Jai & Vennela :
You are mine

***

J - Jai
V - Vennela
NN - Nalla Nagulu
D - Deva

***

Jai was ploughing the fields.It was lunch time and the farmers took a break to have their meals.Jai glanced at the footpath to see if anyone from his home was coming with his lunch but there was no one.

"Annayyaa...."

He turned.It was the sister of one of the young farmers.

"Annayya,looks like no one has come from your home pls join us for lunch."

Jai hesitated.Not because they were farmers but because he was unsure if the food they had would suffice for them if he went as an extra.

J: It's ok ma...you have I'll wait for sometime..

"Pls come annayya I insist..."

Her family too invited him.Not wanting to disappoint them,Jai agreed.He washed his hand and sat down to eat with them when,

V: Bava!!!!Stop!!!Bava!!!!Don't eat!!!!I've brought food!!!

He saw Vennela approaching them in her scooter with a tall tiffin carrier.

J: Aye Baboi!!She's here!Ma...pls serve the food quickly let me begin eating then she won't disturb me!

He requested the girl however she removed the plantain leaf which was kept before him.

"Vadina is here with your meal,you pls have that."

J: That is not fair ma...you invited me and I promised to join you all for lunch now you're chasing me away...

"Annayya,you are welcome to have food with us always but when vadina has lovingly brought food for you must have that."

V: Exactly!

She uttered as she parked her scooter aside putting the stand.Lifting the carrier,she went to them.

V: Get up bava! From morning I've been sweating in the kitchen making all your favorite dishes and you have settled here...

She coiled her arm around his and pulled him up.The girl and her family giggled seeing Vennela's antics.Jai felt embarrassed.

J: Leave my hand Vennela all are watching us.

But Vennela did not care she dragged him to another shady tree and placed a mat for him.

V: Sit down...

She ordered him.He sat on the mat and she sat beside him.He captured her pretty face in his eyes.

J mv: Atha and mavayya have named her correctly indeed she is as resplendent as the moon...

V: Bava,remove your belt...

J widened his eyes.He looked around if there was anyone.

J: Now ?

She nodded.

J: Here...in the open ??

V: Yes bava...it's very common here..

J: (mv:Wth!Villages seems to be more developed than cities)Uh...mmm...

He began sweating.

V: What uh mmm ? You want or no ?

J: Yes I do want but now ?

V: Then when?When you are 70?This should be done soon and not delayed.

J: (mv: As a guy I'm feeling awkward to do it here but she is so open about it that too before marriage.I'm getting tempted but it's wrong to do this before marriage.I should not give in to lust now.I should refuse it like a gentleman)

Vennela was separating the containers from the carrier and she saw him hesitating.

V: Fast bava!Do it before someone comes this way...

J: No Vennela.It is not right.Amma has not raised me like that.

V: Fine!Eat with the tight belt!

J: Huh eat ah?

V: What else?There are so many dishes here if your belt is on,it will squeeze your stomach and neither can you sit comfortably nor have your fill that's why I told you to remove it but you're thinking so much for this.

J: Oh that...I thought...hihihi...never mind...

He chided himself mentally for having such thoughts.

J: You look the other way,I'll remove.

V: I won't see...don't worry...

J: Still.You turn around and close your eyes.I'm feeling shy.

V: Haiyooo bava if you're so shy like this now how will you be after marriage?🤦🏻‍♀️

She turned and he removed his belt.Then she took it from him and kept it aside.

Vennela spread the large plantain leaf infront of him,sprinkled water on it and wiped it clean.

She arranged the dishes on the leaf starting with the pickle,pachadis followed by vegetables.

V: This is cabbage...this is ladies finger...

J: Hey wait wait...why so many vegetables isn't there any meat?

V: Be patient...it's next in line...

She placed a fried fish.

V: There is royyalu(prawns),naatu kodi(country chicken),mamsam(mutton)and much more...

Jai smacked his lips seeing all non veg items prepared in his favorite style laid on the leaf.

V: I called and asked atha what all you like and prepared it to your taste.

She served rice on the leaf.

J: White rice?Didn't Amma tell you I am a biriyani addict?

V: She did but all these dishes you won't be able to relish with biriyani.These go best with white rice.Tomorrow you will be at home no,I'll prepare for you.You want to have chicken curry or fish curry first?

