I'm born just to love you 💕 3

[gavudham]

Friday.
Shiva stood waiting at the Arakkonam railway station.
He had somehow managed to handle his mother—barely. She had grilled him with a barrage of questions before he could leave. Poor Dad. He probably needed extra energy just to survive Mom’s interrogation.
Shiva smiled to himself, still unable to believe such a massive change was happening in his life. At the same time, his conscience was acting like a persistent warning bell.
Shiva, don’t lie to yourself that you’re doing something "new," it whispered. You might like her, but agreeing to her condition—to live with her for a month—is a dangerous game. Have you thought about what happens if you can’t bear to leave her after a month, but she decides to walk away? Have you considered the pain?
It will be hard, he admitted to himself.
Then why trap yourself in this mess?
What if... what if she ends up liking me too?
“What if?” Is that all you have? Can you say it with any certainty?
She will definitely like me.
That’s overconfidence.
No, it’s not. Physical pleasure is one thing; a physical bond is another. When two people are tied by a physical bond, even if they want to break free, the bond won't let them.
Don’t be a fool. What era are you living in? Don’t you read the papers? People tied by "physical bonds" are the ones getting murdered or committing suicide because they lust after someone else.
It’s pointless to argue about exceptions.
You aren’t fooling me, Shiva. You’re fooling yourself. Tomorrow, when she leaves you, there will be a pain in your heart. Only then will you realize how big a mistake you’ve made.
No. You don’t need to worry about that.
Why?
Even if she leaves... she was with me for a month, wasn't she? Isn't that enough?
What? Are you going to start singing "Memories are a Melody"? Are you some epic tragic lover?
No, of course not.
Then?
I’ll just marry another girl who is a good match and move on with life.
Do it now, then. Wash your hands of her and leave.
No. I have a feeling... she will become mine.
And we’re back to square one.
Fine.
Suit yourself!
Shiva smiled. He checked the time. There was more than half an hour before the train was due. Anita hadn't arrived yet. To stop the internal debate, he started browsing the Higginbothams bookstall.
"What book is that?" he asked.
"Adaimazhai (The Downpour), sir."
He picked it up and flipped through the pages. The seller added, "It’s a fantastic novel, sir."
He bought it and sat on a chair. As he began reading the first page, he found himself getting lost in the prose.
"Hello," a voice called out.
He looked up and beamed. "Come in, Anita."
"Mm. Have you eaten?"
"Yes. You?"
"I've brought some food in a box."
She sat down beside him. "How are you feeling, Shiva?"
"Shall I tell you the truth?"
"Mm."
"Scared," Shiva said. Anita laughed.
"Why?"
"Aren't you scared?"
"I wouldn't say no, but..."
"But what?"
"I have this... trust in you."
Shiva felt a surge of joy inside. What do you have to say to that? he asked his conscience. It simply put its head in its hands.
He ignored it and smiled. "What book is that?"
"A novel."
She took it from him. "His book?"
"Have you read his work?"
"I’m an avid reader," she smiled.
"Oh."
The station announcement cut through their conversation: "The Ernakulam Express, traveling from Chennai Central to Ernakulam, will shortly arrive on Platform Number One."
Shiva and Anita picked up their bags.
"Which compartment?"
"B1."
They stood by the coach position marker. The train pulled in slowly and came to a halt. They boarded and found their seats. As the train started with a jerk, Anita stumbled slightly. Shiva instinctively reached out to steady her, then felt a moment of awkwardness, wondering if she’d take it the wrong way. Seeing his hesitation, Anita smiled.
"Shiva."
"Mm?"
"Easy."
"Mm." He smiled and sat back.
"Shiva," she said.
"Yeah?"
"What are the things you like?"
"A lot of things."
"Tell me."
"Train journeys."
"Wow."
"You like them too?"
"Yes, Shiva."
"What else?"
"We used to have a Pomeranian puppy. It was my life."
"What happened?"
"It passed away, Shiva. I didn't eat for four days." Anita’s face clouded with sadness.
She’s sentimental. Note that down, Shiva told himself.
"What is it, Shiva?"
"Nothing. What else do you like?"
"Ilaiyaraaja’s songs, getting drenched in the rain, traveling."
Shiva smiled. "Traveling?"
"Mm, I love hill stations. Ooty, Kodaikanal... once I'm there, I never want to come back down."
Anita spoke with her eyes closed, and Shiva found himself admiring her. He continued the questions.
"Favorites?"
"Ask me, I’ll tell you."
"Favorite color?"
"Red."
"Favorite outfit?"
"Chudidar and Saree. Both."
"Favorite sweet?"
"I don’t like sweets, Shiva."
"That’s surprising. Why?"
"I don't know. Just haven't liked them since I was a kid."
"Mm. Favorite dish?"
"Fish biryani, chicken dishes... all of those."
"Favorite song?"
"There are so many, Shiva!"
"You have to pick just one."
She thought for a moment. " 'Engengu Nee Sendra Podhum' (Wherever You Go) from the movie Ninaikka Therinda Maname. Sung by Yesudas."
Shiva replied instinctively, "Superb."
"Do you like that song too, Shiva?"
"A lot. It’s the song I listen to most often at night."
The train began to slow down. Shiva looked outside. Salem Junction.
"Anita."
"Mm?"
"Would you like some coffee?"
"No thanks, Shiva. You have some if you want."
Shiva bought a coffee for himself. As he sipped it while looking out the window, he casually turned back to find Anita watching him. She quickly looked away as if she hadn't been staring.
Shiva smiled. He looked at her, his heart softening.
She is such a beautiful, innocent child. She’s doing this without even fully realizing what she's getting into. I must make sure I don't lose my composure and hurt her. Oh God.
Shiva closed his eyes and offered a silent prayer.
The train began to move again.

To be continued