Hello😀

Sorry for the delay in the update. And I'm doing well now ❤️

Vaanga vaanga story kulla polaa🚴‍♀️💜🦋

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Number one,

He winked at me.

Number two,

He looked me up and down more than ten times, or so it seemed.

Number three,

He comforted me, wiping away my tears with gentle words and warmth.

Number four,

He slipped back into his old ways, becoming a drunkard once again.

Yebbaa, oru bottle'eh orey sip'le adikiraaru !

(Wow, he's downing an entire bottle in just one sip!)

Sighs.

Number five,

He kissed my cheeks.

Those rough lips of his.

Ugh, I could just stay there forever.

Wait, what am I even thinking?

I blushed, shaking my head as I slapped my forehead.

Number six,

I hugged him, and he hugged me back.

It was our first proper hug, and it felt so intense.

I could still feel the prickle of his beard and the edges of his moustache on my neck.

That thought made me stand in front of the bathroom mirror, tilting my neck to check for any marks, because it still felt like it was pricking.

Blushing, I looked at myself in the mirror, standing there in just my inskirt and blouse. I flipped my hair over my left shoulder, placed my palm on my right waist, and smiled, admiring myself.

"Neeyum azhaga dha di Seetha irukka"

(You look beautiful too, Seetha)

I giggled, posing at different angles in front of the mirror, and blew a playful kiss to my reflection before rushing into the shower cubicle for a hot bath, refusing to let my mind linger on the man who had hugged me just moments ago.

Because it's not exactly right to think about a man in a place like this, is it?

Me and my corrupted mind !

After stepping out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my body, I admired myself once more in the mirror, then changed into a T-shirt and track pants. I plopped onto the bed, pulling the duvet over me, my mind replaying his last words from the terrace,

"Idha naan paathukuren, nee nimmadhiyaa poi thoongu"

(I'll take care of this, you go sleep peacefully)

I closed my eyes with a smile and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, as soon as I woke up, I sent him a 'good morning' message and quickly received a reply with a heart emoji.

I giggled shyly, and just then, Kamali called to remind me to study since our semester exams were starting tomorrow afternoon.

After freshening up, I drank the milk my mother had prepared and settled in the backyard of my house with my phone, pen and note to study.

The atmosphere was filled with lush greenery, with a large banyan tree standing tall in the center, surrounded by various plants and flowers.

My folded legs were beginning to ache, so with a sigh, I leaned back against the pillar and stretched them out in front of me.

Then, I wrote the questions in the note, ticking off the questions I had learned and circling the ones I still needed to study with Kamali or someone else tomorrow morning, as they just weren't sinking into my brain now.

Before I knew it, the afternoon had arrived. I joined my mother for lunch, while my father will have his meal at work. Afterward, I spent some time scrolling through my phone, but eventually, I found myself lost in thoughts of yesterday's encounters with my professor.

His well-built arms literally crushed me against his broad chest, making it difficult for me to hug him properly because of his towering figure.

His rough lips brushed against the soft skin of my neck as he nestled there like a child, making me blush even now.

But, when I realized I was in the living room with flushed cheeks,

"Amma, naan padikka poren"

(Amma, I'm going to study)

Shouting, I stood up and rushed to the backyard, hugging the pillar with one hand while the other held my note and phone. I couldn't help but blush as I remembered his kisses on my cheeks.

"Yen mutham koduthiruppaa? Appo avarum enna love pandraaraa? Illa ennavaa irukkum?"

(Why would he have kissed me? Does that mean he loves me too? Or is it something else?)

I wondered about the meaning behind his kisses as I slid down next to the pillar, trying to focus on my studies. But, it took me over an hour to snap back to reality, as my mind had been wandering between my world and a fictional one with me and my professor.

Eventually, I managed to finish three chapters before 3 p.m. and got ready for work.

Just before I could change into my work clothes, I received a call from my professor. The memories of the previous night flashed before my eyes, making me blush. But, after pulling myself together, I answered the call.

