Episode 9

Ilakiya was full of mixed emotions as she packed a bag with her essentials to stay with Aaran. She was almost finished when Vasugi came near and started talking, “Hey that was so kind of Aaran to invite us both to stay at his house for a week. Last time rains were too bad and we had suffered like anything. He is too good a friend to think about us in such a situation. But just tell me one thing. Have you met his people before? Are they too friendly like him?”

She started pouring questions that Ilakiya partly registered. Her mind was elsewhere. When Ilakiya and Aaran were thinking how to be in touch with each other in the upcoming storm, suddenly he came out with a plan.

“Why don’t you come home? My mom, dad and brother will be there to take care of you and it will be a chance for you to get to know them all and them to get to know you.”

Ilakiya was shocked at first. She was wondering how Aaran’s family would react seeing him bringing home a girl. She refused initially. “Hey look, I will tell them the actual scenario. Your house will literally be in doldrums once the storm sets in. You won’t be able to go out or get the basic essentials too. My family will be really happy to welcome and help you out. And if the storm is not that bad and the phone lines are in, we will opt for work from home and continue the work. “

Ilakiya looked skeptical. Aaran continued, “Besides I am not asking just you to come over. We will ask Vasugi too. She too cannot stay here alone. I am suggesting this plan for two things. You should not suffer anytime and I should not suffer without seeing or hearing from you.”

Ilakiya smiled but suddenly looked tensed. “I have never met your people. What if they don’t like me?” “Ilakiya you are coming to my place now as a friend. You can get to know them now and be friends with them too. They are real good folks and definitely you will blend in.”

Ilakiya thought hard. This seemed to be a good suggestion. “Fine. I will go and tell Vasugi and hurry her up to start to your place. We will leave as soon as possible before the rains start again.” She was about to leave the car when she thought of something.

“Aaran tell me what does your family like so much. I will get them on the way. I cannot just come empty handed to meet your family for the first time.” Aaran smiled. “Hey leave out the formalities. It is pouring hard. What will you get now? We will see that some other time.” “No,no I insist.” Ilakiya replied.

“Well, all of them loves reading. Dad loves motivational and Inspirational, mom loves reading spiritual and brother is a die hard fiction fan. Maybe we can get books on the way. There is a good store just near home. I will stop there. You grab some quickly and then we will reach. Is that fine?” Aaran asked her.

Ilakiya nodded happily. She was about to get down when Aaran held her hands.” Hey let me go and get ready Aaran.” Ilakiya protested. “You wanted to get something for all. Why did you leave me out? Am I not a part of the family?” Aaran asked her.Ilakiya laughed. “Fine. You like reading mystery and history. I will get them for you.”Aaran looked at her feigning anger. “Hey books are what I suggested. I don’t want them for myself.” He said.

“Then what do you want?” Ilakiya asked.“There is always a way to gift me, thank me, and show your appreciation. It’s very easy.” He started in a teasing tone. “You can just hug and kiss me.”

Ilakiya went red but started to reply hiding her blush, “I should decide what gifts to give you and the receiver should never ask for the gift.”“It’s not like a command. It is just a suggestion.” Aaran grinned sheepishly. Ilakiya smiled and proceeded to leave the car. “Hey just tell me what will you get me and then go.” Aaran insisted.

Ilakiya smiled. “Alright. I will get you something. It’s a surprise. You will get it by tomorrow morning.”

“Deal’s done. Go and get ready. I will come with you too now. I will invite Vasugi myself.”They both left for home and spoke to Vasugi. She agreed after a few protests and questions and they were all set to leave for Aaran’s home.

“Ilakiya I am trying to get your attention for the nth time. Did you even hear the question?” Vasugi was almost shouting now. Ilakiya came out of her trance and apologized.”I was just lost in thoughts. No, I have never met his people. I have seen their picture though. They seem nice.”

Vasugi was satisfied now. They packed, locked the house and Aaran started driving. “We can reach in half an hour usually but now because of the rain, I guess it would fifteen minutes more.” He declared.

Vasugi said a soft hmmm but Ilakiya was silent. She was brimming with emotions to meet his people. Her future home. Her future family. She should behave good and win their confidence and they should be nice to her too. She was thinking too much when again the rain started pouring.

“Hey we will hit home directly. I cannot stop at the book store now. We will get them something the next time. No worries. “He said and continued driving when Ilakiya pointed a book store.

Ilakiya nodded back and was about to go back to her thoughts when Aaran suddenly said,” There, we have reached. Welcome home.” He looked at Ilakiya.

She was taking the scene in and was trying to have a good look at the house which will be seeing all her emotions in the future.

“Our Home.” She murmured softly as she looked into Aaran’s eyes.