CHAPTER 38
Prabhu's POV
"Blah-blah-blah... Wait a sec! Do you still love her?!?"
"WHAT? I never did! (deep breath) Thankfully, we didn't reach that stage."
"Then why the hell you are arguing to spend the bloody valentines' day with Jaans. You know what, she deserves your love more than that woman who cheated on you. But you are telling me that you didn't move on from past yet. I agree you had some feeling towards Nandhini thinking that she was going to be your wife. But Nandhini proved that she doesn't deserve anything. Then, why are you wasting your time revolving around her? The past won't leave you unless you take some steps forward. Take Jaans somewhere and spend some good time with her."
"Nope"
"Is that what you would answer after my long lecture? Have you lost your mind? What is your problem, Prabhu?"
"Leave me alone Akash."
"Nah! Tell me what the hell is bothering your 'little' brain? You are getting on my nerves."
Damn! Why can't he just leave me alone? I let out a deep breath "First I want to know what is in her mind, Akash. I don't want another rejection."
Akash eyes softened, and he placed his hand on my shoulder reassuringly.
"So the moving on is just a cover for your insecurity."
"Yeah! I shared my sincere affection and trust with Nandhini, but she left me broken, and I don't even know the reason. How could she do this to me? Why did she act like that? I don't know whether I will get answers for that. But Janu was forced to marry me. I don't know what is in her mind and I am afraid to know.
I knew she likes me, but love? It is a big term Akash. There are people living as husband and wife with understanding and care out there. But love is a magical bonding like our parents had. They still can't stay away from each other, even for a single day. They need each other like oxygen. I want to cherish her and make her feel loved. But I don't know how to do it. There are little sparks here and there between us, but it will take time for that sparks to develop into love. Until then, I am going to wait."
"Hey idiot, if you want to ignite the fire, you can't just simply sit idly. You have to work through it. And that is what I am telling. Take Jaans somewhere and spend some more time with her. You don't have to do romantic things, just make her feel comfortable."
"Fine. I will ask her about the outing tonight."
I sighed in defeat. There is no way I could win him over an argument when he is 100 per cent correct. His mobile vibrated on the desk in front of me displaying 'JAANS'. He answered the call. His eyes brightened and smiled widely. I looked at him curiously.
"You don't need to tell twice, Jaans. I will be there. I was expecting your best Jaans."
"???"
"Promise, I will inform my mom before coming there. Byee"
He was so happy. From his short conversation, I could tell, she invited him home. But why? Akash instantly called his mom before I could ask any details.
"Hi, mom. I called you to tell that I am having a sleepover at Prabhu's home tonight."
"???"
"Okay, mom. Bye."
What? Sleepover? Really?
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Machan! Janu promised to cook biriyani and fish fry tonight da."
Now I understand why he is beaming in happiness. He ran off to finish his work earlier.
Biriyani is bliss!
Yummm..!
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We are welcomed with a heavenly aroma of biriyani even before entering the home. I am surprised to see Vidhu as she didn't tell me that she is coming. I gave control to my nose as it dragged me to the kitchen, and Akash was already there while I was catching up with Vidhu. Janu is applying the seasoning on fish while the cooker in the stove is spreading the mouth-watering aroma. She passed me a knowing smile and pushed us out to get freshen up.
I came out to see all three sitting in the living room sofa and sipping their coffee. I joined them. After a few whistles from the cooker, Janu went inside to switch off the stove. Then soon the aroma of fish fry filled the home.
As we are roaming in front of the kitchen like the spellbound kitten, she sent us out to buy some beverages. And when we almost reached the apartment, she called me and asked to get some betel leaves and pistachio flavoured ice cream. Betel leaves are okay, but I don't know why that damn ice cream is so important now, because I have to go all the way back to the main road to get that ice cream. I dragged Akash along with me as I am a sincere follower of 'Yaan petra inbam peruga ivvaiyagame' (I wanted the whole world to enjoy, what I am enjoying). That saying will give the reverse meaning if we read it sarcastically. He cursed me all the way but accompanied me.
Vidhu suggested us to dine on the terrace. We all agreed as it's been a while since we ate 'Nila-soru' (Moonlight dinner). After the excruciating wait, we are on the way to the terrace. Akash is carrying water bottles and cold sprite, Vidhu is carrying the cooker, Janu had fish fry and spoons and spatula, and I took plates and glasses.
