So far:
Through Bharathi, Shivani came to know about Shakthi's fear and the reason behind it. She also asked Bharathi why everyone at their house looked at her in such surprise.
Now:
Bharathi began to answer Shivani's question.
"Think about it — a girl we've never even seen before suddenly appears in real life, looking exactly like the one Shakthi drew on paper! How can we not be surprised?" Bharathi said.
"What are you talking about? Which paper? Who drew it? I don't understand anything," Shivani asked in confusion.
"It was Shakthi," Bharathi replied. "He drew the same scene — you lifting him after the accident — exactly as it happened."
Shivani's eyes widened. "Wait… what do you mean he saw it in his dream and then drew it? I don't understand. Tell me clearly, Bharathi."
"If you had come to our house earlier, I would've shown you the drawing myself," Bharathi said. "See, since childhood, Shakthi has had this strange power. He dreams about certain events before they happen. And until that dream becomes reality, it keeps repeating again and again. He learned to draw so he could remember every detail of those dreams. The first dream that came true was the accident that took our father's life. After that, he started sketching every dream he saw — hoping to make sense of it."
Shivani listened in shock. "That's amazing! So, it's like Vijay's character in the movie Azhagiya Tamil Magan!" she said, half in disbelief.
"Exactly like that," Bharathi said with a smile.
"Do all of Shakthi's dreams really come true?" she asked curiously.
"Yes," Bharathi replied. "Every single one so far."
"That's so interesting! What kinds of dreams has he seen before?" Shivani asked eagerly.
Bharathi began listing them one by one.
"He once dreamt that our mom would receive an award — we all laughed and didn't believe him. But later, our shop got the 'Best Textile Award,' and mom was the one who went on stage to receive it. Another time, he dreamt that I'd faint at college — and it actually happened. He dreamt that one of his friends would get caught by the police, that one of our workers' bikes would go missing… all of it came true.
At first, he used to try to stop those things from happening. But no matter what he did, the events still occurred exactly the same way. So now, he's stopped trying to prevent them. That's why when he saw the dream of his accident — where you lifted him and took him to safety — he just drew it and kept it with him," Bharathi said, finishing his explanation.
Shivani was amazed by what she heard.
"Bharathi, what you're saying sounds just like a thriller movie!" she said with a laugh.
"When I come next time, will you show me all of Shakthi's drawings?" she asked eagerly.
"Of course, I will," Bharathi promised.
"Oh right, you said you also wanted to ask me something?" Shivani reminded him.
Bharathi laughed and said, "Yes. I was wondering… is our Shakthi weak, or are you that strong? You lifted him so easily!"
Shivani laughed too. "Why? Are only boys allowed to lift girls?"
"No, no! I didn't mean that," Bharathi said, smiling.
Shivani chuckled. "Actually, I've gotten used to lifting people. During training, we used to carry patients from the ward to the recovery room — that's how I built the strength."
"Alright, Bharathi, give me your number. I'll call you next time before I come," Shivani said.
Bharathi told her his number, and she saved it in her mobile.
"Okay, Bharathi, my hospital's nearby. How far is your office from here?" Shivani asked.
"About five kilometers more. Okay, bye — see you soon," Bharathi said, waving as they went their separate ways.
Later that day, after finishing her hospital work, Shivani returned home. Her parents had also come back from work.
"Shiva, go freshen up first. We'll have coffee together," her father said.
"Okay, Pa. Just a minute," she said, going to her room to freshen up.
When she returned, her mother handed her a cup of coffee.
"Here, have some coffee," her mother said.
Shivani took a sip and smiled.
"So, how's that boy doing?" her mother asked.
"He's doing better, Ma. The dizziness has gone, but his leg still hurts. And I was so surprised when I heard about him from his brother — his story is unbelievable," Shivani said, telling her parents everything she had learned about Shakthi. They both listened in surprise.
"Alright, Pa, I'm heading to the clinic now," she said, leaving soon after.
Meanwhile, on his way home from work, Bharathi received a call from his mother.
"Bharathi, go to the shop for a while and tell the security to lock up after you leave," Raji said.
"Okay, Ma," he replied and ended the call.
He went to the shop, stayed there for a while, instructed the security guard, and then returned home.
When he entered, he saw Shakthi fast asleep with his head resting on Raji's lap.
"Ma, did Shakthi eat?" he asked.
"Yes, he ate just now and fell asleep. Bharathi, do you have that girl Shivani's number?" Raji asked.
"Yes, why, Ma?" he asked curiously.
"He was in pain all evening. I was thinking of asking her what to do. Call her for me," Raji said.
Bharathi handed her the phone after dialing Shivani's number.
Shivani answered, "Hello, tell me, Bharathi."
"This is Raji speaking, dear. Shakthi's leg pain hasn't reduced much — that's why I called to ask what to do," Raji said.
"Did you give him the tablet I told you about, Aunty?" Shivani asked.
"Yes, dear. I gave it mixed with juice, just like you said. He slept for a while but woke up again because of the pain," Raji replied.
"How is he now, Aunty?" Shivani asked.
"He just ate, and I made him take another tablet without telling him. Now he's asleep again," said Raji.
"Don't worry, Aunty. The leg pain is because the impact was strong. If he rests properly for two days, he'll be fine. Only if the pain gets unbearable, we can give him an injection — but since he's scared of them, let's wait till morning," Shivani said calmly.
"Yes, dear. He's terrified of injections. Okay, I'll see how he is in the morning and call you," Raji said.
"Aunty, I'll come myself in the morning to check him and, if needed, give the injection," Shivani said.
"Sorry for disturbing you at this hour, dear," said Raji.
"No problem, Aunty," Shivani replied gently before ending the call.
The next morning at 6 a.m., her father asked,
"Shiva, where are you going this early — and on a Sunday too? Is there any emergency at the hospital?"
"No, Pa. Shakthi's mother called last night — he's still in pain. I told her I'd visit in the morning. I already told Mom last night," Shivani said as she left.
"Alright, take care," her father said.
At Shakthi's house, Bharathi was chatting with his brother while Raji prepared coffee. The doorbell rang. When Raji opened the door, she was relieved.
"Come in, Shivani! Seeing you gives me peace of mind," she said warmly, inviting her inside.
"Would you like coffee or tea?" Raji asked.
"Either is fine, Aunty," Shivani said with a smile.
"How's his leg pain now?" Shivani asked.
"He's pretending he's fine — if he admits it hurts, I'll drag him to the hospital! But even in his sleep, he keeps groaning in pain," Raji said worriedly.
"Then how are we going to give him an injection? He'll scream loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear!" Raji said.
"I have an idea for that," Shivani said, taking her first-aid box in one hand while Raji picked up the coffee tray. Together, they walked to Shakthi's room.
"Hi, Shivani! Good morning," said Bharathi cheerfully.
"Very good morning, Bharathi. And how are you feeling now, Shakthi?" she asked.
"I'm okay… just some pain," Shakthi replied.
"Alright then, everyone have some coffee first," Raji said, handing out the cups.
"Won't you have some, Aunty?" Shivani asked.
"Mom doesn't drink coffee," Bharathi said.
"Very good, Aunty," Shivani said playfully.
"Shivani, I'm sorry for troubling you so much — and thank you," Shakthi said sincerely.
"Troubling me? Not at all. In fact, I should thank you. If you hadn't saved that child that day, I'd still be feeling guilty that I couldn't help," Shivani said softly, smiling at him.
To be continued…