47 Delhi to Shimla (2/2)

”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.