Author's POV
"Arun..." Ayaan called slowly, murmuring Hanuman Chalisa.
The shadow figure turned back slowly.
"Why godddd... it would have been better if it was a ghost... Now it is more dangerous than that..."
He gave an expression as if he saw something more dangerous than a ghost.
Hearing a male voice, Samhitha turned back. She squinted her eyes, trying to see who disturbed her peaceful time.
Then they both heard a locking sound.
They looked at the terrace door.
IT'S LOCKED.
Outside the Door:
Their cousins and friends were outside, pressing their ears to the door, trying to listen to what was happening.
"Mama... he will kill me raa..." Arun said in panic.
"Eheyy, em kaadhuley..." Sanjana assured him. (Nothing will happen)
"Don't worry ra, it's just a prank. Finally, we got a chance to set him up with a girl."
Manish said, looking at Sanjana.
"Arey, you people used my name to call him to the terrace..." Arun said, still tensed.
"Ayaan anna is sweet, he won't say anything. I'm more scared of Ammu akka." Nandha said.
"Chill... don't you guys like their pair?" Sathish asked, and everyone nodded.
"Yeah, but Ayaan likes some chunni girl, right?" one cousin said.
"Yeah... how do you know?" Arun asked in shock.
"Group Kanya Raasi." all the cousins said at the same time.
"NOOOO...." Manish's eyes bulged out as if they would pop out.
"Shut up, idiot. They'll know we're here and that we planned everything." Sanjana hit him on the head.
"Okay... Sanjana, did you read...?" He gulped, unable to complete.
"Do you mean 'aa Sanjana undhi choodu... mass mama mana type.' (look at that Sanjana though... she's our type.)" she said.
"Sorry... I didn't mean it in a wrong way." Manish apologized.
"It's okay. I got many more compliments than that." Sanjana said, flipping her hair back in pride which hit Manish.
Manish was lost in her thoughts.
"Guys, why are we not hearing anything... ?" Nandha said, pressing her ear harder to the door.
"Did she kill him already without any sound?" Arun said in fear.
"My sister is not like that." Samhitha's cousins defended her.
"Should we open the door?" Sathish asked, moving toward it. Manish and Sanjana pulled him back at the same time.
"Don't open. We'll wait for a few minutes, then we'll open the door." Sanjana said.
"Then we'll run." Manish added.
"Guys... they are talking." Nandha said. Sathish also pressed his ear to the door.
"That's not talking... it's fighting." Sathish said. And everyone listened in full concentration.
Samitha's POV:
"What are you doing here?" I asked him.
"Came to clean the terrace." he replied with a serious face.
"Now??" I said, with an expression like are you serious?
"I came because arun called me here. What are you doing here?" he said, looking here and there as if searching for someone.
"Nothing. Sanjana said someone is calling me." I said. He looked at my mehendi-filled hands.
"Arthamaindhi... they pranked us. Dhorakani edhavalu urkinchi mari thanta." he said in irritation.
(Got it... they pranked us. Let me find those idiots... I'll make them run and beat them up..)
"I am leaving." I walked towards the door.
I tried to open it. I pushed it, but it was closed. I pushed it again.
"Did they lock the door...?" I murmured.
But suddenly, I felt a hand on mine. His hand was very cold... it gave me chills.
I turned back.
He was standing just behind me.
"Can't even open a door. Move aside." he said, bending a bit to see.
I immediately pulled my hand away. I tried to turn back, but he was standing right behind me, I stumbled and was about to fall.
But he immediately held me.
I looked at him clearly this time. He had chocolate brown eyes, looking at me with concern.
Light stubble on his cheek, I think he shaved recently. He had a mole just beside his eye. It's not visible unless you observe closely.
And his hair... slightly curly, dishelved falling on his forehead. It looked like he had run his hands through it many times.
Then my eyes went to his neck his....
"Are you planning to stay like this the whole night?" he said slowly.
"Uhh... what?"
"My hands are paining."
Then I realised our awkward position. I straightened myself, looking everywhere but at him.
He moved towards the door and tried to open it.
"It's locked."
"What?"
"Don't you know anything other than 'what'? The door is locked." he said loudly, shaking the handle.
"What do we do now?" I said in tension.
"I have an idea." Ayaan said, looking around seriously.
"What is it?"
