The Boundless Bond

Part 8

There isn't a day that goes by where I don't, at some point, think of you.

The next day, Ashwin tried contacting Ashima, but he couldn't get through her. After thinking a while, he decided to contact Kayal though he knows she might give him another lecture.

Ashwin: Hi Kayal, is it the right time to talk?

Kayal: Hey, pesalam. What is it?

Ashwin: Ashi...is she ok?

Kayal: She's getting better, we told her to not attend class, but you know her, pidivadhama she came. Think it's better as well cos if not she'd be worried sitting at home by herself.

Ashwin: Hmmm, is she there with you? Tried reaching her aana she's not answering my calls or messages.

Kayal: Ippo inga ille, she went to café with Sandhya. I know how you must be feeling as well, aniki naan react panadhuku first sorry solidren, I might have overreacted but when I saw her in such state, couldn't resist myself. Ashi looks really disturbed, we are somehow managing, aunty ku teriya kudadhunu she's staying with us for the weekend. Maybe give her some time, say about a week or so then try talking to her. Unga appa neraya pesirkaru pola that's why she's like this.

Ashwin: Hmm seri Kayal, I don't know what he told her, adhe dhan kekradhuku irundhen but she's not willing to talk about it. Ellathayum panitu inga ellarkitayum avar normal ah dhan irukaru. One week is going to be really tough. And it's okay don't be sorry, anyone would have reacted in such way. And knowing you, aniki nee panadhe kammi dhan, nala vela Sandhya phone panla enaku. Can you pls do me a favor by keeping me updated on how she is whenever you can?

Kayal: (giggled hearing what he told about Sandhya), kandipa naan update panren. Just don't worry too much okay. It's going to be fine, let Ashi to calm down first then we can talk. We are here for you both. You concentrate on your final year project.

Ashwin: Thanks Kayal for understanding. I'll talk to you soon.

Kayal: Enna pudhusa thanks lam? Ashi and you mean a lot to us. I'll keep in touch with you and will let you know when she's alright to meet up. Adhu varaikum, poitu unga appa va edhadhu checkup ku kutitu po.

-Ashwin laughed to that statement and ended the call. One week passed by, Kayal was in touch with Ashwin and she told him to come and meet on Monday since Ashima has only an hour class in the morning to attend-

Monday, after class, Ashima was walking back towards her hostel, to pack up and go back home. Ashima's mum was getting worried as Ashima didn't make any frequent calls or messages to her mum, she didn't want her mum to get any doubts. Ashwin was waiting for her near their hostel. Though Ashima was expecting Ashwin to make a sudden appearance out of nowhere, she wasn't prepared to face him-

Ashwin : Abbyyy..can we talk please? It's been more than a week

Ashima: Enna pesanum?

Ashwin: Pesardhuku neraya iruku, can we pls? Let's get this sorted

Ashima: (opened her house door) okay, come in, we'll talk inside

Ashwin: Naan appa kita pesinen ytd night

Ashima: (stared at Ashwin), what did you ask him? Don't tell me you went and blurted out things

Ashwin: no no, I didn't say it all, not that I know what exactly happened right. I just asked on what he thinks of us

Ashima: nee yen abby poi idhelam panra, he must have thought I made you to ask

Ashwin: avara paatha apdilam therle, normal ah dhan irundharu. He told me he doesn't have any problem with it, but this isn't the right time, we have to focus on our studies and get settled first nu sonnaru

Ashima: ohhh? (with a shock)

Ashwin: enna apdi paakura?

Ashima: nothing, this isn't what he told me that's why I'm wondering.

Ashwin: really? Then tell me what he told you.

Ashima: Nothing's going to change, then what's the point of talking?

Ashwin: Ofc things can change, we can talk about it and see what can be done. Why are you going through this by yourself? I should be involved as well, in all that you think and go through.

Ashima: (remained silent)

Ashwin: please abby, the silence is a killer for me, and you know that well.                                -