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"Machaa vaa da canteen polaam"

(Hey dude, let's go to the canteen)

Elango stormed into my cabin.

"Knock panneetu varanum nu theriyaadhaa Mr..?"

(Don't you know you have to knock before entering, Mr?)

I asked teasingly. But he grinned at me.

"Yedha macha knock pannanu? adhaa yerkanave nee knock out aagi utkaandhirikiye?"

(What's the point of knocking when you're already sitting here completely knocked out?)

I frowned, closing my laptop.

"Enna soldra?"

(What are you saying?)

I asked him as I unplugged my laptop charger.

"Naan enna solla? nee dha sollanum"

(What can I say? It's you who has to say something)

I stood up, pushing my chair back.

"Naan enna sollanum?"

(And what am I supposed to say?)

I asked, correcting my hair.

"Seetha pathi dha"

(About Seetha)

I paused, running my fingers abruptly through my hair upon hearing my student's name, then resumed and looked at him with a straight face before asking,

"Canteen polaamaa?"

(Shall we go to the canteen?)

"Anga poi soldren ngriyaa?"

(Will you tell me there?)

He grinned at me again and I gritted my teeth.

"Unna andha Kamali ponnu paakudhaame? apdiyaa?"

(That Kamali girl is sighting you? Is that so?)

I just asked to put some knowledge into his mind, and I could see his face turn rigid upon hearing my words.

"Enna da pesura loosu. Ava en student da. Nalla ponnu machaa apdilaa pesaadha"

(What nonsense are you talking about? She's my student. Don't speak like this)

I raised my eyebrows at him. 

How hypocritical?

"Pinna? unaku vandhaa retham, enakku vandhaa thakkali chutney aah? Seetha uhm nalla ponnu dha moodeetu kelambu"

(So, if you get hurt, it's a serious injury, but if I get hurt, it's just tomato chutney? Seetha is also a good girl, just get lost)

I gave him a slightly irritated expression. He rolled his eyes and looked around us.

"Suthi glass irukka naala enna venaalu pesalaam nu nenaikaadhinga Aayush sir. Inniku ungakooda utkaandhu dha sarakkadikka poren. Ellaam therinjuppen"

(Just because there are no witnesses around, don't think you can say anything you want, Aayush sir. Today I am going to sit with you and have a drink. I will know everything from you there, you can't escape)

He flashed a wicked grin at me as I looked at him from head to toe.

"Maanangettavane, ellaa plan ayum apdiye solleeru. Apro enga nadakardhu? Loosu"

(Shameless fellow, telling all your plans to me. What will happen then with your plans against me, you idiot?)

I stepped out of the cabin, and Elango followed me, scratching his brow in irritation.

As I slowed down, I saw Seetha and her friend blocking the doorway. 

However, they pressed against the door, leaving just enough room for us to pass. Elango and me exchanged amused glances and chuckled as we made our way outside, closer to the lift.

"Mm.. Yeppo da kelambardhu?"

(Mm.. When are we leaving?)

I leaned my bicep against the wall beside the lift and asked Elango.

"6 o'clock aayirum nu nenaikiren"

(I think around 6 o'clock.)

He replied while glancing at his wristwatch.

But I recall that he had mentioned the NAAC work might extend our working hours.

"Ohh. Inniku enna seekro?"

(Ohh. Why so early today?)

I asked him as we entered the lift.

"Friday le? That's why"

(Because it's Friday)

"Hmm"

Is there no work on Friday? I thought.

But I didn't ask him that question; I don't know why. Maybe I was feeling bored or something. 

I shrugged my shoulders and hummed some music, tapping my phone on my palm.

When we exited the lift, we walked towards the entrance of the main building of the college but stopped when we saw the crowd of students and staff waiting at the entrance for the rain to stop.

The entire ground floor was filled with noise, drowning out the sound of the rain.

"Mazha peiyudhu da"

(It's raining man)

Elango said with a grin, admiring the weather. 

I, on the other hand, sighed.

"Apro epdi poradhu?"

(Then how will we go?)

I exclaimed at him.

Mazha peiyudhu nu saadharnamaa soldraan, loosu.

(He's saying it's just raining, as if it's something ordinary. What a fool.)

"Nenanjuttu dha"

(By getting drenched)

He shrugged his shoulders.

What?!

Has he lost his mind or something?

"Adhepdi da?"

(But how?)

I asked him, frustrated.

He gave me a look of disbelief and then rolled his eyes.

"Enna? chinna pappaa, mazhaila nenanjaa kachal vandhurum nu.. pesaama iraaa"

(What? Are you a little baby, still thinking as if a little rain will cause a commotion?)

