Chapter 28: Hidden Feelings, Growing Bonds

                                    

                                          


The days that followed the event at the centre were marked by a subtle shift in the dynamic between Vijay and Kaveri. Their banter remained as lively as ever, but there was a new layer of unspoken understanding, a quiet acknowledgment of the feelings they were both starting to explore.

Kaveri, however, found herself wrestling with an internal conflict. Her heart wanted to trust Vijay, but her mind kept reminding her of the complexities of her life. Vijay, on the other hand, was determined to break through her walls, one small gesture at a time.


It was a crisp morning when Vijay showed up at the centre, holding a bag of groceries. Kaveri, who was sorting through a pile of paperwork in the main office, looked up in surprise.

"Vijay?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Enna ithellalm?"

"Breakfast," Vijay said, placing the bag on the table with a flourish. "I figured you'd skip it again, so I came prepared."

Kaveri sighed, shaking her head. "Ithellam ninga seiyanum nu entha avasiyamum illa. enna pathukka enaku theriyum."

"Sure you are," Vijay said, smirking. "But you're also capable of working yourself into exhaustion, and I'm not going to let that happen."

Kaveri rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Fine. What did you bring?"

"Pongal, vadai, and coconut chutney," Vijay said, unpacking the food. "And before you ask, no, I didn't make it. But I did pick it up fresh."

Kaveri chuckled. "I wasn't going to ask. But thanks."

They sat down to eat, and for a while, the only sounds were the clink of spoons and the occasional murmur of appreciation for the food.


"So," Vijay said after a while, leaning back in his chair, "what's on your agenda today?"

"Just the usual," Kaveri said, wiping her hands. "There's a meeting with the board about next month's budget, and then I need to finalise the plans for the children's trip."

Vijay frowned. "A trip? Where?"

"To the botanical garden," Kaveri explained. "It's part of their educational programme. They've been looking forward to it for weeks."

"Sounds fun," Vijay said, his expression softening. "Need an extra chaperone?"

Kaveri looked at him, surprised. "You want to come?"

"Why not?" Vijay said, shrugging. "I've never been to a botanical garden. Plus, it'll give me a chance to spend more time with the kids—and you."

Kaveri's cheeks flushed at his words, and she quickly looked away. "Well, if you're serious, I could use the help."