46 Twenty hours (2/2)
”Punya! Look at me” he pleaded. No response. ”I'll go away if you don't respond” he threatened. ”Go” she said.
Prakruth got up and went to the coach a few minutes later....
”Hey Prakruth where were you?” asked the coach.
”Sir, I was at my seat. I got delayed at security check” he grinned.
He was doubtful, ”What happened? I was worried about you. You didn't even receive my call” complained the coach.
”Sorry Sir” apologized Prakruth.
”Ok ok, now settle down...” said the coach.
”Hi Aunty” said Prakruth turning towards Narmada who was sitting in the same row next to Jyoti.
”Hi Prakruth, didn't know you'll join us. Punya didn't tell me” said Narmada.
”Even she didn't know Aunty” said Prakruth waving at Jyoti.
”Hi Senior, you had exams till yesterday right?” asked Jyoti.
”Yeah... Why?” he asked.
”Then how will you be able to participate in tournaments day after tomorrow?? You haven't practiced at all...” she asked.
He chuckled... Coach replied instead of Prakruth. ”He used to practice in the afternoon session and go home. You used to come after that. Prakruth is our esteemed player, he can participate even without practice” said the coach proudly.
”Nice Sir... Sorry for asking” said Jyoti. ”Thank God, he's on the other side... Grumpy master” she whispered. Prakruth started laughing...
”Shshhh... He'll scold me if he knows” said Jyoti.
”Prakruth can you do me a favor?” asked Narmada.
”Yes Aunty, please order” he said.
”Ask the Air hostess to change Punya's seat here. Please”
”Aunty I can go there and send her here” said Jyoti. Prakruth crossed his fingers, he had purposely booked seats separately. Jyoti was about to spoil all the fun.
”No, Jyoti. You're also like my daughter. I can't send you alone there” said Narmada.
”Then we'll send coach there” said Jyoti.
”Why can't you keep your mouth shut Jyoti?” thought Prakruth.
”Your coach is grumpy, he might not leave that window seat. The guy who's sitting next to him is also a stranger. Punya's adjacent seat is empty. It is better, let her be there.” said Narmada.
Prakruth exhaled deeply in relief and said ”I'll check with Air hostess, Aunty. If not available, I'll look after her. Don't worry about it” he said and walked to his seat.
”Your mother is worried about you sitting alone” said Prakruth to Punya.
”Oh wait I'll talk to her and come” said Punya getting up from her seat.
”Punya sit down, I told her I'll take care of you. Please spend 20 hours peacefully with me” he pleaded.
”Oh oh this seat arrangement plan was yours??” she asked. He chuckled softly.
”Why did you do so?” she asked.
”To spend time with you” he said.
”Wait, my appa had booked tickets for amma... How did her seat come next to Jyoti and yours next to me?” she asked.
”Your father didn't select the seat, I booked these two. I paid extra for selection of last row and bribed cabin crew” he winked.
”Clever boy” she appreciated.
”What to do? It has been almost six weeks since we spoke properly so I didn't want to miss this chance” he shrugged.
”You missed me so much?” she asked.
”I was like a body without soul, Didn't you miss me?” he asked.
”No...” she shrugged.
”What????!!!”
”When you are inside me, why will I miss you?” she said.
”Stop those dialogs, tell me truth” he ordered.
”I almost forgot to breathe when I saw you today, do you know why?.... I was so desperate to see you all these days, but I couldn't meet you. Suddenly when I saw you, my heart skipped a beat in happiness” she said as her eyes became wet.
He opened his arms wide and she embraced him warmly.