J: Mmm...put fish curry...

He dug a pit in the middle of the heap of rice and she poured the curry on it.

Finally she kept appadams.

V: Eat bava...

Jai rolled up his sleeves ready to attack the food.He took a prawn,a chicken piece and mutton then placing it on the morsel of rice,he added some pachadi and curry then rolled it all into a big ball.

J: Vennela you had lunch?

V: Yes bava I had at home.You eat...

Jai brought the first morsel of food to her mouth.Only after she ate did he begin eating.She picked the hand fan and fanned him.

J: Mmmm....it is so tasty bangaram!I thought you were this playful girl never knew you could cook a feast!You're amazing!

V: ☺️☺️Yeah I know...

A thought bubble appeared above her head.

"Ai Vennela!I'm one person cooking all these dishes for Jai babu...why don't you lend me a hand instead of sitting there simply munching carrots?"

She threw a baffled look at her mother.

"Amma!You think eating carrots is for fun?I'm eating healthy food now itself so that your grandson or granddaughter who is going to grow in my tummy will have enough nutrients when the time comes.See bava how strong he is shouldn't his child be like that?Instead of taking good care of me you're making me do kitchen work...wait I'll complain to bava and mavayya!"

"Yeah right look at you talking like you're 9 months pregnant"scoffed her aunt who entered the kitchen.

"For this mental talks only I was afraid to get her married off paapam Jai babu wonder how much he has to suffer at her hands!"grumbled her mother.

J: Vennela...vennela

The bubble popped and she came back to reality.He wanted more curry and she served him.

V: There is no rush bava.Take your time to relish and eat everything.

Vennela studied his face and seeing him enjoy the dishes gave her so much joy and satisfaction.She went to add more rice but he held her wrist to stop her.

J: Don't want Vennela,it's enough...

V: What did you eat to say enough?Have some more...

Inspite his refuses,she put some more rice and chicken curry.

J: I'm going to lose my gym body if you feed me like this everyday.

V: Oh big directors are waiting in line to book you for their movies.Just eat bava...

He chuckled.She served him more food and he relished it.Towards the end,

V: You've not eaten the fish bava...

J: This fish has a lot of bones I find it difficult to eat.

V: But it's a very tasty fish...wait...

She rinsed her hand then pushing her bangles behind she separated the flesh from the bones and fed him.

V: How is it?

J: You are right Vennela it's a very tasty fish.

V: You want some more ?

J: No this is enough.

He finished his meal and wanted to skip desserts because he was too full but Vennela insisted and he had some payasam.

He got up to wash his hands then Vennela shifted to his place.On the same leaf he had,Vennela served herself the food.Jai was puzzled seeing her eat from his leaf.

J: You said you ate?

V: I lied..I'm eating now only...😛

J: Why Vennala ?

V: If I told earlier,you would have ensured I ate first and I wouldn't get the pleasure of eating from your leftover leaf so...

Jai smiled.

J: You're crazy...

V: Let it be...

He served her.

V: Bava,what are you doing?You shouldn't do all this...leave it...

J: You want to eat from my leaf and I want to have the pleasure of serving you...

He fanned her while she had her meal and once she was done he helped her pack up.

When she was about to leave,he offered to follow her until the junction and so he pushed her scooter as they walked along the road chatting.Just like that Jai felt like teasing her.

J: Thank you so much Vennela.All the dishes made by you was excellent!The man you are going to marry is really lucky!

Vennela blushed twirling the tip of her voni(pallu)around her finger.

V: You're praising yourself bava...

J: Myself?I meant the guy you are going to marry...

V: Yeah that is you only no...

Jai pretended to look shocked.

J: When did I say I want to marry you Vennela?

V: That day you came home and proposed no...

Jai guffawed.

J: You took my words seriously? You silly girl...you called Amma and said you weren't interested in the marriage so to help you escape that I said so...that's how you are Nagulu were tricking everyone else right?

Vennela stopped in her tracks.

V: Don't joke bava...it's not funny...

J: What you are talking is funny...ok...if I wanted to marry you we would have been a couple by now but no...I have not made any move for marriage.Won't you think about all this ?

Her eyes welled up.

