HALF WAY IN LOVE (CHAPTER 12)

"Did you love Sukanya?"

I asked Dev. We were taking a walk inside his Emerald luxury Villas project, just outside his Villa No. 45. I used to visit him sometimes, whenever he was free, just to get facts correct.

Dev smiled.

"Bharath sir, you don’t love God. You worship him from a distance. The feeling is different. And is on a much higher plane than love. Sukanya, is god to me. She gave me this life."

Dev was walking, looking down, lost in thought.

"What about Sukanya? Did she love you?"

I asked him after a pause.

That question gave a chill to Dev.

Why did this never occur to him? What if she did? Probably she did not. Or did she?

"Bharath Sir, I never thought about it; honestly."

He fell silent. Sweat started flooding his handsome face, even in that cool evening.

 Everything was being moved to its right places. Minor adjustments in their positions. Dev wanted everything to be perfect. He had handcrafted this house, brick by brick, corner by corner. From the interior plants to be placed in the courtyard, to the colour of the walls. Everything handpicked and set according to Dev's wishes.

The transport vehicle from Tirupur had gone back. He had planned to leave everything they had, there in Tirupur only. But he couldn't deny his mother bringing something from her personal collections. She had to have her memories.

Few of his employees, and his two cousins were staying back for night. They wanted to make sure Dev didn't fall short of anything. Also, they were happy to be in his house. They had planned to go back early in the morning.

Some works were still going on. Ramachandran was personally overseeing the works. He had also arranged a maid for helping Dev’s mother. She was in the kitchen preparing for dinner.

Sarada, lighted the lamps in Pooja room. She kept one lighted lamp at the centre of the sitout too, the flame facing east.

She was really happy. Sundaram was happy too. No matter how much they would discuss between them, they could never get tired of talking how beautifully their house has come up. And how huge.

Dev was thinking of the previous day. An emotion packed day.

Sukanya had visited them in the evening. Dev noted how much Sarada liked Sukanya. Her eyes would light up whenever she saw Sukanya. Sundaram too loved this girl. She grew up holding his hands. He would never forget all those walks to school.

"After going there, don't become a thorough mallu, Dev. Always looking at coconut tree and counting the coconuts." She giggled.

Dev turned to her. She was trying hard to hide her emotions. And look normal.

"I will be coming often, Sukanya. I still have my factory here. But that may be twice in a month. Those construction projects in Palakkad will eat up my time. You know that I am new to that field. That is the first reason why I wanted to shift to Palakkad. Too much of money involved there. It is very easy to lose money and quality, if you are not there personally. "

Dev felt Sukanya was listening, but not taking in. He knew nothing he would tell Sukanya would comfort her.

Sarada brought in coffee for them.

"What are you planning to do after your engineering, Sukanya?" Dev asked, to change topic.

"No plans Dev. May be civil services. Or on the easier side, I will get a foreign visa and study some stupid course and settle down abroad. No plans of continuing here in Tirupur, Dev."

Dev knew, she was good in her studies.

"You will do well Sukanya. And you have this knack of turning everything into gold. Look at me." Dev laughed, with an effort.

Sukanya smiled now.

"You are gold, by birth. I just rubbed off the dust. Don't be modest." She giggled now.

She left when it was getting too late for her.

Venkat returned from factory very ealy that day. He came in with his mother. She loved Dev’s family. She started crying, as she started talking to Sarada.

Venkat held Dev by his arm.

"Come Dev. Let's go for a walk. "

And they walked out into Tirupur. They walked along the road lined with little provision stores, well lit bakeries giving out loud music, and big temples. They passed Sivan Theatre and Dev’s new company building behind that. They were walking automatically towards new bus stand. Their legs were programmed to walk in that direction. It was always like that. Ever since Dev was a kid.

People were hurrying on the roads. Some were coming back from their shifts. Some others were rushing madly to join their shifts. Girls in half saris, their hair tied in cross knots, and fresh jasmine flowers pinned in place with their hair. Men in trousers, with full sleeve shirts buttoned at the wrists, tucked out, and sandals. And that ubiquitous Reynolds pen in their pockets. Some rushing in group, some rushing alone. The mayhem, which was called Tirupur.

He loved this city like this.

Today, both didn't feel like eating anything.

"You came here as a small kid, Dev. " Venkat repeated.

"And grew up in front of me. You are like my little brother only. Do come home, whenever you visit your factory."

"And I won't be coming with you tomorrow to Palakkad. Can't bear that. Please go safe Dev. Look after your parents. They are like my elder brother and sister. "

Dev held Venkat's hand now.

"Don't come Annan. Even I can't bear that. I will keep coming Venkat Annan. Don't worry."

Early next morning, before Tiupur could wake up, they left the city. Family went in the car. Their belongings and workers accompanied them on a mini truck.

CONT : CHAPTER 13