Thenmozhi's sister and brother-in-law tried to convince their parents but it was fruitless.Sathyadev did not want the rift to widen so despite her pleas,he took Thenmozhi along to visit her parents.She waited near the gate while he rang the bell.

Her parents were more agitated on seeing them again.

T's dad: Didn't we cut off all ties with her?Why are you back now?To show your power?

D: Sir pls calm down...I'm not here as a police.I've come here to speak regarding Thenmozhi.

T's mom: Who is she?We don't know anyone of that name.

T: Amma...😢

Her parents were cold.They started name calling Sathyadev blaming him for corrupting their daughter's mind and luring her away from them.He was hurt by their taunts but he bore it all calmly.The final nail in the coffin was when her dad humiliated him calling him an orphan.Unable to bear it,Thenmozhi lashed out at her parents in support of him.

T: If you have this much attitude,as your daughter I've more than you!After you've spoken this far,I'll never step foot into this house again!!

Grabbing Sathyadev's hand,she stormed out of the place.

D: Why did you interfere?I told no I'll handle this...

She shot him a fierce look.

T: What more you will handle?Until he grabs your collar and pushes you to the mud?How calmly you were talking did they consider?You've gone through a lot because of me.It's enough.If they don't want us,even we don't need them.

He followed her silently.

***

Sathyadev and Thenmozhi opted for a civil marriage since they had only a few people.The D-day arrived.

Thenmozhi wore a red silk kanchipuram saree and her accessories consisted a pair of heavy gold jhumkas,a traditional mango designed gold necklace and gold bangles with some red coloured glass ones in between.Her hair was styled into a low bun and she adorned it with fresh jasmine flowers.

Esha too got a new set of traditional silk skirt and blouse in red to match Thenmozhi's saree.

Sathyadev chose to wear white silk veshti and shirt like the typical groom.

Richard and family,Thenmozhi's best friends and some of Sathyadev's close associates only were present.

Thenmozhi's heart began beating fast.The anxiousness was evident on her face.

D: Nervous?

T: Yeah...a bit...no no actually alot.🥺

D: Err...if you need more time we can postpone the wedding.

T: Really?🥺

He nodded.She kept a thinking face.When there was no response from her,Sathyadev got up to call it off but she held him back.

T: No no don't go!I've spent 4 hours dolling up all that would go to waste if we call this off now so it's fine...we'll get married today only.😑

He stifled a laugh seeing her expressions.

D: You sure?

She bobbed her head.

T: ...but...you won't change after marriage no?I mean you won't come home drunk and assault me like husbands they show in the movies no?😟

He took her hands into his and looking into her eyes he said,

D: You can hit me I'll take it but I'll not raise my hands on you even for fun.Ok?

T: Then ok...😊

Sathyadev and Thenmozhi were called up.He showed her his palm and clasping his hand she walked with him.They signed on the register book.Richard signed as witness for Sathyadev while Nancy did the same for Thenmozhi.

"Wooooooo hooooo congratulations!!!"their friends cheered them.

Thenmozhi's friend nudged her.

"Hey,for once atleast be shy like a girl..."

Heeding her friend's advise Thenmozhi pretended to be coy like a bride.Both of them were given a garland each.First he put it around her neck.When it was her turn,he bent forward a little to save her the trouble from having to raise on her feet.

Mangalyam Tantunanena bgm from Alaipayuthey pls...👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

Richard passed him the auspicious rope which was already prayed and blessed from the temple.

Sathyadev trembled when he held it in his hands.

R: He had not shivered even when he held the gun for the first time in life but for a simple yellow rope he is shaking!!

Richard teased his friend.Nancy was quick to give a counter.

N: Look whose talking...you forgot you let the chain slip from your hands?Luckily my father caught it before it dropped.

R: Saw that...it's not too late...the door is just right here...take my advise,run away macha!🤣🤣

Sathyadev snorted a laugh.Looking at Thenmozhi,he took the rope around her neck and tied three knots.He also anointed her hair partition and the pendent of her wedding rope with kungumam.

Esha clapped her hands in joy and excitement.Sathyadev lifted her.She kissed him and Thenmozhi.The trio posed happily for a family pic.♥️

Congratulations Mr.&Mrs.Sathyadev!♥️👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨🙌🏼

***

In the evening,all their friends left except Richard and family.Thenmozhi's sister called to wish the newly weds.

T's sis: You both come here for your honeymoon!

