How We Met Each Other Again?

• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 4
• Chapter 5
• Chapter 6

• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• 
  

  Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6

Before, reading this story, it is highly recommended to read the previous sequel of the story

CHAPTER 1 :

"Come on dad, one more episode of  How I Met Your Mother. Please?", says Kamal, Chandran's son.

"Nope, it's bed time when you see 10 in the clock", Chandran said, "I don't see why you're so obsessed with this series. Friends series was way better than How I Met Your Mother".

"No, it's not".

"Yes it is. How I Met Your Mother totally ripped off Friends. It totally copied Friends, isn't it?", Chandran said.

"Papa, when you compare things, it's not about the similarities, it's about which is better", Kamal said.

"No way", he said, "Hey wait, I see where is this going. You're trying to trick me not sleeping right away. Nice try. Go to bed. Now"

"That was worth a shot, I guess".

Chandran switched off the light and covered Kamal with blankets. Kamal always hated to follow dad's time table. So, he tried a last trick which almost never fails. The 6 member gang always love to narrate how they made so much of great friends, how they found their love of life and lived off the dream living in the same streets where their kids would continue to grow as they do. Kamal tried the lure his dad by the famous "How we met each other" trick. Well in this case, "How we met each other again".

Just when Chandran was about to leave, Kamal asked, "Papa, how you met my mother?".

"Huh, I know this is a trick", Chandran grinned, "But, yeah, sometimes it's okay to sleep after 11 if I finish the story by 11".

"I know this would do the trick", Kamal thought.

Yeah, it happened just after Rahul and Ritu joins together where one hell of a romance ended up together and "The Age of Chandran and Pallavi" were spurting out. Of all the times, the crew mulled that the innate closeness should end up in love. But neither your mother nor me thought of the same way. The more they thought it should be, the more we thought we were great as friends. Well, until . . . . 

"Yeah Ritu, I am gonna do this", your uncle Rahul kneed down and said, "I love you cheeku, will you marry me?".

Then the magic happened and not with Rahul and Ritu duo but with your mom and your dad. 

Somehow, by looking at their love, it triggered our eyes to see each other and I am sure it was like the first time we met each other. My eyes almost glowed at hers glowing. I am telling you, it was the look of million years.

When everything was over, we left off to our job locations. Ritu to her home, Rahul to Chennai, me and Jeeva to Mumbai, yeah we worked at the same firm and thus turned out to be roommates, you know roommates like "No roommates could ever be compared". And Mahima and Pallavi went back to Pune, where they lived as roommates and co-workers. Yeah not too much of roommates as we were, true story. You know, there was times like we met there and often as Pune and Mumbai are close enough. And each time, the look your mother and me shared had grown to be better each time. I really didn't sort what the feeling was but I am sure I liked it and yeah, your mom too. Same like that, one year passed. You know, in an IT firm, when one year passed, you know you can get transfer to your desired location. The conference call was on for that talk.

"Hey, one year passed, what do you say you guys get transfer up here in Chennai and we can all live together, just like college times?", said Rahul.

And bam, there was a herd of "Yeahs" and "Whoo hoos".

"Yes, rock and roll, buddies", Ritu said.

"Oh my god, I cannot believe you're still doing this", I said.

"Well, I cannot believe you still didn't end up with Pallavi", she came with the worst comeback ever.

"Well, you say ' You still didn't end up with Pallavi'? because the way I hear was 'Chandler still didn't end up with Monica'?", Mahima said.

The crew ended up in humongous laughter but Jeeva and "Why?", you ask?. You'll know why in a bit.

Pallavi kicked Mahima to 'Ouch' presumably with a blush I wonder. 

"Well, at least that was a better comeback", I said. 

"Why didn't Jeeva talk since we established we are moving to Chennai?", Mahima said.

"You know Jeeva's freeze mode syndrome when something excites him, right?", I said.

Then the gang began it's oohing. 

"Alright, Jeeva, you can talk now", Rahul said.

I hit him to speak.

"Oh my god, we are really moving in together?", Jeeva shouted.

"Yes we are", the crew roared.

Then the fast and furious arrangements sported out. The five in the out states of Tamil Nadu were so busy in getting the formalities of transferring into Chennai branches of their own individual companies while Rahul looked up for the apartment in Chennai, two apartments actually, one for the girls and the other for us, the boys but very well adjacent together, so that we were neighbors. When all the things were done, each of them reached their own district railway stations to travel to Chennai. The conference call to check out each other were arranged.

"I cannot believe this'd be our last conference call, guys", Rahul said.

The bunch of low toned yeahs sounded with 'Aw' moment.

"So everybody good up there?", Rahul said.

"Yeah", we all said but me.

"Hey, Chandran, are you okay up there?", Mahima said.

"Well, not everyone is entirely good over here", I turned to Jeeva, "You gotta tell them Jeeva". 

"What happened to Jeeva?", Pallavi said.

"Alright, alright. Here's the deal", Jeeva said and sighed, "I lost my job".

The call was engulfed with silence. 

"I guess, my condition is communicable after all", Jeeva said, "Alright guys, spit".

Then the series of "What", "How", "Why" followed.

"Okay. I tried so much hard to get transfer, you know to keep the job and be with you guys. But they never gave me that opportunity. Eventually I had to take the call between you guys and the job and seems like you are my priority, guys. Always. So, I had to sign off the papers", your uncle said, "You know it'd be hard in Chennai until I get this job thing. Would you guys be there for me until I figure this out?"

"Oh kid, you'd be disappointed if you expect a 'No'", Pallavi said.

"Yeah Jeeva, I'll be there for you", Ritu said.

"Me too, buddy, always", Rahul.

"See, Ross and Rachel signed up the pact", I said.

"Oh, gee then what would Chandler and Monica would do?", Ritu said.

"Oh come on, could you ever give us a nice comeback?", Chandran said.

"Oh, shut up guys", Pallavi said.

"I can see someone is blushing", Mahima said.

"Oh, really, me too", Jeeva said while looking at me. FYI, I was not I thought but I did to be honest.

