SHE'S ONE OF US - CHAPTER 19

                                               





Synopsis :

Shree met Sai's mother in his home. Though the first meet was a big clunker for Shree , She couldn't leave her love for Sai for any reason. She learned to smile at all instances happened in Sai's home. Shree lost her totally in love. Whatever happens , Shree thought Sai would understand her and will be supportive.

"I said Get out"

That Saturday , After college , Shree visited Sai's home. Shree parked her cycle and was about to enter his home. She saw Sai standing starring at her in the balcony. She smiled at him and said "Hai" and was about to keep her first step inside. Sai said in a harsh tone "Stop , Don't come inside , Leave the place right now". Shree was shocked and asked "Why? What happened ?". Sai angrily said "Do not ask me anything , If I say leave , Just leave". Shree asked "Are you out of your mind ? Just tell me what happened ? Did someone said something?. I will come inside , We'll talk about this . Please. It is embarrassing" and tried coming inside.  Sai said "I said get out".  Shree had no other option rather to leave,  as Sai was so stubborn. Shree exhaled deeply and stood for a few seconds and looked at him. Her situation was pitiable. Shree was totally puzzled and her heart became heavy of his behavior. She wants to know the reason for Sai's actions. 

She left his home and came to the telephone booth .She called Sai, but he didn't pick the first two calls. Shree dialed his number for the third time , he picked. She said "Heloo , Shree , What happened ?". Sai said in a polite tone "Reach  your home safely". Shree in a depressed way "Whatever happens , You should not acted in that way. Don't you ever think what I'll feel like while someone saying to get out of his house. I really feel shame-faced". Sai said "I understand...". Shree said in an agitated  tone "You don't understand. If you understand you could not have done that. I need just one thing. The reason for it". Sai said "Okay , I will tell you what happened , Before you came, I was talking to my mother. She said that , it wasn't good that Shree coming to our home before getting married. So she told me to tell you not to come". 

Shree said "If that is the case , you could have told me after getting me inside your home and  told me straight". Sai said "I was fighting with my mom for saying so and I don't want you to come inside in that situation". Shree said in a sad tone "Whatever it is , You can't justify your action. I won't come to your home hereafter . Bye!" and disconnected the phone. On the way  home,  Shree had tears in her eyes. Her mind thought "Is this love ? Love makes sad .It is painful. Love made me happy , but the same love made me sick at my heart. I couldn't find my happiness in love. Love made me feel ashamed, get insulted, slaps on my face by words. It made me embarrassed and uncomfortable. I couldn't tolerate Sai insulting me at any cost . I couldn't accept the reasons he said. Did I need to lose my  dignity for love ? ". Her mind thought lot of things which made to lost her peace totally. She decided to be quiet and calm for few days. She was upset and furious at Sai for these actions.

"This is regarding your boy friend"

It was Monday morning , Shree started to her college. On the way , she saw Sai coming in the bike in front of her. She pretended that she didn't look at him. Sai was so upset and couldn't accept Shree doing that. He realized how his action have had hurt her feelings. The whole week , Sai saw her on the way, But Shree was not ready to look at his face. Sai was vexed and stopped having his food. His mother and his sister were worried as he didn't come out of his room and not having his food. It was Friday , and it was lunch time. Shree was called by the security in the college that someone been came to meet her . Shree was so confused and hurried to the entrance. She was shocked to see Sai's sister sitting at the entrance. Shree went near her and smiled and asked "What a surprise ? What is the matter,  you have come to my college? ". Sai's sister said "This is regarding your boy friend". Shree smiled and said "Why and what happened to Sai ?'. Sai's sister said "I know what happened that day in our home. I feel sorry for that, He too want to apologize to you , But , I heard from him that you were not even turning to his side. He was totally upset for that and he is refusing to have his food for past two days. Me and my mother begged him , but he was not ready to hear us. I think , if you come home, He will be definitely become normal". Shree don't know what to tell her. She couldn't accept Sai being like that. She was so upset and with no thought she said  "Don't worry , I will come home today evening". Sai's sister said "Okay , thank you . Bye take care and see you in the evening" and left the place.

