The Unsaid

Chapter 14

Jaya stared at Prithvi for a few seconds, then shook her head and entered the house from the backyard. Prithvi sped down the stairs, gritting his teeth and shaking with anger.

"When did she go? How long is she going to stay there?"

"Didn't she tell you that?" His mother eyed him curiosly, wiping her wet hands on her Pallu and settling in the sofa to take a breather.

Prithvi exhaled and slumped into the sofa and asked, "Did seenu go with her?"

"Yes, the car was free." Jaya sat across in the sofa opposite to him and said, "She told me that you said you asked her to go for two weeks."

Silently cursing within himself, he observed his mother, who looked frail and tired. "Why don't you hire a servant, mom? How much can you do? Especially when you don't have enough help?" And when you have a daughter in law who loves escaping to her parents at every opportunity!

Jaya smiled back at him. "Work keeps me busy and active; no need for a servant. By the way, her mother called and was asking for you to come for festival."

"I can't mom. You know we have celebrations in our village that I cannot miss."

"Atleast go for a couple of days and get her back for the last day of the festival."

Pritvhi was silent for a few seconds before he murmured , "I'll think about it."

~

The door bell rang as Pallavi pressed on the switch restlessly. "Not sure why she is taking this long." She muttered to Seenu who stood beside her with her bag just as the door opened.

For a few seconds, Pallavi stared at her mother as Vijaya's expressions ranged from surprise, happiness to confusion.

"Amma!" Pallavi flashed her mother a dramatic smile.

"Pallavi!" Vijaya moved aside as her daughter and Seenu walked inside. Seenu placed her suitcase in a corner.

"Avunu Pallavi Ne!"("Yeah. It is Pallavi!") She hugged her mother.

"Mari, Prithvi?" ("What about Prithvi?")

She broke away from the embrace and said in a light tone, "He didn't come. Same old excuse. Lot of work... blah blah blah.

"That's ok. I know how busy Prithvi is with his work. He will come when he has time." Jaya said.

"Vadina, I will go now." Seenu said.

"You can leave after dinner Seenu," Pallavi replied, her tone cautious.

"No Vadina. I will be sleepy if I eat and drive. Better if I eat after I get back." He started towards the door.

"Arey, atleast have some tea before you start again." Pallavi said, following Seenu.

"I am used to driving twenty hours before break. This is nothing." Seenu said boostfully.

"Vasthanu Amma," ("Bye madam") Seenu said glancing behind Pallavi at her mother.

Vijaya threw a brief smile at him before replying, "Tea thagi veldugani le Seenu." "Go after having tea Seenu."

Pallavi wondered at her mother. Such generosity from her for people like Seenu was a rare occurance.

"No no. Thank you." He swiftly left from there, throwing an understanding, good-bye smile at Pallavi.

Pallavi walked around the house. The house did not change from the last time she had visited; the same cushions on the sofa, the same items in the entertainment center, the same stool by the shoe rack. Everything was in order and not a bit of dirt could be spotted anywhere. Her wedding family photo was placed in the center, its strategic location drawing more eyes towards it rather than the photo of her brother's wedding, placed on the far right corner. Do my parents love me more than Karthik? She wondered.