Kalaba Kadhala | Part 1

Chapter 16

Translation- Italics

Anushka stepped off the train, her heart heavy in her chest as the familiar scents of Vedagiri wafted towards her.
The air was thick with the earthy aroma of damp soil, mingled with the sweet fragrance of wildflowers. She glanced around the bustling railway station, where vendors shouted cheerfully and children laughed as they chased one another. But none of it stirred the joy she had expected to feel; instead, it all reminded her of the life she had left behind—a life that seemed distant and hazy, like the fog that rolled over the valleys at dawn.

As she maneuvered through the small crowd at the station, she spotted her elder brother Arjun. She was only familiar with his pictures, it's been a long time since they've seen each other in person. As soon as his eyes fell on Anushka, his face broke into an elated grin, an expression of pure joy that reminded her of their carefree childhood. He rushed forward and pulled her into a tight embrace. It felt warm and comforting, yet something inside her remained shut off, as if she were encased in glass.

"Anu! You've changed so much! Romba Periya ponn aach ni" Arjun exclaimed, stepping back to scrutinize her face, his eyes filled with pride. "It's amazing to have you back. We missed you everyday!"
Anushka's lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Hi Annai" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Deep down, she was pleased to see him, but the excitement that filled his eyes only amplified her inner turmoil. She felt like a ghost in her own life, trapped between her past and an uncertain future.

One of his men took her luggage as per Arjun's order.
"What's wrong? You don't look too happy to be home," he said, his brow furrowing with concern as they began to walk outside the station.

"You're right". She murmured making him frown.

As they walked to his old motorcycle parked near the station, the path that once felt like home opened up before her—cobbled streets lined with blooming bougainvillea, the scent of fresh earth wafting from the nearby paddy fields, and the distant sound of temple bells. Each step took her deeper into memories she had buried: climbing trees with Arjun, long summer afternoons in the fields, and starlit nights spent dreaming of escape.

"Bike?" She asked.

"Aamaa... unak bike il ponath taan pidikumle?" (Don't you like bikes?)

"Ath chinna vayasilu..." (That was in childhood). She said rolling her eyes.

"Oh!" He frowned for a second but then shrugged it off. "No problem. I've also got car... we'll go in that".

"Parava ille... lets go on this". (Thats ok) Anushka said making Arjun nod. They both got onto the bike and started the journey to their home.

"Do you remember that time we got stuck in the rain on the way back from school?" Arjun laughed, reminiscing about their childhood as they sped down the familiar roads. Anushka nodded, a flicker of warmth igniting in her chest. She longed to bask in those memories, but as quickly as it lit up, the thought of Prabhas dimmed it.

"Is everything okay, Anu?" Arjun asked, his keen eyes catching the shadows that crossed her face. "You seem... different."

"It's nothing," Anushka said, forcing another smile and redirecting her gaze to the lush green fields melding into the horizon. "Koncham tired ah iruke." (Feeling a bit tired)

The truth was far more complex. Anushka's heart ached with every thought of Prabhas, the warmth of his laughter, and the depth of his gaze. She had thought leaving would grant her peace of mind, but instead, it had tethered her to a relentless cycle of doubt.

To distract herself she took in the familiar sights—the fields dotted with golden mustard flowers, the quaint houses with their terracotta roofs, and the sprawling banyan tree that shaded the village square. The beauty of Vedagiri was enchanting, almost mesmerizing, but her mind was elsewhere. Memories of Prabhas—his laughter, their long conversations beneath the starlit sky, and the warmth of his presence—haunted her thoughts like a bittersweet melody.