Half Way in Love (chapter 19)

Vasu was glad to see Dev very happy that day. Dev seemed to be his old assuring self once again.

That day Baby was not with them. Electrification works of Kallekkad project had started, and so he was at site to oversee works.

First, they went to the mall. Vasu followed Dev to his office, carrying some files. General Manager of the mall was waiting for him.

Dev had lifted this guy from a mall in kochi. A very experienced man.

Dhananjayan. Aged fifty four. He took considerable weight off the shoulders of Dev.

They had deep discussions for around one hour. Vasu, waited in the lounge. He knew when not to interfere. Though Dev would never mind, he kept himself out of official meetings. He didn't want to hurt the egos of high ranking managers.

But it was only natural that Vasu got preferential treatment from them. Anything to be taken up with Dev, first they took up with Vasu. He was a kind of bridge.

"Don't come now. Boss is bit dull. Not in proper temper." He would say some day.

"If you guys need anything to be sanctioned, come at once. Boss is in tremendous mood. We are starting from home."

He had texted the GM, before starting from home.

Vasu was their short cut. And he was always a sport. Protecting Dev from unnecessary tensions when he was not feeling ok, or helping with right ground level information whenever Dev wanted.

GM gone, Dev, quickly reached for phone.

" Hi Dev. Reached office. I feel happy that you are texting me. The very own Devanarayan. Where are you? Had food?"

Smileys, in various forms

"Right now, in Mall. Yeah. I had. When are you coming here?"

"Very soon, Dev. I really wish to come. This Saturday? It is fourth Saturday. Off for me."

Smileys.

Dev was now feeling lot comfortable in communicating with her.

" Why not now?"

He texted back.

A bunch of decent smileys followed.

It seemed to say, boss, I know what you mean.

"Let me earn my bread Mr. Capitalist. I will come on Saturday. Definitely. Would wish to see what the boss does in a Mall."

Dev smiled back in smileys. Though he was impatient he texted OK.

She went off line.

Today is Wednesday. Two more days to go. It felt like two years to Dev. How to pass two days? Without being aware of the minutes passing by? Without looking at the clock every thirty seconds?

He had only one answer.

"Vasu, let us go to Tirupur. Let us take Mom and dad too. We are coming back on Friday. "

Vasu didn't understand this sudden decision of Dev. It was true that they had not been to Tirupur factory for past two months. Dev seemed not in a mood to go anywhere. Last month Keerthana and Sitaraman sir had come down from factory, for getting files signed by Dev. And when they were done, Vasu had taken both to the Mall. Dev had given him instructions to take them. First time in Palakkad, first time in his Mall. They were his guests.

By afternoon Sarada, Sundaram, and Dev started to Tirupur, with Vasu at the wheels. They had not stayed in Tirupur, after they shifted to Palakkad. They were all happy. Particularly, Sarada. She had lot to catch up with. She was returning there after a gap of three years.

Dev had made a guest house on top floor of the factory building. Though small, it was comfortable. Dev used to stay there, when he needed to stay at factory for the night. Sarada and Sundaram were staying there for the first time.

People at company were happy to see their boss and family. Dev's cousins came running. It was an unannounced visit. Still, Dev was happy to find everything going well. Keerthana and Sitaraman sir came down from office. Sarada and Sundaram talked to all, enquiring about their families and health.

" Where is Karthi?"

Sundaram asked.

" He left us. " Dev answered with a resigning tone. He had not told Sundaram about Karthi. Sitaraman and Keerthana exchanged looks.

Evening, they went to Venkat's home. The house they had lived in, for years. Sundaram and Sarada were overcome with emotions when they saw Venkat's mother. Jyothi akka, Venkat 's sister, too was there. She had come on a visit from her in-laws house at Semmedu.

Dev remembered visiting her home with Venkat Annan. It was a beautiful place. Acres of sugarcane fields around their house. Jyothi Akka's husband Natarajan was a farmer. They had a makeshift factory where they extracted raw jaggery from sugarcane. As a kid, he had enjoyed those two days stay at Jyothi's place.

Venkat came at around seven in the evening. He was happy to see all. He shook hands with Vasu.

" He grew up here". He told Vasu proudly, pointing at Dev.

Dev's black BMW was parked in front of the house.

" Big car, Dev. How much did it cost? Ten lakhs?"

Dev laughed.

"It is BMW venkat Anna, it cost above one crore"

Venkat was shocked to hear it's price tag.

" One crore? Too much Dev. Our families can live for generations with that kind of money."

It was true. Venkat Annan lived a simple life. Still unmarried, he used a cycle to go to his company. Worked there, returned home, watched films on weekends, and took evening walks. It was a simple, satisfied life.

"Care to walk Anna?" Dev asked.

"Anytime Dev, with you."

Leaving Sundaram and Sarada at Venkat's home, Dev, Venkat and Vasu set out for walk.

"Hi Dev, where are you?"

Her message flashed, when they had reached new bus stand. They had ordered their regular plate of Kaalaan and were waiting.

"Walking with my friend." Dev answered.

"Where? Fort Maidan? I too need to walk. Putting on weight"

Smileys.

"No Revathy. Am at Tirupur now"

Dev replied back.

"Tirupur? You big people. When did you go?"

"Came in the afternoon. I will return on friday night. In time, to welcome a princess, on Saturday."

He sent along with beaming smileys.

A smiley, happy face, with three heart shapes, came in reply. She was touched.

"Thank you Dev. You carry on. Bye."

"Bye". Dev finished.

Venkat exchanged looks with Vasu. Vasu nodded, smilingly.

"Who is it Dev?" Venkat asked with a teasing smile.

"Revathy…"

Dev answered after a pause. He was cutting a shy smile.

cont . chapter 20