"H..hello"

I mentally scolded myself for shuddering like this.

"Hey, you have an exam tomorrow, right?"

His warm voice made my cheeks flush with a blush.

Indha manushan ipdi over night'le change aana naan enna pannuven?

(If this man changes overnight like this, what am I supposed to do?)

Gulping my thoughts, I managed to just hum in response to his question. My legs, folded to my left, rubbed together for once unconsciously, and I had no idea what was making me do like that.

"Mmm"

"I'll inform the manager about your leave today. Nee vara vaenaa. Just stay home and study"

(You don't need to come)

He said calmly, but my eyes widened in disbelief.

How was I going to get through a whole day without seeing him?

"Nooo. Naan three chapters muduchutten, professor. There are only two left. I'll complete them tomorrow morning. Afternoon dha exam nalaiku"

(Nooo. I've finished three chapters, professor. There are only two left. I'll complete them tomorrow morning. The exam is in the afternoon.)

I said, whining.

"Then when will you revise the chapters?"

He asked harshly in a professor's tone, making me pout.

"Adhu.."

(That..)

I heard his deep breath, which reminded me of that hot breath of his against my neck from the previous night.

But,

"Seetha, listen. You can come tomorrow. Just sit and study today"

He was completely ruining my mood now by whispering everything harshly to me.

I understood that I needed to study and get good marks, but why couldn't he say it in a calmer tone?

Did he have a sign hanging around his neck that read,

"A professor is always a professor"?

So, I chose to stay silent.

"Hey, enna ma? Edhaadhu sollu.."

(Hey, what's wrong, ma? Say something...)

He said calmly this time, making my lips curve into a smile. So, I hummed before opening my mouth to accept, but,

"Seri ippo enna? kelambi variyaa?"

(Alright, so what now? Do you want to come?)

He asked in an angry tone again, which took me aback.

Frustrated by his unpredictable behavior, I replied,

"Naan engaiyum varla. Padikka poren. Bye"

(I'm not coming anywhere. I'm going to study. Bye)

I ended the call rudely and turned off my internet connection to focus on studying the PDF I had downloaded beforehand, determined to silence any thoughts of anything-or anyone.

Then, I huffed when the clock struck one time and glanced at my phone, noting it was 8.30 PM.

Slipping into the house from the backyard, I saw my father watching TV while my mother was in the kitchen.

Then, appa asked,

"Padichittiyaa, Seetha?"

(Have you studied, Seetha?)

"Aahm, pa"

I replied and went into the kitchen after placing my note and phone on the dining table. I helped amma set the items on the table, and the three of us had our dinner together.

"Nalaiku exam yeppo, Seetha?"

(When is your exam tomorrow, Seetha?)

"Afternoon, pa"

"Padichitta'le?"

(Done studying?)

"Mmm aama pa"

(Yes)

He simply hummed in response.

They both were engrossed in the TV while having dinner when my phone chimed with a notification.

I grabbed my phone from the charger beside the dining table and saw his message,

🏡: "Can I get my student's glimpse atleast for fifteen minutes?"

A small smile bloomed on my lips, but I bit the inside of my cheeks to hold back my blush in front of my parents.

After placing the phone back on the charger, I quickly finished my dinner and sat on the floor with a smile, leaning back against the pillar, with my mom and dad beside me. I then rested my head on her lap as she gently caressed my hair.

"Enna thango?"

(What's wrong, dear?)

Amma asked me.

"Thala valikardhu, ma"

(Headache, ma)

"Yen da?"

(Why?)

"Therilaye"

(I don't know)

"Seri. Thoongu apdiye"

(Okay. Just sleep)

I hummed and closed my eyes with a smile, wondering when they would both go to sleep. Just then, when I drifted off to sleep without realizing it I heard my father say,

"Seri poi thoongalaam, Ananthi. Papa'uhm thoongeetaa paaru"

(Okay, let's go to sleep, Ananthi. Even my little one is sleeping)

I closed my eyes tightly upon hearing that and felt a soft tap on my shoulder, while my mother continued to caress my hair.

