Hello😀

How many of you remember Seetha playing with the parrots during the IV trip? I was suddenly reminded of it when I saw Sivu's cover of "Konjum Mainaakale" today.

Same 'panjavarna kili' 🦜💜

Don't forget to read the author's note at the end of the chapter.

Comments kammi aayiruchey. 🚶🏻‍♀️

Vaanga vaanga story kulla polaa🚴‍♀️💜🦋

*********

Seetha's pov,

♡♡

How can a day become so deeply cherished, so wholesome, that you just hope it stays free from any evil gazes? From the very morning, there was a strange heaviness in my heart, which later spilled into countless tears when I saw him with that bandage on the side of his head.

But let's set that aside-he's okay now, and that's all that really matters. Still, did you notice how he apologized to me, even though he hadn't done a single thing wrong?

Such a sweetheart he is.

My sweetheart !

And then, there were those adorable rabbits and rats, along with that incredible place. The crystal-clear emerald lake was so mesmerizing, I couldn't bring myself to disturb it in any way. I just stood there, completely lost in nature's precious gift to the earth.

But then, anger flared up when he admitted that he'd been drinking and that's how he got that wound.

I was so mad.

Poi'uh ! Poi'uh ! Poi'uh !

(It was all lie)

Yet somehow, he melted all that anger away with those heartfelt words.

Hearing him speak like that, I couldn't help but embrace him, pulling him close without letting him catch any evil gazes on my sweetest professor.

I wondered,

How can someone be both hot and cute at the same time?

Only he could pull it off-my hottest and cutest professor.

After convincing him to head to the restaurant and after I completed my shift, I spoke to the manager and asked for half a shift leave for him, pointing to the bandage on his head. The manager agreed without hesitation.

That night, Aayush sir dropped me off at the Kinnakorai bus stop, and I started walking toward my house.

Every now and then, I'd glance back shyly, only to see him following behind, gently pushing his bike along.

His sweet gestures filled my heart, and my cheeks grew warm as I blushed, waving him a secret bye when I reached my house. But, just before leaving, he winked at me, and that single playful moment made me gasp.

Rushing inside with my heart racing, I flopped onto my bed, my face completely flushed, turning an even deeper shade of red.

That week flew by with my exam preparations and him busy with his exam hall duties. He even came as the invigilator to my hall, but he was careful not to linger near me, except when he had to sign my booklet and hand me the question paper, allowing me to focus on the exam.

When it was time to return the paper, I intentionally waited for everyone to finish and leave the hall. I took my time writing the page numbers slowly, but,

"Time's up"

He softly called out.

I pretended to hurry, flipping through the pages quickly, though I could see someone still writing behind me. I wanted to stretch those final moments, hoping to linger just a little longer under his gaze, but I kept up the act of rushing with a sigh.

"Maa, give me the paper. How long will you both keep writing?"

He walked over and placed his hand firmly on my answer booklet.

"Sir, sir, please, sir, please"

I whined, hoping to buy a few more seconds.

He glared at me, making me instantly shut my mouth and pout. But, still, he kept that stern face and mouthed,

"Kudu"

(Give)

I shook my head, but he pulled my paper away and moved on to collect the other girl's.

Urru face !

(Arrogant)

Muttering under my breath, I cursed him softly as I closed the pen caps and neatly wrapped the rubber band around my blue pen, black pen, Nataraj pencil, and eraser.

From my first to third year, I used to carry two blue and black pens, a mechanical pencil, a regular pencil, eraser, sharpener, and scale. But somehow, when I entered my final year, that habit slipped away. I sighed at the thought, standing up from my place, ready to leave.

But then, I gasped when something soft hit my cheek with unexpected force.

I glanced up at him, but just then we heard,

"Aayush, sir"

I quickly averted my gaze from his smirking face, grabbed my things, and hurried out of the room, leaving him and Elango sir behind.

But suddenly, I stopped in my tracks, worried-what if Elango sir had seen Aayush sir kiss my cheek? Panic washed over me, and I immediately turned back, making a Uturn to re-enter the hall.

Just as I was about to step inside, they walked out, both with completely normal expressions.

I glanced at Aayush sir, and he subtly shook his head, signaling me to leave, standing behind Elangovan sir.

"Ennaachu, ma?"

(What happened, ma?)

Elango sir asked me.

