UNSPOKEN BONDS

5. My Ammu

© archanaj1308 2024. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.

AMRITHASHREE SRINIVASAN

I sat in my Japanese class, listening intently as Sensei Nakamura introduced an advanced topic on Keigo, the intricate system of honorific speech. This was the last level of her language course, and I felt both excited and apprehensive about reaching this milestone.

"Keigo is essential in Japanese business etiquette," Sensei explained. "You must show respect according to the hierarchy. Let's practice with some dialogues."

I took notes, absorbing the nuances of formal and humble forms. I sure had come a long way from my initial classes, where even basic greetings had seemed daunting. Now, I could navigate complex conversations with confidence.

After class, I packed my notebook and headed towards the nearest station. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow on the bustling streets of Mumbai. As I walked, my phone buzzed twice. I glanced at the screen and saw two messages: one from my group chat with Gayatri and Dhwani, and another from Ashwin.

Curiosity piqued as I read Ashwin's message through the notification bar:

Ashwin: "Heey Ammu!! I have been in Mumbai for a while, can we meet up? Would you be up for it? Just the two of us. How about meeting up at Pizza By The Bay?"

My heart skipped a beat. Ashwin, here in Mumbai? After exchanging few texts with him and deciding to meet up same day in the evening, without wasting a moment, I opened the group chat with Gayatri and Dhwani and typed frantically:

Ammu: "Guys, you won't believe this! Ashwin just messaged me saying he's been in Mumbai for a while and wants to meet up! Just the two of us at Pizza By The Bay. I have such mixed feelings right now!"

The replies came swiftly.

Gayatri: "What??? He's been here for a while and he's only telling you now?"

Ammu: "I know, right?!"

Gayatri: "That's no excuse! If a guy loves a girl, he can't stay without meeting her or talking to her for long. Ashwin keeps oscillating from one extreme to another. Sometimes he texts like he's just a best friend, sometimes as if nothing happened between you two, and sometimes way mushier. He goes on and off, sometimes daily, sometimes weekly, and sometimes only once or twice a month."

Dhwani: "Maybe you should go, Ammu. It might give you some closure."

Ammu: "I agree with Gayatri, but leave all that aside for a moment. Tell me what to do! How should I act? What should I talk about? What should I wear? I don't know how to face him. Will he like me? How will I look?"

Dhwani: "Stop blabbering, Ammu. Just be yourself. You're amazing no matter what."

Gayatri: "Dhwani's right. You got this, Ammu."

Feeling a bit more confident, I headed home and began getting ready. I sent a few selfies to my friends for approval. Gayatri and Dhwani showered me with compliments, boosting my morale.

Finally after an hour long drive and parking my car at the parking outside NCPA, I arrived at Pizza By The Bay, my heart pounding in my chest. Ashwin was already there, seated at a corner table, looking casually handsome. He stood up and smiled as I approached.

"Hey, Ammu," he greeted warmly.

"Hi, Ashwin," I replied, trying to hide my nerves. We hugged each other briefly.