Crossing the Mirage:Passing Through Youth

“Honestly, you're marvelous,” he paused, with a morsel in his mouth, “cook, indeed.”

“Thank you,” she said, serving him some more sambaar.

“It's the other way round,” he said looking into her eyes.

As he ate with relish, she savored the food that pleased him.

Seeing their bonhomie, her parents too were impressed.

"What a pair they would make,‟ felt her father.

"Won't he make a loving husband,‟ thought her mother.

Soon, the parents were delighted that their tenant was doting upon their daughter. But when her mother sensed that her daughter was neck deep in love, she thought it fit to have a word with her. But by then, even as Nithya's enamored heart goaded her on the path of love, Vasu had guided her willy-nilly into the vortex of lust.

“I think it's time his parents are involved,” said the mother.

“It's on the cards anyway,” said the daughter coyly.

"You better play close to your chest,” said the mother. “You know what I mean.”

“Oh, don't I know that!” said the daughter dismissively

“Whatever,” said the mother, “let me repeat that in male-female interaction, physical proximity is but one step away from sexual togetherness and it's dicey for woman at the threshold of temptation. Man by nature would be eager to press for the final favour and should woman fail to resist, it would be a case of giving away in hurry and repenting at leisure for her.”

“I don't see any problem in that mom,” said Nithya assuredly.

“But be on your guard dear,” said the mother sounding caution.

All the same, the moment of reckoning for Nithya came soon enough to her consternation.