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Opening my car door, I asked her to get inside the car. As soon as she settled in, I checked whether she was comfortable. Seeing her assuring smile, I started to drive towards the destination.
The way is illuminated only by the dull orange glow of street lights. The light from the street reflects off the car as we approach it. I open up the windows to feel the warm and fresh air until I connect to Main Road. Driving over the bridge I see the motorway is quite rushed as it's the office ending time. This is why I chose this bridge way than other routes. The air was crisp, carrying with it a hint of city life! a mix of car exhaust, a sizzling street food shop with a bunch of adults and office workers carrying a plate and chit-chatting with each other, and Bright fluorescent display lights decorating the shop's name board.
I turned my other side to see her entwined fingers resting on her lap. Her kajal-lined eyes wander among the roadsides and the beam of headlights from distant vehicles glistened her face.
"Then, How about your training and new environment Yamini?" I asked to start a convo, as the ambiance was quiet enough to hear our inhales and exhales. " Yeah! I'm acclimatizing myself to this busy and lonely lifestyle mama! I think it might take time to get used to it" She ended with a sigh. It must be tough for her, as this is her first time staying alone in the separation of her Family. "Do you know? Your Lakshmi Athai is worried about you! More than your family, She often talks about you and your facilities in the hostel. She is worried that, whether you're really comfortable at staying in the Hostel" I stated about my Amma's concern for her which drew a smile on her lips.
"She is lovely and Caring! But I'm okay with the hostel facilities mama. Yaazhan made arrangements with his friends to find one of the best hostels in that area" She explained and I was nodding my head. "What about your work mama?" She added a question that reminded me about Priya. She forced me to leave my current job at that time, as she had found me a New Job in the USA. Even though, My idea was to start a business after my 30s, Fate has pushed me to start it soon. "I Left my Job! Soon, I'll start my own business!" I told her. A while later, we reached a restaurant. As we got down from the car, I handed my car key to the parking valet.
"Still a vegetarian?" I asked to which she nodded her head as yes with a little smile. When I went to my native place to worship our ancestral deity temple, I saw her closing her eyes and ears during the goat sacrifice ceremony. And after a while, she ran away from the temple to our home. I ran behind her and enquired to know that she was a vegetarian! Can't believe that still she is a vegetarian! Coz, I thought during her college days friends might make her try some non-veg dishes. I think this part was not in her college life. I came out of my thoughts and we settled into our table, which I already booked.
The waiter took our order and everything we ordered was vegetarian dishes. Well, I can order meat but I don't want to! I don't want her to feel alone or to feel any kind of weird thoughts! She won't! And I too!
"Mama, You can order your fav NV dishes right? Why you didn't?" She inquired in a calm and soothing voice with a little hesitation. "I want to accompany you today! I can eat it on any other day right?" I said with a smile which she mirrored the same. Songs were playing in the restaurant. When we entered, it was playing fast-tempo music. But now, Tamil love songs are being played there.
Maranthaalum naan unnai Ninaikaadha naal illaiyae Pirinthalum en anbu Orupodhum poi illaiyae!!!!!!!
Hearing this song reminds me of Priya! The way she made me trust her, The way she made me to believe all her acting and forgeries! I'm ashamed of myself for believing her blindly.
"Mama?" Yamini gently tapped my hand and that's when realization hits me. I nodded my head and let out a big sigh. "Does something bother you?" Her calm tone with her soft fingers brushing on my hand, She asked in a worried tone. I'm putting myself in a shameful situation by thinking about Priya! As a result, Everyone sees me as a loser and starts to worry about me! I Loathe Her! I Hate Priya! I don't believe in afterbirth! But I want her to experience the same in her next life! The pain of an innocent heart getting cheated by his lover!
"Would You mind, If I excuse myself for some time? Please" I left her alone at the table and went towards the bar section in the hotel. "One drink please!" I ordered and I emptied the glass in single quaff. "Another glass of wine" I beckoned him and the bartender filled my glass. I guzzled about 5 glasses one after another! "Better keep the Fucking bottle here man!" I shouted and he left the wine bottle before me. "Sir, You're already intractable! Drinking further is not good for you! Has anyone come with you?" He asked and that's the last thing I heard before dozing off.
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Yamini POV:
"Excuse me, mam! The man who came with you is in the Bar section on the 3rd floor. He is unconscious due to excess drinking of Alcohol!" The waiter informed me and I immediately sprinted towards the lift. As soon as I reached the Bar section, My eyes searched for Aditya Mama. I saw him sleeping sitting up near the Bar counter. Before walking towards him, I booked a cab. In this state, he shouldn't drive and I'm afraid to drive as this place is new to me.
"Mama, Get up! We need to go home!" I patted on his shoulder and he didn't even move an inch. Again I called him by shaking his hand. No result! I took his hand and bit his wrist. He hissed in pain and uprighted his posture. I took the chance and dragged him from the Pedestal stool. He can't even stand properly! How I'll take him to his house? His wobble walk with one hand above my shoulder, made me wobble along with him.
"Shall I help you, mam?" A waiter asked me and he looked like a god before me at that time. "Please!" I said with a little nod, he held Aditya Mama's other hand and we reached the reception area of the hotel. I paid the bill and we were waiting for the cab. God! Please! Until we reach home, he shouldn't puke out!
Goblin OST- Stay With Me (Instrumental)
I attended the call, and it was the cab driver. I called him for help to move this big man. Tall and well-figured Men are really handsome until they are drunk! The cab driver came and we both crawled him towards the Cab! I let out a sigh after settling myself in the cab!
"Unga Husband ah mam?" (He is your husband mam?) The cab driver asked. "Ama anna!" (Yes Bro) I lied. Even though he looks good and trustworthy person, I can't trust anyone and tell the truth. It's better to say whatever in this type of situation, to put ourselves on the safer side!
"Epdi intha alavu bothai aanaru?" (How did he get high like this?) He inquired. God! When'll we reach home?
"We had dinner with our friends after a long time and his friends made him drink slightly more than his limit," I said leaving an awkward smile. I felt a hand from my right side, snaking around my tummy and Aditya mama's head fell on my shoulder.
Wait for the next spicy chapter! Y'all want it right?
