Episode 29...

The first rays of dawn began filtering through the curtains, painting the room in hues of gold. Ajay stirred awake, his arm draped protectively around Shreya, who was still fast asleep. Her hair was a cascade of soft waves across the pillow, her lips slightly parted as she breathed evenly. Ajay couldn't help but smile, marveling at the sheer serenity she radiated.

He brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, careful not to wake her. But even in her sleep, she stirred and murmured, "Ajay... stop staring."

Caught off guard, he laughed softly. "En pondati na paakuren unaku enna?"

She rolled her eyes, stretching lazily. "Yabbha un pondati nee aproma pathuko, vaa ready enaku pasikudhu sapda polam..."

"Iva vera epo paaru soru soru nu adhellam aprom Pathukalam.." he quipped, pulling her closer. "Maybe I just wanted more of last night's magic."

Shreya's cheeks flushed as memories of the previous night washed over her. She gently pushed him away, her voice mock-stern. "Eii poda aprom purushan nu kooda pakamaten"

Dressed in casual but chic outfits, they made their way to a picturesque restaurant nestled in a cozy Parisian street corner. The place had outdoor seating with a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

The aroma of freshly baked croissants and brewing coffee filled the air. Shreya's eyes lit up as she saw the outdoor seating, complete with a view of the bustling Parisian street.

"Indha edam semma azhaga iruku" she said, looking around in awe.

Ajay held out a chair for her, pulling it back with a flourish. "Unna vidava!" he said, earning an knock from Shreya.

They ordered a traditional French breakfast-fluffy croissants, pain au chocolat, fresh fruit, and steaming cups of cappuccino. As they waited for their food.

Shreya leaned back in her chair, looking at Ajay as they sipped their cappuccinos. "onnu theriyuma Ajayee, enaku ipo edho kanavula irukura madhiri irukku. Indha edam, people ellam edho oru fairytale madhiri."

Ajay nodded, reaching across the table to hold her hand. "Enaku idhu kanavu madhiri lam illa ma".
"En?" Shreya asked "Fairytale la irukura ilavarasiye inga en munnadi okandhu irukurapo epdi kanava irukum sollu..'

Shreya laughed, her cheeks turning pink. "Dei mudila daa"
"En ma ivlo mudi irukurapo mudila ndra" Ajay again countered "ipo unna na edhala adipeney therila mariyadhya vaya moodu" Shreya warned

Their breakfast was filled with laughter, playful banter, and heartfelt conversations. Shreya opened up about her dreams of traveling more, while Ajay too agreed.

After finishing their breakfast at the quaint Parisian café, by mid morning Ajay and Shreya packed up and began their drive back to Switzerland in the sleek black car Vijay and Abi had given them.

The drive started peacefully, with soft sunlight filtering through the trees lining the road. Ajay was focused on driving, his hands confidently gripping the steering wheel, while Shreya sat beside him, scrolling through her playlist.

Just as Ajay was settling into the soothing hum of the car's engine, Shreya suddenly smiles and pressed play.

Out of nowhere, 'Stove mela kadai' blared through the car speakers. The beat was so energetic and chaotic that Ajay jerked slightly, his eyes widening in mock horror.

"What in the world, Shreya?!" he exclaimed, glancing at her.

"It's called vibe, Mr. Husband," Shreya said proudly, bobbing her head to the rhythm. "Ungaluku sonna puriyadhu."

Ajay shook his head, clearly unimpressed. "Vibe? Enna kandravi ma idhu. Nethi nalla dhana irundha, paris mood uh ku thagundhapla paatu poduvanu paatha ipdiya"

"Paris mood lam over! Inimey only namba ooru mood uh dhan," she declared, turning up the volume.

Ajay groaned dramatically. "Oru pombala pullingo kattikitu na padra paadu irukeyy.. "

Shreya gasped, feigning offense. "Excuse me, these songs are a masterpiece!"