"You jump from the terrace. People will come after seeing your dead body. I'll ask them to open the door from above. Problem solved." he said as if he was serious about that idea.
"Good idea. Then why are you waiting here? Go and jump fast." I replied, walking towards the railing to see if anyone was there.
"Hey hey, what are you doing? Don't jump. I was just joking." he ran behind me.
"I'm checking if anyone is down there to help us."
"No one is there. I am the last person who closed the gate."
"Do you have a phone?" I asked him.
"Why don't you have yours?" he questioned me back.
"If I had it, why would I ask you, idiot? Nandha took my phone saying she'll call her friend."
"So they all planned it together" he murmered to himself but i heard it.
"Give me your phone" I extended my hand forward.
"I... I... I don't have my phone with me" he said scratching his neck.
"Nice very nice now we should stay here locked whole night karma karma" I said hitting my fore head with my palm. Why I will always get struck with this weird situations that too with this radio.
"Don't worry I am a very good company" he said sitting down and leaning towards the railing.
"Not to me" I replied still looking down hoping to see someone.
"Sit, they will open the door don't worry" he turned his head towards me.
"How do you know it". I looked at him in suspecious. "I don't want to sit beside you" I gritted my teeth.
"amma thalli, terrace antha kaali ga undhi, if not beside me you can use this whole place." he said showing me whole terrace with his hands. (oh devi, whole terrace is empty)
Having nothing to do, I sat a bit far from him. We were silent for few minutes. I was thinking how to get out, but he decided to break the silence.
"Paadu jeevithamu yavvanamu moodunalla muchata eyra..." (What a useless life... youth is just a three-day excitement...)
(in Brahmanandam voice... does anyone remember this song scene?)
"Ippudu nuvvu aapakapothe neney ninnu terrace pai nunchi thosestha." (If you don't stop now, I'll push you off this terrace myself.)
I stopped him in irritation.
"Rakshasi." he muttered. (Devil)
"I heard it."
"Good for you then, rakshasi ." I don't want to speak with him, I turned my face away.
He observed me for a few seconds.
"Are you always this serious?" he asked me.
I narrowed my eyes at him as if he'd just offended me.
"Its.... It's just... you always frown your eyebrows. 24/7 you're either irritated or angry."
"It's just a special subscription for you." I said, giving a pointed look.
"Why special treatment for me?" he asked with a smirk wiggling his eyebrows.
"Endhukante nenu kopisti, rakshasi, gayyali, dhayyam kadha." (Because I'm short-tempered, a demon, loud, and a ghost... right?)
I said with a forced smile, mocking his texts.
"Adhi nijamey anukoo... ina ee padhalu ekkado vinnattu undhey..."(That's actually true... but why do these words feel familiar...)
he said, keeping his hand near his chin, acting like he was thinking.
"So you really read the chats? I thought you were a decent girl. No manners at all?" he declared, it to the whole terrace. Putting on a dramatic, unnecessarily loud tone.
"You're the one who is shameless. How can you discuss about a girl like that?" I matched his tone. "I tried to stop them but couldn't. They read the chats." I said lowering my eyes.
"I never discussed about any girl." he replied, folding his legs as if he was getting ready for debate.
"Yeah yeah, I know." I said, turning my head to the other side.
"What is your problem? What did I do that made you this upset towards me?" he asked calmly.
I thought for a few seconds. Really, what made me act like this towards him? I don't know.
But I know he irritates me. He is the complete opposite of me, maybe that's why I couldn't get along with him. But why should I get along with him?
Is it because of our first meet...? But that was just a misunderstanding.
Why, Samhitha... what happened to you...?
I was still thinking when he snapped his fingers in front of me.
"Madam, are you here?"
"No, I am in hell."
"Aa maata nenu anaali, nuvvu kadhu... anyway, answer my question."(That's my line to say, not yours... anyway, answer my question.)
"Why should I?" I raised my eyebrows.
"Are you serious, or you don't have a reason?" he said with a teasing smile. He laughs casually, but this smile... the slight curve of his lips reminds me of a crescent moon. The mischief in his eyes... I immediately broke my thoughts.
"No, I have a reason, but I don't want to tell you. And don't talk with me." I said, pulling my legs closer and resting my head on my knees.
"I doubt that reason. And no talking is never going to happen with me. If you hate me, I should know the reason, right?" he said innocently, showing his not-so-innocent eyes.
