Two months after her engagement, Lathika returned to Madurai, the weight of wedding plans and family expectations pressing down on her. Just as she had begun to settle back into her routine, a call from her grandmother, Jaimathi, came through, asking her to join for a shopping trip to pick out gold jewellery and sarees for the wedding. It was a distraction she hadn't realized she needed, but welcomed all the same.

The group consisted of Lathika, Jaimathi, Raahini, and a few women from both hers and Prashanth's families. They were a lively bunch, moving from one shop to another, debating styles, colours, and which designs would suit everyone best. Lathika smiled to herself as they fussed over every detail, picking out sarees in shades of gold, red, and blue, each woman with a different opinion on what the wedding should look like. She couldn't help but think that her wedding, despite all the glamour around her, would be nothing like this. She had planned it to be simple.

She wanted everything to feel classic—nothing too over the top, no unnecessary decorations. The idea of extravagant chandeliers and grandiose centrepieces felt foreign to her, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt it didn't align with the kind of marriage she wanted.

When she told her grandmother this after the shopping spree, Jaimathi had paused, raising an eyebrow, sceptical at best. "Simple?" she repeated, almost as if the word was foreign in the context of the event they were preparing for.

But Lathika had been firm, insisting that she wanted a small, intimate wedding with a quiet elegance.

"Are you sure about this?" her grandmother asked again, the scepticism lingering in her voice.

Lathika smiled and nodded. "Yes, Achi. I want it to be about the two of us, not about the show."

To make sure there would be no misunderstandings, Lathika texted Prashanth, wanting to make sure they were on the same page.

Lathika: How do you want your wedding to be? Grand or simple?

An hour later, her phone buzzed with a reply.

Prashanth: I'd be happy if we did a registry marriage, even, but I'm fine with however you want it to be.

Lathika's heart fluttered, a smile creeping across her face. He always managed to make her feel so heard, even if it meant something less extravagant than he might have imagined. It made her feel secure, knowing that he wasn't the type to want a lavish affair. A small wedding felt right for them, especially after her previous experience in event planning with the disastrous wedding in Tirunelveli.

The memory of that event still stung—how the bride and groom had snuck in a surprise fountain firework display, ignoring the contract that explicitly forbade it, only for it to malfunction and cause chaos. The damage had been more than physical; her reputation had been scarred. But Prashanth had been there for her in ways she hadn't expected. After returning from a long-haul flight, he'd come straight to her house, his face etched with worry. He had been angry on her behalf, ready to confront the couple and their families, but Lathika had refused. Instead, he stayed by her side as she worked through the mess. He had been a gentleman, offering support and strength when she needed it most. He was the kind of man who made her heart skip beats.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. She looked up, surprised to see Raahini standing in the doorway, a warm smile on her face.

"Patti," Lathika greeted with a smile. "Didn't know you were coming. I would've been downstairs with everyone. Is there something you need?"

Raahini smiled, shaking her head. "Nothing at all, just wanted to have a chat with you." She gestured for Lathika to sit, pulling her gently down next to her.

Lathika sat, adjusting her saree as she looked at Raahini, whose wise eyes were scanning the room before settling on her.

"How have you been, ma?" Raahini asked, her voice soft but full of care.

Lathika leaned back, feeling a wave of warmth spread through her as she spoke. "I'm good, Patti. Business is picking up, and Prashanth has helped me find new clients. And Achi had invested a little in my rental business as well, that's picking up too." There was pride in her voice, a quiet satisfaction.

Raahini's eyes lit up at the news. "That's wonderful to hear, my dear. And how are things between you and Prashanth?"

Lathika smiled, a little nervously. "So far, so good. It's...it's going well."

Raahini nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. She took Lathika's hand in hers, squeezing it gently. "I'm glad. I really am."

A pregnant silence filled the room as each one waited for the other to speak. However, Lathika knew Raahini wouldn't come finding her without a reason and so, she tried to prompt her.

"Is there anything you'd like to tell, Patti?"