Thenmozhi looked at her husband excitedly who seemed to have some reservations.From his face she could tell he was considering the flight ticket charges and expenses of the trip.

T: Thanks akka...we'll definitely come but not now because he is quite busy and won't get leave immediately.

She managed without letting him down before her family like a true wife.He smiled,feeling lucky to have her in his life.

After a simple dinner,Thenmozhi went to shower.The adults were chit-chatting and the kids were playing.

Rubbing the water off her hair,she sat on the pouf infront of the dressing table.Applying some light make up,she left her hair free and dried it completed using the hair dryer.Once her hair was set,she filled her hair partition with a thick streak of kumkumam.

From the mirror,she saw the flower decorated bed behind and smiled softly to herself.

Draping a blue chiffon bandini saree,she accessorised with matching blue bangles and simple jhumkas.She chose to only have the wedding rope as her neck ornament.

She went up to the balcony where they others had gathered.On seeing her,Nancy got up and went to her.

N: Is this our Thenmozhi?😃You look so beautiful...I've to ward off evil eyes for you now!

She marvelled at Thenmozhi.Indeed she was beautiful as always but the glow of the new bride on her face accentuated her beauty.She looked no less than a heavenly nymph.

Sathyadev's eyes was fixed on his wife like Ammu who chanced upon Devu.Richard noticed his friend was not in this world.

R: Ahem...Nancy,I think it's time we make a move.

She agreed with her husband.They all went downstairs together.Esha was ready with her Dora bagpack.

T: Esha,where are you going?😟

N: I only asked her to pack her things.We'll take her with us.Just for tonight.Dev knows.

Thenmozhi looked at him who gave a brief nod.She felt bad that they were taking Esha away so that she and Sathyadev could be together.

T: No no it's ok I don't mind at all.Let Esha be here only...tell them Dev...

R: Chill Thenmozhi...we used to take her with us once and a while.She likes to be with our kids and she's comfortable with Nancy too.Don't worry.

Richard took her bag.

Thenmozhi eyeballed Esha discreetly asking if she was really ok to go with them and the girl  responded with a chirpy head nod.

Sathyadev kneeled down and Esha hugged him.He patted her head and kissed her.

E: Love you appa...♥️

D: Love you too sweetheart...♥️

Sathyadev and Thenmozhi walked her till the car.

D: Take care of her macha...

R: Do you need to tell this?If she asks for you,next moment I'll bring her to you.Ok?

Sathyadev had faith in Richard and Nancy so he was relieved.From inside the car,Esha waved bye to both of them.

Thenmozhi looked on until the car was out of sight.Seeing her restlessness,he placed his hand on her shoulder to calm her.

T: She'll be fine with them no?

D: She will.

***

Switching off all the lights,she went to the room.He was dressed in casuals instead of home clothes and was spritzing perfume on himself.

T: Duty calls?

D: Yes.You are also coming with me.Pack our things needed for a night and a day.

Thenmozhi went blank.

T: Me also?But I don't know to how to fight or use a gun.😰

D: It's ok I'll train you.

He said keeping a serious face.She looked at the glass of milk she was holding.

T: But this...it would go to waste.😟

D: Be Quick!

He went past her.Gulping down the milk hastily,she rubbed the cream off her mouth and did as she was told.

They left in his jeep.She tried to recall all the Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee movies she watched.She began punching her fists in the air.

D: Oye,what are you doing?😳

T: How many of them should I fight?

The fire and determination to save the nation from bad guys was visible in her eyes.Seeing her antics,Sathyadev chuckled.

D: Ahem...relax Thenmozhi...seems like you'll replace me.One ACP is enough for this city.Let that me be.Pls...

He said looking at her who was engrossed in battling baddies in her imagination.

T: Dishoom...dishoom...💥💥👊🏼👊🏼

D: 😆😆

On the way he halted infront of a medical shop.By then she was fighting terrorists at the border who were threatening to step foot into Indian soil.

D: Thenmozhi...

He shook her by her shoulder.

T: Huh...uh...we reached the place?

She looked out.

T: Why have you stopped here?I don't see any dilapidated factory or rocky mountains here...usually there is where fights take place no?

He took a deep breath to calm his nerves.

D: Chellam,we are not going to fight.I just said that to rush you.I'm sorry.Do you need anything from here?

He asked pointing at the medical shop.She shook her head no.He got down and went in.

