Chanakyan's love

Eight

Chanakyan

How am I supposed to showcase my love to Gowthami? As far as I know, people express their love through their gaze, physical touches, and kisses. But my rasathi (princess) seems to take it as me lusting over her...

And she slapped me today. It was hurting my insides and I decided to turn to alcohol, hoping it would help me forget the pain in my heart. Two of my friends accompanied me to the bar while others were in Ayya's house, securing the residence.

The bar is filled with drunkards, obviously. I gulp half the bottle of liquor and lean against the chair, absentmindedly watching the meaningless fights and chats going around the dimly lit local bar.

"What's wrong?" Jagan, my friend queries while lending me a skeptical look. "How do you express your love to your wife?" I ask without hesitance and considering that he's a married man, I anticipated a solid response from him but he instead bursts out into laughter.

However, he halts his laughs abruptly and slants his head, watching me suspiciously. "Why do you want to know that?" I roll my eyes at him and take a sip off the bottle before replying, "Gowthami doesn't like the way I express my love. She thinks I lust after her. I want to prove her wrong and make her realize that the love I've for her is pure," As I say that, both Jagan and Hari's jaw drops open in shock.

It's not that they are unaware of my love for her but they were of the notion that I would never approach her given that she's Ayya's daughter, which I least care about.

"Are you serious Chanakya? Ayya will kill you If he comes to know about this!" Hari says with horror-crammed eyes. "I'll face his wrath when he discovers it...but now, that's not my concern. I've to find a way to show my love to Gowthami," I drink another few amount of alcohol and stare at both their faces for advice.

They were beholding me with astonishment and then after a moment, both had a shot of liquor.

Jagan spilled a few tips and Hari, though single, gave me some ideas as well. I was determined to execute all of it the next day when I see my Gowthami and slept while cuddling her close to me in my made-up world.

On the next day, I decked on a black button-up shirt, rolled the sleeves to my elbow, circled a grey Veshti around my hip, and took off in my bike to meet her.

Once I reach the destination and check in the house, I catch sight of Gowthami hurriedly consuming the food while her mother keeps scolding her for always running late to the college. Ayya was nowhere in the living room and I assumed he was resting in his room. Unfortunately, he's not in his best health recently. Thus, being away from this chaotic lifestyle and taking a break is important for him now.

"Eat slowly or else you'll choke on the food!" Her mother smacks the back of her head and walks upstairs with a tea mug. I suppose it is for Ayya.

Just as her mother said, Gowthami choked on her food and I swiftly move to her and tap my palm on her head strongly. Then I grip at her ear and pull at them.

She should thank me for saving her life but I received a simmering glare from her. What did I do wrong now?

"I'm a female! You should handle me with care..." She hisses and goes to wash her hands while I rewind my actions and scold myself. I should have been softer but then again, If I tap her head gently as she would like so, what is the probability that the food she choked on will go down?

That's risky. I shake my head dismissively at her.

After cleansing her hands, she slings her backpack on her left shoulder and tries to rush out but I stop her by holding her wrist. "What!? Can't you see that I'm running late?" She blurts out, irked. But I just want to compliment her looks...

Jagan said that commenting on the appearance of the girl I adore is a means to exhibit love.

"Gowthami, you look ravishing today," I word out sincerely. However, all I get back from her is an infuriated glance. "Unna Kondruvaen paathuko! Kaiya vidu," (I'll finish you Chanakya, let my hands free,)" She breaks through my loosened grasp on her wrist and runs to the car.

I ruffle my hair in frustration and went in search of Jagan. He was playing cards in the backyard and as soon as I spot him, I harshly kick on his back, causing him to roll over and land flat against the ground on his stomach with a groan.

"Compliment her!? I did and she was about to kill me with her fierce glare!" I shout at him and the other three men who were present there stifled their laughters. Hari must have spread the information of me trying to impress Gowthami with the other men. I squint my eyes at Hari who, upon noticing my chilling gaze, looks elsewhere like a coward.

"If the compliment doesn't work, then try the other things I said you bastard," Jagan rises from the ground and mutters in an irritated tone.

"And If those end up as a failure...this will be the last day of your life," I seethe at him and walk away from the place.

Gowthami didn't react pleasantly when I cared for her and she berated me when I admired her looks.

I am really clueless about what she's expecting from me.

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