"You guys are the best", your uncle wells up as he said this.

"Oh don't worry Jeeva, all the money we're gonna spend to take care of you will be taken back in the form of treat when you got the job", I said.

Everyone laughed saying "Yes". 

Jeeva said as he grinned up, "We're really going to do this?"

"Yes we are", the chorus gag roared.

Just then I was saying, "Please don't 'Rock and . . . ", your aunt Ritu said, "Rock and Roll buddies".

"I am gonna hit hard in a rock and roll off in the railway track", I said.

So the wheels rolled off to join us back, back in Chennai. There was this amazing apartments, side by side, making the girls and us, the neighbors. Then the era of six friends resumed from the brief pause. When your mother, Pallu and I met again, she chuckled while I gave her a warm smile, yeah smiling a river inside my heart. It was dream coming back to true again for all of us. We all hugged together after we set up our apartments. That was a hug of a millennia. I know it wasn't pictured digital but forever in our hearts.

Jeeva struggled so much hard to get some job in the city while we backed up for him. He never feels he was lost out of his job because we never let him feel like the way. We enjoyed hell in Chennai. If New York as in Friends, Chennai as in ours. You heard of Friends Reunion. It was like our "Friends Reunion". From here on, you will see again after our college, the story of our happiness, care, love, trip to places and most importantly - Friendship and yeah, some "Fun" magic.

CHAPTER 2 :

In the early days of November 2006, it was a pleasant winter, age of some catastrophic yet fortunate days, the days where your mother and me clearly drew the line realizing what was going on between us. I'm telling you, my son, the periods where you and your romance mate clearly knew, it was it, yet so shy to bring it up, it was the best. You would literally fall in love, drown in blush and seeing your partner feeling in the same way was such a bliss. Yeah, I'd said it was catastrophic. We'll get into it.

Son, it was when the whole crew enjoyed to the fullest, outings to almost all the spots of the city. Well, if you ask me when was the exact point I fell in love with your mother, I seriously had no idea about it. I guess, love developed gradually bit by bit, drop by drop until I realize it was the sea of love with me already sinking deep into it. But your mother had a definite moment to answer the same. 

It was when we all went to beach on weekend. We were quite caught up late in the night. I don't know the exact date but your mom knows it. But the timing was around 11 when we got to cross a road and I held her hands. She saw me with glowing eyes which I reacted inept to it. She'd say that she had completely inundated into the moment while I was being such a dork making up stupid jokes. Yeah, you're dad was so stupid to be so witty. 

That night when we were in the local train catching up the last train to our home, she was totally exhausted that she felt so sleepy when I did such a stupid romantic thing. I was sitting adjacent to her in the train, constantly adjusting my shoulder so her head falls in my shoulder and it did with no one noticing my adjustments and her head on my shoulders. I smiled a Ganges - long in my heart. 

The days were going good, actually, fantastic. We constantly found excuses to see each other, spending some time alone and occasionally would go out in a way that nobody found. Don't ask why we were secretive. I don't know why but let's just say we don't want to establish until we make it official. The crew noticed every details and were certain about our thing even far before we knew for each other and your aunt Mahima had such a hawk eye and Sherlock Holmes about it. She knows about our excuses to spend time alone but she never found out our occasion outs, no one did. Well, talking about Mahima, the month of November was not only special for us but for her too. Her Holmes job began to slow down when her days started. 

It was one outing where we went to Mahabalipuram. Even after I felt a thing with Pallavi, I never believed in destiny. There were no two people destined for each other, pursuant to me. We meet a person we like, we see if it works out and try hard to keep it intact and if we can't do it, people cut loose of the ropes and head to our lives apart. This is what my theory is until I met your uncle Madhivannan alias Madhi making himself an exception. On that out, we randomly met Madhi who happens to be your uncle Rahul's colleague. You see, the logic has to be Rahul and Madhi hanging out. But, somehow, Mahima and Madhi made up and totally hitting off each other. For a moment, Madhi even forgets Rahul's existence. We made our mouths wide, seeing them together. I guess besides our thing, a new topic of chit chat for our crew arose for the first time. Well, two days after that out, as usual, we got ourselves into our group talk in the night on the terrace. Mahima served us with a cake she bought I thought but that cake had a special story.

"So Mahima", Jeeva said, "Rahul and Ritu are together, Chandran and Pallu are together, may be we should do something".

"We should get himself a job. His flirting enthu was tired of being misdirected", Mahima said, "How's your interview today?".

"This was good compared to previous. Possibly will hit it off, I guess", he replied.

"It's funny you mentioned that", Rahul said, "Guess who scored at the coffee house, today?". He grinned at Mahima.

"Oh stop it", she said smiling well enough for her dimples to show off.

"Oh, are you in trouble, dear?", I said, "That dimple is deep enough to hide pot". Everyone laughed.

"Oh, trying to get a score here", she said in her defense, "Jeeve was in an interview, Rahul, Ritu and I were in a coffee house. What were you two doing?".

"We were just watching 'Sillunu Oru Kadhal' in DVD", Pallavi said but we weren't. We went to a park.

"Yeah, definitely not a great score than yours", Ritu said to Mahima. Mahima gave her the intense look. "So you're joining the party too?", she said.

"Oh come on, Chandran and Pallavi were old news. Let's have some new. Was it about Madhi?", Jeeva.

"Good anticipation, Jeeva", Rahul said, "See, we three were having coffee". We all kept our eyes so keen, my wits bubbling up which I thought to save it for later. "All of a sudden, a waiter came up with a red velvet cake and a rose".

" "I didn't order a cake", she said. "Nope, it was from a guy", the waiter replied. The cake inscribed ' I love you, Mahima'. She went speechless. Ritu and I went wow. We were clueless on who was that", Rahul said.

"Wait, was this cake the cake we are eating now?", Jeeva said pin-pointing the cake.

Mahima scratched her heads off, still smiling.

"Oh my, was that supposed to be a blush?", I said.

She kept smiling, still her dimples on. "You too Brutus?", Jeeva said, "So, I'm left alone with the single tag?".

