CHAPTER 50

Janaki's POV

We both woke up late as we were so busy experimenting with our new-found bliss all night in new ways. We rushed to our destination but managed to reach there on time. I got special permission for my leave as one of my professors gave me a letter to do evening classes instead of going classes in the next batch, which would highly avoid the delay in the commencement of my articleship training.

Vidhu laughed hard upon seeing me and rubbed my stomach, hinting at the drama back home. I couldn't help but join her as it was the most hilarious thing happened in my life. I knew it hurt our parents a little, but they should really stop jumping into conclusions without giving time to think.

She filled me what happened last week quickly, and I did the same. She was overexcited for her lunch date with Ajay today. Their relationship is a rollercoaster ride because she will curse him with all the decent words when they had a fight and the next day she will call him with all the sweetest endearments after they fix the problem. I dropped her in the hostel and went to attend my compensation classes.

It was five in the evening when I reached home. I casually opened the door with my key and closed it whistling a random tone. I startled, and my butt kissed the floor on seeing three familiar faces in the living room. Next second, my ears filled with a burst of laughter. One glare is enough to shut my husband, but Vidhu's laughter is loudest accompanied by Ajay's silent laughter.

I feel surprised to see them here, well shocked to see this trio as my mind started throwing so many assumptions also confused as my husband and Ajay's face have few bruises.

Did these two idiots got caught during their date?

What in this blue spherical world did my husband doing here in his office timing?

How did they get wounded?

They didn't get into a fight? Right?

But Ajay's purple right cheek and a bandaged left chin and my husband's purple eye and his band-aided forehead are making my imaginations go wild.

I didn't even realise that I am looking at them with wide-eyed and opened mouthed expression without moving a muscle from the floor. My husband knelt before me and snapped his finger before my eyes. I shook my head and looked at his face. On looking closer, I found his lower lip had a cut and a little swelling in his right chin.

His 'trying-hard-to-control-the laughter' face turned into loving one on looking at my concerned face. After realising I am not over my shock, he held my hand and helped me up. I control my urge to caress his face and kiss his bruises as we have spectators. I removed my backpack and went near Ajay to examine him. He too had few swelling, and there are two icepacks and empty coffee cups on the table. We became close in these past few weeks as he had joined us for breakfast all these days, which gave us the opportunity to get to know each other more. And he made me feel comfortable by dragging me into every conversation, making sure I am not left behind as a fifth wheel.

I looked at Vidhu now looking down, and she is sitting next to Ajay. Prabhu mama sat on the other sofa and took an icepack to nurse his swelling. Finally, my mind took control and voiced out "Anyone care to explain what's going on here?"

 Three of them looked at each other, but no one spoke.

"What are you doing here in your office hours?"

 I asked my husband, who raised his eyebrow but winced in pain.

I shook my head and looked at Ajay and raised my eyebrow.

"I don't have any important work today. So I took off after submitting my report. I took Vidhya to lunch and we decided to spend some more time together."

I looked at him in shock as Ajay is speaking as if my husband is not here. I looked to my side and found my husband looking at me with narrowed eyes.

"I know." 

 Prabhu mama gritted out.

"What!" 

 I blurted out and covered my mouth immediately.

"How did you get all these bruises?" 

 I asked, looking between Ajay and my husband. Their eyes hardened at that mention making a chill run down my spine.

"They won't tell! How could they tell?" 

 Vidhu asked sarcastically, yet anger is evident in her voice, and she continued, "About an hour before, I asked Ajay to drop me at the hostel from CCD. While we were in parking, few men came there and parked their bike blocking our way. I politely asked one person to move their bike, but they teased me instead. If Ajay had simply ignored it, there wouldn't be any problem. But he was too fast to held his collar and threatened him to apologise. Soon his friends backed him and stood there challenging."

She paused to glare at Ajay who visibly gulped and looked away. I laughed mentally in spite of all these things in her behaviour.

"He is thinking himself as Captain America! Pushing me behind him, he punched his jaw. Then all hell broke loose. At least he should have let me help him as we knew karate but his male pride stopped and soon he was held by four men and the person who teased me walked towards me. I stood calm as I knew, I am going to break a few of his bones. But out of nowhere he got a kicked and landed on the road."

