Salim and Kayal #Watty's 2016 # YourStoryIndia #ProjectWomanUp

Pre marital what???

Kayal's POV

In the morning I woke up pretty early to attend the meeting. The sky had given us a small break from rains. As soon as I got up, I realized that I had got my Periods. I went to the bathroom with my Menstrual Cup and change of clothes. After a quick bath, I came outside to find Salim and his team finishing their prayers. Salim is now a Hafiz. Few days back, he gave us a small treat on a week day for that. It seems he was leading the prayer.

I waited outside for him. We came to the main road and got a load auto. He sat opposite to me. We didn't speak anything. We reached the tea stall in few minutes. All our friends were there. I introduced Salim to everybody. "Salim, this is Ponni from Tanjore Medical College. She handles vaccination and general check up. Ponni, this is Salim Ali. He is doing his Master's in Political Communication."

Both of them said 'Hai' to each other. I then turned towards Ponni. "Ponni, try to come to the colony by today or tomorrow. There are a few people complaining about fever. We have given them Paracetamol. But still, it will be better if you can check."

"Sure. I will come by today evening."

"Thanks Ponni."

With that we moved to the next person. "Salim, this is Madheshwaran from PSG College Coimbatore. Madhesh, this is Salim Ali. He is studying Political Communication." Both of them had a handshake.

Madhesh asked me, "Kayal, do you have extra milk powders? We have run out of Milk powders and we will be getting our supply, only by tomorrow morning. There are many kids in our camp. We need it urgently."

I replied, "Sure, I will send it through Arugan."

Similarly I introduced him to many more friends. He was comfortable with everybody. At last I introduced him to Francis Sir. "Sir, this is Salim Ali, doing his Master's in Political Communication. Salim, this is Francis Sir. He works with an International Aid organization."

They had a gentle handshake. Sir said, "I am happy that these days young people like you willingly participate in relief activities. May God bless you all."

Salim replied, "Thank you Sir."

After that he started chatting with Francis Sir about his interests, area of specialization etc. I left him to chat with Jeeva Anna(Elder Brother) with a polite, "Excuse me."

As soon as I went near Jeeva Anna, I snatched the cigarette from his mouth and stabbed it to death. I said, "Passive smoking is injurious to my health."

He told me an irritated voice, "Vanthuttiya Aaya? (Have you come, Grandmother?) One cigarette costs, twelve Rupees."

"You may have to spend Twelve lakh Rupees to cure Cancer, if you don't have insurance that is."

"I will instead die than waste Twelve lakh Rupees or Government's resources."

I replied in a sarcastic tone, "And, they will give you a Post Humus Padma Bhushan in honour of your sacrifice."

Salim joined us now. "Anna, this is Salim Ali. He is doing his Master's in Political Communication. We are classmates. Salim, this is Jeeva Anna, senior most member of our NGO. He is our mentor, guide, brother etc."

Salim extended his hand for a handshake, but Anna caught him by surprise by giving him a hug. "Welcome. Anbu told me about you."

"Thank you."

Jeeva Anna, then drilled more information from him when I left to buy my Coffee. I think Salim prefers tea, so I bought a tea for him and gave it to him. When we returned our cups to the stall, we boarded the load auto again bidding a bye to Jeeva Anna again.