"Hello?", I and Pallavi said in a chorus in response to his "Single tag" mention.

"Oh, come on, you guys are old news", Jeeva said, "Let's hear out Mahima, guys. Go on, Rahul".

"Deference for your old "Old News" tagline joke", I said while Rahul continued his 'Mahima's score' narration.

"Yeah, there after, the hero entry, Madhi entry. He entered with a bouquet, full of all smile filled face and kneed down, pronouncing his proposal", Rahul said when Ritu interrupted.

"I guess that proposal would be a aggrandizing expression if it were narrated by the person who owns that proposal", Ritu said.

"Oh my god, now you're truly "Rock and Roll" ing", I said.

We all then looked at Mahima who hasn't stopped her smiles. I've never seen her like that.

"What, are we supposed to be looking up for the flashback pop up?", Jeeva said.

"Alright", she sighed, "I'll tell. He then approached with a gentle smile". We then oohed. She responded with 'closing her face' blushing smile. "Then he kneed down and said, "Yeah, I know it's so soon but I can't help it, Mahi. I think these two days were enough to realize that you are my girl with whom I should spend the rest of my life with. I love you, Mahi. I know it's too much in two days but you take your time". I took his bouquet, I don't know why. Then, he sat with us. I kept rolling my eyes away from his, recovering from the moment. I gathered up words and said, "No girl would say no, now but I can neither say yes. It's unlike me to just get caught in the moment and later feel for it. I like you, to be honest but to figure out whether it's a love, I need time, Madhi". He shook on it, then, we had some chats . . . ", she said.

"Then, you took the cake and came home?", Pallavi said.

"Come on, I don't know whether it's love. It's a profit that we could make a cake out of it", she said.

I am not proud to say this but I said, "Yeah, I can accept it" and so does the boys but the girls, Ritu and Pallu were suing on us, quoting us as a 'Petty people'. Yeah, boys will be boys, after all. 

"Well, what do you think, Mahi?", Pallu said.

"Yeah, it was so good. I loved it", Mahi replied, groaning on the taste of the cake.

"Oh, honey, not about the cake. About Madhi", Ritu said.

"Oh, the other cake?", I commented. Everyone burst out. She stared.

"I don't know, guys. Yeah, he is a nice guy but love?. I don't know", she said, "Now, with you guys with me, I never felt in need of a man's love".

"So you want us to die so that you could finally feel a need to be loved?", I said.

"Oh, come on, you're totally wooing him when you said about his proposal. Now, you're trying to cover it up with us?", Pallu said. "Yeah, that was lame", Ritu followed.

"Seriously guys, it's true. You guys are always my first love, my first priority", she said, "Always, my first woo".

We looked at each other. Pallu and Ritu hugged her. But, we the boys, fall off a stone bench laughing to our death.

We all know that Mahi really meant it from the bottom of her heart, but we still teased her, mocking our own love for each other. I might restate million times heard and old quote - "We laugh at our crying memories and we cry at our laughing memories". It was true. You know, there was a time where Mahi proved her point. She did once, put her friends before her love. But we'll get it to that later. Then, we had a nice talk more and more about Mahi until Rahul said one thing.

"Do you remember this proposal once had happened to you yourself?", Rahul said to Ritu, "You know, a guy once kneed down same like Madhi with a bouquet telling those special words to you".

"Oh, I don't remember", Ritu smiled, "Why can't the guy do the same thing now, you know, just to remind the thing?". She said it doing something with his shirt button.

"Guys, do you know the meaning of these romantic words?", Jeeva said, "Get the hell out of here so that we can have some private conversation".

"Oh my God, Jeeva, I really don't know why such a talented mind didn't get the job still", Rahul said while Ritu laughed on his chest.

"Making use of the 'Jeeva won't use abusive words in front of the girls' chance, uh?", Jeeva said staring, "Try reaching our room downstairs".

We all getting our feet downstairs just then Ritu said to Mahi, "Hey Mahi, will you save us a little cake?".

"Yeah, find it in the bin".

Just then Mahi and Jeeva went downstairs, I stopped myself to look at Rahul and Ritu, stood smiling at their love.

"Didn't you wanna come?", Pallavi said looking at me.

"Wondering when we will be doing all these romances", I said.

"Oh yeah, me too. That would be precious", she said. 

We stood smiled for a moment and then suddenly looked at each other just realizing what we said to each other. I couldn't say whether it was a convivial moment or just a gawky thing. We both synchronously said, "What?" and "I didn't say anything". We stood silent for a while when Jeeva called us down. We both said, "Good night, then" and went down.

I immediately came down running into my room and pulled Jeeva inside a room and said, "I proposed Pallavi, now".

"Oh", he said standing still and then said, "You what Pallavi?".

"Yeah, yeah, you heard it right. I proposed her now", I said, "Well, that wasn't the worst part".

"What was the worst part?", he asked staring.

"I proposed her accidentally", I said.

He scratched his head and said, "Well, I'm gonna need a time to understand this phrase 'I proposed accidentally' ". He walked a little and said, "You know what?, I can't".

"Hear me out", I said, "I was looking at Rahul and Ritu and I thought how it would be if me and Pallavi experience the same thing as Rahul and Ritu and I ended up thinking that aloud".

"Worst proposal ever", Jeeva said. "I know I know", I said hitting my head and rubbing my hair.

"Well, what she said?", Jeeva said.

"I guess she thought 'I was doing the same. That moment would be precious' ", I said.

"Aloud?", Jeeva said. "Yes", I replied shying away.

"Oh my God", he said, "I am gonna tell this to Mahi".

In spite of my begging not to, he called Mahi out in the varanda.

"What's Pallu doing?", he said.

"She's on her bed", she said, "And I know".

"So, what do you think, Mahi?", Jeeva said.

"Yeah, Mahi, what do you think?", I said, "What she thinks?".

"Bro, act cool. Control your alacrity", Jeeva said. Yeah I was high pitched nervous about it.

"Oh come on, this is great", she said, "Oh Chandran, you and Pallavi are like mirrors. You'd make a great couple".

