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Vaanga vaanga story kulla polaa 🚴‍♀️💜🦋

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Aayush

I was correcting the answer sheets of the first internals Python paper of first years, sitting on the chair behind the large brown table with the notes, papers, water bottle, the bowl of apples, and the penstand neatly arranged.

As I was engrossed more in the paper correction, I jerked a little due to the sound of my study room door opening with a thud, followed by,

"Aayusheyyy!"

What?

I frowned, hearing her new nickname, but I was shocked when she ran towards me with her arms wide, pushed away my hand, which was on the table over the exam paper, and plopped on my lap, kissing my cheek loudly with a sound that made me widen my eyes at her sudden excitement.

"Hey, enna di? Ennaachu? Yen ivlo sugar rush'le irukka?"

(Hey, what is it? What happened? Why are you in such a sugar rush?)

"Laa? Naan enna reason'nu sonnaa neeyum sugar rush'ku poyiduva"

(Huh? If I tell you the reason, you'll also go into a sugar rush)

She said excitedly, without even giving a thought that she was addressing me without any respect, and chuckled.

I grabbed her waist and asked,

"Apdi enna reason?"

(What is the reason?)

She smiled wide but then spotted the reading glasses I was wearing and said,

"Idhu yedhukku? Nadula oru disturbance?"

(Why this? An unnecessary disturbance in the middle?)

She carefully removed my glasses and placed them on the table.

I sighed, leaned back on the chair, and she leaned towards me with her legs dangling on my left side as she sat comfortably on my lap. I smiled and asked,

"Seri ippo sollu?"

(Okay, now tell me?)

She grinned, cupped my face with her little hands, and squealed,

"Enna next week'le irundhu company'le join panna solleetaanga. Naan permanent aageeten"

(They told me to join the company from next week. I've been made permanent)

I widened my eyes, and my smile grew wider as I asked,

"What?"

"Yesss. Naanum velaiku poga porennn!"

(Yes! Even I am going to work!)

She threw her arms up in the air, shouting, and I excitedly shouted back,

"Wowww! You did it, babe! You did it"

"Yeahhhh. I did it, professor. I did it. Yayyy!"

She exclaimed back, and we laughed, looking at each other before claiming each other's lips in a passionate victory kiss.

Because I know how insecure she felt when she received only corrections in her review after the Pongal holidays. Three months have passed since then, and she has put in so much effort to make it work. I didn't disturb her, respecting her dedication, and I supported her whenever I could.

But this time, I couldn't help her as much as before-I was deeply engrossed in my own responsibilities, conducting internals and model exams, correcting papers, recording marks, and assigning impositions to students.

And now, seeing her successfully complete her review and secure a permanent position in the company fills me with immense pride.

In between the kiss, I pulled back slightly, still keeping my lips brushed against hers, and whispered,

"Congratulations, my love"

She smiled widely against my lips and replied,

"Thank you, my love"

That was enough to trigger me as I claimed her lips in a fierce kiss, and she gave in completely-already all ready.

Our tongues swept over each other, and I moved my right hand over her ass, giving it a gentle squeeze in appreciation of how my lady love was getting so good at kissing. She moaned and squirmed on my lap before turning over.

I was too busy devouring her lips, which were juicy and sensual, but I was shocked to feel her throwing her legs over either side of mine and sitting on my lap comfortably.

Just as I was about to pull back in surprise, she fisted the hair at the back of my head, pulling me closer, kissing me harder, which completely shook me beyond words.

But shrugging it off, I seized the moment, squeezing her ass with both my hands, kissing her harder and harder, losing myself in the heat.

She matched my intensity, switching between my lips, giving me a tough time controlling myself. When she finally pulled back, panting, our lips still brushed against each other. Her hands cradled my head and shoulders, while my hands remained on the flush of her back.

But then, her words confused me.

"Periods mudunjadhu"

(My period is over)

I frowned, opening my eyes to look at her, still panting.

"So?"

I asked, puzzled.

She opened her eyes with a frown, looking at me intently.

"Periods mudunjadhu'nu sonnen"

(I said my period is over)

Her words carried an emphasis, but I suppressed a smile and asked,

"So what?"

She pulled back from me, her face hardening.

"So what'ah?"

"Yeah, so what, ma?"

I repeated gently.

This time, she pushed me away, placing her palms on my chest and started to get down from my lap, but I stopped her, holding her ass firmly. I gave it a playful squeeze, making her moan, jerking.

"Where are you going?"

I asked with a smirk.

She opened her eyes, glaring at me, and snapped,

"Why do you care?"

I looked at her in shock, but she pushed me away forcefully, got down from my lap, and walked towards the door.

I leaned to grab her arm, but she dodged me.

"Seetha, nillu!"

(Seetha, stop!)

I shouted.

But she didn't stop.

"Seetha!"

She walked out of the room and shut the door with a loud thud. That made me laugh.

I stood up from the chair immediately, arranged my things on the table, and followed her to my room. But when I opened the door, she wasn't there.

And just as I was about to leave to search for her elsewhere, I heard the sound of running water from the washroom. Smiling to myself, I walked to the bed, sat down, and waited for her, replaying her words from the study room in my mind with amusement.

But when my phone rang, I answered it and started talking with Elango.

"Macha, paper correction'laa muduchuttiyaa?"

(Dude, did you finish correcting the papers?)

"Illa da. Nee?"

(No, man. You?)

"Naan innum start kooda pannala da"

(I haven't even started yet)

"Naan inniku dha start pannen. Oru moonu paper dha pannen. Apro Seetha vandhaa, peseetu irukken"

(I started today. I've corrected only three papers. Then Seetha came, so I've been talking to her)

"Ohhh. Seri seri. Veetla appa irukkaaraa?"

(Ohhh. Okay, okay. Is your dad home?)

"Illa"

(No)

"Ohhhh"

He dragged teasingly, making me scratch my brows with a smile.

"Nee moodu. Romba ilukaadha. Avalukku job permanent aayiduchu, adha solla dha vandhaa. Ippo kelambeervaa"

(Shut up. Don't tease too much. She just came to tell me she got a permanent job. She will leave now)

"Paakren da. Innum oru half an hour'le thirumba call pandren. Enna nee thittala'naa naan pera maathikiren da"

(Let's see. I'll call you in half an hour. If you didn't scold me, I'll change my name)

"Naan yedhukku appo thitren? Ippove thitren. Don't call me. Disturb panna'nu therinjadhu, I'll mess you up"

(Why would I scold you later? I'll scold you now itself. Don't call me. If I find out you're disturbing me, I'll mess you up)

"Ipdi unmaiya bagirangamaa othukuttanaa naan paatukku irukka poren. Aana dei, innum 3 maasam irukku, konjo poruma"

(If you accept the truth so openly, I'll respect you. But dude, there are still three months left, be patient)

"Dei, dei, LKG paiyanaa naanu? Nee solli thandhu dha enakku ellaam theriyum paaru"

(Dude, do I look like an LKG kid? You think I'll only understand when you explain it?)

"Chey, seri naan vakkiren. En thangachi kaaga unna summa vidren"

(Fine, I'll stop. I'm letting you go because of my sister)

"Nalladhu. Phone vachuttu po"

(Good. Now hang up and go)

I smiled and was about to place the phone down when I heard the bathroom door opening. I turned around-only for my eyes to widen in shock.

What the fuck?!

"Seri nee correction muduchuttu marks'laa pic eduthu send pannu da. Naan note pannanu"

(Okay, finish correcting and send me a pic of the marks. I need to note them down)

But my focus was entirely on her.

She saw me, smiled, and walked over to the bed on the opposite side of me, folding the kurta top she wore when she came inside.

"Macha..."

(Dude...)

The black shirt I wore last week looked undeniably sexy on her.

I stared at her in pure shock.

She was just wearing my black shirt over her upper body, while her lower half was still covered in her leggings.

Why did she change out of her kurta top?

I heard the call disconnect, but I barely registered it as I placed my phone on my lap, watching her walk around the bed and come towards me. My fingers instinctively pressed the side of my phone, switching it off. I placed it on the bedside table before looking up to see her standing in front of me.

I cleared my throat and asked,

"Enna di?"

(What is this?)

She smiled and said,

"Unga flask'le irundhadhu tea'nu nenachu kudichen. Aana adhu ennamo kasakura maadhiri irundhadhu, appo apdiye en top'le laa sindheedchu, adhaa change panneeten"

(I thought the drink in your flask was tea and drank it. But it tasted so bitter, and it splattered on my top. So, I changed it)

Flask? Oh, that was the vegetable soup I made for lunch because I'm on a diet.

I blinked at her, realizing what had happened. She then added,

"Seri, naan appo apdiye engaathukku poren"

(Okay, I'm going home now)

Illa enakku purila?

(Wait, I don't get it?)

She pinched my cheek playfully, turned around, and started walking towards the door.

But I acted quickly.

I rushed to her, pinned her against the wall, my hands pressing on either side of her face. She looked up at me, wide-eyed, as I moved one hand to pinch her chin, lifting her face even more.

