Paayal - His Scarred Butterfly ✅

25 - THEIR GIFTS

உன்னோடு சேர்ந்து நெடுந்தூரங்கள்
காலார நடந்து மிதந்தேனே
உன்னிடம் தந்த இதயத்தை தேடி
உன்னில் என்னை தொலைத்தேனே!
(When I walk with you together,
I am floating by walking.
When I searched my heart which I gave you,
I lost myself in you.)

Under the warm glow of the midday sun, Krishna and Paayal bid farewell to Ajay and his family. Exciting Ajay's home, they strolled towards the bus stop.

Paayal turned her gaze back towards Ajay's home, a place that had painted her life with the strokes of love and lifelong memories. Each corner of the house held their echoes of laughter, warmth, and shared joy. As she reminisced about those beautiful moments, a gentle smile played on her lips.

Krishna too turned back to glance at the home, reflecting the same emotions of Paayal. He remarked with a smile, "Paayal, We had a good time here. I will never forget the moments we spent here."

"Hmm, Yes. It would be good, if you are with me 24/7 like this," Paayal replied warmly.

"Hmm, I too wish the same. But Paayal, I forgot to say a thing to you. From next month's first date, I won't be able to visit your home in the evenings. I am going to join a medical entrance coaching class. Maybe, I can visit your home in the evenings for the next two weeks only," He said, a sadness in his voice.

"Oh...," Paayal's expression mirrored his sadness.

"But don't worry. We shall meet in school," He reassured, consoling himself and also her.

"Hmm, But, we won't have much time except lunch breaks," Paayal sighed, yearning to spend a lot of time with him.

"Yes, But what to do? Studies are important. As I promised, I will be with you always. Let's spend a lot of time together after our board exams and my medical entrance," He reassured softly.

"After the medical entrance, won't you be occupied with your medical studies??" She asked.

"Yes. I will be busy, but you too will be occupied with your higher studies. Yet, Let's make the most of our time together during our holidays. Don't worry, I will not forget you. Even if I meet with accidents, even if I go into a coma....," He was saying.

Paayal yelled, intervening, her heart racing in anxiety, "You idiot! What are you talking about? You will live long. Happy and healthy."

He smiled warmly, understanding her concern and worry. "I am just saying. Everything will not happen as we say. Listen! Even if things don't go as we planned, even if I forget myself, I will not forget you. Okay?! So don't worry, if I am not able to spend time with you like now. Whenever I get time, I will fly to your home to meet you," He paused and thought in his mind, "Anyway, We will always be together after getting married."

"Hmm. I too will not forget you, even if you don't get time to meet me," Paayal reciprocated with a warm smile, her gaze catching sight of a jewelry shop while strolling.

She immediately stopped her legs and asked, "Krishna, Shall we go to that jewelry shop?"

"Why?! Do you want any jewelry? Even if you want to buy only one gram of gold, it will cost around 500 rupees (As per year 90's). I don't have that amount in my hands now. Tell me, If you want any jewelry. I will buy it for you tomorrow," He assured with a smile, his heart yearning to fulfill all of her wishes, though he will need to knit some white lies to his parents to get money from them.

"No. I don't want any jewelry. But I want to gift you a piece. I brought money, but you didn't leave me to buy even the bus tickets. So, I have a lot of money now," Paayal declared proudly.