V: I thought you were waiting for the feuds between the villages to settle...then...

She felt a lump stuck in her throat.

J: Feud has nothing to do with my marriage.I am ready to settle down anytime.

He went ahead pushing the scooter while she stood at the same spot thinking.He swinged his head to see her reaction.

J: Vennela,are you coming ?

V: Huh...uh...yes bava...

She joined him.

V: You held my hands,touched my waist...put nail polish for me...why you did all that?

J: You are my maradalu so I took that rights on you.We hadn't got chance to play when we were kids so I am playing now.

He trailed his finger on her waist again but she was so lost in thoughts that she didn't realise when he did that.

J: (mv: Ooohh madam's really upset should I end it no let me play with her some more)Err Vennela...I like village girls they are very cute and plain hearted like you why don't you choose someone for me?Maybe your friend...that average height ammayi...introduce me to her no...if everything goes well I will get married first then you marry ok?

She felt weak and wobbly when he said that but not wanting to crumble before him she tried to stay strong.

J: I have made up my mind that you will be the bridesmaid.

And that was it.She didn't want to stay there any longer lest she collapsed before him.

V: Bava,I'll go from here thank you...

She took the scooter from him and pushed it.He turned to go back to the fields.

V: Bava...

He looked at her.

J: Yes Vennela...

She smiled through tears which was threatening to roll down her cheeks then they went on their respective paths.

J mv: Lol I've really riled her up it's not going to be easy to cool her.I'll get a dozen of her favourite glass bangles and jasmine flowers later when I go home.

***

Vennela sat aloof at the rocky hill where she and Jai would meet secretly.Their romantic moments reeled before her eyes.

V: If bava doesn't marry me,I will be married off to someone else.Having loved him,I cannot accept another man in this birth.I better end my life before that happens.

***

Nalla nagulu was munching bajjis at a tea stall when he saw a crying Vennela whizz past him.

NN: Hey Vennu!

He called out to her but she didn't hear.

NN: That's the way to the riverside...why is she going there now?She looked distressed too...Let me call Jai bava...

He called but as Jai was working in the fields he couldn't hear his phone which was inside the pouch on his bike.Sensing something wrong NN followed Vennela on his bike.

When Jai took a break,he saw the missed calls from NN.

J: You called me Nagulu?

NN: Bava!I saw Vennela going to the river side and she was crying I am on my way there pls come soon...

J: Oh dear!

Vennela stood atop the balustrade and tucked the end of her voni to her waist getting ready to jump.

NN: Vennela...stop!!

V: Huh...nagulu bava...

Looking at the depth of the water beneath,her stomach churned and she clenched her eyes.

By the time NN parked his bike and rushed to stop her,she jumped into the river. 

NN: Vennela!Vennala!

He cried.Jai arrived.

NN: Bava...I tried stopping her but she...

Before he could complete the sentence Jai dived into the river.

***

Her legs drawn to her chest,Vennela sat shivering.

NN: Do you have any brains?If there is anything bothering you could have told Deva mama or Jai bava no why did you attempt suicide?Did you think of us all or atleast Jai bava?

V: What for him?He would happily marry another girl.My ill fate I can't die also...

Her lips quivered.He walked up to her side and pulled her up by her arm.

J: You want to die right?Come let's go.

She yanked her hand away.

V: Where are you coming?

J: To die with you...

V: I'm not falling for your cinema hero stunts anymore.I am only your maradalu right?Why do you care if I live or die?I am going to die alone...

Though he was irritated he knew it was not her fault as he made her react that way.Jai took her hands and placed it on his chest.Looking intensely into her eyes he spoke,

J: I'm sorry.Whatever I said earlier was to tease you.I never expected you would take my words so seriously to the extent of ending your life.You slap me,beat me,scold me,go without talking for days if you want to punish me for this but never ever leave me...even for fun don't talk about dying...I can't take it Vennela!

He broke down like a girl which took Vennela aback.She had only seen a strong macho bava this baby side of him was new to her.

V: Aiyoo bava...you're crying...

Her heart wrenched.He pulled her into a tight embrace and snuggled his head on her chest.She hugged him and tears ran down her cheeks.

J: I love you Vennela.You know how much my amma means to me.After her it is only you Vennela...you are my everything!!

He broke the hug and faced her.

