Chapter 9
The waiter arranged the order on the table and left. The place was pretty quiet except for some soft Chinese music. Kadhir had no clue how to start the conversation, he had to say something , they cant sit like this forever…So how is your job Uma?, he managed to kickoff with a grin. I like it and I am glad that I got a job to kindle my creativity, thanks to Priya who started all this. Kadhir smiled to himself but he was happy for Uma. Ram is a very nice person and so are the people who work with me , overall I love the atmosphere…. They ordered their main dish and continued their conversation. They talked about many things Chennai and Coimbatore weather, graphics, poetry, business…….. When they finished up their dessert …Uma realized that she had been there for almost 3 hours, she was almost embarrassed that she had been talking so much to Kadhir. Past couple of years she hadn't spoken to anyone this long. But she loved it, Kadhir brought out the real Uma from her, he guided their conversation in such a way that she could speak out her feelings about any topic. She felt very comfortable and safe with him. They had been talking as if they knew each other for a very long long time. Polama, Ram had asked me to meet him at 3 regarding some important deliverable…Uma asked. The three hours had gone by like a flash. Kadhir was falling deeper and deeper in love, uma's smartness, intelligence, gentleness…anger once in a while, a mild stubbornness totally made an impact on Kadhir. He didn't have the heart to end this meeting…he wished it would go on and on. But they had to go.
They got into the car and uma picked up Anuradha Ramanan's "Kanavugal Kodi" from the back seat. Can I borrow this Kadhir? Of course Uma, you can take it. DO you like Anuradha Ramanans books. She is one of my favorites….yes. Kadhir's car pulled up in front of the office complex. Thanks for the lunch Kadhir, Uma's heart was beating fast…she did not want the day to end….Can we do this again….we think in the same wavelength, enakku time ponathe theriyala…..Kadir was blurting out all the time looking at Uma directly. …he couldn't belive himself…he was almost letting his heart out. He contolled himself, its not the time Kadhir,control yourself, porumai porumai…..! Uma's heart was jumping with joy when Kadhir…..asked her out again, but something stopped her from answering, she couldn't see his ogling eyes anymore…..without saying a word, she got out of the car and walked towards the building. Disappointed Kadhir shuts his eyes and puts both his hands on the head….Gosh what did I do, romba avasarapattutene…..Frustrated with himself, he started the car….when someone knocked on his window. He looked up to see his angel standing there, he quickly rolled his window down…….thanks for the book, this week there is a kaviarangam in SUndaram hall…..if you are interested…she had a meaningful look in her face. The look spoke a million words….Before Kadhir could even speak anything…Uma started walking towards the office door. Kadhir could not hold his joy…when she disappeared from his sight he almost let out a joyous yell and started his car.
The past week anni had been very happy and relaxed. Her ususal sad face had brightened up. She had heard from Kadhir about their lunch get together. Infact nowadays she had started teasing Kadhir and even calling him anna most of the time. But whenever kadhir broached the subject of Durai, she avoided it. She was living in his memories and it gave her a sense of satisfaction that at least God had blessed her with good memories. One of those memorable moments was her birthday. ACD was still not pleased that Priya was behind him, he felt that priya's concentration in her studies were going down. He had yelled at her for wasting her time instead of preparing for the exams. Priya was very upset…..and mad at ACD for not understanding her feelings. She had even complained to Shanthi akka and shanthi akka had said she was not going to do anything till she finished her exams with good scores.
She had a couple of more months for her exams and today was her birthday. Her anni had gifted her a beautiful maroon saree that she wore immediately. She took her father's blessings and they all went to the temple. As they came out of the temple she asked her father and anni to go home and she proceeded to Durai's house. She parked her scooter and went inside to be greeted by aunty and uncle. She told them about her birthday and got their blessings. Durai who had just finished her bath heard the commotion downstairs and recognized Priya's voice. Durai's parents were leaving for a wedding and they asked Priya to stay and talk to DUrai and go. Sorry ma, unakku oru coffee pottu kudukka kooda time illa….paravayilla auntie, naan pottukuren…neenga kelambunga! Though she was excited that she was going to be left alone with Durai in the house, Durai's strict attitude and his lectures about her studies…..winded her down…enna romance o, enna kadhalo….eppavum sidu sidunnu…..konjamavathu sirikalamla..she murmured to herself.