"Seetha kutty"

I hummed, my eyes still closed.

"Room ulla poi paduthukuriyaa?"

(Will you go and sleep in your room?)

I opened my eyes, smiled at her, and sat up straight.

"Innum irukkaa paapa thala vali?"

(Is your head still hurting, dear?)

Appa asked me. I shook my head, replying,

"Illai appa. Ippo paravala. Seri aayidum"

(No, Dad. It's okay now. It will be fine)

"Seri nannaa thoongu ma"

(Alright, sleep well, dear)

"Seri, pa. Good night"

He smiled wishing me back and then headed to his room to sleep.

"Nee thoongippa'le? Amma kooda padukavaa?"

(You'll sleep well, right? Or should amma come with you to your room?)

Aahaa !

I managed to mask my shock from showing it on my face to her.

"Illa ma. Naan paathukuren. Edhaadhu'naa naane unna koopudren. Silent'aah paduthu thoongi endhiduchaa seri aayidum ma"

(No, ma. I'll be fine. If anything, I'll call you. And if I'll sleep quietly, and it will be okay, ma)

I assured her. She smiled and kissed my forehead.

"Seri da ma. Poi thoongu"

(Alright. Sleep well, dear)

I hummed as she left for her room. Once I was sure she was gone, I hurried to my room, arranged the pillows in my usual spot beneath the large quilt, and pulled down the net around the bed.

After that, I grabbed my purse and stuffed it into the pocket of my track pants and said,

"Invisibley Mieru Maai"

After checking everything in the room, I slowly opened the door and closed it behind me without making a sound. I did the same with the main gate before rushing toward his house, avoiding the barking dogs around me.

"Pei'nu nenachiducho?"

(Do they think of me as a ghost or something?)

Sighing, I spotted him at the entrance of his house, scrolling through his phone and leaning against the main gate. The flex of his arms and the visible veins made me gawk at the Greek god before me.

Slowly, I approached him, caught his right wrist with my right palm, and traced the outline of his visible vein before meeting his gaze.

A beautiful smile curved his lips as he sensed my presence.

He locked the main gate and the front door of the house, then caught my wrist and gently dragged me in another direction.

Opening the door to one of the rooms, he closed it behind us, then lifted his other hand towards my neck but paused just before touching me.

Smiling, I guided his lifted hand to my right cheek and,

"Visibley Mienai Maai"

I turned visible.

He smiled back at me and leaned down, but we both froze as his phone ringtone shattered the moment.

My eyes widened, wondering what he would have done if the phone hadn't rung.

Detaching himself from me, he retrieved his phone from his pants pocket and answered the call, turning away.

Gulping, I straightened up, feeling a blush creep onto my cheeks as I glanced around the room.

The first thing that caught my eyes was a portrait of his mother hanging on the wall.

I moved closer and stood in front of her smiling image, but the sight of her face made my vision blur with tears, knowing she was no longer with us.

Now, I understood his behavior so much better. As I stared at her warm smile, I jolted slightly hearing,

"Amma. Idhaa Seetha"

(This is Seetha)

He introduced me to her, and I fell silent with a slight smile. From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of him, his arm casually shoved into his track pants, before shifting my gaze back to his mother's portrait, crossing my arms beneath my chest.

After staying in that position for what felt like an eternity, he finally guided me to the balcony of his room with his palm gently kept on my shoulder, locking the door behind us.

I sank into the bean bag while he adjusted his track pants slightly and settled on the floor beside me, stretching his legs and leaning his back against the wall.

I lingered in the bean bag itself, hesitant to move closer to him.

To break the silence, I opened my mouth to start the conversation,

"Inniku enga am.."

(Today, my mo..)

Ahh !

But I gasped as I suddenly found myself beside him on the floor, his grip on my wrist pulling me unexpectedly.

