You and I - a pranushka tale

chapter one

Mithrah handled her luggage carefully as she stepped out of the train and into the blissfully welcoming arms of her village heat. Little, colourful market stalls stood in a disorderly fashion by the walls of the small station. The smell of jasmine flowers and sweet stalls enticed her into taking hurried steps towards the bundle of treats that called her name. With a child-like smile, Mithrah neared the lady selling flowers but was immediately stopped by a hand stretching in front of her.

She stopped on spot and glared at the hand before moving her angered eyes to the man that was looking at her with a goofy smile.

"Soori!" She exclaimed in joy and pulled the man into her arms. He was her father's protégée and much like a very young uncle who she could joke around with and still seek advice from as if he was a much older adult.

He took the luggage out of Mithrah's hands and started rambling about all the preparations happening at home for the Temple festivals that were to start soon. With a warm smile, she followed him out of the crowded station. Only then did she notice the group of guards awaiting to protect her. She sighed knowing it was inevitable.

Her father always ensured a number of guards to be around her when she returned back home. She knew it was for her own safety but that didn't mean she didn't resent the group of men following her wherever she went.

Her village was at war with a neighbouring village for generations. From a child, Mithrah was surrounded by goons with knives guarding her and her family. Leaving for London provided the break she needed from the fights that occurred. But now that she returned, she knew avoiding the violence was not possible.

Soori remained oblivious to her distaste and continued talking. "The house itself is decorated like a temple! Everywhere there are candles and flowers and-"

"Oh I forgot. I wanted to buy some jasmine flowers." Mithrah's said with a frown, realising it slipped her mind after she saw Soori. She was dressed rather western in her ripped jeans and tank top and at the sight of the traditional flowers, she wanted to buy some to reconnect with the culture she had missed back in London.

"Mithrah?" Soori asked in a curious tone as they made their walk from the station to the huge villa where Mithrah's family awaited. "You finished your studies now. What's happening next? Will you go back to London permanently for a job? Or will you stay here?"

"Of course, I'm going to stay here." Mithrah replied in a confident tone even though she had no idea what was going to happen next. She had just finished her degree and was returning home after a whole year away. She was clueless as to what was going to happen next. Frankly, future was the last thing on her mind. All she wanted to do was enjoy some time with her family in peace before she starts stressing over what follows. "Where would I go when you're here, huh?" She asked with a teasing smile.

Soori scoffed. "This is what you said before spending three years in London."

Mithrah started kicking a stone as they walked down the sandy pathway. The guards walked a few steps behind, giving some space to the two returning home. "I visited once a year didn't I?"

"For ten days." Soori complained. "And you didn't visit in a whole year. Amma and Appa miss you a lot. Honestly, I couldn't go a day without hearing 'I wonder if Mithrah has had food' or 'I wonder what is Mithrah doing right now.' It's a surprise my ears didn't bleed." He said dramatically making a face.

She laughed and swung her arm around her dear friend. "I'm here now. I'm not going until you get tired of me."

As the soft breeze played with her long hair, she looked around and admired the agricultural view that she and her older brother had played in for hours. With a nostalgic smile, she sighed. She couldn't wait to see her brother who she hadn't seen in what felt like forever as he was away in Police training.