You & Me ; Towards Our Forbidden Future

Chapter 28

Next Morning.

Calicut International Airport.

Deepa walked out of the entrance, dragging her luggages along. She slept well in the plane and was much energetic. She looked around and spotted Prakash among the family members who came to take their beloved ones.

"Deepu, here!!!" Prakash waved enthusiastically at her. He was wearing a mundu & full sleeve shirt. The past fifty years has left a lot of evidence on him. But, seeing his precious daughter, his proud, he was as happy as the first day he waited for her at the kindergarten.

Deepa smiled brightly at her father who has more white hairs than she met him last time. A thin layer of mist filled in her eyes, and the next second she was already in her father's arms, hugging him tightly and feeling the warmth and security she missed everyday.

"Acha... I missed you..." Her voice was low, but Prakash heard it clearly. His palm patted on her back gently and affectionately, "Me too, my...dear..."

I still miss you, my princess.

I always did...

When you are away from my reach, my heart is hanging on a cliff. I can't sleep, I can't breath...

I am sorry, my child...

For being late... Too late...

As she was hugging him, Deepa didn't see the wave of unspeakable emotions flashed in his eyes.

She only heard a deep sigh of relief from him...

There were many touching moments happening there. Countless people reunited with their beloved ones. These airports are like a gateway of happiness, embracing the people warmly...

*******

In the car, Prakash was driving while chatting with Deepa about her experience abroad. His smile never faded as he heard his daughter's non stop chattering and sincere enthusiasm.

"Acha, how's Diya's fiance?" Deepa asked the question that concerned her the most. Although she knew that her father will never let his daughter fall into a bad person, she is still not relieved.

"Kiran is a nice guy. I had done a detailed investigation on him. As you knew, he is working in CBI and is a talented youngster with a bright future. And more he loves Diya sincerely, I can feel it from his eyes.
You will knew when you meet him."

Prakash said, seemingly very pleased with his soon-to-be son-in-law.

Deepa nodded and tilted her head to watch the fast moving scenery. The city has developed very well with tall buildings, and clean surrounding. But, the roots of south Indians is still there.

The tall local trees like mango, jackfruit, coconut, tamarind etc, came to view as they went out of the main city. Deepa rolled down the car window, and the cool breeze fell on her face making her smile in refresh.

The monsoon is approaching and the hot weather is saying goodbye. So, the sky was not too bright and the atmosphere is still humid.

"Deepu, have you got a boyfriend there?" Prakash asked calmly, even though he was sure of her answer.

"No Acha. Won't I tell you, If I have one?" She said.

Prakash sighed.

"I knew... But..." He paused and continued, "Be careful when you chose a partner, Kanna. I am afraid that... my kids will be hurt." Prakash said in a daze.

Even Kiran was accepted completely by him after a long period of 'observations'. He and Diya started dating six years ago. Although Prakash know he wasn't a bad boy, and didn't meddled in their life, as a father he was always cautious.

Afraid that his children will be hurt, if their choice was wrong... And he won't know when they fall into a trap. They will suffer somewhere he can't reach...

"I will dad... I am already twenty-eight, won't take a brainless choice. And even if I did, don't I have a superb dad to protect me?"

Deepa smiled brightly and hugged his arm, leaning on his shoulder, feeling the security she never get from anywhere.

Yes!

Twenty-eight!

.....Twenty....

His hands holding the stearing wheel was clenched tightly and he breathed deeply...

A flash of sadness flashed in the depth of his eyes.