I looked at him, shocked, but he leaned forward, stretching his arm over my front, without touching me, as he brought the bean bag closer to my thigh. Then, he made me place my hand on it while sitting up straight, leaning against the wall, his fingers raking through his messy hair.

Uff. Those tousled locks and the way his fingers ran through them in the dim light of his own room's balcony felt like a scene from a dream-just the two of us, alone together.

Achacho !

I blushed and I bet this could be the kind of moment young girls fantasized about. If we were destined to be together in the future, I could already picture myself making everyone jealous.

A evil grin spread across my face at the thought, and I rubbed my palms together, straightening my legs and averting my gaze from him.

"Comfortable?"

I jerked from my world and pressed my grinning lips together and nodded my head slowly.

Comfortable? Enna vittaa night fullaa ipdiye iruppen. Aana mudiyaadhey.

(I can stay up all night like this, but I just can't)

I mentally sighed.

"Mm. Ippo sollu.. Inniku unga..?"

(Mmm.. tell me now. Today, your...?)

He asked, shifting a little in his place.

"Haan?"

Naan enna solla vandhen?

(What was I about to say?)

I wondered for a moment, trying to recall what I had intended to say earlier, but it completely slipped my mind.

Settling back against the wall comfortably, I tilted my head and gazed at him, blinking innocently. He responded with a warm smile.

"Naethu restaurant'le ennaachu theriyumaa?"

(Do you know what happened at the restaurant yesterday?)

He asked, and I silently thanked my perumal (god) for diverting the topic away by himself.

Illanaa, orey asingamaa poidukkum. Shey.

(Orelse, I would have felt so embarrassed right now. Ughh)

But I furrowed my brows at his question, recalling the moments from yesterday's work at the restaurant.

Then, I struggled to suppress a blush as I visualized him checking me out during my shift. Gulping, I wondered if he was about to tease me, so, I asked softly,

"Ennaachu?"

(What happened?)

"Mmm.. "

He stressed the hum before continuing to explain how he was delayed delivering the food because he dropped me off at the bus stop. Then, he described how the manager had shouted at him in front of all the other cooks, causing an immediate surge of anger to rise within me.

"Avaa manasula enna nenachutu irukkaa? Neenga oru college ku professor nu theriyum illa? Appadi therinjirundhum eppadi ipdilaa pesa thondradhu? Namakku indha restaurant vittaa vera restaurant'eh illa nu nenachuttaa'laa? Ini namma inga vela paaka venaa, professor. Ennamo indha oorlaye indha restaurant mattum dha irukka maadhiri pesuraaa?"

(What's going on in his mind? He knows you're a professor at a college, right? How can he speak like this, knowing that? Does he think there's no other restaurant besides this one? Now, we don't want to work here, professor. It feels like he's discussing this restaurant's reputation as if it's the only one in town!)

I snapped, feeling a surge of anger coursing through me as I panted slightly.

How could he yell and say those words to my professor in front of everyone?

How cheap!

I glared at the floor while fidgeting with my dupatta, but I stopped when his palm held both of my hands together and gave a gentle squeeze.

I tilted my head to look at him, only to find him smiling, which only made me frown more.

"Enna neenga sirichuttu irukkel? Nekku aathramaa varadhu. Naama nalaila irundhu anga pogave venaa"

(Why are you smiling? I'm getting angry here. We don't want to work there from tomorrow?)

I said firmly, nodding my head, while he just stayed silent, a smile still playing on his lips.

"Aama. Neenga yen idha nethey sollala enkitta?"

(But, why didn't you tell me this yesterday itself?)

He smirked.

I shook off the temptation of that charming smirk, reminding myself to stay focused.

Focus, Seetha. Focus.

"Ohh. Solleerndhaa madam enna panneerpinga?"

(Ohh, if I had just said it, what would you have done, madam?)

He asked, leaning forward.

Avlodha. Adutha aayudham eduthaachu !

(Just like that. He has taken up the next weapon!)

A warm, deep voice.

"Haan.. ungala naan inniku vaelikku pogave vitrukka maaten. Enna dhairiyam andhaalukku"

(Haan... I wouldn't have let you go to that place for work today. What kind of courage does that person have?)