Ajay smirked. "Masterpiece? Idhu masterpiece na, apo na dhanA.R. Rahman ok va?."

"Fine," Shreya said with mock irritation. "na off pannidren podhuma!." But just as Ajay relaxed, she turned it back on-this time, "Sheila ki Jawani" a more outrageous item song.

Ajay clutched his chest in mock pain. "Shreya, namba swiss poradhukulla en kadhula irundhu ratham dhan varapodhu paaru!"

Before Shreya could retort, her phone buzzed. It was her mom calling. Grinning mischievously, Shreya answered on speaker.

"Hi, mathajiii!" she said brightly.

"Shreya!" her mom's cheerful voice came through. "Enga di irukkinga?"

"Naanga ipodhan paris la irundhu swiss ku poitu irukom ma," Shreya replied, casting a glance at Ajay.

Her mom's tone turned curious. "Paris epdi irukku? Ajay unna nalla paathukurana?"

Ajay chuckled, unable to resist. "Athai, na ipo oru perfect ana husband a mariten. Neenga Shreya va dhan kekanum apolerndhu kanda kanda paatelam pottu enna torture pannitu irukka!"

Shreya's mom burst into laughter. "Ayyo, Shreya! Pavam di avan endi ipdi pandra?"

Shreya's jaw dropped. "ma! Nee yaaruku support pandra nu unaku theriyudha!"

But her mom was having none of it. "Ajay um en paiyan dhan. Apo na avanukum support pannanum la. Enaku theriyadha nee pandra adhigaprasangi thanam velai ellam."

Ajay smirked, thoroughly enjoying this unexpected alliance. "Thank you, Athai! Finally, someone understands my pain."

"ma!" Shreya whined, glaring at Ajay. "This is dhrogam maa!"

Her mom laughed even harder. "Alright, alright. Epo ellarum ooruku varinga?"

"Nalaiki madhiyam flight ma," Shreya said, still sulking.

"Nalladhu, Shreya un purushana romba thondharavu pannadha du."

Ajay grinned, giving Shreya a triumphant look. "Paathiyaa!."

Shreya rolled her eyes, clearly losing patience. "Seri, ma, bye! Na aprom pesuren." She abruptly cut the call, earning a loud laugh from Ajay.

"You're such a child," Ajay teased, still chuckling.

"Road ah paathu ottu" she shot back, crossing her arms.

Ajay glanced at her, his smirk softening into a fond smile.

The rest of the journey continued with light banter, occasional music wars, and plenty of laughter. Every now and then, they teased each other about small things-Shreya's exaggerated pout when she lost an argument, or Ajay's attempt to sing along to a kuthu song only to mess up the lyrics.

By the time they reached Switzerland, their hearts were full, and their bond felt even stronger.

As Ajay and Shreya pulled into the driveway of the Swiss villa, they were greeted by the warm, cheerful sight of everyone outside. Malini, Keerthana, Surya, Hussain, Zaara, Naren, Vijay, Abi and little Nila were all standing together, enjoying the crisp evening air. The moment the car stopped, Malini and Keerthana rushed forward, their faces glowing with excitement.

"Ennada ivlo seekiram vandhutinga" Malini said, grinning from ear to ear.

Keerthana joined in, clasping her hands dramatically. "Shreya, enna un mooji apdiye pala pala nu irukku"

Shreya blushed furiously, trying to deflect the attention. "Akka! Podhum"

"Heyy ipo dhana di arambichom" Malini quipped. "Ajay, Ennada kudutha avaluku apdiye jollikira!."

Ajay smirked, trying to play it cool. "Adhellam onnum illa just, croissants and love."

Keerthana burst into laughter, while Shreya buried her face in her hands.

Meanwhile, Naren, who was standing by Keerthana's side, pretended to pout. "Enda dei oru annan munnadi ennalam da pesuringa"

Keerthana rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Neenga apdi romba nalavaru madhiri pesadhinga."

