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After talking to her, I finally got my act together and decided firmly that I had to go to Chennai. I thought about all possible ways to go to Chennai in my winter vacations and short-listed some. I decided to call her. Poor thing, she must have been crying. I wanted to tell her that I would come and we’d meet.

“Hullo!”
”Hi!” I said, trying to gather as much happiness I could. “What happened?” she said with her innate sweetness. “Nothing, just wanted to apologize for hanging up like that. I am sorry. Nut I couldn’t talk then.”
“It is okay. I understand.”
“Now, at least tell me what happened, why are you not coming?” “I told you I’ll call you around eleven-thirty, Tejas.”
“Tell me something at least. Your dad said something about us?” “Yes!”
“What?”
“Do I have to tell now?”
“A little.”
“Okay, Raju bhaiya is getting married…”
“Raju bhaiya…”I tried to place him among her numerous cousins, “The one who used to carry you piggyback all day long?” I asked and she chuckled.
“Yes, the same…”
“Where is he these days?”
“Pune.”
”Where is the marriage? Pune?”
“No, here in Chennai. The dates and all are being decided. When mummy came to know about it, she asked papa if was could visit Delhi in November as we’ll be struck her in December.” She paused.
“Then? Go on and please don’t cry!” ”Papa told her that she could go if she wanted to but that he won’t allow me. He said he was sure I’d lie again and meet you!” she managed to say that.
“Don’t worry, I’ll come.”
“You? How can you come? She asked, stunned.
“I’ll explain all that when we talk at night. Bye, love you and don’t you cry.”