Thoorigai

Two steps forward, one step back

Mullai entered the house only to be stopped by Dee's mom.

"Va Mulla. Unna pathu evalavu naal achu"

"Project work la konjam busy aunty. "

"Hmm adhan avanum sonan. Aana, avan moonjiyey seri illa, unna pathi kekarapo elam. All is well between you two?", she inquired with concern.

"Acho Aunty. Apadi elam onumey illa. Inaiku kuda cricket ku elarum than ponom", she consoled her and asked "Ippo thana vandhan, adhu kula room ku poitana?"

"Naan pesa pesa badhil kuda solama, will talk later nu solitu sarrunu room ku poitan. Pinadiyey nee vara. Enamo iruku unga rendu perukula. Solla than matengarenga", she complained.

"Nenga thevai ilama yosikarenga. Naan poi avana pathutu varean. Sooda unga special coffee adhu kula ready panunga", Mullai side hugged her and picked up few pieces of apple from the plate she was holding and walked up the stairs before she could question her more.

*
Dee went and sat on his bed with his hands on his head. He wasn't sure why he felt this bitter. It's not that he hasn't noticed the changes in Mullai, while she was around Kathir. He knew this was coming but hearing it from her mouth left an unpleasant taste in his mouth. He wasn't sure why he didn't approve this relationship. Maybe because, he didn't like Kathir? Or the fact, he knew this might not be just another boyfriend in Mullai's list. Something told him, they would get serious soon and he couldn't bring himself to think about losing Mullai to Kathir.

Not wanting to think about it further, he went to talk a long shower to change his mind. When he walked out several minutes later, he jumped hearing Mullai's voice.

"Eruma..Ipadi than verum thundoda varuviya?"

He was surprised that she had followed him. This also made him little happy that she still cared for their friendship. He walked into his walk-in closet to pick his clothes without answering her.

"Kelvi ketta badhil solanum. Manners mathavangaluku matum thana?", he heard her ask.

After two minutes, he came back with a faded jeans and a tshirt and sat next to her in the bed.

"Enaku yepadi theriyum, nee varuvanu. En room nu towel oda vandhean. "

"Ipadi moonja thuki vechukitu ponna, naan vera enna panradhu?"

"Moonja onum thuki vechukala. I just said, I was not in right mind to speak. Thevai ilama edavadhu solida venamnu"

"Enna solliduva?"

"I don't wanna talk now", he repeated.

Mullai turned towards him and placed on arm on his shoulder and extended another arm with apples on it.

"Pesa thana venam. Apple sapidalam illa? Here.."

He stared at her, and she responded in a flat tone "Apadi pakka venam... vazhikudhu. Azhudhuguvean"

A small smile crept on his face.

"Adhan varalala. Eduku try panra? Andha Bhanumathi kuda serdhu neum ipadi pesa aramichutiya?", he asked his face contracting in annoyance.

"Haha..Come on. It's fun la? So try panean but can't beat her. Plus, Accept that she is part of our gang now nu. Enamo yaro mathiri onum solla venam"

He shook his head and took a piece from her hand and started chewing. After eating, they sat in silence for few minutes.

"Seri ippo pesalama?", she asked.