Surprisingly, the terrace is empty, and we placed everything in the middle and sat in a circular formation. I sat between Akash and Vidhu and opposite to Janu. The terrace would always be clean, so we didn't need the blanket. The full moon is due in five days, so the half-moon is generously providing the necessary lighting. Janu then served us the food and we dig-in as soon as we received our plates. Throw your manners in the trash.
IT'S BIRIYANI TIME.
I felt like melting from the first bite as everything was in perfect combination, and the taste is great. The rice and chicken cooked in perfect consistency, and the spices were added at the right amount. The fish fry is little over-spicy, but the taste is too good to notice that.
Thank God! She cooked more quantity, knowing that we all would eat twice if it comes to non-veg. The chill breeze added beauty to our dinner. Janu had been checking everyone often if we need anything. That's so sweet of her. After three plates, I half-heartedly decided to stop stuffing any more. Everyone was sitting with an empty plate like 'full belly bears'.
I mentally noted to run an extra few laps tomorrow. We all washed our plates in the tap at the corner of the terrace and decided to spend some more time here.
I helped Janu to take the dishes back inside. She took a plastic box from the freezer, I raised an eyebrow questioning what it was. But she signalled me to wait. Then, we joined Vidhu and Akash who were settled against the wall, leaning comfortably. Janu sat between them and opened the box with a 'Twon-tua-dain'.
WOW! She made 'sweet beeda' (also popularly known as 'sweet paan,' which is made of dry fruits, betel nut, cashew, pista, gulkand, fennel seeds, and cardamom stuffed inside the edible lime and honey-coated betel leaves).
"Jaans! You are really an angel sent for us directly from heaven you know."
No doubt, that's Akash. And Vidhu agreed too. I chuckled and took a chilled piece and put it into my mouth.
Yum!
She added little ice cream along with other stuffing, and it matched with the taste soooooo well. I signalled her a superb job and took another one. Soon the box turned empty while we chatted about random things.
"Guys let’s play something."
My little sister initiated the idea.
"What do we play?"
Janu looked at all of us in excitement.
"Truth or dare."
Akash chimed, showing the empty sprite bottle in his hand.
It may be a common game, but we never played it as we all decently avoided revealing anything out and we don't want to embarrass ourself with those stupid dares.
"Okay"
Janu agreed immediately looking smugly at Vidhu is glaring at her. Then we too said okay, and the game starts here.
The first time, Janu rolled the bottle, and it turned out to be Vidhu has to ask a question to Akash.
"Truth or dare," Vidhu asked.
"Truth"
Yeah! It would do minimal damage, and no one knew whether it is fully true.
"Tell us about your most embarrassing moment that happened in front of many people."
A ghostly smiled crept on his face.
"While I was studying 10th standard, I used to go to a tuition centre. I always hate maths. One day, the manager of the tuition centre came and introduced a 22 aged woman, as our new maths teacher. I instantly had the crush on her and went to sit on the first row for her lecture.
On the very first lecture, she cracked a hilarious joke while I was drinking water. You know what? I spit it all over her as she just stood in front of me and to my luck, she was wearing a white saree, that day. Everyone burst out in laughter. I couldn't place it, who is embarrassed the most. She or me? Later, I transferred to another tuition centre."
He said with an unfocused smile. We all were laughing here with tears rolling from our eyes. I was picturing everything, and I could very well imagine his face after he spits that water on that poor woman.
"Okay shut up and roll the bottle."
Akash cut off the fun. We straightened up to continue.
I was looking at bottle holding my breath as who knows what will be my question or dare. Now Janu has to answer Vidhu. How my sister gets lucky by always getting into the safe zone?
"Truth or dare."
Janu assessed her for a few seconds and blurted out "Dare."
Really! She is really brave.
Vidhu had a smug look.
"Sing a song for 1 minute."
It's a piece of cake for her, and she really does sing well, but sadly she won't sing often. She smiled and looked at me and started singing.
"Iruppadhu oru manadhu, idhuvarai adhu enadhu.
Enai vittu medhuvaai adhu poga kandaeney...
Idhu oru kanavu nilai... Kalaithida virumbavillai...
Kanavukkul kanavaai ennai naaney kandeney...
Enakenna venum endru, oru vaarththei kelu nindru...
