Narmada's POV:
It's over 11 pm now. Still there's no news about my mom. Shiva is looking for her relentlessly. He comforts me and assures me every now and then . He is such a nice friend. I don't know what I would have done without him.
After looking around the city, we both returned to my house. He told to wait until morning 10 and if she didn't call or return by that time, we will go and file police compliant. He then left to his place asking Brinda to look after me.
She doesn't know anyone in this city. what if she's suffering somewhere? god, please let nothing happen to my mom. I have noone other than her.
Maa, where are you?
I tried to contact Rekha but she is not reachable. When I need someone desperately, there is noone near me.Why do it always happen to me?
What did I do wrong to deserve such a fate?
Pavithra's (Narmada's Mom's) POV:
Am I doing the right thing?
This is the thing nagging me since I left the house. My poor baby.
I can't believe I am causing her so much pain. But she's too stubborn.
Does she even had food? Kuttima, I am sorry da. It's for your own good. I just want her to settle down and Shiva is perfect match for her. He is her good friend since school days. He is such a sweet kid.
I thought she will make her own decision. So, I waited patiently all these years. But she didn't. She left me without any choice other than this.
My heart aches as I know how much she will be in at the moment.
" Aunty?" a voice brought me back from my trance.
I looks at the door to see Shiva standing there.
" here aunty , have this and sleep well. Tomorrow, we will execute our final part of plan."
" Shiva, how is Narmada?" I asked him ignoring the parcel in his hand.
" she is miserable,aunty. She didn't eat anything despite my continued persistence."
Hearing this, I broke down to tears.
He placed his hand on my shoulder and said " aunty, I can understand your feelings. But please, eat this and sleep . Your health will worsen else."
I nodded . He took a piece of chapathi and dipped it in curry. When I am about to eat, Narmada's worried face flashes in my mind.
I couldn't bring myself to eat. So, I pushed his hand away and stood up.
" sorry, Shiva. I am not hungry."
I just sat near the window , looking at the beautiful moon glowing in the sky, not wanting anything other than the day to end .
Udhay's POV:
I tried calling Rekha again and again after returning from Hari's reception. But that girl ignored my calls and soon, it was switched off.
I started to panic and decided to check Narmada's house. When I went there, the house is locked. I learnt from her neighbour that her mom is missing and she was looking for her.
Poor her! She might be distraught and heart broken.
While I tried to ask for more details, my mobile rang. It's my aunty.
She told me Rekha is with her and she looks sad. My aunty also told me that Rekha need some time alone and she will be fine soon. So, I didn't tell her about Narmada's mom being missing. I agreed and ends the call.
Now, I need to find Narmada's mom.
Narmada doesn't have anyone to help her. She is damn stubborn to ask others. So, I wandered the streets of Chennai with a hope of finding her.
I stopped near Adyar signal and what I saw literally killed me.
Narmada. Her eyes are red with constant tears . She looks so lost and dejected. Shiva is trying to console her . All I want to do at that moment , is to embrace her in my arms and take away her sorrows. But sadly I couldn't.
She will be alright. I will definitely find her mom. Believe me. I so wanted to tell her these words. But I can't. She will think I might've kidnapped her mom.
I couldn't find Narmada's mom anywhere and wandered around the streets hoping against hope that somehow miraculously she will show up . But no such luck.
I will speak with police commissioner tomorrow and ask him to help.
Narmada's POV:
Finally the sun shows up. New day. Hopefully a good one for me. Maa, come back to me. I can't live without you.
My thoughts are disturbed by the continuous ringing of my mobile. It's Shiva.
I attended his call.
" Narmada, I found your mom. She is fine. She's in a ashram. It's near Tambaram Railway station. Come soon." he said over the phone. Hearing this, my joy knew no bounds. My mom is safe.
I quickly got a cab and went to the place. As soon as I entered, Shiva dragged me to a corner.
" what?"
" aunty is refusing to come." he replied while scratching his head.
" she can't do that to me. I will speak with her." I told him and walked in.
I found her sitting under the tree. Though she saw me, she didn't acknowledge my presence and turned towards the other side.
" amma, enma ipadi panra?unaku theriyumma naan evalo bayandhu poiten nu?(mom, why are you doing like this?do you know how scared I was?)" I went onto hug her but she pushed me away.
" you don't care about me anymore. If you really loves me as you claim to be, You would've agreed to get married." She said with a stone face.
I laughed in my head as I thought about this situation. For almost three years, it'd been like this. Now she took it to another level.
" amma, I don't want to . Why can't you understand it?" I shouted at her. I was scared and worried about her the entire time.
" Then I will also not come. You go and enjoy. Why waste time on stupid old woman?" She replied with the same vigor.
I sighed and knelt down infront of her. " amma, please let's go home and discuss about it there. please" I took hold of her hands.
" no, first agree with me . Then I will come." she stood firm on her demand. I thought for a while. For time being, I will agree. Nothing harm on making fake promise.
" ok, I will agree. Are you happy now? come." I said and stood up.
" swear on me that you will really marry." hearing this, I starred at her in shock. how can I make fake promise on her?
However, She smirked saying " I am your mother. I know about you well than anyone. Do you really think it's easy to fool me with your fake promise?"
" amma,please. " I plead her.
" don't try to convince me, Narmada. It's either you marry or I live here. " She stated.
" Ok fine , have it your way." I told her angrily.
" I agree to marry anyone you chose. Happy now. ?" With that I brought her home. Now how am I going to stop her.
A week later,
I've been in some strange positions in my life, I really have, but this is definitely the strangest. My engagement !
I thought about how things changed over the week. When I agreed to marry, I thought I can ruin her plan by talking with the guy she selects. But she didn't let it happen. She kept the details of the groom top secret. So, here I am getting ready for my engagement not even knowing who the groom is.
Mom arranged for it in our house itself with some friends and relatives. Soon the priest arrived and then the so called groom too came.
I shocked to see Shiva. He is the guy ,my mom choose. strange. Maybe marrying him will not be bad. But I don't have any feelings for him other than friendship. Maybe I will learn to love him after marriage.
My mother nudges me and I plaster my face with a smile, even though I don't want to.
I stared at Shiva with a hopeful expression, but he returned it with a sincere smile.
Where the hell on earth are you, Rekha? I need your help more than ever.
*****
Hey guys!
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I know. I know. It's been more than a month since I last updated.
I am sorry but I am busy with job.
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