Just A Friend?

Chapter Thirteen

Prabhas was pacing around his room, rifling through drawers and lifting cushions in a frantic search. His frustration was mounting when he called out, "Ma, where's my watch? I swear I left it here somewhere!"

From the doorway, Sridevi crossed her arms, a bemused smile playing on her lips. "Prabhas, really? You're not a child anymore. You're a 25-year-old grown man, not some lost calf. Learn to keep track of your things."

Prabhas stopped his search momentarily, turning to her with a mischievous grin. "Well, if I'm a 25-year-old buffalo, what does that make the one who raised me? Perhaps another buffalo, wouldn't you say?" he teased, winking at her.

Sridevi, quick on her feet, grabbed a pillow and playfully tossed it at him. "Oh, you cheeky boy! Watch your mouth, or the next thing you'll lose is your precious hairstyle!"

Prabhas deftly dodged the pillow, his hands automatically flying up to smooth his hair. "Ma! Be careful! Do you have any idea how long it took to perfect this? A good fifteen minutes, at least!" He turned to the mirror, running his fingers through his perfectly styled hair, admiring his handiwork.

"Honestly, you're not going to meet your bride, Prabhas. This isn't your wedding day," Sridevi remarked, rolling her eyes with affectionate exasperation.

He straightened up, a glint of hope in his eyes as he adjusted his collar. "Who knows, Ma? Maybe I will see my bride there tonight."

Sridevi's expression softened, and a gentle smile touched her lips. "I hope so too, my dear. Now stop admiring yourself and get going. You're already late as it is."

Prabhas glanced at the clock, his eyes widening in realization. "You're right! I've got to go!" He dashed toward the door, grabbing his watch at the last second.

"Prabhas, be careful!" Sridevi called after him, her voice filled with the warmth of a mother's love.

He paused just long enough to kiss her on the cheek. "Don't worry, Ma. I'll be fine. Make sure you have dinner on time. Bye!"

With that, he was out the door, leaving Sridevi chuckling to herself. As she watched him go, her heart filled with hope. "May you find what you're looking for, my son," she whispered, thinking of Sweety, and the possibility of a reunion that had been long overdue.

_______^-^_______

Prabhas stepped into the opulent party hall, exuding an air of authority that matched his polished appearance. The soft glow of chandeliers bathed the room in a golden hue, and heads turned, almost instinctively, as he made his entrance. His tailored suit clung perfectly to his broad shoulders, and his confident stride commanded the attention of everyone present. Yet, his sharp eyes were scanning the crowd for one face—the only one that mattered.

As he moved through the sea of familiar faces, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning, he found himself face to face with Teju. She had changed over the years, though her beauty remained undeniable. The room's murmurs grew louder as eyes followed her every move, but Prabhas remained indifferent, his gaze piercing yet detached.

"Prabhas! It's been so long," Teju greeted, her voice laced with a rehearsed sweetness as she moved to embrace him.

He stood still, his posture stiff, refusing the hug. "Yes, it has," he replied, his tone clipped and edged with irritation.

Teju blinked, momentarily thrown off by his cold reception. She quickly recovered, though, offering him a saccharine smile. "I've thought a lot about us after we... you know... parted ways. I've regretted my behavior, and I was wondering if maybe we could pick up where we left off and—"

Prabhas cut her off with a steely gaze that silenced her mid-sentence. "Teju," he began, his voice low but firm, carrying the weight of his resolve, "the past is where it belongs—behind us. Whatever happened between us is nothing but a stain, a chapter I have no intention of revisiting. If your purpose tonight is to dredge up those memories, then let's end this conversation right now."