Crush fever

My Little Princess

Dhruthi stomped into the room, frustration etched on her face. "Mom, I've told you a million times - please don't bring up this marriage topic! I'm so fed up with your words. Enough, I don't want to hear it!"

Vasundhra, her mom, chuckled teasingly. "Oh, come on, Dhruthi! If you get married, your so-called husband will help you with all these naughty things."
She winked, eyeing her daughter's struggles with the zipper.

Dhruthi rolled her eyes and tried to pull the zip up herself, stubbornly. "I don't need your help, I can do anything on my own!"

Vasundhra smiled, seeing the determination in her daughter's eyes. "Okay, chitti, let me help you. Your words don't match your actions - if I don't help you with this dress, you'll rip it off!" She gently took over, zipping up the dress.

As they moved to the hall, Dhruthi struck a few modeling poses in front of the mirror before turning to her mom.
"I'm leaving now, don't worry about me."Vasundhra chuckled.

"Why should I worry when your cousins and especially Karan are there?"Dhruthi's face turned red with annoyance.

"Mom!!!! Never bring his name again! He never looks at me the way you wish him to. I'm just a kid to him, a kid who graduated this year. Even if you go with a marriage proposal, he'll reject you with a straight face. Now, come out of your dream land!"

Vasundhra smiled knowingly. "I know, I know... Karan must be waiting for you. Go now."Dhruthi huffed, "That's good, then. I'm leaving. Bye, mom, take care, and don't forget to take your medicines on time."

As Dhruthi left, Vasundhra called out, "Okay, chitti (mostly used nick name for girls in south indian households)!" She watched her daughter close the gate, a smile still on her face.
"He doesn't get married to her, yet they attend every wedding like they're a couple..." She trailed off, lost in thought, before resuming her household chores.

Dhruthi arrived at the railway station, spotting Karan waiting for her by the train. Her phone rang, and she answered, "Hey Karan, which coach are you in?"

"I'm in the second-to-last coach," Karan replied. "I've gotten down, and I'm waving at you!"

Dhruthi scanned the crowd and finally saw Karan's familiar smile. "Yeah, I see you! I'm coming."They boarded the train and found their seats.

Karan asked, "Why are you late? I told you to reach the station a bit early, right?"Dhruthi shrugged, frustrated. "Go ask your aunt."

Karan chuckled. "Hmm, started again! Don't say a word against my aunt; I know it was you who took too much time getting ready."

Dhruthi playfully rolled her eyes. "Arey bava(bro-in-law), fine! Leave it. I didn't miss the train, right?"Karan smiled and handed her a water bottle. "Here, my little princess, have some water."

As they settled in for the journey, Dhruthi took a sip and smiled."Hey, bava, don't call me 'little princess' or 'kid'! You know I'm 22 now and have graduated," Dhruthi said, her voice laced with a hint of annoyance.

Karan chuckled teasingly. "I know, but you still behave like a kid. I'll stop calling you that when I feel you're mature enough not to fall for others' tricks, okay?"Dhruthi's face turned pink with embarrassment. "Bava, don't bring those topics now. I'm embarrassed to hear them again."

Karan's expression softened, and he gently said, "Okay, my...princ......Dhruthi. Take some rest for now. We have a lot to do and enjoy at the wedding, okay?"Dhruthi nodded, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. "Okay, bava."

As the train rumbled on, Dhruthi closed her eyes, trying to sleep. Karan gazed at her, his eyes filled with a deep affection and concern. He gently brushed a stray hair behind her ear, careful not to disturb her.