I huffed, managing to say those words without trembling, then turned to face away from him, avoiding his gaze.

But, when I heard his chuckle, I glanced at him again with narrowed brows, asking,

"Enna?"

(What?)

"Illa onnula. Naan nee solliyum ponaa enna panneerpa?"

(Nothing. But what if I go anyway, even if you tell me not to?)

I shifted my focus away from his lips, which were now hidden between his teeth, and the low edges of his mustache that framed them made me gulp for the nth time.

Gathering my courage, I finally said,

"Naanaa? Naan.. apdiye unga kooda vandhu andha manager'eh nalla kaettu vitruppen. Illanaa.. illanaa naan Invisible aagi andha restaurant'eh koluthi potruppen"

(I? I would just come along and confront that manager myself. Or else... I'd go invisible and set that restaurant on fire!)

Haan !

Great Idea, Seetha.

I grinned at him.

"Adipaavi"

He laughed out loud, and I pouted, wriggling free from his hold on my hands. I crossed my arms below my chest with a sigh of frustration, but as he continued to laugh, my anger melted away, and a smile crept onto my lips as I admired his laughter.

But, when our eyes met, his laughter gradually faded, and he looked at me with a warm smile before clearing his throat and asking,

"Nee koluthi podumbodhu naanu anga dhane iruppen? Appo naan enna aaguradhu?"

(I would also be there when you do something like that. Then what would happen to me?)

"Aahn. Adhellaa naan ungala veliya kooptu vandhuttu adhukkapro dha koluthuven"

(Aahn. In that case, I would just push you outside and then set fire to it)

I shared my plan with a sense of pride grin, and he chuckled, the skin beside his eyes crinkling beautifully.

"Adhellaa nee onnum koluthi poda venaa. Avaru inniku enna kooptu sorry kettaaru"

(You don't want to do anything like that. He apologized to me today)

I stared at him.

"Enna?"

(What?)

He asked.

"Sorry sonnaa avaa panna thappu illaama poyidumaa, professor?"

(Do you think saying sorry will make the wrong he did disappear, professor?)

"Ellaaru munnaadiyum vachu dha ma kaettaaru. Namma pannadhum thappu dhane?"

(He apologized in front of everyone, ma. What we did was wrong too, right?)

I frowned.

"Namma enna panno? Neenga enna vandhu bus yaethi vittadhu thappaa? Avaru ponnu ipdi safety illaama ponaa okay'aah avarukku?"

(What did we do? Is it wrong that you make me get in the bus? Is it okay for him to let his daughter go without ensuring her safety?)

I asked, angrily.

"Shh. Yen ivlo kovam unakku? Naan adha sollala. Work'le concentrate pannaama maathi maathi namma paathuttu irundhadhu thappu dhane?"

(Shh. Why are you so angry? I'm not saying that. It's wrong for us to keep looking at each other without focusing on work, right?)

I gulped at the depth of his voice, feeling a shiver run down my spine.

"Nam..Namma yeppo apdi paatho?"

(Wh..when did we do that?)

His smirk only deepened as I looked away, my cheeks flushing with warmth.

I could feel the heat spreading across my face, but I didn't curse myself for letting him have this effect on me.

Experience makes the man, no woman perfect.

"Appo namma apdi illayaa?"

(So, we're not like that?)

"Illaye"

(No way)

I denied.

"Appo seri. Avanga pannadhu kandippa thappu dha"

(Then okay. What they did was definitely wrong)

"Aama"

(Yes)

I nodded in agreement, and we fell silent for the next few minutes. As I glanced around, I kept stealing glances at him before shifting my gaze back to his hand resting on his thigh, where a watch glimmered softly in the dim light.

I squinted my eyes, trying to make out the time, which read 10:45.

"10.30 aayiruchaa?"

(Is it really 10:30?)

I asked. He glanced at his watch, nodded, and confirmed,

"Aama"

(Yes)

"Appo naan kelambattumaa?"

