`Karthik, I need to meet you today`, said Tulasi.
`Sure Tulasi, I have been asking it for three weeks, but you didn`t find time for me`, I affectionately
grumbled.
`For sure, we shall meet today`, she said and disconnected the call. There was urgency in her words.
I kept aside the mobile and started to get ready. When I was about to leave, rain started to shower.
`Karthik, Don`t drive in this rain`, my mother shouted, but she knew I was not going to listen. I was given
the freedom that I always enjoyed.
I started the car. I drove cautiously as not to let my car into large pits; Also, I slowed down the car after
seeing the familiar lady who was waving hand at me. She was once our tenant.
`Karthik, Could you do me a favor? My Children wanted to watch a movie; their father initially had
planned to come and take the children, but since it is raining, he is held up in the traffic`
`So where is he now`, I impatiently asked.
`He will reach the abhirami theatre by 5.45`.
I reluctantly accepted the offer; the children got inside the car.
The children were very enthusiastic and the happiness was evident in their faces. I continued to drive
amidst heavy rain and their happy reactions.
In a few miles, we too were held up in the traffic and we then waited for fifteen minutes. It seemed that
I wouldn`t be able to drop them off in the theatre at the correct time - even I take the alternate route.
`Do you guys have your father`s number?`
I called his father and informed him. Then, I called Tulasi and she was more disappointed and dejected
than children were.
For them, watching a movie was like attending a festival. It might happen once in a year or even less.
And to accommodate the three children, the mother had to sacrifice her ticket to satisfy the monthly
economic equation. I started to realize the inner stories behind. I didn`t like to disappoint the children.
`Guys, will that be okay if we reach half an hour late`
`Yes`, children shouted collectively.
`For which movie you people have planned`.
`Dad planned for Tamil movie - saguni ``What about you guys`, I firmly asked.
`Spiderman....; Madagascar ....` The children started to express themselves. The conflict was the result
of their open expression.
I silently listened to their opinions and switched on my favorite Ilaiyaraja album to comfort myself.
`Karthik uncle, what shall we do`, the eldest innocently asked.
`Let us do one thing, we shall split up – I will accompany the youngest and you two go to Spiderman, and
I believe English movies will start their shows by seven. We could reach before that – Is that fine?`
The silence was their reply and they were hesitant to take a decision.
Fascinated by Spiderman and Madagascar, they agreed to my offer, and the happiness was brought
back to their faces. We reached the theatre and bought the respective tickets; I called up their father
and informed him. As I expected, he didn`t like it.
We all four had a wonderful time and then had a sumptuous dinner.
I dropped them off in their house.
`Why you are troubling yourself, Karthik`, their father asked.
`No problem, uncle, I had a great time with them`.
`You guys have grown big, going independently and watching a movie, eh?` the mother asked the
children.
`Don`t scold them; it is me who took the decision`.
Before I tried to give them a reply, my mobile phone rang. It was Tulasi.
`Aren`t you serious in our relationship?`
`One second, uncle`, I sought his permission to let myself to speak in private.
`What happen, Tulasi?`
`Today I called you for a purpose. My parents are looking for a guy, it looks like they will finalize with one
by next week`
`But you said that will take time`.
`Yes, even I too thought the same. But they are processing it quickly`, Tulasi whined.
`Hey Tulasi, speak to them ...and explain your wishes`, I reiterated what I used to say.`No Karthik, they won`t understand, I don`t have the courage to speak to them. And, they won`t listen to
my words; for sure, they won`t let us marry`.
`Do something, Tulasi`
`There is one way to solve it ...`
`What...?` I curiously asked.
`Karthik, we have to elope ... there is no other choice left for me, I came to this decision after a deep
contemplation ... we have to leave today`
I didn`t know what to say, the discussion went on for an hour and finally I was defeated by her cry and
her words. Moreover, I didn`t want to miss her... I started my car and drove to my house.
`Where were you, Karthik? I have prepared chicken curry for you, Come and have food`, the mother
said.
`I already had dinner`, I carelessly replied.
`You could have told me`.
I went inside my room, took my clothes and stuffed them in the bag.
`Mom, I am going to friend`s wedding today`.
`Nowadays you are not telling me anything, Karthik; it looks like you have a separate life for yourself`,
the mother disappointedly said.
`No mom, nothing like that, my friend invited me today and called for the wedding`
`What kind of friend who invites you today for the tomorrow`s wedding`?
`Mom, I am getting late, we will speak about that later, where is dad?`
`He informed that he will be late`
`Okay, mom, Inform him too. I will call you about my return`, I waved my hand and left.
I started my car and switched on my Ilaiyaraja album to heal my troubled mind. I knew I was not inclined
to her decision – in fact, I didn`t like it.
I remained silent not because that there was no one to speak, but because that I went on to a complete
introspection.
The introspection went on for a few more miles. I halted my car and stepped outside to inhale a fresh
air, and also to puff a cigarette. After ten minutes of well-constructed thought, I stepped inside the car and maneuvered it back to my
home.
I sent her a message, `Wait till tomorrow!`
