Tiptoeing towards love

25

Kanimozhi

"Take care, okay? I will be back after two weeks. And don't get sad when you can't reach out to me through mobile. I would be extremely busy to attend it sometimes. But once I get time, I will contact you myself, fine?" I nod dejectedly as I stare at him while standing outside the car.

He then starts the car and the glass ascends, hiding his face slowly from my view. My heart hurts...

It physically pains me. Right in my chest, I can feel the heaviness. Is this business trip so important than me? I wanted to throw a tantrum and force him to stay with me. But If I did that, he would think that I'm immature which he has already fixed in his mind. I don't want to come off as an even more brainless person so I had to curb my emotions and let him carry on with his business trip.

Once the car disappears from the campus, I slowly turn on my heels and gloomily approach the class. How could I stay without him? I know dependency is something many people wouldn't appreciate but I want someone with me all the time.

Especially my mama...

I want him to be with me always.

He is all I have.

Getting inside the class, I seat beside Priya who was unsurprisingly indulged in her books. But I disturb her by poking at her arms. She turns to me and quirks her eyebrows, questioningly.

"Mama went on a business trip. I have to stay alone in our home for the upcoming two weeks," I say out my worry and feel a little less burdened.

"Oh...I would've given you company If not for the strict hostel rules," I shake my head, impliedly telling her that it's alright.

The rest of the day in the college went as usual with heeding to the lectures and writing notes. At the departure time, the driver uncle arrives sharply and I hop inside the car after bidding bye to my friends.

Staring at the evening glow through the window, I prepared myself to adjust to the idea that my mama won't be in our home for the next two weeks. Upon attaining the home, I was shocked to see my maternal grandparents.

"Sweetheart," Grandma hugs me as soon as she sees me appear in the lounge. Grandpa was lying leisurely on the couch and was watching television. But as he notices me, he stands up as well with a loving smile on his face.

He pats my head as grandma leaves me. "How are you?" He questions kindly. "Fine," I smile slightly and looked at both of them confusedly.

"...Parthi said that he will be out of state for a few weeks and asked us to accompany you," I nod my head as Grandma explains.

"Freshen up and come, I will prepare tea," Grandma says and Grandpa leaves to the couch again, resuming to watch the television.

Despite the smile on their faces, I could see past their facade. It's been over a month since I'm married and they didn't even bother to check in on me.

I wasn't aware of their true nature until that day when they hesitated to stay with me after my mother's demise...

Aren't I their granddaughter? How could they even think of leaving me while I was undergoing a tragic moment in my life? But it's fine as it revealed what they actually were beneath the layer they bear.

And the good part is that it let me know of who truly loved and cared for me. My Parthi mama...

Speculating of him, I ascend the stairs and enter the room, locking it behind me as I fall on the bed after placing my backpack beside me.

I miss him.

Turning sideways, I rummage into my backpack and slid the phone out. I contacted him and put the phone to my ear but he didn't attend. I was displeased but wasn't very saddened as I kept my expectations at a minimum while deciding to ring him.

He did say that he most likely wouldn't be able to pick up my call. But will he really be so busy that he couldn't even attend a mere call? Does he not respond to his business-related calls as well?

Or is it that he's purposely not attending my call? Why would he do that though?

As I was overthinking and troubling myself, the phone suddenly rings out and I quickly swipe the green icon. It was my Parthi mama!

"Mama...I miss you," I blurt out as soon as I latch the phone to my ear. "Already?" He chuckles lightly.

"You don't?" I ask back and he hums in reply. "You won't lose anything If you put it out in words you know..." I say sarcastically, rolling my eyes at his reluctance to voice out that he misses me.

"...how was your day?" He blatantly ignores my comment and questions. Sighing, I respond to him in a lazy tone. "It was boring mama," he says an 'oh' on the other side.

"Grandparents are here. Said you asked them to come here," I utter and mama replies swiftly. "Yeah, let them take care of you in my absence," he says with a tinge of anger.

"...You threatened them or what?" I amuse, my eyes expanding. "No Mozhi ma. I just told them that I would sell the mansion they dwell in and would cut off the monetary supply. And suddenly, they were more than willing to take care of you," I chuckle at his words and hold the phone closer to my mouth.

"Mama..." I whisper and he remains silent.

"Give me one kiss..." I trail off lowly and he lets out a small sigh on the other end before talking calmly,

"...poi padikra velaiya paaru Mozhi,"
(Go and look after your studies Mozhi...)" I groan, his composed tone stirring an urge in me to see him.

"I will not unless you give me a kiss and don't you dare disconnect the call mama! You know what I'm capable of, right?" I say seriously.

"...Sure I do. As in running to the room and slamming the door shut? Or going on a fasting until you get what you desire? Very mature, indeed," I pout involuntarily at his mockery.

"Mama..." I hiss and he laughs lightly.

"Seri ma, mama ku koncham vela iruku, (Okay ma, mama has some works to do,) so..." I sigh furiously before biting back. "I get it, mama. You do your work, I will not disturb you again," I disconnect the call and roll on the bed, frustrated.

He kissed me like a madman that day and now he's refusing to give me a small kiss through the phone, acting as If he's a very laid-back man.

Well, I wonder how long he could maintain this guise of a noble man.

_______________________

Thoughts about the story so far?