And her lips parted slightly in anticipation.

Something is wrong with my fiancée.

Why was she suddenly behaving like a seductress? She could have just left my house and changed her dress at her home-it was only two houses away.

But no. She changed here. In my room.

Not just that, she put on my damn shirt, which looked way too hot and sexy on her. The loose fit draped over her small frame, making her cleavage and the roundness of her mounds clearly visible.

I stared at her eyes, at her parted lips-which she bit between her teeth, as if deliberately trying to provoke me.

And her hands fisted my collar, pulling my face down to her height, her lips barely brushing against mine. My breath hitched as I stared into her eyes-am I dreaming?

Because her eyes... they were dark with desire.

I blinked in disbelief, but before I could process it, one of her hands slid behind my head, pulling me closer as she stood on her toes. The soft press of her breasts against my chest sent a jolt through me, and her other hand traced a slow, teasing path down my torso before trailing back up, deliberate and intoxicating.

What happened to my innocent woman?

The question barely formed in my head before I opened my mouth to ask it aloud-only for her lips to seal over mine, silencing me completely.

She moved her lips over mine, sucking gently on my lower lip, then my upper, drawing me into her rhythm.

And I told myself I was only giving in for a kiss-just a kiss, nothing more.

But then, she took my hand and placed it on her waist.

The black shirt she wore-my shirt-clung to her like a second skin, doing absolutely nothing to hide the curves beneath. And when her hands slid up my shoulders, arms wrapping around my neck, she pressed our bodies together, front to front.

Fuck.

A low groan escaped me, and whatever resolve I had shattered as I kissed her back, hard and demanding. She moaned into the kiss, the sound sultry and drawn-out,

"Mmm..."

The kind of moan that sent heat shooting through my veins.

My grip on her waist tightened before my hand slid lower, cupping her butt firmly, again.

Not my fault when her leggings hug her curves perfectly, making it hard for me to keep my hands off.

She jerked in response, her fingers clenching at my shirt, but I didn't stop. I squeezed again, rougher this time, making her shudder.

Then, without thinking, I lifted one of her thighs, guiding her leg to wrap around mine. My palm traced along the curve of her thigh, feeling the heat through the thin fabric of her leggings. She moaned again, her fingers threading into my hair, tugging just enough to drive me insane.

My hand moved higher, feeling the fabric of my shirt ride up, exposing the soft, bare skin of her waist. I traced my fingers over it, squeezing, and she shivered against me, her body pressing back against the wall.

But I wasn't done.

Pulling her closer, I kissed her harder, swallowing the breathy sounds she made as my hand trailed lower, slipping beneath the waistband of her leggings. My fingers brushed over the end layer of clothing on her, and I groaned at the realization-I was getting harder, needier, completely undone by her.

However, I restrained myself from ravishing her. I needed to understand the change in her behavior first before letting things slip out of control.

When we pulled back from the harder and dominant kiss from both sides, she leaned back on the wall, panting with her tremblings hands on my neck, cupping the sides, while I panted just as hard as her. One of my hands was still on her bare ass under her inner, and the other was pressed against the wall above her head.

But once I caught my breath, I palmed her soft back firmly and pulled her to me, making her moan, shiver, and open her eyes. I whispered, asking,

"What the fuck happened to you?"

But she smiled. She damn smiled, without even blushing or reacting like every other time. Instead, she pulled me down to her, cradling my head and brushing her lips against mine as she whispered,

"Summa dha. Yen naan dominant'ah irukka koodaadhaa, professor?"

(Just like that. Can't I be dominant, professor?)

I stared at her and asked,

"Dominant? Damn, you're seducing me, Seetha. Fact.. you're not my Seetha, I swear. What happened to you?"

I whispered harshly, cupping her cheeks and leaving her back.

But her smile dropped, and she let go of my head, stepping back and removing my hands from her.

"Naan.. naan kelamburen"

(I... I'm leaving)

She turned on her heels to leave, but I frowned, caught her wrist, twirled her to me, and twisted her hand behind her, asking,

"Kelamburiyaa? Enga?"

(Leaving? Where?)

She stared at me and said,

"Eng'aathukku. Vera enga poradhu?"

(My house. Where else would I go?)

I breathed out and asked,

"Seetha.. ennaachu, ma?"

(Seetha... what happened, dear?)

I was getting scared of her sudden change in behavior, and she said,

"Neenga dhane sonninga? Naan unga Seetha illa'nu? Poi saree katteendu varen. Unga Seetha appodha varuvaa"

(Didn't you say it yourself? That I'm not your Seetha? I'll go wear a saree and come back. Your Seetha will return then)

She wriggled hard from my hold and walked away, slamming the door in my face.

But I opened it and shouted for her to stop.

"Seetha, nillu! You're wearing my shirt. Un top maatheetu po. Or else I will drop you"

(Seetha, stop! You're wearing my shirt. Change into your top before you leave. Or else, I will drop you)

I trailed behind her and caught her hand, stopping her. But she turned to me and glared, saying,

"Yen indha dress potrundhaa enna ippo? Dress podaama illaye? Yedho onnu potrukken'le?"

(So what if I'm wearing this dress? I'm not roaming around naked, right? I've worn something, haven't I?)

I gritted my teeth and yelled,

"SEETHA!"

"What? Enna ippo? Avanga sonnadhu ellaame seri dha"

(What? What now? Everything they said was right)

She murmured, and I squinted my eyes, asking,

"Avangalaa? Yaara pathi soldra?"

(They? Who are you talking about?)

She shook her head and turned away, murmuring,

"No one"

"No one? Hey, naan nee sonnadha ketten di. Ippo 'no one' nu solleetu ponaa enna artham?"

(No one? Hey, I just heard you say something. Now you're saying 'no one'? What does that even mean?)

I yelled, trailing behind her. But she continued walking towards the door and was about to open it when I rushed, held her hand, and twirled her around before throwing her over my shoulder.

She gasped and started hitting my back continuously-this time, not like the soft ones she used to give when I lifted her before.

I dropped her on the couch in my room and leaned in, placing my hands on the headrest behind her, trapping her. She leaned back, avoiding my eyes, but her continuous blinking told me she was holding back tears.

I fisted my hands and asked her to look at me.

"Seetha, enna paaru"

(Seetha, look at me)

But she didn't budge at my words, which made me grab her chin and force her to meet my gaze. She blinked at me, and tears rolled down her cheeks. I asked,

"Enna di pretchana unakku? Edhayaadhu sonnaa dhane theriyum? Summa utkaandhu un paatukku panneetu, aludhuttu irundhenaa enakku enna theriyum?"

(What's wrong with you? How would I know if you don't tell me? If you just sit quietly and cry, how am I supposed to understand?)

I asked through gritted teeth, frustrated by her tears.

She tried to push me away, placing her hands on my chest, sobbing silently. That made me pin her hands on the couch's headrest with my hands on either side of her face. She leaned her head back, and I leaned in closer, calling her name softly this time.

"Seetha"

I continued,

"Tell me what happened, ma. Yen ipdi pandra? Konja nerathukku munnaadi dhane avlo sandhoshamaa enkitta vandha? Ippo enn.."

(Tell me what happened, dear. Why are you behaving like this? Just a while ago, weren't you so happy with me? Now what...)

"We're done, professor!"

My breath hitched upon hearing her words, and my whole world crumbled.

But, thinking it might be my imagination, I asked,

"Sorry, Seetha. What did you just say? Say..say it again"

I saw her gulp, and she shuddered.

"Let's... let's end our rel.."

I immediately silenced her with my lips, but she pushed me away with force, standing up from the couch.

And she unbuttoned my shirt that she was wearing, and I unbuttoned mine. Then when she threw my black shirt away, I covered her with my white one, the one I had worn till now, and pulled her into my arms, begging,

"Please, di. Don't do this. Enna pretchana? Enna naalum pesikala. Just don't do this to me"

(Please, baby. Don't do this. What's wrong? Whatever it is, we can talk about it. Just don't do this to me)

She trembled against my chest and wrapped her little arms around me.

That made me let out a sigh of relief, and I pulled her closer, hugging her even tighter-trying to forget everything that had happened, everything I had heard from her a minute ago.

I was still trembling.

But when her sobs reduced, she pulled back from the hug and clutched my shirt around hers without meeting my eyes. I stepped closer to ask what happened to her, but I froze when she stepped back and murmured,

"I need some time"

That caught me off guard.

Why did she need time? For what did she need time?

I stared at her as she moved beside the bed, took her kurta top, and stood there waiting.

Waiting?

Was she waiting for me to go out?

I wondered, gulped, and left the room, giving her privacy.

I was trembling inside and out, replaying her behavior towards me and the words she uttered,

"We're done, professor!" , "Let's... let's end our rel.."

Relationship?

Was she going to say that she wanted to end our relationship?

I closed my ears and walked back and forth like a mad person until I heard the sound of the door opening. I let my hands fall from my ears and rushed towards her, engulfing her in my arms, shuddering.