"Adhu..adhu.. en pen..en pen'oda cap onnu ingaye vittutu poiten sir"

(That... that... I left the cap of my pen here, sir)

"Ohh"

I walked ahead of them, glanced down at the spot where I had been sitting and then turned around to see that both Aayush sir and Elango sir had left the hall.

Releasing a deep breath and blushing at the memory of his kiss, I made my way out and headed to the ground floor through the crowd until I found Kamali.

After sharing our experiences with the question paper, we sighed in relief, realizing there was only one exam left and then we wouldn't have to face any more exams in our lives after this.

As we made our way out of the college, I bid her bye and climbed into the college bus. Once I was sure there was no one else was inside, I hurriedly called him.

"Hello"

His voice came through, deep as usual, and I melted right away.

Avlodha muduchu vittinga pongo !

(I'm done)

"Oi'

"Maateerpo"

(We would have gotten caught)

I giggled as I said. He chuckled softly and hummed,

"Mmm.. maatunaa enna? Paathukalaa.. Elango dhane?"

(Mmm... that's not a big deal even if we get caught. It was just Elango)

He said it so casually that it left me amazed.

"Vera yaaraadhu vandhirundhaa therinjirukkum, sir'ku"

(If anyone else had been there, it would've been a different story, sir)

I teased him.

"Seri, bus yereetiyaa?"

(Okay, have you boarded the bus?)

"Yes. Yaarum illa bus'le"

(Yes. There's no one else on the bus)

I whispered.

"So?"

He whispered back.

"Illa chumma sonnen"

(No, I was just saying)

He chuckled.

"Seri, ma. Naan lunch'ku poren. Next exam appo paakalaam"

(Alright, ma. I'm going for lunch. We'll see for the next exam)

I just hummed in response, feeling a pang of sadness as I realized we wouldn't have a part time job for the next two weeks. The restaurant owner had given all his employees a holiday for his daughter's grand wedding.

"Bye, ma"

"Bye. Miss you"

"Mmm.. mm.. enga ma inga dhane irukka poro?"

(Mmm... where are we going? Aren't we going to be here?)

He replied, non-chalantly.

"Hmm. Seri bye"

With a faint "bye" , he disconnected the call. The two days of study leave and time off from our part time job flew by like a blur, filled with secret calls and meetings from our respective terraces.

Although we connected well as if we were good well-wishers, both of us hesitated to initiate a video call, resulting in two days without seeing his face up close.

The night before my last semester exam, after dinner,

"Seetha"

I looked up from my phone when Appa called me.

"Appa"

"Nalaiku raathiri oorukku poro da, ellaame pack panniko"

(Tomorrow night, we're going to the village, dear, so pack everything)

He informed me suddenly, and I stared at him, trying to process what he had just said. However, I snapped back to reality when Amma nudged my shoulder.

"Enna di? Appa kooptute irukkaaru nee muluchuttu irukka?"

(What's wrong? Appa is calling you. Where did you get lost?)

Amma asked me, and I gulped, looking at Appa, who gave me a frowning look.

"Haan. Aahm, pa. Yen.. yen nalaike.. illa.."

(Why tom..tomorrow? Like..)

I stammered.

"Unnoda Muthu mama, ponnu, Aarthi periya ponnu aageetaalaam. Rendu naal'le function vachirukkaa"

(Your Muthu mama's daughter, Aarthi, has hit her puberty. They have a function in two days)

Amma said.

"Ap..appo rendu naal apro naama polaa'le ma?"

(Then... why can't we go there after two days?)

"Nalaanikku, Kovil'le vishesham di. Un paati nee vandhe aaganum'nu solluchu. Kelambu pesaama"

(Tomorrow, there's a special event at the temple. Your grandmother said you must come. No excuses)

Paati?

(Grandma?)

She's playing games with me again? I could just kill you, Parvathy.

I felt anger towards my grandma, Parvathy, who was so close to me yet also a villain in my life.

Because, she always managed to get me caught by my father for the simplest of things. But, she would exaggerate everything, leading to his scolding and warnings about my so-called 'bad behavior' , which was really just harmless fun.

In revenge, I would play tricks on her, and we just grew up like silly kids, fighting over everything and making all our relatives sigh in exasperation. But in the end, we always acted like best friends.

Yes, she was my best friend and my villain all rolled into one.

"Seetha"

I snapped back from my thoughts again, when amma called me.