She paused and glared at my husband, who is already looking at the ceiling as if observing some artwork.

"Then these two kicked their asses and took them to the police station.."

"What?"

"Yeah! They aren't satisfied with their beating. They made me give a police complaint and brought me here. Then I cleaned and nursed their wounds and gave few ice packs. Over-reacting idiots!"

She told accusingly and muttered the last part under her breath.

"I heard it" 

 Ajay and Prabhu mama said simultaneously and exchanged a small smile.

I looked at my husband and crossed my hands across my chest.

"Are you out of your mind? Did she have to go to court till they give judgement leaving all her classes behind? Did you even think about our parent's reaction when they know that she gave police complaint on few rogues? What about her safety? For God sake, she is staying in the hostel alone. She could take down three to four men, but what if more of them troubled her? Why didn't you think about the sensitivity of the issue?"

 I glared at him while shooting him with questions. He looked calm, and he stood up to approach me.

"Hey, calm down, darling. She is just exaggerating everything. We just put a few rascals in their place. CCD manager called the police and for the formality, we went and explained what happened. She didn't give the complaint in writing, just nodded her head for our explanation. The police officer told that they would have their turn and send them back home tomorrow. I know the sensitivity of the issue and managed to convince the police officer to not file FIR. Happy now?"

He rubbed my hand soothingly while talking and stuck his tongue out towards Vidhu, who reflected his action and turned her face another side. I sighed and sat next to Vidhu.

Why did they make it as such a big issue when a simple adjusting action would have stopped all these things?

"Darling uh?"

 Vidhu teased in a low voice.

"Yeah! Just like Vellakatti!"

 I responded with her nickname in a low voice, and she instantly shut her mouth. But Ajay might have heard it as his neck reddened and he was looking at the opposite direction to us. I stood up and took the empty cup.

"Who wants hot chocolate?"

 Everyone raised their hand.

I smiled and went inside the kitchen. I thought My husband would follow me, but Vidhu came inside instead. She gave me a big hug, and a squeal escaped her mouth in low volume.

"I almost fainted on seeing Anna there. But he didn't ask me anything till now. He spoke with Ajay casually. He even indirectly threatened him by telling that he will beat whoever hurt his little sister just the way he did at CCD. But Ajay as always used his calm composure charm. I think Anna likes Ajay."

I just nodded my head as I worried about his reaction with me. Yesterday, I told him about Nandhini stating 'no-secrets' between us. But this matter slipped from my mind yesterday. Hope, he will take it easy. He spoke with me normally, but still, he might not want to show his anger in front of his sister. His endearment somewhat calmed me. But I will get peace only after speaking with him about this.

Ajay and Vidhu left after a few minutes as it was getting late for them. My husband didn't stop when Ajay told him that he would drop Vidhu in the hostel but just stated that he trusts Ajay. Both of their faces brightened on that. Vidhu thanked her anna with a hug. After biding them bye, he went into our room to mail his manager about the meeting. Actually, he went to meet a client about their current project this afternoon. On his way back to the office, he saw Ajay and Vidhu and just like that, our hero entered to save those two.

I silently laughed at that thought and stirred the rice that's boiling in the stove. I dropped the spatula with a yelp when two arms circled my waist suddenly. He chuckled and pulled me closed to his body and planted a long kiss below my ear. I reflexively tilted my head to give him more access. He started kissing and nibbling my shoulder. I closed my eyes and gave into this sweet sensation. He paused, kissing and placed his chin on my shoulder.

"Mama, I am sorry... for not telling about them to you earlier."

 He chuckled and pulled away and lightly smacked the back of my head.

"You don't have to apologise for that. I already have guessed about their relationship."

 He stated thoughtfully. I just smiled and resumed chopping veggies. We stayed in comfortable silence and had our dinner chatting about anything and everything.

Days flew in a flash. With my extra classes, I feel so overwhelmed. He seemed to notice that as he often ask me if I was okay. I will always reply to him that I was fine. He made sure to spend more time in each other's embrace and made love every night. It's already Friday now. I got five friends at the extra classes, and they are so sweet. And they love my cooking. I used to bring extra food to share with them.

