You and I - a pranushka tale

chapter thirteen

The next day, Mithrah walked downstairs feeling drained due to the lack of sleep she got the night before. Half of the fault she placed on Rana and his need for her to be guard, the other half she blamed on his friend. When she returned to bed the night before she felt restless. Her thoughts were running wild wondering what could have happened. Maybe they might have kissed but then she feared what would follow after that. What if they had got caught? She believed Rana would've understandably lost his shit completely.

With her mind still tumbling over the events of last night, she began walking to the kitchen to make some tea. As she raised her head to finally look in the direction she was heading she noticed Prabhas come with his eyes focused on something in his hands. With curious eyes, Mithrah realised it was his phone.

She cleared her throat causing his eyes to snap up. Immediately a smirk found his lips as his eyes traced her body. Mithrah was already wearing a sari as later on she was going to the temple. She rolled her eyes at his lack of subtleness before half-heartedly asking, "Do you want tea?"

His eyebrows rose in surprise before he nodded, his face morphed into confusion at her unusual politeness. "Yeah, thanks."

Mithrah made a face. "I didn't think you'd say yes." She had asked in the hopes that he would say no.

"Do you want me to help?" He asked teasingly, a mischievous smile on his lips.

Without bothering to dignify his question with a response, she walked past making sure to bump shoulders roughly. Even though she truly enjoyed whatever interaction they had, for some reason he always managed to annoy her.

As she made tea for herself and him, Rana slowly walked in with a cautious expression on his face. He slung his arm over her shoulders and gave her a cheesy grin. "How's my favourite sister?"

Mithrah looked at him unimpressed. "Your only sister. What did you do?" she asked cutting the chase.

"What do you mean?" he asked, feigning confusion.

"You've done something, I can tell." She said rolling her eyes. "I don't get the favourite sister greeting every day."

Rana pinched her cheek. "That's because you're my only beautiful sister."

Mithrah turned around and faced him with narrowed eyes. "What is it?"

His face slowly became serious as he looked away. "I got the email today."

Mithrah's own face became void of emotion as she realised what email it was. "Where?" she asked quietly.

He sighed, knowing she wasn't going to be happy with his answer. "My posting is in Chennai."

Her mouth dropped as she felt her heart sink. "Chennai?" It was far away from their home and she didn't like the thought of her brother not being near her. Mithrah herself was applying for jobs and she realised none of her choices was in Chennai.

Noticing her expression Rana pulled her into his arms. "It's not too far. Plus I'll be visiting and you'll come over there too."

Mithrah slowly nodded before letting go of her brother. "You're right." she mumbled, refusing to cry in front of her brother. It wasn't like distance wasn't an issue before. Only then it felt temporary but a sense of permanence appeared with this.

"So, you're okay?" Rana asked.

Mithrah scoffed feigning relief. "Of course I am. Finally, I can be headache free."

Rana laughed knowing she was lying to make him feel better and herself better before looking down at the two cups of tea she made. "You made tea for me? You shouldn't have." He said reaching to grab a mug but she slapped his hand away.

"It's for Prabhas."

Rana raised his eyebrows. "You're being nice."

"Aren't I always?" She replied haughtily before she realised Prabhas must've got an email too. "Does he know where he's been assigned to?" she asked, trying to sound as conversational as possible and not as nervous as she felt.

Rana nodded, beginning to make his way out. "He should have got an email too. Ask him. I'm going to go tell parents about mine."

Deep in thought, Mithrah made her way to where Prabhas was waiting. She felt uneasy and a part of her didn't want to ask where he will be working. Ignorance is bliss she told herself as she reached him.

He took the mug from her outstretched arm and smiled at the hot drink with a satisfied smile. "Thanks." he said before taking a sip.

Mithrah watched his face turn into one of happiness as he gave her a thumbs up. "It's really good."

A small smile rose on her lips as she shook her head at his compliment. "It's just tea."

"Really good tea."

Her gaze remained on him. "Where have you been assigned to?" She asked, knowing in her heart she was going to dread whatever answer he gave.

He paused mid-sip and raised his eyebrows. A boyish grin then grew on his face. "Why?"

Mithrah's eyes narrowed at how gleeful he looked when he heard her question. "Making conversation. Nothing else." She replied sternly,

He smirked as he walked closer towards her. "Seems like someone is catching feelings."

"You're going to be catching hands." She hissed going to punch him but he caught her hand and pulled her closer towards him.

"You care about me." He murmured. Once again, it wasn't a question. He said as it was, a fact, causing Mithrah's heart to race.

She narrowed her eyes. "No." Mithrah said stubbornly, refusing to let him know how she feels. "You know what? Don't tell me." She declared pulling her hand out of his hand before strutting away, her head held high.

Amused, he watched her walk away without glancing back. But his smile slowly faded as he looked down at the email opened on his phone. He was going to be far from here. Before he arrived to Rana's house, he was eager to start his new job but now he felt a slow swarm of dread spread within him. He didn't want to leave. Not quite yet.