It was 3.30 am when the flight arrived at New Delhi Airport... The next flight to Shimla from Delhi was at 7.35 am. Everyone were resting at the lounge...
"Uffff... It is very cold here" said Punya.
"Is it?? I don't feel much. Temperature is pretty much the same as it was inside the flight. You might feel cold as you were kept warm during the flight" winked Jyoti.
Punya gave a curious look. "What do you mean?"
"His embrace must be very warm right?"
"Shssshhh did you see? Did Amma also see?" whispered Punya.
"No, Amma was asleep. Don't worry. I saw when I went to the washroom. Lucky you" giggled Jyoti.
Punya's cheeks turned red.
"Did he kiss you?" asked Jyoti.
"Hey No... He didn't even try. Why?"
"Hmmm he turned out to be a decent hero... But he's so adorable, how can you keep quiet??"
"Shut up. I can't proceed like that"
"That means you want to?"
"... Hmm but I'll wait until he approaches"
"You both look so cute together. I used to turn back to look at you again and again" said Jyoti.
"You're exaggerating.... By the way, I heard that you didn't agree to Rahul's proposal?" asked Punya.
"Who told you?" exclaimed Jyoti.
"Prakruth who else?"
"Yeah I didn't but haven't rejected too. I just told him I need time... Let's see if he's as serious as your man"
"Hey hey..."
"Did he tell anything else?"
"No... He just told me that Rahul is disappointed" said Punya
"So Nice of Prakruth, he hasn't revealed that I was in love with Thrishul. Punya would feel bad or she would talk to him and persuade." thought Jyoti.
"What happened? Dreaming about Rahul" asked Punya.
"No.... I think you're missing Prakruth. I'll take care of mom and coach... You both can go out somewhere" said Jyoti teasing her.
Punya held her ears... Narmada saw it and asked "Why what happened?"
"Nothing Amma, this girl has become too naughty" said Punya.
"I'll show this and tell who's naughty" said Jyoti showing a photo in her mobile.
"Oh my God, when did you click this?"
"In the flight, you both were asleep... See you both look like a perfect couple"
"Delete it. Please. It is not safe to have such photos" pleaded Punya.
"Don't worry I'll keep it safe. Trust me" assured Jyoti. "Look at him, he's behaving so obedient to the coach"
"He's obedient. He likes the coach and the coach never scolds him" said Punya.
"Wow... You're so supportive and protective of him..." teased Jyoti.
"I better shut my mouth. You're out of control" said Punya turning away. She saw Prakruth carrying a plate with cups and walking towards her mother...
"Aunty Coffee" said Prakruth.
"Thanks Prakruth, so sweet of you" said Narmada taking a cup of coffee.
"My pleasure, Aunty" he smiled.
"Coffee Jyoti... Punya this milk cup is for you...." said Prakruth.
"Senior how do you know that she drinks milk only?" asked Jyoti. Narmada looked up at him curiously. Jyoti bit her tongue.
"I know, as she used to drink milk when she was in hospital" said Prakruth smiling.
Narmada responded with a smile... Punya exhaled in relief.
"What are you trying to do?" whispered Punya.
"Sorry I didn't want to get you caught" said Jyoti in a apologetic tone.
Punya nodded sideways. Prakruth sat next to Jyoti and said "It is Ok... I know it is not intentional Jyoti"
"Thanks Senior" said Jyoti. He gave his usual charming smile and asked "Punya have you seen Taj Mahal in Agra?"
"No.... This is my first trip to North India. Had been to Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai. First time to Delhi" she replied.
Narmada's phone started ringing, she received. It was Varun.
Jyoti looked at Narmada being busy and said "Senior if you have plans to take her, you've to spread false news of Punya missing" and winked.
Prakruth started laughing...."I don't have plans now, I'll bring her some other time. Varun Uncle trusts me but Aunty is not happy with me. I shouldn't create doubts."
Over the phone, Varun enquired about everyone's safe journey. "Is it too hot there? Or cold?"
"Warm... But as it is midnight... It is quite cold" said Narmada.
"You both have warm clothes right?"
"Yeah we've"
"Drink some hot coffee. It will be refreshing"
Narmada stood up and started walking away from the kids... "Prakruth just gave. He is talking to Punya and Jyoti here"
"Oh well... He's a good boy. He'll take care of you. Anything else just let me know"
"Yeah I'll tell but you tell me one thing... Why do you trust that boy do much?"
"Who Prakruth? Prakruth is a gem. He's National level badminton player, state topper and from rich background but he doesn't show off. I liked him when Punya was in hospital, he instructed doctors and nurses to take good care of her and even asked doctor if they want any blood. He was ready to donate too but fortunately they didn't have any requirement. The way he panicked showed how much he cares for fellow beings...not just humanitarian grounds. Many affluent family kids will be spoilt, you know why we sent Thrishul to boarding school... But no one in Mangalore has complained about him. Even my club mates who know Doctor Murthy tell me that they should've a son like Prakruth. He's responsible enough to earn and learn... He's maintaining the farm and studying... Now you tell why shouldn't I like him???"...
"You have so much information about him... That's great." said Narmada.
"Sorry if I bored you dear?" said Varun
"No no I wanted to know about him, because Punya is pretty close with him. I think she's attracted to him"
"Punya knows what is good and what is bad for her.... I don't think she'll go for such diversions. She talks in a very friendly way to everyone and creates a comfortable space for them. So he might be with her... but let's not doubt that." explained Varun
"I'm not doubting on your darling daughter.. I'm her mother, I'll understand her better than you" said Narmada.
"But she opens up to me only dear"
"Ok then talk to her, I will not receive your call" said Narmada but didn't hang up.
"Nammu I love you... I miss you"
"Me too... Ok take care... Will return soon" said Narmada.