I quickly made my way down after the class got over. Yehhhh! I am going to spend the weekend with my sweet beloved darling bed. As I compensated the last week classes with this week, from Monday onwards, I could attend only the morning class, which is a great relief.

Zihan, one of my new friends from the evening batch, came shouting at me.

"Hey Akka (sister), can you drop me at the railway station. Please."

 He put his puppy dog eyes, which is hard to resist. He is doing CA straight out of school who had cleared both foundation and intermediate in the first attempt. Unlike I and Vidhu took our three years to enjoy our college life. He is a younger brother anyone would die for because he is not the torturing type but caring type, and for a nineteen-year-old boy, he is still short and cute.

"Hurry up! Get on, Zee!"

 I rushed him.

"Thank you, Akka."

 He shouted and quickly hopped on.

I started driving, and he kept on ranting about one of his school memory. And by the time we reached, he looked down and kept silent.

"Bye da. See you later."

 I said with the same relief and enthusiasm for my short holiday. But he was still silent.

"Hey, Zee! Are you okay?"

 I asked concerned. He looked up, and I found his eyes welled up, but he is trying to mask his face with happiness.

"Bye, Akka. Don't forget me!"

 He was about to turn around, I pulled his wrist and removed my helmet.

"Zee! What's wrong with you?"

 His lips quivered, and tears started flowing profusely. I was shocked, and I don't know what to do.

"I will miss you, Akka."

 He choked on his sob and hugged my hand.

God!

My eyes softened, and I tried consoling him. But he was continuously crying.

It's like we met someone on a train journey and instantly bonded too close to them. The feel that rise in our heart when our destination getting close as we have to get down knowing there are almost zero chances to meet this wonderful person ever again; our heart would even yearn why this travel was so short. It's just pure companionship that we enjoyed with the presence of each other made us behave more like us without any mask. That comfort! That bonding! That contentment!

That's what he is feeling now, and I could totally understand him. I did the only thing that came to my mind.

"Zee, if you stop crying, I will drop you directly at your home. So we could spend a few more minutes together. What do you say?"

 He quickly stopped crying and rubbed his cheeks with the back of his palms and hopped on my bike.

I smiled internally and listened to his conversation this time more keenly as my heart felt heavy on seeing him crying. We never shared anything about the family side, but it didn't stop our gang from having fun.

It was twenty-five minute drive. And when I dropped him, I found his home locked.

"Where are your parents, Zee?"

 I asked him. He was silent for a minute and invited me inside. His home is a small but cosy and independent one. It was a little creepy to go to the home of one week friend yet I went inside as I too was in urgency to use the restroom. When I relieved myself and came out. I found him coming out of the kitchen with two coffee tumblers.

"Umm... Where are your parents, Zee? Are both of them do work?"

 I asked him curiously as the interior was so clean yet every single thing had the hint of old generation taste.

He stood up abruptly and signalled me to follow him. I did. He opened a door, and it happened to be the Pooja room. I looked at the direction of his finger, and a wave of shock and sadness washed over me on finding a photo of a couple with the flower garland.

"When I was four years old, they went to God in an accident and went to Allah. My thatha is the one who is raising me. He still works overtime to run the family. My educational fees were paid by a trust. I never told anyone about my family. But you have this motherly aura.

You are the first one who I remember feeding food to me. My thatha was so keen on running behind the money. I can't blame him, but I always had this starving for affection.

Everybody pities me. I never asked for it. I studied in a Government school. I don't have any friends there because I was too much into studies and they saw me like an alien. Same goes with all my CA classes. These ITT classes were like a boon to me. You guys didn't ask me anything but gave your friendship to me. The thought of not seeing you again made me feel so weak. I am not such an expressive type, Akka. But I wanted to share everything with you. Don't pity me. But please stay in contact with me. Okay?"

 He asked hopefully.

I controlled my tears as I didn't want him to think that I am pitying him. Once I accidentally slammed the door to our lab without seeing his finger there, and his two fingers got stuck. He wailed in pain but soon composed himself to make me feel better as I was apologising him continuously. He couldn't even eat with his sore fingers. Due to guiltiness, I offered to spoon feed him that day as he struggled to eat. I mistook his welled up eyes for pain, but now I realise they shone in happiness that day.