I twisted my lips slightly at his words and bent down to look at the rain, which was now pouring more heavily. I scrunched my face, shaping my moustache by pressing it down and then twisting it up.

"Enna da ipdi mazha peiyudhu?"

(Why is it raining so heavily today?)

I straightened up and asked him.

"Adhaane?"

(Yeah)

Elango looked around, peeking his head out of the ground floor open corridor. 

I got the idea of pushing him into the rain, but I reconsidered, reminding myself that this is a college,

And I am a professor, 

So I have to behave appropriately.

"Bus laa kelambeerchu polaye seekramaa?"

(It seems like the college buses left so quickly?)

He said to me.

"Yen apdi soldra?"

(Why are you saying like that?)

I asked back, sliding one of my hands into my pants pocket.

"Illa late aah dha eduppaanga. Mazha peiradhu naala seekro eduthuttaanga pola inniku"

(No, they must have left late. It seems like they took the buses quickly today because of the heavy rain.)

"Ohh"

I shrugged it off after hearing the information from him, not bothering to remember it. 

It wasn't important or something I needed to keep in my mind.

And we stood there for the next few minutes.

But I don't know why we're standing here. It feels completely useless. 

Although, I think Elango is really enjoying the weather.

Small boy!

"Seri melaye polaamaa? indha mazha nikkira maadhiri therila"

(Alright, should we go upstairs? It's clear that this rain will not stop anytime soon.)

I said to him.

"Mela poi enna panna pora? vaa namma pinnaadi canteen polaam"

(What are we going to do upstairs? Come on, let's head to the canteen behind us.)

He grinned, I frowned.

"Pinnaadiyaa?"

(Behind us?)

And he turned around to face the opposite side of the open main entrance and walked forward, saying

"Yes inga oru kutty canteen irukku anga dha ellaarum olinjuttu iruppaanga mazhaiku.. vaa polaa"

(Yes, there's a small canteen here where everyone hides from the rain. Come on, let's go.)

I hummed and followed him as he walked toward the back canteen of our main building.

As we entered, I gasped upon seeing half of the college crammed inside.

Elango grinned facing me up.

"Naan sollala?"

(I told you?)

I opened my mouth to tease him about something but stopped when I heard,

"Sirrr"

I turned around to see Vinayak. 

I wasn't surprised, but I frowned at the sight of him being here instead of going back home.

"Vinayak? Veetukku polayaa?"

(Vinayak? Aren't you going back home yet?)

I asked him, and he pointed outside the canteen, saying,

"Mazha peidhula sir?"

(Iit's raining sir)

So?

"Bike illayaa?"

(Don't you have a bike?)

He shook his head and replied,

"Illa sir college bus"

(No sir. College bus)

What?

Before I could answer, Elango exclaimed,

"Deii college bus appove eduthuttaanga pa"

(Hey, the college bus has already left man!)

Vinayak's face turned to shock, and his eyes widened. 

Silly boy. I gave him a pitying look.

"Ennadheyy?"

(What?)

And he gasped loudly.

I shook my head.

"Aama inga enna panneetu irukka? bus dhane ulla poi utkaara vendiyadhu dhane?"

(Yeah, by the way, what are you doing here? You could be sitting inside the bus, couldn't you?)

I asked out of genuine curiosity, but he gave me a whining look before starting to reason.

"Sir bus yeranum naa konjo nenanjuttu dha sir poi yeranum, andha pakkam thalli niruthi vachirundhaanga. Engamma ku naan mazhaila nenanjen nu mattum therinjadhu, avlodha veluthiruvaanga sir"

(Sir, if I had to take the bus, I would have had to get a little wet in the rain. It was parked some distance away. If my mom finds out that I got drenched in the rain, she'll scold me, sir)

He said it like a child, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Adhukku? ippo fullaa nenaiya pora.. poi nalla vaangu"

(So? You'll end up completely drenched now... go on and get a nice scolding.)

Elango remarked playfully, and I chuckled.

"Sir"

Vinayak whined. I patted his shoulder.

"Seri polaam vaa.. enga un friend?"

(Alright, we'll go. Where's your friend?)

I asked, glancing behind him.

"Ajay outbus sir, avan kelambeetaan"

(He went)

I just nodded my head.

"Yen pa outbus student kelambeetaan nee kelambalayaa?"

(Why? the outside bus students have left, and you're still here?)

Elango asked him.

I sat in the chair, Elango took a seat beside me, and Vinayak stood in front of us.