"You think?", I said to Mahi.

"Yeah, she used to think aloud", Jeeva said. I starred tilting my head.

"Yeah, Chandran.You guys are great together. We were waiting for so long for you guys to figure it out and I am so happy you guys did it", she said.

"Yeah, try saying "Figuring it out accidentally" ", Jeeva said. "Oh stop it, Jeeva", I said.

"Well, you can  finish your propose if you want", she said and turned. While I was "No No" at her, she called Pallavi and she readily came out jumping out from her room.

"Is she is expecting when we would call her out?", Jeeva said.

When I saw her, I totally forgot about the environment around. It felt right to confess now and it felt she was the right one to do with. She approached turtle walk and said, "Hi" to me. It was definitely a gawky 'Hi' from me with a changed voice that Mahi and Jeeva laughed.

"I am gonna get Rahul and Ritu now", Jeeva said, "Mahi, keep them speechless". 

"Done", she said and within seconds they came rushing back.

"Hello, Chandler - Monica pair", Ritu said.

"Oh, come on, try a good one", I said.

"It's alright buddy, you got some 'Thinking aloud' thing to do, here", Jeeva said.

Your mother laughed. Oh, God, that was such a 'Cannot express in words' smile. I couldn't believe I am already checking on my girl. 

I started to try pronouncing words, yeah, aloud, "I . . . I think . . . I am in . . . .". I stumbled and mumbled

"Oh, guys, try getting a dictionary", Ritu said. Everyone laughed. "Oh come on, you can't deny. It was a good one", she said back. I nodded my head and turned towards your mother.

Just then her mobile rang. She said, "Shit" and went for the call. I don't know what was the call about but I'd got the feeling it wasn't good. 

She came out with her eyes bloodshot with her tears.

"My dad passed away".

CHAPTER 3 :

Well, that's how your grandpa died, out of heart attack. He was such a nice person, such a great dad a girl could ask for. Pallavi's mother died in her early childhood age. He didn't even get married for the second time, for your mother to stay stable. He was so supportive of Pallavi's career and took good care of her. We all went for his funeral. It was such a devastating heartache for your mother. 

As I said, November 2006 was a fortunate but mostly a catastrophic month. Even your uncle Jeeva hasn't got his job which he was so sure of nailing it. It was so hard to watch your mother. She always used to yearn for her loss and seeing her crying all alone in her room everyday ripped right through my heart. It went on for two months yet she wasn't still yet recovered from her agony and even Jeeva felt guilt of we spending for him. It was such a tragedy for all us.

Then, an idea popped in my head for as to restore some normalcy in my crew. Yeah, you might have guessed it correctly. I planned for a trip. But achieving that wasn't easy. Jeeva really felt so bad for me and Rahul to cover him for the trip. It was so hard for the guys to convince him. For us it was a bickering argument, but for him it was a legitimate thing so that he could pass on this trip. But, it was your dad in charge of the trip matters and such a quick-witted to trick people to the side of me. He has to accept at the end but your mother was so tough. To the surprise, she readily accepted, may be half minded but well enough to get things done. But the unexpected event occurred. We were planning about the trip on the roof top when your aunt Mahima came up with the news.

"I said no to Madhi today", she said, "I don't think so it is working, guys".

A chorus of "What?" and "Why?" echoed around.

"Well, he is a such a sweet guy ut I don't think so the chemistry is working with him", she said, "I mean, he couldn't understand me well".

"Is it about me, Mahi?", Rahul said.

She looked down, sighed and nodded a little.

"I knew it", Rahul said, "He's been acting weird these days with me".

"What is with him?", Ritu said to Rahul.

"He's jealous of Rahul as I spend too much time with him more than with him", Mahima said.

"What?", Jeeva puzzled, "Even Ritu is okay with Rahul spending time with Mahi".

"That's different bud. Ritu and Mahi are friends", I said.

"Well, Rahul and Madhi are also friends even before I know him, right?", Mahi stormed out.

"I am afraid the girl's got a point", Pallu said, "But I guess it's a good thing. He's just possessive".

"Well, initially I thought it was a good thing too but you know what happened today?", she said. We all kept quiet looking right through.

"Somebody ask what", she said.

Then the intermittent 'Whats' engulfed.

"When I said that I am going to a trip he bumped out. He said he want to come too and", she sighed a bit, "And I said no. I keep on explaining things to him like how this trip is important to us, to Jeeva and to Pallavi and even I offered to take him the next time but he wouldn't understand. He even asked 'Is it about Rahul?'", Mahi said.

Rahul went furious and indignant to Madhi's reaction and he cannot utter a word. 

"Well, that's a bad move", I said.

"Yeah, he cannot ask like that", Pallu said.

"What happened next, sweetie?", Ritu asked.

She rubbed her hair, dropped a tears and said, "Then I said that if he can't understand my friendship with you guys then we can't be together. He then asked me to choose between my friendship and him", she said, "I chose you guys and I said our love cannot happen. He blocked me".

We kept silent for a while when your uncle Jeeva came in.

"That's why I said we should be together", he said, "You should be with me" and gave his play boy grin.

Mahi laughed amid her tears and so did we.

"Come here, Sweetie", Ritu called her for a hug. We all hugged her. It reminded me of the hug in our college farewell. When she said it was her friendship that comes first before romance on the day Madhi proposed to her, I and the boys laughed but she really meant it. Mahi is such a great friend to all of us. I may well up even more as I stress on this hug. So, let's fast forward a little bit.

"So let's talk about the trip", Mahi said, "When is the big day?".

"It's a two day trip. We'll be leaving for Ooty on December 30th evening", Jeeva said, "I will bring my car from native tomorrow and as usual I and Rahul drive". He turned to me when he said that and I know why. It was because I mess up in driving.

"Hey, don't look at me like that", I said, "It's hard for some people".

"Yeah dear, I understand", Ritu said and laughed.

"Oh shut up, I can understand the tone", I said.

"Hey, if it's a two day trip, then we will be on our trip on New year", Pallu said.