"Will you forgive me ?"

In the evening Shree went to his home , Shree saw Sai's Mother sitting with the gloomy face mixed with anger. Shree was little embarrassed. She greeted his Mother and asked "Where is Sai?". His Mother with a fake smile said "He is in upstairs". She hurried upstairs and didn't expect permission from anyone . Sai's Mother was shocked by Shree's actions but she don't have any other option to make Sai back to normal. She entered a room and saw Sai lying in his bed. She cleared her throat and said "Sai". He saw Shree and said "I am so sorry". Shree  went near him and gave a banana and said "Can you finish your fasting by eating this". Sai ate the banana without uttering a word  and said "Will you forgive me ?". Shree said "Try to forget that. But please don't repeat the same in future. I got so worried and sad because of your action. Sai said "No never , I won't do this" . 

"The sweet hard slap"

Shree smiled and said "It is getting late, I am leaving" and was about to leave. Sai pulled her hand towards him and said "Did you  really forget all that have happened? " Shree smiled and said "Yes". Sai said "If so , You need to come to my home as usual". Shree thought a while. Sai said "What ?   Will you?". Shree smiled naughtily and said "Yes , I will , But conditions apply " . Sai looked confused. She continued " I can't see your sad face like this anymore. If I need to come here, you want to smile always look happy ". Sai smiled and pulled Shree towards him and tried to kiss  on her cheeks. Suddenly he opened his eyes , Shree was out of his hands and hurried downstairs. In a second , he don't know what happened , but his right cheeks were aching. He realized that he got a hard slap from Shree for trying to kiss her. Though it ached , he smiled and came downstairs following Shree. Sai's mother was shocked to see Sai coming down having half banana in his hand. Shree smiled and said "It is getting late" and bade bye to them and left the place. Sai's mother didn't talk a word to Sai . She couldn't accept Sai getting back to normal by Shree instead by her. Sai somehow convinced his mother. His Mother realized Shree was not only Sai's love and life ,but she was his soul. She thought that their love was more stronger than a motherhood, she even got jealous of Shree for that. But thinking of Sai , She was not ready to oppose his wish as well. So she kept calm as she believed that after marriage she could control Shree as a mother in law, However She didn't realize that Shree was controlling Sai with her beautiful love.

"You are first year and I am second year"

Days went by. Shree , done with her second semester exams. Semester holidays were over and she was back to college.  She was seeing Guru daily and they both were smiling at each other. Shree reached college and saw Maha and was perplexed. Maha came near her and said "I joined M.com here. It is very hard to leave you" and gave an irritated smile. Shree smiled and said "Congratulation . But you know you are a first year student now , and I am a second year student" and giggled. Maha starred at Shree and said in a loud tone " Hey , how are you talking like this ?. Just get out of my sight". Shree said "Hey , you came and talked to me voluntarily. If I need to get out of your sight , you have to leave the place and Not me". Maha said "All my bad time" and left the place. Shree smiled. Semester results came. Shree got very high marks and cent percent in Maths and subjects. 

What did you do ?

There was an announcement of cultural program in a college in the near by town. Shree and Priya participated in singing competition. They started in a Van and were sitting together in the Van. Van was about to leave the campus , but suddenly stopped. A girl in a hurry got into the van. Shree and Priya saw each other. Priya said "This is Maha , Student's president". Shree smiled and said "I very well know her. In fact we are thick friends. She has joined  M.com this year". Maha saw Shree sitting in the van and starred at her in an unfriendly way. Priya was perplexed and murmured to Shree "Hey , Is she starring at you?". Shree whispered "Yes". Priya didn't expect "Yes" from Shree and was shocked. Priya said "Are you nuts ? She is  student's president. What did you do ?". Shree saw Priya lethargically "First , I need to ask you a question. Are you my friend or her's ? How can you ask what I did ? Ask what she did" and continued "Moreover ,She is not President". Priya  said "What?...". Shree said "She was ...." and smiled. 

