Hello😀

Thank you all for the votes on the previous chapter ❤

They've come a long way, and so have we 😭❤️

Vaanga vaanga story kulla polaa 🚴‍♀️💜🦋

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♡♡

Aayush

Two days before the wedding, we were at Seetha's aunt's house in Srirangam, just two streets away from her home. I had been sleeping-mostly to avoid overthinking about her and drowning in that lonely feeling again-but my peace was short-lived.

"Aaaahhhh!"

I jolted awake, looking around in confusion, only to find a group of familiar psychos-my friends-laughing their hearts out. I sighed in irritation, rubbing my face, but the moment my eyes landed on that familiar curly-haired idiot, I couldn't help but chuckle, my eyes widening.

"Dei machaaa!"

"Maaplaaaa!"

Before I could react, he lunged at me, jumping onto the bed and wrapping his legs around my hips like a koala. The force sent me stumbling back, only to be crushed further when the rest of the buffaloes decided to pile on top of us.

"Dei erumaigalaaa! Endhiringa da... moochu vida mudila da dei!"

(Hey, you buffaloes! Get up... I can't even breathe, man!)

I shouted, struggling under their combined weight as they cackled mercilessly.

A few more minutes of curses, laughter, and playful fights later, we all sat in a circle on the bed, talking about our lives. We shared everything-our best and worst moments-while Pugazh rested his head on my lap, and I leaned back against Elango's. The others were sprawled in similar positions, lounging in each other's laps, lost in the warmth of our bond.

Just then, Appa walked in, greeting them with a smile.

"Vaanga da. Yeppo vandhinga?"

(Come on, boys. When did you all arrive?)

"Appaang!"

(Dad!)

"Dei Pugazh. Enna London restaurant'le leave kuduthuttaangalaa?"

(Hey Pugazh, did they finally give you leave at that London restaurant?)

"Enna appa ipdi kaettinga? Andha restaurant'eh avanodadhu dhane?"

(Why are you asking like this, dad? That restaurant belongs to him, right?)

Elango asked.

"Adhu theriyum da.."

(I know that, man...)

Appa said as he walked over and smacked Pugazh's thigh, making him yelp.

And he continued,

"Dhoraikku sondhamaa restaurant irundhaalum.. leave kedaikka maatengudhu, nammala'laa paaka vara thona maatengudhu"

(Even if the boss owns the restaurant himself... he doesn't get leave, nor does he feel like coming to see us)

With each word, he landed another smack on Pugazh's thigh, making him shout again in pain. While I chuckled, thoroughly enjoying the scene.

But, on the next smack, Pugazh kneeled on the bed, then dramatically flopped onto Kadhir's lap-one of my friends-before sliding down and grabbing onto Appa's feet, his upper body hanging mid-air.

Kadhir, however, yelled in pain and immediately kicked him away, cursing,

"O** venna. Kaal'laye vilundhuttaan. Eruma"

(Damn it, he fell on my leg, man!)

"Dei, appa da!"

(Hey, Appa is here, man!)

Another friend exclaimed.

Kadhir immediately smiled nervously at him, saying,

"Appa sorry.."

(Sorry, Appa..)

Appa just raised an eyebrow and said,

"Dei dei. Appa'naa enna? Naanu idhellaa kadandhu vandhavan dhane?"

(Hey, hey. What do you mean by 'Appa'? Haven't I been through all this myself?)

"Actual'ah ippo kooda varuven.. enna vartumaa?"

(Honestly, even now I'd still join in... should I show you all?)

I watched, amused, as he reached behind and grabbed the edge of his veshti, then swiftly tied it around his waist above his knees.

The entire room erupted in laughter and cheers as they started whistling for him, shouting,

"Vaa macha! Vaa macha!"

(Come on, bro! Come on, bro!)

I chuckled, watching him enjoy the moment like one of us and the cheers continued.

Then, that afternoon, I stood beside Appa, greeting every few members of her relatives with my palms clasped together and a smile plastered on my face like some advertisement model.

But then, I felt a sudden tug at my hand. I turned to see Pugazh and raised my brows at him.

He mouthed,

"Oru nimisham vaayen"

(Come with me for a minute)

I frowned, then leaned towards Appa and murmured into his ear. He glanced at me, then nodded and said,

"Come back quickly. And don't wander too far into town"

I nodded and walked away with Pugazh-but, he wasn't just walking. He was dragging me towards the back of the house amidst my protest. He finally stopped, leaned against the well, and looked around cautiously, checking if anyone was watching.

My frown deepened.

"Dei, enna da aachu? Yen ipdi iluthuttu vara?"

(Hey, what happened? Why did you drag me like this?)

"Mch, iraa"

(Mch, wait, dude)

He shushed me again and did another quick scan of the surroundings before turning to me with a sheepish smile.

Now, I was really frowning and I asked,

"Yen ipdi oru maargamaa sirikira?"

(Why are you grinning so suspiciously?)

And instead of answering properly, he chuckled again, still with that sheepish smile, and said,

"Maapla, naalanaiku unakku kalyanam da"

(Dude, day after tomorrow is your wedding)

I gave him a glance from head to toe and said,

"Aama, kalyanam. Adhukku?"

(Yeah, it is. So what now?)

He looked around once more and then leaned in, whispering,

"Indha oorukku pakkathu oorla irukka junction kitta bar'laa semmayaa irukkumaame?"

(I heard there's a great bar near the junction in the neighboring town. Is that true?)

And just like that, I got the point.

I shot him a glare and said,

"Sangu dha di unakku. Olunga veetukulla po"

(You're asking for trouble. Just get inside the house)

Then, folding my arms, I continued,

"Illanaa enna aala vidu. Neenga enna venaa seinga. Aana maanatha vaangaama seinga. Enna engaiyum koopdaadhinga. Ennaala'le adhukku pinnaadi vara pin vilaivugala thaanga mudiyaadhu"

(Do whatever you want. But don't lose our respect. And also don't call me into this. I can't handle the consequences after that)

I turned around to leave, but before I could take a step, Pugazh rushed in front of me, blocking my way.

I let out a long, exhausted sigh.

"Enna da venu unakku?"

(What do you want now?)

I asked irritably.

Pugazh grinned and said,

"Maapla, please da. Oru night dhane? Thangachi kitta venaa naan permission kekuren da"

(Bro, please. Just one night, right? If needed, I'll even ask my sister for permission)

I shot him a deadly glare.

"Unna kondruven. Avakitta edhaadhu kettanaa"

(I'll kill you if you ask her anything)

Then, I added,

"Naan'laa varla. Neenga venaa ponga. Aana naan thirumba solren, kuduchuttu edhaadhu aarpaatam panninga... apro paapinga naan yaaru'nu"

(I'm not coming. You all go if you want. But I'm warning you again-if you drink and cause any chaos... then you'll see who I really am)

Pugazh scoffed and said,

"Dei, enna da villain dialogue'laa peseetu irukka?"

(Why are you talking like a villain?)

Then he blinked at me dramatically and continued,

"Macha, bachelor party vaikanum, ellaarum onnaa kudichu kadaisiyaa oru dhadava engakooda happy'ah irukkanum un kalyanathukku munnaadi'nu yethana dhadava enkitta nee solleerka?"

(Bro, look at the flashback, like how many times have you told me we should have a bachelor party, drink together, and have fun before your wedding?)

"Un aasai'eh neravethalaa'nu paathaa neeye ipdi pesura paathiyaa?"

(Now that I'm trying to fulfill your wish, look at you talking like this)

I exhaled and said,

"Adhu edhaadhu kuduchuttu olareerpen. Adhellaa ippo enakku aasa illa. Neenga enga venaa ponga. Aanaa..."

(I might have said that after drinking. I don't want that anymore. You all go wherever you want. But.. )

"Ada Deii! Podhum. Thaenju pona tape recorder maadhiri sonnadhey solleetu irukka?"

(Dude, enough. Why are you keep repeating the same thing like a broken tape recorder?)

We turned at Elango's voice, and I rolled my eyes, saying,

"I'm not coming. Poitu vaanga. Bye"

(I'm not coming. Go and enjoy. Bye)

I was about to walk past Elango when he grabbed my wrist and stopped me.

And then-something brushed against my ear, followed by a soft voice,

"Anna, sollunga"

(Brother, tell me)

I froze and averted my gaze to Elango and Pugazh, who were grinning and gesturing for me to speak.

Gritting my teeth, I was about to lash out at them when I heard,

"Hello anna. Kekudhaa?"

(Hello, brother. Can you hear me?)

I inhaled a breath and said,

"Hello, ma. Naan Aayush pesuren"

(Hello, ma. This is Aayush speaking)

I heard her excited voice,

"Aayusheyy! Enna pandra?"

(Aayusheyy! What are you doing?)

I chuckled and said,

"Un relatives'laa vandhirundhaanga. Paathu peseetu irundhen"

(Some of your relatives had come. I was talking to them)

"Irundhen? Appo ippo enna pandrel?"

(You were talking? Then what are you doing now?)

I smiled and turned to Elango and Pugazh, who clasped their hands together and gave me puppy-dog faces. I threw them a disgusted look and said,

"Summa friends kooda peseetu irukken, ma"

(Just casually talking with friends, ma)

"Ohh. Seri seri.. naan avangala'laa paathen. Nekku 10 anna kedachirukkaa theriyumo?"

(Ohh, okay okay... I saw all of them. Do you know I got ten new brothers?)

She asked excitedly, making me shake my head with a smile.

"Apdiyaa?"

(Really?)

"Aama. Aana professor, Kadhir anna irukkaa'le?"

(Yes. But you know Kadhir anna right, professor?)

"Aama, avanukku enna?"

(Yeah, what about him?)

I asked, frowning slightly.

"Avaa enkitta onnu sonnaa"

(He told me something)

I frowned even more and asked,

"Avan enna unkitta sonnaan?"

(What did he tell you?)

"Adhu.. Irunga 1 nimit"

(That... wait a nimit(minute))

"Nimit'ah?"

(Nimit?)

I laughed a little, and she shushed me.

"Shhh"

"Okay"

I huskily replied and turned to see those two idiots talking about something. But the moment they saw me looking, they clasped their hands together again with the same innocent smile. I rolled my eyes and heard her voice again.

"Professor"

"Ahn?"

She giggled and asked,

"Ungalukku namma kalyanam pannikardhukku munnaadi edhaadhu niraiveraadha aasa irukkaa?"

(Do you have any unfulfilled wishes before our wedding?)

I sighed and asked,

"Enna di, ennamo thookula podradhukku munnaadi kadaisi aasa edhaadhu irukkaa'ngra maadhiri kekura?"

(Why are you asking like it's my last wish before getting hanged?)

She laughed and said,

"Ada. Adhellaa illa. Neenga sollunga sollunga"

(Ah, nothing like that. Just tell me, tell me)

I smiled and teased,

"Enna sollunga sollunga?"