"Avanga veetla yedhuvum solla maataanga sir"

(His parents won't say anything, sir.)

Vinayak said.

"Seri adha vidunga Elango sir. Nee utkaaru pa"

(Alright, leave that, Elango sir. You sit down.)

Elango raised his eyebrows at me, but I ignored him, knowing he would understand the importance of speaking like this in front of our student. 

So, I then turned my attention to Vinayak and told him to take a seat.

"Illa sir paravala"

(No sir. It's okay)

He declined politely and respectfully. I smiled at him.

"Nadikaadha Vinay utkaaru"

(Don't act. Take a seat)

I said. He smiled and took a seat in another chair in front of us, sitting at the edge of the chair. 

I shook my head at him.

But I narrowed my brows when I heard a soft whisper from my friend near my ear,

"Enna da adhukulla pudhu friend puduchuttiyaa dhrogi"

(What? Have you found a new friend? Traitor.)

I chuckled.

"Chi avan en student da. First year paiyan"

(Ugh, he's my student. A first-year guy)

"Oh I see. Students kooda laa romba close aaguringa pola?"

(Oh, I see. It seems like you're getting really close with the students?)

I raised my brows at him. 

He grinned

"Indha climate ku soodaa oru tea kuduchaa nallaarkum le?"

(Wouldn't a cup of tea be great in this weather?)

I stared at him. 

He gulped.

"Naan poi vaangeetu varen"

(I'll go and get it.)

He stood up and quickly escaped. 

I sighed, shook my head, unbuttoned my cuff buttons, and rolled up my sleeves.

"Yendha ooru Vinay nee?"

(Where are you from, Vinay?)

"Kinnakorai sir"

He replied to me.

"Naanu anga dha poren.. appo vaa naane drop panneeren. Seriyaa?"

(Mine too. so I'll drop you off. Is that okay for you?)

I asked him.

"Sir illa naan poippen sir"

(No, sir. I can go on my own, sir)

He hesitated.

"Paravala Vinay.. Bike dha, safe aah poi vidren"

(It's okay, Vinay. I'll drop you off on my bike safely)

I offered to help him since, after all, he's my student.

"Amma kitta kettukuren sir"

(I'll ask my mom for once, sir.)

I gave him an amused smile.

Such a boy, and in this generation?

"Avlo bayama pa?"

(So scared, huh?)

I asked him. He sighed.

"Padikka maatenguren nu thittu sir. Adhunaalaye verukuraanga"

(They scold me for not studying, sir. That's why they're always so strict.)

"Ohh"

How can parents be like this? 

I don't know. 

Because, I never experienced these kinds of study-related pressures from my mother and that man.

But, I shrugged it off.

Slowly, the crowd of students dispersed from the canteen as the rain lessened. 

Elango came back with two cups of coffee, then went to get another and handed it to Vinay.

"Sir enakku venaa"

(I don't want, sir)

Vinay refused again.

"Chumma kudi pa"

(Hey, have it man)

Elango said and sat beside me.

"Illa sir venaa.. naan tea coffees kudikka maaten"

(No, sir, it's okay... I don't drink tea or coffee.)

He said. I smiled and said,

"Naangalum dha kudikka maato.. weather ku nallaarkum kudi Vinay.."

(We don't usually drink it either... but it feels good in this weather. Have some, Vinay.)

He glanced at the coffee, then nodded at me and took the cup in his hand.

"Okay sir"

I smiled at him.

The three of us sipped our coffee.

"Tea dhane vaanga pona?"

(Didn't you go to get the tea?)

I asked Elango.

"Tea gaali"

(Finished)

He replied.

"Ohh.. mazha nindruchu, ippove 5.40 yenga poi ini vela paakuradhu? kelambalaamaa?"

(Oh, the rain has stopped. It's already 5:40—why are we still here? Shall we leave?)

I questioned, looking at him, and he gave me a nod.

"Mmm polaam da. Appa vera than.."

(Okay. Let's leave. Your father..)

My face became serious, and I abruptly turned my gaze to Vinay.

"Vinay amma ku call panni solleetiyaa?"

(Vinay, have you called your mom and let her know?)

"Yes sir"

He replied, and I tried to calm down so as not to scare Vinay.

"Mmm"

Elango understood and went silent.

I glanced at him and then looked away.

One of the main reasons I took this job was to avoid contact with that man. Now, in this weather, Elango is trying to remind me of him.

Being in that harsh environment, like at that man's house, made me feel insane all the time, but now being in this peaceful area makes me think that,

Indha climate kooda nalla dreamy aah dha irukku le?