But the fact that she wasn't hugging me back crushed me.

I pulled back and looked at her, but she refused to meet my eyes.

I teared up, asking,

"Seetha. Please... nee.."

(Seetha. Please... you..)

She interrupted me.

"Naan nalaila irundhu office'ku poren. I need some time to understand everything. I think... I think... I am still a kid. I need to mature, professor. Until then, I want to be alone... enna setha naal thaniyaa vitrungo"

(From tomorrow, I'll start going to the office. I need some time to understand everything. I think... I think... I am still a kid. I need to mature, professor. Until then, I want to be alone... leave me alone for now)

She said that and walked past me.

I stared at the floor for a few seconds and yelled after her,

"You're not my Seetha!"

Silence prevailed before I heard her reply,

"Yes. I am not your Seetha who was naive and uneducated about relationships and your so-called dominance over me"

I turned to her upon hearing her words, but she had already left the house, leaving me in utter confusion and frustration.

When the fuck did I ever show dominance over her? Even after months of our relationship, I hardly saw her, didn't take advantage of her. And now she's calling me dominant?

Anger surged through me, and I grabbed the vase from the table, throwing it onto the floor, shattering it into pieces. I yelled at the top of my lungs before plopping onto the floor beside the couch, pulling my knees closer to my chest.

And tears of fear trickled down my face-fear of losing her from my life.

Why was she behaving like this?

What did I do?

What the hell did you do, Aayush? Why is she angry at you?

Why is she thinking of breaking up? What made her think like that?

The next day,

I quickly rolled up my sleeves, hopped on the bike, and started it, roaring towards her place. But I halted with a quick brake when I saw her speaking with some young man in front of her house, smiling.

But that smile dropped the moment her eyes landed on me.

I revved the accelerator, giving her a look, and then shifted my gaze to the young man, who asked her something before turning to look at me.

There.... I knew who he was.

Sanvik.

The great opponent of my football team since childhood.

He smirked at me while I stared at him, still revving the accelerator.

But I shifted my gaze to her as she said something to him and then walked over to me, standing beside me. I glanced at him once more before turning back to her, raising my brows and clenching my jaw.

"Avaa en friend. Nethu dha company'le introduce aano"

(He's my friend. I was introduced to him at the company yesterday)

She said.

I gave her a look from head to toe, noticing her outfit-a blue and white striped overcoat over a white shirt, paired with grey bootcut pants.

My eyes met hers again as she continued, but now, stammering through her words,

"In.. inniku job.. job'ku poren. San..Sanvik enna drop drop.."

(To.. today I'm going to work. Sanvik is dropping..dropping me off at..)

"Vandila yeru"

(Get on the bike)

She looked at me, hesitant. I stared at her and gestured for her to sit behind me.

But she shook her head, parting her lips to deny, but I cut her off.

"Appo bus stand'ku po. Bus varum adhula yaeri po. Manjoor dhane office branch?"

(Then go to the bus stand. The bus will come-get on that. Your office branch is in Manjoor, right?)

She gulped and nodded. I glanced at my wristwatch.

"Innum five minutes'le bus vandhudum. Po"

(The bus will arrive in five minutes. Go)

She stared at me.

I raised an eyebrow, my gaze sharp, and asked,

"What? You really want to go with him?"

She shook her head quickly, turned around, jogged to him, said something to him, and then walked away.

I smirked, hopped down from the bike, turned it off, put the stand in place, and rolled up my right sleeve-the one I hadn't had time to fix in my rush to meet her.

Then, I walked over to him.

Sanvik smirked at me.

But I ignored it.

My gaze shifted over his shoulder, watching her walk to the bus stop, blending into the crowd.

"Apro enna, profess.."

(So, what now, profess..)

I didn't let him finish as I grabbed his shoulders, flashed a wide grin, and mocked,

"HEL..LO, Mr. Mechanic. Epdi irukkinga? Paathe romba varsham aachu'le? Workshop'laa epdi pogudhu?"

(HEL..LO, Mr. Mechanic. How are you? It's been years since we last met, right? How's it going at the workshop?)

His jaw tightened.

He gritted his teeth and pushed my hands off him before grabbing my collar, warning me.

"Don't you ever call me that"

I smirked and whispered, mockingly,

"Call you what? A mechanic?"

His grip on my shirt tightened, but before either of us could act, we heard,

"Maapla!"

He left me. I turned and saw Mama walking towards us. A smile crept onto my face.

"Ennaachu, maapla?"

(What happened, son-in-law?)

He asked, his eyes darting to Sanvik.

I glanced at Sanvik, and before he could open his mouth, I cut in,

"Mama.. idhu ennoda childhood friend, Sanvik. A mechanic"

(Uncle, this is my childhood friend, Sanvik. A mechanic)

I said to him, turned and smirked, raising my brows at Sanvik. He clenched his jaw, his teeth grinding, but in front of Mama, he quickly composed himself. He smiled politely and clasped his hands together like an obedient man.

"Vanakkam, uncle"

(Greetings, uncle)

Mama nodded.

"Oh, vanakkam, pa. Ungala pathi dha nethu Seetha solleendu irundhaa. Avala neenga dha workplace'le nannaa paathukanum. Romba velayaata iruppaa"

(Oh, greetings, man. Seetha was talking about you yesterday. You have to look after her at the workplace-she can be quite mischievous)

My smile dropped.

Sanvik turned to me, smirking.

He lifted his brows, mimicking the exact gesture I had given him a moment ago and said,

"Kandippa, uncle. Nalla paathukuren"

(Of course, uncle. I'll take good care of her)

My fists clenched. I saw the mischief hidden behind his words, and my anger flared.

But I ran my hand over my beard, trying to keep my temper in check. Just then, I noticed the bus to Manjoor arriving at the bus stop.

I glanced at her-standing in the queue, waiting to board the bus.

Turning back to Mama, I spoke quickly.

"Mama, Elango vandhaa indha bike key mattum kuduthurunga. Naan bus'le poren"

(Uncle, when Elango comes, just hand him my bike key. I'm taking the bus)

I handed the key to him, and Mama took it, nodding.

"Seri, pa. Paathu po. Seetha'um andha bus'le dha povaa"

(Alright, son. Be careful. Seetha is also taking the same bus)

So, she hadn't even told Mama about her plan to go with this guy in his car?

Turning to Sanvik, I patted his shoulder.

"Seri, machaan. Naan varen. Neeye oru mechanic, naan solla koodaadhu dha, but neeyum paathu batharamaa car'le vaa"

(Alright, bro. I'm leaving. I shouldn't say it, but, even though you are a mechanic, drive your car carefully)

He glared at me, but I ignored him and sprinted towards the bus.

Just then, the bus began moving.

Shit.

I pushed my hair back from my forehead, slung my laptop bag across my shoulders, and ran.

And with one final push, I leaped onto the bus, catching the railing just in time.

As I steadied myself, my gaze found her.

She was staring at me, her face painted with panic.

I smiled.

But she averted her gaze immediately, turning away.

Smirking, I made my way through the crowd, weaving between the standing passengers, and stopped behind her.

Then I leaned in slightly, casually brushing her back with my bicep.

"Hi, pondatti"

(Hi, wifey)

She clicked her tongue in irritation and looked up at me with a glare before turning away again.

Raising my brows, I shook my head in amusement.

"Did you have your breakfast?"

I asked.

She didn't reply.

I pressed my lips together and asked,

"He brainwashed you on something, didn't he?"

She squinted her eyes at me, looking up in suspicion.

Leaning in slightly, I asked,

"What did he say? Something that's definitely not good about me, right?"

Her amused expression dropped.

I chuckled, stealing a glance at her lips-lightly brushed with lipstick.

Oh wow!

I looked back up at her eyes, impressed by the transformation.

But clearing my throat, I maintained some distance between us. She turned away, and so did I when the conductor passed by, asking for tickets.

I pulled out mine, knowing that the bus fare was free for women. She took her ticket and reached into her bag to hand over ten rupees, but the conductor had already walked away.

I bit my lips, holding back a chuckle.

My cute little one.

Before I could say anything, laughter erupted from the seat beside us.

I glanced over to see a man grinning, shaking his head, and he said,

"Indha kaalathula ipdi oru ponnaa? Indha bus free'nu kooda therila paarunga"

(A girl like this in today's generation? She doesn't even know the bus fare is free)

The elder man beside him chuckled as well.

Wrong move, uncle.

I turned to her. She was already fuming.

"I am new to this bus! Do you both have a problem with that? Just shu.."

I grabbed her elbow quickly and shushed her. She turned, glaring at me.

I narrowed my eyes and murmured,

"Podhum, ma"

(That's enough)

She shot one last glare at the men before turning away, adjusting the strap of her bag.

I sighed in relief, then turned my own gaze on them, making them immediately avert their eyes.

Shaking my head, I faced forward again and spent the rest of the ride trying to get her attention-nudging, whispering, teasing-but she ignored me entirely.

When the bus finally reached her stop, she got down without a word.

