Rudra’s POV:
Today is Bathukamma… Jannu’s most favorite festival.
She looks breathtaking in that half saree... so beautiful that I hope no evil eyes fall on her.
The first time I saw her in a half saree was years ago… Amma and Athaya brought her so many things half sarees, bangles, and all... but she never wanted them.
She always wanted me to choose everything for her.
Till today, I’m the one who selects everything she wears.
And that first time… when I saw her in a half saree, my breath hitched.
The feelings were unspeakable. I didn’t understand why I felt that way and even now, I carry the same feeling for her.
I don’t know what this emotion is. I never gave it a name… but every time I see her, I feel this strong urge to protect her, to hold her safe in my arms from the whole world.
All I ever want is her smile.
Even a small inconvenience in her life bothers me more than anything.
Like always, she looks divine in that half saree.
When she opened the door, I just stood there... wanting to admire her forever.
Later, when she started sewing my shirt button, I couldn’t focus on anything except her face.
How adorable she looked... I inhaled her sweet perfume and closed my eyes for a second, letting the scent wrap around me.
It calmed my nerves instantly.
She has that magic...the power to soothe me in every situation.
And now, here I am… standing a little far away, admiring her while she plays Bathukamma.
I’m keeping an eye on the surroundings, making sure nothing dangerous is around.
She has this power... she can draw anyone’s attention effortlessly.
She’s the main attraction in the crowd, her soft nature pulling everyone toward her.
“Ha langavoni lo chirakatukuna chandamama laga vundhi… thanani chusthunte alage chusthu vundipovali anipisthundi… antha andanga vundhi na Jannu.”
(In that half-saree, she looks like the moon peeking through dark clouds. When I see her, I just want to keep looking… my Jannu is that beautiful.)
Suddenly, it started raining.
But this woman didn’t even move an inch! Everyone else...especially the elderly ladies... ran to stand under the roof, but these girls… they were still playing.
Especially Jannu.
She loves these things. She enjoys the rain so much… even though she knows I don’t like her playing in it.
Because she’s sensitive.... she catches a cold easily and she knows I’m glaring at her right now.
Jannu's POV:
Today is such a beautiful day! I’m having so much fun playing Bathukamma.
When it suddenly started raining, I got even more excited.
I love the rain...so this is my chance!
I know Bava doesn’t like it when I play in the rain, but what to do?
I also know right now he’s throwing glares at me.
Suddenly, someone approached me. It was Ramu Kaka, who works under Bava.
I stopped playing and asked,
“Enti Kaka, ila vachav? Edhaina pani undha?”
(Uncle, why did you come? Any work?)
He nodded and said,
“Rudra Babu mimmalni pilustunnaru.”
(Rudra Babu is calling you.)
I knew it!
“Kaka, nuvvu vellu… nenu vastha.”
(Uncle, you go… I’ll come.)
He nodded and left.
I knew Bava was going to scold me.
I started playing again .... and this time, Bava himself came, holding an umbrella.
“Jannu, padha....varsham vastundi.”
(Jannu, let’s go....it’s raining.)
He said it seriously, but I replied,
“Bava, please....I want to play for some more time.”
He sighed.
“See, play after the rain stops. Now come with me.”
I didn’t reply and continued playing, laughing as I spun around.
Suddenly, I was lifted off the ground ... it was none other than Bava!
He had picked me up in his arms.
Everyone started looking and whispering.
I gasped, “Bava, leave me! Everyone is looking at us!”
But he said,
“Noormuskoni silent ga undu.”
(Shut your mouth and stay silent.)
That’s how he silenced me just like that.
He carried me straight to Amma and Athaya and started scolding me:
“Niku chepthe ardham kadha ha? Nuvvu sick avuthav ani telsu, malli enduku ila chesav? Intiki padha, ni sangathi cheptha.”
(You don’t understand if I tell you, do you? You know you’ll get sick, then why did you do all this again? Come home... I’ll deal with you there.)
He was serious.
I pouted, looking at him.
Then he told Amma,
“Athayya, memu intiki veltham... idi already thadichipoyindi. Ila vunte jalubu chesthadi, sare na?”
(Athayya, we’re going home. She’s already drenched. If we stay longer, she’ll catch a cold, okay?)
Amma nodded.
No one even asked if I wanted to go or not!
I pouted again, and this time, Bava held my hand and took me to the car.
And just like that.... our Bathukamma day came to an end. 🌸
Here’s a cleaner and more natural version:
Yaar, is there anyone who wants me to continue updating the book? If yes, please comment
Because it feels pointless to upload when there’s no one to read it.
Write a comment ...