T mv: Why did he stop here now?🤔

Medical shop rang a bell in her mind.She put two and two together and the puzzle was solved.

T mv: Thaadikaran is in the mood for romance.😍🙈

***

They were travelling for quite sometime.She could not peel her eyes off her man.While twirling his moustache he turned to look at her and caught her red handed in the act.

He wiggled his brows asking her and she shook her head indicating nothing.Wrapping her hands around his arms,she leaned on his shoulders.

T: I just wish the road doesn't come to an end and we keep on going like this.😍

He pecked her forehead and she snuggled more to him.Soon she nodded off.When she woke up,she saw the board that displayed the names of cities.

T: Pondicherry 2kms...Dev!We're out of Chennai???

He nodded.

T: But why are we going there now?Whose there now?

D: Ghosts.We're going to meet them.

T: Dev!Stop playing a prank with me it's not funny..I'm scared!We've left the city!😟

D: City only not the country right?Being a cop's wife if you are so scared how?...Forgot your own dialogue about living the moment?

T: Huh...that...I...still...this far?

D: No one is going to follow a police jeep besides you have me and I have my gun.Holding you in one arm,I'll shoot and fight baddies with the other.Ok Mrs.Sathyadev?

He winked making her insides flip.Without saying a word,she leaned back on his shoulder.

He stopped at the destination which was far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.Both of them alighted the jeep.When Thenmozhi saw what was before her eyes,she cupped her mouth in astonishment.

It was a lake house surrounded by nature.She looked up to see the full moon shining brightly and stars twinkling.The gentle cool breeze ruffled the leaves.

Hugging her from behind,he whispered in her ears.

D: You wished for this right...

The surprise was so overwhelming that Thenmozhi was rendered speechless.

T: Dev...it was just my fantasy but you...

D: ...turned it to reality.How can I not when it's my lady love who has wished for it?

T: Dev,you're killing me!😍

She swiveled her head to face him and smooched him on his lips.

T: Thanks a lot for this surprise my romantic cop.♥️

Carrying her in bridal style,he walked over the bridge that led to the hut.

There was a hall,a kitchen and bedroom.The bed was decorated with red rose petals and fragrant candles were placed on pedestals to create a romantic atmosphere.She lit them and sat on the bed admiring the scenic view from the window of their room while waiting for him to return with the luggage.

He locked the door once he was in.

She stretched out her hand to him.When he held it,she tugged him and he almost landed on her.He braced himself on his arms,careful not to put his entire weight on her.Looping her hands around his neck,she brushed her nose with his.Their gazes met.

D: Thenmozhi...

T: Mmm...

D: There is no compulsion that we should consummate our marriage tonight itself...

She knitted her brows in question.

T: Then why did you spend so much for these arrangements and bring me here?To eat and snore?

D: You wished to be in such a place so I brought you.I want you to relax and be free,not pressured.

She roved her hands around his pants.He felt ticklish and wriggled like a fish out of water.

D: What are you going Thenmozhi?😳

T: Got it!😈

She pulled out the box from his jeans back pocket and waved it infront of his face.

T: Why did you buy this then?

D: Huh...uh...that I...

T: Dev,don't you love me?😥

He was bewildered she asked him.

D: Why do you feel that way?I love you so much you have no clue!💕

T: Then?What's stopping you?

D: How to tell...err....

T: Don't tell me you want to wait until my parents have a change of heart and accept us.

D: Not that.You're young.Maybe we could wait for another 2-3 years until you're old enough before we...err...🥺

She laughed out aloud.He was clueless.

T: The way you were maintaining suspense I got scared but for this you don't want to consummate...😆Pls don't tell this to anyone else Dev...they'll have a good laugh.

D: 😞

She raised his chin to face her.

T: How old is old for this in your opinion?60yrs is good enough?

He did not have an answer.

T: Was I taken right out of the cradle and given in your hands for you to say I'm young?I've become your wife now.I'm physically and mentally prepared for this.Ok?

She tried to eliminate his fears and insecurities but he was still sceptical about proceeding.Rolling beside her,he laid on his back.She nestled her head on his chest and played with the buttons on his shirt.

T: Before marriage you said you couldn't wait to take me...when you have the chance now you're backing off.Hmm...

D: Don't mistake me for a coward Thenmozhi...it's just that I can't hurt you in any means.

T: Ok...ok...relax...we'll go ahead with this when you are ready.2-3years as you said.Happy?

