Peacock...

42

Mayil

It's the day of the festival in our temple!

The whole temple has been bustling with people ever since the early dawn. I, my parents and Jayanthi, aunt, and my uncle have arrived here a few moments ago when the sun started to shine brightly onto the world.

It's been a while since I was this enthusiastic. I can't help but feel mushy inside my chest as I take in the beauty of the idols. They were enamored with glimmering gold ornaments and blossoms of different kinds, that adds ineffable elegance to the gods!

"Akka, let's go to the shops!" Looking towards Jayanthi, I nod excitedly and exit the temple, carefully permeating through the bustling masses.

Tons of small stalls have been established throughout the arena of the temple, and people were crowded in front of each one of them. Disappointed, I pout and stare at Jayanthi. "I don't think we would be able to purchase or see anything at this rate," she sighs dully at my words.

"It's fine though! The shops aren't going anywhere. In the meantime, we can enjoy other events," I wink at her which radiates a small smile on her face. Then we both saunter to the Ferris wheel and get on it. I was quite frightened, but Jayanthi kept me sane with her consistent soothing phrases.

"Ayo..." I stumble out of the cabinet once the wheel ceases, still in a bit of apprehension. Meanwhile, Jayanthi leaves the cabinet with a full-blown grin.

"Akka, Vetri sir is there!" All of my nervousness fades away and a fresh sensation grows inside my heart as my eyes follow the direction of Jayanthi's hands. Vetri sir is surrounded by a bunch of little kids and he looks almost exhausted as they drag him to random sellers who vend balloons and toys.

A heartwarming smile threatens to spill over my brims while I stare at him. Under the scorching sun, he appears more handsome than ever. And his humble behavior is giving him a more appealing look.

Startling me, he suddenly glances in my direction and it clicked on my mind. The kiss...the first ever kiss that we shared. I would get reminded of it whenever his eyes would invade mine and then this blush creeps on my cheeks without no warning, whatsoever!

Needless to say, Vetri sir relishes my flushed self while I cower beneath his sharp yet soft gaze.

Similarly, at the moment, unknown to my consciousness, my lips painfully tug to the sides as it struggles to contain the shyness. Vetri sir has now darted his attention to the students but mine remains fixated on him.

Just then, I feel a hand caressing the side of my mouth. Getting back to the actual world, I send a confused glance toward a cheekily smiling Jayanthi.

"What are you doing?" I swat her hand away, perplexed.

"Rubbing off your drool," she says, still flashing the same smile.

"I did not drool!" I scold her, huffing as I turn to gaze at Vetri sir again. "Akka, just accept that you love him! Your love for him is very visible to not discern," blinking, I peer again at Jayanthi, not knowing what to utter.

"Did I get you red-handed?" She quirks her eyebrows playfully. "No! There's nothing between me and him. I do not love him. All that I have towards him is sheer respect," I blurt out curtly, hoping she would believe my words and not analyze through the same.

"Oh..." Her facial expression alters into a gloomy one. "Yes Jayanthi, don't think otherwise," she nods, clearly displeased. "See, that shop looks less crowded! Let's go there." I shake her shoulder and thankfully, her usual self returns.

Thereafter, we both wander together and explore half of the shops. We don't buy many objects, but we would just check out the same and purchase those things that we deem are indeed necessary.