"Yeah Pallu, it was the plan", I said with a smile and I knew she know what was the smile about. She was excited about it. For the first time in two months I saw a mood change in her face.

"Alright with your looks Chandavi ( a blend of my name, Chandran and Pallavi ), let's rock and roll", Ritu said.

"Oh come on people. It's because of your encouragement she thinks it's cool", I said and turned to Ritu, "Which is not".

"Don't listen to him, honey", Pallavi said, "I think it's endearing".

"Alright fine, take her side", I said. She laughed and I have to say, she likes taunting me. Deep inside I was kind of happy seeing her smiles after two months.

"Allright, time for our gag", Jeeva said, "Are we really doing this?".

"Yes we are", we all said. 

The timing was such a bliss where people feel so much motivated, get rid of their past and hope for "New" better days. That New Year brought a turning point in all of our lives. We packed things suffice for two days and we left for Ooty, on December 30th evening. Jeeva got his car from his native home. He and Rahul drove on and off and obviously I didn't learn driving still then. Still now, I am a terrible driver. Jeeva's long drive in the car took his mood off a little. In the mid night, we checked in a cottage house and settled. As we were tired of the travel, we slept as soon as we reached our rooms. As always, the guys took one room and the girls took another room.

It wasn't like the last time where the first day was flushed into the gutter. It was such a fun day. We trip to many places like botanical garden, rose garden and some tea plantation hills. We all had such a great day but the best is about to show up.

I planned for a fire camp and I planned for some other things as well as per Rahul's ideas. I thought it wasn't going to work as I know your mother but your uncle Rahul convinced me to do it and Jeeva too shook on it. We told everyone about the plan except Pallavi and the guys were set onto do things. When us, the boys were doing things, Jeeva forgot to see his phone's email notification. We'll get to that in a bit.

By 11, we all gathered in our fire camp. Pallavi couldn't stop his smile and blush. She kept on asking if it is 12 on and on. Yeah, she knew what was about to happen and I too cannot wait to see her reaction when I tell her the words.

"Oh, come on, we know you know but at least act along", Jeeva screamed.

"What, I don't know anything", Pallu said.

"Okay, this is better", Rahul said. 

 I blushed and turned my face.

"Oh, don't do this, please", Jeeva said, "Not on New Year's eve". Everybody laughed. I blinked.

So, we waited and it was 11:45 pm when Mahima got a phone call.

"Excuse me for a second", she said, "But don't do this without me". She went a little bit away from us and attended the call. Then Jeeva took his phone and saw a mail from the firm. He screamed after reading the mail.

"Oh my god", he stood up, "I got the job".

We all wowed at the news and we hugged him and congratulated him. When Mahi returned from the call, she came up with the smiles.

"Madhi, right?", Ritu said.

"Yes" and she jumped out of excitement.

"What did he said?", Rahul said.

"He asked sorry and said about how he's been stupid all these days", she said and cannot stop her smiles, "Yeah, he's stupid. He even said sorry to Rahul and so said, "I love you" ".

"What did you said, then?", Pallu said.

"I said "I love you" back". 

"Oh wow, you know what", I said, "Even Jeeva got his job from one of the biggest firm".

She wowed and congratulated and we all hugged as a whole six.

"Guys, do you think we are doing this a awful lot of times?", I said when I was hugging

"Yeah", they said and get back. Then the countdown starts. We all stood still and when the countdown finishes, we said 'Happy New Year' to each other. When I approached Pallavi, I skipped multiple beats. 

"Oh, okay okay, time for the real show, guys", Rahul said.

She looked at me and blushed and so do me. The girls pulled her off towards me. I began to pronounce my propose.

"Happy New Year, Pallu", I said.

"Happy New Year da", she said back putting her face down. 

I lifted her chin and said, "Pallu, If this is a joke, it can be very much easy to me but, you know, um", I sighed, "It's not and that's why it's hard for me to do in words. So". I stood on one knee and from my back there's a lancework, a firework that bursts in the sky with the words of our wish inscribed on it. In this case the words were, "I love you, Pallu".

"Oh my god, if it wasn't for Ritu now, I would accept his proposal", Rahul said. When Ritu glared at him, he said, "I love you honey" and turned away his face.

And to the astonishment to all, you know what your mother did in reaction to my awesome romantic love proposal?. She laughed. Trust me, it wasn't a blush or smiling in love but a hilarious laugh. I still couldn't get why was that funny.

"Oh my god", I stood up and turned to Rahul, "See, I told you this won't work". 

"At least it was better than the accidental proposal back then", Jeeva said.

"Oh shut up", I said to him. 

The girls went puzzled and looked at each other. Your mother couldn't stop her laughs.

"Oops, I am sorry da", Pallavi said to me, "That was sweet".

"Oh yeah, I can understand the tone", I said and I turned away from her.

She turned back my face and grabbed my face with her palms, "You know, after my dad if there's anyone who could take care of me and if anyone I could taunt like anything, it was you my dear, my love and my friend, okay?", she said, "I love you da"

I smiled at her, "I really don't know if I can fill the gap left by your dad but remember you're not alone because I won't let you so. Whatever the surprises, the shocks or griefs or agony that comes in our way, it's okay because I love you. I promise I'd never leave you".

That was such a beautiful day that I can't forget, my son but . . . . 

. . .

"It's okay, dad", said Kamal.

"No, it is not okay", Chandran sobbed, "I cannot keep the promise. I said I won't leave her alone in any situations but I did left her. I wonder what she is doing now"

Kamal hugged him, "It's gonna be fine".

"No, dear. I now realize that I had made a huge mistake on divorcing her". 

CHAPTER 4 :

"I never thought that dad would be this romantic", Pallavi's daughter, Reshma said with wide eyed.

Pallavi pursed her lips. "Yeah, he is and I know I ruined it".

"Continue with the rest".

"Every one's first few days of love is like a breeze, cute, cuddly kind of thing and so is to us", Pallavi rolled her eyes. Reshma sneered at her. "Can't you at least do it naturally?".

