It was Sunday and Aakash slept longer than usual. Loud voices from the hall disturbed his rest. He sat up leaning against the headboard and ruffled his hair in irritation.
‘Lavanya must have returned early from her excursion. Rajesh would have gone to pick her up from college ‘ he thought and headed to the bathroom for his morning chores.
When he stepped into the hall, he saw Lavanya seated on the sofa, her jaw clenched in anger. His father sat nearby, calmly reading the newspaper, while his mother was in the kitchen preparing the Sunday breakfast, dosa and mutton gravy.
“Amma, oru coffee kodunga ( Amma, please give me a coffee )” Aakash said softly as he sat beside his father and immediately Lavanya stood in front of him.
“What was the need to accept this proposal? Were you even conscious when you saw her? Please stop this. People will mock us,” she snapped.
As soon as those words left her mouth, the newspaper slammed hard against the tea table
” Shut up Lavanya” Balaram roared looking at her.
Aakash tried to intervene but his father was already standing, pointing a finger at Lavanya.
“Who do you think you are? Mind your words when you speak about Meenakshi. She is going to be the daughter-in-law of this house, your brother’s future wife, your sister-in-law. Show some respect.” he said strictly warning her.
Padma walked out of the kitchen and handed a glass of coffee to Aakash before she stood beside Lavanya.
“She is young, but she is not wrong. Think about our relatives. What will people say? What about Aakash? Do you think he can take her out and introduce her proudly as his wife? You are ruining his life.” Padma said firmly.
Balaram turned to Aakash instantly, ” Do you feel disgusted by Meenakshi?” he asked quietly.
Aakash shook his head, “No, appa. I don’t feel disgusted. I—” he started to talk further but Balaram cut him off.
“That’s enough, end of discussion. The wedding will happen. All of you focus on the arrangements. As per tradition, we will buy the gold chain with nuptial pendant and the wedding clothes. I’ll speak to Madhavan about the rest. Soon we shall go shopping with Meenakshi’s family. Be prepared.” he made everything clear and with that, he walked away.
Padma and Lavanya looked at Aakash, but he said nothing. He walked into the kitchen, washed his glass and returned to his room in silence.
At Meenakshi’s house, she was busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast, while her parents sat in the hall listing out the wedding preparations.
The day after Aakash’s family visited, Radha made it clear that Meenakshi should quit her job at the earliest to avoid any complications during the wedding. Meenakshi informed the school principal about the sudden marriage arrangement and requested early relief.
The management was unhappy since she handled secondary classes but considering her situation, they agreed to relieve her within three weeks.
Hema had gone to her parents house since her father was unwell. Meenakshi called her and informed her that the wedding had been fixed and that she had submitted her resignation.
“Since the wedding is going to be simple and held at a temple, let’s compensate by giving more jewellery. That will help Meenakshi and Aakash in the future, if ever needed. Let’s also buy some jewellery for Aakash. And don’t forget the shopping, let Meenakshi buy new clothes for herself.” Madhavan said as he wrote everything down carefully, afraid he might forget.
Meenakshi, meanwhile, was lost in her thoughts about Aakash, about his silence and the way he barely looked at her when he visited with his family.
” Does he even want to marry me? ” she wondered and the sharp whistle of the pressure cooker broke her thoughts.
A little later, Madhavan received a call from Balaram, inviting him and Radha to their house to discuss the wedding preparations and to let them see the home that would soon be their daughter’s. Madhavan agreed immediately and informed Radha and Meenakshi.
By evening, Madhavan and Radha arrived at Aakash’s house, where Balaram welcomed them warmly. Aakash folded his hands respectfully in greeting, while Padma offered them water.
Balaram introduced Lavanya, who merely nodded before retreating to her room. Aakash sat quietly, observing as his father and his soon-to-be father-in-law discuss every detail. Later, the elders stepped out to meet an astrologer to fix the wedding date.
That night, Aakash was in his room ironing his shirts, a task he did only once a week. Balaram and Padma returned shortly after and his father looked visibly excited.
“Aakash, the wedding date is fixed. It’s in a month. We shall invite only a few close relatives. Tomorrow I’ll visit the temple near both our homes and pay the advance. Next Sunday, both families will go shopping together.” Balaram announced cheerfully.
