38

Ashwin looked at Shivangi worried. She was excited the whole morning about visiting the caterers for tasting of their wedding food, but ever since she entered the car, she has been lost. Knowing her, he expected her to rant about the best food she has had at weddings right from when she was five.

"Enna aachu ma?" Ashwin asked snapping his fingers in front of her. Shivangi turned towards him, but she was still miles away. "Shivangi!" he called her name

(Are you okay?)

"Sollunga." She said after a moment

(Yes)

"Are you okay?" he asked worried. They both have been working relentlessly so that they have enough free dates to enjoy wedding and honeymoon. Ashwin wondered if work was getting to her. "Tired ah iruka? Namba vena nalaiku tasting polam. Inniku nalla toongu."

(Are you tired? Do you want to postpone meeting?)

"Illa, I am good." She said

"Enna yosikara?"

(Where are you lost?)

"Onnum illa."

(Nothing)

Shivangi threw a warm smile at him hoping that was enough to make him believe that she was okay.

Shivangi loved the fact she and Ashwin are planning their wedding together. Like any other girl she has dreamed about how her wedding should take place. Ashwin, on the other hand, had his own share of wishes to fulfil. So, it only seemed right that they involve themselves as much as possible in the wedding preparation. Both the families obliged. However, now, Shivangi realized that even though families aren't vocally against about anything they do, they have their own share of check list they wish to be ticked.

Shivangi's father already once mentioned not so directly how he feels let down by not getting to plan his only daughter's wedding. Today morning, when she was getting ready to meet the caterers, she overheard her parents discussing how they are going to miss the typical meal spread that is served in all weddings in their family and is sort of a tradition and sentiment. On other hand, yesterday, while speaking to Shivangi, Ashwin's mother let it slip that she was disappointed with Ashwin for refusing to hire the caterers from Coimbatore who have been associated with the family for over two decades now.

Shivangi wondered if they are making their parents feel unimportant while doing everything according to their wish.

Shivangi was immersed in her own thoughts while walking without her eyes on the path, when she banged on something hard but soft.

"Ouch" she scrunched her nose and looked up at Ashwin frowning at her. Did she collide with him? She wondered

"Enna prachana nu nee solra varaikum naan next step vekka maaten."

(Tell me what is bothering you)

It was as much as his wedding as hers. But, does that mean she has to let him on all things that can kill the excitement?

"Onnum illa, Ashwin." She said.

(Nothing really)

"Konjam suthi paaru." He insisted. Shivangi realized there were in the longue of the caterer's office and they were surrounded by sweets of different varieties. "Sweets ku nadula nikkarom, aana nee excite aagala. Definitely problem dan. Sollu. Enna aachu?"

(Look around. We are midst of so many sweets and yet you are not excited. I am alarmed. What is bothering you?)

Shivangi sighed. Maybe sharing with him is not about making him share her burden. It can also be about discussing to arrive at a solution.

"Namba ellame namba ishtam ku panrom. Konjam family consult pannanum illa?"

(Is it okay that we decide everything without consulting family?)

"Family ku terinju dana ellam panrom."

(They know what we are up to)

"Terinju panrom, aana opinion ketu pannalaye."

(Shouldnt we ask for their opinion?)

It didn't take him much time to figure out where she was coming from. It is also something he thought about between constant complains from his mother how he is not doing anything the way it should be. However, Ashwin had more clarity about everything. He has waited for his happy ending with the woman he loves for years. He is not gonna make others ruin it for him. No matter how arrogant and insensitive he sounded, he is going to make every single thing about the wedding about them. He also said the same to Shivangi.

"Avanga hurt avanga illa." She reasoned

(They will be hurt)

"Namba kalyanam panradhe nenachu happy ah irukanum avanga."

(They should be happy that we are getting married)

"Its not the same Ashwin and you know it." Shivangi loved what they are doing. She will love more if even their families could be part of it. "Avangalukum asai irukum illa? Evlo varshama athai unga kalyanam pathi kanavu paathirupanga. Enga appa ku naan romba pasam. Idhu first kalyanam enga veet la."

(They will have their own dreams about our wedding. We should include them in plans)

"Idhu nambaloda special day Shivangi ma. I don't want to compromise."

(Its our special day. I don't want to compromise.)

"Compromise panna vendam. Avangala include pannalam. Final decision namba edupom."

(Let's not compromise, but just include them in process. Final decision will be ours)

She was right and he had no point arguing it. If it will make their families and her happy, then why not?

"Edho jewellery shopping pathi sonnanga amma. Enna nu ketu ko. Namba ellarum onna polam."

(My mom was talking about jewellery shopping. Plan with her. Let's all go together.)

Shivangi's eyes in fraction of seconds shifted from worry to glow.