Raahini, as if pulled out from her trance glanced at Lathika for a moment, then nodded. "Honestly, it made me wonder how things had changed in Prashanth. He never wanted to be tied down, always looked for a way to get away from anything that holds him on... It came as a surprise even to me when he came back to tell me he was ready for this marriage."

Lathika listened to Raahini as she spoke about Prashanth, he never wanted to be tied down, ran in her mind a couple of time and had her wonder what made him say yes to in helping at the first place. Raahini's voice broke her train of thoughts.

"I just wanted to tell you, dear, that marriage isn't always easy. You would have differences of opinions. I know it might get overwhelming at some point. You might face some tough moments. If you ever have an argument, don't let it linger. If you ever have doubts, don't keep it to yourselves. Talk it out, and understand each other's perspective. There will be moments when you both need to meet halfway, and when you do, remember why you started this journey together."

Lathika met Raahini's gaze, feeling the weight of her words. "I'll keep that in mind, Patti."

Raahini's eyes softened, full of warmth. "Prashanth is a good man. He's kind, and he cares deeply for you, I can see that. The way he held you during the engagement and how he treats you even when you both are out of our sights, he truly cares for you. And so do you, I have seen it and it makes me happy to see you both look after each other. Just be happy, my dear."

Lathika felt a lump in her throat as she processed Raahini's words. The thought of a lifetime spent with someone who cared for her so deeply was something she hadn't fully grasped until now.

"We will, Patti," she said quietly.

Raahini smiled again, squeezing her hand one last time before standing up. "I know you will, my dear. I just want you to be happy, that's all. And if you ever need to talk, you know Jaimathi will be always there and if not her you can always come to me."

❁ ❁ ❁

Prashanth had never been one to feel nervous. Whether it was an important meeting, a tight flight schedule, or even family gatherings, he always managed to keep his cool. But when Lathika's Achi—well, now his Achi too—pulled him aside for a chat, he couldn't help but feel a flutter in his chest. It wasn't like he had anything to hide, but there was something about moments like this that made him uneasy. As much as he had grown fond of Lathika's family, their scrutiny felt different.

He had flown to Madurai a week after Lathika had come for shopping. He was busy handling the last bits of paperwork for their marriage registration. It had been a whirlwind since their engagement—preparations, paperwork, and everything in between. Today, he had stopped by Lathika's house to grab a few final documents before heading back to Chennai, when Achi had asked him to sit down for a talk.

"So, how's everything, Prashanth?" Achi asked, her voice calm and inviting as she settled herself in the chair opposite him, her eyes observing him closely.

"All good, Achi. No tension at work," he chuckled lightly, trying to ease into the conversation. "Unless it's in the sky with the weather, and a few unavoidable variables causing some turbulence," he added, a half-smile playing on his lips.

Jaimathi laughed softly, taking a sip of the tea, the house helper had brought. "I guess you are good at what you do," she commented, gesturing for Prashanth to take his tea.

Prashanth raised his cup, his fingers brushing the porcelain, the heat of the tea grounding him. Good at what I do... He couldn't quite shake the familiar feeling that always crept up at times like this, the gnawing sense that somehow, he wasn't enough. That no matter how much he accomplished, how many times he stayed in control, he was still just a placeholder.

"Well, we can say that," he replied, his voice casual, though his thoughts were miles away. He took a sip of the tea, letting the warm liquid settle in his chest. It was smooth, strong, comforting in a way.

"And what about things with you and Lathika?" Jaimathi's voice brought him back to the present, her tone teasing, yet laced with genuine curiosity. "All good? Is she troubling you?"

Prashanth grinned, his mind shifting gears. "Lathika and trouble don't mix, Achi... I've never encountered any trouble with her. If anything, she's been the sweetest person. Always taking care of everyone but herself," he said, the words slipping out without hesitation. He thought back to all the times Lathika had put others first, her family, her friends, even him without ever asking for anything in return.

She's incredible. I'm not even sure I can keep up. What if I fail her? What if I fail all of them?

He shrugged inwardly, pushing the thoughts away. Stop it. Just focus on the moment.