(What do you mean by 'tell me, tell me'?)

"Mch, adhudha.."

(Ugh, that...)

"Yedhudha?"

(What 'that'?)

I asked, clearly enjoying her stammering. She sighed from the other end and then asked something that made me gasp. I turned and glared at my useless friends.

"Ungalukku bachelor party vakkanum'nu aasayaa?"

(Do you wish to have a bachelor party?)

Now, Pugazh and Elango straightened up, threw their hands over each other's shoulders, and gave me a victorious smile, making me grit my teeth.

But then I heard her ask,

"Professor, sollunga"

(Professor, tell me)

I sighed and said,

"Maa, apdilaa yedhuvum illa, ma. Ennaikaadhu drink panneetu andha effect'le olareerpen'nu nenaikiren. Adha nyaabagam vachuttu dha idhellaa unkitta kaettutu irukkaanga"

(Ma, it's nothing like that. I think I must have had a drink someday and was just blabbering under its effect. And they must have remembered that and are asking you about it now)

"Ohh. Appo ungalukku nejamaave aasa illayaa?"

(Ohh. So, you really don't have any desire?)

"Illa, ma. Naan dha unkitta kudikka maaten'nu promise panneerken'le?"

(No, ma. I already promised you that I wouldn't drink, right?)

I asked sweetly.

But,

"Aama'le? Seri, appo neenga vara venaam. Naanga'laa poitu seekro vandhurom"

(Yeah, right? Okay then, you don't have to come. We'll go and come back soon)

I widened my eyes at her casual words,

"Naanga'laa maa?"

(We'll go??)

I shouted.

"Aama, professor. Anna nga, Kamali, Charan, Yuvan, Pooja, Madhu, Jiji, en cousins, naan ellaarume porom. Amma okay soltaa. Appa'ku theriyaadhu. Amma manage pannikiren'nu soltaa. Infact adhukkudha utkaandhu naan dress select panneetu irukken. Adhukkulla anna kooptaanga. Paathaa neenga phone eduthinga adhaa unga kitta kekkalaam'nu kaetten..."

(Yes, professor. Anna, Kamali, Charan, Yuvan, Pooja, Madhu, Jiji, my cousins, and I are all going. Amma said okay. Appa doesn't know. Amma said she'll manage him. In fact, I was sitting and selecting my dress for it, but then Anna called me. When I heard that you picked up the phone, I thought I'd ask you directly...)

"Ei ei ei.. iru iru iru. Enna pesura, enna pandra'nu therinju dha panneetu irukkiyaa ma nee? Bar'ku nee yen di pora loosu?"

(Hey, hey, hey... wait, wait, wait. Do you even realize what you're saying and what you're doing? Why are you going to a bar, you idiot?)

I lashed at her.

"Loosaa? Yov, bachelor party'ku bar'ku pogaama vera enga povaanga?"

(Idiot? Hey man, where else do people go for a bachelor party if not a bar?)

"Yov'ah? Adiye. Naan unna thittanum, aana nee enna thitteetu irukka? Enakku purila? Ippo unakku engerndhu aasa vandhadhu bachelor party ponum'nu?"

(Hey? Wow. I'm scolding you, and you're scolding me back? I don't get it. Since when did you start wanting to go to a bachelor party?)

"Hehe. Bachelor party ponum'nlaa aasa illa. Aana bar'ku poganum'nu aasa vandhiruchu"

(Hehe. It's not that I want to go to a bachelor party, but I suddenly want to go to a bar)

"Yen indha dhideernu aasa ma unakku?"

(Why this sudden urge now?)

"Adhuvaaa...."

(Umm...)

She dragged, and I squinted my eyes suspiciously and asked,

"Haan yen vandhuchu sollu"

(Hmm, tell me why it came up)

"Adhu... Neenga oru sila books kuduthinga'le?"

(Uh... You gave me some books, right?)

I smirked and said,

"Aama"

(Yes)

"Adhula onnu padichu muduchutten rendu naal fullaa utkaandhu"

(I finished one of them after sitting with it for two full days)

"Adipaavi. Nethu kooda pesunen'le? Yen enkitta sollave illa?"

(You scoundrel. I talked to you even yesterday, right? Why didn't you tell me?)

I asked with a smile.

"Adhu surprise'ah sollalaam'nu nenachen"

(I thought I'd tell you as a surprise)

"Surprise'ah?"

(A surprise?)

I chuckled.

Wait. What? Chuckled?

What the fuck, Aayush? You have to be angry with her.

"Aama professor. Super'ah irundhadhu"

(Yes, professor. It was amazing)

"Yeii, adhellaa vidu. Aana nee bar'ku poga koodaadhu"

(Hey, forget all that. But you shouldn't go to a bar)

"Aahn. Yen? Yen poga koodaadhu?"

(Huh? Why? Why can't I go?)

She asked back.

"Poga koodaadhu'naa poga koodaadhu"

(If I say you can't go, you can't go)

"Mmmm.. naan poven'nu sonnaa enna pannuvel?"

(Hmmm.. what if I say I'll go? What will you do?)

"Seethaa.. don't test my patience. Anga ellaarum kuduchuttu aadeetu iruppaanga, ma. It's not safe for you. Not just you.. yaarayum kooptu pogaadha. Andha Charan enga? Avanta pesikiren naan"

(Seetha... don't test my patience. People will be drinking and dancing there, ma. It's not safe for you. Not just you... don't take anyone along either. Where is Charan? I'll talk to him)

"Avankitta enna pesa poringa? Nekku aasayaa irukku'nu dhane soldren? Adhukku yen ippo ipdi kathuringa?"

(What are you going to tell him? I'm just saying I want to go, right? Why are you shouting like this now?)

I was taken aback by her low voice.

So, taking a deep breath, I said,

"Pogaadha'nu soldren'le, Seetha? Anga'laa poga koodaadhu, ma. Theriyaama edhaadhu kudichuttanaa enna pandradhu?"

(I'm telling you not to go, Seetha. You shouldn't be going there. What if you unknowingly drink something? Then what will I do?)

"Adhellaa kudikka maaten, professor. Anna'laa irukkaanga. Naan paathukuren. Neenga vara maaten'nu solleetinga, illanaa neenga paathukonga'nu solleerpen"

(I won't drink all that, professor. My brothers will be there, I'll take care of myself. You're the one saying you won't come. Otherwise, I'd just tell you to watch over me)

I sighed and said,

"Ennaala vara mudiyaadhu, Seetha. And neeyum pogaadha"

(I can't come, Seetha. And you shouldn't go either)

But she asked again,

"Naan poganum'nu aasayaa irukku'nu soldren'le?"

(I'm telling you I wish to go, right?)

"Aasayaa irukkungradhukaaga enna venaa panlaamaa? Just oru story padichuttu adhula irundhu vara aasai ellaam neravethanum'naa namma fictional characters'ah dha irukkanum, Seetha. But we are real people. Don't mix up reality and fiction. Just stay inside your house. Don't go anywhere"

(Just because you have a wish, does that mean you can do anything? You read a story and now you want to fulfill some desire from it-if that's the case, we'd have to be fictional characters, Seetha. But we are real people. Don't mix up reality and fiction. Just stay inside your house. Don't go anywhere)

And she said,

"Naan poven"

(I will go)

I bit my lower lip and fell silent.

"Professor.. hello.. hello kekudhaa?"

(Professor... hello... can you hear me?)

But I declined the call, turned around, glared at those two idiots, threw the phone towards Elango, and stormed inside the house, frustrated.

Why can't she understand?

We-she, me, our friends-are not fictional characters who can do whatever we want in our lives. She has to understand the consequences behind it. I was trying so hard to make her see reason, but for the first time, she was being stubborn over something I told her not to do.

And this is the first time I'm telling her not to do something. Because this isn't just about letting her explore or enjoy her adulthood with freedom. This is about her fucking safety!

I sat on the bed in the room allocated for me, lost in thought about whether I should go or not. My mind was tangled in a loop of indecision until a sudden knock on the door pulled me back. I lifted my eyelashes to see Elango and Pugazh standing at the doorway.

I shot them a deadly glare.

Pugazh hesitated before saying,

"Maapla... naan.."

(Dude.. I.. )

"Pesaama poidunga rendu perum. Chinna ponnu kitta yedha kekkanum, kekka koodaadhu'nu theriyaadhaa da ungalukku? Bar'ku pora vayasaa avalukku?"

(Just leave, both of you. Don't you know what should and shouldn't be asked to a young girl? Is she even at the right age to go to a bar?)

I asked, my voice laced with disappointment.

Elango muttered under his breath,

"Indha vayasula pogaama, aprom kelavi aana apromaa povaanga?"

(If she doesn't go at this age, will she go when she becomes an old lady?)

I shot him a sharp glare.

"Enna sonna, Elango?"

(What did you just say, Elango?)

He rolled his eyes and responded,

"Romba pannaadha, Aayush. Nee vandhaa avala nee paathukko. Illayaa? Nee varlayaa? Seri, naanga enga thangachi'eh paathukuro"

(Don't overdo it, Aayush. If you come, you take care of her. If you don't, fine, we'll look after our little sister)

I scoffed, my anger rising.

"Kilippinga. Yaaraadhu ennayum konjo purunjukkonga, da. I am not some complete narcissist who wants to keep her locked inside the house and just use her as my wife. I want her to be free and explore everything as well. But what about her safety? Avalukku pinnaadi moonu team vela senjuttu irukku'nu ungalukku theriyumaa theriyaadhaa? Therinjum avala ungalaala paathukka mudiyu'nu solreenga'le? Ennaalaye paathukka mudila, da. Anniku ava veetla andha masked man vandhu avalukku sedatives kuduthu engayaadhu thookeetu poradhukku munnaadi naan anga pogalanaa en Seetha ippo uyirodave irundhirukka maataa. Enakku dha da theriyum andha pain evlo'nu. Ungalukkulaa enga puriya pogudhu? Ennamo pannunga"

(You guys are unbelievable. Someone try to understand me, please. I am not some complete narcissist who wants to keep her locked inside the house and just use her as my wife. I want her to be free and explore everything. But what about her safety? Do you even know that three teams are constantly working behind her? Even after knowing that, you still think you can protect her? Even I can't, man. That day, if I hadn't reached her house before that masked man gave her sedatives and took her away, my Seetha wouldn't even be alive right now. Only I know how much that pain hurts. How will any of you ever understand? Do whatever you want)

I entered the restroom and shut the door behind me before stepping towards the washbasin. As I looked at myself in the mirror, the scene replayed-her being yanked away by that masked man, the way she was sedated and lay unconscious before my eyes.

I turned on the tap, splashed water over my face, trying to cool myself down, and stepped out when I heard Appa's voice.

For the rest of the evening, I busied myself with relatives and wedding preparations, pushing the entire conversation out of my mind-until she called me.