D: You're not upset?

T: I won't lie.Yes I am but when you think so much about me,won't I do the same?

She cuddled with him and they slept off in each other's arms.

It was the wee hours of the night.The room was dark except for the ray of moonlight which shone in through the window.

Turning to his side,Sathyadev inadvertently opened his eyes.He saw the beauty sleeping beside him.In her sleep,she didn't realise her saree pallu was shifted to one side exposing her midriff.Her bountiful bosoms peeped out from the neckline of her blouse drawing his attention towards it.His gaze travelled downwards capturing her sensual waist,deep navel,generous hips and round bottoms that would put even the celestial damsels to shame.

D mv: How can there even be such a woman?😳

He awed.Few hours ago he saw her as a girl and now she was the only beautiful woman on earth as far as he was concerned.He finally won over his fears and worries which had forbidden him from getting intimate with her.

He felt a longing desire to unite with her and so did not fight the temptation to touch her.

He slid his hand to her slender waist.She flinched.Casting away the pallu completely,he went closer and buried his face on her chest,pressing his lips on the flesh above her bust.Startled,she snapped her eyes open.Feeling his silky hair brush against her lips she felt relieved.

He kissed and caressed her neck and the flesh below.She weaved her fingers through his hairs pushing him towards her.While his mouth ravished her upper body,he slid his hand down inside her petticoat and innerwear,touching her feminine area.He continued teasing her.After a while,

T: Dev...

Arching her back,she moaned out his name in pleasure.

He trailed soft kisses up her heaving chest to her neck and whispered in her ears,

D: You're not a girl anymore...

Her lips curved to a smile.He looked up to meet her flustered face and stared into her eyes which was full of feelings for him.They locked lips in an amorous kiss which led them to unite as one.👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨♥️

***

The morning rays entered through the window.Their legs tangled,her head was resting on his stretched arm.He was awake admiring her even in that disheveled state.He caressed her hair gently.Shifting closer to him,she hugged him tightly like he was her stuffed bear,burying her face on his manly chest.That action brought a smile on his face.He kissed and patted her head.

When she woke up she didn't find him beside her.She called out to him but there was no response.

T: Matter over so thaadikaran has  ditched me...😫

D: I'm here only.

Pushing the door he came in with a breakfast tray.

T: Wow food!🤩

He placed it before her.In her excitement of seeing food,she left the hold of her quilt which she had secured to her body.Picking the toast,she began attacking like she never saw food.

His eyes went wide seeing the free strip tease.He quickly wrapped the quilt around her and then secured it behind with her claw clip.

He also gathered her long hair and tied it to high bun so that she could eat peacefully.

T: You ate?

D: I don't want.Coffee is enough for me...

She still fed him.They finished their meal and while sipping her coffee she giggled.

D: If you share the joke I'll also laugh no...

T: You look like a male silk smitha in this boxers.😆

D: 😕😕

He looked at himself.Putting her mug away,she pushed him back onto the bed and climbed over him.👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨♥️😒

***

The trio led a simple yet happy and contented life.After a month of break,Thenmozhi resumed work.Not because they were financially insecure but because she had worked hard over the years to reach the position in her career and she did not want to let go of that citing marriage and
family.Sathyadev was the supportive husband who encouraged her to follow her heart.They shared the responsibilities of the house as well as taking care of Esha.

Mornings were quite busy for Sathyadev who had to prepare his eldest kid for work and the youngest one for school.On one such day,he was ironing Esha's uniform.

D: Esha!Thenmozhi!Get up both of you!

He didn't hear any response from both of them and went to check.Esha was not in her room.He pushed open his room door open to find his daughter and wife engaged in a pillow fight game giggling and having a whale of a time.

D: Wth!😳

Seeing him,both stopped playing and arranged the pillows neatly back on the bed.Thenmozhi tugged her hair behind her ears and kept the 'world's most innocent'girl face.Esha imitated her.

E: Not me appa...Thenmozhi started it...😔

T: Huh...uh...not me also appa...chi..I mean Dev...She started it.I don't play such games you know me no...🥺

He raised his palm to stop her jabber.

D: Enough!Esha was fine before now joining with you she's behaving like a gangster!

T: No Dev...I'm not...

He interrupted her.

D: I'll give you both 15 mins time.By then you have to complete your morning routine and assemble at the dining table for breakfast.

They nodded obediently.The moment his back turned,both girls danced.