He caught himself mid-thought, a wave of guilt passing over him. He didn't deserve all her care, not when he sometimes struggled to find his place beside her.

Jaimathi smiled knowingly, nodding as she set her cup down. "That she is. Lathika cares for those around her, thinking it's enough. But she hardly looks after herself. I'm glad she has you now." She met his gaze, her eyes soft but direct. "I'm sure you will do your part, on my behalf."

Prashanth shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He hadn't expected that. It was a subtle suggestion, but it hit harder than he anticipated. He had already begun looking out for Lathika in his own way—checking in on her during the busy times, arranging small dinners, trying to be there when she needed him. But was it enough? Could it ever be enough?

"I will, Achi," he said, the words feeling both like a promise and a weight. "I will."

Jaimathi didn't speak right away. She just looked at him, her gaze unwavering, as if trying to read something in his face. After a moment, she leaned forward slightly, her hands folded on her lap.

"Prashanth, I know you both are still learning about each other, and that's perfectly fine. But as you grow together, always remember, marriage is not just about being together in good times. It's about being there for each other when things aren't so easy." She paused, letting the weight of her words settle in. "You'll have your differences, and there will be times when you'll doubt each other. But don't ever stop talking. Don't stop supporting each other."

Prashanth absorbed her words quietly, feeling the depth of the responsibility settling around him. He had always seen his role as someone who fixes things, who stays level-headed. But this was different, Lathika wasn't someone he could just "fix." She didn't need fixing; she needed someone who would stand by her, who could share the load when life got heavy.

"I understand, Achi," he replied softly, feeling the weight of the future settling in his chest. He wasn't sure he had it all figured out yet, but he knew one thing for sure, he would try. He'd try his best to be the kind of man she deserved. The kind who could stand beside her, no matter the storm.

Jaimathi gave him a small, approving nod. "Good. I just wanted you to know how much she means to all of us. Take care of her, Prashanth. Don't let her carry everything alone."

As he left the house, the words from Achi lingered in his mind. Don't let her carry everything alone. It was a simple reminder, but it felt like a weighty promise. He wasn't sure how he would do it or if he was enough, but he knew he had to try. For her. And for them.

❁ ❁ ❁

The wedding atmosphere at Jaimathi and Raahini's homes was nothing short of electric. The air buzzed with anticipation as relatives trickled in, one by one, weaving through the crowd of cars parked in neat rows along the street. Outside, the house gleamed with the glow of soft, golden lights strung up on trees, framing the entrance with vibrant, fragrant flowers. The towering banana trunks stood sentinel on either side of the entrance, with thoranam – delicate strands of tender coconut leaves – swaying gently in the breeze, adding a traditional touch to the vibrant display.

Inside, the caterers were busy at work, preparing meals that would feed the many mouths that had come to celebrate over the next few days. The scent of spices and freshly cooked food wafted through the house, mingling with the heady smell of jasmine and marigolds that adorned every corner. The women in the family moved around the house in a flurry of activity, organizing, planning, and overseeing every detail.

Lathika, however, felt like an island of stillness amid the storm of preparation. She tried her best to focus on the laughter and chatter around her, but her thoughts kept slipping away like sand through her fingers. Amrita and Nithi's cheerful presence beside her only seemed to amplify the feeling of being overwhelmed. She barely noticed the bustling event around her, too wrapped up in the inner turbulence that seemed to grip her tighter with each passing hour.

The sound of clattering dishes, the excited voices of relatives, and the steady stream of people coming and going felt distant, as if she were hearing everything through a thick fog. She could feel the weight of everything on her chest—the approaching wedding, the looming ceremony—and she struggled to centre herself. The last few rituals, the intense energy of the pre-wedding ceremonies, had left her drained and anxious.

As the night wore on, the house quieted, the last of the rituals winding down, and Lathika sat by her window, gazing out at the dark, starless sky. It was a deep blue, nearly black, with the occasional flicker of a distant light. She could almost hear the rhythmic beating of her own heart against the silence. It was strange, how calm everything seemed, yet she knew better. She could feel the familiar anxiety rising in her chest, the way she always felt before a big event. She wasn't sure what had triggered it, but it was like clockwork—this deep, overwhelming sensation of losing control just before everything was about to happen.

