Under the Mango Tree's Shadow

In silence, one blossomed in hatred, the other in love.

***

"Kadavule, please take care of my Anni (sister-in-law) from this buffalo," Kathir teases, making a big show of his worry.

I laugh and slap him lightly on the back. "Stop being dramatic. I'll see you on campus."

"Look there," Kathir points to a patch of paddy fields along the road. I see her. Nandhini. She's walking along a narrow path between the fields, almost to the road.

"I'm going."

I jump off the bike, my heart racing.

Just to get closer to her.

Kathir zooms off, leaving me behind.

Nandhini's already reached the road and is walking toward the bus stop.

I keep a careful distance, only about ten feet behind her.

Her long braid sways with each step, adorned with jasmine flowers. The way her hair moves, the way she walks-it's beautiful. I love everything about her. But I know I need to control my feelings. I'll wait until she's comfortable with me before I show her how I feel.

I know she's aware of me following her. I can see the stiffness in her shoulders as she quickens her pace. She glances back at me.

I smile and wink.

She huffs and pouts, annoyed.

Cute.

I laugh, shaking my head.

I love teasing her.

***

He loved her in silence. She hated him out loud.
Bound by an age-old family feud, Madhav and Nandhini were never meant to fall for each other. But in a village soaked in secrets and sun, where rivalry runs deep - what happens when love dares to bloom where hatred once ruled?

A slow-burning village romance of unspoken feelings, buried legacies, and the fragile line between enemies and something far deeper.

A 90s Sweet Village Romance♡♡♡

Story Rankings:

#17 #shy
#13 #traditional
#45 #southindian
#25 #secretlove
#60 #indianstory
#25 #strongheroine
#20 #wattyawards
#42 #90s

Cover photo @pininterest.