowered her gaze further, and the sadness in her expression made my chest tighten. 

I leaned in, whispering softly,

"There's nothing like betraying here, ma"

But she shook her head, her voice barely a whisper.

"I let him touch me back then in my hometown, sir and now... I spent almost two hours with him on the same bike. I am betraying you. Why couldn't I just push him away, shout at him, make him leave me alone? I should have done that... instead of allowing him to act however he wanted"

Her words were tangled with regret, her tone filled with self blamek. I tightened my hand over hers, feeling the weight of her struggle.

"Seetha..." 

I whispered, my voice steady, hoping she could feel my reassurance,

"He is just a passing figure in your life, ma. Idha yen betrayal'ah nenaikira?"

(He is just a passing figure in your life, ma. Why do you think this as betrayal?)

"No, Aayush sir. I love you" 

She whispered, her voice wavering. 

"I shouldn't be close to another man like that. To you, it must feel like... like I'm betraying you"

Her words hung heavily between us, her gaze fixed on her hands, fingers trembling slightly.

I lifted her chin so she could look into my eyes.

"Seetha, trust isn't that fragile. Nee vera oruthar kooda close'ah irukkardhu naala enna nee love pandradhu maara poradhu kedaiyaadhu, ma. What truly matters is where your heart is right now"

(Seetha, trust isn't that fragile. Just because you're close to someone else doesn't mean your feelings for me will change. What truly matters is where your heart is right now)

She listened to me intently as I gently wiped away the tear from the corner of her right eye and whispered, 

"You haven't betrayed me, and you don't have to carry that guilt"

"I didn't betray you, right?" 

She asked, for my reassurance.

I smiled and shook my head. 

"You were, are, and will never do that to me. And if my earlier actions made you think like this, I'm sorry"

She shook her head immediately, opening her mouth as if to say something, but I placed my finger gently on her slightly parted lips and whispered, 

"Shh. I just got carried away in that moment. I promise I won't repeat it again, Seetha. Enna mannichiru"

(I'm truly sorry)

As I watched her expression soften and her lips curve into a slight smile, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

"I love you" 

She said softly against my finger resting on her lips.

I chuckled, pulling my finger away and playfully pinching her cheek. 

"And I like you"

Her smile widened at my teasing, the warmth between us growing even stronger.

Seetha

How can a man be like this? 

I knew he was a gem, but when he treated me with such tenderness, I felt incredibly loved and fortunate to have chosen him over every passing face in my past teenage years. 

Now, I felt a newfound courage to face anyone who dared to cross my path because I had someone I loved with complete trust.

His left leg rested above his right, and his left hand gently gripped mine, which I had rested on my lap. Meanwhile, his right hand played with my hair, caressing it softly as he spoke passionately about his love for football, his eyes sparkling with excitement. 

Though I knew little about the football—just the basics of goalkeeping and penalties—I didn't know much about his obsession with international teams, especially Manchester United, which he claimed was the most successful football club, or his admiration for the player Ronaldo.

 Aaruku theriyum idhellaaa...

(Who would know about this anyway?)

Despite my limited knowledge, I couldn't help but smile as I gazed at his animated face, taking in every detail of his handsome features. 

I nodded along, feeling a warmth spread across my cheeks amidst the pouring rain outside. As I silently moved closer, I could feel the tips of his fingers brushing against my thigh, sending butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

"And you know what? In the 1930s, Manchester had the highest attendance record for a match"

He paused and then continued, his excitement palpable. 

"And..."

His words trailed off as he shifted his gaze from me to the rain streaming down the window. I couldn't help but admire the beard on his cheek, feeling an urge to caress it just as I longed to run my fingers through his hair—the same hair that had felt so soft and silky when we kissed. 

But, my attention shifted back to his eyes when he said,

"Mazha peidhu pola"

(Looks like it's raining outside)

I smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Next bus maaranum, idhu in between stops mattum dha pogum" 

(We have to change bus at the next stop. This one only goes to the stops in between)

He added.

