Chapter 14: A Brewing Storm

                                    

                                          


The weeks rolled by, with Vijay and Kaveri settling into an unspoken rhythm. Vijay's frequent visits to the community centre became a regular part of Kaveri's routine, much to her siblings' delight. While Kaveri maintained her usual tough exterior, her occasional smiles and softer glances towards Vijay did not go unnoticed.

One afternoon, Kaveri was overseeing a group of kids practising a play for an upcoming school event when she heard loud voices outside the centre. She turned to see Vijay arguing with a tall, rugged man who looked vaguely familiar. Sensing trouble, Kaveri stepped outside.

"What's going on here?" she asked, her voice cutting through the argument.

The man turned to her with a sneer. "Ah, so you're the famous Kaveri I've been hearing about. You're the reason Vijay's been acting all saintly these days?"

"Who are you?" Kaveri demanded, ignoring the man's mocking tone.

"His friend," the man said, smirking. "At least, I used to be before he decided he's too good for the rest of us."

"Enough, Surya," Vijay snapped, stepping between them. "This isn't the time or place for this."

"Oh, but it is," Surya said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You've been running around playing the hero in this neighbourhood, but don't forget who you really are, Vijay. You can't just walk away from your past."


Kaveri crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "Whatever you're talking about, take it somewhere else. This is a place for kids, not your petty fights."

Surya laughed, a harsh sound that grated on Kaveri's nerves. "Wow, she's feisty. No wonder you're so smitten, Vijay."

"That's enough!" Vijay barked, his voice firm and commanding. "Leave, Surya. Now."

Surya held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'm leaving. But don't think this is over."

As Surya walked away, Kaveri turned to Vijay, her expression unreadable. "What was that about?"

"Nothing you need to worry about," Vijay said, running a hand through his hair.

"Don't give me that," Kaveri shot back. "Who is he, and why does he seem to think you're hiding something?"

"It's... complicated," Vijay admitted, avoiding her gaze.

"I'm not asking for your life story, Vijay," Kaveri said, her voice softening. "But if you're going to keep showing up here and involving yourself in my life, I have a right to know what I'm dealing with."


Vijay sighed, leaning against the wall. "Surya and I go way back. We were part of the same crowd—the kind of crowd that did things I'm not proud of."

"Illegal things?" Kaveri guessed, her voice cautious.

Vijay nodded. "Yeah. I've been trying to put that life behind me, but Surya doesn't get it. He thinks I've betrayed him by trying to change."

Kaveri studied him for a moment before speaking. "Ellarukkum oru past irukkum, Vijay. Ana neenga ippo epdi irukinga ngra thu than mukkiyam."

Her words caught him off guard. He had expected judgment or anger, not understanding. "Unaku... payama illaya?"

"Unga kittaya?" Kaveri asked, raising an eyebrow. "No. You've shown me who you are now, and that's what I trust."


The conversation left Vijay feeling lighter, but the encounter with Surya lingered in his mind. He knew his past wouldn't let him go so easily, and he worried about how it might affect Kaveri and the community centre.

That evening, as he sat in his car outside his house, his phone buzzed with a message.

Surya: "You can't run forever, Vijay. Meet me tomorrow, or I'll come find you."

Vijay's jaw tightened. He knew he couldn't avoid this confrontation, but he wasn't sure how to handle it.


The next day, Vijay met Surya in a secluded spot on the outskirts of the city. The air was tense, the silence heavy with unspoken words.

"Unnod intha 'new life' la nee serious ah irukka la, aren't you?" Surya said, lighting a cigarette.

"Yes," Vijay said firmly. "And I'm asking you to let me go."

Surya laughed bitterly. "You think it's that simple? You think you can just walk away and live happily ever after?"

"I'm not the same person I was," Vijay said. "I've changed."

"People like us don't change, Vijay," Surya said, his tone sharp. "We just pretend until reality catches up."

"Maybe that's true for you," Vijay said, his voice steady. "But I'm done pretending. I'm building something real now, and I won't let you or anyone else ruin it."

Surya stared at him for a long moment before shaking his head. "You're making a mistake. But fine. Do what you want. Just don't come crying to me when it all falls apart."


As Vijay drove back, he felt a mix of relief and unease. Surya's words echoed in his mind, but he refused to let them shake his resolve.

When he arrived at the community centre later that day, Kaveri was waiting for him. She didn't ask about his meeting, but the concern in her eyes was clear.

"I'm fine," Vijay assured her.

"Good," Kaveri said. "Because the kids need you to help set up for tomorrow's event."

Vijay smiled, grateful for her unwavering faith in him. "Anything for the kids—and for you."

As they worked side by side, Vijay realised that for the first time in a long time, he had something worth fighting for.


To be continued....

Thanks for reading,
- Mithra