`Karthik, I need to meet you today`, said Tulasi.

`Sure Tulasi, I have been asking it for three weeks, but you didn`t find time for me`, I affectionately

grumbled.

`For sure, we shall meet today`, she said and disconnected the call. There was urgency in her words.

I kept aside the mobile and started to get ready. When I was about to leave, rain started to shower.

`Karthik, Don`t drive in this rain`, my mother shouted, but she knew I was not going to listen. I was given

the freedom that I always enjoyed.

I started the car. I drove cautiously as not to let my car into large pits; Also, I slowed down the car after

seeing the familiar lady who was waving hand at me. She was once our tenant.

`Karthik, Could you do me a favor? My Children wanted to watch a movie; their father initially had

planned to come and take the children, but since it is raining, he is held up in the traffic`

`So where is he now`, I impatiently asked.

`He will reach the abhirami theatre by 5.45`.

I reluctantly accepted the offer; the children got inside the car.

The children were very enthusiastic and the happiness was evident in their faces. I continued to drive

amidst heavy rain and their happy reactions.

In a few miles, we too were held up in the traffic and we then waited for fifteen minutes. It seemed that

I wouldn`t be able to drop them off in the theatre at the correct time - even I take the alternate route.

`Do you guys have your father`s number?`

I called his father and informed him. Then, I called Tulasi and she was more disappointed and dejected

than children were.

For them, watching a movie was like attending a festival. It might happen once in a year or even less.

And to accommodate the three children, the mother had to sacrifice her ticket to satisfy the monthly

economic equation. I started to realize the inner stories behind. I didn`t like to disappoint the children.

`Guys, will that be okay if we reach half an hour late`

`Yes`, children shouted collectively.

`For which movie you people have planned`.

`Dad planned for Tamil movie - saguni ``What about you guys`, I firmly asked.

`Spiderman....; Madagascar ....` The children started to express themselves. The conflict was the result

of their open expression.

I silently listened to their opinions and switched on my favorite Ilaiyaraja album to comfort myself.

`Karthik uncle, what shall we do`, the eldest innocently asked.

`Let us do one thing, we shall split up - I will accompany the youngest and you two go to Spiderman, and

I believe English movies will start their shows by seven. We could reach before that - Is that fine?`

The silence was their reply and they were hesitant to take a decision.

Fascinated by Spiderman and Madagascar, they agreed to my offer, and the happiness was brought

back to their faces. We reached the theatre and bought the respective tickets; I called up their father

and informed him. As I expected, he didn`t like it.

We all four had a wonderful time and then had a sumptuous dinner.

I dropped them off in their house.

`Why you are troubling yourself, Karthik`, their father asked.

`No problem, uncle, I had a great time with them`.

`You guys have grown big, going independently and watching a movie, eh?` the mother asked the

children.

`Don`t scold them; it is me who took the decision`.

Before I tried to give them a reply, my mobile phone rang. It was Tulasi.

`Aren`t you serious in our relationship?`

`One second, uncle`, I sought his permission to let myself to speak in private.

`What happen, Tulasi?`

`Today I called you for a purpose. My parents are looking for a guy, it looks like they will finalize with one

by next week`

`But you said that will take time`.

`Yes, even I too thought the same. But they are processing it quickly`, Tulasi whined.

`Hey Tulasi, speak to them ...and explain your wishes`, I reiterated what I used to say.`No Karthik, they won`t understand, I don`t have the courage to speak to them. And, they won`t listen to

my words; for sure, they won`t let us marry`.

`Do something, Tulasi`

`There is one way to solve it ...`

`What...?` I curiously asked.

`Karthik, we have to elope ... there is no other choice left for me, I came to this decision after a deep

contemplation ... we have to leave today`

I didn`t know what to say, the discussion went on for an hour and finally I was defeated by her cry and

her words. Moreover, I didn`t want to miss her... I started my car and drove to my house.

`Where were you, Karthik? I have prepared chicken curry for you, Come and have food`, the mother

said.

`I already had dinner`, I carelessly replied.

`You could have told me`.

I went inside my room, took my clothes and stuffed them in the bag.

`Mom, I am going to friend`s wedding today`.

`Nowadays you are not telling me anything, Karthik; it looks like you have a separate life for yourself`,

the mother disappointedly said.

`No mom, nothing like that, my friend invited me today and called for the wedding`

`What kind of friend who invites you today for the tomorrow`s wedding`?

`Mom, I am getting late, we will speak about that later, where is dad?`

`He informed that he will be late`

`Okay, mom, Inform him too. I will call you about my return`, I waved my hand and left.

I started my car and switched on my Ilaiyaraja album to heal my troubled mind. I knew I was not inclined

to her decision - in fact, I didn`t like it.

I remained silent not because that there was no one to speak, but because that I went on to a complete

introspection.

The introspection went on for a few more miles. I halted my car and stepped outside to inhale a fresh

air, and also to puff a cigarette. After ten minutes of well-constructed thought, I stepped inside the car and maneuvered it back to my

home.

I sent her a message, `Wait till tomorrow!`