(This weather is quite dreamy, isn't it?)

I leaned back, sipping the coffee while admiring the rain outside from the canteen.

After a few minutes of silence, aside from the exquisite sounds of nature,

We both made our way outside and told Vinay to wait there until we returned.

He agreed and waited for us near the lift, and we both went to the fifth floor.

"Bike laye poringlaa?"

(Are you both going by bike?)

Elango asked me.

"Mm aam.."

(Mmm ye..)

We stopped hearing,

"Illa di mam dha kettaanga.. nee ponum'naa po, Aayush sir uhm Kinnakorai dhaanaam"

(No, ma'am asked... if you need to go, go with him. Aayush sir is also from Kinnakorai.)

I heard a female voice and turned my head to see the same long hair I noticed on my very first day as a professor.

"Illa paravala di irukkattum naan poipen outbus laye"

(No, it's okay. I'll take the outbus.)

I heard this voice somewhere. Before I could open my mouth to ask what was the matter between the two girls,

"What happened?" 

Elango asked them.

The owner of those tiny fingers.

I smiled and lifted my head to see...

Seetha. The actual owner of those tiny fingers. The first student I met in the college.

I was shocked but didn't show it.

She looked at me. I looked at her but furrowed my brows seeing her crying.

What's wrong with her? Why is she crying now?

Is it forbidden if I asked her if she is okay or not?

But I suppressed all my questions to myself, not to disclose them openly.

"Nothing, sir" 

She said, eyeing the other girl in front of her, wiping away her tears.

"Seetha, are you okay?" 

Elango asked.

I looked at him with my eyes widened.

So, it's not forbidden to ask my student like that.

"Yes... yes, sir..."

She replied, shuddering.

Elango just hummed and walked away while I followed him, but I turned my head to see her, who averted her gaze from me, wiping her tears which were still pouring out from her black eyes.

What just happened?

Why is she crying like this?

If she is okay, then why is she crying?

"Mam."

I came back to reality and looked around to find that I was already beside my cabin. Elango was standing in front of me, and another female staff member was standing before him.

"Sollunga Elangovan sir"

(Tell me)

She asked Elango and I was like,

Avan enna sollanu?

(what is he supposed to tell?)

But I silently blinked at them and turned around to head inside my cabin, cursing myself for behaving like a robot. However, my ears sent a signal to my legs to stop taking steps on their own upon hearing,

"Illa, Seetha ku ennaachu?"

(What happened to Seetha?)

He asked, and I turned swiftly and looked at him, stunned.

Why is he asking about the girl student like this?

Like... it's not forbidden?

"College bus student sir andha ponnu. Manikandan sir kitta no-dues sign vaanga ninnutu irundhaa. Avaru yeppavum pola late panneeetaaru, ivalum bus'eh vittutaa adhaa mazha peiyudhu epdi veetukku poven nu aludhuttu irukkaa"

(She's a college bus student, sir. That girl was waiting to get a no-dues sign from Manikandan sir. As usual, he delayed it, and she missed the bus. Now, with the rain pouring, she's crying about how she'll get home.)

I furrowed my brows.

What's the big problem in this? Is she crying just for this, or did something else happen to her?

My heart raced, and I gulped, imagining all sorts of troubling scenarios in my head.

"Yen mam? yendha ooru? outbus pogaadhaa?"

(Why, ma'am? Where is she from? Can't she take the outbus?)

Where's she from? 

Eww.. Elango why are youasking like this?

What does that ma'am will think of you?

I shook my head at his behaviour.

"Adhellaa pogum sir. Kinnakorai dha. Aana avalukku outbus'le poi palakkam illa adhaa bayandhuttu aludhuttu irukkaa"

(She can, sir. It's just Kinnakorai. But she doesn't know how to get home and isn't accustomed to it, so she's worried and upset.)

I smiled.

"Ohh"

"Aayush sir Kinnakorai dhane? adhaa avarukooda poraalaa nu kekka solleerken"

(Aayush sir is from Kinnakorai, right? That's why I asked if she could go with him.)

She said and looked at me. I suppressed my shock and controlled my reaction.

Elango also turned towards me, but I avoided looking at his face because I knew exactly what kind of expression he would give me now.

"Mam"

The girl who was with Seetha rushed towards that ma'am. I didn't know her name.

"Sollu Pooja?"

(Tell me, Pooja)

"Mam, ava outbus laye poikiren solleetaa mam"

(Ma'am, she said she'll go by the outbus.)

Pooja? Yeah, Pooja informed to her.

And I looked at that ma'am, who sighed.

