Episode 27...

The night deepened as the family continued reminiscing, their laughter filling the air. It had been a long, eventful day with emotions running high from the proposal and the beauty of the Eiffel Tower glowing in the distance. But Malini, who had been feeling quiet for a while, finally broke her silence, shifting in her seat.

"Adeii, enaku mattum dhan inga pasikudha illa epdi?" she said, rubbing her stomach, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

Everyone paused. The realization hit that, despite all the excitement, they hadn't eaten in hours. Vijay checked the time on his watch. "It's almost 10:30. Ipo namba pogalana, we might not find anything open."

Abi nodded, immediately concerned for Malini. "Malini feed vera pandranga avanga time ku sapudanum"

Malini sighed in agreement. "Enaku nalla veetu sapadu sapudanum pola iruku"

Surya chimed in with a wide grin. "Yappadahh, en ponnu achu enna purinjikitale"

The group laughed, but the moment quickly shifted to decision-making. Shreya, the unofficial foodie of the group, suddenly perked up. "How about we go to a place that serves proper Tamil Nadu-style food? apodhan veetu sapadu sapta madhiri irukkum!"

Zaara's eyes lit up. "Aiii jolly!" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable. Even little Nila, though too young to understand the conversation, seemed to sense the excitement and babbled happily.

Ajay, ever the practical one, pulled out his phone and started searching for nearby restaurants. "uhh inga pakathula edhavudhu irukanu papom. Okay, here's an option... Anjappar Chettinad. Idhu nalla famous ana hotel."

Shreya glanced at the phone and raised an eyebrow. "Ana Anjappar mainly non-veg la?" she asked.

Ajay hesitated, realizing the issue. "Ama ma. Vijay, Abi... unga rendu perukum ok va?"

Vijay and Abi exchanged a look, then shrugged. "Oru prachanaiyum illa" Vijay said. Abi added, "Nijamave engaluku ok dhan. Let's just get some food, time vera achu!"

But the rest of the family was quick to object. Shreya shook her head. "Adhellam illa. Let's find something everyone will enjoy." Zaara and Keerthana nodded in agreement, clearly on board with finding a fully vegetarian option.

Ajay, smiling at the family's care for one another, scrolled a bit further. "Okay, here's another spot-Sree Annapoorna. It's a pure vegetarian restaurant from Coimbatore. Indha place ah oruthangaluku romba pudikum vera." he said as Shreya blushed

"Semma!" Hussain said, clapping his hands in approval. "Perfect."

And just like that, the decision was made. Within minutes, the family was on their way to Sree Annapoorna, their stomachs rumbling in anticipation. As they entered the restaurant, the familiar smell of crispy dosas, hot sambar, and spicy chutneys hit them. It felt like a little slice of Tamil Nadu had been transplanted to Switzerland.

The large group settled into a long table, chatting animatedly as they went over the menu. It didn't take long for them to order everything they had been craving-paper-thin dosas, soft idlis, and even pongal and vada. Soon, the table was filled with plates of steaming food, and the atmosphere became one of joy and contentment.

Malini, who had been the first to express her hunger, looked at her plate with pure delight. "Idhuku dhan naan apolerndhu kaathutu irundhen," she said, tearing into her dosa.

Zaara and Keerthana shared a plate of mini idlis, drenched in ghee and sambar, while Hussain, carefully rocking their newborn in his arms, contentedly enjoyed his meal. The baby slept peacefully on his lap, unaware of the feast surrounding him.

At the other end of the table, Nila sat perched on Ajay's lap, visibly curious about the food everyone was enjoying. She watched her father's hand move to his plate and then back up to his mouth, her little face scrunching in curiosity and mild jealousy.

Ajay couldn't resist teasing her. He picked up a small piece of dosa and, with a mischievous smile, brought it close to her mouth. "Unaku venuma thangam?"

Nila opened her mouth wide, clearly thinking he was serious, but just as she reached for it, Shreya smacked Ajay lightly on the arm. "Ajayyy! summa iru kozhandhaiya verupethadha. Papa idhellam sapuda koodathu!"

The family burst into laughter as Nila pouted again, confused and a little grumpy at being left out of the delicious meal. Ajay shrugged with a grin.

As the night deepened and the aroma of their delicious South Indian meal still lingered in the air, the group sat back in their chairs, completely full and content. The conversation, which had started with the food, naturally flowed into stories of childhood memories, each member of the group slowly sharing their mischievous tales. It began with Ajay, who nudged Naren playfully, his eyes gleaming with nostalgia.

"Macha andha ooty trip nyabagam irukka macha?" Ajay asked, smirking.

Varun chuckled, nodding as the memory played in his mind. "Adha epudra marapen paithiyathin uchakatathula namba panna velai ache"

Shreya, clearly intrigued, leaned forward. "Enna panninga?"

