12. Blossoming Spring Days

"If mom didn't accept her, I wouldn't be able to tolerate that, it will kill me. Also, how will she allow me to stay and have fun with a girl at midnight," Rithick sounded worried.

"You are right... but Neethu is going to be the member of our family. Nothing wrong in that," Riya said.

"You damn fellow! Don't over imagine stuff, Rithick. This is aunt's surprise birthday party. You both haven't proposed yet, so don't tell mom about your feelings for her. That will make her worry. Let our family members think of Neethu as our best friend. We have to be grateful to Neethu for coming. We have to make her happy.." said Rahul.

"That's right. I agree with you. Now, I am happy," Rithick said.

"That's my Rithick. You should be happy always. We are there for you," Rahul said with a smile.

Rithick wrapped his arm around Rahul's neck to show his affection.

"First, let us inform our parents about Neethu's arrival," Rahul said.

"Our parents know well about Rithick anna's history with girls. How they will trust him, Rahul anna? Even I can't believe all this yet," Riya said, her face contorted in a frown.

"Enough! Stop teasing me, Riya. After Neethu's entry in my life, everything has changed. She changed me, my behavior, my attitude... she is such a wonderful angel who exists on earth. That one second, she looked into my eyes, she showed me the world. I felt breathless, my heart had skipped a beat. Her look is too dangerous, I felt her eyes swirling me in their magnetic fields. It was like she was performing some magic on me. She was born for this Rithick Sanjay..." Rithick exhaled deeply, pointing to himself.

Rahul and Riya gazed at Rithick dumbly.

"Hello? What happened to you both?"

They snapped back to reality and clapped their hands. Riya bowed her head and saluted Rithick. "Mesmerized by your words, Rithick anna, but I have a doubt."

Rithick smiled at Riya. "What doubt?"

"Did butterflies fly in your love story? Did bells ring?" She giggled.

Rithick laughed and then quietened down. He was unable to reply to her question.

"Riya, you are spending more time in watching movies, so you have such doubts," Rahul teased her.

"Good one, Rahul." Rithick chuckled.

She beat both her brothers with the nearby pillow and they laughed together.

"Okay, enough laughing. Come on, let's inform them about Neethu," Riya said. They stepped downstairs.

Rithick noticed that his mom was so busy with her phone. He glanced at Rahul and Riya. He was a bit nervous for the first time.

"Be cool, Rithick anna. We are there for you," Riya said.

He showed his usual smile.

"I will inform her. Don't worry. I can understand your feelings," Rahul said.

Rithick's mom (Kalpana) hung up the phone. She was busy in arranging all the business regarding documents. She took all the documents and came out within a few minutes. She didn't notice Rithick and as usual, called on Rithick's phone.

"Mom, I am here," Rithick said as he walked towards her. He was then followed by Rahul and Riya.

"Rithick, Your dad had called me just now. I have to go to the company immediately along with Mrs. Ruthra," she informed

"Why? Is there any problem in the company?" Rithick felt agitated.

"No, Rithick. It's a good news, actually. Your dad is going to explore the business worldwide. Important official meetings regarding that matter are going to happen today. Also, he is going to donate a huge amount to the orphanage by tomorrow," she added.

"Wow! That's such a great news. The credit goes to uncle's hard work." Rahul smiled.

"Mom, when will you return home?" Rithick asked.

"We may return late, by midnight or tomorrow morning," she said.

"Atleast try to come home by midnight, mom." Rithick chuckled.

"Riya, tell her about Neethu," Rithick said quickly.

"Aunt!" Riya called out.

Rithick's mom looked at her and said, "Riya, close all the doors and be safe at home. It's getting late. Bye! Take care."

Kalpana was accompanied by Ruthra and Mrs. Ruthra and they left. Rithick, Rahul, and Riya were alone at home. They plop down on the couch and glanced at each other with a confused look.

It was about 5:15 pm. Rithick's phone displayed a message alert. He was sure that it was Neethu. He opened the message.

Hai, Rithick. I am ready.

"What to do now?" he asked Rahul and Riya.

"There is no other option. I am going to pick up Neethu anni. I will convince our family members. You don't worry about that, Rithick anna," Riya said, consoling Rithick.

"Rithick, aunt will understand us. Don't be confused," Rahul said.

Rithick texted: Riya will come there by 5:45 PM, Neethu. Be ready.

Neethu: Okay, Rithick.

After 15 minutes, Rithick dressed up in a blue shirt paired with blue jeans. Rahul wore a white shirt and blue jeans. Riya with a light-sandal coloured kurti-salwar. They were ready to pick up Neethu.

Rithick was excited to see her. He had no words to express his happiness.

"Rithick anna, Are you happy now?" Riya asked.