"Alright, it was your uncle Rahul's love with Ritu", Pallavi grinned, "We were all about fun".

The year of 2007 is such a great year. Jeeva got his job, Mahi reunited with her boy friend Madhi and what more, your dad finally proposed me. We couldn't be happier. After a month, Jeeva got his first salary and he threw us a treat in a restaurant.

We ordered whatever we could and filled the table. We were eating and Madhi said to Mahi, "You look so much beautiful today". Mahi looked down out of blush.

"Hey big man", your dad pointed Madhi, "You can say 'much beautiful' but never say 'most beautiful'. I've got a girl sitting right beside me who is apt to that phrase".

I laughed spewing the water a little. "Thank god, you laughed", Chandran turned to me, "I thought you would take that seriously". I frowned at him while everyone burst into laughter. Idiot, he is. I silently waited for my turn to get back at him and I did get the chance.

Ritu said she was full and got up. We all convinced her to grab a little more bite but nothing worked like Rahul's words. "Hey hon, sit down". As she sat down, he fed her his food. Seeing this, Chandran said, "I am too full" and glanced at me sideways. 

I knew his intention. "Not gonna happen", I smirked. Everyone laughed and I was happy.

He pouted and stood up to wash his hands. "Alright, sit down". I took a handful of sweet gulab jamun and pretended to feed him but threw the food at him. He jumped out as I laughed at him. "Hey, this is my only white shirt".

"If you mess up with Pallu, that's what you get", Jeeva said. 

I shook Jeeva's hand. "That's so sweet Jeeva and ", pointing to your dad's shirt,"So do his shirt". Every one burst out of laughter. 

"Are you sure you guys are a couple?", Madhi said, "You are more like a best friends than a couple". We looked at each other and smiled, spreading vibes of pride. We all heard of two friends being mistaken for a couple but mistaking a couple for friends?. It seldom happens, does it?.

We then got up after we were full. We washed our hands and ordered a glass of coke for everyone. 

"I wanted to take a moment, guys", Jeeva raised his glass, "Just so you know, I am not good with people. You can ask the girls I went out with. It doesn't last long, not more than a month. The first relationship, so called friendship, with you guys is the only thing that I wanted to treasure always. I know I shouldn't say thanks here and I won't. Not just because we had a rule but also the word cannot portray how grateful I am to have you guys".

We, the girls, patted him and awed at his words while your dad and Rahul was controlling their unbridled laughter. Well, it was their innate instinct that kicks in when someone was being emotional. 

"Oh come on, he's crying", Mahi said.

"Yeah, we are too crying out of laughter", your dad commented and again a roar of laughs waved out.

"Stop it, Rahul", Ritu said. Rahul stopped his laughs at once. "Hey, guys. What do you say we make a pact?".

"Don't say we should never laugh at emotional talks 'cause I won't shake on it", Chandran said.

"No certainly not", Rahul said, "When we all get married, we should live in the same street no matter what and raise our kids so that our kids can continue our friendship after we die. What do you say?".

Mahi looked at Madhi wondering whether he would accept the same. "Don't be paranoid, dear. I was thinking the same", Madhi raised his glass and Mahi followed him.

"Rock and roll, guys", Ritu said raising her glass. Chandran grimaced at Ritu and raised his glass. Ritu stick her tongue out.

"Are we really doing this?", Jeeva said.

"Yes, we are", we roared our gag as we gave away our cheers. 

But sadly, that pact didn't last long after all. After I and your dad got divorced, the court's order stated that the boy should go to his dad and you to me. And after that, I took you to Coimbatore here and lived here in my dad's house since. I know it's devastating to part your brother and you but . . . 

"It's alright, mom", Reshma pacified her, "We used to meet always in video call and in all the weekends in person".

"No, I can't deny of the fact that I was so selfish to think about my life without seeing my kids. That guilt always burns deep down", Pallavi sobbed.

"Have a sleep mom, everything will be fine".

"No, honey, let me finish my story", she wiped her tears, "Reminiscing those good old days would make me feel better at least for now".

"If that makes you feel better, go on mom".

So, we were great together. The thing we amazed everyone was that our new phase never changed how we used to be. While Rahul and Ritu gazed across the stars with Ritu on Rahul's shoulders, we used to pillow fight. We teased each other while RR couple talked romantic. Even though sometimes we thought we should be serious and romantic like RR, it never worked with 'Chandravi'. But still we can't always be fun in a relationship. Life will put you under test so as to check if our relationship is really strong and caring and that test came not more than a few months.

If I am not wrong, I think it happened in April. We were planning to watch a movie titled 'Unnale Unnale', the most romantic and sad ending film, at least my crew said so.

"Aren't you coming to the movie?", I asked Jeeva. He was in his shorts and casuals. 

"He's going to watch 'Go Commando' movie", Rahul said and the guys chuckled among themselves.

Jeeva frowned. "It wasn't go commando. It was just commando".

"The Arnold movie?", Mahi said.

"Yeah", Ritu said, "The hero has got great muscles and arms like a mountain".

"Well, not just arms", Chandran winked, "The man's got huge bones". Rahul and Chandran laughed out their stomach. We girls knew what the guys were talking about but pretended we didn't.

FYI, let's just say he was watching a speechless music movie. Don't construe about it much. It doesn't matter. Stick to the story.

So, we all except Jeeva went to the movie including Madhi. It was like a triple date. I couln't remember what the movie is about and 'why' you ask?. Let's look into it. 

After finishing the movie, the whole crew is whining at the end. "Couldn't get better", Ritu wrinkled her nose. Everyone was with their napkins wetting it. 

"Get up, Pallavi", Mahi patted me. But I was sleeping and not just me. It was your dad too. We both fell asleep half way through the movie on each other's shoulders. It was boring to death and it made us go yuck and squint to sleep while all were long faced at the movie.

"They fell asleep", Mahi shouted and we woke at her noise. 

"Oh my god, where's my maid Mahi?", Chandran screamed as his dream was distorted. Mahi hit him at his head. "Ouch". We walked wobbly at the aisle as Mahi pushed Chandran to move fast. "Don't dawdle", she yelled

"You guys can go", Chandran said, "I'll take a leak". 