T&E: Hey dhin chaka...dhin chaka...dhin chaka...!

He quickly looked back and immediately they returned to their normal positions maintaining their innocence.

D: No this won't work.

He carried Esha to her room and shut Thenmozhi in theirs.The separation was necessary as that was the only way to get them ready on time.

Towel wrapped around her,Thenmozhi stood behind her room door.

T: Dev!Where is my skirt and shirt?🤷🏻‍♀️

D: Haan...I'm ironing it...coming...one minute...

Placing them neatly in a hanger,he went to the room.He passed her clothes when she grabbed his wrist.

D: What?

T: Want to dress me up?😉

He was tempted to go in but he paused for a moment and thought of the aftermath if he entered their room.

T: I called you to dress me up but you messed me up totally...booo hooo....!!My limbs are aching now I want to rest.Call and inform my office I'm on sick leave.If they ask why say it's because of you!!

E: Appa!!!!How many times I should knock at your door??My food was not packed and school bus has left!!I missed school today because of you!!!

R: Macha!!What is this??You are late by 2 hours!!Our boss is furious!!How will you manage him??Because of you looks like my cap is also going to fly out of the window!!

Their head came out of his room,

"Mr.Sathyadev!We waited for you but you hadn't turned up and the meeting was called off half way!All because of you!!You're fired!"

He shuddered.Wriggling his wrist from her hold he joined his palm before her.

D: No thank you mother goddess!🙏🏼

He ran away.

T: What's wrong with him?🤷🏻‍♀️😕

Getting dressed,the girls assembled to have breakfast.Like a local hotel server,Sathyadev had a kitchen rag over his shoulder.He placed two idly on Esha's plate and six on Thenmozhi's plate.Then he put chutney and poured sambar.Thenmozhi frowned.

T: Why have you made idly?I don't want!

She pushed her plate away.

D: That was the easiest I could make.Adjust for today.See Esha is eating without fuss.

T: But I don't like this!Make for me poori!

E: If Thenmozhi is getting poori then I also want!I won't have idly!

Sathyadev stood with arm bent at his hips and scratching his head helplessly.Somehow he mollified both his kids and himself fed them idly.He packed their respective lunch boxes.

Thenmozhi did Esha's hair.The school bus arrived on time and as usual she helped Esha to board the bus.She waved them after settling in her seat.The other kids waved as soon as the bus left.

"Bye bye Esha's stylish mummy!"

T: Bye bye 👋🏼☺️

Sathyadev sighed in relief.

D: Happa...one down now one more to go...😥

He thought.Chuckling at his plight,Thenmozhi rested her elbow on his shoulder.Picking the edge of the cloth,she rubbed off the wet idly batter from his face.

He passed her the lunch bag,her handbag and laptop bag.

T: Dev,why don't you send me to office today?

D: What's wrong with your car?

T: It's fine.It's been a while since I went on a bike ride with you so I was wondering why not now?

He smiled.

D: I'll be back.

He was wearing shorts.Feeling shy to step out in those,he changed to his tracks.

Wearing the helmet,she sat on the pillion and tightened her arms around his flat torso.Her chin rested on his shoulder.He put on his helmet and they took off.

They travelled like a teenage couple in love along the streets joking and laughing.Her chest collided his back when they went over speed-breakers and potholes.On some instances she purposely did it to tease him.

D: Thenmozhi,come quietly...

T: What did I do?You are the one going over speed breakers.

D: This time there wasn't any you're just falling on me...it's distracting.

T: I'm doing it intentionally so that you think about it the whole day,get aroused and pounce on me like a hungry wolf at night.🙈

She muttered under her breath.They reached her office and she alighted.

Some of Thenmozhi's female colleagues came.She gestured them to her side.

D: Thenmozhi,why now...I'm inappropriately dressed.This faded tshirt and I reek of idly batter...what will they think about you for choosing me?Maybe some other time...

T: That's what I want.If they see you well dressed they might crush on you.I can't let that happen.😑

"Hello Thenmozhi!"

T: Hi girls,meet my husband,ACP Sathyadev.😌

Looping her hand around him,she introduced him with pride.When surrounded by young girls,he became conscious and recoiled.Similar to little Pupsu pa who would hide his face in his mother's pallu when ladies approached them,Sathyadev looked up at Thenmozhi for shield.

Thenmozhi's plan backfired as those girls still drooled over him despite the shabby attire he was in. Ignoring her they were full praises for him.