Her mind raced, spinning thoughts faster than she could catch. The wedding was only hours away. She had studied herself over the years, learned the patterns of her own stress, and she knew. Right before an event, she would lose focus completely, letting herself drift into this fog where everything felt like too much. It had happened during their engagement ceremony and had already happened during the past few rituals. How was she supposed to handle this on the wedding day?

Amrita and Nithi, like sisters she never had, were her anchors. They had been by her side every step of the way, offering encouragement, running errands, and lightening her burden without even realizing it. Her gratitude for them swelled in her chest as she paced the room. It was hard to believe the day had come so quickly. The hours blurred together, and before she knew it, the silent alarm of the morning had cut through the haze.

The morning had arrived with a rush of activity—shower, preparations, last-minute checks. She barely had time to gather herself. Before she knew it, she was in the car, decked up as a bride, heading to the venue. The world around her felt almost unreal as she stepped into the grand hall, the reality of the wedding finally sinking in.

And there he was. Prashanth.

Lathika almost forgot to breathe as she looked at him, sitting behind the pit of sacred fire, looking nothing short of perfect. In silk shirt and dhoti, Prashanth looked striking. In the whirlwind of the wedding, everything else faded into the background, but he was the constant. Her mind quieted, just a little, every time her eyes met his.

The walk down the aisle was a blur. She hardly remembered the steps, only that she could feel the warmth of her parents beside her and the soothing presence of her friends and family behind her. But it was Prashanth's gaze that held her. It was the mere fact that they were both equally uncertain in their new phase of their lives that steadied her.

The ceremony was a beautiful blur too—rituals performed, vows exchanged, but Lathika's focus remained entirely on him. Sitting side by side, performing the rites, she felt his gaze on her, and she couldn't help but smile. It was a smile that didn't leave her face, a smile that came effortlessly, just from knowing that he was there with her.

As they sat together for their first meal as husband and wife, Lathika couldn't help but study him, trying to catch some glimpse of emotion. His calm, composed demeanour was so familiar, so steady, and yet it made her feel both at ease and inexplicably unsure.

"Need something?" he asked, catching her gaze with a grin.

Lathika looked at him for a moment, then smiled. "Yeah," she nodded. "Some of your calmness, please."

Prashanth chuckled, the sound warm and light. He picked up his glass of water, teasing her as he held it out. "Here, drink this, and you'll be all calm."

The moment was light, easy, and it made her feel fine, like everything might just be okay. The nerves that had been tight in her chest loosened just a little. His presence was grounding, and despite all the chaos swirling around them, she felt a flicker of peace.

As Lathika sat there, the warmth of Prashanth's presence beside her slowly began to quiet the storm inside her. But beneath that calm, another feeling started to rise, one she hadn't quite anticipated. The reality of stepping into this new role—wife, partner, someone else's family, began to settle over her like a weight she couldn't shake off.

It wasn't just about the wedding or the rituals that defined the day; it was about what came after. She was leaving behind the house she grew up in, the space she shared with her parents and grandmother. Even though she had spent years working away from home, this felt different. It wasn't just the physical space she was moving out of, but the emotional distance that now loomed between her and the family she had always been so close to.

Her eyes laid on her parents chatting with some distant relative and then to her grandmother chatting with her best friend, Raahini. The thought lingered; this was her new life now. There would be no more spontaneous visits home after a long day, no more casually walking into her grandmother's room for a chat. Lathika had always been the independent one, but now she was stepping into a world where she had to share everything, and there was a piece of herself she would leave behind, tucked in the rooms of her childhood home.

Yet, as the weight of it all settled, there was a quiet reassurance too. She had made her peace with it. She knew her parents and grandmother would only be a phone call away. They had always been there for her, and they always would be. Lathika smiled, the kind of smile that was soft and tinged with a quiet sense of sadness, but also with acceptance.

❁ ❁ ❁

And now they are married!

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