Paayal - His Scarred Butterfly ✅

42 - FIRST KISS

காற்றே என்னைக் கிள்ளாதிரு!
பூவே என்னைத் தள்ளாதிரு!
(Oh breeze, Don't pinch me!
Oh flower, Don't push me away!)

Krishna entered the gate of Pranav's home in Madras, a wave of nostalgia brushing over him. The house stood majestically without even a little change even after six years. Even the sea green exterior paint colour was not changed. The drumstick tree, the tree with red flowers, the mild fragrance of jasmine, everything was still present as if they were all waiting for his arrival. Krishna's heart brimmed with happiness as he stepped on the familiar footpath which he missed all these years.

Diya who was playing with Anisha in the garden noticed him and exclaimed, running towards him, "Papa,"

Krishna's trance of nostalgia broke in her exclamation. He turned towards the source of the voice and exclaimed, "Kuttima.. "

Diya reached him, hugging his legs. "I missed you, Papa."

He smiled warmly, lifting her in his arms and kissed her cheek. "I too missed this little Diya."

Before she could respond, Krishna turned to Anisha and greeted, "Hello Didi, You...?"

"I am Anisha. Pranav ji's wife. Come in," She smiled, leading him in. "Pranav ji told me everything about you. We are happy to have you as a part of our family." She confessed.

"I am also happy to be a part of your beautiful family, Didi," He smiled and asked, "Where is Pranav Dada?"

"Pranav ji went to pick up some of our relatives. And uncle went to supervise the arrangements for your wedding," Anisha replied.

"Oh, okay, Didi. Then, Where is Paayal?" He asked, his eyes searching for her amidst the workers who were decorating the home.

Noticing the yearn in his eyes, Anisha chuckled lightly and replied, "She is in her room. You go and meet her. Let me go and help in preparing the lunch,"

Krishna nodded. Anisha left for the kitchen.

"Kuttima, Shall we go and surprise Maa with a boom?" Krishna giggled.

"Yes, Papa," Diya nodded with a playful chuckle. She always liked to tease and play with her mom.

Krishna stepped towards Paayal's room, carrying Diya in his arms and opened the door with a bang. "Boom..."

She jerked, a chill of thunder piercing through her and turned back instantly, only to see not the thunder but the soft breeze of her life, Krishna. She exclaimed, "Krishna, You came!"

On the other hand, Krishna was stunned for a moment as Paayal was wearing her red silk wedding saree for the trial to check whether everything fits her well. She was standing like a red soft flower that was dazzling in sunlight, pulling Krishna towards her.

Without uttering a word, he let Diya down from his arms and removed his backpack. Paayal looked at him puzzled. Krishna opened his backpack, pulling out some Barbie dolls and toys.

"Toys?" Diya exclaimed.

"Yes, Kuttima. You take all these toys to the hall and introduce these new toy friends to your old toy friends. I will wash my face, refresh myself and join you to play."

"Okay, Papa." Diya exclaimed, grabbing the toys and ran out of the room, calling, "Chintu..."

Chintu was a toy which was one of her toy friends.

Krishna locked the door.

Paayal gasped, "Krishna, Why are you locking the door?"

"To love my wife without any outside disturbance," He said, approaching her, his eyes holding a mix of admiration and love.