Paayal - His Scarred Butterfly ✅

19 - HE IS HER SAFEST PLACE

கவலைகள் மறக்குதே
கவிதைகள் பிறக்குதே
உன்னருகே நான் இருந்தால்!
(I forget my worries,
Poems are born from me
When I am with you!)

After travelling for about one hour, Krishna and Paayal reached the destination and got down from the bus, stepping into the realm of nights which was painted with dark hues. Yet, the city unfolded in front of them with the glittering colourful LED lights from the name boards of the nearby shops and the street lights which were lighting up the surroundings. Krishna looked around for any Pani puri seller nearby them, and found a pani puri seller in a nearby distance.

"Paayal, See there. There is a pani puri stall. Come let's have your favorite pani puri," Krishna exclaimed, as he was excited to fulfill her wishes which she asked him for the first time.

Paayal too nodded with excitement.

They reached the stall where the fragrant allure of the spices hung in the air. Paayal breathed the aromatic air, her tongue salivating automatically, making itself ready to relish the spicy treat.

Krishna admired her cute expressions with a smile and ordered two plates of Pani puri.

Within a few minutes, the seller presented them the pani puris in the eco-friendly areca leaf plates. Paayal got in her hands, her eyes sparkling in anticipation as the crispy bite sized pooris with spicy masala and pani was inviting her. With grace and excitement, She picked a crispy bite with her fingers, wide opening her mouth and devoured it in one bite, a permanent smile adorning her beautiful face.

Krishna who was enchanted by the radiance of her smile and joyous twinkle in her eyes forgot himself, and his pani puri plate for a moment. He was admiring her and her graceful way of eating Pani puri, a permanent smile playing in his lips.

"Krishna, Why are you looking at me? Eat it. It tastes delicious!" She exclaimed between her bites. With a nod and smile, Krishna joined in the treat. They devoured the crispy bites, smiling at each other, creating memories.

Soon they completed eating the bites.

"Do you want more?" He asked.

"No Krishna, it's enough." Paayal replied with a contentment.

He nodded and paid to the seller, and walked towards Ajay's home. They had to cross a road to reach the other side, as Ajay's home was on the opposite side from their location.

Krishna scanned at both the sides of the road to make sure no vehicles were coming. When he found no vehicles on the way, "Paayal, Come. Let's cross the road," He said and held her hand. Paayal's heart melted instantly when he held her hand protectively for crossing the road. She had gone out with Pranav a lot of times. But Pranav never held her hand protectively. It was always Paayal who held Pranav's hand for safety. But, When Krishna held her hand she found it protective which she craved for a long time. This simple, ordinary act of Krishna seemed to be an extraordinary, magical act to Paayal. Emotions swirled in her, her eyes forming tears as a testament of her emotions.

"Paayal, What are you looking at? Let's cross the road. No vehicles are coming," Krishna urged her which brought her back to her senses. She nodded, controlling her tears and crossed the road with him, her eyes being on her own hand where he was holding. They crossed the road safely. Krishna left her hand, as soon as they crossed the road. Paayal smiled, looking at her own hand, the love and respect for him increasing in her.

They walked in silence for a few more minutes and they reached Ajay's home by 8.30 PM. Ajay's home, which was an individual luxury duplex villa, unfolded before them like a pathway to a heaven, adorned with banana plants, an array of vibrant flowers, and a cascade of meticulously arranged LED lights that painted the exterior with an enchanting glow. As they entered the gate, the laughter of children who were playing in the veranda welcomed them. They crossed those children and entered the house.