chapter 4

It was Rudra, a teenage boy with curious eyes. His daddy was the doctor at the hospital. He usually visited on Saturdays and Sundays 'cause the hospital belonged to their family. They had two hospitals—one near Yalmozhi's village Muthumali, and another in Rudra's own village. Every Saturday, he'd come to Yalmozhi's village. Even though both families were relatives, they met super rarely, like special surprises.

While Yalmozhi cried and talked to her daddy about the scary injection, Rudra watched everything with a big interested smile on his face. At first sight, something pulled him to her—like a shiny butterfly. Not love yet, but he really liked her cuteness.

Days flew by like birds, and now Yalmozhi was 10 years old, big enough for school yoga class. All her elder cousins and siblings were in special classes for 10th and 12th grade, too busy with books. No one to play chase or hopscotch, so she joined yoga to make new friends. One day during yoga, her leg slipped—oops!—and she tumbled down, hurting her backbone. It didn't hurt much then, like a tiny owie that went to sleep.

But when she turned 12, the owie woke up and made big trouble. Mommy and Daddy took her to many hospitals for fixes. Rudra's daddy helped too, and Rudra came whenever he had free time, like a secret helper. Little by little, he got closer to Yalmozhi, chatting and making her smile during boring waits.

After one whole year of doctor games and strong medicines, Yalmozhi got all better, jumping and running again!

More days zoomed past, and now she was 14, growing like a flower. One day, surprise! She got her first period. In South India, it's a happy family party, like a birthday for growing up. They invited everyone with sweets and songs. But Rudra couldn't come—he was studying UG course in big Chennai city, no easy leaves.

After 41 days, they had the half-saree ceremony, all sparkly and fun. Rudra made it this time! The party was in a giant auditorium, full of flowers and music. Rudra sat in the front row near the stage with his parents. Suddenly, his heart went thump-thump different. He turned his head all around, looking. Then his eyes stopped—like magic.

There she was: a beautiful girl in a shiny pattu saree, walking to the stage like a princess. Rudra couldn't blink away. His mouth dropped wide open! His parents giggled at his funny face. In his head: "Is that the same little crybaby girl?" And whoosh—he knew his feelings changed to real love sparks.

He whispered quick to his parents, "Mom, Dad, listen! I think I'm in love with her!" They looked shocked but not mad. His dad said calm, "Rudra, maybe it's just infatuation. Don't rush, wait till you're settled. If feelings stay, we talk to her parents." Rudra nodded, thinking hard.

Mom added, "Don't tell her now—she's still a kid, might get scared!" Rudra smiled big. "Sure, Mom and Dad. But I know my heart won't change." Parents smiled back, proud.

They all went to the stage to give blessings and a pretty gift. They brought a gold chain, twinkly like stars. Rudra took it from Mom and gently put it around Yalmozhi's neck. Everyone near the stage gasped—shocked faces everywhere! But no one said a word.

Why the shock? Let's see in the next chapter...

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