"Illa, ma. Nekku nalaiku vela irukke.. adhaa kaetten"

(No, Mom. I have work tomorrow... that's why I'm asking)

I dragged my words, glancing at my appa, who looked at me, averting his gaze from the TV, and said,

"Leave podu. Rendu vaaram leave solleeru. Anga dha iruppo"

(Say leave for two weeks. We are going to be there for those weeks)

His voice was determined. So without any choice, I gulped, nodded my head and said,

"Ohh. Seringa, pa"

Appa smiled and left for his room. Amma also told me to get back to sleep before heading to her room. I looked at my phone, stood up, and called him on my way to my room.

Once I settled on my bed, locking the door, I took a deep breath when I heard,

"Oi"

I just hummed.

"Mm"

"Ennaachu? Swaram'eh seri illa?"

(What happened? Your voice doesn't sound okay)

He is teasing me. I sighed hard.

"Mch, naan inga oru periya pretchanai'le maatikitten, professoreyy"

(Tch, I got caught up in a big problem here, professor)

I hissed, my voice tinged with frustration.

"Pretchanayaa? Enna pretchana?"

(A problem? What problem?)

I heard the sizzling of something in the pan. Is he cooking? I glanced at the time; it was already 10 PM.

"10 manikku dha saapduve'laa?"

(Are you really eating at 10 o'clock?)

I snapped.

"Marandhutten, ma. Seri, nee sollu ennaachu? Enna problem?"

(I forgot, ma. Okay, tell me what happened? What's the problem?)

He asked clearly to distract me. I sighed again and said,

"Naan nalaiku raathri enga oorukku poren"

(I'm going to my hometown tomorrow night)

"Oorukkaa? Enga?"

(Hometown? Where?)

"Naan sonnen'le.. srirangam "

(I told you... Srirangam)

"Ohh. Yeah. Seri poitu vaa"

(Ohh. Yeah. Okay, go safe)

I leaned back against the headboard, twisting my lips as I fiddled with the buttons of my pajama top in response to his second nonchalant answer.

"Oi, enna?"

(What's wrong?)

"Onnu illa"

(Nothing)

"Work miss aageerum'nu nenaikiriyaa? Adhaa restaurant'eh two weeks close dhane? Apro enna?"

(Are you worried about the work? The restaurant is closed for two weeks, right? So what now?)

He said that as if I didn't already know the restaurant was closed. Why can't he understand that I'm sitting here worrying about how I'm going to spend the next two weeks without seeing him?

I remained completely silent, not responding at all, and he fell silent too. But then I heard the sound of the door opening and the latch clicking shut, followed by his muffled voice asking,

"Video call panna theriyumaa?"

(Do you know how to do a video call?)

As soon as I heard him ask that, a grin spread across my lips, and I quickly fixed my hair before calling him through video.

Once the call connected, I saw him enjoying his dinner, which looked like spicy noodles. My tongue instinctively licked my lips, and then I noticed him raising an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his face. I grinned and lifted my hand to wave hello, but,

"Ippo naan unna video call panna sonnanaa?"

(Did I ask you to make a video call to me now?)

My grin transformed into a glare.

What does he think of himself?

"Aahn. Aama aama en thappu dha. Naan poren'nu solla dha call pannen. Rendu vaaram en thollai illaama jolly'ah iruppel.. enga venaa polaam, varlaam, phone kooda ennaala panna mudiyaadhu, enkooda pesaamaye Irukkalaam jol.."

(Ah, yes, yes, it's my fault. I called to tell you that I'm leaving. For two weeks, you've been living without me, happily. You can go wherever you want, come whenever you like, and I won't even call you. You'll be so hap..)

I was in the middle of yelling at him, staring at his face on the screen, but I suddenly froze, my words stuck in my throat when he pouted his lips and threw me a kiss.

I felt tense, frozen, and completely dumbfounded.

But realizing he was teasing me, especially with that mischievous smirk of his, I quickly closed my parted mouth and turned my face away from him in frustration-also to hide my fluttering eyes.

"Haan. Yeah, it could be better now"

His exhaling voice echoed, making me turn to see him patting his cheek with the top side of the silver spoon while still eating his noodles, smirking, as if indirectly telling me that he could kiss my cheek now without any effort.

And just like that, all my anger and frustration dissolved. My cheeks heated up as I started blushing hard, completely forgetting why I was upset earlier.

"Aiyoooo"

I muttered under my breath, feeling my face burn with embarrassment.

