Nenjamellam kadhal

Chapter-24

                          

                                                                                       Sakthi

As I exited the auditorium, Sakthivel awaited me along with Jithu and Mukhil Anna. "Anna, neenga rendu perum madhyanamey poiduvinga nu Jithu sonna, innum irukinga?" I inquired with surprise.

He stated, "Project work madhyanamey mudinjidhu papa aana enaku dance rehersal irundhuchu konjam munnadi dha mudinjidhu, adha ivanaum poga vidama pudichu vachiruken. Unga veetla dhaney irukan adha ungalaum kutitu polam nu wait panrom. Ramya is already at the parking lot, va polam."

We made our way towards the parking lot. I was feeling quite tired today, and I lagged behind. Sakthivel turned back and said, "Idhuku mela slow ah nadaka mudiadhu, engala vida half kilometre thalli nadandhu vara muthey."

I replied, "Poda neegalam avlo neetama kaal vachitu vegama nadakuringa. Ennala avlodha mudium indha bag vera weight ah irukku, adhu illama indha drafter vera. Neenga poi car edunga na medhuva vandhu sendhruven."

Mukhil Anna walked back to me and took my bag and drafter from me. He carried my bag and handed the drafter to Jithu, saying, "Let's hurry up now. I have work to do." I smiled and walked with him while holding his hand.

Jithu handed the drafter back to me, saying, "Thookitu va adha bag avan eduthukitanla". Gruffly, I took it and carried on walking."

Knowing that Jithu was staying at Thatha's, Ramya and Sakthivel decided to stay there and spend some time with Anni. We dropped off Mukhil Anna and headed to Sakthivel's home to pick up some essentials for him, as Ramya had her things there and we could also share mine.

After changing out of our college attire once we reached home, we gathered in the ground-floor living room. Anni joined us and sat next to Jithu. Shanthi Akka served us snacks, and we made plans to watch a movie and order pizza. After the movie and pizza, I went to my room to work on my assignments and study the notes from the classes I had missed due to rehearsals.

Before starting my assignments, I checked my mobile phone, which I had set to silent during rehearsal. I noticed a few missed calls and message notifications from the professor and decided to call him. He picked up after a single ring.

I apologised, "I'm sorry, my phone was on silent during the rehearsal, and I just saw your missed calls. Why did you call so many times?"

Professor : Enta pesa ellam time iruka madam ku?

My smile dropped.

Me: college la irundhu varappo kuda friends vadhanga veetuku, apdiye movie pathom dinner ku pizza order pannitu, adha mobile paaka marandhuten sorry busy ellam ila.

Professor: Kuda yaradhu irundha olagathaye marandhra vendiadhu.

Me: Apdi ellam ila.

Professor: evening bus la dhaney varuva nu sonna?

Me: Aama, aana Jithu and Mukhil Anna engalukku wait pananga veetuku kutitu poga adha avangaloda vantom.

All I could hear were his breathing sounds. Ramya and Sakthi also came into my room and sat on my bed.He spoke after few seconds.

Professor: Poi thoongu illa padi aana ippo phone vachitu po Sakthi.

Me: Sorry, Enna panringa busy ah?

Professor: Nee vachitu po, illa theva illama kovapattu edadhu pesidaporen.

Me : Na enna pannen ?emelaya kovama irukinga?