She apologized for her behavior, admitted her mistake, and promised me that she wouldn't go anywhere unsafe without me. I also apologized to her for shouting earlier and promised that one day, I would take her to the bar with all the necessary safety measures in place.

Later that night, even my friends apologized, but I chose to let it go and focus on the wedding preparations.

I didn't want to ruin my mood-or anyone else's-until our marriage was over and she officially became my wife.

The next day, I sat on the long white couch at the back of the house, frustration simmering within me as I watched my utterly useless friends shamelessly flirting-not just with young village girls, but even with the aunties.

Ivanungala naan kalyanathukku kooptanaa illa kalyanatha nirutha kooptanaa'nu enakke therilaye.

(I don't know whether I invited them to my wedding or to stop the wedding)

I let out a heavy sigh, ready to call them out, when the sound of a women's soft giggle made me pause.

Turning around, my gaze first landed on the ground, where a pair of familiar, delicate feet stood-adorned with a simple silver anklet that only made them look more beautiful. My eyes trailed upward, taking in the hem of a yellow skirt brushing against her calves. As I lifted my gaze further, I caught sight of the subtle gap between her designer white top and skirt, revealing the thinnest sliver of her creamy waist. And my breath caught when I saw the soft crisscross of a yellow dupatta over her chest, before my eyes finally reached her face.

Her cheeks were flushed, tinged with a deep red that wasn't from makeup but her own natural blush, making her look even more adorable. She kept her head lowered, murmuring something under her breath, her soft pink lips moving in a way that made my fingers twitch with the urge to trace them.

I blinked, a small smile tugging at my lips, barely aware of my surroundings-until suddenly, she was seated beside me on the couch.

Reality snapped back into focus.

We weren't lost in some private moment. We are at our haldi and mehndi function.

What a realization to wake up to-I was going to marry my little student tomorrow.

By this time tomorrow, she would be mine.

And she would sit before me, her neck adorned with the fresh thaali (mangalsutra) tied by my own hands, a red mark of love gracing the partition of her hair, and her tiny toes decorated with the silver rings I had chosen just for her.

She would belong to me, entirely, from head to toe, as my wife.

And just the thought of it sent a shiver down my spine.

I snapped back to reality again when something cool brushed against my cheek. The sensation lingered for a second before I realized-it was haldi, applied by one of her relatives.

Then, turning my head, I looked at her.

She sat with her hands delicately clasped before her chest, her head lowered in quiet shyness. But even in that small gesture, she was careful-her fingers weren't entirely interlocked, ensuring that the intricate mehndi adorning her hands remained untouched, unspoiled.

Even in the simplest of moments, she was effortlessly beautiful.

Clearing my throat, I smiled and murmured, still keeping my eyes straight,

"Romba vekka padaadhinga, pondatti"

(Don't be too shy, wife)

Then, as I looked back at her, she smiled and gently lifted her face to meet my gaze. I smiled back before playfully winking at her, but before she could react, we both turned forward at the sound of someone clearing their throat.

A middle-aged woman stood before us, and Seetha immediately called out,

"Periyamma"

(Aunt)

Oh.

Her aunt smiled at us, before applying haldi to our cheeks and feet. With a warm smile, she blessed us and stepped aside, making way for the others who had formed a line.

One by one, they approached, and Seetha took the time to introduce each of them to me. I did my best to smile and greet them appropriately, addressing them with their respective relationship titles.

And just like that, I found myself gaining the biggest family ever-filled with aththai (paternal aunts), Periyamma (elder maternal aunts), chithi (younger maternal aunts), akka (elder sisters), thangachi (younger sisters), anna (elder brothers), Periyappa (elder paternal uncles), Chithappa (younger paternal uncles), and many more.

Uff!

After all the rituals, when we finally got a few minutes alone, I leaned in close to her ear and murmured,

"Mehndi kaamikka maatiyaa?"

(Won't you show me your mehndi?)

She turned her face towarsd me, and I instinctively leaned back a little, making sure our little moment of privacy didn't turn into a public scene.

"Ippo paaka koodaadhu. Nalaiku dha paakanum"

(You can't see it now. You should see it tomorrow)

She said.

"Yen?"

(Why?)

I asked, curious.

She whispered something softly, and I leaned in again to hear her better as she murmured,

"Sambardhaayam'ahm. Namma shanthi muhurtham appodha neenga en mehndi paakanum. Paathu adhula unga peru enga irukku'nu kandu pudikkanum"

(It's a tradition. You're supposed to see my mehndi during our first night and find where your name is hidden in it)

I chuckled and turned to look at her, and she quickly added in a hurried voice,

"Apdi'nu paati sonnaa. Naan illa"

(That's what grandma said, not me.)

"Oh"

I smiled, my eyes drifting from hers to her lips, which had a soft shade of lipstick, and then back to her eyes.

With a teasing smirk, I murmured,

"It's okay. Kandu pudikka pora athana vishyam'le idhu onnu dhane? I can find it out easily"

(Among all the things I'm going to find that night, this is just one, right?)

Her eyes narrowed, and I was just about to say,

"Better don't wear anything... that way, finding the hidden treasures in you would be even easier for me.."

When...

"Aayush uhhh!"

I shut my eyes, biting back a disappointed groan, and sat up straight, only to find Elango standing there with a teasing smile plastered on his face.

Again? This idiot? For God knows how many times.

"Ivanukku oru saavu vara maatengudhey"

(This guy just refuses to die a peaceful death)

I sighed.

"Enna macha, mind voice'le enna romba konjeetu irukka pola?"

(What's up, bro? Seems like you're pampering me a lot in your mind?)

He asked sheepishly.

I grinned wide and replied,

"Aama aama. Romba"

(Yeah, yeah. A lot)

I said sarcastically.

Seetha chuckled, watching us.

Then he applied haldi on our cheeks, pinched Seetha's cheek, and smeared extra haldi over my nose, making me threaten him playfully. He laughed and walked away, followed by my other friends, then her friends.

When it was one of her friends turn, she smirked and said,

"Anniku oru paper keela kadandhadhu, adha edukka avaru enakku help pannumbodhey nee kova patta, adhukku avaru unakku explanation kuduthaaru paaru. Appove nenachen idhu engayo poi mudiya pogudhu'nu. Happy'ah irunga rendu perum"

(That day, when a paper fell down and he just helped me pick it up, you got mad at me. And then he gave you an explanation for it-at that moment itself, I knew this was going to go somewhere big. Stay happy, both of you)

"Thanks, di"

Seetha said with a smile, while I added,

"Thanks da"

Then I asked,

"Appa amma vandhirukkaangala?"

(Have your parents come?)

"Illa sir, naanga apdiye friends'ah kelambi vandhom. Car'le Yuvan dha arrange pannaan"

(No sir, we all just came as friends. Yuvan arranged the car)

"Oh seri seri. Mudichuttu dhane povinga?"

(Oh, okay. You'll leave once the function is over?)

"Aama sir. Nalaiku night kelamburom. Madhu mattum inniku night kelambeervaa. Avanga veetla seekiram vara solleerkaanga"

(Yes, sir. We're leaving tomorrow night. Only Madhu is leaving tonight; her family asked her to come early)

"Oh, avanga epdi poraanga?"

(Oh, how is she going?)

"Bus dha sir, book panneetaa"

(By bus, sir. She already booked the ticket)

"Pogumbodhu solla sollunga ma"

(Let me know before you leave)

"Sure sir"

She said before walking away, kissing Seetha's hair-partition.

Then Madhu came, and I asked her to inform me before leaving. She agreed but refused to let me come to the bus stop, saying Charan would accompany her. I nodded in understanding.

After that, Seetha's parents arrived, followed by my appa, to bless us.

Her mother warded off the evil eye for us, while her father grew a little emotional seeing his daughter getting married. Then, my appa blessed us and reassured Seetha,

"Nee yedhavum kavala padadha, da. Ivan edhaadhu pannaa oru vaartha. 'Mama' nu sonnaa podhum. Avana naan paathukuren. Seriyaa?"

(Don't feel, dear. If he does anything, just call me 'Mama' once. I'll take care of him. Okay?)

She chuckled, showing him a thumbs-up,

"Done, mama!"

I looked between them in disbelief.

"Ippove enakku against'ah team seruringlaa?"

(You both are already teaming up against me?)

They both laughed, and Appa patted my cheek.

"Neeye en marumaga team dhane? Apro enna da?"

(Aren't you part of my daughter-in-law's team? Then what's the issue?)

I smiled and hugged him, and he kissed my cheek. I returned the kiss, and as we turned, we found Seetha looking at us with teary eyes.

Smiling, we both pulled her into a warm group hug. She chuckled softly and wrapped her arms around us, holding on tight. It was an overwhelming moment-one that filled the spaces in my heart.

I had found someone to fill the void of a mother's love that I had yearned for over the years. Appa had gained someone who would keep him company, share funny conversations, and be the greatest partner to his son.

And Seetha-she have us.

I knew it. She knew it. And Appa knew it.

From tomorrow, our life together was going to be filled with laughter, love, and a bond that would only grow stronger.

A life that would be special, blessed, and eternal-with my mother's blessings watching over us.

But we pulled back as a song started playing in the background, drawing our attention to the small podium where my friends and her boy besties stood, a DJ setup in place. Slowly, they all began dancing, their laughter and teasing filling the air with an overwhelming sense of joy.

Yet, amidst all this, the person beside me looked happier than anyone else in the world.

She clapped her hands, her laughter ringing out as she watched her friends' silly dance moves, her lips parted in pure delight, her eyes wide with unfiltered happiness.

The sight warmed my heart with deep satisfaction.

She had yearned for moments like these. And I had given this to her.

And in the future-our future-I would give her everything she ever wished for.

Smiling, I gently placed my hand on her thigh, and she turned to look at me with the same wide smile. But in an instant, it softened into something more tender, more loving. She placed her hand over mine on her lap, and I held it, giving it a gentle squeeze as I murmured,

"I love you"

But just as the words left my mouth, the DJ system collapsed with a loud noise.

She gripped my hand tightly, startled, and shouted,

"Aahn?"

"Onnula"

(Nothing)

I said loudly, trying to make myself heard over the commotion.

We stood up, still holding hands, watching as the DJ scrambled to fix the system. Soon, the issue was resolved, and the opening notes of a familiar love song echoed through the space.

I turned to look at her, only to see her eyes widen in surprise as she glanced towards Kamali, who was standing beside the DJ on the podium. Seetha gave her friend a knowing look, and in response, Kamali winked and blew her a flying kiss.