Ini neeyum naanum ondru yena sollum naalum endru....
Malargalai alli vandhu, magizhvudan kaiyyil thandhu...
Manadhinai pagirndhidave aasai kolgindren.
Thaduppadhu enna endru, thavikkudhu nenjam indru.
Nadhiyinil ilaiyena naan thoindhu selgindren.
Arumbugal poovaagum azhagiya maattram.
Aayiram aandaaga pazhagiya thottram.
Oru velli kolusu pola, indha manasu sinungum keela.
Aniyaadha vairam pola, Pudhu naanam minungum mela."
["I've one little heart, which was mine till now.
I could see it going away from me slowly.
This is a dream state, but don't want to disturb it.
I slept and saw myself in my own dream.
Won't you stand and ask me once what I want?
When will it be time to say that you and I are the same?
I desire to share my mind by joyfully giving you a bunch of flowers.
What is stopping me?
My heart is helpless, like a leaf in the river.
I am moving deeply.
Like the beautiful change of a bud becoming a flower,
I am feeling like we are friends for 1000 years.
Like a silver anklet on a leg, this mind is murmuring.
Like an unworn diamond, a new shyness will shine on it."]
She looked at me while singing the first stanza of "Idhayathai Yedho Ondru" by Thamarai, making my heart stop. She sang with the smile, but the intensity of her look whenever she glanced at me made me shiver.
Does she really have these feelings for me?
What is she trying to convey?
We cheered after she stopped. And it's my turn to answer Akash. Please save me from that demon God!
"Truth or dare."
"Truth"
I would never dare to do a dare. He smirked at me before asking.
"Tell us about the recurring dream that you are seeing or seen?"
I absent-mindedly looked at Janu and her lips. She bit her lips looking at me curiously.
Snap out of it Prabhu!
I acted like thinking to cover my face as I couldn't stop smiling while remembering that dream. Yes, I am having that same dream recently.
"I couldn't remember any dream at all."
Janu had a disappointed look. But why! Does she know? I panicked at the thought of her knowing about my censored dream.
"Waste fellow."
Surprisingly, Akash didn't dig it deep.
Next Janu has to ask Akash.
"Truth or dare."
"Truth"
"Name three things that scare you the most."
He smiled widely.
"Complete darkness, Dogs and lizards."
"How dare you tell dogs are the scariest thing? You monkey! They are the cutest creatures in the world."
Janu fake gasped and showed a hurt face. I knew her craze for dogs. But our parents are not interested in a pet, especially a dog as they fear it might hurt us. She loves puppies more than bikes.
Akash and Janu started arguing about the dogs. I waited for a few minutes, but they didn't seem like stopping anytime soon. I signalled Vidhu, the water bottle next to her. She got it immediately, and We mouthed one, two, and three.
'Splash'
I splashed the water on Janu's face, and Vidhu did the honour to Akash. Not the whole bottle just the water capable of filling the cork. They two were now glaring at us, but we already stood up and backed few steps. They started chasing us. Akash easily caught Vidhu and asked her to say sorry, which she said with the relief of not getting drenched in water. Janu, on the other hand, chased me with a full water bottle.
Soon she cornered me, but before she could pour the water, I quickly caught her hand and tilted her hand to empty the bottle. She squealed and tried to shake it, so some water could land on me. But I dodged it, which made her more furious. But I didn't notice Akash behind me who drenched me with a bucket full of cold water. Janu started laughing and clapping. She hi-fived Akash and smirked at me in the victory. I raised my hands in surrender. We all burst into laughter and descended to get some sleep as it is an hour past midnight.
Akash is fast asleep next to me. But all I could think was her singing that song. Is she really ready to give her heart to me? Isn't this so soon? Am I deserving for keep her heart? And so questions popped up in my mind, and I didn't know when I drifted to sleep.
My senses awakened me, being in the same dream with her. But this time, I was the one who initiated the kiss.
My eyes fluttered open by someone shook me. Janu is sitting on the side of the bed. I am so confused. What is she doing here? She smoothens my creased eyebrows with a smirk.
"The same dream" She muttered.
"Uh?"
How did she know I'm having the same dream?
No one can wake up feeling more embarrassed than me!
"Nothing! Wake up! It's 7 in the morning. You are waking up late nowadays."
She smiled at me. I just laid there admiring her smile, making her blush a little.