We waited at the entrance gate. When Chandran came out, I can see he's distressed. I don't know why but only I could sensed it. But somehow I ended up not asking him as I was half way in my sleep.

When we were crossing the road, Chandran walked so slow that a car mishap took place and crashed your dad. 

I screamed to my jaw drop. 

CHAPTER 5:

There are some expressions that cannot demand words to detail it. It's like that when your dad was hit by a car. When we were about to call the ambulance, the car driver who hit your dad was kind enough to offer a ride to the hospital. He said sorry over and over but I cannot respond it back. "Stop being sorry and please drive fast".

"I am so sorry". He pulled the next gear. 

With your dad, time used to be so fast. Sometimes we forget that 12 in the clock exists and converse, filling in endless jokes past mid night. But right then, even though we reached hospital in few minutes, it was like moving fast across the space that time ran slow to us. 

His eyes squinted. "Stay with me dear", I cried, "Don't be my dad". Though I like red color, I hated it the moment when I saw your dad's blood at my palms. I wished it would a dream. 

When we reached hospital, I didn't even thank the driver for the ride. We stretched him in the stretcher and pulled through the ICU ward. Rahul called Jeeva and he came in no time. He hugged me and patted my head. "Nothing will ever happen to him", he said. 

We shared the bill and the surgery began. The prayers were on. I begged god not to take him away from me. My eyes couldn't secrete anymore tears. It went dry and bloodshot. It reminded me of my dad in the way I never wanted to. 

After two hours of distress, what followed is the doctor's 'He's fine' phrase. That put a little beam in my face and that didn't last long too. The doctor said that the crash broke his spine and added he couldn't get out of his bed at least for next two months. Peeking through the observation room and seeing him in oxygen mask was the hardest thing I could do. We stayed the whole night in spite of the hospital restrictions. 

In the morning as soon as he opened his eyes, I rushed to the room. I reflected his smile. 

"Frightened, uh?", he spelled out in an uncanny voice. Yeah, he's doing Madhavan starrer Alaipayuthey movie's climax scene.

"Just because I once said you look like Madhavan doesn't mean you can do him", I said and hit him. He laughed. "At least I look like him, ain't I?".

"Enough of the jokes and say what exactly happened to you?", Mahima said. He blinked. "Pallavi told us. Something had bothered you and that thing blinded you from seeing the car".

He smiled. "Only Pallavi could manage to see that through, uh?". Hell yeah. If not me, then who will?. 

"To the point, dude". Jeeva stressed on the answer. 

Your dad sighed and gave us an unhappy smile. "I saw my dad". When everyone gave the 'Oh my god' look and patted his shoulder, Madhi looked clueless. "Why?. What happened?. He just saw his distress. How can anyone be distressed on seeing his dad?".

"With another woman, buddy", Chandran said, "I saw him with another woman". Madhi responded nothing. "Yeah, dear, his parents divorced long back and married some other persons. Even in semester holidays and festival sessions he won't go to any of his parents' home. He would select any of us and come to our home to celebrate the occassions", Mahima said. 

"Yeah, everyone here has biological family. But for me and Pallavi, it's seems like these four are our family", your dad said. Your dad being emotional seldom happens. If it hadn't been for his spinal injury, I would have given him one by hugging him so tight. 

"Why only four?. Am I not in this?", Madhi shrugged. Chandran grinned. "I cannot see why not".

"Okay buddy, I cannot control anymore", Jeeva said and burst his stomach out with his laughter and who joined him was of course Rahul. 

"Okay, accepted. This laugh meddling emotions really hurts". After the laughs stopped, Chandran opened his one good arm telling us to give a light hug. "Really a light one, guys. Not too much tight".

That hug is one of the most so-close-to-our-heart hug. Even amnesia couldn't erase that moment from our mind. The days where our relationship ripened and matured was the days your dad stayed injured in his hospital bed. Later a few days, your dad was discharged and we took him to our apartment. For two months straight, I didn't go to my job. I just took the loss of pay and was with him every day in his room. Your dad couldn't do anything with his condition and so I bathed him, fed him and even did his bed pan. I didn't allowed anybody to do this, even my friends, 'cause I wanted to do this and I am happy about it too. Visioning in a different perspective and to be honest, I was really happy he was been in an accident. Life gave me a chance to show my love for him which he did to me when I was distressed about my dad's demise. My friends would come daily and visit him. One day when they saw me doing his bed pan and your dad yelling at me for not doing so, they went wide eyed.

"Oh god, why did I rejected her in the first place?", Rahul exclaimed. "It's because I went invisible here?", Ritu said and stared. "I love you sweet heart". He kissed her head.

"Oh come on, you don't have to do this", Chandran screamed. "If not me, who will", I said and went to the rest room and came back.

"So, what's up, guys?", I said while dry washed my hands.

"I cannot stop falling in love with your love, guys", Madhi said, "Yeah, out of our three love here, the best love award goes to you".

"Hey, why only three love?", Jeeva said, "I am in a date too". We all gave yeah-unicorn-does-exists look. "Okay fine, go ahead". 

"It's true hon", Mahima said. "We thought you were just being funny always and playful in your relationship. But deep down you guys drowned in deep love".

"Yeah, it will even one day bring break up between me and Rahul, won't it, Rahul?". Rahul rolled his eyes and rubbed his hairs. We smiled at each other. 

"I am blissed and blessed to have such a girl in my life", your dad said, "I mean, even my mother didn't care me this much". He sighed out a deep breath. "That makes me even more sad", he scrubbed his tears out, "I am afraid what if  one day I become more like my dad or my mom. I still have their DNA, right?".

I sat beside him and hugged him. "You won't be your parents and even if you're like them, I promise you honey, I won't leave you even if you do".

...

Pallavi sobbed. "What am I doing now?. What happened to my promise?. How did I forget it?".

"It's alright, mom".

"No, it's not. It's absolutely not". 

