||Nandini||

"Sometimes, we fail to realize our haven next door and rush off to find solace in a stranger's arms"

"Vishu coaxed to get extra hands for you" Radhika mistress informs. "Meet Leela, your new assistant"

I nod to her words, my head down but this time more cordially. Though he throbs the vein on my temple, young master Vishu can be obliging, that amiable jerk. It's not like the extra hands granted would solve things here but this would be my perfect time to plot a plan of eloping from this illam (household). I'm positive that Karnavar (oldest person of the house; Head of the house) would be pleased to know that they've one less stomach to feed.

I show the new maid around the illam (house) after Radhika Chechi's (sister) departure. She's exactly a womem of few words, as we stroll through the illam (house) she keeps her lips sealed.

Meticulously, she observes the ways of the illam (house) and she was rigorous in noting the schedules. I lead her through the corridors to my room, where she was to accommodate herself.

The whole illam (house) was an antic museum, apart from the dusty appearance the statues and paintings placed inside were said to be of great value, puraavastu (antiquity). Accordingly, my room was also an antic property, it was a claustrophobic congested cubicle. I helped her settle her luggage and items inside the bitty room allotted.

"What's your name, mole? (daughter; endearing reference)" she queries as I situate her bags into the shelves.

"Nandini" I replied with a grin.

Leela smiled, her lips wide like a crescent moon. She speaks with a hint of Tamil dialect. If I'm observant enough I could place my Amma (mother) in her. But this wasn't the time for getting emotional over your savior Leela, Nandini. I need to plot a plan ASAP.

I pace back and forth in the kitchen reflecting on my thoughts. Firstly, I'd need to be educated in English to get into the mainstream of the society and persue a decent job. Also, I need to be steathy in my approached. So-

"Nandini" I hear Radhika Akka (sister) calling for me breaking my contemplation.

"Yes mistress" I respond bowing, she looked perturbed.

"Karnavar fell ill" she notify her face soaked in distress. "Hurry and bring hot herbal kanji (rice porridge) to his room"

I scurry off to cook the same. This would be the first time I'd be going to visit Karnavar (head of the household) in person. I've seen him occasionally, once during the homam (hindu fire ritual) all wrapped up in a scarf seated in his wheelchair.

Oh, Krishna thank you for this opportunity. If I could please him, he might accede.

After the meal was cooked and the herbal chai (tea) was brewed, for extra credit that is, I made my way up stairs.

There were serval rooms above, and to locate Karnavars's (head of the house's) room was pretty diffficult since they all looked identical from outside.

Balancing the food tray in my hand I made my way to the first door and knocked on it. I'm sure I heard a weak old "come in" from inside, but I was perplexed to discover young master Vishu there arranging books in the cupboard.

Though challengingly clutching the tray, I can't help but look at how massive and grandeur the room was. Numerous bookshelves were arrayed behind each other, with books stacked, brimming in them. My eyes water with excitement, this is the first time I've ever been to this illam's (house) library. This might be the place Radhika Chechi (sister) brings me my translated books from.

"Nandini" The jerk chimed, his lips wide like a Cheshire cat, it's almost terrifying.

"Sorry, I thought this was Karnavar room" I wailed changing my direction of movement. But that wasn't what young master Vishu wanted, obviously.

He gestured me over. "Help me with these books, and I'll let you go"

Let me go, my foot. I'll go if I want to, but I'm afraid if I invoke his displeasure I might not be able to elope, ever. So I'll have to let this go and since he hired someone for me, composing me to plot my elope, I'll submit, just this once. Placing the tray on top of a table which was positioned against the wall, I walk over to him.

He hands me over a stack of book to hold as he place one by one onto the shelve. Ah! Does he know that he's wasting my valuable convincing time.

He climbs down from the stool he formerly stood as I'm stationed there, and dusted off his hands.

"Put the rest back, Nandini"

I groan, "If you couldn't have put them back, you shouldn't have taken them out in the first place"

But does he pay any heed? no, he taps his foot against the ground evidently waiting for me to do his work. Spoiled kid.

Carefully, I put those priceless books back into their place. Oh, how I wish I could read them all! Just their smell triggers pleasure in me.

"Done" I announce wiping my hands on my skirt. Now, it's time for my convincing.

As I turn around from the shelve to my tray, I find young master Vishu shamelessly checking me out. The fevor in his night orbs almost burning holes through me.

"Entha? (what?)" I practically scream at him but he doesn't budge. He proceeds towards me, not wavering at my scream and locks me against the shelve with his two strong arms.

If this is what his amends are for me consoling him earlier, I'll note to stay away from now on.

"Why is that just seeing you and being near you makes me contented?" He queries, his face only inches away from mine and his words fanning my lips.

"How am I supposed to know about your illness, young master?" I hiss emphasising the insult and shooting daggers at him.

I try shoving at his chest to free myself from his grasp, but there's no moment, what the heck? Is he made of rocks?

"You are my illness, Nandini"

Yeah he's on drugs.

100 per cent on drugs, maybe those cigarettes I find him puffing smokes off or that chai's (tea's) caffeine he drains out got to his brains. In anyways, he's gone crazy.

He leans further closing the space between us despite me lashing at him. Further moment of his countenance halts as he plants a kiss on my cheek. Colour rose to my cheeks, my body welcomes wrath after his actions registers.

The next moment I'm sure, will be unforgettable and unforgivable for me forever. That too will become my other reason to want to elope urgently.

I draw my palm and strike against his face. Hardly, harshly causing a scarlet palm paint on his face. His face though tomato, still holds the smile, unfaltering, but I cover my face in horror, processing my actions.

I just slapped Vishu.

____________________

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