The group erupted in laughter, and Naren threw his hands up in mock defeat. "Idhellam theva illadha content uh nga!"

Surya, watching the playful banter, stepped forward and gave Ajay a warm hug.

Ajay smiled, feeling the weight of his father's approval.

Shreya, standing next to Ajay, received an equally warm smile from Surya.

Shreya smiled, her heart swelling with emotion.

Later that evening, after everyone had settled down, Ajay and Shreya found themselves sitting in the lawn with Vijay and Abi. The cool night air was refreshing, and the quiet allowed for a more intimate conversation.

Abi, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, broke the silence. "So... how was Paris?"

Shreya immediately flushed, her hands fidgeting nervously. Ajay, on the other hand, rolled his eyes. "Ipo idhu romba thevaiya, Abi?"

"Kandipa," Abi said, leaning forward with a grin. "we mean, you both look so... different. Happier." Vijay sais

Abi smirked, crossing his arms. "correct ah sonninga. Shreya mugathula edho oru oli irukku."

"Neengaluma," Shreya groaned, though her lips twitched with amusement.

Abi leaned closer to Vijay, her tone dropping conspiratorially. "Looks like our plan worked, didn't it?"

Shreya blinked in confusion. "Plan? Enna plan?"

Vijay chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Oh, come on. Neenga Naanum Abiyum ungala coincident ah anga amichom nu nenaichingala?"

Ajay straightened in his seat, his brow furrowing. "Aprom?"

Abi laughed, waving a hand. "Relax! Adhu onnum illa... well, we thought you both needed a little push. And that resort is famous for being a romantic getaway."

Shreya covered her face with her hands, mortified. "Sariyana aala irukkinga rendu perum!"

Ajay, though initially annoyed, couldn't help but laugh.

Vijay clapped Ajay on the shoulder. "You can thank us later. Clearly, it worked."

Abi's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in closer. "And judging by that little mark on Ajay's neck, nalla ve work aiyuruku nu theriyudhu."

Ajay's hand instinctively went to his neck, his face reddening. "Abi, stop it!"

"Oru prachanaiyum illa plan work out acha illaya nu innum oru 1 or 2 months la therinjidum" Abi said
"Akkaa!" Shreya wined

The group erupted into laughter, and even Shreya, though embarrassed, couldn't suppress a smile.

That night, everyone gathered around the dining table for a hearty meal. Abi and Keerthana had teamed up in the kitchen to prepare a feast, and the delicious aroma of spices filled the air.

As the dishes were served, Naren couldn't stop gushing. "Abi, Keerthana, Vera level! Adhum en pondati ivlo nalla samaipa nu enakey ipo dhan theriyum" to which Keerthana knocked his head

Everyone laughed, enjoying the lighthearted atmosphere.

As the conversation flowed, Shreya suddenly looked up, her expression falling slightly. "Namba ellarum nalaiki ooruku kelambanum, packing lam ready ah?"

A hush fell over the table as the reality set in.

"Cha ama la," Malini said softly, her tone tinged with sadness.

Abi nodded, though she tried to keep the mood light. "Time fast ah poiduchu la"

Shreya sighed, looking around the table.

Abi reached over and squeezed her hand. "Naa unga ellarayum romba miss pannuven. But we'll make the most of tomorrow, okay?"

Malini suddenly remembered something. "heyy apo hussainum Naanum nalaiki papa oda check ponum la before travelling "

Abi nodded. "I'll book the appointment tonight. Better safe than sorry."

The mood lightened again as everyone began making plans for their last day together. Though the thought of parting loomed, they chose to focus on cherishing every moment they still had as a family.

'நீ தான் என் பூமி உன்ன சுத்தி வருவேனே'

To be continued

hi guyss, sorry for the delay. I have been having exams lately and Iam preparing for it.. so updates will be less frequent from now on till March, pls adjust karo..

Hope you guys liked the chapter, don't forget to share your votes and comments

Stay Tuned! ~Abi