He smiled at Riya. "Of course! I can't believe this day. Is it a dream?" He sighed deeply.

"Let's go, now," Rahul said with a smile.

"You drive the car, man," Rithick said as he gave the car keys to him.

"Of course," Rahul said.

Rithick sat beside Rahul and Riya sat at the back. As usual, Rahul and Riya were teasing Rithick. They reached the campus at 5:50 PM. Rithick sent a message to Neethu: Riya is ready to pick you up, Neethu.

"Bye brothers. I am so excited to meet my anni," Riya said cheerfully. They smiled at her. Riya went to pick her up.Rithick and Rahul were standing in the car parking.

"I feel extremely happy to invite Neethu. She accepted my invitation and now, she is ready to come to our guest house. What does it mean?" Rithick asked. He was eager to hear the word LOVE from him.

"Maybe she is in love with you, Rithick. She can't stay away from you, even for a few hours," Rahul replied.

"Maybe? Say the word 'exactly' instead. Rahul, please, once more," Rithick said.

Rahul laughed at Rithick and said, "Exactly,

Rithick, Neethu is in love with you."

Rithick was unable to control his happiness. He thanked Rahul. Rahul punched Rithick for thanking him.

"Rithick, why don't you drive the car while going to home? I know you are crazy about driving. Let us make Neethu sit beside you," said Rahul.

"I am too lucky to have you, Rahul. Each and every need of mine is identified more by you than me," Rithick said.

Rahul smiled and gave him the car key. The time was ticking fastly but Riya and Neethu had not yet reached. They were waiting for a long time. Rithick was getting worried. Rahul made a call on Riya's phone.

Riya picked up the phone. "Rahul anna, I have met Neethu anni. She is such a cute girl. I have never met one like her before. Give the phone to Rithick anna."

"Rithick anna!" she shouted in joy. "Superb selection. Perfect match. You both were already fixed for each other in heaven," Riya whispered.

"Riya baby. Where are you, now? Come soon, please," Rithick said.

"Wait for a few seconds too, anna. You will see your girl soon," she teased him and hung up the phone.

Rithick's eyes were looking straight towards the path for the arrival of Neethu and Riya.

"Hey, Rahul, Neethu is coming." He pointed at her.

Neethu was in a pink coloured kurti-salwar. She looked gorgeous in that dress. There were few steps remaining between Rithick and Neethu.

"Hey Rithick and Rahul. I didn't expect you both here. Happy to meet you both," Neethu said excitedly.

Both Rithick and Rahul welcomed her.

"Neethu! I am so happy that you came. You are welcome home." Rithick chuckled.

Neethu smiled at Rithick.

"Let's go, Rithick anna," Riya said.

"Okay, get inside," Rithick said.

Rithick took the front seat to drive the car. Riya and Rahul took the back seat. Neethu stood confusedly.

"Neethu, sit on the front seat, next to Rithick anna," Riya said. Rithick adjusted the mirror and he winked at her. Neethu took the front seat.

Rithick took a long breath. He felt as if he was flying without wings. He looked at Neethu for a while. He drove the car smoothly, enjoying each moment with her.

"Rithick anna, please play the song," Riya said.

Rithick tuned for the song from the movie, Thandavam. The song suited the situation and also their memories when they were together.

((((You means me

Me means we both (Nee enbadhey naan thaanadinan enbadhey naam thaanadi)

Half of the door is you

Other half is me

seeing eye to eye,

we stood alone

we waited to get close(Oru paadhi kadhavu neeyadimaru paadhi kadhavu naanadipaarthukonde pirindhirundhomserthu vaika kathirundhom)

Even after thunder and rain

we stood without moving,

but what is it today,

we got wet in our breathing air (Idi idithum mazhai adithumasayamal nindrirundhomIndreno nam moochinmen kaatril ninaidhuvittom)

Two hearts joined together

no doors now from now on,

new breeze will come in our home(Idhayam onraagi ponadhekadhave illaamal aanadheInimel nam veetrilepoongaatru thaan dhinam veesume)))))

Rithick and Neethu glanced at each other often.....

"Safety is important, anna. Look at the road at least once," Riya teased. Rithick smiled at Riya and Rahul after adjusting the front mirror.

Neethu noticed the smile on Rithick's lips. It made her smile. She looked outside, the car had crossed an ice cream parlour.

"Hey, Rithick, I want an icecream," she said without thinking.

"What? Ice cream? Wait a minute, Neethu. I will buy it for you," Rithick said and parked the car at the roadside.

Rithick crossed the road and bought a pack of ice cream. He noticed a man selling colourful roses nearby. He bought two bouquets of roses from him. He then walked towards his car. He gave the ice creams to Neethu. She shared the ice creams with Riya and Rahul.