Again, I nodded, and his lips curved into a playful smile as he asked,

"Kiss panlaamaa?"

(Shall we kiss?)

I gasped and playfully pushed him away, placing my hands on his chest, while he burst into laughter. 

Blushing, I turned my gaze to the window, avoiding his teasing stare.

Then, he sat beside me silently, scrolling through his phone while I leaned back against his arm resting on the seat behind me, admiring the city outside through the heavy downpour. After a few minutes, we reached the bus stop and got off the bus. 

He placed his right hand over my head and his left over his own as we hurried to the shop, which was already closed, seeking shelter from the drenching rain. As I used my dupatta to wipe the wetness from my arms, I glanced up to see him ruffling his damp hair. I quickly averted my gaze, focusing on the empty bus stop, with no one else in sight except for the relentless rain.

"Hello" 

He said, answering a phone call.

"Bike illa, da... Aama sonna, adhukku ippo enna panna soldra?.. deii, mazha ipdi varum'nu naan enna nenachaa paathen?.. Seri varen vai.. Ohh, adhaa yaarum inga illayaa?.."

(I don't have the bike, man... Yeah, you told me. Now what do you want me to do about it?.... Hey, did you think I expected it to rain like this?... Fine, I'm coming... Oh, that's why there's no one here?)

His eyes scanned the surroundings as he spoke.

"Illa, macha naan vandhiruven paravala.. Okay.. aahn bye"

(No, it's okay, I'll come.. okay.. bye)

He hung up, saying, 

"Namma college pakkathula, then Kinnakorai fullaa thanni thaengi nikkudhu pola, ma.. bus'laa stucked.. adhaa yaarum inga illla.. idhu centre area naala ing..."

(Near our college, and Kinnakorai is flooded, ma... the bus got stuck... So, that there's no one around here... since this is the centre area, no one i..)

He trailed off, his hand pausing mid-motion as he shoved his phone into his pocket. His gaze briefly fell on me, but I noticed his Adam's apple bobbing as he gulped and then cleared his throat. 

Then, murmuring something under his breath, he looked away, and I frowned, puzzled by his actions.

"Enna paadhilaye nirutheetinga?"

(Why did you stop in the middle?)

I asked, and he turned to look at me before averting his gaze, rubbing his beard as he replied,

"Nothing, just... adhu... we're stuck here, I think"

"Purila?"

(I don't get you?)

He took a deep breath, turning to face me fully. 

"Idhu city oda center area naala inga yendha bus'uhm vara mudila pola, ma. Ellaa bus'uhm Kinnakorai and namma college irukka edathulaye stuck aagi irukku except for the one we came in" 

(Since this is the city center, it seems like no buses can make it here, ma. All the buses are stuck around Kinnakorai and near our college, except for the one we came in)

He explained, his eyes locking onto mine.

"Ohh" 

I said, averted my gaze to the other side as I sensed something deeper in his gaze, an intimacy that pulled me toward him.

Hugging myself for warmth against the chilling air, I felt my lips tremble and my teeth chatter. I glanced around our surroundings and heard the croak of a frog nearby. 

Looking down, I spotted the frog near the steel pillar of the shop, and gulped, instinctively moving back. As it jumped in my direction, I stepped back again, panic rising within me. 

When it leaped again, I hurriedly bumped into his arm, turning to see him smiling at me teasingly.

I huffed, realizing he had witnessed my struggle with that creature. 

"Naan andha pakkam poi nikka poren. Nekku inga comfortable'aah illa" 

(I'm going over there to stand. I don't feel comfortable here)

I declared, and he replied teasingly,

"Sure"

Ignoring him, I walked past him to stand beside him. However, I quickly realized there was stagnant water in that spot, making it impossible to stand there comfortably. 