"Ohh, enna ponno. Seri thanks ma. Ellaarum paathu ponga veetukku"

(Oh, what should I do with this girl? Okay, thanks, ma'am. Everyone, please head home safely.)

She said that to her, and I felt a surge of.... anger upon hearing the ma'am's words?

I just went inside my cabin.

I grabbed my water bottle and started sipping, lost in my thoughts.

Then I heard, 

"Macha, enna bus le pora pola?"

(Dude, what's up? Are you going home by bus?)

I spat the water straight onto the window in front of me. We both hadn't expected it.

Elango laughed, but I turned, covered his mouth, and pushed him down. I knelt beside him and punched his stomach. 

Despite this, he continued to laugh. I shushed him by placing a finger on my lips.

"Shh."

He kept laughing, so I kicked him this time with a smile and stood up. He composed himself, stood up, and fixed his shirt. 

Before he could laugh again, he left my cabin, and I packed my things while trying to control my own laughter.

The journey from the staff room to the parking lot was silent as we both struggled to suppress our laughter.

Once we reached the parking lot, we both broke into laughter, leaving Vinay, who saw us with a puzzled expression.

"Yen da thuppuna loosu?"

(Why did you spit, idiot?)

"Deii serious aah naane expect pannala da"

(Dude, Seriously, I didn't expect that either)

We spoke between our laughter.

"Loosu, yaaraadhu paathirundhaa avlodha.. sirichey sethiruppaanga"

(Idiot. If someone had seen that, they'd have died laughing for sure.)

He commented, hitting my arm. I chuckled but suddenly stumbled on a rock, and my foot pained.

"Aahh!"

I groaned in pain. Elango and Vinay rushed towards me.

"Dei ennaachu?"

(Dude, what happened?)

Elango asked me.

"Shh kallu thadukeerchu da"

(Shh, stone stubbed my toe)

I said to him, pressing my lips together to stifle the pain.

"Enga kaatu, deii eruma retham varudhu da. Paathu nadakka maatiyaa?"

(Show me. fool, it's bleeding man. Can't you even watch where you're going?)

He scolded me, noticing the blood on the side of my left foot.

"Sir inga vaanga utkaarunga"

(Sir, come and sit here)

Vinayak said and I shook my head at him.

"Adhellaa onnu illa, seri aageerum, kelambalaam vaa"

(It's nothing major, it's okay. Come, Let's move on.)

I took a step forward, but Elango grabbed my hand, halting me.

"Adichen nu vai.. seri aageerumaam"

(One more step, then I'll definitely hit you.)

He warned me. I sighed.

"Adhellaa onnu illa da, naan poipen..vaanga polaam"

(That's nothing dude. I can manage. Let's go now)

But this time, Vinayak stopped me.

"Sir atleast blood nikka edhaadhu thuniyaadhu kattikonga"

(Sir, at least get some bandage to stop the bleeding.)

I exhaled.

"Vinay chinna adi dha adhuve nindrum"

(Vinay, it's just a small cut; it'll heal by itself.)

"Nalla nikkum adhuve.. Pondaang"

(Stop right there, you..)

Elango glared at me, grabbed his bag, unzipped it, and pulled out a sweater.

"Deii sweater laa alukkaakadha da"

(Hey, don't ruin the sweater.)

I hissed at him, not liking to be treated in this way.

A caring way.

But Elango ignored my comment, tore the inner part of his sweater, and made me lean against my bike. Kneeling on one leg, he wrapped the cloth around my injured foot.

"Shh"

I hissed as he tightened the cloth, and he stood up.

Before I could say anything, he said,

"Bus le po"

(Go by the bus.)

I gasped. 

What?

"Haan?"

"Indha kaal'eh vachuttu epdi vandi ottuva? Bus le po.. poitu hospital pora valiya paaru. I can't leave Vinayak just like that. Naan avana vandi le kooptu poren nee bus le vaa"

(With this foot, how can you drive? Go by the bus. I can't leave Vinay just like that. I'll take him on my bike. You go by the bus and go to the hospital.)

He instructed me, but I stood there, dumbfounded by the sudden change in plans.

"Machi adhu.."

(Dude, that..)

"Enna?"

(What?)

He just yelled, and I gulped, wondering why he's behaving like this now.

"Illa en bike.."

(Nothing. My bike..)

I dragged my words.

"PT master enkooda dha varenu sonnaaru avaru vandhu un bike eduthuppaaru saavi kuduthuren nee po"

(PT master said he will come with me. Now, he'll take your bike. Give me the key, I'll hand it over to him. You go now.)

