Kalaba Kadhala | Part 1

Chapter 13

Italics- Translation

Juggling two worlds, Prabhas was like a phoenix caught in flames, refusing to give in. Could he not see the danger he posed to himself and, by extension, to her? The weight of that realization crashed down on her. For every moment they had laughed together, every caress they had shared within the boundaries of her normal world, there was an expiry date marked by the choices he made. The intensity of her love twisted into a knot within her heart.

He threatened someone on the other end and paused briefly, finally sensing her presence. Prabhas turned his gaze toward her, and their eyes locked. Shock flickered across his features momentarily, followed by a softening that was both beautiful and heartbreaking. In that instant, the bravado faded; it was as though the world around them dimmed, leaving only the two of them in focus.

"Sweety...," his voice softened, yet the urgency remained. "I'll call you back." He hung up, concern slipping from his brow as it contorted into annoyance. "You shouldn't have come."

"Don't you 'Sweety' me right now!" she snapped, pushing past him into the dimly lit living room, where shadows danced under the flickering light. "What were you thinking, getting into a fight like that? Do you even care about yourself?"

"Of course I care," he replied, his tone softening as he leaned against the headboard. The casual demeanor he attempted to exude was undercut by the pain etched across his features. He attempted a weak smile but winced inadvertently. "Nee taan enne avoid panne..." (You are the one avoiding me)

She spun around to face him, her brow furrowed in frustration. "Oh so you go and fight? You're always putting yourself in danger. Do you think I can just stand by while you risk your life for what? Some delusional idea of honor in your twisted world?"

"It's not like that," he retorted, his voice growing firmer despite the evident pain. "You don't understand—"

"Then make me understand!" she shot back, unable to contain the swell of fear and anger pooling in her chest. She took a step closer, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. "Prabhas, I can't lose you! You think this is easy for me? Knowing that every time you step out that door, you might not come back?"

The confrontation hung heavily in the air, the tension palpable. Prabhas's heart raced not just from pain but from the weight of her words. He pushed himself off the wall, determination igniting in his eyes. "Kavalapadath sweety... enak onnum aakale...I'm safe". (don't worry Sweety, I'm alright)

"Safe?" she interrupted, incredulous. "You think this is safe? And you promised me to keep me safe? Eppidi? Indha maariya?" (How, like this?)

Silence filled the room, heavy like the raindrops that pelted the windows. Prabhas glanced down, guilt gnawing at him, and hurt filtered into Anushka's voice as she continued. "You know how hard I've struggled to forget about your reality? I tried—I really did. But every time you call or text, I want to pick up the phone, to know how you are, to hear your voice."

"Then why didn't you?" He was stuck in the same track.

"Why did you have to be so reckless?" Anushka's voice was barely above a whisper, the frustration simmering beneath her worry. "You think this is just a game?"

"No it's not a game," Prabhas shot back, his tone becoming sharp. "And I won't let anyone intimidate me."

A flicker of something passed through his eyes—hurt, perhaps?—before he leaned back against the pillows, contemplating her words. That silent exchange hung heavily between them, tangled in the web of their shared love and fractured realities.