"Have a sleep, mom. Everything will be fine tomorrow". 

But Pallavi didn't sleep that night. 

CHAPTER 6 :

It's a Sunday morning, a lazy morning all over the city but it turned out to be the busiest day for Pallavi. She pulled her back out off the sleepless night and got herself dressed up. She hustled the dressing table's chair which disturbs the sleep of Reshma. 

 "Hey, mom. Where are you going?".

Pallavi turned from the mirror and grinned at Reshma. She wore a maroon colored saree. Realizing that the saree was gifted by her dad , her eyes went wide and mouth went speechless.

"What does that smile mean, mom?". Pallavi's grin went even bigger. "This saree?". Reshma was blinking, trying to figure out the intention of her mother. Pallavi winked, came running towards Reshma's bed and hugged her.

"Yes, we are going to meet your dad". She then kissed her in the cheek. Reshma slowly came out from the shock and began her beam. Her happiness exponentially reached beyond bridle .

"Are you sure about this, mommy?".

"Yeah dear. With hatred and dejects filled in my mind, I didn't realize my love in my heart and the promise I made". She sighed and almost welled up. "Well, call me crazy but I think my Chandran is thinking about me as I am about him".

"Yes, you are crazy".

"Anyhoo, we're doing this", she stood up from the bed, "Gets up. Get ready".

"But how're we going?".

"I booked the bus. Boarding's on 8:30 AM". Pallavi pushed her out of the bed. "Go go go".

They packed up the luggage and are making a checklist. Just then the door bell rang.

"Oh, that creep Manjula in the morning again?", Pallavi sneered, "She keep on telling us to look after her kid. Am I running a day care or what?".

She went to attend the door just to say that it's not the good time. But behind the door was her husband, Chandran with his son, Kamal. Bubbling and unbridled emotions overflowed. She went frozen without words. 

Reshma and Kamal came roaring and hugged each other. 

"See, I know I shouldn't be here. But I cannot live without you any more, Pallu. I know I made you suffer, let you cry in pain, tear your heart forever that it's too late to stitch it back". He stuttered and became anxious. "Huh, so . . .". He stumbled for words. "Pallavi, with hatred in my mind, I forgot my love for you in my heart and the promise I made. I am so sorry. I know one sorry cannot . . . . "

"I never learned the word 'Sorry' in the friendship dictionary I learned with you da", Pallavi giggled and hugged him so tight. Chandran's heart felt light, guilt flew away in the form of tears and he hugged back so tight that he never wanted to leave her hereafter. 

Chandran then suddenly noticed the bags packed. "Hey wait, the bags are packed, you're dressed like a bride", Chandran looked around and suddenly realized that saree was bought by him to her. "This saree?". She looked down out of blush with her feet toes scratching the ground.

"Did you plan to meet me?". 

"Well, not only that, dad. She thought that you're thinking of her like the way she was. She recited about the story of you and her and didn't sleep all night", Reshma remarked.

"You did that too?", Chandran amused and amazed.

"And you did that too?". Pallavi shutted her mouth and rejoiced. They hugged again

The kids yelled, "Me too" and joined them. 

Not long after that, Chandran cancelled the bus that Pallavi booked and drove his wife and her daughter back to Chennai. Well, now, Chandran learned how to drive flawlessly. It was a 9 hour road travel, the travel that they cannot forget ever in their lifetime. 

They learned that when there's a problem, the fight should be between them and the problem itself, not between the two. Fights may come along but the love matters a lot. Distance and time are what makes us realize the value of our loved ones, aren't they?. As they drove, unsung song were composed at their looks and lost love spurted out live and transpired. Chandran once thought that Pallavi didn't understand him so well. When the past flashed in his mind, he realized that she instantly found that it was his joke when Rahul told her, "You're the dream of every guy unless the guy loves the rid of section 377". She even could understand that he was in distress when he came out from the theater. She knows something was wrong. She took care when he was unwell. Chandran thought, "If this isn't understanding, then what will?". The travel was like a kadhaipoma song for them. 

As the sun sets, they reached their home in Chennai. As soon as they unpacked, they knocked at Rahul's. Rahul was so surprised and shocked as well on opening the door. Seeing them together, he cannot utter a word.

"Did I opened the door to the past?", he was stunned. Pallavi and Chandran laughed. Reshma came in roaring inside and hugged Badhri, Rahul's son. 

"Hey, did I heard Reshma's voice?", Ritu came out of the kitchen and dropped her jaws on seeing Pallavi. 

"Yeah, Ritu. Let's rock and roll", Chandran cheered.

"Oh, pinch me". Ritu came hugging them. Soon after that, they called Mahima, Madhi and Jeeva and their kids. They all hugged Pallavi with tears rolling up. Jeeva got entharalled and as always, went into freeze mode.

"Please make this freeze last forever", he said. Everybody laughed.

"Well, I can't promise that. I am still thinking about the divorce", Chandran joked, the one joke that made nobody laugh. Everybody raised an eyebrow and frowned. 

"Okay, I'll purse my mouth", he said stopping his laugh.

Sometime after, after a long time actually, all of them had their dinner together at Ritu's. 

"You look beautiful in this saree", Chandran murmured into Pallu's ears.

Pallavi ignored his compliment. "Alright, I am not falling for that this time". 

"Hey come on, I wouldn't have bought you this saree if this hadn't suited you, would I?". Pallavi smiled a a big time, out of blush.

"Thank god, you laughed. I thought you'd take this seriously".

"Oh, yeah?". She threw on her some sambar and littered his shirt.

 Madhi hit his head. "Still acting like friends as they used to be. Couldn't they change at least a bit?".

Chandran looked at Pallavi and beamed.

"What can we possibly do, Madhi?. Friendship is our kind of romance".

Smiles, laughs, rejoice, giggles and all forms of happy emotions and vibes restored. They then relived the dream of living their rest of their lives together in thick and thin, raising their kids in the same street only to see them pursuing their friendship story for generations. 

YES, PEOPLE. THIS IS HOW THEY MET EACH OTHER AGAIN.