I narrowed my brows.

"Appo naan avaru vandhadhum poikiren"

(Then I'll leave once he arrives.)

I examined his expression closely, trying to detect any hint of scheming. However, he began shouting at me again.

"Avaru yettu manikku dha students ku practice muduchuttu varuvaaru adhu vara ingaye irukkiyaa?"

(He's going to finish practice by  8 o'clock and then come here. Are you going to wait here until then?)

8? Maybe 7 o'clock is okay, but 8 o'clock is more difficult for me to wait here.

However,

'Odane othukuttaa ottuvaane'

(If I say okay right away, then he'll definitely tease me)

I thought.

"Odane othukutta nu ottala maaten da nee bus le po.. naan Vinay eh veetla vitturen nee bus le po seekro po.. bus poida podhu"

( I won't tease you If you say okay right away, Just go by the bus. I'll drop Vinay home. You go quickly, before the bus leaves.)

He urged, thrusting my bag into my hand.

I managed a smile and gave him a nod.

He's good.

But here I was, preoccupied with the useless concerns of my life. As I walked away towards the bus stop, I was unaware that this simple decision to take the bus was about to set off a chain of events that would change my life completely.

Arriving at the bus stop, I pulled out my phone to check the time and waited for the bus. But to my surprise, Seetha showed up with her friend. I sighed, blending into the crowd, and watched as she crossed the road, holding her friend's hand tightly. 

My lips curled into a smile, and I looked away.

When I glanced back after a minute, I saw them arguing about something. Some moments later, Kamali pinched Seetha's cheeks before heading off in the opposite direction, leaving Seetha standing alone.

I frowned but then shrugged it off and continued waiting for the bus. My focus remained solely on the narrow road winding through the hills, scanning for any sign of the bus.

The mist, a leftover from the recent heavy rain, had settled over the city, casting a dim, shadowy veil. The only light came from the headlights of passing vehicles, adding to the city's darkened ambiance.

I sighed and looked over to see Elango and Vinay exiting the college entrance, not even glancing my way.

I shrugged it off, as I was used to it and didn't expect anything from Elango or anyone else.

Expectations only lead to disappointment. 

Soon, the bus to Aravenu arrived, from where I would need to catch another bus to reach Kinnakorai. I boarded through the back steps and saw Seetha, my student, standing in the center of the bus. I stayed by the steps, keeping an eye on her.

She adjusted her bag on her shoulder, stood up straight, and took out her phone. After doing something, she placed it to her ear.

Oh, she's on a call.

What do you care?

Nothing.

I answered myself to clear my mind of thoughts that were off-limits—for me, for her, and for...

For both of... I stopped mid-sentence as she turned towards me. I quickly looked away and casually raked my fingers through my hair, pretending I hadn't seen her.

I didn't know why the hell I was pretending !

A minute later, as I looked back, I saw her tapping her fingers nervously on the handrails. It seemed like she had noticed me and was either feeling nervous or maybe even scared.

But my heart and mind couldn't accept the idea of her being scared of me. She's always been fiery i front me.

I've noticed that she often glared at me and muttered curses under her breath whenever she passed by me or whenever I entered her class.

She can also be nervous at times, but I didn't think she'd be frightened.

Whatever man ! Seat irukku poi utkaandhuru..

(There's a seat, go and take it soon.)

My mind shouted at me when I saw the empty window seat, so I quickly moved and sat down, placing my laptop bag on my lap.

But I cursed myself when she came and sat directly in front of me. The first thing I noticed was her creamy shoulders illuminated by the bus light, and her striking red dress contrasting against it.

Fuck !

Fuck you, Aayush.

I cursed under my breath and quickly looked away, silently apologizing to every god I could think of for having such sinful thoughts about my student.

She is your student, Aayush.

Control your thoughts.

Not just control, but completely deny those thoughts. Now.

But my eyes drifted back to her again as she placed her palm on her shoulder and then retrieved back.

What if she had noticed me?

Saavu!

(Kill yourself)

But, what's going through her mind now? I'm sure she knows I'm behind her. So, what is she thinking at this moment? I felt a sudden urge to find out what's on her mind.

I patted my racing heart with my palm and gulped.

Why am I behaving like this? I need to stop this strange behavior. I must stop being so caught up around her.

I don't even know what makes me admire her. But she's like a light.

A light that brings a positive smile to my face.

And so, I smiled.

For no particular reason.

Just thinking about my student sitting in front of me. I shrugged off the thoughts and waited for the bus to reach the next stop, where I would transfer to another bus towards Kinnokarai.