I looked back at Seetha, confused, and she chuckled, lifting her face to meet my gaze. Smiling at my narrowed expression, she explained,

"Indha akkam pakkam song dhaan naan ungalukkaaga first first dedicate panni paadina song. Kamali kekumbodhu, idha solli dha paadunen, ungalukku dedicate pandrathaa nenachu. Adhaa ippo potrukkaanga namakaaga"

(This 'Akkam Pakkam' was the first song I ever dedicated and sang for you. When Kamali asked, I told her I sang it thinking of dedicating it to you. And now, they've played it for us)

Her words painted a small story behind the song, and my lips stretched into a slow smile. My gaze lingered on hers for a moment before I slid my other hand to her waist, trailing to the small of her back, pulling her closer.

Our fronts brushed against each other, and her eyes widened in surprise.

In the background, our relatives, friends, and family erupted into cheers and happy shouts, filling the air with an electrifying energy.

She lowered her gaze shyly, but I took her hand, which was gently resting on my chest, and placed it on my shoulder. She lifted her face to look at me, and I smiled, whispering,

"Hold me"

She blinked, her eyes meeting mine, and I gazed at her with a smile before slowly guiding us to move in rhythm with the soft song playing in the background.

Twirling her by holding her index finger, she grinned wide, spinning gracefully as her gown swirled around her like a blooming flower. I pulled her back to me, and she gripped my shirt over my shoulders, smiling brightly.

Looking at her, I gently placed my hand on her back and used my other hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes locked onto mine, filled with love-filled with the triumph of finally being with me-and I said,

"You're doing something, Seetha"

(You're doing something, Seetha)

Her brows furrowed, and she asked,

"Naan enna pannen?"

(What did I do?)

I chuckled at her tone and replied,

"Nee enna pannala? You did everything"

(You didn't do anything? You did everything)

I cupped her jaw with my hand, tracing my thumb over her cheek where dried sandal paste still lingered, and added,

"Every single thing"

She smiled-wide and radiant-then stood on her toes, clasping her hands around my neck.

I caught her waist on both sides with my hands, leaned in, and placed a gentle peck on her forehead. Then, pulling back, I saw her fluttering eyelashes open, brimming with love-for me.

I whispered,

"Thank you for fighting for me... and also for fighting against me"

She smiled as we swayed to the song in the background and whispered back,

"Thank you for giving me space and making me feel special, professor"

Her eyes glistened as she continued,

"Ippovum nekku nyaabagam irukku. Indha urru face epdi enna lift'le yaera vidaama kathuchu'nu"

(I still remember how this serious face of yours scolded me for trying to get into the lift)

I chuckled and said,

"And enakkum nyaabagam irukku... epdi indha kovakaari enna paathu morachaa'nu. how you made a plan to run into the lift, thinking I had left"

(And I also remember how this angry little girl glared at me and how you made a plan to run into the lift, thinking I had left)

I laughed a little at the memory, and she twisted her lips, rolling her eyes, saying,

"Tricky? Marakka maaten"

(Tricky? I won't forget)

I chuckled and then said,

"Don't roll your eyes at me"

She raised her brows and asked,

"Yen?"

(Why?)

Looking around and seeing everyone lost in their own world, oblivious to us, I leaned in slightly, holding eye contact, and murmured,

"That makes me hard"

I felt her fingers curl around the collar at the back of my neck, and she whispered,

"How?"

My single brow raised in amusement, and I asked,

"Oh, you want to see how hard I'm?"

She scrunched her face and whined,

"No!"

I chuckled and asked,

"Pinna enna di how?"

(Then what do you mean by 'how', you, woman?)

She huffed and then stammered in between, asking,

"I... I just want to know that you... you turned hard... just... just because I rolled my eyes"

I suppressed my smile without answering, and she lifted her eyelashes to look at me, narrowing her brows.

I chuckled and said,

"Just just just"

I teased her, and she hit my chest with her fist, whining,

"Kindal pannaadhel"

(Don't tease me)

I laughed and said,

"I imagined something else"

"Something else?"

"Hmm"

I hummed.

"Nekku puriyala"

(I don't understand)

I smiled, wrapped my arms around her, and then let her go before twirling her and pulling her back to my chest, her back now facing my front. She lowered her gaze, looking at me from the corner of her eyes. I smiled, leaned down to her ear, and whispered,

"I just just..."

She wriggled in my arms, trying to escape, but I tightened my hold, chuckling.

"Okay okay sorry. Soldren kelu"

(Okay okay, sorry. I'll tell you, listen)

"Onnum venaam"

(I don't want to hear anything)

She nudged me away.

The song in the background stopped, and we looked around at everyone whose gazes had landed on us. We smiled as they clapped their hands, and I looked at her-she glared at me. I smirked and winked, but she rolled her eyes again, stepping back and giving me a wink in return.

I watched her, heaving a breath, but she scrunched her face while looking up at the sky. And a droplet of rain traced a path down her cheek, over the dried sandal paste, and traveled to the corner of her lips. My gaze landed on her lips, which stretched into a smile, and I found myself smiling too.

The next second, the rain poured down. My dad and her mother dragged us inside the house, and we all gathered in the living room. I looked at her, and she looked back at me with a smile before walking towards the backside of the house.

I glanced at everyone, raked my fingers through my slightly damp hair, and then slipped away silently, following the path she had taken.

Seeing her back facing me, her side leaning against the wall with her arms crossed below her chest, I walked over, still running my fingers through my hair.

Then, placing my hands on her bare waist on either side, I felt her stiffen. But without giving her time to think or react, I leaned down and nuzzled into the crook of her neck, inhaling her fragrance audibly.

She tilted her neck, giving me full access as I placed soft kisses along the curve of her neck, then kissed her ear and the back of her ear, whispering,

"I imagined how you would roll your eyes when you're beneath me, writhing and moaning my name"

My voice came out desperate, and she placed her hands over mine, which were gripping her waist tightly. I twirled her around and pinned her against the wall, looking into her eyes. Placing my hands on either side of her against the wall, I leaned down. She closed her eyes, and my eyes closed as well.

I was just about to crash my lips against hers but stopped when I felt a finger on my lips. Opening my eyes, I saw her and raised my brows, but she only smiled. In a swift move, she changed our position, pressing me against the wall instead.

She curled her hands around my torso and rested her chin on my chest, looking up at me like a little cat.

I smiled, leaned down, and kissed the tip of her nose, whispering,

"Did you take this moment just to act cute with me?"

She smiled gently and then rested her cheek on my chest, inhaling audibly enough for me to hear. I tightened my hold around her shoulders and placed my cheek on top of her head as she softly called me,

"Professor"

"Hmm?"

I hummed.

She hesitated before saying,

"Sai Krishna or Sanvik won't do anything, right?"

I furrowed my brows and asked,

"Avanga enna panna poraanga?"

(What are they going to do?)

"I don't know, but... but nekku manasu oru maadhiri irukku"

(I don't know, but.. but my heart feels uneasy)

I rubbed her back soothingly and kissed the top of her head, reassuring,

"Nothing will happen, sweetheart. Nothing but our wedding"

She lifted her face up, looking at me as I gazed down at her, and then asked,

"You want me to finish him off?"

She smiled and teased,

"What are you? Action hero'nu nenappaa, en professor sir'ku?"

(Do you think you're an action hero, my dear professor?)

I raised my brows and asked,

"Oh, doubt verayaa unakku?"

(Oh, do you have doubts about that?)

She chuckled and said,

"Don't tease me, sir. Neenga nannaa sanda poduvel'nlaa nekku theriyum. Aana you can't finish them off"

(I know you fight well, sir. But you can't finish them off)

I felt my male ego take a hit. Biting my lower lip, I looked away for a moment before turning back to her, seeing her still watching me. Without breaking eye contact, I fished out my phone from the back of my pants pocket and dialed a number.

She tried to peek at my phone, standing on her toes and pressing herself against me, placing her hands on my chest. But I made it unreachable for her eyes, raising it just above her sight, and clicked on the call button over a specific number.

Placing my phone over my ear, I ignored her gaze on me and heard,

"Wow! Sir, what a miracle! This must be the eighth wonder! Neenga enakku call panneerkinglaa, Mr. Professor?"

(Wow! Sir, what a miracle! This must be the eighth wonder! Did you really call me, Mr. Professor?)

The tone was teasing. I took a deep breath, but before I could say anything, the person started again,

"Wait wait. You still have my number? Apro yen call panni naan enga irukken'nu kekkala? Maya was arrested right? But why can't you make me get arrested as w..."

(Wait wait. You still have my number? Then why didn't you called me to ask where I am? Maya was arrested, right? But why can't you get me arrested as we..)

I cut him off and asked,

"What about a match?"

"A match?"

The person asked, amused as well as confused.

"Hmm"

I hummed and he asked,

"You want to have a match against me? Again?"

I smirked and asked,

"Why? Are you scared, Mr. Mechanic?"

Sanvik got silent, and I asled,

"Can we?"

"When and where?"

He asked immediately with gritted words.

I smiled and asked,

"Now?"

"Now? I'm ready. But is this a trap to get me arrested or what?"

"No. I promise. I won't tell the police officers about your arrival"

"Then what's the reason behind it?"

"I just want to make a deal with you"

"A deal? Speak it out, Vaathi. I'm always curious about the deal you offer for me"

I inhaled and said,

"If you win, you can take whatever you want from me. Including the revenge you're trying to get on me. But if I win, you should never get in front of me and my wife again. Ever. Forever"

I heard him chuckle.

"Why? Your little innocent wife got scared over me? That would be very nice to see. Those eyes of your wife... looking at me scared. Ahhh! I could live just for that"

He sounded desperate and perverted, making me clench my jaw and fist my hand, my eyes burning in rage.

"3 o'clock. I will send you the location"

I said, composing myself, trying to control the urge to kill him. Then I ended the call and turned to her as she asked,

"Yaarkitta pesunel?"

(Who were you talking to?)

But I cupped her face, lifting it to make her face mine more closely, and whispered,

"You will see. Naan football velayaandu nee orudhadava dha paathirukka illa?"

(You will see. You've only watched me play football once, right?)

She blinked at me, and I smirked, saying,

"Get ready to see it one more time"

I tilted my head, noticing her eyes drift to my lips. I took her lower lip between mine, and she responded, taking my upper lip as we kissed each other passionately. And when we broke apart for a breath, and I placed soft kisses along her neck, making her shudder and cling to me.

My hands moved down to her ass as usual, squeezing them and pulling her closer. She moaned softly, likely feeling my hardness pressing against her.

So, I pulled away, pressing our foreheads together as she panted heavily. The sound of the rain at the back of the house to our left mingled with our breaths. Once she steadied herself, I pressed a kiss to her forehead before we made our way to the living room. She walked over and stood beside her grandmother, directly in front of me.

I smirked and winked at her, making her blush and hide behind her grandma, which made me chuckle, shaking my head.

But I turned around to face Appa, took a deep breath, and said,

"Appa, Sanvik kooda oru match irukku inniku afternoon 3 o'clock"

(Appa, there's a match against Sanvik this afternoon at 3 o'clock)

He looked at me, shocked.

"Enna da soldra?"

(What are you saying?)