Ajay's face lit up as he launched into the story. "Naanga 9th padikum bothu engala trip ku school la irundhu ooty kootitu ponanga. Anaiki oru night uh Naren, Rakshan, Mugen, Keerthana, Deepika aprom ennakum, semma bore adichudha sooo... we thought it would be fun to sneak into this restricted room in the resort we were staying at. Anga vera edho nadamatam lam irukku nu sonanga"

Varun picked up from where Ajay left off. "Ama anga yaaro edho pei pisasu lam irukku nu sonanga... indha chance ah naanga viduvoma, enagluku vera udambu poorah moolaiya adhunala adha use panni ouija board adalam nu mudivu panomm."

Abi raised an eyebrow. "Ouija board? Really? Enda vera vellaiya illaya da ungaluku?"

Ajay laughed. "illa naanga adhu jolly ah irukkum nu nenachom. So, naanga epdiyo neraiya thiruttu thanam panni ulla nolanju, board ayum set up pannitom. ellam ready um aiyutom, enaku innum nyabagam irukku deepika marana beedhila irundha.. idhellam sari varadhu nu vera sonna"

Naren snorted. "ana naanga ava pechalam kepoma? sollu ava sariyana bayandhagoli nu naanga arambichitom."

"At first, onnume agala," Ajay continued, "but then the board started moving. Engala orutharu dhan idha pandranga nu nenachom, but none of us would admit to it. Aprom..."

Keerthana, who was Naren's wife, chimed in from across the table, laughing as she remembered. "Indha mugen summa illama, inga edhavudhu aavi irukka nu ketan.. epdi nu therla yes la land aiyuduchu. Avlodhan engaluku thooki vaari poturuchu."

Naren nodded, his eyes wide. "Semma bayam. Yaaro-Mugen nu nenaikuran?-semma kathuu, aprom modho aala deepika edutha paaru oru ottam."

Ajay's voice lowered dramatically, as if telling a ghost story. "Naangalum avala follow panom, enna otam odunom theriyuma?. But guess what happened? Deepika was the first one to run straight into someone-BAM!"

Shreya gasped, amused by the story. "Yaaru adhu? pei ah?"

Ajay grinned. "Naangalum adha dhan nenachom! Ellarum modhi keela vilundhutom.. kathu kathu nu kathunom. Naanga pei dhan nu confirm eh pannitom. Aprom ah dhan therinjudhu adhu pei illa enga principal nu!"

Everyone burst out laughing at this, imagining the chaos.

Naren added, shaking his head, "Ama, poiyum poi andha sota thala mela poi vilundhutom, aprom enna bangama matikitom"

Ajay slapped his thigh, still laughing at the memory. "Idhula avarum Malu vaiyum Shruthi akka vayum (Deepika's sis) resort office kooptutaru. They had to apologize to the principal on our behalf. Adhum Malu vera apo SPL ah irundha-so you can imagine the embarrassment for her."

Abi, clearly enjoying the story, chimed in. "Enaku akka va nenchadhan comedy ah irukku. I bet she wasn't happy."

Malini, sitting with a knowing smile, shrugged. "Enakku semma tension. Inga SPL ah edhavudhu pananum nu nenacha anga ennada na en kooda porandhadhu irukura vannukellam tension ah kelapitu irundhudhu. Enaku anaiku maname poiduchu"

Everyone laughed as Ajay leaned back, satisfied with his storytelling.

As everyone continued to laugh and share stories around the dinner table, Abi joined in, her face lighting up as she remembered a particularly memorable incident from her childhood. Shreya, sensing the smile in Abi's eyes, nudged her. "Abi, neenga sollunga ungaluku edhavudhu funny experience irukka?!"

Abi grinned. "Oh, ama. It's about this cousin of mine-Shyam. Avan ennoda athai paiyan, and avanuku epome en mela oru kannu irundhuchu."

Ajay and Naren leaned forward, already entertained by her tone. "Hmm this sounds interesting," Ajay said, smirking. "Nambaluku idhellam kuduthu vaikalaye" Naren pouted

Abi laughed. "Oru vaati enga oorula adhavadhu Thanjavur la oru kovil thiruvizha nadandhuchu. Nanga apo appa work uh kaga Dubai la irundhom apo dhan ooruku vandhoma so enaku adhellam pudhusa irundhudhu so na oru valayal kadai kitta ninutu irundhen, looking at the beautiful set of bangles, and na andha annakita enna price nu kekuradhukula enaku pinnadi la irundhu oru voice."

She paused, glancing around the table, the suspense drawing everyone in. "Thirumbi patha, Shyam, eelichu kitu irundhan. Enaku valayal venuma nu ketan and said he could buy them for me."

Keerthana raised an eyebrow. "Apdiye vaangi kuduthutana?"

Abi chuckled, shaking her head. "Not exactly. He had a condition. Adha vaangi kudukanumna naan avana mama nu kupudanum nu sonnan"

The group laughed, imagining young Abi's reaction to that. "Enaku oru madhiri aiyuduchu and didn't want anything to do with it, so I made up some excuse and ran off to find my brother Arjun. Now, Arjun romba protective, and when he heard about Shyam's 'condition,' he decided Shyam needed a lesson."

Shreya leaned forward, laughing already. "Enna pannaru?"

Abi smirked. "Enga anna ennoda meedhi cousins ah ellam kooptu oru plan potan. Naa eludhuna madhiriye oru letter ah eludhunanga, asking Shyam to meet at a quiet spot in the village at midnight. Shyam, um thinking he was getting his dream moment, sneaked out of the house that night, all dressed up and waiting."