"I promise, Zee. You are my little brother. Welcome to the family."

 I gave him a bear hug and patted his shoulder.

We finished our coffee while I told him about my childhood mischiefs. I found a book on the study table names 'A third serving of chicken soup for the soul' in Tamil version. I heard about this book is a heart touching one. I flipped the pages aimlessly. He came out changed into a t-shirt and sweatpants.

"Do you read this? Or is it your thatha's book?"

 I asked doubtfully.

"I do read this book. I have the whole series. It's a gift from one of the competitions I won."

 He chuckled and sat on the other chair.

"Oh, that's great! Everybody tells this book has a compilation of heart touching incidents. Is that true?"

 I asked curiously as my main time killer is books. And I would love books like these.

"Yes, it has the wonderful collections of the people's hearts which would strongly affect our heart! Shall I tell you the story that affected my heart the most? But I am not good at storytelling, but I will shortly tell you the core of that incident."

 He asked eagerly. I nodded my head with equal enthusiasm.

"Somewhere in this big world, a church Father is wide awake at the middle of the night on Christmas eve. He wanted to make sure everything is perfect as the next day was Christmas. He finally gave up the idea of sleeping and walked around and overlooked the arrangement being made by the people. He was contented with their arrangements and walked further while looking at everything and ensuring even every small thing were in its place.

He was shocked to see the idol of Baby Jesus missing. He got panicked as the Baby Jesus is very important for the Christmas. He sends the people to check everywhere at the same time, he wants it to be confidential as it would spoil the reputation of the church.

The search hunt went on for the next few hours. When the Father was almost at the verge of losing his hope, he saw a small boy coming towards him with the biggest smile. He knew this boy belongs to a poor family. So the Father returns his smile, masking his pressure. The boy happily shows the present he got to the Father. The Father patted the boy and looked at his small toy train that had a handle to pull. But a small bundle covered in a towel caught Father's attention.

He quickly takes the bundle and uncovers it. He was shocked and relieved to find the Baby Jesus idol. But soon his shock turned into anger, and he slapped the boy, yelling that he had done a big sin of stealing god's idol.

The boy was startled by the kind Father's sudden outburst of anger. Drops and drops of tears flew from his cheek. The Father shook the boy to tell the reason for stealing the idol. The boy slowly told the Father that he promised to take the Baby Jesus for the first round if he gets this train for Christmas, which he has wanted for the past three years. And he got the gift and to fulfil his promise to god he took the Baby Jesus for the first round across church and also he wrapped the towel to save the Baby Jesus form snow. The Father instantly felt guilty and apologised to the boy."

He finished and looked at me. It's indeed heart touching. My eyes got its own mind to open the tap. Zee patted my head and let me borrow the book.

"People judge someone too quick just with a look. But we never know what is that person's real intention unless they tell us."

 I nodded my head in agreement as words were stuck in my throat, which had a huge blockage from sadness.

I started home after making him promise for coming to my home next week. He being shy denied first then agreed after my persistent bickering. Prabhu mama will surely love him. And Zee too needs someone like my man to bring him out of his shell. He deserves more than this. My heart was heavy after listening to that story and the reality of Zee's life. I drove back home in deep thoughts.

While I was about to insert the key, My mobile vibrated in my bag and the door opened before I dig the mobile out. A sigh of relief escaped from my husband's mouth, and he pulled me into a tight hug. He scolded me for scaring him as the time was thirty minutes past seven in the night.

I didn't notice the time and forgot to text him about my visit to Zee's home. Then I kissed his fears away passionately and told him everything happened in past hours hugging him in a tight embrace. My small gesture of affections means a lot to Zee. Likewise, that boy fulfilled his promise for that small gift he received. Sometimes in our life, very small things and small gestures mean a lot to us.

We decided to go out for dinner. Prabhu mama suggested we take our bike so we could go for a long drive after dinner, which I eagerly agreed to. But I didn't expect for that sweet surprise waiting for me after dinner.