As I focused on my phone, my mind slowly drifted away from the distraction in front of me. When I stepped off the bus to catch the next one, I couldn't help but smile as I noticed, from the corner of my eye, that she kept glancing over at me.

What is she doing? I chuckled when, even after she stepped inside the bus, she stood near the steps and looked back at me through the crowd of people. When I saw her, she quickly averted her gaze and tucked her curls behind her ear.

I shook my head and smiled.

With my bag slung over one arm, I grabbed the bus rails and tried to balance myself amidst the crowded space.

Why are there always so many people roaming around the city? Why can't they just stay home and shut themselves in?

I sighed.

As the bus became more crowded, people pushed me from behind, and I found myself moving toward the center of the crowd. The bus navigated the hairpin bends slowly. When the bus suddenly braked, I glanced through the front windshield and couldn't help but chuckle aloud.

The girl struggled to hold onto the top rail, her body swinging in the air. Only her index finger managed to curl around the rail due to her height, and I squinted my eyes as she fought to steady herself near the steps.

This girl.

Doesn't she know the basics of traveling on a bus? How can people in this world be unaware of such simple things? Another chuckle escaped me as I watched her, bewildered, gripping the rail in front of her when the bus curved around the hairpin bend.

I wondered,

What is she doing? Performing a stunt on the steps?

I watched her closely and maintained eye contact until her gaze met mine. Then, I gestured for her to come near me.

But her reaction was the opposite. Her eyes widened, and she quickly turned her gaze away from me.

I raised my brows at her behavior.

Uff. What's her problem now?

Then I remembered my own gesture and face-palmed.

Arivukettavanae !

(Ignorant)

I mentally slapped myself, then glanced at her again. When her gaze met mine this time, I mouthed, "Inga vaanga" (Come here).

When her gaze fell on my lips to catch my gesture, I felt a flutter in my heart. But her face scrunched up again in shock. I frowned.

Now what?

I didn't do anything wrong.

Help pannanum nu nenachadhu thappaa?

(Is it wrong to think of helping?) 

Whatever.

I've done what I can. The choice is hers; I can't force her. So, I turned my attention to the window, but my breath hitched when I heard...

"Good evening sir"

I looked down and saw her smiling at me again, this time with the same nervousness. I pressed my lips together, nodded, and then turned my gaze away from her.

We remained silent, with my thoughts consumed by her—thoughts I tried to push away from my mind, which seemed to be acting like a pervert.

And once again, I don't know what's going through her mind.

Does she think I'm a pervert or something?

If she does, she's mistaken. I was just trying to help her as a professor.

It's completely professional.

Helping a student shouldn't be seen as inappropriate or forbidden.

So I shrugged it off, but deep down, I knew I was acting unusually around her. I decided not to dwell on it and kept my gaze away from her.

"Maa bag yeduthu yaartayaadhu kudu ma"

(Hey, take off your bag and give it to someone else.)

The conductor, who was trying to pass by, remarked that her bag was an obstacle for him in the crowded bus.

She sighed and attempted to remove it, glancing at the passengers who were already sitting with their bags in their laps. Her lips pouted in disappointment.

I smiled as I watched her struggle with her bag, and I took it from her. She looked up at me, her face lifting in surprise. 

"Bag kudu."

(Give it to me.)

I said when she gave me a questioning look.

"Illa sir, paravala irukkattum."

(It's okay, sir. No problem.)

She refused with a smile.

Sweet one, her smile.

I shook my head, immediately.

"Paravala, kudu."

(It's okay, give it.)

I took her bag and balanced it with my other hand, grabbing one of the handles on the seat and another one above my head.

She smiled and turned back to face the front.

I blinked, took a deep breath, and gripped the bars as the crowd pushed me closer to her.

Despite the crowd, I tightened my grip on the top handle and held the handrail. My hands ached from holding both her bag and mine, and I sighed as I adjusted my stance. In the process, my hand ended up behind her to hold the rail next to her waist when someone pushed me roughly from behind.

I turned to see a middle-aged man grinning at me, which made me glare at him.

"Thalli vidaama nillunga"

(Don't push)

I hissed at the man, glaring at him.

"Sorry thambi"

(Bro)

The man replied, and I shook my head in disbelief before turning back to face forward. I glanced down to see Seetha's shocked expression and narrowed my brows at her.

"What?"

She closed her mouth, calmed her wide eyes, shook her head, and turned back, lowering her gaze.

What's wrong with her now?

I wondered until the next sudden brake. When her stomach pressed against my forearm, which was resting on the rail, I finally understood the meaning of her look.

