Meenakshi boarded the bus.Keeping her luggage on the overhead compartment,she settled into her seat near the window.She called up and informed her family that she was coming.

The day's incident reeled before her eyes once again.She wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes.Tired of all the mental stress,she closed her eyes to get some sleep.Soon the bus departed.

It was midnight when it stopped at a remote area for a short break.Disturbed by the noise outside,she woke up.

Meenakshi saw an eatery which seemed shabby like a place where local drunkards dwelled.Fear crept up in her.She looked around inside the bus and except for two ladies,the rest were men.There were no families and it increased the fear in her.

She was thirsty but was too scared to even get down to buy a bottle of water.Wrapping herself with a shawl,she leaned against the window praying in her heart to reach her place safely.

A hefty looking drunkard boarded the bus.Seeing the seat beside her vacant,he slumped heavily on it.

"Hi pappaaa,travelling alone?"

Panic ratcheted up in her.She couldn't run away also as he had his leg stretched blocking her path.Ignoring him,she shut her eyes pretending to be asleep.

She could feel the stench of liquor getting stronger and snapped her eyes open only to find the pervert trying to get close to her.She slipped her hand into her purse reaching out for the pepper spray but before she could spritz it on the rogue's face,a hand with extra long fingers came in between her and the fella as a barrier.

V: Hello uncle!May I come in?😃

The guy looked up and saw Vicky.

"What ra,who are you?What do you want?"

V: Uncle,I'm also travelling alone.I'm sitting behind and there is a seat vacant next to mine.Don't trouble ladies.You come here.We can talk.

"No I won't come...she wants me to keep her company.Right pappaa?"

He grinned at Meenakshi.She turned her face away in disgust seeing his yellow teeth.Vicky rolled his sleeves up and gave one hard knock on his head and the fella saw stars.Grabbing him by the collar,Vicky punched him on his stomach and pushed him out of the bus.Picking himself up,he ran away.

Taking his backpack,Vicky shifted infront occupying the seat beside her.Deep down she felt relieved seeing him but didn't show it on her face and shot daggers at him.

V: Don't look at me like that!It was nanna who sent me because he was worried you were going alone.Once I drop you off safely at your doorstep,I will leave and after that you won't see or hear from me or my folks.I Promise.

She got up.

V: You want to sit elsewhere?Fine...go...If that uncle returns to harass you I'm not responsi...

M: ...I need to use the restroom.

She eyed him to move his legs and he allowed her to pass.Meenakshi alighted the bus and he followed her from a distance.Hands in pockets and rolling an empty can with his feet,Vicky waited for her outside the toilet.Once she was done,he gestured her to walk ahead while he followed her behind.

The bus started moving.She leaned back staring out of the window.She couldn't get sleep as her stomach was rumbling.In her haste she forgot to pack food for her dinner.

M mv: How nice if I got something to eat now...sigh...

V: Here...

As if read her mind,Vicky passed her a packet.She looked at him asking what it was.

V: You hadn't had anything since the hullabaloo this morning.I bought parotta for you.

Hunger was paramount at that moment.She unwrapped it and began relishing the soft,easy-to-tear parottas.He saw her fumbling to open the packet of curry with one hand and helped her.

Because she ate greedily she had hiccups,again he came to her rescue with a water bottle.

Finishing her meal,she reclined on the seat covering herself with the shawl.

V: Goodnight Ms.Fish...

She turned her face away from him and shut her eyes.He pulled his eye mask over his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

In the middle of the night,it started getting cold.Vicky got up to take out his jacket and found her shivering despite the shawl that she had on her.He pulled the window to a close only leaving a little gap for some breeze.He then placed his jacket on her to keep her warm.Meenakshi slept peacefully after that.♥️

The sun's rays penetrated through the window.Meenakshi stirred in her sleep and found herself resting on his shoulder.She quickly lifted her head and checked to see if he was awake.

M: Happa...thank god!He's still sleeping...😌

The bus reached the town of Karaikudi.They alighted at the bus stand.

Vicky looked around.

V: Your house is here?

M: No.It's the town.From here need to hire a cab to my village.

V: Oh ok.Let's go then.

She stopped him.

M: You're not coming with me.

V: Huh...what is this Ms.Fish?I've travelled all the way with you like a body guard.Show me some kindness.I badly need a coffee...😟(mv: Now she will have to invite me home for some refreshments...hihihi)

M: Kindness...🤔

She searched inside her bag and took out some coins and placed it on his palm.

M: There are many coffee stalls around.Have your fill and leave in the next bus.

V: Ouch!That hurt!😖

She picked her luggage.

M: Thank you and good bye.

"Meenu kutty...."

