I'm born just to love you ❤️ 5

[gavudham]

Shiva and Anita stepped out of the railway station. Unlike in Tamil Nadu, auto-drivers here didn't swarm the arriving passengers. If you wanted a ride, you had to stand in a queue, pay a rupee, and collect a token. Only then would you get an auto in order. Anita stood in line and returned with a token.
The two of them climbed into the auto.
"Evide? (Where to?)" the driver asked.
"East Fort," Anita replied, glancing at Shiva with a smile.
Everything was new to Shiva. The pleasant, cool climate of Kerala instantly captured his heart. As the auto circled the Thrissur Round, he looked curiously at a massive cutout of Mohanlal at Ragam Theatre.
"So, Mohanlal is the superstar here?" Shiva asked. Anita smiled.
"It’s not quite like that, Shiva. There are many actors here. Regardless of who stars in it, if a movie is good, it runs."
"Super," he remarked.
The auto turned onto the Palakkad road and passed Ambakkadan Junction. "Take a right here," Anita instructed. The auto veered right. Spotting a board that read Sindhooram Apartments, Anita said, "We’re here."
"How much?" she asked.
"Thirty rupees," the driver replied.
Shiva was stunned. "Only that much?"
"Yes, Shiva," she said simply.
They gathered their luggage and started walking. There was a temple very close to the apartment.
"Anita."
"Hmm?"
"What temple is that?"
"Aynikkadu Vana Sastha Kshetram."
"Oh."
"In the old days, this must have been a forest. That’s why it’s called Vana (Forest) Sastha."
They reached the entrance. Anita spoke to the security guard, who went inside and returned with the keys.
"Come on, Shiva, let’s go."
They climbed the stairs to the first floor. Anita opened the door. Shiva was amazed at how clean the flat was. Setting the luggage on the table, Anita looked at him.
"Shiva."
"Hmm?"
"I’m going to take a shower. You should freshen up too."
As Anita went to bathe, Shiva stood on the balcony, looking out. A light drizzle began, and the spray hit him. A new place. A new environment. A sudden sense of ecstasy washed over him. At the same time, a thought crossed his mind: If only we had come here like this after getting married, for a honeymoon.
As the chill increased, he stepped back inside. Anita emerged from the bathroom. Fresh from her bath, she looked to him like a newly blossomed flower. She smiled at him as he stared, unable to take his eyes off her.
"Shiva."
"Yes?"
"You can admire me later. Go take a bath now."
Feeling a bit sheepish, Shiva grabbed his towel and headed to the bathroom. When he came out, Anita was on the phone. Shiva gave her an inquiring look.
"Food," she said.
"Food?"
"Yes, I ordered. Is Chapati and Chicken okay?"
"Yeah."
"Shiva."
"Hmm?"
"How are you feeling?"
"It’s good. But... I feel a little scared inside."
"Scared? Why?"
"I was just thinking... if even one of us starts to really love the other, how much it would hurt when we have to part. The thought made me scared."
Anita smiled softly. "Shiva."
"Hmm?"
"Life is just like that, Shiva."
"I don’t understand."
"Suppose we get married and then I die in an accident. What would you do then?"
"Shh! Wash your mouth out," he snapped.
"No, Shiva, listen. Whatever happens in life, it must keep moving. No one else should influence our lives, and similarly, we shouldn't influence theirs."
"It sounds good when you say it, Anita."
"Alright, leave it. Why talk about that now? We still have a month, right?"
"Hmm."
"A lot can happen by then. Tell me, where should we go tomorrow?"
"How will we get around?"
"I have a car," Anita smiled. Shiva was floored.
"Do you know what I’m feeling right now?" he asked. Anita’s proximity and the scent of her soap were acting as a catalyst for his emotions.
"What are you feeling?"
"You won't take it the wrong way if I tell you?"
"I won't."
"In this cold... I feel like holding you tight."
Shiva watched her face, worried she might get offended. Anita simply smiled and asked, "Then why are you just standing there?"
Overjoyed, Shiva slowly took her hand. "Anita."
"Hmm?"
"I love you."
He suddenly pulled her into an embrace. Anita found that she, too, needed Shiva’s warm, firm hold.
Am I slowly being drawn to him? Did I set that absurd condition in vain? Isn't what he asked true? What if I reach a point where I can't leave him? If he then decides to leave me, will I be able to bear it?
A whirlpool of thoughts unsettled Anita's mind. Locked in each other's arms—unable to part, unwilling to part—they were finally startled by the sound of the doorbell.
Shiva released her and opened the door. The food parcel had arrived. He looked at Anita and smiled. She smiled back.
"Shall we eat?" Shiva asked.
"Yes."
Shiva served the chapatis and chicken gravy onto a plate and handed it to Anita. She took it.
"Anita."
"Hmm?"
"Does it always rain like this here?"
"Yes."
"You selected a great place," Shiva said. Anita laughed.
"Why?"
"Only I know my struggle," Shiva joked, and Anita understood. They finished their meal while chatting. Shiva responsibly cleared everything and threw it in the dustbin.
As the hour grew late, exhaustion set in.
"Shall we sleep?" Anita asked. Shiva nodded.
"How are we sleeping?"
"I don't follow, Shiva."
"I mean... in one room or two?"
Anita smiled. "Two rooms."
Each retreated to their own bedroom. "If you can't sleep in a new place, tell me, Shiva. Don't be afraid," Anita teased.
Shiva thought to himself, Just my luck.
He lay down. Outside, the sound of the rain intensified. He wondered when it would stop.
"Shiva," Anita called out. He got up.
When he went out, he saw Anita standing there hesitantly.
"What happened, Anita?"
"I’m scared, Shiva. If you don't mind... can I sleep in your room?"
Shiva smiled and signaled his consent with his eyes. Anita lay down on one side of the double cot. Shiva watched her with a smile.
"Shiva."
"Hmm?"
"I don't know what it is... I was so scared when I was alone. But now that you're here, I’m not afraid at all."
Hearing her say that, Shiva felt a deep sense of tenderness.

To be continued