Thoorigai

Prologue

Mullai was cursing openly on how late she was to her class. She was literally running to avoid scowled look from Tips mam, when she collided with a hard chest. A pair of arms prevented her from falling backwards after she recoiled. Lifting her head, she met familiar eyes of Deeraj but it lacked its usual calm and looked cold.

"Dee nee inum class pogama enna panra? First period free'a enna?.

Anyways thanks for not letting  me fall. Aparama pakalam. See ya", she muttered while continuing to walk.

"Rendu nimisham pesanum un kita", Deeraj said in a cold, distant voice that made her stop in her track

"Ipova? Already sema late. Tips mam kita dose vanganun. We shall talk later. Seriya? Bye"

"But you don't have time to talk to us these days", his usually smooth voice roared.

Mullai's head thumped in pain because of his elevated voice. She had a bad night and was running late to her wireless communication class. She didn't have energy to face him now.

She let out a frustrated breath, turned around to face him.

"What's with you and Kathir?", he asked and Mullai's nose scrunched at his words but she restrained herself from uttering a swear word

"Mullai, he is bad news. Stay away from him", he warned.

"Come on Dee. We just are going to do a project together. That's all. Why do you even bring his name?"

"I'm your friend and that's what a good friend would do", he defended himself.

"Thanks for your concern. Aana ippo Edhuku avana pathi pesarenu Enaku puriyala."

Before he could respond "Dei, I got to go now. Please, namba idha pathi aparam pesalam. We can meet after college today? Seriya?"

"Ok. We will go to dinner and dance club tonight then", and she nodded positive with her thumbs up "Deal"

"Hope you have no excuses this time", he muttered in a low, angry voice. He threw his empty coffee cup near the dustbin and walked away without casting another glance.

She stared at his back for few seconds

"Mara kalanducha ivankuku? Why bring Kathir's name now? I'm already frustrated I need to work with him. Idhula ivan vera", she said to herself and walked towards her class.

As she entered, she was relieved to see Thirupurasundari mam not in class yet.

"Finally something good for today", she let out a exasperated breath. Mullai dropped her books in the desk and collapsed into her chair.

"I thought I was late. Ma'am inum varala?", Mullai asked Mary, as she settled down. Her eyes involuntarily turned back to notice Kathir's bench empty.

She noticed the class suddenly become quiet and turned back to face Thirupura Sundari mam, their wireless communication teacher standing in the front. She was short with slightly gray hair. She didn't look her usual mean self and looked lost.

"Enna madam Kathir'a thedariya?", Mary whispered.

"Just shut up. I don't know how everyone chose to get on my nerves today"

"Class, I have something sad to share with you all. Its about your class mate Kathir", ThirupuraSundari mam's low voice was heard, which was barely audible.

Mullai was arguing with Mary, when she heard her teacher mention Kathir's name. It has never happened in the past. Maybe she thought too much about him last night, that she started hearing his name everywhere now?

Mullai just stared up at Mrs. Thirupurasundari.

"Did you just say Kathir?", Mary said in a light, airy voice as she sat up straight in her chair. She immediately tried to look away, for fear of incurring her teachers wrath.

Mrs.Thirupurasundari signed heavily as she took off her glasses and polished them on her pallu.

"With heavy heart, I'm here to announce the sudden demise of your classmate Kathir",

"What?? How?", Mary's voice echoed through the class not being able to contain herself.

"Kathir committed suicide yesterday evening"

Mullai swallowed hard as she slouched backwards in her seat, feeling the color draining from her face.