She got up and walked hesitantly and looked at me shoulder way. Then she turned around and cleared her throat.
What's up with her? Why is she behaving so strange all of a sudden?
"Mama..."
"Hmm yes, Janu?"
My voice sounds so croaky. I yawned and waited for her to spill the matter. She let out a sigh with a determined look and looked at me.
"Don't judge me, okay? Happy valentine’s day!"
She left the room in a flash, leaving me stunned. Soon I was grinning at the wall in front of me. I got ready quickly and saw Akash with the mobile in his hand. Janu called us for breakfast. Vidhu joined us. Janu served us Idiyappam with Veg kurma and spicy garlic chutney. We all savoured breakfast then Akash and I left for the office.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I worked in great haste and excitement. I didn't wish her back. But no matters what, today is the day I am going to spend some quality time with my wife. I hope she will come with me. I finished my work by 3 noon and started bickering my manager to give me permission for the rest of the day. After about 30 minutes, he told me to get lost as I didn't let him do any work.
She told me that she would go to the temple at this time, but I found her sandals outside the door.
Good! She is at home.
I opened the door with my set of keys as I wanted to surprise her. I didn't get any gifts or flowers because I don't want her to feel overwhelmed.
Gifts can be given to make moments memorable and to make one feel loved. But it shouldn't be given in the sense of bribe, like expecting something in return. I do expect her time now, so I didn't get anything. It's actually degrading one's value while expecting favours in return of stupid gifts.
I slowly opened the door, and I grinned at the sight in front of me. Janu passed out on the sofa, hugging a pillow to her chest. I can't resist myself from admiring her beautiful features. I stroked her cheek very slowly with my fingers. But she fluttered her eye open, and I thought she would be scared to see me all of a sudden, but this woman never failed to amaze me because she smiled at me lovingly. I reflected her action. She sat up, rubbing her eyes.
"I think my short nap extended to a long sleep."
She said with a smile in her sleepy deep voice.
"No. You didn't sleep long. I came home earlier."
I stroked her hair and sat next to her leaving some decent distance. She looked at me in confusion.
"You came earlier" she muttered, and suddenly her eyes widened. But soon she turned her head away, noticing the changes in my facial expression.
"Where is Vidhu?" I asked her casually, looking around as found no trace of her.
"ah... umm.. Vidhu... Haan... Vidhu went to... "
I guess I know where she would be, to be exact, I know with whom she is now. So this is the reason why my wife got panicked. She knew, and they two didn't think about sharing it to me. I shook my head and let it go.
"Hey, chill! It's okay. She might have gone out. She will be back soon. Don't panic!"
She looked at me in half-relief and half-suspicion.
"Get ready. We are going out." I stated. And she looked at me in confusion.
Now what?
She has to get out of her sleepy trance. God! This dumb version of Janu is so cute and little irritating at the same time.
'Did you say something?' Was her reply. I nodded and stood up, pulling her up and pushing her towards her room.
"Get ready and hurry up! We are going out."
She went to her room. I quickly made coffee, so she would be a bit more brisk. I knocked softly on her room before entering and found her asleep on her bed.
Didn't I say hurry up to this sweet idiot?
I kept the coffee in the bedside table and sat on the bed next to her, patted her arm. She turned around and looked at me quizzically and frowned.
"Are you real?"
She asked sleepily.
Damn!
She was thinking that she is dreaming.
God! Kill me!
I chuckled in response and asked her to sit up. She did. I handed over the coffee. She looked at my face and started sipping it. After a few sips, she looked away, but I noticed her blush.
Finally, she is awake. I muttered a 'get ready' and went out to give her some time to let out her embarrassment. Her blush is becoming my weakness. And knowing that I am the reason for her blush, shaking my last bit of self-control.
Till last night, I didn't have any clue about where to take her. But last night I got an idea about today. I freshened up and decided to go with a white shirt and grey jeans.
With one last glance at the mirror, I proceeded to the living room. Our doors opened simultaneously, she came out in a maroon coloured anarkali which highly complimented her light skin. She looks so stunning.
I smiled at her and extended my hand for her. She shook her head with a smile looking down and looked at me with a bright smile before taking my hand. We gave a set of keys to neighbour aunty, so Vidhu doesn't need to stand out if we got late.