I gulped.

I tried to loosen my grip on the rail immediately, but as I did, she tensed and clenched her stomach in.

And the fuck,

I felt her clench against my palm. I gripped the rail and looked at the top of her head, and her shoulders visible to me, which I was trying to avoid.

I'm not doing anything intentionally.

From the injury on my leg to her struggles near the steps and now this situation, none of it was planned.

It's just another unexpected twist in the book of my life.

Even though this wasn't intended, I need to apologize. She might feel uncomfortable with my touch, even though we know each other.

She probably didn't expect this to happen. Just like I didn't. And I was abrupt as I asked "what" when she looked at me in shock. So, I leaned down, keeping a respectful distance, and whispered,

"Sorry ma, it was not intentional. Pinnaadi ellaarum thaldraanga"

(Sorry, ma, it wasn't intentional. Everyone was pushing me from behind.)

She tilted her head to look at me, and for a brief moment, our eyes met silently. Then, I heard her whisper,

"Bag venaa kodungo sir, naan vachukuren"

(Give me my bag, I'll hold onto it.)

She asked in her brahmin slang.

Out of the blue.

Purila enakku? Naan enna kekuren ava enna soldraa?

(I don't understand. What am I asking, and what is she replying?)

I frowned but straightened up, and she lifted her face to look at me.

"Illa ma paravala neenga puduchu nillunga"

(No, it's okay. You stand carefully.)

My lips curved into a smile as I saw her cheeks turn red.

Red? But, why?

I gulped, trying to mask my face with a serious expression.

Nothing is intentional. God, what's happening here?

"Illai sir, paravala neenga kodungo. I can manage"

(No sir. It's okay give it)

She repeated softly.

"Adhaa nalla manage pandradha paathane"

(Yeah I saw that)

My voice came out a bit teasingly.

Just shut up, Aayush. You shouldn't tease your student.

You're making her feel embarrassed, especially since she realizes you're referring to her struggles near the steps.

"Nekku outbus le varradhe pudikaadhu"

(I don't like using the outbus.)

She said, and I looked at her and smiled.

"Yaarum puduchu poradhillaye? but you need to learn all this to handle the situation"

(Nobody likes it, right?)

She just nodded, falling silent suddenly.

Did I say something wrong?

Before I could figure it out, her waist pressed against my forearm once again.

I cursed the hairpin bends and shut my eyes, turning away.

But, No. Not again. Don't. Don't do that. Don't clench your stomach, girl.

You first, stop imagining or feeling those things, Aayush.

I scolded myself as she stepped back to avoid my touch. I tried to move away, but the crowd pushed me again, causing my front to collide with her back.

Muruga !

(God)

She quickly moved front and got stiffened.

I'm really feeling sorry for her.

And I felt like it was my fault to call her here, but if I was not, she may have jumped down from the bus performing the stunts like a lady jackie chan.

And again, as the bus hit a speed breaker, I gripped the bar tightly. But,I was shocked when she placed her palm over mine.

"Sorry, naan..."

"Sir."

She stopped and tilted her head to look at me and said,

"It's okay. It's not intentional."

I gulped, meeting her gaze.

"Yeah. Yeah, not intentional."

I repeated her words, trying to reassure myself that it wasn't intentional.

Not intentional.

I murmured apologies for each touch and, as the crowd behind me shifted, I managed to grab the top rail.

Finally.

I exhaled and stepped back. She smiled and turned to me. I returned the smile and asked,

"Know your stop?"

She gave me a wide smile.

"Haan, adhellaa theriyum sir."

(Yeah sir, I know that.)

I nodded and looked out the window to see that the rain was still pouring.

"Mazha varudhu. Koda irukkaa?"

(It's raining outside. Do you have an umbrella with you?)

I asked.

"Yes sir."

Uff! Thank God there was no chorus.

But as she continued to stare outside without asking for her bag, I realized she wasn't aware that we had reached Kinnokarai.

I suppressed my chuckle and cleared my throat,

"Seri vaa, yeranganum."

(Come, we need to get off the bus.)

I reminded her. And as I expected,

"Sir, bag?"

She asked, pointing to her bag in my arm. I couldn't remove her bag to give it to her while everyone rushed to get off the bus. If I let go of the rod above my head, I'd definitely bump into her. I sighed in frustration.

"Nee modhala vaa ma."

(You come first.)

She followed me silently in the men's side itself and we both ran towards the bus stop, seeking shelter under the roof to keep ourselves from getting drenched in the rain.

**********

TBC...

Epdi irundhuchu??

Wait for three more chaps, people🌝

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