Unexpected Encounters

From Campus to Forever ~ 13

"Hello", Nandini's soft voice flows through Raghav's phone making him sigh.

He clears his throat before responding, "Nandini..."

Nandini's breath hitches at his voice, "R-Raghav?"

"I'm sorry di, na yetho kovathula...", Raghav begins apologizing making Nandini gasp.

[I'm sorry I got angry.]

"Yenange, ninge yenga sorry solringa. Na dhan thappa pesiten. N-Na ungala nerla parthu pesa virumbiren.", Nandini utters softly.

[No, please don't apologise. It was my fault. I wish to see you and explain things.]

"Nanum dhan, nalaiku meet panlam. Ana adhuku munnadi...", he hesitates making her frown and ask him.

[Yes, me too. We'll meet tomorrow. But before that...]

"Ava meet panrathuku koopta nalaiku, I want you to come with me.", he finally asks.

[She asked to meet tomorrow, I want you to come with me.]

Nandini blinked, caught off guard. "What? Nejamava?"

[What? Really?]

Raghav replied firmly, "I don't want any misunderstandings or hidden conversations. Nee anga irrukanum."

[Yes, I don't want any misunderstandings or hidden conversations. You have to be there.]

"Seri ok. Nalaiku enga?", Nandini questions with a small smile.

[Yes, of course. Where are we meeting tomorrow?]

"Na un veetuku vandhu pick up pannikuren.", Raghav exclaims making her agree. 

[I'll pick you up at your house.]

"Yenange, oru doubt uh...", Nandini asks, as she bites her lips.

[I have a small doubt....?]

"Sollu di", he replies immediately.

[Yes, tell me!]

"Nalaiku na yenna dress podatum?", Nandini questions childishly making him chuckle.

[What do I wear for tomorrow?]

"Illa, idhu oru important meeting nu theriyuthu, adhan ketten.", Nandini huffs as she lies back on her bed.

[No, it seems like an important meeting which is why I asked.]

"Hmm...nee saree kattu, adhan unakku azhagu.", Raghav exclaims softly, making Nandini blush.

[Hmm...you in a saree—it's what makes you truly beautiful.]

"Ai, line la irrukiya?", Raghav calls out to her, jolting her from her reverie.

[Are you still on call?]

"Ahn irruken. Seri ok, apo bye.", Nandini says hurriedly, making him laugh and wish her a good night before cutting the call.

[Yes, yes. Ok then, bye.]

The next morning, Nandini stood in front of the mirror, her reflection gazing back at her, a quiet uncertainty in her eyes. She had chosen a saree in a soft lavender hue, the color gentle and calming. God knows she needed to be calm right now. The fabric, a light chiffon, flowed gracefully around her, the pleats perfectly arranged to reveal the intricate embroidery at the edge.

Her hair was styled into soft waves, falling loosely over her shoulders, with a few strands tucked behind her ear to reveal the delicate gold jhumkas she wore. A small red sticker dot sat between her eyebrows, adding to the charm of her graceful appearance. As she adjusted the pallu, letting it drape over her shoulder with care, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She looked poised, but the flutter in her chest betrayed her calm exterior. With a deep breath, she straightened up, her fingers briefly touching the sticker on her forehead before she turned to leave.