I followed.

"Seetha, nillu!"

(Seetha, stop!)

She kept walking.

And we reached the edge of the road, standing there, waiting to cross. But just as I expected, she struggled.

With a smile, I grabbed her elbow and pulled her towards me despite her protests.

"Hold still"

I muttered as we crossed the road together.

The moment we reached the other side, I let go of her-only to attempt sneaking an arm around her waist.

But she shot me a glare and swatted my hand away.

Smirking, I teased,

"What? Naan un iduppa pudikka koodaadhaa? As if I haven't done worse in our private classes"

(I can't hold your waist?)

Leaning closer, I husked near her ear, my hands clasped behind me.

She took a step back, then another-before shoving me away.

Chuckling, I asked,

"Fine. What exactly did he tell you? Are you really going to believe anything he says? Do you even know who he is?"

She blinked at me but didn't reply. Instead, she turned on her heels and walked away.

I let out a sigh, placing my hands on my hips before scratching my brow.

But damn, even in this moment, my eyes lingered on her back figure.

She looked different today-formal, put-together, elegant.

Tempting.

Smirking to myself, I suddenly called out,

"Oi, maami!"

She halted. Stiffened.

Turning around, she stared at me in shock. Grinning, I shouted,

"I love you, di!"

Then, with a playful wink, I kissed my palm and tossed it in her direction.

Her lips parted slightly as if she were about to say something-but instead, she huffed, twisted them in frustration, and spun back around, walking straight into the company where she had just been hired.

And I watched, proud, as my little one stepped into the next big phase of her life.

She checked in with her ID card, disappearing inside.

She's really doing it.

Smiling to myself, I turned to leave-only to stop in my tracks when I spotted the same car parked nearby.

Tch.

I clicked my tongue, ignored it and strolled over to the watchman instead.

"Anna, vanakkam. En peru Aayush Kumar. En fiancée inga dha first day work join pandraanga"

(Brother, hello. My name is Aayush Kumar. My fiancée is joining her first day of work here)

I said proudly.

The watchman eyed me suspiciously from head to toe before grinning and saying,

"Oh, kaettadhu thambi. Inga irundha ellaarukkum therinjadhu, kaettadhu neenga konja neram munnaadi panadhu, sonnadhu ellaame"

(Oh, I heard, man. Everyone here knows, what you said a little while ago, what you did, everything)

I let out a small chuckle.

"Konjam sanda, anna... adha vidunga. Seri, ippo poravanga office shift enna?"

(Just a little fight, brother... let it go. Anyway, what's the shift for those getting in the office now?)

"9 to 6, thambi"

"Ohh, correct'ah 6 o'clock mudinjirum'le?"

(Oh, will it end by 6 o'clock? Are you sure?)

"Mudinjirum, pa"

(Yes)

"Thanks, na"

Flashing him a grin, I turned around, scanning the area for a place to eat.

Spotting a small restaurant right across from the company, I crossed the road and stepped inside, ordering a sandwich to satisfy my growling stomach.

Ahn, I canceled my diet plan just like that!

Then, I spent the rest of the morning roaming around, killing time.

By noon, I was perched on the bus stop bench near her company, one AirPod in, mindlessly scrolling through Instagram reels-today's little addiction.

When lunchtime rolled around, I called her.

She didn't pick up.

Smiling, I shook my head and sent her a message instead.

"Eat well, thango 💋"

She didn't even open it. But I knew she must have seen it pop up in her notifications and deliberately ignored it.

A few minutes later, Appa and Elango called, asking where I was.

I lied, telling them I was at our football ground's construction site before quickly making up an excuse and ending the call.

After that, I wandered around the road near her company, aimlessly.

The watchman anna noticed me again and called me over.

I ended up chatting with him for a while-he told me about his family, his kids, and his wife. At some point, he even gave me a few pieces of advice on how to reduce my fiancée's anger.

If only he knew. The truth was, I didn't even know what exactly had happened.

And I had no clue what made her think of breaking up with me.

If I knew that, I might've had a chance at calming her down. But without knowing the reason, how was I supposed to fix it?

The only thing I could do now was not leave her alone.

Give her a tough enough time trying to push me away so she'd realize-I'm not someone she can get rid of so easily.

And deep down, I knew-she wasn't really in a place to push me away either.

She was just caught in some misunderstanding and I needed to figure out what that was first.

By evening, I was back at my spot near watchman anna, leaning casually against the wall, waiting for her.

I could hear the murmurs and comments floating around.

"What a man!"

"Look how handsome he is!"

"Look at his physique, man!"

I smirked but didn't bother looking up.

Until I heard,

"Polaam, Sanvik"

(Let's go, Sanvik)

My gaze snapped up.

She was walking away with Sanvik.

I straightened up immediately, nodding a quick bye to watchman anna before following them.

That fool was asking her if he could drop her home. But she refused-politely, of course.

Walking past him and his car, she made her way towards the bus stop.

And as I walked by that mechanic guy, I casually acted like I was about to punch him in the gut. He jerked away, startled.

I chuckled, smirking and kept walking.

Then, she got on the bus. And I followed.

But the ride was pointless in getting any clues about what was going on with her as she sat beside a young woman around her age, leaving no space for me.

I ended up standing right beside her, aware of that woman's gaze flickering towards me every now and then.

But suddenly they talked about something-I didn't bother listening until I noticed Seetha patting the woman's hand.

That young woman looked... terrified. And after that? She didn't even glance at me. Not once.

I bit my lip, smirking.

Rowdy.

Then we got down at our stop, and I followed her silently.

But she entered her house without a glance back-disappearing inside.

I masked my disappointment with a smile, turned around, and walked towards my own house.

The moment I stepped inside, I froze.

There they were-the two people who had shocked me the most, sitting together in the living room.

In that instant, I knew exactly what had happened.

Without acknowledging them, I rolled down my sleeves and marched straight to my room.

I shut the door behind me, unbuttoned my shirt, and exhaled slowly.

Then, without skipping a beat, I opened the door again and walked back out. But Appa's voice boomed through the house.

"Aayush, nillu!"

(Stop!)

I stopped and turned to face him.

"Enga pora?"

(Where are you going?)

"Gym'ku, pa. I'll be back"

I didn't wait for his response as I walked out, letting the door swing shut behind me.

By the time I reached the gym, my shirt was off completely, and my fingers wrapped around the gloves.

Without wasting a second, I threw a brutal punch at the bag.

Another.

And another.

Each hit landed harder, sharper, as my mind raced, my chest heaving, sweat dripping down my skin, despite the chill of Ooty.

But I composed myself and stopped, knowing I should learn the truth first before doing anything towards her. I'm damn sure they must have influenced her or manipulated her in some way to make her trust them. She's not the type to say those things, or even think about breaking up with me.

I know my woman, my Seetha.

The next morning, I tried to talk to her. But her father told me she had already left for the office through the bus.

I shook my head.

This girl.

Sighing, I made my way to her company on a different bus.

At lunchtime, I sent her my usual message to eat well, and this time she saw it and reacted with a thumbs-up.

A slow smirk tugged at my lips. I then spent some time chatting with the watchman anna again.

Then, I wandered around the streets, stopping when something caught my eye-a cute little cat statue. Without a second thought, I bought it and then waited for her.

And as the office hours ended, I sat on a small concrete stand outside, one leg casually resting over the other knee. A cup of ice cream in my hand, another pack sitting on my lap-for her.

I scooped a bite into my mouth, letting the coldness melt on my tongue, completely ignoring the passing comments around me while watchman anna stood beside me.

But I lifted my gaze, meeting hers when she stood before me-arms crossed, eyebrows raised.

"Yeppo vandhel?"

(When did you come?)

I smiled, but before I could answer, watchman anna betrayed me.

"Thambi yeppo ponaaru'nu kaelu, papa. Avaru kaalaila irundhu ingaye dha irukkaaru. Inniku mattum illa, nethum ingaye dha irundhaaru. Aana enakku nalla company tharaaru"

(You should ask when he left, papa. He's been here all along since the morning. Not just today, but even yesterday, he was here. But he gives me good company)

He said with a teasing grin.

I blinked at him. Seriously?

But he just grinned wider, raising his brows like he had done me a favor. I exhaled through my nose, masking my amusement, and curved my lips down in an appreciative-but-not-really look.

Her eyes flickered between us, she shot me a look and turned on her heels, walking away without a word.

Sighing and handing the cover with ice creams to watchman anna for him and his family, I bid him bye and rushed after her.

Then catching up, I grabbed her elbow, twirling her around to face me and in one swift motion, I twisted her hand behind her back, pulling her close.

Her eyes widened, and she hissed,

"Nadu road'le enna panrel? Ellaarum paakuraa!"

(What are you doing on the middle of the road? Everyone is watching!)

I smirked, lowering my face near hers.

"Paakattum"

(Let them see)

I whispered, tightening my hold slightly.

Her lips parted, taken aback, but she quickly gathered herself, struggling against my grip.