From the day one , I saw you 

Shree said everything happened with Maha. Priya exclaimed "You haven't told this to me before .Why??". Shree smiled and said "I don't want to create her a bad name in others . I thought , she would change . But still , I feel she is angry on me. Now I tell you this because you are my best friend , I believe you don't discuss this with anyone." Priya became very emotional "Do you think I'm your best friend ?". Shree said "Hey , Of course, From the day one when I saw you". Priya didn't realize how she meant for Shree these days. They talked and talked. Priya said  "If anything she says , we will handle her together. Okay ?" and showed per palms. Shree smiled and tapped Priya's palm and nodded. Van reached the college. Maha was leading the college girls and gave instructions. They were  given a room. Shree and Priya obeyed all the instructions and they left their things in the room and went for their competition. Competition was over and they came back to the room . 

Her costume looks different

Girls were busy doing their make-ups for dance. Shree and Priya started helping them. There came the announcement "Shree and Priya won First prize in singing competition". They both were overjoyed and hugged each other. The girls gave a loud clap as their college got a prize. Maha was starring at her and was busy with her make-up. Priya smiled and whispered in Shree's ears "Is she going to participate in dance , Oh my god ". Shree giggled and said "No her costume looks different , It is something else. Lets see". Priya went near Maha and asked "Any help ?". Maha said "Can you take two safety pins from that pouch?". Priya took safety pins and gave her. Priya asked Maha "Sister . Which competition are you going to participate?". Maha starred at her and said "Did your friend told you to ask this to me ?". Priya became nervous and said "No no , I just asked. We were done with our competitions and just want to watch other performances" . Maha lethargically said "Fancy dress competition". Shree couldn't control her laughter. On seeing that Priya too started laughing. Maha didn't notice Shree laughing , but she asked Priya "Is anything funny ?". Priya said "No no . I just smiled and All the best, Do well". Maha starred at her and went to the venue. 

They couldn't smile, but blinked out of shock

Maha's costume was like a ghost. She wore a Saree with loose hair. The make-ups on her face was little scary.  Shree and Priya followed her. They were curious about what Maha going  to perform. It was the last event. Maha was called to the stage. She stood in the center of the stage and raised  one of her hand in which she had an antique anklet. Shree now understood what she's going to perform. A girl down the stage said in the Mic "Kovalan and his wife kannagi lost all their properties and went to Madurai city. Their only asset was the precious anklets (Chilambu)  filled with gems. She gave a anklet to her husband Kovalan to make some money and start their life. But unfortunately , around the time he set out to sell the anklet, One anklet (out of pair) of Queen's was stolen by a greedy court member. The Anklet looked very similar to Kannagi's and the only difference is Kannagi's anklets been filled with rubies and Queen's with pearls, but that was not a visible act. Kovalan was accused of having stolen the anklet and immediately beheaded by the King's guards without trial. When Kannagi was informed of this , she became furious. Here come's our Kannagi to prove her husband's innocence to the Pandya King". Shree and Priya looked at each other , but they couldn't smile, but blinked out of shock. 

Shree , the Pandyan King

Maha furiously blasted with dialogues. It was so real and finally she cursed the city Madurai on fire. Shree completely realized the Kannahi's Pandya King was none other than her. All the time , the furious Kannahi was looking at Shree and shouting. Priya said " Is she looking at you and yelling the dialogues?". Shree gave a fake smile and said "Yes!" and jumped towards Maha who was right out of the stage. She went near her and  pulled her hands and shook. Shree said "It was an awesome performance. Even the real Kannahi been beaten up". Maha didn't expect that from Shree . Shree continued "I know...... the reason behind your ferociousness and anger was  me. You used that in a positive way. Keep it up. You are going to win the first place. So half of the prize is mine" and twinkled. By the time they heard the announcement "First Place in Fancy dress competition is bagged by Kannahi ...Maha from Women's college". Shree and Priya shouted "Hey Hooooooo We got the first place". Maha was perplexed and saw Shree in a different way. 

