14. Blossoming spring Days

Neethu's POV

I was not aware why Rithick and Rahul hide their from me. I couldn't tolerate it because I had believed them a lot. I was totally confused. For the first time, I was getting angry. If Rithick and Rahul were near to me I would have beaten and punch them severely. Rithick would get an extra punching too.

How dare they? Tomorrow, they both would get it from me.

Riya was glancing at me. I didn't know how to react to her. I simply smiled at her.

"Please don't doubt my brothers. Forgive them, Neethu. They are lovely people and are cute," Riya said.

I shook my head. I was curious to know more about them.

"Riya, I like both Rithick and Rahul. At first, I was shocked and angry with them, but it don't even last now. I often feel proud about their friendship. I feel happy for them. I have never seen two cousins like them. Their unity makes everyone proud."

"Yeah, that's true, Neethu. Do you know something?" she asked.

I was curious. "What?"

"We were in Delhi for about five years. Rithick anna's family was in Tamil Nadu. For three days, Rithick and Rahul anna stayed in Delhi and the remaining days, they were in Tamil Nadu. It is rare that they aren't together."

"That is interesting, Riya."

"Do you know? Rithick anna didn't talk to Rahul anna when Rahul anna was in love with someone," she continued.

"Why? Doesn't Rithick like to be in love?" I asked. I knew something was there.

"Rithick anna doesn't talk to any girl. He doesn't believe anyone so he doesn't permit Rahul anna to be in a loving relationship. After that, he understood that Rahul anna's selection was good. Anna supported them to the best of his abilities."

"Wow! Who is that lucky girl? Where is she? I'm really happy to know more about them. Why doesn't Rithick talk to an girl? He talks finely to me, Riya," I asked her with doubtful eyes.

"You will know about Rahul anna's girlfriend when the time comes," she said. "Neethu, Rithick anna talks only to you and not others. Have you ever seen him speaking with any other girl?" she asked.

"You are right, Riya... but why is he talking to me only?"

"Because he loves you, Neethu," she blurted out.

"Love?" My eyeballs popped out.

Riya asked, "What is the difference between Rithick likes Neethu and Rithick loves Neethu?" The question was too different and interesting to me. I was blinking.

"The difference between LIKE and LOVE was well said by Buddha that if you LIKE a flower, you will pluck it and if you LOVE the flower, you will admire its beauty," she replied.

I was mesmerized by her answer.

I nodded. She smiled at me.

It was Sunday, the time was about 3 AM.

"It's really late, Neethu. Let us sleep."

That day, I don't know when I had slept. I was unable to open my eyes the next morning. I could hear a devotional song somewhere around me. It was pleasant to my ears. I wrapped the blanket around me and snuggled in it.

Suddenly, my mind striked that it was Rithick's home. I woke up from the bed immediately. My eyes burned with remaining sleep. I looked around for Riya. She was not there.

After a few seconds, I freshened up. I opened the door and went out. No one was there. I noticed the clock was ticking 10 AM. I was scared because of the new surrounding. I didn't know how Rithick's mom would treat me.

"Hello, Neethu madam." It was Rithick. I turned towards my right side to see him.

"Morning, Rithick." I chuckled

.

"Morning, Neethu. You look so beautiful," he said. I knew he was teasing me. My short hair was matted to my forehead. I took some of it and put it behind my ear.

I smiled at him.

"Where is Riya?" I asked.

"Riya went to the temple along with mom and Rahul."

I glanced at him. My heart fluttered. He  gave me the newspaper. I was quiet and switched the TV on.

After a few minutes he brought a cup of coffee for me. I glanced at him without uttering a word. He cared for me, I was sure about that.

"Neethu, have the coffee," he said.

"Yes, Rithick." I said. My eyes were looking at his again. I could feel the change in me. His presence was doing something to me.

"What happened to you, Neethu?" he asked, a slight frown wrinkled his forehead.

"Nothing," I said. I had the coffee. He took the coffee cup from me. My fingers slightly brushed against his. It was such an amazing feeling. I gazed at him with shy eyes like I had never touched him before.

Oh God! What is going on? He is your friend, that's all, Neethu. Come out of your feelings, Neethu, my mind reminded me.

"Something happened to me," I murmured.

He was sitting on the couch beside me. He took two apples and started cutting them.

"Why are you silent today? Talk to me, Neethu.," He sighed. He gave the pieces of apple to me. I took them, urging myself to stay quiet.

My mind requested me to not look at him or his eyes. So, I took the remote and started changing the channels. I kept at Sun Music channel.

I enjoyed watching it. I didn't look at Rithick. The next song was from "Paiya" movie. Though it was my favorite song, it would suit my situation. So, I took the remote and tried to change the channel.