Glancing back and forth, I settled in front of him, clutching my bag tightly and scolding him under my breath, 

"Apdiye nikkiraa paaru. Adha thorathi vidalaa'le..."

(Look at him standing like a statue, why can't he just move it out of the way?)

But he stood behind me, not asking anything. I twisted my lips. But, feeling the sudden chill of the air against my face, a slight shiver ran through me as a few drops of rain dripped from the edge of the shield above, landing on my hands. 

Then, the unexpected tickle in my nose caused me to sneeze twice in quick succession. I rubbed my nose, trying to shake off the cold, but it lingered like a whisper against my skin.

Suddenly, I felt something brush against my right waist, and before I could process it, I was yanked back against his chest. 

His voice, warm and inviting, floated to my ears as he said,

"Mazhai'le nenanjuttu irukka, Seetha nee" 

(You're drenching in the rain, Seetha)

My heart raced at the realization that it was his hand resting on my waist.

Nothing could feel more intimate than witnessing his veined palm and lengthy fingers resting gently on the side of my waist.

My breath hitched in my throat, and I instinctively curled my fingers tightly around the straps of my bag, feeling a mixture of warmth and nervousness coursing through me. As if sensing my reaction, he gently tightened his grip on my waist, intensifying my awareness of the weight of his hand resting there. 

But, I jolted slightly as I felt his fingers brush against the side of my neck, tracing a delicate path over my shoulder before tucking my hair away from my back, allowing it to cascade softly onto my left shoulder.

I became intensely aware of my shoulder, neck and back, the fabric of my kurta barely shielding me from his eyes, sending shivers coursing through my spine. The world around me blurred into a haze, leaving just the two of us in our intimate bubble on that rainy night. 

With a gentle pressure, he rested his other hand on my tummy, and my heart raced faster in response. I hurriedly placed my other hand over his, seeking both comfort and connection. But, my lips parted in a soft gasp, my eyes fluttering shut as I felt the roughness of his beard brushing against my cheek in slow, deliberate motions. It was a sensation I had never experienced before— pleasurable and soft all at once.

Leaning my head sideways, I gripped his hands tightly as if anchoring myself to the moment, yearning to melt into him completely. As I clutched his hands, the chill of the rain outside faded, leaving only the warmth of his body enveloping me. 

[Kiss Scene Ahead!
If you're uncomfortable, feel free to skip ahead to the emojis (⛄)]

And, a thrilling shiver coursed through me again when he planted a soft kiss behind my ear, trailing his lips down the side of my neck for the first time ever, making me shudder.

But, he tightened his hold, pulling me even closer, and my mind was lost to his gentle yet lingering kisses against my skin. My shoulders lifted in response, and he intertwined my fingers with his, squeezing them lightly as he brushed his lips, and beard along my ear, the sound of his lips and his breath sending waves of pleasure through me.

In a moment of my surrender, he twisted my left hand behind me suddenly and angled my face towards him with his other hand before capturing my lips in a kiss without even meeting my gaze that threatened to make my legs give way. 

I placed my hand on his drenched shirt over his chest, feeling the warmth beneath the fabric, as if I were touching his bare skin. I closed my eyes tightly, surrendering to the sensation of his lips dancing over my upper and lower lips in a teasing rhythm, each kiss leaving me breathless and willing to give myself completely to him.

The tip of his tongue tracing every corner of my mouth, sparking a surge that made me tangle my fingers in his hair, hearing his groan.

But, in one swift motion, he pressed me against the cold steel door of the closed shop, his mouth capturing mine in a deep, fierce kiss. His hands roamed over my waist, caressing and squeezing with a passion that stole my breath, leaving me floating in a world, filled only with the sounds of his kiss, rain and distant thunder. 

As I was so lost in his kiss, but without my knowledge, a soft, deep moan escaped my lips, and a warm ache stirred between my thighs, bringing a new awareness to my body. With a shaky breath, I placed my hands on his chest, gently pushing him back, feeling my legs weaken.

