Strangers - unknown relatives to being each other's human diaries to standing at a crossroads of love, family reputation, societal weight, and an upcoming marriage with the biggest question of their lives which would affect everything
Arun doesn't t...
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I stepped out of the train and onto the familiar platform, my mind still lingering on the memories of my family gathering.
The thoughts of Indu and the fun we had together refused to fade away.
Almost a month passed by, I was sitting in one of my engineering lectures. Looking out the window I saw students of a different batch laughing in the hall and exchanging a high-five. It instantly reminded me of Indu "Damn! What going on with my mind?" I shook off the feeling and tried concentrating on the lecture.
It was weird, I had only spent a limited time with her, but the memories of our time together still lingered in my mind every time I saw someone smile. I had tried to brush it off as mere infatuation, but the feeling persisted.
Soon my 3rd year first semester flew by. I had just finished my exams and had a few days' break before the second semester began. But even as I delved into my life with friends and college, there were times when my mind kept wandering back to Indu.
Finally, I decided to take the plunge "Let's visit her at her home in Kalapatti. What's the worst that's gonna happen" I called my Mom and asked for Indu's parents' number.
It was the first time I had ever called Rajani Akka (Indu's mom) since she had left Mumbai after her marriage, almost 15 years.
"Arun, it's so great to hear from you! How have you been?" Rajana Akka with a warm voice on the other end of the line.
"Good Akka, I was actually planning to visit Kalapatti tomorrow.... would that be fine?"
"It's been more than 2 years since you came to Coimbatore and now you got time to visit your sister haa!" Rajani Akka replies in a sarcastic voice
"I-It's not like that Akka. Actually, I-I didn't know. I got to know from mom during the gathering that you stayed here"
"I was just joking Arun, come visit us anytime, we'd love to have you over!" with a sound of a smile
"Amma, It's getting late we agreed to go shopping you know" Hearing Indu's voice over the call my heart raced with a weird sensation.
Rajana Akka hung up the call saying "Okay Arun, I have to leave or else my daughter will eat my brains out. don't forget to call me once you reach the bus stop"
I couldn't wait to see Indu again, to relive the moments that we shared, and to explore the feelings that had been simmering in my heart.
I started packing my bags to set off for Kalapatti. "Why are you grinning Arun?" Ganesh asks looking at my face. I didn't even notice it till he asked me that question. I looked in the mirror I had a stupid grin on my face after the call. I asked myself "What going on?" and left without answering Ganesh.