(Then shall I head back?)

"Innum oru 15 minutes?"

(Just another 15 minutes?)

He asked, and unable to restrain my blush, I merely nodded. As I leaned back, I felt his hand slide around my back now, resting gently on my shoulder. I smiled at him, getting goosebumps, and he returned my gaze with a warm smile, looking down at me.

Then after a minute of silence,

"Exam mudunjadhum oorukku porom"

(Once the exams are over, we're heading to my native)

I informed.

"Yaaru?"

(Who?)

"Naan, amma, appa"

(Me, amma, and appa)

"Yedhukku?"

(For what?)

"Yedhukkaa? Leave vittaa oorukku povenaamaa?"

(Why? Shouldn't we go to the village as soon as we get leave?)

I asked, tilting my head up, my chin gently resting on his shoulder. He moved his head back slightly, leaning against the wall with his eyes on me. Then, he reached up with his other hand's lengthy fingers, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

I smiled, blinking at him as I awaited his answer.

But suddenly, I gasped, eyes fluttering shut as my breath hitched, the world around us seemed to stop; my heart skipped a beat when he leaned down and pressed a soft, gentle kiss against my cheek again before pulling back to meet my gaze.

That made it the third one in less than 24 hours.

"Un native appo idhu illayaa?"

(Is this not your native then?)

I opened my eyes and sat up straight, breaking free from his hold, though he only loosened his grip while keeping his hand gently resting on my shoulder.

I shook my head and turned to my left, tilting my head up to meet his gaze as I said, restlessly,

"No. Srirangam. Adhudha en native"

(No. Srirangam. That's my native)

"Appo Inga?"

(Then, why here?)

"Inga.. appa business"

(Here.. appa business)

"Business? Enna business?"

(What business?)

"Tea factory dha"

"Ohh"

He nodded his head and I asked,

"Unga native enna?"

(What's your native?)

"Ooty dha"

"Amma ooru?"

(Mother's town?)

"Mm"

"Appa ooru?"

(Father's town?)

I asked hesitantly, and his hand lifted from my shoulder instantly. However, I gently placed my hand over his to keep it in place and whispered,

"Okay okay sorry.."

He smiled, and I smiled back, but then his fingers gently traced over my neck and along my jawline, finally resting beneath my chin. He lifted my face slightly, sending a flutter through my stomach as he leaned in closer, probably to kiss my cheek again. I closed my eyes and asked breathily,

"Yedhukku ithana m..mutham? Ivlo sandhosham? Ivlo paasam? Adhuvum dhideernu?"

(Why all these ki..kisses? So much happiness? So much affection? Why all of a sudden?)

Those questions swirled in my mind, and I found myself embracing this change in him.

The underlying feelings were shifting from professor to something more profound-my man.

Nothing could be more beautiful than witnessing a man in love, and he was radiating that warmth.

My man in love !

Yet, deep down, I sensed that something was troubling him.

"Yen venaamaa? Venaa'naa thiruppi kuduthuru"

(Why don't you want to? Then you could just return it)

He turned his face with a smirk, presenting his cheek as if inviting me to give him a kiss.

Aiyadaa !

I felt my cheeks flush as I straightened up, trying to hide my embarrassment.

"Nekku thonala"

(I don't think so)

I replied, trying to keep a straight face while my heart raced.

"Mm.. enakku thonuchu"

(I feel like it)

"Thonunaa koduthiruve'laa?"

(Do you think you can just give me a kiss whenever you feel like it?)

I asked.

"Thonala'nu nee kudukala'le? Andha maadhiri dha. Enakku thonuchu naan koduthen"

(You didn't give it because you didn't feel like it, right? It's just like that. I felt like it, so I gave it)

He shrugged his shoulders, removing his hand from my shoulder as he pulled his knees up and hugged them with his both hands, glancing at me with a soft smile. I smiled back and asked,

"Adhaa enna kaaranam thondradhukku?"