"Emo naaku thelidhu... may be because of our first meet. Or because I read you guys discussing about me. Yeah, I don't know the exact reason, but I know that I don't like you either... the same way you don't like me." I said in one breath.
(I don't know...)
"We don't have to like each other." he said very calmly, playing with his fingers.
"I'm sorry... it came out very rude. I didn't mean it that way. It's just that... leave it, I'm bad at explaining things." I apologized. I didn't mean to hurt him. I was angry at myself for behaving like that.
"Its ok, I am good at understanding things. I'm sorry too. I never meant to discuss about you. It's just my friends teasing me. They want me to find a girlfriend. It's a different story." He is playing with his fingers.
"Is it about the chunni girl?" I asked before I could stop myself.
"Ohh... you read that in the chat." he smiled, looking at the sky.
"She is a memory of me. Never saw her, never met her." he said sadly. Even though I don't like him, I know sadness doesn't suit him. It feels like the whole world has gone dark.
"Why did you call me those names?" I changed the topic. We are not that close to discuss those things.
"Kopisti, rakshasa, gayyali, dhayyam... they suit you, right?" he laughed, coming back to his usual self.
(Short-tempered, demon, loud, ghost... they suit you, right?)
I squinted my eyes at him.
"Sorry sorry... but trust me, they suit you more than Samhitha or Ammu." he laughed more.
"Ahhhhhh... just shut up. Assalu neetho maatladadam naadhi thappu." I gritted my teeth. (Talking to you itself is my mistake.)
"Can't help it... people fall for my charm." he said, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Not me. Don't think so high of yourself." I retorted back.
"We'll see that in the future. Tell me about yourself... What do you do in your free time other than being irriated" he brought up a new topic again. Though he is not a stranger, I don't like sharing about myself much.
"I read books, what about you" I understood now he won't stop talking.
"Thintaanu Ms.Library" I looked at him like he is carzy. I mean who eats in free time. I ignored nickname for now. (I eat)
"Maa nanna tho thitlu thintaanu. Because I don't have any job." He cleared my confusion.(i will eat scoldings from my father).
What to say. I just sighed and nodded my head.
We were silent for a few minutes. I was admiring the stars in the sky, forming shapes by connecting them.
"You are not how you show yourself to the world." this time, I broke the silence.
"As if you are. I know you are like a vast ocean... but you show yourself as a drop, lake, or river depending on people. And right now, I am in a desert area." he said with pride.
"If not a pond, at least show me a glass or a drop. Charming people like me at least deserve that, right?" he added.
"What is that comparison?" I laughed.
"Is that really bad?" he asked, getting shy.
"No... but even you look like an iceberg." I said, shaking my head.
"Iceberg??? You should have searched for another word. I am not cold like you." he said, showing his hands between us.
"Iceberg in the sense... not cold. I mean, an iceberg is huge. People think that's all it is. It looks like it's floating, but the truth is under the water, beyond anyone's imagination. It just takes one crack to collapse."
He listened very keenly. His eyes tells me not to continue it.
"by the way, I am good at observing people." I added.
"Not just people... you are good at observing everything." he said again, but this time there was a shift in his voice, like he got caught.
"Yeah, that's why I observed you, right?" I nodded.
"No, I won't accept it. You misunderstood me in every meet." he accused me.
"That's not my problem. Situations were like that." I defended myself.
"Yeah they are... I never expected to fall into a pool... that too with a girl. I know everyone must be laughing at me." he laughed at himself.
"Haha... first of all, do you even have a business to give shares?" I remembered his morning dialogue.
"Not now... but in the future, I will have. Still, no one came to save me. No one trusts this poor child. Samaajam lo manavatvam bathike ledhu..." he made a sad face, complaining about society.
(There is no humanity left in this society...)
I laughed looking at his expression.
It's not a big joke, but still I laughed so hard. It's been so long.
"You look good when you laugh." he said, looking into my eyes. Suddenly, I realised how carelessly I was laughing.
It felt like he was looking through me.
Then he decided his mission was to make me laugh. He started telling me stories with his friends... his pranks... sometimes even making fun of himself.
And me... I was laughing and giggling throughout the conversation. I forgot about time... about myself... about situation... everything.
I doubt we can go back to how we used to be.
But who cares...
For now, I just want to be like this... myself... with a stranger.