Rithick showed the bouquet of roses to Neethu. She took the flowers from him with a cute smile.

"Rithick anna," Riya yelled.

Rithick knew well about his sister Riya. He gave the other bouquet of roses to her. She took it gladly. Then, Neethu shared the ice cream with Rithick. They all together had great moments together. After a few minutes, they reached the guest house.

"You are welcome home, Neethu" Riya said as she held her hands. She then unlocked the door and asked them to wait for a few seconds. Rithick, Rahul, and Neethu stood with confused faces.

Riya came back with an aarthi plate and she took aarthi for Neethu and Rithick who stood a step behind Neethu. Neethu was shocked and confused by the unexpected happening around her.

(Aarthi - It can be an expression of many things including love, benevolence, gratitude, prayers, or desires.)

"Riya? What are you doing?" Neethu almost shrieked.

"Neethu, it's a tradition practiced at home to welcome the well wishers. You don't get scared of it, Neethu," Riya answered.

"Okay... I am melted by the way you are welcoming me. I have nothing to give you, except this..." Neethu hugged Riya. Riya hugged her back.

Riya was facing Rithick and Rahul. She showed two thumbs to her brothers. They repeated the thumbs up gesture. Neethu loosened the hug and turned back to see Rithick and Rahul.

"Neethu, you are welcome home," they welcomed her.

Neethu entered the house and was surprised to see the architectural works and paintings. She was immersed deeply into the paintings. She was admiring the beauty of paintings one by one.

Rithick patted Rahul and said, "The next photo is mom and dad's. She may identify dad. Do something to hide it."

Rahul patted Riya's shoulder. "Next is uncle and aunt's photo. She may find out about Sanjay uncle."

"So what, Rahul anna? Doesn't matter if she knows. She is going to be the daughter-in-law of Sanjay uncle. How long would we able to hide it from her? If she finds out then it's the right chance to reveal the truth," Riya said casually.

Neethu moved close to the next picture. It seemed to be like a lovey-dovey couple. She had no words to express it. She gazed deeply at the picture.

"Rithick!" she yelled.

"What?" Rithick guessed that she had found out about his parents.

"I am in extreme shock to see this painting," Neethu said.

"Why, Neethu?" Rithick asked worriedly.

"Why have you hidden this from me, Rithick?" Neethu asked, her voice quivering.

"Neethu... I thought of saying this to you but I had no chance to say it. I am sorry, Neethu."

Neethu stared at Rithick. "I didn't expect this from you, Rithick. You cheat... You cheated on me, Rithick," she said. Her eyes became wet, her cheeks reddening.

"I didn't cheat on you, Neethu, trust me. First stop crying," Rithick said, his voice thickening.

"Don't try to act smart, Rithick. Why are you close to this girl. Who is she? I know she is your girlfriend," she asked by pointing him out in the painting.

Rithick was shocked to hear this statement from Neethu. He opened and closed his eyes.

"What? My girlfriend?" He laughed. Rahul and Riya relaxed.

"This is not my girlfriend, Neethu. This is my mom Kalpana," he explained.

"Stop it! Just Stop. I'm not a fool to trust you, Rithick." Neethu was happy to hear it but she couldn't believe it completely. Her heart was filled with pain after seeing the painting.

"Okay... tell me. Why can't you trust me, Neethu?"

"Are your parents still young?" she questioned.

Rithick shook his head.

"Exactly, You are in the photo, I am very sure," she said. Her words showed extreme pain and worry. Rithick enjoyed the argument between them. He was in intense happiness to see Neethu fighting with him.

"My dad and I resemble each other. He looked exactly like me when he was young. This picture was drawn by my dad for his lovable wife, when he was in love with her at the age of 25."

"Aww... Interesting... Sorry for doubting you, Rithick." Neethu sniffled.

"I am happy, Neethu. Don't worry,"

"Thanks, Rithick. You are so sweet," Neethu smiled. "Where is your mom?"

"She is very busy today. She went outside with my uncle and aunt. She will be here by midnight," he replied.

It was about 8 PM. They were enjoying the moments by chatting and watching TV. Riya got up from there and walked towards the kitchen. Riya asked the servant to stay free. She wanted to prepare the dinner for Neethu and her brothers. She was then followed by Neethu.

"Riya, I will help you in preparing dinner," Neethu said..

"Nope, Anni. You are our sweetheart," she said with a smile.

"What did you call me?" Neethu questioned.

"Ah! Sorry. I remembered Rahul Anna's girlfriend. I am sorry for calling you anni," Riya tried to change the topic.

"Aww! Interesting. Rahul's girlfriend? Who is that lucky girl?" Neethu grinned.

Riya's face had changed suddenly,

"You would know when time comes, I am sorry," she moaned....