Ajay's eyes widened. "So, idhellam Arjun oda velai?"

Abi nodded, trying not to laugh. "Absolutely. Shyam anga vandhapo, he found himself surrounded by my cousins, ellarum avan kannula padama aaluku oru podharu la olinjitu irundhanga. They were dressed in white, faces painted with eerie makeup, and whispering about a ghost who haunts young boys chasing after girls."

Everyone burst into laughter, picturing the scene. "Adhuku Shyam enna pannan?" asked Ajay.

"Pavam avanuku edhum theriyala!" Abi replied, grinning. "Edho pei voice la ponnunga pinnadi pora pasangala lam andha pudichitu poidum nu sonanga. He was terrified! He screamed, stumbled back, and ran for his life."

Naren shook his head, laughing. "Venum nalla mama vam la mamaa.."

Abi chuckled, nodding. "Solla ponum na, avan adhuku aprama en pakkam thala vachi kooda padukala. And I never got those bangles-but the look on Shyam's face was worth it."

The group laughed, still chuckling as they continued sharing their childhood memories. The warmth, humor, and closeness among them made the moment unforgettable.

Vijay, who had been quietly listening, smiled and added, "Well, my school life wasn't that exciting. Naa boys convent school la padichen, no sneaking out, no Ouija boards, and definitely no running into principals at haunted resorts."

Surya, who had been sitting back, listening with a mischievous smile, suddenly spoke up. "Well, Apo enkita oru kadha irukku. Naa school pogumbodhu, I used to take tuitions after school. And oru vaati... enna, uh... ennaku en tution teacher ponna pudichi irundhuchu"

Everyone immediately perked up at this.

Surya continued, "Orunaal, I thought I was being all smooth and decided to pass her a note. Ana, of course, Ana en teacher kitta mattikiten. Semma kovam aiyutaru, and enna oru varathuku class uh ku vella nikka vecharu. And let's just say I never tried passing notes again."

The table erupted in laughter, everyone teasing Surya for his failed attempt at romance.

As the laughter subsided, the group continued to chat about their childhoods, memories flooding back as they shared stories that connected them in new ways. From mischievous pranks to heartwarming moments, it was clear that each person at the table had lived a colorful life. The air was filled with warmth, nostalgia, and laughter-a perfect end to an unforgettable day.

When dessert arrived-bowls of sweet, creamy payasam and gulab jamuns with icecream-the excitement rose again. But by this point, Nila was getting fussy. She shifted in Ajay's lap, letting out small cries, clearly exhausted and hungry for her mother's milk.

Abi noticed immediately. "Oruthangaluku pasi vandhuruchu" she said softly. She excused herself from the table, giving everyone a gentle smile. "Naa car ku poren papa ku feed pananum"

Vijay stood up to accompany her. "Iru da naanum varen" he said, always ready to support Abi in the care of their daughter.

The two of them headed outside with Nila, leaving the rest of the group to finish up. But it wasn't long before Shreya started sneezing lightly, her face scrunching up with each small sneeze.

Ajay, ever the concerned husband, looked at her with a mix of affection and mild exasperation. "avlodhan unaku inaiki oda kota mudinjudhu" he said, reaching out to wipe her nose.

Shreya pouted. "Ana naan 2 spoons dhan sapten!"

Ajay raised an eyebrow, not buying her excuse. "Still, I don't want you getting sick."

Reluctantly, Shreya stood up with him, and they followed Vijay and Abi out to the car. As they approached, they saw Vijay standing just outside the car, gently patting Nila's back to help her burp after Abi had fed her. The little girl was already half-asleep, her head resting on her father's shoulder.

Abi was nearby, carefully organizing Nila's things in the car, making sure everything was in place for when they got home.

Shreya and Ajay paused, watching the scene unfold. There was something profoundly peaceful about it-the quiet love and care Vijay and Abi were showing for their daughter. Shreya felt a wave of warmth wash over her, and without thinking, she leaned her head against Ajay's shoulder.

"They're really something, la?" she whispered, her voice filled with admiration.

Ajay nodded, his arm wrapping around her. "Yeah, they are"

The peaceful moment hung in the air, as Shreya and Ajay silently watched Vijay pat Nila to sleep while Abi busied herself with their things. It was the epitome of love, of shared responsibility, and of family. There was a kind of unspoken connection between all of them in that moment, as if they were bound together by more than just blood-by love, by friendship, and by all the memories they had made together.

Vijay and Abi eventually noticed them standing there, and they shared knowing smiles. The four of them stood together, exchanging quiet looks that spoke louder than words. They didn't need to say anything. In that moment, they knew they had something special-a family built not just on shared experiences, but on mutual respect and love.

As they lingered in the peaceful night, the distant glow of the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the background, they knew they were exactly where they were meant to be: together.

To be continued...

Hiii guyss, sorry for the delayyy ennoda exam yepdiyo mudinjuruchuu so u'll get proper updates from now on

Hope you guys liked this chapter...

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Stay Tuned!

~Abi