"Vidunga. Ellaarum paakuraa. Enna nenappaa, nadu road'le ellaar munnaadi.."

(Leave me. Everyone is watching. What do you think? In the middle of the road, in front of everyone..)

I rolled my eyes and cut her words in the middle and hissed,

"Naan unna katti dhane di puduchirukken? Ennamo kiss panna maadhiri pesura?"

(I just held you, didn't I? You're talking as if I kissed you or something)

She widened her eyes and finally pushed me away as I loosened my grip on her. She then walked to the bus stop and stood there, while I stood closely beside her, the crowd growing thicker.

She shot me a quick glance before looking around, shrugging it off, and turning her attention straight ahead.

Smiling, I grabbed her hand and intertwined my fingers with hers, but she didn't move, keeping her fingers still. That made me chuckle.

Leaning down to her height, I asked,

"Yedhukku indha vetti bandha? Enakku theriyum nee yedho yosichuttu irukka'nu. Adhu yaaru rendu peru naala'num theriyum. Enna sonnaanga Maya and Sanvik?"

(Why this pointless attitude? I know you're thinking about something. And I also know who the two people behind it are. What did Maya and Sanvik say?)

She jerked towards me, lifting her face upright. I raised my brows with a smile, seeing her shocked expression, and asked,

"So? I found out"

She squinted her eyes at me, and I continued,

"What did they say about me?"

I prompted with a serious look, making my smile disappear. She gulped, her eyes blinking in fear while I gripped her fingers even tighter, making her hiss, and gritted through my words,

"What the fuck did they say to you? And why the fuck are you avoiding me just because of them?"

She trembled, her eyes welling up, but I didn't loosen my hold as I asked,

"Sollu, di. Unakku theriyaadhaa enna pathi? Yaaru enna sonnaalum adha nambi, enna venaa'nu mudivu panneeerviyaa? Avlodhaanaa unnoda kadhal, kathirikka ellaam?"

(Tell me. Don't you know me? Will you just believe whatever anyone says and decide that you don't want me in your life? Is this really all your love and patience amount to?)

Tears finally rolled down her cheeks, snapping me back to reality. I became aware of our surroundings and loosened my hold before letting go of her hand. Taking a step back, I muttered a,

"Sorry"

Raking my fingers through my hair.

But before I could even process anything, she pulled my hand down and hugged me around my neck, standing on her toes. My eyes widened as I looked around, noticing people's eyes on us.

Placing my hands on her shoulders, I tried to create some distance, but she hugged me even tighter and shouted,

"Enna mannichiru, pa!"

(Forgive me, please!)

I froze and let my arms wrap around her and gently patted the back of her head. But she suddenly jerked in my arms and pulled away when a loud thunderclap echoed through the sky, followed by a heavy downpour.

Without thinking, I immediately grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her under the shelter of the nearby shop. She kept looking at me, but I let go of my hold and avoided meeting her gaze.

For the past two days, I had been the one running behind her, begging her to talk to me. Not because I was desperate, but because I wanted her to understand-I wasn't someone she could just let go of so easily. But now, even though she had realized her mistake, I wasn't the type to brush it off as if nothing had happened.

She had trusted someone else over our relationship, and that wasn't something I could ignore.

So, I avoided her.

But she didn't back off. Instead, she reached for my bicep, wrapping her arms around it. I glanced down to find her staring up at me with that pitiful, innocent cat-like expression. I rolled my eyes and exclaimed,

"Don't... Don't give me that look. I'm not going to mel.."

"Mama"

I stopped and blinked at her.

"Sorry"

She said, her voice small.

But I swallowed hard and asked,

"Enna enna'nu koopta nee ippo?"

(What... What did you just call me?)

She pressed her lips together, suppressing a smile, and shook her head.

I narrowed my eyes at her before turning away, muttering under my breath,

"Keep yourself together, Aayush. Don't fall into the woman's trap"

I reminded myself. And then, I saw her walking over and standing before me, hands on her waist on either side, lips pouted.

"Setha karanjukko, please. Naan soldradha kelungo'len?"

(Just let it go, please. Can't you at least listen to me once?)

She whined, and I looked around, realizing that everyone's eyes were on us. I sighed, but before I could react, she suddenly hugged me around my torso again and whined,

"Mannichiru, please"

(Forgive me, please)

I let out another sigh before grabbing her wrist, pulling her away from the crowd.

Dragging her onto the rainy road, we ran under the downpour until I finally stopped, yanking her inside the restaurant opposite her office.

She stood there, completely drenched, shivering from the cold, but her eyes held that same cute, apologetic look.

Raking my fingers through my messy, wet hair, I glanced around before pulling her towards the farthest dark corner of the restaurant's entrance.

Without thinking, I slammed her against the side parking wall, gripping her right waist firmly with my palm.

"What did they say to you? What was the fucking trap they made for you?"

I yelled over the sound of the rain.

She winced in pain, but I didn't care. My own pain had been hell for the past two days.

"Or naan unna anniku thaniyaa vittutu poi rendu naal kalichu vandhadhukku revenge edukanum'nu nenachu pandriyaa?"

(Or are you taking revenge on me for leaving you alone that day and coming back after two days?)

Her eyes welled up with tears, and she slowly whispered,

"Enna ipdilaa pesurel?"

(Why are you talking to me like this?)

Her voice cracked as she finally broke into sobs.

"Alugaadha. Kaduppethura, Seetha nee. Enna dhaan prachanai unakku? Apdi enna sonnadhunaala avangala nambi namma relationship end pan.."

(Don't cry. You're frustrating me, Seetha. What's your problem? Just because they said something, you trusted them and decided to end our relationsh..)

"Naan oru loosu dha! Podhumaa? Adhaye thirumba thirumba sollaadhel. Ennaala kekka mudiyala!"

(I was a fool! Is that enough for you? Stop repeating it again and again. I can't bear to hear it anymore!)

I clenched my jaw, my fingers instinctively wrapping around her neck as I leaned in and whispered,

"Apo enakku epdi irundhirukkum'nu nenachu paaru di. Rendu naal pei puducha maadhiri sutheetu irukken. En munnaadiye vandhu 'we're done' nu sonna Seetha nee. Do you even know how broken I was?"

(Then think about how I must've felt. I've been wandering around like a ghost for the past two days. You stood in front of me and said, 'we're done', Seetha. Do you even know how broken I was?)

She sobbed, clutching my wrist tightly, and pleaded,

"I'm sorry. Nekku onnume therila, Professor. Ellaarum enna easy'ah yemaathraa. Enna nadandhadhu'nu naan soldradha setha kelungo"

(I don't know anything, Professor. Everyone played me so easily. Can you please listen to what really happened?)

I loosened my hold, stepping back as her tears streamed down her face. Even though I put some distance between us, I still stood before her, shoving my hands into my pockets.

She swallowed hard, looking at me hesitantly before speaking.

"Sanvik ennoda HR. Avaa dha enna join panna solli sonnaa. Apro certificates verification panneetu irukkumbodhu dha avaa enkooda peseetu irundhaa. Summa casual'ah family and studies pathi dha pesunaa. Appo theriyaama ungala pathi solleeten"

(Sanvik is my HR. He was the one who suggested I join. Later, during my certificate verification, he casually started talking to me about family and studies. That's when I unknowingly mentioned you)

"Theriyaama'ah?"

(Unknowingly?)

"Aama. Anniku andha aalu unga shirt collar puduchuttu irundhadhum, rendu perum kovamaa oruthar oruthar paathuttu irundhadhum anniku modha naaley naan paathutten. Appove purunjadhu avaa pannadhu ellaame unga mela irundha kovathunaala'ah irukkum'nu"

(Yes. That day, I saw him grabbing your shirt collar, and both of you staring angrily at each other. I understood then that whatever he did must have been out of anger towards you)

"Seri, first Avan unkitta enna sonnaan'nu sollu"

(First, say what did he say to you)

I said, gritting my teeth. She lowered her gaze and mumbled,

"Avaa namma relationship pathi kettaa. Naan en aathukaarar'eh pathi sonnen"

(He asked about our relationship and I told him about my husband)

I scratched my brow with the pad of my thumb and hummed.

"Apro..."

(And then...)

She stepped closer, clutching my shirt near my stomach with her fist, her voice low and cracking,

"Nekku sathiyamaaa dominant'ku apdi oru meaning irukkum'nu theriyaadhu, Professor"

(I swear, I didn't know 'dominant' had that kind of meaning, Professor)

My breath hitched as her words sank in.

I caught her chin, lifting her face so she could look into my eyes.

"Purila. Enna meaning? Enna dominant?"

(I don't get it. What meaning? What dominant?)

She gulped, hesitating before whispering,

"Naan... Naan neenga enkitta ordered'ah, bossy'ah iruppel, so nekku neenga apdi irundhaalum romba pudikkum'nu sonnen avaa kitta"

(I... I told him that you're a little commanding and bossy with me, and that I really like it when you are)

I clenched my jaw but controlled myself and asked,

"Nammala pathi avankitta yen nee soldra? Loosaa Seetha nee? Avan enna sonnaan?"

