Episode 32...

The next morning, Shreya woke up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the distant chatter of her family. The house was buzzing with energy as everyone prepared for the day. This was no ordinary morning-it was the day before the ceremony.

After a quick breakfast, Shreya, Kavitha, Keerthana, Lakshmi, Ajay, and Deva set out for the goldsmith's shop to purchase the gold nuptial chain for the ceremony. The shop, nestled in the bustling streets of Chennai, had an air of tradition and warmth.

Lakshmi led the way, her eyes scanning the displays with precision. "Shreya, unaku pudicha madhiri paathu edu di, idha nee lifelong poda pora so paathu edu..," she said, pulling her daughter closer.

Keerthana chimed in, holding up a delicate chain adorned with subtle engravings. "Heyy, idhu simple ah azhaga irukkula da?"

Shreya nodded with a shy smile. "Perfect ah irukku ka, yenga idhu nalla irukka?."

Ajay stood behind her, observing the process with an amused expression. "Maa idha nee dhan poda pora, soo.. unaku pudichirukku na enakum pudichirukku" he said, as Shreya smiled.

Kavitha turned to Ajay with mock sternness. "Theritinga Ajayy.. neenga polachipinga!"

"Hehe, thanks uh nga," Ajay replied with a grin, making everyone laugh.

After finalizing the purchase, they decided on the nearby Murugan temple, renowned for its auspicious rituals, as the venue for the ceremony. The family left the shop feeling excited and content.

That night, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Shreya and Ajay, though exhausted from the day's errands, found themselves unable to sleep.

"Enna yosikira?" Ajay asked, lying beside her and propping his head on his hand.

Shreya turned to face him, her eyes twinkling. "Namba kalyanam apo namba avlo satisfied ah illa, ana now we are into this whole heartedly la."

Ajay chuckled. "Naa inga nee nalaiki saree la epdi irukka poriyoo.. nu yosichitu irundhen"

Shreya blushed, playfully hitting his arm. "Po da enaku puppy shame ah iruku!"

"Eii na sonnadhu unaku olunga puriyala nu nenaikiren," Ajay said with sincerity. "Adha apdiye konjam modulation mathi solli paaru."

Shreya's face scrunched, as she realised what he meant. "Poda loosu, apdiye sir mattum periya manmadhan uh." she turned to the other side and covered herself with the quilt..

"Nee sonalum solala nalum, adhu dhan unmai" Ajay peethifyed "Po enkita pesadha"Shreya said "sorry ma, indha pakkam thirumbu" Ajay kept pulling Shreya's shoulder

"Apdiye.. mooditu paduthuru Ajay nalaiki nalla naal adhuvuma enkita nalla vaangi katikadha solten.. amaidhiya paduthuru" Shreya chided to which Ajay pouted and pulled the blanket from herr "Deii erumaa unna.." Shreya shouted.. and their quarrel continued.

By dawn, the house was abuzz with activity. Naren, Keerthana, Vishal, and Nisha arrived bright and early, dressed in their traditional best, bringing along their contagious energy. Nisha and Keerthana, both draped in beautiful silk cotton sarees, made a beeline for Shreya's room to help her get ready. The room was filled with giggles, chatter, and endless teasing as they got to work.

"Enna di aaley pala pala nu aiyuta!" Nisha teased as she carefully drew a perfect line over Shreya's eyelid.
"Unaku porama di!" Shreya said, laughing, her cheeks tinged with a deep pink.
Keerthana joined in, adjusting the jasmine flowers on Shreya's braid. "Unakena ma un purushan unna Paris ku lam kootitu poi propose pannuvaru naanga apdiya!"

As the preparations continued, Shreya's transformation began to unfold. Draped in a maroonish red silk saree with an intricately woven golden border, Shreya looked divine. The saree hugged her petite frame perfectly, its elegance amplified by her minimal jewelry-a delicate gold neckpiece, traditional jhumkas that swayed with her every movement, and a set of gold bangles that jingled softly on her wrists.

Her face wore the barest touch of makeup, enhancing her natural beauty. A stroke of kajal lined her almond-shaped eyes, making them look captivating, while a fine line of eyeliner extended just enough to define their shape. Her lips were painted a deep red, adding a pop of boldness to her otherwise subtle look. Between her perfectly arched eyebrows sat a small, round brown pottu, completing her Tamil ponnu aura.

The partition in her hair, filled with vibrant red kumkum and her fresh nuptial thread, hanging proudly around her neck, was unmistakably the centerpiece, symbolizing her newfound identity as Ajay's wife. Her hair, braided neatly and adorned with fragrant jasmine flowers, cascaded down her back, the flowers adding a touch of freshness and purity.

Nisha stepped back, admiring her handwork. "Azhagu di nee, ipo mattum na paiyan ah irundhu irundhena.. unna apdiye thookitu poi kalyanam panni irupen!"
"Exactly," Keerthana chimed in.