She turned as she heard the familiar voice.

M: Periyappa!😃(Father's elder brother)

Meenakshi's uncle and her gullible cousin Azhagappa,who had dreams of marrying her since their childhood,had arrived to fetch her.

M: Hi maama,how are you?

She asked her cousin casually.He drooled upon seeing her,

"I'm fine.Meenakshi...you're a lady now and so beautiful...😍"

M: ☺️☺️

"Meenu,I saw you talking to this guy,who is he?Is he troubling you?"twirling his moustache her uncle asked her.

Meenakshi's delay in responding affirmed his doubt.Her uncle rolled up his sleeves getting ready to hit Vicky.Seeing his thick moustache and body builder physique Vicky felt wobbly.

M: No no pls don't Periyappa!He came to send me off,I know him...

Vicky greeted him and her uncle apologised for his demeanour.

"Sorry pa,I didn't know you were her friend.Come,let's go home.Azhagappa,take his luggage."

Her cousin felt insecure seeing Vicky's height and looks.

V: No it's ok uncle I'm leaving now itself...next bus is here...

"No no I insist...you've brought our girl safely here it's our duty to treat you well.You shouldn't leave without eating food from our house."

He insisted Vicky to go with them.Vicky looked at Meenakshi for her to invite him.

M: Come...🙄

V: Hurray!!!😃😃

It was Vicky's first time in Karaikudi and he was fascinated.While going in the car,he started taking video on his camcorder like a tourist.

***

"Meenakshi akka is here!"

On seeing the car,a little girl ran inside holding her silk skirt to call the elders.About 30 of her clan members including her parents came outside to receive her.

Meenakshi alighted from the car with a wide grin on her face.Her relatives were all delighted to see her.

"Meenu...how big you've grown..."her aunt called her.

She touched their feet for blessings and they hugged her.Vicky stood smiling as he watched how she was getting pampered by her people.

Her uncle introduced Vicky as Meenakshi's friend to all her family members.Seeing his towering height and mass hero physique all were in awe.Some young girls started ogling at him and Vicky felt shy.He was also given a warm welcome by her folks.

Since Meenakshi was returning to her ancestral home after 10 years,her aunts swirled the drishti platter infront of her to ward off evil eyes while he stood by her side.Together they entered the mansion.

Meenakshi went to her grandmother's room first.Vicky stood at the door step.She knelt before her aachi and held her hand in hers.

M: Aachi,I've come...look at me...

She opened her eyes slowly and saw her grand-daughter.Her lips curved to a smile.Meenakshi helped her to sit upright.Her grandmother caressed her head enquiring about her.Then she looked at the door and saw Vicky standing with arms crossed at his front.

M: Err...he is a friend aachi...

Aachi called her to his side and he knelt beside her smiling.She had an instant liking towards him and caught his hand as if she knew him for ages.

"What's your name?"aachi asked.

V: Vicky...

Aachi instructed one of her grandsons to show him around the house.Looking at Vicky,

"We are happy that you have come all the way here.You must stay with us for some days..."

Vicky used to watch Tamil movies so he could understand but was unable to speak fluently.He replied to her in the Tamil he knew which of course was laden with Telugu flavour.

V: Err...thanks aachi but I've to leave today itself,I've some important work...maybe next time...

He politely refused because he knew that Meenakshi wouldn't want him around however her aachi would not listen.

"Nothing doing.It's not our tradition to send guests as soon as they come.You have to stay for some days atleast...I insist."

Not wanting to disappoint her,he reluctantly agreed.

***

Vicky was given a guest room.After shower,he changed to his loose tshirt and bermudas.He came down to the courtyard and stood looking around the palatial mansion with his mouth wide open.

V: These pillars are made of solid teakwood.Amazing architecture!

He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned.

Ve: Hello,I'm Veni,Meenakshi's sister.Are you akka's friend?

V: Yeah..Hello...nice to meet you...🙂

She looked him up and down.

Ve: Hmm...you're almost the height of these pillars.Are you single?🤨

V: (mv:I myself don't know)Err...is it relevant now?

Ve: Just for general knowledge because there are so many eligible girls in this house in case someone falls for you...it's better to be prepared with the answer no so I asked...

V: (mv: Already my life is a bus-stand with two ex's and one failed marriage,I am too weak to handle another...)In that case you can take it as single but not ready to mingle.😐

Ve: Oh...One-sided love or love failure?

Before he could answer,a voice came thundering from the dining hall.

"Visalakshi...bring Vicky for lunch..."

Veni covered her eyes trying to hide her embarrassment.

V: Visalakshi?You said your name was Veni...