As soon as we got into the car, she asked about the destination impatiently. I smiled at her and told 'That's a surprise' in a hushed tone. Her eyes sparkled, and she let go of the topic and sat calmly while I drove with the company of ARR music.
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"Are you serious mama!" She shouted as soon as we reached our destination. If you hadn't guessed yet, I brought her to a pet adoption centre. I was so happy to see her excitement and happiness. I nodded my head.
"Wait! Are we here to see them or shall we get one? Please tell we can adopt a little buddy! Please! Please!"
How can I deny my wife's first wish? This is the first time after marriage she asked me to get her something.
"Yes, we are going to take a little buddy home. But only one. We will think about another one later." I said in a strict tone. But she started sobbing and pulled me into a hug. I stiffened yet stroked her hair in understanding. Her love for a pet is way more than I expected.
"Let's go inside, Janu!" She quickly pulled away and hopped out of the car and started making her way inside. I joined her, and she is already enquiring about which way to go to see dogs.
I remember she used to befriend every pet dogs in our street, and even some stray dogs will follow her till home because she will give them food wherever possible, which was against our parent's approval. She never cared about our parent's opinion when it comes to dogs. She will easily befriend a street dog without much effort. On the other hand, I am a little afraid of big dogs. Now the puppy we are going to adopt will help me get used to it and when it grew bigger, I won't feel uncomfortable.
An assistant leads us to a garden like an area. I hope they tied every dog. She saw every puppy in complete awe, and now she was confused to select one as she loves every puppy here.
Out of nowhere, suddenly a Pomeranian dog ran towards us. I got panicked, and before I could warn Janu, the dog came to a halt in front of her. I watched the scene in horror. God! I couldn't see her getting hurt, so I took a step forward, but it bared its teeth, making me freeze. Janu looked at my state and laughed. She had the nerve to laugh. Soon a man ran panting from the same direction as the dog and asked us to be cautious as he is little ferocious for a Pomeranian breed. That's it! Our parents are going to kill me after knowing how I put their dear daughter in danger.
Janu whistled at the dog catching its attention. It growled but looked at her for any threat from her. She snapped at fingers and called it to come near her. Has she lost her mind!
"Janu, no!" I said loudly, but the dog barred his teeth in my direction again like telling me to shut up, I felt so restless.
She again called him with a smile. He took assessing steps before sitting near her. She patted his head with 'Good puppy'.
I looked at her in disbelief.
Woah! How did she do that?
"Seriously Janu! Does he look like a puppy?"
I asked annoyed. He growled, but she hugged him and sat down, placing him in on her lap. I looked around to see whether I am the only one to think like this and found those two staffs looking at her amused. The dog let out a sigh and kept his head over her lap and laid silently.
"This is actually 5 months puppy sir."
A staff who brought us here broke the silence. On seeing my suspicious look, he smiled and said "He has a healthy appetite that's why he looks little big."
I mentally underlined the world little. He is nowhere near little. He looks like a grown-up dog, not a puppy.
"Mama, shall we take him home? Please!"
I wanted to say no. But I couldn't deny it. We did the paper works and bought a few necessary things for him. She sat on the back seat with her puppy.
Damn it! I brought her here to reduce the distance between us, but that stupid dog separated her from me. She sat next to me while coming here but now she moved to back seat for him. But the happiness on her face is all I wanted. She is sitting there like she had won the world cup.
God! Why I am even jealous of a dog?
We reached home, me being silent, and she petted the dog with all endearments in the world.
She put the leash on his neck as soon as we reached the apartment. He smelled the surroundings and started barking as soon as we entered the home on seeing Vidhu. Vidhu neither loves pet nor hates it. She looked at us, stunned to see the new addition to the family.
"Amma will kill you two if she knows about it."
Janu grinned and patted him and went near Vidhu after warning her to stand still. He sniffed her and sat near her legs like a cute innocent dog. Vidhu instantly liked him, and both of them started petting him.
Laughter filled the home, making my heart swell. Nothing could make you feel content like seeing the happiness of your loved ones. They two were playing with him without caring for the world. I started liking that pup. Also, I am happy that my wife loves my valentines' day present.
I didn't reply to her with words in the morning but did it with my actions now. I have been trying to stop myself from falling for you for a long period of time Mrs.Janaki. Now I don't have to stop myself anymore! I smiled at that thought and entered the kitchen to make dinner.