(Why did you tell him about us? Are you crazy, Seetha? What did he say for that?)

She lowered her gaze, but I gripped her chin again, making her look at me.

"Look into my eyes and say"

She swallowed hard and murmured,

"Sorry, naan inimel yedhuvume yaarkittayum solla maaten. And... he said adhukku peru bossy illa, dominance'nu sonnaa"

(Sorry, I won't tell anyone anything ever again. And.. he said that's not called being bossy, it's called dominance)

I stared at her and she continued,

"Naan..naan rendum orey meaning dhane nu ketten... adhukku andha aalu sirichuttu unakku onnume therila romba innocent'ah irukka'nu sonnaa"

(I.. I asked if both meant the same thing... and that guy laughed and said I'm too innocent to know anything)

"Then?"

I asked.

"Aprom... Naan sonnen nekku ellaam theriyum'nu. Theriyala naalum en aathukaarar'ku enna romba pudikkum. Nekkum avaala romba pudikkum. So, there is no problem for me'nu solleetu kelambalaam'nu yendhiruchutten"

(Then... I told him that I know everything and even if I didn't, my husband loves me a lot, and I love him a lot too. So, there's no problem for me, and I got up to leave)

I was caught between smiling at her headshot response to that bastard and fuming with anger at the guy for manipulating my woman's innocence for his own revenge.

"Aanaa, avaa innum photo session irukku'nu solli wait panna sonnaa"

(But then, he said there was still a photo session left and asked me to wait)

"Photo session?"

"Aama, pudhusaa work'le join aaguravanga ellaarayum HR manager oda saendhu pic eduthu social media'le poduvaanga andha company'le"

(Yeah, in that company, they take pictures of all the new joiners with the HR manager and post them on social media)

"Oh"

"Naan venaa'nu dha pa sonnen. Aana avaa company'le adhudha valakkam'nu sonnaa"

(I told him I didn't want to, but he said it was a usual practice in their company)

"Valakkam'nu sonnaanaa? Neeyum adha namb.."

(He said it was a practice? And you believed...)

"Aahn, naan nambala. Aana avaa Instagram'le kaamchaa. Apro innoru oru paiyan vandhirundhaan, avanayum adhukku dha wait panna solleerndhaa. So, naanu seri'nu utkaandhirundhen. Aana avaa pesuradha niruthave illa"

(No, I didn't believe him, but then he showed me their Instagram. Later, another guy came in, and he said that guy was also waiting for the same session. So, I agreed and sat down. But he just wouldn't stop talking)

She rolled her eyes and then continued,

"Appodha avaalukku oru call vandhadhu, naan yendhiruchu povaaru'nu paathaa attend panni pesa aarambichuttaa nekku munnaadiye, adhuvum video call'uh"

(Then he got a call, so I thought, he would leave. But he attended the call and started talking right in front of me-on a video call, no less)

She rolled her doe eyes, looking around as if telling a story, and continued, which made me smile.

But I was still angry, though.

"Apro dha.. naan sonnaa neenga namba maatel.. avaa pesumbodhu Maya'nu paeru kettadhum screen'eh paathaa unga aththa ponnu Maya"

(And then, you won't believe me.. while he speaks, when I heard the name 'Maya' and looked at the screen, it was your cousin Maya)

She hit my bicep, her expression showing shock, while I stared at her. She smiled sheepishly and gently caressed the spot where she had hit me before continuing,

"Avalum enna paathu romba sirichutte pesunaa adhisayamaa"

(She looked at me and kept smiling while talking, which felt really odd)

"Appove nekku doubt vandhadhu, professor.."

(That's when I started getting suspicious, Professor)

"Aanaa andha Sanvik irukkaa'le? Avaa nekku onnume therila'nu Maya kitta solli rendu perum enna paathu sirikka aarambichuttaa"

(But then Sanvik, that jerk, told Maya that I was totally innocent. And the two of them started laughing at me together)

"Nekku romba shame'aah irundhadhu"

(I felt so ashamed)

She pouted, lowering her head. I clenched my fists, barely stopping myself from storming out of the place, finding those two bitches, and dealing with them for using my girl's innocence as their personal source of entertainment.

"Apro Maya dha sonnaa, mama.."

(And then, it was Maya who said it, mama..)

She fisted my shirt tighter and pulled me closer, leaning her back against the wall. I pressed my hands on the wall above her head, watching her intently as she continued,

"Avaa mama vaane neenga... nannaa vaata saataama irukkumbodhey theriyumaam avaalukku, neenga dominant aana aalaa dha iruppel'nu"

(She said she knew you wouldn't just stay quiet, that you were always a dominant person)

I raised my brows at the possessive grip she had on my shirt, a small smile tugging at my lips.

"Yen unakku theriyaadhaa naan epdi'nu?"

(Don't you already know what I'm like?)

She twisted her lips, her expression full of attitude, and said,

"Nekku theriyardhu irukkattum, adhepdi avalukku therinjadhu?"

(It's fine if I know, but how the hell does she know?)

I shook my head and said,

"Naan adha veetukku poi soldren. Nee apro ennaachu'nu sollu.."

(I'll tell you that later. First, tell me what happened next)

But she shook her head stubbornly and demanded,

"Illa, neenga modhala sollunga.."

(No, you tell me first..)

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair before saying,

"Ma, ava summa yedho physique paathu, yedho feel'le soldr.."

(Dear, she must have looked at my physique and should have said something in the heat of the moment..)

"Unga physique ava yeppo paathaa? Aama adhenna ennamo feeling'nu solla vandhel?"

(But when exactly did she see your physique? And what is with that heat of the moment?)

I stared at her, exasperated.

"Yen di ippo idhu romba mukkiyamaa? Andha paithiyakaaran enna sonnaan'nu sollu.."

(Is this really the most important thing right now? Just tell me what that lunatic said..)

She twisted her lips in defiance, turned her face away, and muttered,

"Apro enna.. avaa dominance ipdidha apdidha'nu sonn.."

(Then what... she started talking about dominance, saying this and that...)

I clenched my jaw, my patience slipping.

"Apdidha ipdidha'nu sollaama mulusaa sollu, Seetha. Don't make me lose my patience"

(Don't just say 'this and that.' Tell me exactly what she said, Seetha. Don't make me lose my patience)

She hesitated for a moment before locking eyes with me, her gaze pained yet determined. Then, with a voice that shook slightly, she said,

"Neenga soldra maadhiri dha naan seiyanum'nu nenaippelaam. You.. you only prefer my body, over my feelings. You lust after me more than you love me. You find pleasure in torturing me... through my body... and.."

(She said that you probably think I should do whatever you say. You.. you only prefer my body, over my feelings. You lust after me more than you love me. You find pleasure in torturing me... through my body... and..)

I felt my breath hitch, rage simmering in my veins.

"So, idhu.. idhellaa nee avanga sonnadhum nambeeta?"

(And you..you believed all of this just because they said it?)

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she scoffed,

"Aahn. Adhepdi naan nambuven? Enna neenga loosu maadhiri kekurel?"

(Of course not! How could I ever believe something like that? What are you asking like a fool?)

I frowned, and she continued,

"Naan nambave maaten'nu sonnen. Aana avanga dha nambi dha aaganum'nu solli nekku oru video kaamchaa..aana naan appavum.."

(I told them I would never believe it. But they insisted I should... and then showed me a video...but even after that..)

My fists clenched and cut her off, asking,

"Video va?"

(A video?)

She nodded frantically.

"Aama... Aamaaa..."

(Yeah... But...)

Then, suddenly, she gripped my face and pulled me down to her height, her breath warm against my skin as she whispered,

"Adhula vandha maadhiri'laa neenga pannuve'laa enna?"

(What they showed in that video... is that something you would actually do?)

My brows furrowed as I processed her words. Then, realization hit me like a truck. I slapped my forehead and cursed,

"Fuck. What did they show you, Seetha? What video was that?"

"Haan, adhu ennamo movie name sonnaa. Neenga sollungo. Adhellaa neenga nekku pannuve'laa?"

(Hmm, they mentioned some movie name. You tell me... would you actually do all that to me?)

I exhaled sharply, running a frustrated hand through my damp hair.

This girl!

"Shoooo, Seetha. Ennatha ma kaamchaanga? Enna paatha nee?"

(Shhh, Seetha. What exactly did they show you? What did you see?)

She pouted, her lips pressing together in a small sulk as she said,

"Naan mulusaa'laa paakala, professor. Paadhi dha paathen. Apro paakala. Romba vulgar'aah start aanadhum veliya vandhutten"

(I didn't watch the whole thing, professor. I saw only half. When it started getting too vulgar, I stopped playing it)

Vulgar?

Fuck those bitches!

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to keep my rising anger in check.

"Aana, professor, nekku oru doubt'uh.."

(But, professor.. I have one doubt)

I opened my eyes, stared at her, raising my brows, asking,

"Enna doubt?"

(What doubt?)