As Shreya finally stood up, adjusting her saree, the three of them burst into a round of applause. "Anna oda gadhi inaiki avlo dhan," Nisha said with a wink.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Ajay was already dressed and busy helping Poornima, Malini, and Naren's mother load the ceremonial items into the car. Ajay wore a shirt in the same maroon hue as Shreya's saree, paired with a crisp white veshti bordered with golden stripes. His hair was styled slightly messy, a look that seemed effortless yet charming, and a single strike of vibhuti on his forehead added a spiritual touch. His brown leather watch complemented his attire, making him look both traditional and modern at once.

When Shreya descended the staircase, the entire house went silent for a moment, and then came a collective "aww" from everyone present. Ajay, who had been talking to Poornima, froze mid-sentence, his eyes fixed on Shreya. He looked completely captivated, as if seeing her for the first time.

Poornima chuckled and Malini broke the silence. "Thambii, light ah valiyudhu thodachiko," she teased, making everyone laugh. Poornima then walked up to Shreya and performed the traditional act of taking away the evil eye, cracking her knuckles in the air and muttering a prayer. "En kanne patrum pola irukku da kannu," she said, her voice filled with pride.

Even Shreya couldn't help but admire Ajay, his traditional attire making him look every bit the handsome and devoted husband. "Paravala, neengalum paaka nalladhan irukkinga," she said with a smirk as they exchanged playful glances.

Ajay grinned and pulled out his phone. "Seri va ma, namba oru selfie eduthukalam." They posed together, their smiles wide and genuine. Vishal, watching from the side, rolled his eyes but eventually stepped in. "Seri phone ah kudunga, ivaloda friend ana paavathuku unga rendu perayum oru photo eduthutu kudukuren."

As everyone admired the photo, Malini's phone buzzed with a call from Lakshmi. "Deii kilambitingala illaya! innum konjam nerathula muhurtha neram arambika poguthu" Lakshmi's voice was tinged with urgency.
"Idho kelambitom athai," Malini replied.

With that, the entire group hustled, grabbing their bags and items as they hurried out to their cars. Excitement filled the air as they set off for the temple, the chatter and laughter in the cars reflecting the joy of the day.

The temple was calm and serene as everyone reached the venue. The soft chants of priests and the faint scent of incense created an atmosphere of divine energy. Deva, Santhosh, and the others had already made all the arrangements, ensuring everything was perfectly set for the ritual. They had chosen a secluded area of the temple where rituals were commonly performed, away from the hustle and bustle of public visits. The space was adorned with banana leaves, small flower rangolis, and a canopy of fresh jasmine garlands hanging above.

As soon as Shreya stepped inside, Deva and Santhosh were by her side, showering her with affection. "Azhaga irukka da thango..," Deva said, his eyes moist with emotion as he gently patted her head. Santhosh nodded in agreement, adding, "Heyy azhaga irukka di."

Shreya smiled brightly, leaning on her father for a moment before Santhosh gently led her to the ritual area. Ajay, already seated, looked at her with an expression of pure admiration. Her maroon saree and minimal yet elegant jewelry glowed in the soft sunlight filtering through the temple's stone pillars.

The priest instructed Ajay and Shreya to sit side by side, with Shreya positioned to Ajay's right. Poornima and the other elderly women ensured everything was in place as they handed the simple jasmine garlands to the couple. With the priest's chants filling the air, Ajay and Shreya exchanged the garlands. The garlands, light and fragrant, seemed to carry the purity of their love.

Poornima stepped forward, holding the gold nuptial chain, and gestured for Ajay to put it around Shreya's neck. "Indha kannu idha pudi ," Poornima said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. Shreya clasped her hands together, her eyes downcast with a mixture of shyness and reverence. Ajay, his hands steady yet his heart racing, gently fastened the chain around her neck.

As the chain settled on her, the crowd of family and close friends showered them with akshathai-blessing them for a long and prosperous life together. Lakshmi and Naren's mom then came forward, taking the thali that Shreya had worn since their wedding. They began carefully inserting it into the new chain, along with other small gold pendants meant to adorn it. Shreya, completely engrossed in the process, watched intently as their hands worked with precision.

Meanwhile, Ajay couldn't take his eyes off her. Her focus, her elegance, and the way she embodied grace at that moment mesmerized him. He leaned in slightly and whispered, "epdi ma ivlo azhaga irukka?" Shreya blushed but kept her focus, her lips curving into a small smile.

Malini stood to the side, watching the preparations with moist eyes. She clutched Hussain's hand, her emotions brimming over.

"Chotti, nee ok va?" Hussain asked softly, noticing her silence.

She nodded, her voice thick with emotion. "Ennala Ajay kalyanatha paaka mudiyama poiduchu la. Ennoda pregnancy complications aala ennala ennoda orey thambi oda kalyanthula nathanar mudichu poda mudiyama poiduchu la. Ana ipo.. idha paakum bodhu, it feels like a second chance." Her eyes followed Ajay, who was laughing at something Shreya whispered to him.