(What's the reason behind that feeling?)

"Nee sollu enna kaaranam. Thonaadhadhukku?"

(Okay. You tell me, what's the reason for not feeling it?)

"Aahn.."

I averted my gaze, struggling to find the right words to respond.

"Solla mudila'le?"

(You can't say, right?)

I heard him say, and I could picture his smirk, but I refused to look at him. Instead, I, too, hugged my knees and rested my cheek against them, my blush deepening as I replied,

"Mch.. apdilaa illa. Nekku shy'aah irundhuchu. Adhaa pannala"

(Ugh... not like that! I was just feeling shy. That's why I couldn't do that)

"Ohh. Illa enakku seriyaa kekkala ma. Enna irundhuchu?"

(Ohh. But I can't hear you clearly, ma. What did you feel?)

I turned my face and locked my gaze on his smirking face.

"Kalaikire'laa?"

(Are you teasing me?)

He laughed, and I pouted, attempting to stand up, but he swiftly reached out and gently tugged me back down.

"Hey, seri seri sorry.."

"Ponga"

(Go)

"Seri ma. Iru. Naan tease panna maaten"

(Okay, ma. Sit. I won't tease you)

He said, his voice softening as he gently pulled me back down, his playful smirk fading into a reassuring smile.

My lips curved into a soft smile, and I chuckled as we both leaned back again. His right hand gently held my left, playing with my fingers-shaping them, tracing my nails.

My nails, smaller than most girls', showed the signs of my nail-biting habit, far from beautiful.

Yet, there he was, tracing each one as if he were completely obsessed with them. I smiled, admiring how he seemed to appreciate even the smallest, imperfect details of me.

I didn't know if I was being delusional, imagining the possibilities of him being with me like this.

But that delusion felt so good-more than intense.

"Yeppo exam mudiyudhu?"

(When will the exam be over?)

I snapped out of my thoughts and replied,

"Next tuesday"

He nodded his head.

Then, after a minute,

"Amma azhaga irukkaanga"

(Amma looks beautiful)

He smiled at me and asked,

"Yethana dhadava solluva?"

(How many times will you say?)

"Naan enna pandradhu? Ovvaru photo'le ovvaru maadhiri azhaga irukkaanga"

(What can I do? She looks beautiful in every form of her pictures)

He chuckled, shaking his head, but then his expression shifted to something serious as he stopped playing with my fingers. I blinked at him, curious, and he asked,

"Azhaga irundhaa mattum enna Seetha panna mudiyum?"

(What's the use of being beautiful, Seetha?)

I frowned.

"Puriyala?"

(I can't understand)

"Life partner olunga kedaikala'naa life'eh pochu'le ponnungalukku"

(If can't find a good life partner, then life itself feels lost for women, right?)

I narrowed my brows.

"Enna soldringa?"

(What are you saying?)

"Enga amma avanga husband'eh romba love panneetaanga pola, Seetha"

(It seems like my mom loved her husband very much, Seetha)

He said while finally looking at me.

I took a moment to gather myself, feeling the weight of his words, and decided to offer him my support.

"Adhunaala enna?"

(So what?)

He shook his head, letting out a bitter chuckle as he replied,

"Ennoda andha past. Still.. enakku andha past naala dha Seetha. Nee enmela ivlo love kaamikumbodhu enna paathu enakke bayama irukku"

(My past. Still... because of that past, Seetha, when you show me so much love, I feel scared of myself)

I gulped and asked,

"Ungala paathu yen neenga bayapadringa?"

(Why are you scared of yourself?)

But he shrugged his shoulders and whispered,

"I don't know"

By averting his gaze. And I continued to stare at him, trying to understand the turmoil behind his words.

"Men are always men, right? Avanga aasaikaaga enna venaa pandra gender dha men'le?"

(Men are always men, right? The male gender can do whatever they desire, can't they?)

I squinted my eyes.

"Enna peseetu irukkinga neenga?"

(What are you talking about?)

I whispered in complete disbelief.