"What a man...so handsome!😍"

"His biceps are super strong!!😍"

"Sir,sir...Pls sir,can we have one selfie with you?😍"

T: Huh...uh...he's getting late for work.Next time...you all
go I'll see you later.

Somehow she managed to shoo the flies away from the jaggery.

D: Lol why is your face like that?

T: I wanted to show off that I've the best,most handsome and macho husband in the world but they were trying to woo you over.😔😒Bad girls...I won't talk to them.

He looked around to see if they were being watched then discreetly he hooked his arm around her waist and pulled her towards him.

D: You think I can easily be wooed?There is only one woman who can do that to me and that is you!

She felt peaceful hearing those words from him.Gesturing her to go closer,he whispered naughty things in her ears making her cheeks turn crimson.

She had to remind him there were in a public space and he stopped.Hugging him,she sprinted into her office blushing and smiling about the things he said to her.He waited till she was out of sight before he exited the premises.Feeling loved,he smiled to himself thinking about her as he rode through the streets back home.

***

Sathyadev returned home late at night.He found Esha sleeping on their bed with her leg over Thenmozhi and clinging on to her.He smiled.Pulling the quilt over them he went to shower.

When he came out,Thenmozhi was missing.He found her in the kitchen yawning as she flipped dosas.

D: Why did you get up?Wouldn't I have done this?

T: It's ok.I wasn't really sleeping.I can't get myself to sleep until I know that you are back home safe.

Her perched on the counter top.She passed him the plate.He watched as she made hot dosas for him.As soon as one got over,she was ready with the next.

D: Sorry Thenmozhi....

T: Why?

D: You wouldn't have lifted a spoon in your house and now you're doing all this here....

T: Take back your sorry then.Once married,a woman cannot and should not expect the life she lived in her parents home.This is my duty,to serve my husband.I find pleasure in that.

D: In the mornings you behave like a kid,at night you become a wife.I can't understand you.

T: Don't try to...you can never.Just love me like you always do.

She flaunted a smile.He returned the one to match hers.

While he had his meal,they spoke about the days events in their respective work places.She also shared with him about Esha and things going on in her school.

T: One more?

D: No it's enough.

He helped her to wash the dishes.She was going to their room when he caught her by her waist and pulled her towards him.He was perched on top the arm rest of the sofa while she sat on his lap.He nuzzled her neck.

T: Whoa...someone is in the mood today...

He hummed in response.

D: If you are tired,it's ok.

He left his hold on her.Turning to face him,she wound her arms around his neck and pecked his lips thus giving her consent.

They went up to the balcony.She unrolled the straw mat on the floor and spread the bedsheet over that.Curling her index finger,she called him seductively.He joined her and they lived the night.♥️

Sated,they lay beside each other.She sat upright to adjust her nightie then collecting her hair she twisted it back into a bun before cuddling with her hubby dearest.He secured her close to him as they engaged in pillow talks for sometime.😌

T: Esha is alone...shall I go now?

D: You're thinking about small baby,what about the big one?

T: My big baby already had his fill no...

She pulled his cheeks.

D: So?He can be ignored?

T: I didn't mean that.If Esha wakes up at night and finds neither of us beside her,she might get scared so I'm saying...shall I?

She had a point.He pulled her in a tight bear hug once before letting her go.

D: Goodnight chellam...♥️

She kissed his forehead.

T: Goodnight my thaadikara...♥️

***

Thenmozhi and Esha were getting ready to go to the cinema.Sathyadev called Thenmozhi's phone.Seeing his name flash on her mobile,Esha picked up excitedly.

E: Appa!😃

D: Hi baby!Are you ready?

E: I'm ready.Thenmozhi is dressing up.

D: Uff...her make up itself will take half an hour...ok call me once both leave home,I'll come directly there.

Ending the call she sprinted to the room to pass the message.She saw Thenmozhi applying eyeshadow on her eyelids.She went and stood beside her.Like most little girls who watch their mothers dress up,Esha looked at Thenmozhi.Curious at the spread of make up items on the dresser,Esha picked up each one and inspected it then asked what it was and Thenmozhi explained to her patiently.

E: What's this?

T: This is blush..you apply it on your cheeks like so.You want to try?

E: I don't want this...I want that...

She asked pointing at the lipstick.Thenmozhi rubbed some on her finger and dabbed a little on Esha's lower lip.

