24 Creepy Creature.... (1/2)

Punya came home tired and leaned over the sofa in the hall. Singing was her favorite thing but singing standing next to Prakruth made her mind vulnerable. The song had too many romantic lines and she felt all those feelings flowing only towards him. His looks were killing her internally and her hatred burning her externally....

”Congratulations Punya.... This goes for a treat” exclaimed Thrishul handing over a bouquet.

Punya opened her eyes and said ”Thanks” receiving the white flowered bouquet from him.

”You didn't even stay for the results, what made you rush home so fast?”

”I... I... I was too tired to st... stay. That's it” she shivered a little. She left early as Prakruth held her hand while bowing to the audience and said”This song is dedicated to you and you alone” in whispers. A live wire passed to her spine when their eyes met...she couldn't stand there anymore, she took her belongings and found her way back home.

”Attention everyone, Punya has won the trophy come have a look” Thrishul called her family members.

Grandpa was out of town and Rishi was upstairs busy with video games. Narmada and Grandma came and congratulated Punya and sat next to her. Punya was still mentally on the stage, she came to present when Narmada pressed her saree against her sweating face.

”Here is your trophy” said Thrishul handing over to her.

She received the trophy and smiled.

”These are the same flowers I saw in dreams, so the boy who walked next to me was Thrishul. Did the dream tell me that I'm neglecting Thrishul for Prakruth??? Or I'm imagining something like that? Let me ask him about this” Punya thought.

”Nice flowers, Thrishul. How did you know that I like white?” she asked curiously.

”Oh you like white flowers, I didn't know. These were given at college along with the trophy, Prakruth gave it to me when I was chatting with Jyoti” shrugged Thrishul.

”Prakruth, why did he give trophy? Did he collect it on behalf of Punya, what were you doing?” asked Grandma with an unhappy expression.

”That guy was Punya's partner, lead singer. They won award together, so he might have taken Granny” Thrishul explained. ”oh” Granny just nodded her head.

Punya observed the bouquet again and found a letter hidden between the flowers. She froze in dismay. She silently stood up to leave.

”Punya, I want to tell you something” Thrishul voice stopped her.

”We'll talk tomorrow in college, I'll go rest” Punya climbed the stairs not even waiting for his answer.

”Have dinner Thrishul” said Narmada.

”No aunty, thanks. Will come for a feast on weekend to celebrate. I'll leave now” said Thrishul grinning.

”Ok bye... Take care” Narmada waved at him.

Upstairs - Punya opened the letter

”Dear Punya, you're very special to me, you filled the emptiness left in my heart. I'm very attached to you now but I don't know why you're avoiding me so much. As far as my knowledge goes, I haven't hurt you by any chance. If at all my behavior has troubled you, please forgive me and provide me a chance to rectify. Remember the moments we had together and give me an opportunity and trust me I never ever hurt you. I can't speak all this in front of you... So I write letters. Please read my previous letter and reply with mercy if possible.”

- Prakruth.

He had scratched the words ”yours” and a word further, before his name. Punya knew what those words could be.

Punya opened her bag to search for the previous letter, she was just curious.

Someone knocked at the door.....

She hid the letter in her hand and opened the door, her father stood with a huge brown teddy bear.

”Congratulations Darling” Varun sounded excited. ”I'm so proud of you my dear”.

”Thanks Appa, who told you?” she intrigued.

”I had come to the function” He winked.