Nenjamellam kadhal

Chapter-38

                                                                                      Sakthi

Our daily conversations stretched into the late hours of the night, either through calls or WhatsApp. It stumped me how he managed to go to work in the morning despite staying up late. We talked about everything and nothing simultaneously. Time flew by, and it seemed like he had just left for Hyderabad yesterday. He's already on the flight to Chennai and will be landing soon. He confirmed that he'd pick me up around 9 tomorrow morning.

After a while, I went for dinner, accompanied by Dada and Thatha. Lalitha Akka had been cooking my favourite meals since my vacation started. I visited my mom's home a few times, and we all had planned to have a day out before I went back. While eating, I received a text from Jithu informing me of his arrival in Chennai and promising to call once he reached home.

"Nee vandhadhu la irundhu sari illaye, eppa paru phone vachitu text pannitruka or call la iruka. Who is the boy? Hot Italian or Indian?" Dada, with a knowing smile, asked, pulling me away from my own world.

Rolling my eyes, I replied, "Jithu dha Dada."

Teasingly, he continued, "Okay, but why are you blushing like this when talking to Jithu? When did you two reconnect? I thought you lost touch after moving to Delhi. Is there something you want to share with us?"

I was caught off guard and hesitated, unsure of what to reveal. I do not want to hide, but I also do not want to reveal everything too soon. "Nothing serious. I will say more when things get more serious."

Thatha chimed in, "It's not 'if it becomes serious'; it's 'when it becomes serious.' Should we assume something is developing between you two and marriage is on the horizon?"

Not wanting to keep it under wraps anymore, I explained, "Thatha, it is still new between us. Yes, I like him, but I do not love him yet, and I want to learn more about him before making any decisions. It is too soon to involve the family, especially Mom, who will be planning a wedding if she knows about this. I am not sure how his family will react, either. Numerous variables could work against us, and the relationship must be strong in case there are any issues with his family. So I am going to take my time making a decision and move slowly in this relationship."

Thatha reassured, "Take your time. If you decide to marry him, I'll handle everyone. Since when have you two been seeing each other?"

I recounted from the beginning how it all started and gave him the gist of his beach confession.

After listening patiently, Thatha remarked, "We already know him, and what he said shows his maturity. Moreover, he is in love with you. He seems like a good match for you."

Dada, with a smile, teased me, "Delhi ku poi hindi karana maapla nu kootitu varuvanu nenachen, aana anga irundhu single ah dha vandha. Ippo Italian maapla varuvanu patha kadasila Tamilnadu karana pidichiruku nu solra, adhum palaya college mate and sondhakara paiyan. I am highly disappointed ".

I tossed a sharp look at him with a heavy sigh. "Konjamadhu Appa madri pesuria nee? Eppa paru olaritey irukadha."

In return, he laughed teasingly. "Nee appa ta pesura madri bayandha pesura? Enna matum solra? Arcot briyani adayar la iruka naai ku dha kadaikanumnu irundha yarala matha mudium sollu."

"Dada irritate agura madri comedy panadha nu solliruken. po poi thungu saptu." Playfully, I warned him.

"Yen nee poi kadala podradha continue panna poria?" he continued to make fun of me.