D: If you are not there,don't think I will marry another and live.I will join you in death the next second!

V: Bava...pls don't say like that...😢

She rubbed his tears away.He kissed her forehead and they hugged once more.Seeing their happy reunion,NN too shed tears of joy for them.

V: I promise bava I won't act stupid in future...

J: And I won't hurt you like this ever again...

NN: Come,lets go home elders might be wondering why we are not back yet...

Jai and Vennela clasped hands as he walked her carefully over the slippery path with NN following them.She stopped in front of a goddess shrine near the riverbank.

V: Bava,we are both drenched which is akin to taking a dip in this holy river so let's pray to the goddess.She is very powerful and we believe if we worship her obstacles in marriage will be cleared and it will happen soon.

The trio went to the alter and prayed.

V: Let's go bava...

J: Wait Vennela...

He went inside the sanctum and took one of the many yellow thaali/mangalsutra around the neck of the goddess and stepped out.

Facing Vennala,he tied three knots around her neck.🤩

Nagulu took some flowers and showered on them.Jai then anointed her forehead with kumkum.She held the thaali in her palm and looked at her bava.She was lost for words.

J: Now even if I think of leaving you I can't.We're bonded as man and wife in this birth with the goddess as a witness to our marriage.

The wind blew strongly causing the temple bell to ring as if solemnising their marriage.

V: Bava what about our family ?They will be devastated if they know we got married in their absence.

J: We'll not tell them yet.I don't know why Vennela I have this gut feeling that something bad is going to take place in our family which will affect our marriage...

V: Bava...

She looked at him with worry.He smiled at her assuring everything would be fine.

J: I can't afford to lose you under any cost that's why I took this step.Once the issue with villages is settled,we can have a proper wedding.Let this secret remain between the three of us.Nagulu...

NN: You don't worry bava.You can trust me on this I won't blurt to anyone even if I am held at gunpoint.

Vennela hid her thaali inside her blouse.They returned home.Elders were worried and waiting outside the house for them.

D: What happened Jai?Where did you all go?

Vennela's mother went to her side.

V's mom:Why are you drenched?

Seeing her mother,Vennela became nervous and took cover behind her bava.Jai answered on her behalf.

J: That...err...atha...we went to the riverside with Nagulu and he playfully pushed us both into the river that's how...

NN: Huh...me ah ?

V: Yes you only...

Vennela's uncle gave NN a hard smack on his back.

"They are young,is it your age to play with them?What if something untoward happened ?"

He yelled at Nagulu and was about to hit him again when Deva stopped him.

D: They're both back home safe it's ok leave him.Jai,Vennala...come in...

The elders went ahead first.Vennela held Jai back and whispered to him.

V: Bava,we're going in together after our marriage step in with your right foot first.

He smiled at her in approval.They stepped in with their right foot first.Jai entwined his hands with Vennela as they entered their home together for the first time as a couple.😍

***

Later that night,Vennela's mother was in the kitchen.Vennela went and hugged her mother from behind.

V: Ammaaa!!

V's mom: You seem to be excited today what happened?

V: Nothing...just like that...

V's mom: Hmm...I've been noticing you since you came.You are giggling and smiling to yourself.You have adorned your hair with jasmine flowers and hands with glass bangles which you don't do usually and there is a new glow on your face...

V: That...I used a new face wash...that's why...

Her face colored pink.

V's mom: I am your mother.You can't trick me and get away.

V: The way you're talking is as if I went and got married secretly...

She bit her tongue but her mother took it lightly.

V's mom: Who knows you would have done that also...

V: Hihihihi...

Her mother poured the warm milk in a glass.

V: Is that for bava?

Her mom nodded.

V: Can I go and give it to him?

V's mom: Why suddenly?All this while I or your chinnatha have been doing it.

V: Hereafter I will do it for my husband...

V's mom: Huh...what did you say?

V: Oops.I mean you go and give your husband...nanna was complaining of leg pain...

V's mom: Oh yes I forgot.Ok do one thing you go and give this to Jai.I am going to apply medicinal oil on his leg and then sleep.

V: Ok amma...

V's mom: Look,you don't hang around in Jai's room for long.He might be your bava but you are an unmarried girl and it does not look good if you stay in his room for long at night.Just pass the milk and return to your room ok?