"Adhu vandhu andha video'le.."

(That.. in that video..)

"Yaaru pa neenga?"

(Who are you guys?)

We both turned at the sudden voice, only to see the watchman anna of the restaurant standing there with his hands on his hips.

But, by seeing me, he exclaimed,

"Thambi, neengalaa?"

(Brother, you?)

I shut my eyes, exhaling sharply at his overly excited voice, while Seetha let out a small gasp beside me.

"Enna thambi, paapa've samadhanam paduthuttinga polaye?"

(What, man? Looks like you've managed to calm her down?)

He teased, his gaze moving from me to her and back again, a knowing smirk on his face.

I frowned and turned to look at her. Alerted, we quickly pulled away from each other, putting some distance between us, but she only gave me a mischievous smile and asked,

"Oh, sir. Inga irukka ellaa watchman anna vayum valachu pote'laa? Enna oru arivu, besh besh!"

(Oh, sir. Have you won over all the watchman annas here? What a brain, amazing!)

she teased, shaking her head dramatically.

I smiled despite myself and tapped the back of her head, shushing her. But she only laughed harder, making me glance at watchman anna, who was now looking at her with narrowed brows, trying to figure out what she found so funny.

Before she could tease me further, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her away from there. By god's grace, a bus to our place arrived at the stop just then.

I patted her back, making her shriek before she climbed in hurriedly. I smiled, following behind her, and we settled on the last seat-her by the window, and me beside her.

Sighing, I raked my fingers through my hair before glancing at her.

She chuckled, poking my bicep, saying,

"You love me more"

I smiled slightly, turning my body towards her, and asked,

"Nee andha video paakumbodhu yaaru'laa irundhaanga unkooda?"

(Who was with you when you watched that video?)

"Andha aalu dha"

(That fool..)

she said, clicking her tongue before adding,

"Sanv.."

But I cut her off mid-sentence, my voice dropping to a husky tone,

"So, he was right beside you when you were watching that?"

Her gaze flickered over my tousled hair, then my eyes, and finally down to my lips. She stared at them for a moment before slowly nodding her head, looking back into my eyes. I shook my head and asked,

"But why did you avoid me, Seetha? Naan adhukkaaga dha unkooda irukken'nu nenachiyaa? Lust kaaga dha'nu nenachiyaa, Seetha?"

(Did you think I was with you just for that? Did you think it was only for lust, Seetha?)

I looked into her eyes, disbelief clear in my voice, but she quickly shook her head and placed her hand over mine, which rested on my thigh.

"Illa, professor. Naan epdi apdi nenappen? Ennaala avanga sonnadha marakka mudiyala. Naan anniku andha video paathu rombave shock and disturbed'ah irundhen. Ipdilaa irukkumaa'nu... Aana anniku avanga innonum sonnaanga"

(No, professor. How could I ever think that? I just couldn't forget what they said. That day, after watching that video, I was completely shocked and disturbed. I couldn't believe it. But that day, they told me something else too)

I narrowed my brows as she gulped before continuing.

"Andha Maya sonnaa, nee venaa check panni paaru, mama mattum dha unkooda dominant'aah irukkanum'nu nenappaa, adhudha andha dominant persons oda characteristics. Nee avangakooda dominant'aah irukkanum'nu nenachaa vida maataanga. Thalli dha povaanga or unna thappaa nenappaanga. Aana avanga soldradhu ellaame nee seiyanum'nu nenappaanga'nu sonnaa"

(That Maya said, 'If you want, check for yourself. Only mama would want to be dominant with you, that's the characteristic of dominant people. If you try to be dominant with them, they won't accept it.. they'll push you away. But they'll expect you to do everything they say)

"Adhey maadhiri neenga anniku naan dominant'aah irukkanum'nu nenaikumbodhu neenga enkitta irundhu thalli poninga, naan unga Seetha've illa'nu sonninga, so, naan ellaame connect panni thappaa purunjutten, professor. I am really sorry. Naan pannadhu romba periya thap.."

(Just like that, when you thought I was being dominant that day, you pushed me away and said that I wasn't your Seetha. So, I connected everything and misunderstood, Professor. I am really sorry. What I did was a huge mis..)

I stopped her.

"Podhum, Seetha. Just yaaro oruthar sonnadhukkaaga nee.."

(Enough, Seetha. Just because someone said something, you..)

"Illa, professor, naan next morning'eh ungakitta pesi seri panneerlaam, ellaam ungakittaye kaettu therinjukalaam, yaaro rendu pera namba venaam'nu dha nenachen. Aana andha Sanvik enga veetukke vandhuttaan. Nekku avan mela romba doubt vandhadhu appodha. Enkitta avan yedho expect pandraan'ngradha purunjukutten"

(No, Professor, I thought I would talk to you the next morning itself, sort everything out, and ask you directly instead of believing two random people. But then, that Sanvik came to my house. That's when I started doubting him a lot. I realized that he was expecting something from me)

Yeah, that's right. What is he expecting from her? If he wants revenge on me, he can face me directly. Why is he going through Seetha instead?

I thought, but as she kept talking, I listened,

"Appodha naan unga kitta vandhen, neenga bike'le irukkumbodhu. Seri enna edhaadhu panni, dominant'ah or ordering'ah irundhaavadhu enna anga irundhu bike'le alachuttu povel, naan ungakitta ellaame solleerlaam'nu nenachen. Aana neenga enna kovathula bus'le poga solleetel"

(That's when I came to you while you were on the bike. I thought you would take me with you by being dominant or ordering me, and I could tell you everything. But instead, you told me to take the bus in anger)

"Aana adhuvum nalladhu dha. Appodha andha Sanvik paithiyakaaran unga sattaya puduchu, neenga rendu perum oruthar oruthar kovamaa paathuttu irundhadha ennaala paaka mudunjadhu. Paathu unga mela revenge edukardhaa nenachu dha idhellaa pandraan'nu purunjukutten"

(But that was also for the best. At that time, Sanvik, that crazy guy, was grabbing your collar, and both of you were glaring at each other with so much anger, I could clearly see that. I realized then that he was behaving like this and talking about you like that to me, thinking he was taking revenge on you)

Smart. But,

"Appo namma bus'le irundhappo nee enkitta ellaame solleerkalaame?"

(Then why couldn't you say everything when we were on the bus that day?)

I asked her. She smiled and squeezed my palm, saying,

"Naan nenaikala'nu nenachelaa? Modha naal night'eh naan onnu kandu puduchen. Unga aththa ponnu Maya yaaru theriyumaa? Avaa unga appa sonna maadhiri'laa illa. Ava dha naan work pandra company oda CEO"

(Did you think I didn't think about that? I found out about something the very first night. Do you know who Maya is? She's not like what your dad said. She's the CEO of the company where I work now)

I gasped in shock.

"What?"

"Yes. Ungalukku onnu theriyumaa naan epdiyaadhu bus'le ungakitta ellaam solleerlaam'nu evlo aasa patten'nu? Aana ennaala solla mudila. Yen'nu theriyumaa?"

(Do you know how badly I wanted to tell you everything on the bus somehow? But I couldn't. Do you know why?)

"Yen?"

(Why?)

"Andha Maya namakku pinnaadi irundha seat'le irundhu namma pesuradha paathuttu, kaettutu irundhaa. Maybe namma sanda podromaa, illa samadhanam aageetomaa'nu paakuradhukkaaga'nu nenaikiren"

(That Maya was sitting right behind us, watching our conversation. Maybe she was trying to see if we were still fighting or if we had made up)

But why did she want to do that? What made her so interested in knowing that?

"Apro enga office munnaadi vachu ungakitta ellaam solleerlaam'nu nenachaa.. appodha Maya dhane indha company oda CEO ngradhu nekku nyaabagam vandhadhu. Ava epdiyum nammala paathiruvaa, appo ivangalukku enna dha nammakitta irundhu venum'ngradhu namakku theriyaamayae poidum'nu dha ungala enkitta irundhu avlo verattunen"

(I thought I could tell you everything, in front of our office, but then it hit me that Maya is the CEO of this company. She must be watching us from anywhere. So, we wouldn't be able to figure out exactly what they want or expect from us. That's why I pushed you away from me)

That's when I realized that my woman is innocent only in those things but smart in everything else.

"Andha day fullaa evlo aludhen'nu nekku dha theriyum. Adhuvum neenga kaalaila irundhu saaindharam varaikum enakkaaga office munnaadiye sutheetu irundhinga'nu nekku andha evening therinjadhum, ellaathayum vittutu odi vandhu ungala katti anachu aludhurlaam'nu nenachen. Aana ennaala mudila.."

(Only I know how much I cried that whole day. And when I found out in the evening that you had been waiting in front of my office since morning just for me, I wanted to drop everything, run to you, hug you, and cry. But I couldn't)

"I just wanted to know everything. Namma present, past mattum illa, future layum avanga nammalukku yendha pretchanayum panneera koodaadhu'nu dha rendu naalaa avlo kasta pattu amaidhiyaa irundhen"

(I just wanted to know everything. I wanted to make sure that neither our present, past, nor future would have any problems because of them, that's why I was calm for those two days after all that difficulty)

I gulped, looking at her, and wiped the tears off her cheek. But she caught my hand and pressed it over our intertwined palms, which rested on my lap, shaking her head, saying,

"Let me cry. Nekku idhellaa theva dha.."