Hussain placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Ada idhula enna chotti irukku, nee kalyanathula illa naalum avan un thambi epdiyum unna pathi dhan manasula nenachitu irundhurupan, adhuvum illama innum neraiya functions irukku adhula nee un nathanar porrupu ah senjidu." as she smiled.

As the womens secured the thali to the chain, Keerthana and Nisha stepped forward and pulled out the nuptial thread that was tied during Shreya and Ajay's wedding. "Nee ipo lerndhu official pudhu ponnu la irundhu palaya ponnu ah upgrade aiyuta" Nisha teased, making everyone laugh.

The priest then asked Ajay to apply kumkum on the partition of Shreya's hair, another gesture symbolizing their union. He gently did so, his hand trembling slightly as Shreya closed her eyes, savoring the sacred moment. With that, the priest declared the ritual complete, and Ajay and Shreya bowed together, touching the ground with their foreheads as a sign of respect. The elders stepped forward one by one, showering them with akshathai once again and offering heartfelt blessings.

When the priest called for the elders to bless Ajay and Shreya, Malini and Hussain stepped forward with radiant smiles. Poornima, standing nearby, urged them forward. "Malini, neeyum thambiyum poi ashirvadham pannunga," she said with a warm smile.

Ajay and Shreya knelt to receive blessings from Hussain and Malini. Ajay, however, hesitated as he reached for Malini's feet. "Iva kaalula lam na vila maten!" he protested, crossing his arms defiantly.

Malini raised an eyebrow, her trademark sisterly glare in full force. "Apdiya? thambi unaku ethana vaati indha akka shoe lace katti vittu irupen !"

Everyone burst into laughter, and Poornima joined in, saying, "Ajay ipo na anga vandhen nu vei enkita nalla adi vanguva."

Grumbling good-naturedly, Ajay touched Malini's feet, his lips twitching in a reluctant smile. "Sandhoshama?" he muttered.

Malini laughed, her eyes softening as she placed her hands on his head. "Neenga rendu perum epavum idhey madhiri sandhoshama irukanum," she added with a teasing grin, "Heyy en thambi romba torture pannadha di"

Hussain followed suit, placing a gentle hand on Shreya's head. "Take care of each other."

Shreya looked up at them, her voice trembling slightly. "Thank you, akka, anna."

Ajay, seeing Malini's tear-filled eyes, reached out and squeezed her hand. "Azhadha ka"

Malini wiped a tear away, unable to respond, and simply pulled them both into a heartfelt embrace. Poornima watched the scene unfold, her heart swelling with pride at the family's love and unity.

As the ceremony continued, Malini stood beside Hussain, her earlier sadness replaced by pure joy. She knew she hadn't been there for Ajay's wedding, but being part of this sacred moment was enough to fill that void in her heart. The sight of Ajay and Shreya exchanging playful smiles and quiet glances reaffirmed that everything was exactly as it should be.

The next part of the ritual required them to head to the temple pond to release their wedding garlands and old nuptial thread. Santhosh accompanied them as per tradition, holding Shreya's hand as they walked down the temple's ancient stone steps. "Shreya, paathu. Kolathu kulla edhuvum vilundhu veikadha!" Santhosh teased, earning a glare from his sister.

"Kavalapadadha, na vilundhalum en purushan enna pudichiru varu, enna Ajay?" Shreya shot back, making Santhosh roll his eyes and Ajay grin proudly.. The still waters reflected the temple's grandeur as they carried their wedding garlands and the old nuptial thread. The three of them, following tradition, released these items into the pond, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Back at the temple, the family gathered for prayers, each offering their thanks to the deity. Ajay and Shreya stood side by side, their hands folded in devotion. "Naanga epovum onna irukanum swamy, adhuku nee dhan thonaiya irukanum" Shreya prayed quietly. Ajay, as if hearing her thoughts, squeezed her hand gently.

After receiving the prasadham, everyone sat under a large peepal tree, enjoying the cool shade and sharing laughs. Vishal and Naren kept the mood light with their endless jokes, while Poornima recounted stories of similar rituals from her younger days.

Before leaving, they gathered for a grand group photo. "Naandhan naduvula nippen," Poornima joked as she stood in the center, holding Ajay and Shreya's hands. The camera clicked, capturing a moment filled with love, tradition, and togetherness.

As they made their way home, Ajay whispered to Shreya, "Epdi feel pandra?, adhuvum inaiki ellarukum needhan centre of attraction"

"Jolly ah irundhuchu," Shreya admitted, leaning into him.

"Yendi na evlo feel panni kekuren, nee enna da na ipdi answer pandra," he said, making her laugh as the car sped away, carrying them back to their happily ever after.

"சொல்ல முடியாத காதலும் சொல்லில் அடங்காத நேசமும் என்ன முடியாத ஆசையும் உன்னிடத்தில் தோன்றுதே

நீதானே பொஞ்சாதி நானே உன் சரிபாதி"

To be continued....

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Stay Tuned! ~ Abi