Paayal - His Scarred Butterfly ✅

12 - MY PAAYAL IS STRONG

என்ன இல்லை உன்னோடு
ஏக்கம் என்ன கண்ணோடு
வெற்றி என்றும் வலியோடு பிறந்திடுமே
(You lack nothing!
Why is the yearn in your eyes?
Victories are often born from pain)

Krishna returned to Paayal's home with one of his dark blue coloured T-shirts, and handed it to her. Paayal got it happily. He couldn't spend more time as the evening shadows deepened. He made his exit soon after handing her his shirt.

Paayal went to her room and settled onto her bed, clutching his T- shirt as everything happened from the morning cascaded in her mind. A gentle smile appeared on her face. That smile was the proof of the joy and security which Krishna's presence had given to her. She was smiling to herself, her thoughts filled with Krishna, a yearn arising in her heart to spend more and more time with him.

By this time, Pranav entered her room, calling her for dinner. Before calling her for dinner, he asked, "Has your friend left for his home?"

"Yes, Dada. Just now." She replied.

"Hmm, Is everything alright in your school? What reason did you say for your long leave?"

"I told that I had a fever. The teachers advised me to take care." She lied.

Pranav nodded. "Okay. Come with me. Let's have dinner."

Paayal left with him for their dinner. They had their food, and came back to her room. As she gained some positivity, she gained a confidence and courage to sleep alone too. She didn't want to disturb Pranav anymore. She said, "Dada, I can sleep alone. You can go to your room as usual."

"No, You are often waking up in nightmares. I will be sleeping here until you feel completely alright." He insisted with a warm smile, genuinely caring about her well being.

Paayal replied, "Don't worry, Dada. I guess, I will not wake up in nightmares hereafter."

"I will be happy if you are really not screaming in nightmares. But, I will sleep here only till I confirm you are alright." Pranav announced firmly, settling himself on the sofa.

Paayal couldn't deny anymore. She nodded her head in agreement, forcing a smile and took Krishna's t-shirt in her hands.

"What is this?" Pranav asked.

She turned to him and admitted, "This is....My friend Krishna's T-shirt. I am going to keep this nearby me while I am sleeping. I guess, I will feel better."

Pranav looked at her incredulously, trying to process what she said. His words came out in shock, various unwanted things running in his mind. "How did his shirt end up with you?"

"I asked him. He brought it from his home." Paayal replied casually.

"What?! Have you asked for his shirt?!! Even if you ask, Where did he keep his mind? Is he a mad to give his shirt to keep it near you while you sleep.....?" Pranav was yelling with a mixed expression of shock, disbelief, concern and disagreement.

Paayal intervened him, raising her voice, "Dada, if you talk one more word bad about him, I don't know what I will do."

"Oh, Are you supporting him?!" He yelled.

"I support my friend. What is wrong with it?" She yelled back.

Pranav was frustrated. He exhaled frustratingly and murmured, "Oh God, I don't know how to handle you. You are behaving like a child. In addition to you, your friend too. Doesn't he know, it's wrong to give his shirt to a girl!"