"Illa, Seetha. Women are always right in love. Men are always wrong in their.."

(No, Seetha. Women are always right in love. Men are always wrong in their..)

"Porum, professor. Enna loosu maadhiri peseetu irukkel?"

(Enough, professor. Why are you talking like a fool?)

He stared at me, and I wriggled my hand free from his grasp.

Is he out of his mind or what?

"Enna ma?"

(What's wrong, ma?)

"Enna enna ma? Ungalukku modhala men and women ngra partiality'eh love le kedaiyaadhu, it's equal'ne theriyala. Idhula ellaarayum kutham solla start panneetinga?"

(What, what's wrong, ma? You didn't even realize yet that there's no partiality in love between men and women and everything is equal in love. Yet, you've started pointing out flaws in everyone)

"Gender equality puriyudhu, ma. Aana strong aana feelings eppavum ponnunga kitta dha irukkum"

(Gender equality is understood, but strong feelings will always be present with women)

He stated, calmly.

"Apdi neengale nenachukuttu irukkel. Men in love pathi theriyumaa ungalukku? Evlo precious theriyumaa adhu? Idha pannuven, adha seiven nu summa vaai vaarthai'le sollaama andha ponnukaaga kadaisi vara irukkardhu dha avangaloda love"

(You seem to think that way. Do you know what it truly means for men to be in love? Do you understand how precious it is? They don't just say they'll do something for the sake of it; they'll go to any lengths for the woman they love through their actions.)

"Summa actions speak louder than words'nlaa illa, ma. Andha dialogue yaaru venaa sollalaam. Adha yaarum seiyal padutha mudiyaadhu"

(It's not just 'actions speak louder than words,' you know. Anyone can say that dialogue. But no one can actually put it into real)

"Apdi yaaru seiyal paduthaadhavangala neenga paathuttinga?"

(Then who are those you've seen who can't put it into practice in reality?)

He stared at me for a moment before looking away without answering. So, I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and said,

"Seri adha vidunga. Aana onnu mattum purunjukonga. Love panna ponna oru naalum oru paiyan vittuttu po maataan. Apdiye oru situation vandhaalum ava nallaarkanum dha nenappaan. Kedukanum'nu nenaika maataan. Not all men are wrong, professor. Even edhaadhu pannaalum, adhukku pinnaadi oru valid reason irukkum. Keep that in your mind"

(Okay, leave that. But remember one thing: a man in love will never abandon her woman. No matter what situation arises, he will always think of her to be good in her own life. He won't think about destroying her. Not all men are wrong, professor. Even if they do something, there's usually a valid reason behind it. Keep that in your mind)

I quickly voiced all my thoughts, then noticed the time on his watch, 12:07.

"Naan kelamburen. Late aayiruchu romba"

(I'll take my leave now. It's getting really late)

He nodded his head, and I smiled at him.

"Siringa, professor. Neenga kooda irundhaa naan eppavume sandhoshamaa iruppen nu solla maaten. Aana sandhoshamaa iruppen. So, Apdilaa neenga vittutu poida matinga'nu enakkum theriyum. Ungalukku theriyum. Mmm?"

(Smile, professor. I can't say that I'll always be happy when you're around, but I can say, that I feel happy. So, I know you can't just leave like that. You know it too. Mmm?)

He smiled slightly, and I squeezed his hand resting on his knee before standing up. As I looked at him one last time, I turned invisible and headed back to my house, leaving him alone in the dim light of the balcony.

I couldn't quite understand why he thought that way, but it was clear that something in his past had shattered his belief in love, particularly when it came to men.

Yet, the fact that he opened up about his fears without holding back filled me with hope.

So, I quickly fell asleep, comforted by his warmth and scent that lingered on me.

I believed that one day, everything would fall into place. But no matter what, I would be by his side to help him overcome those unknown fears.

**********

TBC...

Epdi irundhuchu?

A base for something you've all been looking forward to know 🌝

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Can I expect another 400 votes for this chapter? :)

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