Aakash simply nodded.
“I had dreamt of a grand wedding for my son. I thought someone like our Aishwarya would become our daughter-in-law. Fate has ruined all our dreams and our son’s life. Or why blame fate, when you are so determined to go ahead with this marriage?” Padma said bitterly looking at her husband before she walked toward the kitchen.
Her words hung heavy in the air.
Aakash switched off the iron and retreated to his room. He swallowed the rising fear and his hands trembled uncontrollably. Sitting on the bed, he pressed his palms firmly against the mattress, trying to steady himself.
“No… stop thinking, Aakash,” he whispered to himself.
He grabbed the water bottle from his table and drank deeply, forcing himself to calm down.
He lay back on the bed and draped his arm over his eyes, trying to shut out the images flooding his mind. But his thoughts refused to quieten, refusing to grant him even a moment of peace.
” Just one month, Aakash. Meenakshi will be here in this room, sharing your space. You won’t be able to hide from her the way you hide from your family.She will watch you… every moment, every move ” his mind mocked him and his heart slammed violently against his ribcage.
Unable to bear it, Aakash sprang up and walked out of his room. He grabbed his bike keys and left the house without a word to anyone.
He rode straight to the beach and sat on the shore, staring at the restless waves. But it was a Sunday and the noise of families who had come to spend time together filled the air. Couples laughed as they splashed in the water, some sat close on the sand, fingers intertwined, heads resting against each other. Children ran around carefree, some chasing one another and others clinging to their parents.
He sat alone. The loneliness pierced him… and yet, he welcomed it. Solitude felt safer.
How deeply he had longed for a family of his own. How much he had dreamed of loving a woman, of being loved in return. But now, all of it felt like a distant dream, one that would never come true. Soon, a woman would walk into his life carrying countless hopes, while he felt like a cursed man, unworthy of happiness.
A lone tear slipped down his cheek.
Unable to watch the happiness surrounding him any longer, he stood up and turned to leave only to bump into an old woman who looked like a beggar. She appeared weak and starved, as though she hadn’t eaten in days. Without waiting for her to ask, Aakash pulled out his wallet and handed her some money.
“Eppavum sandhoshamaa irunga. Ungaluku oru azhagana, nalla kunamulla manaivi kidaichi, kuzhandhaigaloada unga vaazhkkaiyila sandhosham mattume irukanumnu kadavula vendikkiren ” the old beggar woman blessed him. (“Stay happy forever, May God bless you with a beautiful, kind wife, loving children and a life filled only with happiness.” she blessed him softly “)
Aakash stared at her, stunned.
Just moments ago, he had been convinced he was cursed and now she was blessing him with everything he had ever yearned for, everything he believed he would never have.
‘If only she knew the truth of my life’, he thought.
Without another word, he walked past her toward where his bike was parked.
Radha was overjoyed that Meenakshi would be married within a month. Madhavan too, felt a quiet excitement and relieved that his daughter would be entering a family where Balaram would stand as a strong father figure, even though he still carried his reservations about Padma. More than anything, Madhavan trusted his instincts. He had seen patience and kindness in Aakash and he believed, with quiet conviction, that he would be a good husband to his daughter.
Keerthy was happy for Meenakshi’s wedding, yet the thought of living without her sister’s care and presence filled her with sadness.
That night, Meenakshi lay on her bed, staring at the calendar. Just one more month and she would be leaving the home she had grown up in.
The next day at school, she told Hema everything in detail. Hema listened with sparkling eyes and then gently pinched Meenakshi’s cheek.
“Tell me honestly, How does he look?” Hema teased her.
Meenakshi smiled genuinely, “Maybe around six feet. He wears glasses… and yeah he is handsome.” she said feeling shy.
Hema kissed her cheek affectionately. Meenakshi instantly glared at her and glanced around to check if anyone had noticed.
“I’ll miss you, Meenu, but I’m really happy for you. The way you smile and blush when you talk about him, it feels positive. Just be happy. And don’t forget to call me every day after you get married. I know you’ll be busy with your husband, but at least send me a message.” Hema said softly and Meenakshi rolled her eyes.