"Aama, pa. Avankitta oru kanakku mudikka vendiyadhu irukku, pa. Muduchaa dha avanum amaidhiyaa iruppaan"

(Yes, dad. I have an unfinished matter to settle with him. Only then will he stay quiet)

I said, slightly gritting through my words, and I heard,

"Apdi enna kanakku?"

(What unfinished matter?)

I turned and saw Seetha standing before me.

Taking a deep breath, I said,

"Seetha. Vaa enkooda. Appa, neengalum vaanga"

(Seetha, come with me. Dad, you too)

I turned around, searching for Elango, and saw him at the doorstep flirting with a woman from Seetha's relatives. I rolled my eyes and called him,

"Elango dei!"

He jerked back to me, annoyed but then smiled sheepishly. He told the woman something before making his way towards me when I glared at him.

"Soldraa macha"

(Tell me, bro)

"Vaa enkooda"

(Come with me)

I grabbed Seetha's wrist, and we entered the balcony side of the ground floor of the house. The three of them frowned as they looked at me. While I inhaled a breath and started explaining about the long-lasting cold war between me and Sanvik,

"Naanum, Sanvik'uhm actual'ah born rivals'laa illa. The situation made us that way. Once, we were best friends. In fact, I liked Sanvik more than my Elango"

(Sanvik and I weren't actually born rivals or something. The situation made us that way. Once, we were best friends. In fact, I liked Sanvik more than my Elango)

Elango rolled his eyes and crossed his arms beneath his chest, mumbling,

"Romba mukkiyam"

(Very important)

I chuckled, wrapped my arms around Elango's neck, and continued,

"Enakku idha pathi ellaam two days munnaadi dha Kadhir sonnaan. Naanga college time'le football match velaadeetu irukkumbodhu, someone influenced Sanvik by saying that I was trying to take the team's star performer title by bribing the team lead and our coach. First'uh Sanvik adha nambala"

(Kadhir told me about all this just two days ago. Back in our college days, when we were playing football matches, someone influenced Sanvik by saying that I was trying to take the team's star performer title by bribing the team lead and our coach. At first, Sanvik didn't believe it)

"But, anniku nadandha match appo naan pass panna sonna ball Avan pannaama avane goal adikka try panni.. naanga anniku thothu ponom. That day, out of frustration, I yelled at him in front of everyone, calling him selfish"

(But during that match, when I told him to pass the ball, he ignored me and tried to score a goal himself... and we lost that day. That day, out of frustration, I yelled at him in front of everyone, calling him selfish)

I gulped, let go of Elango, and lowered my gaze, saying,

"And from that moment, he trusted the false story. He believed that I had bribed. But enakku adhu yedhuvume theriyaadhu. Yaaru sonnaanga'nu kooda enakku ippo varaikum theriyaadhu. And Avan romba enna avoid pannaan, enna pathi thappaa ellaarkittayum poi solla start pannaan. Andha kovathula Avan knee injury kaaga dha football vittutu mechanic shop vachaan'nu theriyaama. Ithana naalaa avana mechanic mechanic'nu kooptu innum kova paduthi irukken. I don't know anything, pa"

(And from that moment, he trusted the false story. He believed that I had bribed. But I knew nothing about it. Even now, I don't know who told him that. And he started avoiding me a lot and began spreading wrong things about me to everyone. Then without knowing that he left football due to a knee injury and started a mechanic shop, I just stayed angry at him. All this time, I kept calling him a mechanic and making him angrier as well. I don't know anything, pa)

I finally looked at Appa. He stepped forward, placed his hand on my shoulder, and said,

"Vidu Aayush. Ellaame misunderstanding naala dhane? Vidu. Nee yedhuvum idhula thappu pannala da"

(Let it go, Aayush. This was all because of a misunderstanding, right? Let it go. You didn't do anything wrong in this)

"Idhula yaaru melayume thappu illa, pa. Aana avan en Seetha'ku pannadha ennaala manikka mudiyaadhu. Naan avana paathukuren. Ippo afternoon naan avana match'ku kooptrukken, Elango"

(No one is entirely at fault here, pa. But I can't forgive him for what he did to my Seetha. I'll handle him. This afternoon, I've invited him to the match, Elango)

I informed him.

He asked,

"Yedhukku da?"

(But why?)

I looked at Seetha and said,

"I want to clear all the doubts in her mind and make her think only about us. Ava romba bayapadraa, Elango. Adha naan seri panna venaamaa?"

(I want to clear all the doubts in her mind and make her think only about us. She's really scared, Elango. Shouldn't I fix that?)

I asked Elango, averting my gaze from Seetha to him.

And I heard her say,

"Naan bayapadala. Idhellaa venaame? Neenga irukkinga'le? Paathukkonga. Adhukku'nu indha matcha ippo romba mukkiyamaa, Aayush?"

(I'm not scared. Is all this necessary? You're here, right? You take care of me. Is this match so important for that, Aayush?)

"Aama, Aayush. Venaam vitru"

(Yeah, Aayush. Let it go)

"Appa. Unga yaarukkum en mela nambikka illayaa? I have my way. Just trust me, please"

(Appa, does no one here trust me? I have my way. Just trust me, please)

I said to them.

They looked at each other and then at me.

Seetha

I clasped my fingers together near my lips and saw him opening the door of the race car.

Yes, when we came here thinking it was a football match, it turned into a car race when Sanvik smirked and said,

"Un edathula vandhu unna naan alikka mudiyaadhu. Adhey maadhiri dha en yedathula vandhu enna nee alikka mudiyaadhu. Will you race me, or are you scared?"

(I can't defeat you in your place, just like you can't defeat me in mine. Will you race me, or are you scared?)

Aayush immediately backed off, remembering the deal he made with him.

But as soon as Sanvik sneered, saying,

"Scared lion'ah?"

(A scared lion, huh?)

And he turned to me asking,

"Un aalu'ku ivlo dha nambikkaya Avan mela?"

(Is this all the trust your man has in himself?)

"Ivanayaa nee dominant'nu sonna?"

(You called him dominant?)

Then he turned back to Aayush with a smirk, and added,

"Yen da yedhukku indha age'le unakku indha vaela'laa?"

(Why do you need all this at this age?)

I lost my cool.

I stepped forward, snapped my fingers in front of him, and said,

"Get the car ready. Deii, Avaru unna paathu bayapadala. Enakkaaga dha yosikiraaru. Illanaa yeppavo unnalaa thooki pottutu poite iruppaaru. Nee paathutte iru.. indha race mudiyardhukkulla he'll show you exactly who my man is.. Go and do whatever you want"

(Hey, he's not scared of you. He's just thinking for my sake. Otherwise, he would've thrown you aside a long time ago. Just watch. Before this race ends, he'll show you exactly who my man is. Go and do whatever you want)

Which led him here. Us here.

I gulped when he turned to look at me and smiled, which made me smile nervously as well. I clasped my palms together as he got inside the car and averted my gaze to Sanvik, who smirked at me. I glared at him. He shook his head and got inside the car, and they both got ready for the race.

I don't know anything about car racing, so I jerked when the whistle blew, and their cars roared at a high pitch before speeding off, making my heart race like hell. He was driving so insanely fast that my heart pounded against my chest in fear.

I glanced at Elango Anna, and he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, comforting me without saying a word. I then turned my gaze back to the track, where Sanvik's red car was now leading my man's purple one.

I was completely lost in my only fear-getting him back to me safe and sound, just as he had left. I needed my man to return to me with the same smile he had when he stepped onto the track.

But my hands and legs trembled as the cars screeched sharply while taking the turn.

I held my breath as the cars sped down the track, the roar of the engines drowning out every other sound around me.

The race was intense-Sanvik's red car still had the lead, but Aayush was right behind him, closing in with every second.

My nails dug into my palms as I watched their cars twist through the sharp turns, each move more dangerous than the last.

Suddenly, as they approached the next curve, Aayush made a bold move-gliding his car past Sanvik's in a breathtaking overtake.

My heart nearly stopped.

And I could see the finish line approaching. Aayush pushed his car to its limits. The engines roared, the wind howled past, and in the blink of an eye-

He crossed the finish line first.

A wave of relief crashed over me, my knees almost giving out.

Elango anna tightened his grip on my shoulder, shaking me lightly as if to assure me it was real.

"He did it"

He whispered to me, but I could barely process what had just happened.

Their cars skidded to a halt, the tires smoking as Aayush stepped out of his car, his helmet still on, but his gaze shifted to my side, as if searching for my reaction. And I didn't wait-I ran.

Ran straight into his arms.

I jumped onto him, who's dressed in his racing suit, and he caught me with a chuckle-the very chuckle I had longed to hear again through his helmet.

He spun us around once, and a tear, both fearful and proud, slipped down my cheek.

As he slowed and set me back on my feet, I refused to let go, tightening my hold around his neck while standing on my toes. Another laugh escaped from him, and he pulled me closer, his grip firm around my waist.

A smile of pure relief spread across my lips.

But we pulled back when we heard a sharp clap of someone to our left. We loosened our hold on each other, and I stood beside him, turning to see Sanvik smirking at him. He stood before us with his helmet balanced on his waist by one of his hands.

And I saw Aayush remove his helmet as well, placing it over the car top and ruffling his tousled hair back with his hand and fingers, tilting his head a little, before we heard,

"Jeichitta'le?"

(So, you won?)

I swallowed hard, my gaze locking onto Sanvik, whose expression had turned unreadable-calm, yet distant. And I heard my man take a deep breath and step forward, as if to speak, but he halted the moment Sanvik raised a hand, stopping him, saying,

"Nee yedhuvum solla venaam"

(You don't have to say anything)

Sanvik said.

I looked at Aayush, who was simply staring at him.

Then Sanvik chuckled, and I saw his bitter smile as he said,

"I'm still a zero in every way"

Aayush stepped forward again, grabbing his hand,

"Sanvik naan.."

(Sanvik, I..)

But he swatted his hand away and said,

"Oh, finally. Unakku ellaame therinjiruchu'nu nenaikiren? Mechanic illaama Sanvik'nu varudhu?"

(Oh, finally. I guess you now know everything? Sanvik without the 'mechanic' attached, huh?)

"Sanvik. Naan onnum pannala. Ellaame unnoda misunderstanding"

(Sanvik, I didn't do anything. It was all your misunderstanding)

"Yedhu? Yedhu misunderstanding? Aah?"

(What? What misunderstanding? Aah?)

Sanvik shouted, slamming his helmet on the ground, making me jump.

I grabbed his shirt near his waist and looked at them.

Elango Anna rushed and stood between Sanvik and Aayush, facing Sanvik, saying,

"Sanvik. Unakku onnume theriyaadhu. Nee theva illaama ipdilaa.."

(Sanvik, you don't know anything. You're unnecessarily.. )

But he stopped and we gasped when Sanvik pushed him off from his view and yelled,

"Nee pesaadha"

(You don't talk)

Aayush held Elango Anna, and I rushed behind him, standing beside them.

