Intimacy - Part 26

Rakesh stopped texting, calling or visiting Aarthi and let her alone. He couldn't see her cry, after all she was his angel of life and it was heartbreaking to see her upset. Somewhere in the corner of his mind, something kept telling him that, she would come back to him and they were going to have a happy life.

Kadhal konden kanavinai valarthen
kanmani unnai naan karuththinil niraithen
unakke uyiraanen ennalum ennai nee maravathe
nee illamal ethu nimathi
nee thaan endrum en sanithi

Kanne Kalaimaanae Kanni Mayil Ena
Kanden Unai Naane
Anthi Pagal Unnai Naan Paarkiren
Aandavanai Ithaithaan Ketkiren

காதல் கொண்டேன்
கனவினை வளர்த்தேன்
கண்மணி உனை நான்
கருத்தினில் நிறைத்தேன்உனக்கே உயிரானேன்
எந்நாளும் எனை நீ மறவாதே
நீ இல்லாமல் எது நிம்மதி
நீ தான் என்றும் என் சந்நிதி

கண்ணே கலை மானே
கன்னி மயிலென்ன
கண்டேன் உனை நானே
அந்தி பகல் உனை நான் பார்க்கிறேன்
ஆண்டவனை இதை தான் கேட்கிறேன்

He spent his time looking at the pictures that they have taken together, when they were out and about. Her innocent smile, swindled his heart. He wanted to live those days again, but with Aarthi as his wife. He knows, she is the one who can shower him with happiness, love, affection and care, for his lifetime.

As he was delving deeper in his thoughts, he heard a knock on the door.

“Aarthi! Is that you really? Come in Mrs.Rakesh!”, said Rakesh. He was smiling bigger and was excited to see her.

“Please, stop that Rakesh. You are a very good friend of mine. Why do you want to complicate things. We were happy then. But, now?? Please forget everything and let us be good friends. I can't lose your friendship”, said Aarthi, pleadingly. She continued, “Why do you look at me like that? May I come in?”

“No Aarthi. I can't be your friend anymore. I love you truly. I can't pretend to be your friend and fool myself. If you accept me and my love, then come in. If not, you know your way back home.”

“But, Rakesh”, said Aarthi and she couldn't speak more. She kept looking at him. He looked away and stayed stubborn.

Aarthi silently left his place. She cried harder and harder, that evening. She couldn't lose him. At the same time, she dare not go beyond her promise too.

A couple of days later, her mom called her. Aarthi was in a stage of devastation. She wanted to tell everything to her mom and cry out. But, she was afraid that her mom might not be happy to hear that.

“Aarthi, how are you baby?”

“I am fine mom. How are you?”

“What happened to you? Your voice is very dull? Are you not feeling well?”

“Nothing mom. I am OK. Work pressure”, said Aarthi. She was finding it hard to hold back her emotions.

“Aarthi, I want to talk about something important. Rakesh's parents visited us few days back. Looks like Rakesh is in love with you and had told his parents, about it. They were eager in getting you married to him. They were praising you and was showing a great interest.”

“Mom?!”

“I remember you telling about him Aarthi. I remember all the misunderstandings you had and how you both turned out to be good friends. But, your dad was in a little shock.”

“Mom, what did he say?”

“Nothing Aarthi. It doesn't matter either. We want to know, what you have got to say about this.”

“Mom, mom”, Aarthi couldn't speak anything. She broke down.

“Aarthi, your happiness is more important than anything else for us. We also know that you have denied to accept him and wanted to keep up the promise. We are glad Aarthi. When you try to forego your desire for us, then won't we do our best to see you happy? We will call Rakesh’s parents and fix your wedding soon. Don't cry darling. Now it's time for you to celebrate life.”

“Thank you mom! Thank you, so much!”

Aarthi couldn't be more happier. This day and this moment was the wonderful thing, that could happen. She ran to Rakesh’s apartment. She wiped her tears, adjusted her hair and dress and then knocked on the door. Rakesh opened the door.

“Hi Rakesh!”, said Aarthi, smiling at him.

“What are you doing here Aarthi?”

“Move aside Rakesh, I want to come in”

“Don't you remember, what I told you?”

“I do, Rakesh. Will you please let Mrs.Aarthi Rakesh to enter?”

Rakesh looked at her in disbelief. He looked puzzled.

She went inside and sat on his bed. She was smiling and crying at the same time. The place brought some familiar warmth in her heart. She has been missing this space so much and now she feels at the right place. The longing moment was finally here and she is happy to be back, in her den of love.

Rakesh went down on his knees, took her hands in his’ and looked into her eyes.

“Aarthi did you mean it?”

“Yes, Rakesh. I spoke with my mom. She told me that your parents met mine and they are all happy about us, getting married. You never told me that, you have conveyed everything to your parents. After I spoke to her, my feet did not touch the ground. I came running, to see you.”

There wasn't much happiness on Rakesh’s face.

“So, you agreed to marry me, only after your parents consented? Don't you have any feelings for me?”

“Rakesh, please! I understand what you say. I was confused. My mind was filled with pain, fear, agony, confusion, what not. I was completely restless and anxious. But now, my mind is clear. My heart is full of happiness. I want to live this moment, this very moment, by your side. I am sorry for all the pain, that I gave you. Please Rakesh! I was scared of losing you. But, now, you are mine and I want to treasure you for my life time. Please Rakesh!”, pleaded Aarthi. She was very emotional. Her tears never seem to cease. Rakesh could sense the love overflowing. He smiled at her and said, “I love you, Aarthi” and hugged her.

Aegaantha Ninaivum Eriginra Nilavum
En Mael Oru Poar Thodukka
Enai Vanthu Thazhuvu Aen Intha Pirivu
Maanae Vaa Unai Yaar Thadukka
Parimaaralaam Pasiyaaralaam
Poomaalai Nee Soodum Naal
Maathu Un Meethu Eppoathu En Moagam
Paayaatho Sol Poonguyilae

Guruvayurappa Guruvayurappa
Naan Konda Kaathalukku Neethaanae Saatchi

ஏகாந்த நினைவும் எரிகின்ற நிலவும்

என் மேலே ஒரு போர் தொடுக்க
எனை வந்து தழுவு ஏனிந்தப் பிரிவு

மானே வா உனை யார் தடுக்க
பரிமாறலாம் பசியாறலாம்

பூமாலை நீ சூடும் நாள்
மாது உன் மீது எப்போது என் மோகம்

தீராதோ சொல் பூங்கொடியே

குருவாயூரப்பா குருவாயூரப்பா
நான் கொண்ட காதலுக்கு நீதானே சாட்சி