Sensing my unsteady stance, he wrapped me in his arms, holding me close. And, I leaned into his embrace, grounding myself as I worked to calm the overwhelming sensations he'd stirred within me—raw, intense, leaving me breathless against his chest.

⛄⛄

Once my breathing returned to normal and a tinge of embarrassment crept over me, I tightened my hold around him. But then, the sudden ring of my phone snapped me out of the moment.

Rummaging through my bag, hands trembling, I glanced at the caller ID, feeling a jolt of guilt, as if I'd been caught doing something wrong.

"Appa ❤"

Clearing my throat, I quickly swiped to answer the call, pressing the phone to my ear.

"Pa?"

"Seetha, naan amma pesuren di"

(Seetha, this is mom)

I sighed in relief.

"Amma, sollu, ma"

(Tell me, mom)

"Enga di irukka? Appa athana dhadava nokku call pannaaru.. nee edukala'nadhum unna thaedi dha car'eh thookeendu poyirukkaaru"

(Where are you, dear? Your dad has been calling nonstop and couldn't reach you, so he is driving around looking for you)

I gasped in shock.

"Maa, nee yen ma vitta?"

(Maa, why would you let him do that?)

"Yen vitta'naa? Enna di loosu pola kekura? Unna innum kaano'nu evlo bayandhutto theriyumaa? mazha vera joraa peiradhu, pinna enna panna soldra?"

(What do you mean, why? You've been unreachable, and the rain's pouring down! What else could we do?)

I gulped and adjusted my dupatta over my right shoulder, saying,

"Naan inga college bus stop'le irukken, ma. Bus yedhuvum innu varla. Adhaa wait panneetu irukken"

(I'm at the college bus stop, ma. Waiting since no buses have shown up yet)

"Aiyo, un appa phone'eh vera vachuttu poitaa. Seri nee paathutte iru. Appa vandhaa paathukko seriyaa?"

(Aiyo, your dad left his phone here itself. Okay, you stay there looking for him)

"Aahn, seri ma naan paakuren. Apro koopadren, ma"

(Okay, ma, I'll wait. I'll call you once he's here)

"Seri di aal irukkaa'lae pakkathula?"

(Is anyone with you there?)

I glanced down at his shoe-clad feet beside me and said,

"Hmm irukkaa, ma"

(Yes, ma, someone's here)

"Seri, da. Appa've paathadhum koopdu"

(Okay. Call me once your dad arrives)

I agreed and ended the call, then heard him ask,

"Is everything okay?"

I looked up at him and gently tapped his bicep, but he winced.

"Yen, ma?"

(why are you hitting me?)

"Setha nerathukku munnaadi professor enna panneetu irundhel?"

(What did the professor do a little while ago?)

I raised my brows at him, resting my hands on my waist, and he smirked, saying,

"Oh, I was.." 

"You was?"

I tilted my head, intimidating him.

"I was busy... eating, you know..."

"Chii"

I murmured, blushing and turning away. But, I could hear him laugh behind me, prompting me to turn and glare at him. He raised his brows playfully, then caught my arm and pulled me closer.

"Enna moraikira?"

(Are you glaring at me, now?)

"Neenga panna velaiku apro enna pannuvaanga?"

(Then, what will I do to your behaviors?)

I glanced into his eyes, which were filled with love—pure and true.

For me.

"Naan enna pannen?"

(What did I do?)

He pretended to be innocent. I let out a sarcastic chuckle and said,

"Happapaa ! Enna oru nadippu. Naan'laa oscar thara maaten"

(What an actor! If Oscars were mine to give, I'd never hand you one)

"Vera enna tharuva?"

(Then what would you give me?)

"Mmm.. innum setha nerathula en appa varuvaa..."

(Mmm...let'' just say that my dad could show up any moment)

"So?"