(Let me cry. I deserve this)

Staring at her for a moment, I asked,

"Appo yen inniku ellaame sonna?"

(Then why did you tell me everything today?)

"Inniku ellaame sollala'naa ungala yelandhiruveno'nu thonuchu. Adhaa solleeten"

(I felt like if I didn't tell you today, I might lose you. That's why I told you)

Her voice finally broke, and I couldn't help but smile. Gently, I wrapped my arm around her shoulder from behind, resting my elbow on the railing of the seat. Pulling her closer to my chest, I pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head and held her close.

How could she even think she might lose me? No matter how much she pushes me away, even if it means walking through hell, I'll always come after her-only for her.

She doesn't realize still that I can't live without her.

Intertwining our fingers even tighter, she stayed silent for a few minutes while I struggled to keep my cool, my mind raging with thoughts of those two bastards. I was on the verge of losing control, but another question gnawed at me.

Why was Maya involved in all this? Were they friends? Lovers? Married? Business partners? Or was it something more sinister-a relationship driven only by lust?

Why did those two join hands against us?

But I was pulled out of my thoughts when she pulled away from my embrace and asked,

"Aama, appo anniku yen neenga enkitta irundhu thalli ponel?"

(Okay, but then why did you push me away that day?)

She raised an eyebrow, looking intimidating. I furrowed my brows in confusion, but as she pinched me hard on my hip, I winced in pain and suddenly realized what she was asking about.

"Hey, appo naan enna di soldradhu? Vaa vandhu enna venaa pannu'nu soldradhaa?"

(Hey, then what am I supposed to say? Come, do whatever you want?)

I scoffed, frustrated.

"Aala paaru, da. Varuvaalaam vandhu periods mudinjiruchu'nu solluvaalaam. Naanga ellaam pannanumaam. Enna paathaa unakku epdi theriyudhu?"

(Look at you. You can just walk in and casually declare your period is over, and I am supposed to act accordingly? What do I look like to you?)

I asked, seriously annoyed and in disbelief.

She giggled, covering her mouth with her palms.

"Adhuvum seri dha'le? Innum moonu maasam dha kalyanathukku. Apro paakuren. Naan kitta varumbodhu thalli vidrelaa'nu"

(That's fine too, right? Just three months left for our wedding. I'll see then if you push me away when I come to you)

She said, turned straight and crossed her arms beneath her chest with a smile.

I processed her words, smirked, and leaned in close to her ear, whispering,

"Yes. You might see how... epdi thalli, vidren'nu"

(Yes. You might see how exactly I push you away)

She turned to me, narrowing her brows as usual, not quite getting my words.

I just shook my head and sat back, chuckling.

She looked at me in confusion for a few seconds but shrugged her shoulders and asked,

"Naan nekku oru doubt'nu sonnane?"

(I said I had a doubt, right?)

"Yeah. Kaelu. But adhukku munnaadi appadi avanga rendu perum enna video kaamchaanga unakku'nu enakku kaami. Yedhula paatha?"

(Yeah, ask. But before that, show me the video those two showed you. Where did you watch it?)

I asked her.

"Mm. En phone'le dha. Andha Sanvik en insta ID vaangi adhula youtube link send pannaan. Adhula dha paathen"

(Mm. Through my phone. That Sanvik asked my instagram ID and sent a youtube link there. That's where I watched it)

I looked at her in disbelief, and asked,

"Yevan kettaalum insta ID kuduthiruviyaa, ma?"

(Do you give your instagram ID to just anyone who asks, ma?)

"Haan adhu... Idha pathi elaam pesuradhukku munnaadiye.. nannaa family pathi'laa kaettu pesunom'nu sonnen'le? Appove kaettu vaangeetaan. Naanu HR dhane, nannaa pesavum seiraaru'nu kuduthen. Aana avan ivlo periya porukki'ah iruppaan'nu nekku epdi theriyum?"

(Well, before we discussed all this, I mentioned that we first talked about each other's families, right? He took it then. He spoke well, and since he's my HR, I gave it to him. But how was I supposed to know he was such a pervert?)

She said, clenching her fists in anger towards that guy.

I shook my head and turned forward, losing myself in thoughts about the two newcomers in our lives-how much damage they had caused in just two days.

But I felt immense happiness knowing that no matter how much they tried to separate us or whatever plans they had, we stayed close and understood each other. She didn't give up on me, and I didn't give up on her. That was enough for me.

However, I also have to keep a close eye on those two troublemakers. I glanced around the bus, holding our intertwined hands, tracing my thumb gently over the back of her hand. But my thoughts were interrupted when she moved closer, leaning against my bicep, her face tilted up with a grin.

I smiled softly and pinched her nose.

"Enna?"

(What?)

I asked her.

She shook her head, shrugged her shoulders, and blinked her eyes with a playful smile.

I took a deep breath and said,

"You have to be very careful, Seetha ma. Unakku puriyudhaa? They tried to take advantage of your innocence'nu?"

(Do you understand? They tried to take advantage of your innocence)

Her smile faded, her lips pouting as she nodded, her gaze lowering to her lap as she fidgeted with her fingers.

I smiled softly, pressing a kiss to the side of her head, silently apologizing for ever doubting her even just for a moment on this issue.

She leaned into my chest, finding comfort in my embrace.

I rested my chin on top of her head, leaning back against the seat, my arm draped over the crook of her neck. My mind was racing with thoughts of how to deal with those two before they could come up with something worse-something that could tear us apart.

But she suddenly pulled back from me again, leaving some distance between us as she asked,

"Nekku oru doubt irukku'nu sonnane?"

(Didn't I tell you I have a doubt?)

I blinked at her, placed my arm over the seat behind her, and nodded, saying,

"Aama'le? Seri, enna kelu.."

(Yeah? Alright, ask..)

She hesitated for a second before saying,

"Adhu.. naan paatha andha video'le ellaam English kaaranga dha irundhaa. Naan Jumanji, Anaconda movies'laa paathirukken. Adhula vara maadhiri dha irundhaa. Aana nekku adhula oru doubt irukku"

(The people in that video were all foreigners. I've seen movies like Jumanji and Anaconda. They looked similar to them. But I have a doubt about something)

I rolled my eyes.

Seriously? Jumanji and Anaconda?

My little student was still behaving like a kid.

"Enna doubt'uh?"

(What doubt?)

But she grinned, glanced around at the few passengers in front and beside us, and then looked back at me.

I narrowed my brows suspiciously, but she simply smiled and lifted her hand, gesturing for me to come closer as she covered her lips with her fingers like she was about to share a secret.

Still eyeing her suspiciously, I leaned in, taking off my arm from behind her.

She placed her hand between us, softly brushing my cheek as she shielded her lips from view and whispered,

"Naan paatha video'le andha heroine oda head yen hero oda legs'ku naduvula irundhadhu?"

(In the video I watched, why was the heroine's head between the hero's legs?)

I froze. My eyes widened in pure horror.

Did she just...?!

I turned to look at her swiftly, searching her face desperately for any hint of teasing. But there was none. She was just looking at me with wide eyes, like an innocent kitten, genuinely waiting for my answer.

I let out a slow, tortured sigh, resting my forearm on the handle in front of me and with my other hand, I smacked my forehead before palming my face, placing my elbow on the handle, thinking,

Ramaa! Enakku yen ipdi oruthi'eh kudutha? Ivalukku naan yeppo idhellaa teach panni, naan yeppo kudumbam nadathi..

(God! Why did you give me someone like this? When will I teach her all this, make her understand it, and when will I run the family...)

But as I recalled everything that had happened over the past two days, I realized that she needed to know everything-before her innocence led her to be misled by others with bad intentions.

I have to teach her soon or find a way to make her aware of everything.

**********

TBC..

Epdi irundhuchu?

Sorry, I couldn't help myself! 😂🤣😭

Naan Seetha sonnadhu ellaame ava pov layae kuduthurlaam'nu nenachen, but adhu avlo feel kudukkumaa'nu doubt vandhadhu adhaa Aayush pov layae panneeten. Okay dhane?

I really need everyone's feedback on this chapter. Please, I'm feeling insecure about how it turned out.

Deii enga da ingerndha kenatha kaano maadhiri.. Deii enna da ingerndha votes'eh kaano'nu dha irundhadhu pona chapter votes count paathu.

Seriously, guys? Not even 390+ votes for 15k+ words chapter? Unga manasatchi edhuvum kekkalayaa pa ungala? votes podaama pogumbodhu?

Please make sure to vote for both today's and the previous chapter if you haven't already 🙏

Naan unga yaarukittayum kaasu kekkalaye, orey oru vote dhane kekuren? Please consider🙂

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