Then, making sure Elango Anna was safe, Aayush turned back to Sanvik and stormed towards him.

But he stopped, gasping, and Elango anna and I gasped as well when Sanvik suddenly fell to his knees before Aayush, lowering his gaze, his hands resting on his thighs, clenched into fists.

I blinked.

What the hell is happening here?

I wondered.

But my eyes widened in shock when I heard Sanvik saying,

"Enna mannichiru'nu kooda unkitta solla mudiyaadha nelamai'le enna ipdi thalleetiye, da?"

(I'm in a situation where I can't even ask for your forgiveness now. Why did you push me into this state, da?)

My hands flew to close my parted mouth in shock, and I saw Aayush's hands trembling as well but he fisted his palms, controlling himself.

"Nee'aavadhu solleerkalaa'le da?"

(Couldn't you have at least told me?)

Sanvik lifted his face up and continued with teary eyes,

"Naan pandradhu evlo periya thappu'nu enna oru ara vittaadhu solleerkalaa'le Aayush?"

(Did you not even think to slap me and tell me how big of a mistake I'm making, Aayush?)

I felt Elango Anna's supporting hold around my shoulder again, but I could understand his emotions as well. So, I placed my hand on his and squeezed it in a comforting way.

Then I saw Aayush holding Sanvik's shoulder and lifting him off his knees.

I gulped, waiting for his response, but gasped again when Aayush slapped him hard across his cheek.

"Aayush"

I heard Elango Anna whisper.

But Aayush held Sanvik's collar and shook him, yelling,

"Yen da ipdi panna?"

(Why did you do this, man?)

But I could understand the emotions inside his trembling voice.

"Cheyy"

(Damn it)

He pushed Sanvik back and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

I left Elango Anna, and he stepped forward to comfort them but stopped when Sanvik grabbed Aayush's hands and made him slap him, saying,

"Enna adi da.. enna adi macha.. naan pannadhukku enna enna venaa pannu da. Please.. enna adi da.. adi machaa"

(Hit me, man... just hit me, dude. Do whatever you want to me for what I did. Please... hit me... hit me, bro)

But Aayush wriggled from his hold and pushed him away again, shouting,

"Dei chi podaa!"

(Get lost, you idiot!)

Sanvik looked at him with tears.

But Aayush turned and looked at Elango Anna and then at me. I tried to tell him silently through my eyes to forgive Sanvik, seeing his vulnerable side, but he grabbed Elango Anna's hand and walked over to me.

But Sanvik rushed before them and stopped them with his arms wide on either side and whimpered,

"Please da. Enna manichutta'nu sollu, macha. Please"

(Please, da... just tell me you've forgiven me, dude. Please)

But Aayush left Elango Anna's wrist and grabbed Sanvik's collar again, pulling him up to his height and hissing,

"Yaaru yaarukku da macha? Nee Enakku pannadha kooda naan manichiruven. En Seetha'ku pannadha epdi da marappen? Avlo kettavan aageeta'le nee? Apdi enna da unakku enmela kovam? Yaaru sonnaalum nambeerviyaa? Nee Enakku unmaiyaana friend'ah irundhirundhanaa yevan sonnaalum nambeerka koodaadhu, Sanvik. You fucked up! You completely ruined our friendship, Sanvik. Get out of my sight. Enna innum kova paduthi paakanum'nu nenaikaadha"

(Who are you even calling dude? I could forgive you for what you did to me. But how could I forget what you did to Seetha? Have you really turned into such a terrible person? Why do you hate me so much? Will you believe whatever anyone tells you? If you were truly my friend, you wouldn't believe just anyone, Sanvik. You fucked up! You completely ruined our friendship, Sanvik. Get out of my sight. Don't try to make me angrier than I already am)

He pushed him away, but he immediately turned to me, and I saw Sanvik with a gulp. But I gasped and took steps back when he fell on his knees before me again, clasping his hands together.

"Sorry sorry sorry, sister. Enna manichirunga please. Naan romba periya thappu panneeten. Please, sister. Enna manichirunga please. Please, sister"

(Sorry sorry sorry sister. Please forgive me. I made a huge mistake. Please, sister. Please forgive me. Please, sister)

I fisted my hands, seeing him, but Aayush walked over to me and dragged me away, leaving Sanvik crying, watching us.

Elango Anna followed us without giving Sanvik a glance when Aayush shouted at him,

"Are you coming or not?"

We entered Elango Anna's car, with me in the backseat and them in the front-Elango Anna driving. But before he could start, Sanvik stood before the car again with his arms wide open.

A smile broke onto my lips, and I saw Aayush sigh in irritation.

Elango Anna chuckled and murmured,

"Ivan innum maarala, macha"

(This guy still hasn't changed, dude)

For which he got a dead glare from Aayush.

Elango Anna smiled at him and said,

"Pinna enna da? Namma chinna vayasula irukkumbodhum ipdidhane sanda potaa yaaru mela thappu irundhaalum seri.. konjam kooda koochame illaama pinnaadiye varuvaan?"

(Then what, man? Even when we were kids, no matter who was at fault in a fight, wouldn't he shamelessly come running after us without an ounce of hesitation?)

"Apdiyaa, Anna?"

(Really, Anna?)

I asked him.

"Aama, da"

(Yes, little sister)

He said, and I let out a quiet chuckle before shifting my gaze to Aayush. His eyes were locked onto Sanvik, who stood motionless in front of the car, and he murmured,

"Adhellaame verum nadippu dhane? He looks like a kid outside, but inside, he's a psycho. Avan Seetha'ku pannadha naan yeppavume marakka maaten"

(That's all just an act, isn't it? He looks like a kid outside, but inside, he's a psycho. I will never forget what he did to Seetha)

I stared at him, but he said,

"Start Pannu. Avane poyiruvaan"

(Start the car. He'll leave on his own)

To Elango Anna.

But I didn't think so.

Elango Anna accelerated the car and moved it a bit forward, but I laughed out loud when Sanvik dropped down on his knees for the nth time, still with his hands wide.

But I stifled my laugh when Aayush turned back and glared at me.

I shook my head and placed my finger on my lips. His gaze fell on my lips for a second before turning forward. Then he took a deep breath, opened his side door, and I leaned forward to see what he was going to do.

Elango Anna was just as curious as me, but we chuckled when my professor grabbed the back collar of Sanvik's shirt, dragged him up towards our car, pushed him inside the passenger seat beside Elango Anna, and shut the door.

Elango Anna and I masked our smiles and laugh with serious faces.

And I sat at the other end of the seat when the back door opened, and he sat beside me, shutting the door with a thud.

I pressed my lips together when he yelled,

"Ippo po"

(Start now)

Elango Anna cleared his throat and started the car while Sanvik sat there with his hands resting on the dashboard and his forehead resting on his arms. He must have been exhausted after pulling off all those stunts and dropping to his knees so many times.

I chuckled but turned my face away when Aayush looked at me.

"Moradan! Summa morachukutte thiriyiraan!"

(Stubborn guy! He's still acting all high!)

I murmured and twisted my lips.

After several hours,

The door of the room opened, and I heard my cousin Shailaja say,

"Manni, Iyer ponna alachuttu vara soldraa"

(Sister-in-law, the priest is asking us to bring the bride)

I took a deep breath, turned my face forward, and looked at myself in the mirror.

I smiled a little, masking my nervousness-an actual bride's nervousness before her marriage-and I could feel it now.

I had never felt this much nervous, loved, anticipated, sweating, feeling cold as well, awkward, shy, and every single emotion hitting me at the same time in my life.

When I saw him for the first time in our college, no one-literally no one, including me-would have believed it if I had said back then that I'd be here now-here, about to marry him in just a few minutes.

But I'm really here, going to marry him-marry my professor.

However, I was jerked back to reality from my running thoughts when one of my cousin sisters nudged me to stand. A few more stood around me, checking my saree pleats, pins, chain order, and whether my jewelry was placed in the right positions.

But no one asked me about my comfort. Instead, when I complained about the excess jewelry over my already heavy saree, they simply said,

"Inniku oru naal dhane, Seetha? Ini yeppo nenachaalum idhellaa experience panna mudiyaadhu. So, mudunja alavukku happy'ah irundhukko"

(It's just for today, Seetha. After this, you won't get to experience all this whenever you want. So, try to be as happy as you can)

Then, taking a deep breath, I looked at myself through the mirror, dressed in a pink and green mixed madisaar saree-selected by my man, neatly draped and pinned by my cousins and friends.

Soon, grandma and amma entered the room, warding off the evil eyes from me before kissing my cheeks. They then made me walk out of the room while I breathed out through my mouth and gripped amma's hand tightly for support.

They led me to sit in the place before the sacred fire, beside my man.

But I didn't see him-except for his thigh, covered with a silk dhoti.

"Seetha, ma"

And I heard him whisper.

I lifted my face with a smile and saw him. He smiled back at me, and his eyes expressed more than his words ever could.

He was overwhelmed, nervous, and just as awkward as I was throughout the little rituals.

Then, the priest asked us to exchange the garlands. We did as per their instructions but managed to share an eyelock and a smiles in between-only that, because of the urgency in the process as the auspicious time was nearing.

Suddenly, they helped us stand, and he helped me by gripping my mehndi-clad hand. We looked at the others for further instructions. They made us sit on the decorated swing for the swing ceremony, and some aunties from my relatives' side sang songs.

One by one, they started feeding us a mixture of banana and milk. Kamali wiped my lips, while Elango Anna did the same for Aayush.

We couldn't speak there either, as everyone hurriedly stood up. The priest handed the thaali (mangalsutra) to one of my cousins for blessings from everyone. I clutched my kerchief tightly in my hands, feeling nervous to the core, while amma used her saree to wipe my sweat, telling me to calm down. But nothing mattered until..

"Seetha. Relax"

And then, his hand on my lap, over mine.

Lifting my face, I looked at him. He smiled at me, blinking his eyes reassuringly. I smiled back slightly and bit my lips as Kamali returned to the stage.

Then, they all made me sit on my appa's lap, who was seated on a wooden chair, while Aayush stood before me-looking more frustrated at the continuous instructions from all sides.

That made me chuckle.

He glared at me slightly, which made me chuckle out loud, and everyone laughed, understanding the situation.

And that became one of the funniest moments of our wedding-one we would share with everyone and our future kids as a cherished, unforgettable memory.

Finally, they left him alone, and he sighed in relief before taking the nuptial thread from the sacred coconut.

Then, I heard the priest softly chant..

"Gettimelam Gettimelam"

And I lowered my head.

My forehead brushed against his bare torso, his fingers slightly grazing my neck and nape, making me squeeze my eyes shut.

The mandap echoed with the sound of drums and nadaswaram, and I felt sacred rice and rose petals showering over us-blessing us for a good and healthy life.

And I don't know what happened to me..

