The Tea Trail

Mazhalai pol unthan nenjam; urangattum paavam konjam

The rest of the family saw the bike riding classes as fun and a nice opportunity to rib Kathir and Mullai

They did not know that it actually took their relationship to an abstract next level..all the yesteryear memories that had resurfaced because of this was too powerful..it was like a reunion of sorts which only forged them closer..much much closer emotionally than they had ever been

While outside their room they were at the receiving end of a lot of jokes..inside their room they felt a certain awkwardness..they both felt drawn to each other but didn't really understand how to express it..

And then something happened..something really nasty..

Kanna got arrested..he had sent photos of a some girl with a boy to a lot of people and as a result of that her impending marriage had been cancelled

This nasty incident effectively burst this awkward bubble and helped them settle down back in their comfort zone..but they grew decidedly soft on each other and there was a certain coyness, an open flirting that this incident set off between them

So one afternoon the ladies and Kanna were sitting having their normal chat when there was a knock on the door..a few policemen came in and arrested Kanna..

The whole household was in shock..the brothers were informed and they rushed to the police station..but unfortunately they were neither able to bring Kanna back home that night nor were they able to get any info on the complainant or the nature of complaint...

The men had come home feeling defeated..wretched that Kanna was standing just a feet away from them but they were not allowed to talk to him..and evidently he had been hit..

Kathir was sitting trying to console his anni who was completely broken..

But soon needing some solace himself he went to his lady who was in his safe haven..their room..

Inside KM's room

Mullai stood looking at Kathir who had just entered their room..trying to gauge just by looking at him how bad it really was

Mullai : yenga naalaikku Kanna vanthuduvan ille..she asked a tremor in her voice

Kathir who couldn't trust himself to speak..just hmmed and hawed and shook his head..

Mullai : romba bayanthu irukkaano

Kathir again just nodded his head yes

Mullai : neenga avan kitta pesineengalaa?

Kathir : vidala (his voice sounded broken)

Mullai looked at him..she was unable to see him like this..

Mullai : adippaangala (she had to ask..she had to know)

But that question broke Kathir...the tears he had controlled till then now flowed freely down his face

Mullai stood in front of him ..her hand of its own accord reached out to wipe those tears and stopped midway..

But Kathir needing that comfort held her wrist..was she pulled closer..did she close the distance between them..or was it him..not important..but he was in her arms..his body shaking..he was by now crying uncontrollably..