The Unsaid

Chapter 15

The cool fresh morning breeze brushed Prithvi as he got down the car. Here and there, tiny dew drops adorned the grass on the ground like pearls in a chain. He took a deep breath, enjoying the crisp and cold surroundings. Pallavi's parent's house stood serenely amidst the grey dawn.  A colorful Muggu(design) adorned the ground in front of the gate with the words, "Happy Sankrathi". He walked slowly, careful not to spoil the Muggu, to the gate but found that there was a lock. He tapped on the handle repeatedly, making a loud noise, to alert. His mother in law opened the door, saw him and rushed out smiling. Prithvi smiled back at her. His heart beat a little faster, wondering what Pallavi must be doing at this time.

"Prithvi. Ee time lo car nadipera?  Lopalaki Randi." (Prithvi, did you drive at this time. Come inside.")

He should be tired by driving in the night but perhaps it was the excitement of seeing Pallavi, he was very much alert at this time.

"Is Pallavi still sleeping?"

"No, she is getting ready for the Puja. Here, let me carry your bag inside."

"No no, I can carry it," Prithvi replied and quickly walked into Pallavi's room. He could hear the water running from the bathroom as he rested the bag on the side of the wall. Holding on to the window grill, he glanced outside the open window. Things change. People change. He changed. He was eager to see her and surprise her, very unlike the time before his marriage when his mother had forced him to see her.

He heard the latch behind him open and turned around. Surprise and happiness was evident on Pallavi's face for a split second and he almost approached her in response. But she quickly masked the reaction and instead stared at him with a steely look. Ignoring his presense, she grabbed the blue pattu saree on the bed and started wearing it hastily. He pressed his teeth and stood at his ground, folding his arms. She was still cross at him when he had ample reason to be angry at her as well.

She went out of the room and started helping her mother. He too got ready and chitchatted with his father-in-law about business. Miss Bigeyes was acting a little too friendly with him in front of her parents, he noticed.  They were eating breakfast of pongal and garalu when they received a call from Karthik.

Pallavi connected the computer to the webcam. Karthik and his wife exchanged pleasantries with him after which Pallavi and her parents continued chatting with Karthik. It felt good to see Pallavi like that; she seemed herself, lost in her chatter and oblivious to the world around her. He was going to be there for only two days, but his stay was surprisingly pleasant so far. He had been worried about leaving his village and work but frankly, he too needed a break. Within his village, his brain was always active, stressed to get as much done, as possible.

"Let's go fly kites outside!" she said excitedly and dragged everyone outside of the house in the evening. She played like a child, giggling with the neighbouring kids. Prithvi also grabbed a kite and felt his heart sour along with it.

As soon as they were alone in their room, her cold attitude returned. She was still upset with him, he knew, but she also needed to understand that she shouldn't just leave without telling like that. He held on to his computer, sitting on the chair beside the bed, resisting the urge to be the first to speak; after-all he was the one who travelled all the way for her. And instead of being happy, she was acting all indifferent! After changing into a long nightie, she slept on the edge of the bed, making him even more irritated. He closed his laptop and lay on the other edge of the bed, trying to sleep. He closed his eyes, wondering if he should give up. A truce at this time would be so good, but no, he won't be the first to give in.

Sleep finally overpowered him and he closed his eyes. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain on his back. "Ah," he woke up with a start and turned around. Pallavi layed glaring at him with reddened eyes. He stared at her as her sharp nails approached his arms and she pinched him again. "Ouch! Rakshashi"  ("Ouch! You Devil ") He cried out holding her hands. She narrowed her eyes and got ready for another attack when he held her hands, pinned her down and kissed her without warning. She pushed him off and sat upright, her face quivering in anger.  He blinked a couple of times before rubbing his eyes and shaking his head. Huh?