He laughed on the other end, clearly enjoying how flustered I had become.

"Neenga irukkinga paarungo. Unga kitta'laam ennaala pesi jeikka mudiyaadhu"

(Look at you, I can never win against you by talking)

I said, giving up with a sigh while he continued to laugh.

Without interrupting him, I connected my Airpods to the phone and smiled at his laughing face. When he noticed me looking, he returned my smile, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

"Naan onnu sollanum"

(I need to tell you something)

He said.

"Ennadhu?"

(What?)

"Ippo sollanum'nu dha nenachen. Aana ippo solla mudiyaadhu. Naalaniku soldren"

(I was thinking of saying it now. But I can't say it right now. I'll tell you day after tomorrow)

"Yen? Ungalukke yeppovaadhu dha video call varanum'nu thonudhu. Naalaniku'laa naan busy'aah iruppen"

(Why? You'll want me to video call you for just some day when it feels convenient for you. And, I'll be busy the day after tomorrow)

"Ohh, madam apdi enna busy'aah iruppinga?"

(Oh, madam, what will you be busy with?)

It sounds like he enjoys teasing me. Shaking me head with a smile, I said,

"Naan Kovil'ku poren. En paati oda"

(I'm going to the temple. With my grandma.)

"Ohhh. Paati mattumaa?"

(Ohhh. Only grandma?)

"Yess"

"Okayy"

He dragged thoughtfully. I frowned but brushed it off, and then we talked for a while about our day before quickly ending the call since I had my last semester exam tomorrow. I slipped under my blanket to sleep, but his blown kiss made me blush and squirm before sleep slowly engulfed me.

The next day, after finishing my exam, I tried to sneak into his cabin, but it was filled with first-year students. Vinayak saw me and raised his brows, but I just shrugged him off and looked at him-dressed in his light brown shirt and dark blue pants, effortlessly handsome as ever.

I tried to get his attention, but the first-year boys and some girls completely occupied his cabin, which only made me more frustrated. As the college bus about to let out in five minutes, I quickly stepped into the lift and boarded the bus just as it was about to leave. I typed him a message,

"I'm leaving"

With that, I turned off the internet connection and leaned back, closing my eyes at the thought of not seeing him for the next two weeks.

Dressing up in another simple kurta, I stepped inside the car and glanced at my mother and father, who were chatting with our relatives through the phone to let them know we had started our journey.

Hoping for just a single glimpse of him, I leaned my head out of the window and looked at his house terrace.

Here you go, my eyes brimmed with tears, and my lips curved into a smile upon seeing him standing there, gazing at the car-or maybe at me.

Blinking back my tears, I quickly pulled my head back inside, afraid of shedding tears in front of my parents. I turned on the internet connection quickly on my phone to see if he had messaged me.

My❤️ : You could've come inside. Naan paathen unna.

(I saw you)

My❤️ : Phone'le charge illa, ma. Call panna mudiyala.

(My phone is out of charge. I couldn't call)

My❤️ : Oi, call pannataa?

(Can I call you?)

My❤️ : Kovamaa?

(Are you angry?)

And there was another message that had been deleted.

I frowned, then smiled, feeling a blush creeping in before I typed a reply and hit send.

"Semma kovam. Paathinga'naa neengalaadhu enna ulla kooptu irukkalaa'le? Nekku enna'nu solleetu ulla varadhu'nu therila. Adhaa apdiye kelambeeten. Bus vera edukka time aachu. Adhaa kovathula offline poiten. Oorukku poren. Two weeks apro dha paaka mudiyum"

(Super angry. If you saw me, you could have called me in. I don't know how or in what context I could have gotten in, so I just left like that. The bus was also about to leave. I'm heading to my hometown now. It'll be two weeks before I see you again)

That was a long one.

My❤️ : Enakkum enna solli unna ulla koopudradhu'nu therila. I'm sorry. Have a safe journey.

(I didn't know how to call you in either. I'm sorry. Have a safe journey)

I smiled, but asked,

"Miss pannuvinga'nu sollave maatinga'le?"

(Are you not going to say that you miss me?)

My❤️ : Pannaa dhane ma solla mudiyum?

(Only when I miss you, can I say that, right?)

I felt sad but clicked my tongue and sent,

"It's okay. Oru naal solluvinga"

(It's okay. You'll say it one day)

My❤️ : ???