“Don’t roll your eyes now, Save that for your husband. He will give you plenty of reasons.” Hema said and Meenakshi’s cheeks flushed crimson as she tried to escape but Hema stopped her turning suddenly serious.
“Now listen carefully. I don’t care if you are busy or forget to call me every day. But if something ever goes wrong, you will call me. Your mother may not listen, but you have your father, Keerthy and me. I’ll be there for you anytime. Do you understand?” Hema said very seriously and Meenakshi smiled, moved by her friend’s concern and nodded her head.
The week flew by and soon both families were at a large textile showroom for the wedding shopping. Aakash stood quietly, adjusting his glasses now and then, while Padma and Lavanya busied themselves choosing outfits for their side of the family. Nearby, Radha and Madhavan carefully selected sarees for Meenakshi, who stood a little awkwardly, stealing shy glances at Aakash whenever she thought no one was watching.
Radha draped a green silk saree over Meenakshi’s shoulder. Aakash’s eyes instinctively moved toward her and lingered for a second longer than he intended. Meenakshi noticed his gaze and looked up. Startled, Aakash immediately averted his eyes and pretended to focus on his mobile phone.
When Madhavan reached for his wallet to pay, Balaram stopped him firmly.
“It’s our tradition that the groom’s family buys the wedding outfits,” he said, leaving no room for argument.
From there, the families headed to the jewellery shop. The men stood aside while the women sat down to choose the ornaments. Meenakshi’s fingers paused over a nuptial chain that caught her eye but the price tag startled her. She quickly placed it back and began searching for something more modest.
Noticing Aakash standing silently, Balaram pulled him aside and glared at him.
“Are you serious, Aakash? This is your wedding shopping, not a movie you are watching as an audience. Talk to Meenakshi. Show some interest. Choose something for her.” he snapped.
Aakash took a deep breath and joined the women. He picked up the same chain Meenakshi had touched earlier and placed it gently in front of her.
“This… this looks good. I mean… just my thought.” he said hesitantly and slipped his hands into his pockets to hide their trembling.
Madhavan and Balaram exchanged knowing smiles as Meenakshi lifted the chain and her lips curving into a soft smile. She realized that Aakash had noticed what she liked.
Padma glanced at the price and was about to object, but before she could speak, Balaram took the chain from Meenakshi and handed it over for billing.
Later, Meenakshi selected a bracelet and looked at Aakash, silent, questioning. Balaram nudged him gently from behind and Aakash nodded in approval.
Once the shopping was done, they paid and said their goodbyes. Aakash booked a cab and smiled politely at Madhavan and Radha. He glanced at Meenakshi but before his father could push him into saying more, he opened the door for his mother and sister.
The moment they reached home, Padma sank onto the sofa, fuming.
“What was the need to buy such an expensive chain for her? Or did you think she needed such a thick chain to match her size?” she snapped.
Hearing his mother’s words, Aakash flinched. The words stung more than he expected. He had never wanted this marriage, but taunting and body-shaming someone felt cruel, unacceptable. More than anything, Meenakshi would soon be his wife, a part of their family.
“Have some shame, Padma, she will be Aakash’s wife in three weeks. She will be the Mahalakshmi of this house and this is how you speak of her? Aren’t you happy that Aakash is finally getting married? Whatever we bought today was for her.” Balaram said sharply.
He placed the jewellery and clothes carefully in the pooja room.
“So, are we all set for the big fat wedding?” Lavanya remarked casually.
Aakash shot her a sharp look. “Lavanya…” he warned.
She merely shrugged and walked away to her room.
“This isn’t going to be easy,” Aakash thought as he retreated to his own room.
His mind replayed the moments from the showroom, the way Meenakshi had caught his gaze, how she had silently sought his opinion and the gentle smile that had lit her face when he chose exactly what she liked.
“I wish you had found someone better. Someone who could give you the happiness you deserve. Amma and Lavanya aren’t happy at all. How am I supposed to bridge everyone when I’m struggling with my own demons?” he thought bitterly.
He groaned softly and frustration weighed heavily on his chest.
***************************
A/N:
Please vote and comment
Take care and Thank you
Next Chapter
