Just A Friend?

Chapter Twenty-Four

Sridevi was in the kitchen, finishing up her morning chores when she realized that she hadn't seen her son yet. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Prabhas?" she called out loudly, her voice echoing through the house. "Did he even come back home last night? Or did he decide to camp outside Sweety's house?" she muttered to herself while carefully carrying a cup of coffee towards Prabhas's room.

As she approached his door, Sridevi slowed her pace and tiptoed closer. She pressed her ear against the door, trying to detect any signs of life from her usually lazy son. The room was dead silent. No snoring, no shuffling—nothing. She frowned in concern, her mind already leaping to the most dramatic conclusions. But before she could ponder further, she heard a voice right behind her.

"Good morning, Amma," Prabhas said cheerfully.

Startled, Sridevi let out a yelp and spun around, the coffee cup slipping from her fingers and crashing onto the floor. "Ayyo, Prabhas!" she cried out, clutching her chest as her heart raced. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack? What are you doing sneaking up on me like that?"

Prabhas, dressed in fresh clothes with his hair neatly combed, chuckled at his mother's reaction. "Sorry, Amma. I didn't mean to scare you."

Sridevi, still recovering from the shock, narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously. "Wait a minute... You're up early. On a Sunday, no less. Who are you, and what have you done with my lazy son?" She dramatically placed her hand on her forehead, looking up at the ceiling as if calling out to the heavens. "Oh, dear Lord, please return my Prabhas to me! I think he's been possessed by some good-natured spirit!"

Prabhas couldn't help but laugh at his mother's antics. "Amma, stop being a drama queen. I'm just up early, that's all."

Sridevi wasn't convinced. She crossed her arms and eyed him suspiciously, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Is that so? Or maybe, just maybe... Sweety is the reason you're so full of energy this morning? Hmm?" She wiggled her eyebrows at him teasingly.

Prabhas's face instantly flushed a deep shade of red. "Amma, please!" he stammered, trying to divert the topic. "It's not what you think—"

"Oh, come on now, Prabhas," Sridevi interrupted. "You can't fool your mother. So, tell me, is it Sweety who put this spring in your step? Hmm?" She nudged him playfully, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Prabhas sighed, knowing he was defeated. He could never hide anything from his mother. "Fine, fine. Yes, Amma, it's Sweety. But it's not what you're thinking," he explained, scratching the back of his head nervously. "We... we had dinner last night, and she agreed to be friends again."

Sridevi's face lit up with joy, her smile stretching from ear to ear. "Really? Oh, that's wonderful news, my son!" She clapped her hands together, practically bouncing with excitement. "I knew it! I knew she couldn't resist your charm for long!" She wrapped him in a tight hug, her heart swelling with happiness for her son.

Prabhas chuckled, his own smile growing wider as he felt the warmth of his mother's happiness. "Amma, you're getting too excited."

"Of course, I'm excited!" Sridevi pulled back and looked at him with mock suspicion. "Wait a minute... Are you making this up just to get me off your back?"

"Amma!" Prabhas protested, laughing at the accusation. "Why would I do that? It's true! She really said yes."

Sridevi's eyes softened as she looked at him with pure affection. "I'm so happy for you, Prabhas. You have to win her back, you know. She's a wonderful girl, and you two are perfect for each other."

Prabhas nodded, feeling a wave of determination wash over him. "I know, Amma. I'll do my best."

Sridevi smiled, her heart filled with pride. "That's my boy. Just remember, don't rush things. Let her come to you at her own pace. Be patient, be kind, and most importantly, be yourself."