"Why don't we become friends?" he asked suddenly.
I didn't have an answer.
"Why do you want to be my friend?" I questioned him back.
"No other intentions. It's just... I don't know, but I know that it feels good making you laugh. And I think I became an expert at it within an hour." he said, looking at his watch.
"It's been an hours??" I thought it had just been a few minutes.
"When we misunderstood each other, your friends thought there is something between us. Now being friends means..."
I didn't complete that sentence. I didn't have to.
"Sorry for that... I have an offer for you." he said, focusing completely on me.
"What is it?" I mimicked his actions.
"Let me be your friend. I'll show you how to live a life. And you can.. can... " he thought for few seconds "Right now I don't have anything but do me a fovour in future. Anyway ocean and iceberg stay together right."
"I know how to live a life. In fact, I am living one." I ignored the last line.
"No, you are not. I can see that. See, we both know that we are going to see each other a lot in the future. Why don't we just make peace and be friends?"
I thought about it.
I wanted to accept his offer... but at the same time, I didn't want to let someone come close to me.
"Don't think too much. I am just suggesting, not forcing you." he added.
"I mean... I still don't know you." I hesitated.
"Ohh madam, we are not going to be in a relationship... anyway, you are not my type. I pray for your partner. Mahanubavudu ekkada unnado..." he joined his hands together.
(Oh great soul, wherever your future partner is... may God save him.)
"Same goes for you. Even you are not my type." I turned my face to the other side.
"Sare chill, I am just kidding. Friendssss... Bless this poor kid with your friendship." he extended his hand for a handshake.
(Okay chill)
Should I take it or not...? Why are you confused, Samhitha?
Just as I slowly extended my hand towards him, I heard my phone alarm. It was coming from the door.
We both stood up at the same time. He moved quickly towards the door.
Author's POV:
"Why did Ammu akka keep an alarm at this hour?" Nandha said nervously and passed the phone to Sanjana.
Sanjana passed it to Manish. Manish passed it to Sathish.
They heard Ayaan's voice from inside.
"Arey naaku thelusu meeru bayata unnaru ani... ippudu maryadhaga door theravaka pothey repu meeku paade kattestha!" Ayaan shouted, pushing the door from inside.
(I know you all are outside... if you don't open the door properly right now, I'll make sure you're dead by tomorrow!)
"Mama naaku bayamaithundhi raa..." Arun said, his hands shivering.
(Bro, I'm scared...)
At the same time, Sathish passed the phone to Arun and opened the door.
Everyone ran as fast as they could to save themselves leaving arun. Manish held Sanjana's hand and took her with him. Everyone rushed downstairs, curiously looking up to see what would happen.
Arun just stood there, holding Samhitha's phone, looking at Ayaan and Samhitha with trembling hands.
"Ayaan, trust me raa... it's all Manish and Sanjana's plan. I didn't even know it. Please raa... akkaaa please akka save me..."
He begged Ayaan and Samhitha. (Sister)
Samhitha just took her phone. She had kept the alarm to wash her mehendi. She looked at both of them once and walked past Arun.
"Ayan please raa... maa ammaki nen okkadney kodkuni ni raa..." Arun kept blabbering. (Bro please... I'm my mom's only son...)
But Ayaan was just looking at Samhitha. As she walked away...
Their friendship was left on hold.
She had raised her hand... was it for a handshake?
What just happened on the terrace?
He didn't have answers for anything, why he made her laugh... why he offered friendship...
He thought she would just leave without turning back. But to his surprise... she turned back.
This time, there was no irritation or anger in her eyes. Not even a frown. At the same time, there was no smile either.
But she looked... peaceful. Like a calm after chaos.
She just looked into his eyes for two seconds... and left.
"Mama entiraa tsunami vache mundhu unnantha silent ga unnav..." Arun shook Ayaan.
(Bro, why are you this silent... like before a tsunami hits?)
But he didn't say anything.
He just placed his hand on Arun's shoulder and started walking down the stairs.
Both of them were lost in their own thoughts. But the younger clan... they were terrified.
They couldn't believe how both of them were silent. They expected a scolding session.
For now, they were just thanking God at least they were alive to witness Rohith and Kavya's wedding tomorrow.
Soon, everyone drifted off to their rooms.
Both the almost-friends went into their own little worlds... thinking about everything that happened today.