Ve: Huh...uh...Visalakshi is my name but it is old fashioned so I kept my pet name as my name...😰

V: Oh ok...cool...

Ve: We'll talk about your love life later.Come,let's have lunch...

She took him to the dining area and Vicky was made to sit beside Meenakshi.A huge plantain leaf was spread before him and one after the other items were placed on it lavishly.He counted and in total there were 25 dishes kept on his leaf.

(Trivia: Karaikudi / Chettinad is like the food hub of Tamilnadu.Their dishes,be it veg or non veg,is a unique preparation and their delicacies are a must try.)

"Don't feel shy.Think it's your home and eat well."said her mother.

V: Thank you aunty...

Vicky relished every item including vegetarian ones as it was all prepared in peppery and spicy style to his liking.Feeling full,he was about to close his leaf when greedy Pupsoo pa's spirit entered Vicky's body.

V: Can I have one more chicken leg piece?Hihihi...

He asked forgoing shame but they didn't mind and in fact were happy that he felt at home.He continued eating and Meenakshi's aunt kept two more big chicken leg pieces for him which he had.Later he downed three cups of different types of payasams.Having his fill Pupsoo pa's spirit left Vicky to jujujuju Sweetu ma.

Reclining on the sofa,Vicky rubbed his protruded belly.Veni brought a plate of banana,betal leaves and areca nuts and kept those before him.

V: I don't want I'm too full...

Ve: Have it.It's good for digestion.

V: Amma...ayyooo...I ate more than I could...feels like I was possessed by a giant while eating...uff...amma....

He made noise like a pregnant lady having labour pains.Veni chuckled seeing him.

Meenakshi came there.

M: Veni,aachi is calling you...go...

She went leaving them alone.

M: I called you home for courtesy,not for you to settle here permanently.There is a bus in the evening,pack your things and leave!😡

V: Aiyooo...you're talking as if I am here by choice.I am ready to leave now itself but your people are not allowing me!One after the other they are coming to meet me,going around me looking up and down as if I am some wonder of the world.

M: Don't give me these flimsy excuses.You are leaving today,that's it!

She was about to go when her parents came there.Seeing them Vicky stood up as a sign of respect.Her father gestured him to sit down.

M's dad: Is everything comfortable here?

V: Yes uncle...all good.

M's dad: That's nice.Later you can go for sightseeing I'll ask one of the guys to bring...

Meenakshi intervened.

M: Appa,he won't be here for long he is leaving today evening itself.

M's mom: Vicky,you just came,why do you want to leave so soon?

M's dad: Exactly!You have to stay longer.

Meenakshi eyeballed him to refuse their invitation.

V: Thank you uncle but I have to go because my parents are alone and they will be expecting me.

M's dad: There is another reason why I am asking you to stay.Meenakshi's wedding has been fixed.This is the first wedding in our family after many years.We have to make it a grand affair.You are her friend so you definitely have to be here.I will call your parents personally and invite them.The more the merrier.

Vicky was cool but Meenakshi reacted as if a meteor was coming towards her in full force.

M: My wedding ah?When did you fix? I've not even seen the guy how to...

M's mom: We spoke that day and you also gave your nod.Your only condition was he should agree to live in Delhi.This boy resides there only.He's educated,good natured and the only son.His mother is also a jovial and easy going person so you will face no issues.We've finalised everything.Coming Thursday is your wedding.

M: That is 5 days from today.So fast?

M's dad: Marriage is like that only once finalised it will be over within the blink of eye.What Vicky,you're not saying anything?

V: You're right uncle.If it's a good alliance and best for Meenakshi it should happen the soonest.

M's mom: Tell your friend that.See the look on her face as if we're sending her to another planet.Smile Meenu...

She gave a forced smile.

M's dad: That's better.Ok Vicky,lots of preparations has to be done.I'll see you later.

V: Uncle,if there is anything I can be of help please let me know.I'll be glad to.

M mv: Kitchen sink is choked,come and clear that!Help it seems...😡

M's dad: No pa you are our guest.Eat well and take good rest.Meenu,you also have to rest.You're the bride so don't roam outside too much and stay at home.

***

Standing near the balustrade outside her room,Meenakshi was looking at the photo of Shiva.When she lowered it,she saw Vicky playing cricket in the indoor courtyard with her little cousins.

M: Rascal!Look at him enjoying and playing happily with kids after complicating my life.Does he have any slightest worry?For the rage I have I feel like....

She picked a magazine and threw it at him.He looked up asking her why she did that.

M: Come up!

He went upstairs.

V: Yes Ms.Fish...

M: Did you speak to Priya after that incident ?

V: No.Why?

M: So that's it?You ditched her just like that?