"Illa chumma sonnen"

(I just said it, simply)

He reacted with a thumbs-up emoji to that message, and I frowned as I reread what I had sent.

Sighing, I realized how my little head professor's overthinking brain might have interpreted it.

"Naan andha arthathula sollala. Unga overthinking brain'ku konjam rest kudunga"

(I didn't mean it like that. Give your overthinking brain a little rest)

My❤️ : Seri. Be safe.

"Okay. Naan reach aageetu text pandren. Bye"

(Okay. I'll text you once I reach. Bye)

I said and quickly exited his chat, which was locked with my fingerprint, glancing at my mother, who smiled at me.

I returned her smile, feeling a sense of relief as the five-hour journey ahead felt a little lighter after speaking with him.

As our car navigated through the narrow streets of Srirangam, the air was filled with a mix of incense and the faint sound of temple bells ringing in the distance.

The bustling streets were lined with traditional houses, their walls painted in vibrant hues of yellow and blue, adorned with beautiful kolams at the entrances. Each house told a story of generations, with wooden pillars and tiled roofs.

Our car slowed as we approached a particular house, one that gave an air of warmth and familiarity. It was our traditional Brahmin home, with its open courtyard and a sacred tulsi plant nestled in a pot, symbolizing purity and devotion.

Stepping out of the car, I could hear the chatter of family members within, their voices ringing with laughter and joy. Just then, my maami, Thulasi, came rushing out with her arms wide open, squealing,

"Seetha kutty!"

I hurried and hugged her with a smile as she wrapped her arms around me, chuckling softly.

"Oru valiyaa leave kedachuduthaa?"

(Did you get a leave, finally?)

I pulled back from the hug, exchanging greetings and welcomes with our other relatives. Suddenly, a little boy came running and hugged my waist.

"Dhaya?"

I exclaimed, lifted Dhayalan into my arms and kissed his cheek. He is my aunt Thulasi's son. After a refreshing cup of water, maami guided us to the rooms. I quickly freshened up, preparing to head to the temple for the early morning pooja.

Then, I also made sure to send my professor a message that I had arrived, and he asked when we would leave for the Srirangam temple. I informed him it would be within two hours, but he didn't reply for that.

Sighing, I shook my head before draping the ash-colored saree with golden borders, paired with a black and golden mixed blouse.

At sharp 6, I went to see my cunning best friend and found her sitting on the couch in the living room.

I quietly approached her from behind, wrapping my arms around her neck and playfully swaying us from left to right.

"Paatiii"

"Perumaaley ! Yeii vidu di kirukku pulla"

(Oh god! Hey, leave me, you mischievous woman)

She hissed, but I planted a strong kiss on her cheek before settling down beside her. She shot me a glare, but it quickly melted into a smile as she reached out to touch my cheeks, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

"Varsham aachu indha mogatha paarthu"

(It's been a year; look at this face)

"Aahn. Chumma drama podaadha, Parvathy. Nannaa jolly'ahh dhane irundhirupa naan illaama?"

(Ah, don't just act, Parvathy. Haven't you been having fun without me?)

She playfully knocked my head.

"Podi, loosu!"

I giggled and hugged her tightly, feeling the warmth of her affection as she caressed my hair. And then, she began to tell me the stories she had stored in her mind throughout the year, eager to share every detail with me. I listened intently, excitement bubbling within me as her animated storytelling filled the air.

After a while, we heard my maami calling us for breakfast, so we quickly headed to the dining area. The delicious aroma of traditional dishes filled through the house, making our mouths water. After our hearty meal, we made our way to the temple in my mama's classic ambassador car.

"Aiyooo. Idhenna ivlo kootamaa irukku?"

(Oh no! What's with all this crowd?)

I asked, looking bewildered at the long queue of people stretching ahead of us.

"Pesaama vaa di"

(Come quietly)

She pulled me into the crowd, and we stood there for what felt like an eternity, inching closer to the shrine where the deity dwelled. The crowd surged around us, and I clicked my tongue in annoyance at the pushing and shoving from the women jostling for a better view. Frustration bubbled within me as the minutes crawled by.

Just as I was about to voice my irritation, a gasp escaped my lips, and I froze, mouth agape, palms clasped together when a familiar whisper tickled my ear.

"Oi"

What the hell?

I turned my head to see him-my professor-standing there in white shirt and brown pants with that mocking smirk plastered across his face.