I widened my eyes at his casual response and asked,

"Bayam illa?"

(No fear at all?)

He just shrugged his shoulders as if to say no.

"Ohh. En ponnu kooda indha nerathula, thaniyaa inga enna thambi pandringa'nu kaettaa enna solluvinga?"

(And what would you tell my dad if he asks why you're here with me, alone, at this hour?)

"Unga ponnu kooda.."

(Your daughter and I...)

He tightened his grip on my upper arm, pulling me closer, and leaned down to my height, leaving only an inch between us.

Then, in a low, deep voice, he whispered,

"Ivlo nerukkamaa ninnu.."

(We were just standing here so close like this and..)

I couldn't help but grin at his teasing look and asked,

"Ninnu?"

(And?)

"Ninnu.."

(And..)

He let his words hang, his other hand slowly moving to my waist as he tilted his face, leaning towards my lips. But I couldn't help myself—I smiled and gently pushed him away, making him groan in playful frustration as I said,

"Amaidhiyaa naan choldradha kelungo. Ippo appa varuvaa.. appo naan invisible aageeduven. Then, avaa kannula neenga epdiyaadhu padra maadhiri nillunga. Appa varuvaa, vandhu ungalukku lift kuduppaa.. apro enna college'ku thaedi povinga. Naanu adhey car'le vandhu anga yerangi appa've anga meet pandra maadhiri pannanum"

(Listen to what I'm saying. Dad will be here soon... so I'll go invisible. When he comes, you just stand still like you're not doing anything. He'll give you a lift, and then he'll be looking for me at the college. I have to act like I just got out of the bus stop to meet him by turning visible there)

"Poi sollanumaa? Act pannanumaa?"

(So I have to lie and do an act?)

He asked back-to-back, and I knit my brows, questioning,

"Pinna unmaiya soldre'laa? Naama inga onnaa orey bus'le vandho'nu?"

(And what, tell the truth? That we got here together?)

"Sonnaa enna?"

(what if we tell the truth?)

"Professorrr..."

I glared at him. He chuckled.

"Okay. okay. Vaa unga appa varaaraa'nu paapo"

(Alright, alright. Let's just wait and see if your dad shows up)

"Haan, neenga poi paathu sollungo"

(You go ahead and check, and let me know if he arrives)

He hummed and turned to leave, but then paused, turning back to me. He wrapped his arm around my waist, leaned down, and placed a strong kiss on my forehead, making me close my eyes and savor the warmth and affection in that moment. 

With a smile and warmed up cheeks, I replayed the moment of our closeness as he walked off to check if my father had arrived.

Soon, the sounds of car horns and buses filled the area, and I saw him signaling to me, mouthing the word "Appa".

Quickly, I turned invisible and rushed to the spot as he greeted my father, explaining that he had been held up here. Just as I expected, Appa offered him a lift, though he initially declined before finally getting in. As he distracted my father by pointing out the stagnant water nearby, I quietly opened the back door, slipped inside, and closed it softly.

With everything in place, Appa started driving towards the college, completely unaware that I was just sitting here invisible in the back seat.

"Naanu indha co-ordinator vaelai'ellaa vennaa'nu evlo'vo solli paathutten, thambi. Paapa dha kekkave maatenguraa"

(I've told her many times to stop this coordinator work, dear. But the kid just doesn't seem to listen at all)

I smiled at my father's words and glanced at him, noticing how he kept sneaking looks at the backseat now and then.

So, gently, I placed my right hand on his shoulder to let him know I was there. His lips curved into a smile immediately, and I smiled back.

"Neengalaadhu sollalaa'le thambi?"

(Why can't you just explain it to her, dear?)

Appa's question snapped us back to reality as he asked,

"Naan enna sir solla mudiyum? Adhu avangaloda wish dhane?"

(What can I say, sir? Isn't that what they wish for?)

"Mmm.. adhuvum seri dha, thambi. Aana safely mukkiyam illayaa?"