As she came in..Durai came down the steps, enna kaathu intha pakkam veesuthu…college mooditangala? Naan onnum ungla parka varala…aunty/uncle kitta aasirvatham vaanga vanthen …ennoda pirnathna naal innikku. Oho….ennoda pirantha naal vazhthukkal priya, seekram vayasavarathukulla padichu mudi,, Durai teases her but with no smile on his face. In anger she looks away from him and DUrai smiles secretly….she goes into the kitchen to make some coffee. Upset with Durai, she is waiting for the milk to boil. Sulking at Durai's attitude she switches of the stove and hold the vessel handle to pour the milk. Another hand holds her hand gently and guides in pouring the milk into the cup. Durai was standing right behind her…..the smell of his perfume was intoxicating. Priya was speechless and actionless. Durai held her hand and kept the vessel down. He slowly turned her towards him…their faces were just a few inches apart. Priya's eyes were closed, she was floating in some gandharva world. Durai lifter her chin gently and …Happy birthday Priya, open your eyes.She slowly opened her eyes to meet the eyes of the tough police officer who had literally swept her off her feet. They stood staring at each other for God knows how long…Durai slowly came back to senses, took her hands and walked towards the hall sofa. Priya was following him like a puppy dog.m,He asked her to sit down….Priya was still floating, she couldn't believe what was happening…was it real or a dream! Durai ran to his room upstairs and quickly came down. He had small box in his hand and opened it for her. Inside was a beautiful ring with a heart on it. She was touched.,….she didn't know that Durai was so romantic…..it was the best thing that could happen on her birthday. She was still speechles with tears in her eyes…looking at the ring. He picked it up and gently slided down her finger , His touch was so gentle…..I had bought this long time back…..i wanted to give it to you at the right moment…nothing can be more perfect that your birthday. Though I knew it was your birthday I had no plans of giving you this…..but when I saw you…..i didn't know what I was doing…..You are so beautiful Priya, ever since the first day I saw you, I had been attracted to you……my past and my dangerous life had held me back from opening to you. You are an innocent girl and I didn't want you to become a a prey for my dangerous life…that's why I kept going away from you. At many occasion s I was close to opening up to you about my feelings, but I had to be practical. That's what made me put this stern face in front of you….But today I failed, when I saw you all my determination was gone….all I can see is the feelings we have between us. I love you Priya, I want to have a life with you.
Tears rolled down her cheeks…and she quickly held Durais hand on her cheeks. Thank you, thank you…..this is my best birthday ever. I don't know what to say, I am speechless, I knew you had feelings for me somewhere , but didn't expect it to come out this way…not this way from encounter Durai. Unga sidusiduppu kadukaduppuku pinnala ivlo unarvugal irukkeunna, I am very very lucky. She fell into his arms and both of them stayed in that warm hug for a while.
Ok madam, ungalukku collegeku time aagalaya….intha kaadhal katthirikkai ellam ippothaikku maranthuttu…padippula gavanam seluthnga….he said in a a stern high town and then transforming into a low tone….naan engayum poida maatten…..
Sari, sari,….naan kelambaren…..apram paarkalam, she took her bag and walked towards the door. She stopped, glanced at the smart officer …her future life, proud of herself….walked out of the door.
Priya was looking at the ring Durai had given her, somehow she had managed to hide it from her dad. She was closing her face with her hand and sobbing. Kadhir walked in through the front door, Uma hearing the sob walked out from the pooja room.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
CID
