Thoorigai

Feeling

Kathir stood in the chemistry lab for half an hour, thinking about what he was going to do to make up for his mistake. Mullai had finally trusted that he won't be rude to her and now he had ruined all the progress they had made. Hurting her and seeing her tears had made him guilty for his actions. He wanted to make it right between them, one way or the other.

Finally gathering the courage, he walked towards the classroom only to notice her leave the classroom with her books. He saw her walk towards the parking lot, and he ran behind her and called her name.

"Mulla. Sorry"

"Not accepted", she said blankly, and wave of guilt passed over his expression which he masked easily.

"I'm sorry Mulla", his voice sounded strained, and she felt bad for him but remembered how he had hurt her minutes ago and stood there still.

"Please Mulla. I understand why you are mad. But naan solradhu konjam kelean?", he said blocking her way.

He expected her to lash out on him, to curse him or even throw few books in her hand at him. But she just shook her head in disappointment, as if everything that had happened between them was somehow erased by the words he had uttered.

"I don't want to talk to you anymore. Now if you don't mind, naan veetuku ponum. Unlike you, there are people who like spending time with me."

"Puriyudhu why you are upsetnu. Oru chance to explain myself Mulla", he begged.

"Let me go Kathir. I just can't stand in front of you and act like I don't hate your guts", she said glaring at him. Her blank voice made it certain to him that she was not willing to listen to him right now. Giving her space was the only option right now.

"Fine. Unaku eppo pesanumo sollu", he whispered and cleared her path. Giving him an accusing look, she heaved a sigh and made her way to the parking lot.

Next day, entering Mrs.Tips class, he looked around hoping to find Mullai but she wasn't there. With heavy heart, he sat down in his usual corner seat and fixated his gaze on the notebook open in front of him. Mrs. Tips were revising some syllabus that students had doubts on. Kathir just sat there mindlessly, thinking about Mullai. He wondered if she was still mad at him and once again his mind reeled on how he could make her talk to him.

Next few days that followed weren't any better. She avoided him like a plague all day. Each day he entered the classroom, hoping she would talk to him that day. That day was no different. She felt his presence and her eyes shot towards him and a layer of indifference coated her face. She immediately switched her focus back to her friends and started chatting with Mary and Harsha.

Later that evening, in his house he was lost in his own thoughts when Nila popped in the kitchen counter and tapped his shoulder.

"Enna da, devdas mathiri suthara? Enna achu?"

"Devdas'a? Enna olara?

"Patha apadi than iruka. Thungariyanu theriyala. Kannu suthi karupu ayidchu. Edho parigudutha mathiri suthara. Enna nadakudhu? Mullai akka kuda sandaiya?"

"Ippo edhuku avala ilukara? Bhanu kuda sendhu sendhu ipadi yosikara nee"

"Vera edhuku pinna ipadi sutharayam?"

"Final semester. Campus interview in few weeks. Presentation iruku..Exams iruku...", he blatantly lied and she scooped her hands together above her head.

"Pothum. Theriyama ketutean. Nee elam padipa thavira vera edavadhu yosipanu nenachadhu en thappu than. Vitutu. Nee kitchen clean pannitu poi padikara vazhiya paaru. Naan poi thungarean. Un kuda pesina, en mandaiyum serthu kayum", Nila said as she hopped off from the kitchen counter and retired to bed.