Wanderlust Woman - Part 9

In three months, the village changed in terms of both lengthwise and breath wise. The two villages were united, routes were cleared, fields were ploughed for farming and life skills were imparted to all the people in the village. All the data was digitized and funds started pouring in. Priya declined each one of them profusely and started mailing the schools and colleges with an open invitation to visit their village anytime for a village-urban exchange program.

From growing silkworms to making eco-friendly pencils, every talent was readily available in the village. She trained the people with soft skills and in return promised to learn skills such as archery, pottery and weaving. Each of their end products which were going to the landowners now was sold on e-commerce websites. They received a sum equal to their hard work.

She also showed videos of inclusion and how skills can be transformed into an idea. She started teaching them how to read and write. School was made compulsory to everyone and that too with Mother Nature. Graduates were given special training from the ranking officers. Life was beautiful!

Karthick who was observing all the success stories via social media, emails, newspaper and her text messages made him fall in love with her even more. He didn’t express his love directly but used all the ways to make her feel it. Priya who had lost her past memories saw Karthick through a fresh lens! Her first male friend was him and she accepted as he was without any expectations.

Her 25th birthday was one week ahead and as he promised, he came on his bike to celebrate with her.

'Baby, my 25th birthday is very special to me' she texted few months ago.

After one hour,

'Sorry baby, was in a meeting.

Why special? And its special to us, not just to you.'

'How was your meeting?

Punishment: Find the reason by yourself.'

J

P.S She is angry if no smiles are added but for not more than two minutes.

Add 2 plus 5 which is equal to 7 and it’s our first birthday together as a couple!

"How is it going, head?" Inquired Karthick as he entered his room decorated in a minimalistic fashion.

"All is fine! Your girl, she has magic in her eyes and power in her hands." He praised.

He blushed.

"Where is she?"

"Trying her hands on archery. Go and watch out."

Closing her left eyes while standing sideways, she pulled the bow string using three fingers towards her face touching her lips and nose. Swoosh! Her arrow hit the center of the tree. Nobody realized that his heart had too got shot by her except the duo – Karthick and Radhi. Radhi was her personal fitness trainer and love coach.

"Priya loves the fireflies at night near the riverside. Take her for a boat ride and propose her under the glowing moonlight." She had emailed him.

"You must start blogging your ideas." He had replied back.

The two shared a friendship similar to Tom and Jerry and the villagers were laughing looking at their fights. Though both didn’t always see eye to eye, they had one thing in common: Priya. Both adored her and both fought with each other to give her the best.

---------------

The Night of December 6-

After their group dinner, they both walked down the hill side surrounded by eucalyptus and lemon trees. The breeze was light and moon played hide and seek surprising Karthick every now and then. As they spoke, Lakshmi came by.

"How come is she here at this hour?"

He didn’t reply.

Using his trunk, Lakshmi made Priya sit on her top. Karthick walked beside them. She walked into the riverside.

"Karthick, tell her to stop, I am afraid of water." She cried.

She walked without stopping.

As she screamed, the fireflies started coming in making her mouth go silent. She tried to touch few but couldn’t. He captured her face which was glowing amongst the fireflies. At sharp 12, Lakshmi bathed her using her trunk freezing her to death.

"Your fear of water is now gone." He shouted, standing on the rock with a complete cake setup arranged.

She stood still in shock. Her fear of water had vanished.

She walked near to him, saw his eyes closely and when he came nearby to touch her wet lips, she pushed him down in to the river.

"Happy Morning!" She cried and Lakshmi roared along with her.

She jumped in and both played like children. Smoke came out as they spoke.

"Happy birthday to us!" He said as she made her blow the candles.

"Make a wish." He said.

"You make it." She replied.

"Marry me?"

"Marry you?"

"Now."

"Now?"

He took out a gift box which was wrapped beautifully.

"Open it!"

She opened it slowly removing the tape one by one and finally, she found a .........