Vennela shook her head like an naive school girl little did her mother know how innocent she was.

Milk glass in hand,Vennela went up to Jai's room.Standing outside the door,she lowered her skirt and shifted her voni to one side revealing her cleavage and waist.She knocked at the door imitating their aunt's voice.

V: Jai babu...I've got your milk..

J: It's open chinnatha,pls come in.

He was facing away from the door so he hadn't seen who was coming.Vennela tiptoed and slowly placing the glass on the nightstand she encircled her arms around his waist from behind.

V: Bava!I caught you!

Jai was startled.He turned and saw Vennela standing with a naughty smile on her face.His gaze fell on her bosoms and waist and for a moment,he lost control.

J:(mv: What an extraordinary piece!Want to lift her by her waist,throw her on bed and whole night...chi I shouldn't have such thoughts it is wrong..)Hey!What are you doing here?Usually it is atha or chinnatha who comes with milk.If nanna sees you in my room at this time that's it!Go to your room!

V: All have gone to sleep.No one will come here on their own unless you scream and wake them up.

J: Still.It's not right for you to be here at this time...

V: Fine.You drink the milk I will go...

She passed him the glass.He was about to gulp it in one go when she stopped him.

V: Are you going to run a race now?Sit comfortably on the bed and drink.

She pushed him gently and sat beside.He slurped the milk.

V: Don't drink everything keep some for me.It is our first night.

She took out the thaali hidden inside her blouse letting it dangle on her chest to remind him of their bond.

J: First night...uh...

V: Yes.I've already checked with the astrologer.Tonight is favorable for us it seems.He gave assurance that if it happens,we will have up to four children.Quick drink and give me the remaining you have lots of work to do.

He drank half and gave her the rest.Finishing it,she kept the glass back on the nightstand.She stretched her arms and flexed her body when her voni slid from her shoulder exposing her midriff to him.

V:(mv:How much you teased me earlier now is my revenge time)Should I switch off the light or you will?

Jai found it hard to resist the urge to touch her but he reminded himself not to be hasty.Averting his gaze,he spoke.

J: Err...Vennela...your voni is down.Put it properly...

V: I know.Anyway you are going to remove everything in a while so let it be...

He began sweating and she giggled inwardly seeing his struggles.

J: That...err...Vennela...bava is going to tell you something you should not get offended.

She wiggled her brow asking him what it was about.Looking down he spoke,

J: Err...let's not rush into this now bangaram.Elders in our family and my Amma have so much faith in us.Though we are married as per them we are still singles and my conscience isn't allowing me to consummate this way.I want us to start our life with their wholehearted blessings.

He glanced at Vennela assuming she might be upset but to his surprise she pulled his cheeks and kissed those fingers.

V: This is what I love about you bava!Inspite being raised in a city you give importance to family and culture.I am so proud to have a gentleman as my husband!

His face flushed upon receiving praises from her.She adjusted her voni properly and got up.

V: Sorry for teasing you bava.Don't mind me.Goodnight...

J: Vennela..

He grabbed her wrist.

V: Bava....

He rose and pulled her in a tight embrace.She could feel how much he loved and wanted to claim her in that one hug but she respected his wishes.She broke the hug and their gaze met.

J: You're not upset right...

V: No bava not at all from the moment I decided you were the one,your wishes,desires and goals were also mine.I shall stand by your side in your fight.

Looking at her with love,he framed her face in his hands and kissed her forehead,eyeslids,nose and then lifted her chin.Vennela's heart raced.Unintentionally her lips parted and he captured them in his mouth for the first time.One hand supporting the back of her head,he slid his hand on the curve of her waist and that feeling made her eyes flutter to a close.As he deepened their kiss,she gripped his shoulders pulling him closer to her.Following his lead,they kissed passionately until they both were out of breath.He released her lips and they hugged.Fearing one thing might lead to another,Vennela felt it was the right time to leave.

V: Allow me to go now bava...

He tightened his hold not willing to part with her.

J: A little while bangaram...pls...

They remained that way before he reluctantly released her.Walking her till the door of his room,he watched longingly as his Vennela descended the stairs.

The End

***

Hi darlings!🙋🏻‍♀️

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Bahubalifan.