T: Now press both your lips together like this.

Thenmozhi showed and Esha followed.That was the first time Esha was exposed to the world of make up.

E: My lips are dark pink now!😃

T: Yes...and you look very pretty!😃

They looked into the mirror together and giggled.

E: Thenmozhi,I want to become a heroine when I grow up because I can get to wear more make up.😃

T: Haha...all hell will break loose then because your appa will chase us both with police cane!He wouldn't want to see you as an actress.

E: Why?Being an actress is bad?

T: Not bad.That's also a profession like any other but it's no fun.There is so much going on behind the glitz and glamour that we see.

E: I don't understand...

T: Never mind.For now concentrate on your studies.When the age comes,you will know what you want.Tell me then and I'll support you in pursuing your dreams.Ok?

Esha shook her head gleefully.Thenmozhi opened her wardrobe to take her dupatta when a sanitary napkin pack fell down.Esha picked it up and passed it to Thenmozhi.

E: What is that?

T: This is very essential for us ladies...I'll explain to you about this when you're a little older.Shall we go now?

She showed her hand.Esha held it and they made their way out.They took an auto to the mall.Sathyadev was already there.Leaning against his bike,he was waiting for them.The duo alighted from the auto.Esha ran to Sathyadev.He lifted her.Paying the auto guy,she joined them.

T: Sorry,were you waiting too long?

Pulling her earlobe,she made an apologetic face.

D: No,no I just came about 5 mins ago.

E: Appa!See here,lipstick...nice?

D: It's nice sweetheart...

He kissed her cheek.Placing his arm across Thenmozhi's shoulder they went in.

Somewhere at a distance,they were being watched.

"Yeah...he's just gone in with his family.Will wait until they come out."

It was late when the movie ended and everyone exited the mall.

Sathyadev started his bike.The mysterious guy followed them.

T: Dev,we're hungry...stop at some restaurant on the way.

D: Two popcorn buckets, samosas,burger,fries and what nots?You both couldn't finish and I ended up being the waste bin.Now you say you're hungry.

T: We can listen to you but our hunger pangs won't!We want food!

E: Yes!We want food!

D: Ok...ok...you've both decided to burn a hole in my pocket.Fine.Tell me when you spot one,I'll stop.

Sathyadev felt something was amiss.His instinct proved right when he spotted the car that was pursuing them.Not wanting to cause panic to the girls,he didn't alert them.

Unexpectedly,a van came from the opposite direction almost going to collide his bike but he swerved just in time thus saving them from an accident.However due to the force,his bike tipped.Luckily he braced himself and also protected Esha from falling down so they were safe but Thenmozhi fell off the bike.She was fine but her arm was hurt.

D: Thenmozhi!😰

He rushed to her side with Esha in tow.People present gathered around them.Seeing them,the mysterious guy fled the place.Some ladies went to Thenmozhi's aid while a passerby flagged an auto.Carrying her in his arms,he placed her in the auto and they rushed to the hospital.

***

They dressed her wounds.The doctor had a word with Sathyadev.

"Your wife is fine Mr.Sathyadev but I've ordered some tests to done for her just to be sure that there are no internal injuries."

D: Yes doctor pls do...can I see her?

She was resting on the bed in the observation room.He held her hand.

T: Got scared?

He nodded.His eyes were filled with tears.Same with Esha.She made a face like she was going to cry.

T: Both of you are worrying unnecessarily.I'm alright actually.I don't know why you are upset for this minute thing...

D: I'm sorry...it's my fault.I should have seen the vehicle coming.

T: It's ok Dev...something big had to happen but by God's grace we escaped with this small one.I'm thankful that you both are safe.

She placed her palm on Esha's cheek.

Sathyadev and Esha waited outside in the waiting area as they did not want to disturb other patients who were resting.Soon Esha began rubbing her eyes and leaned on his shoulder.He carried her and she drifted off to sleep.

The reports were out in an hour's time.The doctor met Thenmozhi.

"Your results are all normal Thenmozhi.Nothing to worry."

She felt relieved.

T: Thanks doctor...☺️

"You and baby are both safe."

T: Oh ok...tha...huh...come again...😳

"I said,you and your baby growing inside your womb are both safe.Congratulations on becoming a mother!"

The doctor forwarded her palm for a handshake and Thenmozhi held it loosely.The words uttered by the doctor ringing in her ears repeatedly.Her world came to a standstill.

To be continued...