My heart raced, and I quickly shifted my gaze to my grandmother, panic washing over me as he winked at me, non-chalantly. My mind raced in confusion.

What on earth is he doing here?

"Polaamaa, kutty?"

(Shall we go, dear?)

Grandma asked me.

"Aahn?"

"Enna di? Vaa.. viboothi eduthukko"

(What's up? Come on, get the vibhuti)

I nodded at her and applied the holy ash and vermilion to my forehead. And, with my hands still clasped together in prayer, I followed her, stealing glances at him from the corner of my eye, noticing that he was trailing behind me, clasping his palms as well.

Perumaaley. Enna neenga dha kaapathanum

(Oh god! You only need to protect me)

Sighing, I moved towards another deity and tilted my face to catch a glimpse of him. He casually blew me a kiss before turning his attention back to the god, lifting his clasped palms above his head in devotion while I quickly lowered my gaze, feeling my cheeks warm, and closed my eyes, murmuring a silent prayer.

"Seetha"

I heard Paati's voice calling me, and I opened my eyes, nodding at her as I followed her lead. He trailed behind us, and I gulped, my mind racing with curiosity about why he was here.

I wanted to ask him directly, but how could I do that with Paati right beside me? As I pondered my options, I noticed the queue for the prasadham, and an idea sparked in my mind.

Leaning down closer to Paati's ear, I whispered,

"Paati, nee poi anga utkaaru. Naan prasadham vaangeetu varen"

(Grandma, you go and sit there. I'll go get the prasadham)

"Cheri seekro vaa. Tholanjudaadha"

(Okay, hurry up. Don't get lost somewhere)

"Pesaama poi utkaaru kelavi"

(Go sit quietly without talking, you old woman)

I glared at her tease, chided her and quickly made my way toward the area where they distributed prasadham. When I glanced back at my paati, she was deep in conversation with another lady.

Sighing in relief, I turned to look for him, but my eyes narrowed in confusion as I couldn't spot him anywhere.

Was I imagining things?

Just as I was about to turn back, I felt myself yanked between two pillars, my back hitting something hard yet warm. A hand clamped over my mouth, silencing my startled gasp.

I quickly grabbed the wrist of the person which was creeping around my waist from behind, pushing it away and turning to glare at him. But instead of the expected shock or annoyance, he simply smiled at me.

"Inga enna panneetu irukkel?"

(What are you doing here?)

I whisper-yelled at him.

"Kovil'ku yedhukku ma varuvaanga?"

(Why are they coming to the temple, ma?)

He asked me, innocently. And, I stared at him.

"Seri. Unna paaka dha vandhen"

(Okay. I came just to see you)

He said, giving up.

It's not the time to blush, Seetha.

I reminded myself, shaking off the flutter in my stomach as I asked,

"Yedhukku?"

(For what?)

"Illa nee chinna ponnu. En student vera. Batharamaa paathukardhu en kadamai illayaa? Unga appa vera solleerkaaru, en paapa'va nannaa paathukongo'nu"

(You're still a little girl. You're my student, after all. Isn't it my duty to take care of you? Your father also told me to look after you)

My lips curved into a smile at his Brahmin accent, but my eyes widened in shock when I heard,

"En pethi'eh paathe'laa thambi?"

(Have you seen my grand-daughter?)

Pochu !

(Gone)

I stared at him, my eyes wide in shock. But, he merely pressed his lips together and shrugged his shoulders, feigning innocence.

"Naan nannaa maata poren"

(I'm going to get caught by her for sure)

He peeked around to check if my grandmother was still searching for me, then turned his attention back to me. I was hoping for some clever idea from him to help me escape this situation, biting my nails, but instead, he simply, said,

"Paravala"

(It's okay)

I stopped biting my lips in shock and shot him an annoyed glare, asking,

"Hein? Ungalukku edhaadhu mangal aayiduthaa?"

(Hein? Did your brain get a little blur or what?)

He glared at me, and I quickly shifted my expression into a sheepish smile, then whined,

"Sorry. Ippo neenga pongo. En paati Nammala paathuttaa avlodha. Oorupooraa pathi vachirum. Pongo"

(Sorry, you should leave. If my grandma sees us, she'll blabber everything to every person in the village. So just go)

"Ipdi anju mani neram spend panni unga oorukku vandhavana orey vaarthai'le poga soldra?"

(I traveled for five long hours here, and you're asking me to leave with just one word?)