"I feel some chemical reaction in Maha"

Priya asked Shree "Are you nuts? She , all the time thinking of you in the stage and said the cursed words as if she was saying you, But you are ,congratulating her". Shree smiled and said "Whatever , I liked her acting , It was really awesome and I love Kannagi. She is a brave woman who demanded justice straight from the King and even dared to call him "Unenlightened King"". Priya was half mouth opened and said "Wow , That's good Shree. I need to learn a lot from you". Shree said "Oh come on! Nothing to learn". They bagged the shield and happily left the college. On the way Shree told Priya about Sai and his family and her love. Priya was awestruck hearing that Shree fell in love, however she was happy that Shree would definitely selected a good guy. Maha was looking at Shree in a friendly way. Priya murmured to Shree "I can feel some chemical reaction in Maha. See her look , lot of difference".  Shree said "Yes , I know... But do not see her. Lets see what happens". Priya giggled. It was 8.00 pm , they reached the college. Priya caught a bus and left home. 

""Treat" is not always about money"

Shree came out of the college and saw Sai waiting for her. Shree said "Hey , How you are here,?" Sai said "I just saw a Van going inside the college and I guessed you will be definitely inside the van. Come , I'll drop you in your home.". Shree looked Sai and shrunk her eyebrows. Sai said "Okay  Okay , Not in your home , but near your home. Come... it's 8.00 pm". 
Shree smiled and sat behind  him. Shree held him on his shoulders and Sai started the bike. Shree said "I and Priya bagged first place in singing competition". Sai was so happy and parked the bike. He saw the prize and congratulated her and asked for a treat. Shree said "No money , No treats". Sai naughtily smiled and  said "Treat is not always about money". Shree said "I know what you are trying to tell. No treats". Sai smiled and said "We are near your home". Shree said "I will get down here. Bye take care and I'll call you". Sai said "But ,where is the treat?". Shree smiled and had a glance around her to make sure that no one was there. She pinched Sai's cheeks and walked three four steps front. She turned to him and kissed her hands that pinched his cheeks. Shree jump walked to her home in happiness. Sai smiled and followed her and made sure that she reached her home safely and left the place in joy.

The Sweet Punishment 

 "Half of the prize belongs to you"

Next day , In the prayer the trophies been distributed to the students and the shield too. Maha was looking at Shree in a very friendly way, but Shree just smiled at her and turned. Priya said "Hey , It seems Maha became your best friend and wishing to talk to you. She is smiling at you". Shree whispered "Her starring face is much better than this" and twinkled. Priya said "Oh girl...". Shree said "Just kidding" and giggled. While dispersing Maha tapped Shree's shoulders. Shree very well know that was Maha and turned shouting "Who is dared to touch my shoulders in this college". Maha blinked. Shree pretended to be surprised "Oh Ex-president, Yes .. How can I help you? ". Maha said "Don't act much. From the day one , I like you so much. But situation was not favor for us and also I got jealous which developed hatred on you". Shree was surprised now and said "Ohhhhh.....But am I talking to Maha, Mcom first year, ex-president. I couldn't believe , Is it a dream? " and pinched Maha. Maha shouted "Awwwww...". Shree laughed and said "OH my , It is real" and ran to the class. Maha chased her and said "Get the pinch back". Shree reached the class and both of them laughed. Shree said "Okay , Pinch me". Maha was about to pinch , but she took her hands off. Shree asked "What? Not pinching". Maha said "Let that pinch be a sweet punishment for what I did". Shree smiled. Maha bagged a cup trophy and a medal for fancy dress competition. Maha said "Half of the prize belongs to you" and sparkled. Shree said "Hey , I was just kidding that day. No no  Keep it". Maha said "Have this Medal, It will remind me whenever you see this . Keep it safe". Shree smiled and took the medal from her hand and smiled. Maha was not that happy in her life before and went to her class.

And Now , I can hear you saying, "What suspense this time?". And I say "Suspense .... not really. But here is a gist. It is about blooming friendship of Guru and Shree. Friendship between a girl and a boy is not always leads to love and marriages. That friendship is felt by inner heart and not through eyes. For such a friendship we need a rare boy and a rare girl. Guru and Shree comes under this category. Next episode will be "Friendship episode" . Meet you next Friday!