"Keep that song, Neethu. Don't change it, please," he requested.

"Why?"

"Do you want me to tell the truth or lie?" Rithick raised an eyebrow.

You cheat! You have already hidden your cousin's relationship from me. Just wait... you and Rahul will get it from me, I thought.

"Tell me the truth." I sighed.

"It's the exact song which tells my feelings for my girl," he said.

"Is it? Your girl? Who is that?" I asked. My heart started beating faster.

"First, listen to the song, Neethu."

Though I had heard the song for more than 100 times, it was like I was watching it for the first time.

((((((There is no time for me to tell my love...(En kadhal solla neram illai)

There is no need for you to tell your love...(Un kadhal solla thevai illai)

There are no words to describe our love(Nam kadhal solla vaarthai illai)

The truth will never be hidden even if it's hidden.(Unmai maraithalum maraiyathadi)

I am not waiting to hold your hands. I have no wish to lean on your shoulder. There is no sadness after you are gone.I don't know how to tell such lies.(Un kaiyil sera engavillai! Un tholil saaya aasaiyillai! Nee pona pimbu sogam illai!Endru poi solla theriyathadi)))))))

" Turned the TV off," I sighed.

"Why, Neethu? What happened?" His frown deepened.

"Nothing," I said.

'Am I possessive of Rithick?' I asked myself.

"Rithick! Drop me to the hostel. I am going," I said without looking him.

"Has anything happened, Neethu? You are not your usual self. Have I hurt you, Neethu? Or did I make any mistake?" he asked.

"Yes... I have hidden the truth," I said

"What?" His eyes tensed up.

I paused for a minute. I diverted the topic,, "Why you have hidden it from me that you both were cousins?"

His face turned pale. His smile vanished. He was speechless. He turned his eyes away from mine and looked down.

"Yeah, Neethu. Rahul is my cousin. We both never tried to hide it from you. The situation made us like this. Don't blame Rahul. Everything is my mistake," he said.

Meanwhile Rahul and Riya came came from the temple..

"Rithick? Why are you dull, man?" Rahul asked as he sat besides him. Rithick told everything to him.

"First of all, I'm sorry. Don't doubt Rithick. He is too good." Rahul licked his lips, his hands fiddling with his shirt..

"No! I will never forgive you both," I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Neethu, please," Rahul said. Rithick didn't open his mouth.

"How dare you? You both were communicating with your eyes. Twisted smiles and all." My voice was high-pitched  but I couldn't act anymore.I winked at Riya. She clicked a photo of her both brothers. Then I got the mobile from her and glanced the photo. I couldn't control my laughter. I giggled loudly by seeing the reaction of Rithick and Rahul. Rithick and Rahul glanced at me with confused eyes. I showed the photo to them. They smiled at me.

"Thanks, Neethu," they said for forgiving them so easily.

"No problem. Don't worry. I can't see you like this. I am lucky to have you all in my life. I have never seen such a brother and sister relationship. I am proud to be with you all." I smiled. Within a short time, they had turned so close. I missed my family back home, but being with these lovely people never made me feel lonely.

Rithick's POV

It was like a dream. Neethu understood me and Rahul. My worries faded away. Now I was relieved. Neethu was really great, she could understand the feelings of others. I knew she would never hurt others for her own sake. I was too lucky to have her. I wished to make her as my life partner. There was a great change in Neethu. I would soon propose my love to her as soon as I was sure about her love for me.

"Rithick, what are you thinking? Why are you so silent?" Neethu asked disturbing him from his thoughts.

"I am happy, Neethu that you forgiven us. Really, we are lucky to have you, Neethu," I said. I could see the happiness on Rahul face too.

"Thank you so much, Rithick." She giggled.

"The permission was given till 1 PM. Only two more hours, I need to be in the hostel. Please drop me as soon as possible, Rithick" she said. Her voice quivered and I frowned.

"Don't worry. You will be there before time," I said.

"Okay, Rithick."

She glanced at me with fixed eyes. I could perceive that there was something she wanted to say.

"What happened, Neethu?" I asked.

She didn't respond to my question. I think she couldn't hear me.

"Are you okay, okay?" I asked loudly.

"Yeah. Yes, Rithick. I'm alright."

"I don't believe you. You are hiding something from me. I guess that you want to say something."

She tried to hide it in her smile. "It's nothing, Rithick." She sighed softly. "Where is your mom?"

"Mom is a little busy with business meetings," I said, looking into her eyes.

She nodded.

Meanwhile Riya came. Neethu spent a few minutes with her. Riya made all the arrangements.

