In this heartfelt tale, we follow the lives of Aravind and Chaaru, two teenage school sweethearts, as they navigate the complexities of love, responsibility, and growing up together. Unlike most teenage couples, they strive to build a relationship b...
To the new readers and followers, This chapter is dedicated to you sweeties.
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I sat on the bed with a smile. He told me to come home!! My smile dropped recalling his words, "As the mother of his baby?" I couldn't digest that. When Hena said I misunderstood the phone call, I cursed myself for putting both our lives in misery. When she told me how much he suffered by isolating himself in class, speaking less, and not having proper meals, I thought I deserved this pain. I should have clarified things before I left. Now it was time for me to seek his apology.
I went out to find him cooking. I stood beside him, facing him. He didn't look at me. I cleared my throat, not looking.I went near him and bit his bicep. He hissed and glared at me.
Me: See, Aravind, I'm sorry, okay! I regret not discussing things. I shouldn't have left. I was afraid to come back too when I saw you suffering... I was already pregnant! I didn't know whether you would accept me. When I recalled everything, the high possibility was you wouldn't accept me. If you don't want this baby, uhmm... just say now, and I'll leave.
A slap echoed through the home. I kept my palms over my cheek.
He: I never thought you would behave like this. Leaving isn't the solution. (He took out a yellow thread from his pant pocket. My breath hitched. Thali?[Mangalsutra in Tamil] Within seconds, he tied it around my neck. I traced it with happy tears, unable to form words. I smiled at him.) Now you are forever tied to me, Chaaru! Don't think of running away again.
He switched off the stove and stormed out of the kitchen.
I yelled, "Don't ever go away after an argument, Aravind. I only left you once, but the number of times you left me alone shattered me. If you want to smack me, do it, want to argue with me, then do it, but don't go away."
I held my head and was about to fall. I opened my tear-filled eyes halfway to see myself in his embrace. I hugged him. I couldn't hug him tighter because of my bump. I smiled, but he didn't. I parted away and stood up.
Me: Fine, Aravind, take your time to forgive me. But don't forget we both already missed being together during an important phase. (I caressed my bump.) Don't worry, I have talked to her only about good things, about how much you love me, maybe loved. I'm sorry! I do regret things i have done. I'm not leaving you again. But I also don't want you to feel held back with me because of my baby...
He:(yelled) Our baby! Stop splitting. Yeah, I said we shouldn't have babies soon.I didn't say we would never have babies. You know I like them, maybe not asmuch as you do, but when it comes to our baby, I'm more than sure I would lovethem. Stop assuming things.
Arghh!! I need time. You were never a burden. Ididn't hold you back; we loved each other. (I murmured, "Loved.") Yes, loved.You don't love me now; I can clearly see the difference. But I do. Not becauseI still love you, i would accept what you have made me go through. Stay withme. I won't assure you I'll forgive you, but don't you dare split me and my baby! (tears flowed effortlessly)