I started sobbing silently until he finished tying the knots of my mangalsutra and straightened up. Lifting my gaze, I saw him.

He cupped my cheeks to wipe away my tears, but I stood up on my toes and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him into a hug.

I heard some elders sigh, while the younger ones hooted, as he hugged me back-even more tighter, as if he had finally gotten his chance.

But we pulled apart when mama and amma asked us to.

We looked at each other with wide smiles, and he wiped my tears from my cheeks with his thumb pad. Then, he mouthed,

"I love you"

I smiled, pinched his cheek, and said out loud,

"I love you too, professor"

The elders sighed again, but he only grinned at me, pulled me to his side by my wrist, and kissed my forehead-making me feel more overwhelmed with his love, my love-our love, which had finally succeeded!

Then, the priest asked us to round the sacred Agni and said,

"Paiyan'oda thangachi illanaa akka aaraadhu irundhaa vandhu ponnu maapla thuniya katti vidungo"

(If the groom has a sister or an elder sister, she should tie the bride's saree pallu and the groom's cloth together)

Before anyone could process his words, Kamali stepped behind us and tied my saree pallu with another light purple-colored cloth hanging from his shoulder.

I lifted my face and looked at him, seeing her with emotions.

Then, I looked at Kamali with a smile and leaned into her ear, asking,

"Anna'laa illa'nu sonna?"

(Didn't you say he is not like a brother to you?)

She looked back at me with a smile and said,

"Adhellaa summa unna verupetha. Ipdi oru anna've yaaraadhu venaa'nu solluvaangalaa? Adhuvum naan?"

(That was just to tease you. Who wouldn't call someone like this a brother? Especially me?)

She asked me, and only I knew the meaning behind her words because she was a girl and a woman who had always yearned for some elder brother's love.

I smiled at her.

She smiled back and looked at Aayush, then smiled at him.

He smiled back and ruffled her hair. She took her steps back, and he looked at me.

I raised my brows.

He smiled, and I started rounding the sacred fire followed by him.

With our little fingers of one of our hands locked together, we circled, praying for our everlasting love story to be always happy and blessed.

I prayed for his every happiness and health, and I knew he would've been praying for me too.

Turning back to smile at him, we stopped, and then he walked forward while I walked behind him for the last four rounds. I looked at his side face, and the way our fingers were locked made me feel so overwhelmed.

I turned and looked at my parents, who were smiling widely at me with emotional expressions. Then, I turned to find mama already smiling at me, but I could understand his inner emotions. I looked at his hands, which were holding my mother-in-law's photo frame, close to his chest, and I smiled at her smiling photo.

I knew she must be happier than all of us and would be blessing us from the sky.

Soon, we completed the sacred rounds and stood before the Agni, as the priest began to speak,

"Ammi midhichi arundhati paarungo"

(Step on the grinding stone and look at the Arundhati star)

I smiled, and he smiled back at me. We walked and stood beside the grinding stone, and he squatted down beside me, taking my feet in his hands.

Kamali passed the metti (toe ring) to him, and he tightened it on my toe and then on the toe of my other foot too.

Then, he stood up beside me, and we smiled at each other again, gripping our hands until,

"Periyavaa kitta'laa aasirvaadham vaangikongo"

(Take blessings from the elders)

We turned to mama first and bent down, touching his feet. He blessed us, showering flower petals along with sacred rice, and hugged Aayush tightly before pulling me in as well, hugging us together.

I chuckled and hugged him with one hand around him and my other hand over Aayush's back-hugging them both.

Both of your little kids are now my responsibility, aththai. I promise you.

I closed my eyes, remembering her, then we pulled back, and mama kissed Aayush's forehead and patted my cheek lovingly, saying,

"Happy'ah Irunga da. Eppavume onnaa irukkanum"

(Stay happy, you both. Always be together)

We smiled at him, and Aayush wiped his father's tears.

But he swatted his hand away, saying,

"Poda. Thodaikaadha. En aanandha kanneer"

(Get away, man. Don't wipe them. These are my tears of joy)

Aayush chuckled but again wiped his tears, saying,

"Cher. Yendha kanneer'ah irundhaalum venaam"

(Still, no matter what kind of tears, you don't need them)

Both smiled at each other and hugged again while I stood beside them, admiring them.

Kamali wrapped her arms around my shoulder, comforting me from crying after witnessing their bond-one as deep as it could possibly be.

Then, once he pulled back and shared a cheek kiss with his father, we turned and walked over to my parents and got their blessings. They blessed us, and appa hugged Aayush while amma hugged me and said,

"Happy'ah irunga, Seetha"

(Stay happy, Seetha)

And I could hear appa saying to him,

"Seetha've nannaa paathukonga maapla"

(Take good care of Seetha, son-in-law)

I pulled back and looked at them as they pulled back too.

Aayush held his hands and said,

"Unga paapa've naan nalla paathukuren, mama"

(I will take good care of your daughter, uncle)

I chuckled, and appa smiled before looking at me. I quickly hugged him, while Aayush and amma stood beside us, watching.

"Nee aasa patta padiye nokku naan kalyanam panni vachutten, paapa. Eppavume sandhoshamaa irukkanum"

(I got you married to the man you wished for, dear. Always stay happy)

"Kandippa appa. Naan edhaadhu ungala kashta paduthi irundhaa, sorry, pa"

(Of course, Appa. If I ever caused you any trouble, I'm sorry, pa)

I hugged him as tightly as I ever had. He whispered some sweet words to me. Then, I pulled back to receive my Paati's blessings. She blessed us and said,

"Sandhoshamaa, naraya kozhandhaingala pethuttu, nalla udalnilai oda irukkanum. En thanganga"

(Stay happy, have many children, and live in good health, my dear ones)

She warded off the evil eyes for us, and I hugged her tightly. She hugged him as well, pulling him into the group hug.

Then, we got everyone's blessings and got ready to move to Aayush's house after lunch.

The whole time, he was gripping my hand, intertwining our fingers, and tracing my palm and fingers with his thumb-even while speaking with his friends.

And I didn't leave his side either, talking with my friends and relatives while staying right beside him.

Then, as the auspicious time neared, I took a deep breath, and my eyes were already shedding tears. He was whispering sweet nothings into my ears,

"Inga dhane di? Kalaila fullaa venaa inga vandhu iru. Apro night anga vandhuru"

(We're just going two houses away, aren't we? If you want, stay here the whole morning and then come there at night)

I lifted my face and narrowed my brows at him. He gulped and said,

"Yendha oru ull'nokkamum illa, thango. Just unakku supportive'ah irukka dha naan try pannen"

(No hidden intentions, dear. I was just trying to be supportive of you)

I twisted my lips at him but blushed, understanding his words. But my face turned emotional again when I saw amma and appa walking toward me with a smile.

I let go of his hand as he loosened his hold, and I hugged appa, crying.

"Paapa. Enna da idhu chinna kozhandha maadhiri? Rendu veedu thalli dhaane? Yeppo venaa nee appa've paakalaa da"

(Dear, why are you crying like a little child? It's just two houses apart, right? You can see appa whenever you want)

"Mhum. Naan yeppo pa Unkooda ini utkaandhu night'uh serial paapen?"

(Mhum. When will I sit and watch night serials with you now?)

I shouted, crying out loud, and heard him laugh-along with others-but I didn't stop crying.

I pulled back from the hug and asked,

"Ini yeppo Unkooda onnaa night thoonguven? Ini yeppo nee samachu tharadha saapduven? Sollu pa!"

(When will I sleep next to you at night again? When will I eat the food you cook for me? Tell me, appa!)

I was shouting, I knew that.

But I couldn't stop myself.

I was going to miss them both like hell.

Even though I would love to spend all my time with my professor and mama, I would feel lonely without my parents beside me.

"Nee enna miss pannave maatiya?"

(Won't you miss me?)

I asked.

He cupped my trembling cheeks and asked,

"Adhepdi miss pannaama iruppen, paapa? Rendu veedu dhane nee enna nenachaa podhum. Appa vandhu un kannu munnaadi nippen da"

(How can I not miss you, dear? It's just two houses away. If you even think of me, appa will be standing right before you)

But I cried and hugged him.

He hugged me back, caressing my hair before turning to amma and hugging her tightly.

She cried as well.

She was going to miss me so much.

"Ini yeppo ma nee kathuradha keppen naanu?"

(When will I hear you scolding me again, ma?)

"Podhum di romba aluga vakkaadha. Adichiruven"

(Enough, don't make me cry too much. I'll smack you)

I giggled through my tears, hearing her broken voice, but cried as well, realizing they would be alone in our house once I left.

"Nee thaniyaa iruppa'le? Enkooda vandhuriyaa?"

(You'll be alone, right? Will you come with me?)

I asked, pulling back and cupping her cheeks.

She chuckled, cupped my cheeks as well, pinched them, kissed her fingers, and said,

"Poitu vaa, di. Thaniyaa irukka maadhiri irundhaa naan un veetukku vandhuren seriyaa?"

(Go now, dear. If I feel lonely, I'll come to your house, okay?)

"Haann. Kandippa varnum"

(Yes! You must definitely come)

"Seri, ma. Varen"

(Alright, dear. I'll come)

She assured me. I smiled with a pout, kissed her whole face, and she kissed mine before we heard one of my maamis (aunts) saying,

"Cheri nalla neram mudiyardhu kulla un veetukku po di"

(Alright, before the auspicious time ends, go to your house, girl)

"Thorathaadha, maami"

(Don't chase me away, maami)

I spat at her and heard mama saying,

"Vidunga ava nenaikira neram varattum. Ava yeppo enga veetukku vandhaalum adhu nalla neram dha"

(Let her take her time. Whenever she comes to our house, it will always be a good time)

My lips wobbled, and I felt an arm wrapping around my shoulder and a hot breath whispering-

"Appo ingaye irundhukuriyaa, ma? Naanu appa'uhm mattum namma veetukku poro?"

(So, are you staying here, ma? Should Appa and I go home alone?)

That made my eyes widen.

I immediately hugged his torso and looked up at him, saying,

"Naanu varen"

(I'll come too)

He chuckled, and I heard everyone laugh. I sighed and hid my face in his chest while he patted the back of my head, holding me in his arms.

And then, we took the car to reach his house, waving my hands at my parents through the window.

And once we reached Aayush's house-going to be our house-Kamali rushed in and came out with an aarthi plate and welcomed us in.

Finally, after lighting the lamp in the pooja room-which I had carefully cleaned and dusted three days ago-we settled onto the couch. I let out a deep sigh, relishing the comfort I had longed for after hours of standing, posing for pictures, and expressing gratitude to our relatives.

But.

"Yendi Seetha, maaplai'ku thanni eduthu kuden. Apdiye vandhu utkaandhutta?"

(Seetha, why don't you get water for the groom? You just sat down straight away?)

One of my grandma's voices broke through, and I looked at him.