"Seri appo poitu vaanga. Rendu vaarthai'le solleeten, kelambunga"

(Okay, then. Go ahead. I told you in two words, now leave)

I took a step forward to leave, but he placed his palm gently on my tummy over my saree just as I tripped slightly.

But, I pulled myself back instinctively, when paati had turned in our direction.

And when I looked at him, he kept his gaze fixed on me, unblinking, as I let out a frustrated sigh.

Leaning forward to catch a glimpse of my grandmother again to see where she is, but I suddenly squealed, smacking his chest without a second thought when his lengthy index finger playfully tickled the bare skin of my waist beneath my saree.

But, to my surprise, he planted a soft kiss on the skin below my ear, leaving me both shy and bewildered.

I glared at him, but, soon blushing at the feel of his palm resting on my bare waist, under my saree.

Overwhelmed, I just hugged him tightly wrapping my arms around his hips, burying my face in his chest, feeling both ticklish and shy as heat flooded my cheeks.

However, I yelped softly when he pushed me against the wall, his right hand resting above my head, on the wall, pinning me there, while his left hand inched toward mine, which was pressed against the wall beside my head, intertwining our fingers.

I looked up into his eyes, deeply, which held a depth of emotion I couldn't quite decipher.

My eyelids fluttered shut on their own as he leaned down to my height, and I struggled to control my racing heart. I gulped, trembling slightly, as I felt the warmth of his breath brushing against my nose.

As his fingers slowly loosened from mine, the tips lightly grazed my neck before sliding to the nape, his thumb tracing a delicate path along my cheek, inching towards my parted, trembling lips

Instinctively, I wriggled free from his hold, pressing my palms against his chest and pushing him back, hurriedly escaping the close space.

My face flushed, heart racing, and a light beads of sweat gathered on my forehead as I struggled to steady my breath.

Paati rushed toward me the moment she spotted me, her expression filled with worry as she took in my panting state.

"Seetha, kutty. Enna di aachu? Enga di ma poita?"

(Seetha, my dear. What happened? Where did you go?)

I gulped, wiping the beads of sweat from my philtrum and chin with my palm. Then, I managed to smile at her, slightly, and said,

"Qu..queue'le dha paati ninnutu irundhen. Dhideernu lesa mayakkam vara maadhiri aayiduthu. Adhaa anga utkaandhirudhen"

(I was waiting in the queue, Grandma. I felt dizzy as if I was about to faint. That's why I was sitting over there)

"Acho. Seri vaa naama odane namma'aathukku povo"

(Oh dear. Alright, let's go home right away)

Nodding my head, I followed her and slowly turned back to catch a glimpse of him leaning against the pillar, arms crossed, wearing that hot smirk. I felt my cheeks flush and quickly turned back, a fluttering sensation rising in my stomach.

Once we reached home, I told Paati I was going to rest and slipped into my room, locking the door behind me.

I leaned my forehead against it, my palms pressed flat against the door, my face lowered as I replayed the moments with him in my mind with my eyes getting closed. My toes curled involuntarily, still feeling his hands and breath on me.

Like, it was as if the woman in me had awakened, leaving me breathless and flushed.

In just a few minutes, he had stirred something within me that no other man had in all these years of my life.

I then wondered what might have happened if I hadn't pushed him away.

And my mind's voice mocked me, saying,

"Mmm.. kovil'nu kooda paakaama abachaaram panneerpaa un professor"

(Mmmm... Even at the temple, your professor would have done something more embarrassing)

I blushed at that teasing remark and slid down behind the door, pulling my knees to my chest. I buried my face in my hands, blushing and squirming at the thoughts of him.

The idea of the 'kiss' lingered in my mind, leaving me uncertain whether he had genuinely intended it or if it was just playful teasing as usual.

However, the mere thought of what his mind or heart intended sent shivers of shyness coursing through me.

Achacho!

**********

TBC..

Epdi irundhuchu?

Now, I want to share something important with all of you, I won't be able to update the stories until this month's 22nd because I have some crucial tasks to complete before then.

I'll try to update sooner if I finish early; otherwise, I won't be able to publish. Please understand my situation. Unga ellaara maadhiriyum, I am also very obsessed about this story. Aana, professional life'nu paakumbodhu idha ennaala prioritize panna mudiyaadhu, right? I hope you all can understand.

Thank you! ❤

Please vote and comment to help our seventh story reach new heights!

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