"Ellarum onna pona jolly ah irukum." She clapped her hand excited. "Akka oor la irundu vand aprom polam." She nodded her head deciding not even waiting for his answer.

(That will be fun. Your sister should join us too)

Ashwin smiled at her. Wedding preparation was about them, but it is also majorly about Shivangi's happiness, because in her happiness lies his. If this is what she wants, this is what she will get.

Ashwin and Shivangi were soon met by their wedding designer who seated them in front of a large table with wide spread of food.

It was Shivangi's dream come true to be able to taste so much good food all in one place at a time.

"Dessert la blueberry pie vechukalama?" she asked him excited

(Shall we have blueberry pie for dessert?)

Ashwin chuckled at her. "Ma, evlo per varuvanga. Pandi la pie ellam vekka mudiyadhu. Vena sangeeth ku vechukalam."

(That isn't very traditional. Let us add it for DJ night)

"Ashwinney!!!" she exclaimed excited. "Gulab jamun!!"

"Saapdu ma." He smiled seeing her extend spoon to feed him.

(Eat)

Once the tasting was over and they finalized the menu, Ashwin noticed Shivangi looking around.

"Enna ma innum edachu taste pannanuma? Pakkathula hotel la irundu dan vangeetu vara sollanum." He teased

(Do you want to taste more? I should order from restaurant nearby)

"Ashwinney!" she whined hitting his arms. "Naan vera tedren."

(I am looking for something)

"Enna tedreenga?"

(What?)

Shivangi's eyes widened it excitement even as she thought about it. "Namba kalyanathula chocolate fountain, cotton candy, ice cola ellam vekkalam. Okay? Aprom two tier cake vendam. Cute ah animation cake vekkalam."

(We should have chocolate fountain, cotton candy stall, cola stall. Okay? I don't want two tier cake. Shall we go with any animation cake?)

Ashwin with same sincere voice as hers said. "Ma, adellam namba kozhadayoda first birthday celebration ku. Dora cake vaangi cut pannalam seriya?"

(You are planning for our kid's first birthday celebration. We will have Dora cake then. Happy?)

Ashwin threw his head back and laughed seeing her pout in disappointment. Did she really imagine her wedding to look like a carnival?

"Enaku chocolate fountain aadhu venum." She whined

(I want chocolate fountain)

"Unaku enna venumo panni kalam." He promised.

(Whatever you want, let's get it)

As they decided mutually, three days after tasting, Ashwin and Shivangi with family went to the jewellers that Shivangi's parents frequented.

Shivangi was excited for the bonding time with family for more than one reason. She believed more her parents, especially father, saw Ashwin, the easier it will be for them like him.

The day, however, didn't go the way Shivangi wanted. Her father and Ashwin had completely different taste. They suggested completely contrasting jewellery for her and she knew both expected her to choose their preference. Her father was less obvious in his disappointment when she picked something else, while Ashwin openly sulked.

Shivangi whispered to Ashwin, "Edho bracelet vanganum nu sonna illa, poi design paaru."

(You wanted to look at braclet designs, don't you?)

"Unn earrings select paneetu poren."

(I want to select earrings for you before that)

Shivangi has long back admitted that everyone else in the family had better taste than her in clothes and jewellery. Now, she wished she had firm stand so that she doesn't have to deal with all this.

It felt longer than the five hours they spent at the jewellers when everything was finalized. At the end, Shivangi was more than glad when lunch plan with everyone together was cancelled due to her father's urgent work.

"Uncle, plan edhuku cancel pannanum?" Ashwin said right when they were all about to part ways. "Naan irukane. Aunty-um Shivangi-um enga kooda varutum. Naane veetla drop paneerren."

(Uncle, why to cancel plans? I will take care of aunty and Shivangi. I will also drop them back home. )

Everyone thought the idea was brilliant. Shivangi wondered if she was the only one who noticed that her father looked less pleased for some reason. Shouldn't he be happy that Ashwin was stepping up to take the responsibility of being a dutiful son-in-law already?

"Nambavena innoru naal plan paneetu dinner polam." Shivangi said. "Inniku ellarum tired ah irupanga."

(Let's plan for dinner some other day. I am sure everyone is tired today)

Ashwin frowned at her. He was about to argue how everyone was actually looking forward for lunch when Shivangi's father spoke. "Neenga ellam ponga. Enakaga plan cancel panna vendam."

(You guys should carry on. Don't cancel on my account.)

Shivangi didn't argue fearing her denial might create a scene and hint that something was not right. However, even after they reached the restaurant and she ordered for her favourite pasta, her heart was still with her father.

Maybe it is time she pulled up her socks and talked to her father in person.

***

How did you like it?

Will try and update again this weekend.