He saw me, and I murmured,

"Yen unga maapla thanni kooda avarey eduthu kudikka maataaraa?"

(Why can't your groom go get water for himself?)

But still, I stood up and walked inside the kitchen after glaring at his stifled laughing face.

Taking the tumbler from the counter, I fetched water from the purifier, mumbling,

"Setha neram rest edukka vidraalaa? Huff"

(Can't they let me rest for a second? Huff)

But my lips curved when I saw his hand resting on the counter beside the water purifier, and I heard him clear his throat.

I didn't look at him, twisting my lips-but smiling-making him chuckle.

Yet, he didn't waver his eyes from me. His gaze over me sent a shiver through my spine.

Gulping, I stopped the tap and stretched my hand with the tumbler to him but gasped when he placed his hand on the small of my back and pulled me towards him.

His half-leaned figure made his face hover over mine, and I placed my hands on his shoulders, looking at him-amused and blushing, saying,

"Vidunga. Aaraadhu vara poraa"

(Let go. Someone will come)

"Vandhaa enna?"

(So what if they do?)

He asked.

And I opened my mouth to tell him again to leave me, but his face leaned over mine so close that it made my breath catch. I clenched his shirt over his shoulders with my palms when his hot breath landed near the crook of my neck.

I gulped and tilted my head as he placed two more soft kisses before trailing his nose up towards my ear, inhaling me huskily and saying,

"Happy married life, pondatti"

(Happy married life, wifey)

That made me smile, but my eyes closed, and my head tilted back with a whimper, my chest rising and falling as his hand slowly crawled over the side of my waist from the back.

But his lips trailed down my throat, and in the meantime, as I got lost in his slow, whimpering ministrations, still my throat let out a gasp as his palm clutched my bare waist.

I opened my eyes to see him and my bare waist and slapped his shoulders with my palms, yelling,

"Pin enga?"

(Where's the pin?)

"Safe and secured"

He said in a sing-song tone, teasingly.

I opened my mouth to scold him for unpinning the saree part that covered my waist, but I yelped when he clutched my waist with his hand, pulled me towards him, and kissed my jawline.

I restrained myself from melting this time and pushed him away, but he straightened himself, walked forward, and threw his hand to the other side of me, trapping me between him and the water purifier behind me on the counter.

I crushed his collar and looked up at him, whispering,

"Please. Aaraadhu vandhura poraa. Namma night paathukalaame?"

(Please. Someone's going to come. Can't we wait till tonight?)

His eyebrows raised in amusement, and he asked,

"You mean till our first night?"

Heat rushed to my cheeks, making them flush red instantly, and I leaned back from his face, which was trying to come closer, and said,

"Polaam, polaam please. Veliya ellaarum irukkaa"

(Let's go, let's go, please. Everyone is outside)

"Yaarum illa"

(No one is there)

He whispered.

I frowned and asked,

"Purila?"

(I don't understand?)

"Un relatives ellaarum un veetukku poitaanga. Appa avaru room'le irukkaaru. And Namma friends... they are decorating our room for our..."

(All your relatives have gone to your house. Dad is in his room. And our friends... they are decorating our room for our...)

He trailed off and looked at my lips and then at my eyes softly, saying,

"First night"

Goosebumps erupted all over my body, and I looked at him, gulping.

As he leaned in closer, blushing at the thought of our friends decorating our room for our first night and thinking about what we would be doing there tonight, I placed my hands on his chest, pushed him away, and ran out of the kitchen, dodging his attempts to grab me again.

Then, as my legs betrayed me without my knowledge, I entered his room without seeing anything, closed the door behind me, and leaned my back against it, blushing.

But soon, that blush turned into horror as I saw my whole set of friends-along with his friends-staring at me, frozen, with narrowed and teasing smiles.

Didn't I tell you that you're a pure nut case, Seetha?

I whined, and they chorused,

"Ohhhhh"

Giving me a teasing look.

Then, Jiji said,

"Night varaikum wait pannu, maami. Ippove vekka pattu muduchuraadha"

(At least wait until the night, maami. Don't get embarrassed and finish it off now itself)

They all laughed, and I felt even more embarrassed.

I immediately turned back, opened the door again, and saw his torso covered with his white silk shirt. Instantly, I flung my arms around him, hiding myself in his embrace to cover my embarrassing moment. He tightened his hold, and I heard him chuckle.

I hit his chest with my fist and whined,

"Sirikaadhel"

(Don't laugh)

"Haan. Okay, madam. Dei sirikaadhingam da. En pondatti vekka padraa'le?"

(Haan. Okay, madam. Hey, don't laugh, my wife is getting shy)

Shooooo! This mann!

But he didn't stop just there. He continued, saying,

"Apro kudutha velai ellaam correct'ah paarunga. I want it to be beautiful just like my woman"

(And make sure all the given work is done properly. I want it to be beautiful just like my woman)

"On your command, professor sir!!"

They chorused and then laughed, making me pull back from his embrace and glare at him.

But he pinched my cheeks and kissed his fingers, saying,

"Azhagu di nee"

(You are beautiful, you know)

I twisted my lips, pushed him away, and left to take some rest in the guestroom. But I stopped when my relatives entered again along with my parents and grandma. I rushed to hug Amma, Appa, and Grandma before pulling back when they said there were a few more rituals to be done and that I shouldn't sleep.

That made me huff and murmur,

"Inniku nee thoonguna maadhiri dha di, Seetha"

(It looks like you won't be sleeping today, Seetha)

But, I enjoyed every moment of those rituals-which were traditional games for us.

First, we had to break the appalam (wafer) on our heads.

I put in great force on his head to make him understand that I would be a very strict wife for him. But he broke it over my head softly without hurting me and clasped his palms together in front of him in a way that said he would be an obedient little one for me.

That made me smirk, and I broke the other appalam on his head and laughed, making him glare at me fakely.

Elango Anna said,

"Deii enga ellaaroda aasai'uhm orey naal'le en thangachi neravethuraa paaru"

(Hey, look at my little sister fulfilling all our wishes in a single day)

He laughed, and I chuckled along with all his friends.

But they stopped laughing when he lifted his face and gave them a glare.

Ohh, romba kovakaarar'uh? Iru di unna enna pandren paaru.

(Ohh, getting too angry, huh? Wait and see what I'll do to you)

I took another appalam to break on his head, but he caught my wrist in midair, making my eyes widen. I then whined and sat there with a glaring pout when he switched my hand to make me break the appalam on my own head by myself.

Kamali laughed and said,

"Don't underestimate the power of my annan, di maami"

I sulked at her and glared at him, but he winked, making me throw the crushed part of the appalam from my lap at him. That made him chuckle, and I smiled.

And then they placed another thing-a pot-between us.

I peeked my head inside to see the milk along with rose petals floating in it, and I licked my lips but shrieked when my grandma smacked the back of my head and said,

"Adhu kudikardhuku illa, di"

(That's not for drinking, dear)

I pouted, and Kamali leaned down and asked,

"Anna, unga ring kudunga"

(Brother, give me your ring)

He took it from his finger and gave it to her-the ring I had bought for him during our trip, which he wore as a locket.

And I knew what was about to happen, and I was definitely going to win.

I pulled my bangles back, looked at him with a smirk, and mouthed, "I'll be winning"

He smirked back, mouthed, "Let's see" and threw me a kiss, but I twisted my lips.

Kamali said,

"Let's see who's going to be dominant. One.. two.. three.."

And everyone chorused,

"Start!"

Kamali dropped the ring inside the pot of milk, and we dropped our hands inside. I tried hard to find the ring but widened my eyes at him when he pinched the side of my palm and winked at me.

But I smiled and pinched him back, making him hiss slightly, and I used the chance to search for the ring.

But I gasped when he pulled out his hand and stretched his closed fist near my face.

I looked at him with a disappointed expression, and he smirked.

I asked,

"Eduthuttelaa?"

(Did you take it?)

He chuckled and opened his fist, revealing the ring inside.

And I smiled as he lifted his hand, holding the ring up, and everyone hooted for him.

I smiled at him but just acted disappointed and sulked.

But he stopped their hoots, saying,

"Guys, wait, wait.."

They stopped, and I looked at him as he looked back at me and said,

"You all know the proverb, right? What is meant for us will find its way back to us, no matter what"

And then he smiled at me, looked at the ring in his hand, and then at the others before saying,

"It's a gift from her to me. Enakkaaga ava Kudutha first ever gift. So, enkitta dhane vandhaaganum?"

(It's a gift from her to me-the very first one she ever gave me. So, shouldn't it rightfully come back to me?)

I blushed, palming my face with my hands like a silly human, and others laughed at me-including him.

Then after that, we sat with my parents, his appa, our friends and my-our relatives, gossiping, talking about the marriage, simply staring at each other, in between our teasing looks, air kisses, and winks towards each other.

They finally gave us time to get some rest for a while, and Kamali, along with my cousins and friends, helped me remove my saree and jewels.

I finally changed into my pajamas after what felt like an eternity and plopped onto the bed, ready to sleep soundly in his-our house's guest room, like a log, craving some much-needed rest.

But I couldn't help but blush upon seeing the fresh yellow thread (mangalsutra) around my neck, resting between my breasts-tied by his very hands.

My friends hissed at me to go to sleep for my sake, and I grinned sheepishly, pulling the duvet over my head and closing my eyes shut tightly, blushing hard.

So, they leaned over my face over the duvet and whispered,

"Dream'laye ellaame muduchuraadha, maami. First night'ku konjam micham vai"

(Don't finish everything in your dreams, maami. Save something for the first night)

I whined, pushing their faces away with my hands, and they laughed, still whispering some naughty things to me until I closed my eyes to doze off-only after they had left at my grandma's call, saying,

"Avala setha neram thaniyaa thoonga vidunga di. Saaingaalam enna pannanumo pannungo"

(Let her sleep alone for some time, girls. You can tease her in the evening)

Then, making sure they all had gone, I took off my blanket from my face and turned straight, lying on my back, looking around at our guestroom.

I took a deep breath and shivered at the thought of tonight, quickly rolling onto my stomach and pressing a pillow over my head, covering my ears as I let out a whine.

But I couldn't sleep, my mind spinning with the overwhelming thought-I'm his wife, he's my husband, and we're married.

I'm married to my professor.

Perumaaley!

And above all that, tonight, for the first time, we'll be intimately close, sharing an entire night like never before.

Achacho!

(Oh my!)

**********

TBC..

Epdi irundhuchu?

Finally, after 60 chapters, Seetha's wish to marry her professor, Aayush, had finally come true 🧿

And now, you all will get to experience the last 19 chapters of our very own Seetha and Aayush's married life, filled with every emotion to the fullest. I'm just as eager to share them with you all as well!

Shall I expect another 520+ votes? Pleaseee......🌝

Take care. See you all in the next update, bubyee 🚴‍♀️💜🦋