I knew well about Neethu. She was worried about something. I couldn't understand the reason but I would definitely find out. According to me, Neethu was the happiest girl in the world. Even I was worried for leaving her in the hostel. If she knew that I was worrying, it would disturb her lot. I shouldn't show it to Neethu. Let's see what's going to happen.

Neethu's POV

It was almost time. I had to reach the hostel before 15 minutes. I had packed everything in my bag. I was not happy. I felt like I was missing my own family even though I had spent only a day with them. I felt like I belonged to the same family since ages. I wasn't able to go from there. I would miss them so much.

I stood there for more than a minute. I noticed the bouquet of dry roses that Rithick had bought for me. I had no mind to throw the dry roses out. I packed them in my bag, which made me feel a bit better. Then I moved out.

Rithick, Rahul, and Riya were glancing at me. I didn't have an eye contact with them. I purposely avoided it.

"Rithick, I am ready. It's time to go."

"Neethu, please stay with us. You are like one of our family members," Riya said.

I was unable to answer her. I was emotionally bonded with them. I wished to hug Riya immediately but I pretended that I was ready to go from there. Meanwhile Rithick was talking on the phone. I waited for him to be done with it. I looked at him like it was the last day of my life. I couldn't understand the reason behind it. I missed Rithick a lot. I gazed at him unblinkingly.

"Neethu, wait for five minutes. Mom will come now," he said.

I don't know whether his mom liked me or not but I liked her a lot. She reminded me of my mom. Rithick said something to Rahul. I couldn't understand anything. I was amazed by their friendly approach.

"Neethu, If you don't mind come and see my room once," Rithick said.

"Rithick, it's getting late," I said

"No problem, Neethu. We have almost an hour's time. Come on, please, Neethu"

"Okay, Rithick," I said and followed him.

He opened the door. I stood in the middle of the room.

"How is my room, Neethu?" he asked.

"There was nothing special in it. It looked ordinary," I smiled at him. I knew he might have read my mind,"

"Neethu smiled from her heart, that was what I needed," he said.

"Be happy, Neethu. I have noticed you since the morning. Why are you like a ginger-eating monkey?"

"Stop it, monkey," I said it with a smile.

"What? Monkey? Do I look like one?" he asked.

"Of course. Why doubt that? Look there," I said. I made him stand in front of the mirror and started laughing by seeing him. He laughed together with me.

I detached the nearby material, which looked awkward  there. I was shocked. It was further covered with another cloth like material. "What is this?"

"I don't know. Just open it, Neethu."

I removed the wrapped cover around it. It was a cute teddy bear.

"Rithick? Why were you hiding this teddy?" I asked.

"I have hidden many of my favourite things in my room. If you search again you could find out more."

I rolled my eyes. I found another wrapped object. It was a cute, ornamental, plastic rose plant.

"Shall I take few flowers from it?"

"No. It's not for you," he said.

Warmth crept up my cheeks and I dropped my smile.

"Why are you asking for a few flowers? Everything is for you, Neethu. These flowers are specially for you. I had crafted these for you last night. How is it, Neethu?"

"You made it? It's so pretty, Rithick and so special to my heart. I love it. I was mesmerized... really."

"But... What is the purpose of hiding?" I asked and raised an eyebrow at him.

"I hide it because of a girl." He chuckled.

"Who is she? Is it Riya?" I asked.

"Nope," he said.

"Then, who is she?"

"The girl is named Neethu. She might seize all my properties." He giggled

"You, gorilla. What have I seized?" I asked, my voice turning high-pitched.

"You seized my heart," he said with a grin.

"Your Heart? What do you mean, Rithick?" My heart thudded.

"You can't even understand my words, Neethu. To be frank, I miss you, Neethu," he said, no almost whispered.

I couldn't control my emotions. I moved closer to him and hugged him. "I miss you too, Rithick. I can't..." I blabbered the same words again and again. Tears moistened my cheeks.

"Don't cry, Neethu. Please..." he mumbled.

I snapped out of reality. He didn't hug me and he hadn't pulled me towards hi. either. I loosened my arms, which were wrapped around him. I pushed him back.

"I am sorry, Rithick," I said. I turned towards the door to exit. I was shocked to see Rithick's mom standing near it. She was staring at me and Rithick.

"What is this, Rithick?"

"Mom, it's nothing. Don't doubt her."

"Don't talk to me, Rithick. Please drop her to the hostel," his mom said.

Riya and Rahul were glancing at me and Rithick. They tried a lot to convince but it was of no use.

"Aunt... please forgive Rithick. He didn't make any mistake. Please talk to him. Rithick is my good friend,  nothing more than that," I said

His mom didn't say anything. She was not in a position to understand us. I looked at Rithick for a while. "I am sorry. Please forgive me."

"Neethu, you didn't do anything wrong. Let's go. It's already late," he said and walked out.