V: Correction...I did not ditch her it's the other way around...

M: Ok whatever.Before when you used to fight you would be the first to reconcile why aren't you doing it now?

V: Because this time it's not like before.I don't know why but I'm unable to connect with her emotionally as I used to.

Meenakshi smirked at his response.

M: I know why.As Priya said you got bored of her after you saw me.That's why.

V: Oh.Who said I'm interested in you madam?

M: Who should say?Isn't it obvious?If I weren't there I'm sure you would have gone back to Priya right?

V: If you weren't there by now our marriage would have been over and consummated also.

M: You're saying I wrecked your marriage?

V: I didn't mean that way.My point is any woman in your place this would have been inevitable because of Priya's suspicious nature so it has nothing to do with you.Also,I don't need you or anyone to advise me to go back to her.I am matured enough to think for myself.I have a life beyond you and Priya so don't think too high of yourself.

M: Ahaan...if you're not here for me then why are you still sticking here?Just leave!

V: Are you having amnesia?You were around when your aachi and parents spoke to me right?They want me to stay and that's why I am here,not to see your oily face.

M: My face...oily?

She touched her cheeks and rubbed her fingers.

M: (mv:Huh...eeww indeed it's oily...he found out...it's so embarrassing chi...it's ok cool Meena...just maintain your mass image)Ahem...I had oil bath that's why else I have flawless skin.I even got calls from big companies like ponds and fair&lovely to model in their ads but I refused because I wasn't interested.

V: Oh I see.If there is nothing else,can I go now?

She nodded in approval.Flaunting his killer smile he left.

M: He's been blessed with good looks that's why he's showing so much attitude,doesn't know to be humble like me...😡

***

Next morning,Veni was going to take her bath.When she opened the cupboard to take her tooth paste,

Ve: Aaahh!Where is my face pack,cleanser and toner??Amma!!!

M's mom: Sshh...why are you shouting?It must be there only...I don't use these stuff...

Ve: Then how would it disappear??It was here only now it's missing!All new ones...

M's mom: Ok don't keep that face,I'll send someone to go buy those for you.

Meanwhile in Meenakshi's room,

Meenakshi was staring at all the beauty products which she stole from her sister's bathroom.

M: How to use all this?

She read the instructions.

M: First cleanser,then toner and lastly moisturizer....bah...why waste time doing one by one I'll mix everything and apply for once.

In a container,she mixed equal amounts of cleanser,toner,moisturizer,face wash and face pack then smeared it all over her face.

M: Next,cucumbers...cooling for the eyes...I'll eat two also...hihihi...

Munching two slices,she placed the remaining two on her eye lids and reclined on the easy chair in the varenda.

Vicky came that way and sniggered inwardly seeing her with that thick cream batter on her face resembling a ghost.She took off the cucumber pieces and showed attitude.

M: Oh it's you...😏Actually I don't need these I am naturally beautiful but since I'm the bride my face has to look fresh on my wedding day so trying these beauty hacks.You're a guy you wouldn't know all these...

V: You're right...carry on...

Veni came there.

Ve: Eeeww Akka!What's that on your...

She found the container next to her sister and immediately recognized the contents.

Ve: Isn't these my things?

M: Huh...uh..no no these are mine...

Ve: I was searching it in my room so you are the beauty stuff thief?That too you have mixed everything...is this some fruit cocktail?You don't even use a face wash then why you need these blah blah blah...

Vicky gave a surprised look.Meenakshi felt embarrassed when her sister blurted the truth infront of him.

M: Shh...Shh...enough...keep quiet...I'll buy you peanut candy...

She tried to mollify her sister but she wouldn't stop.

Ve: Who wants your peanut candy?Do you know how expensive these things are?You've wasted them!Go wash your face first!

V: Veni,she knows...she was called for ads by famous companies...

Ve: For her?She doesn't even know what these are used for.The ad offers came for me!In her teenage when she used to go out guys would tease her asking for petrol for their bikes,that much oil she had on her face.

Vicky covered his mouth trying to suppress his laughter.

M: 😔😔

Picking her things,Veni left the scene.

M mv: Now he got a content to mock me better to leave before that.

Meenakshi tried to sneak away.

V: Excuse me,where are you going ponds model garu?Pls come this side mam...

M: Huh...uh...mmm...

V: Ms.Fish,just curious,how much did they offer you for one ponds ad?One lakh?Naah...for your range it must be two to five crores right?

She kept a pitiful face.

V: I knew you don't use make-up but only now I know you don't even know the names of these products and what all you said?Ammo!😂😂😂

Meenakshi fled from there to save her remaining honour.

To be continued...