(Yeah, that's fine, dear. But isn't safety the most important thing?)

"Aama, kandippa"

(Yes, definitely)

He agreed, and I squinted my eyes at him, narrowing my gaze.

The conversation gradually shifted as Appa began to complain about me to him. To my annoyance, he nodded along, feigning sympathy for Appa, which only made me glare at him more.

"Soldra pechu onnum kekka maataa, naan dha'nu iruppaa..enakkum ava amma'kum dha romba kashtam"

(She doesn't listen to what anyone else says. It's really hard for both for me and her mom)

Naan yeppo apdi irundhen?

(When have I ever been like that?)

I wondered.

"Acho"

Aayush sir clicked his tongue, pretending to feel pity for my father, which left me utterly shocked.

Yaaruyaa neenga!?

(Who the hell are you people!?)

As I silently prayed to Perumal for the college bus stop to arrive soon, it finally pulled up. When Appa opened the door to get out, I quickly leaned in to kiss Aayush sir's cheek. He instinctively placed his palm on his shoulder, and I placed my right cheek over his lips for a brief kiss in return.

Then, he hurriedly stepped out to guide my father, and while he was looking in the opposite direction, I dashed to the corner of the bus stop. There, I turned visible again and adjusted my hair and dress.

Spotting me, Appa opened his arms, and I ran into his embrace. He hugged me back warmly.

"Phone panneerkalaa'le paapa?"

(Why can't you make the call, baby?)

"Bus vandhurum'nu nenachen, pa"

(I thought the bus would arrive, pa)

"Seri vaa"

(Okay, come)

He walked me toward the car, and I glanced back at him just in time to catch him blowing me a kiss, which made me blush. I quickly turned my gaze forward, opening the car door and stealing another glance at him. He was still looking at me, a smile playing on his lips, his hands casually shoved into his pants pockets. But then, I heard,

"Sir enga angaye nikkirel? Inga vaanga"

(Sir, why are you standing there? Come here)

I averted my gaze to Appa, who was calling him, and then back to him as he walked towards our car. When he stood beside Appa, he turned to me and asked,

"Sir'eh paakalayaa paapa nee?"

(You don't seem to notice your, sir, dear)

"Haan. Il..illa, pa. Ippodha paakuren. Good evening, sir"

(Yes. No... I just noticed him now. Good evening, sir)

I said, holding his gaze as he just smirked, ignoring my greeting. 

Blushing, I averted my eyes, and Appa spoke up,

"Seri vaanga sir naane drop pandren"

(Okay, come on, sir. I'll drop you)

"Aiyo.. paravala sir neenga ponga. Naan bus'le.."

(Aiyo... It's okay, sir. You go ahead. I'll take the..)

"Ada vaanga, thambi. Paapa nee pinnaadi utkaaru"

(Come on, dear. Baby, you stay behind)

"Seringa, pa"

(Okay)

I slid into the backseat, closing the door behind me as I watched Appa and Aayush sir settle into the front seats.

As Appa started the car, the two of them quickly fell into conversation again while I leaned back, admiring the moment.

About half an hour later, we arrived at Aayush sir's house. He got out of the car, and I found myself captivated, watching him through the window.

"Thank you so much, sir"

He thanked my father.

"Paravala, thambi. Paathu ponga"

(It's okay, dear. Just take care.)

"Okay, sir"

As he walked away, he gave me a polite smile and a nod, which I returned before he disappeared from my view. When I turned towards Aayush sir's house after getting out of the car, I spotted him lifting Elangovan sir from behind, who looked utterly panicked while Aayush sir wore a full smile.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. Aayush sir's happy face was a stark contrast to the rigid expressions I had seen in the past, and it felt like a dream achievement for me.

So, I silently wished that my Perumal could protect this smile of his forever and then thanked him.

Thank you, Perumal!

**********

TBC..

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