Meenakshi's aunts were dolling her up for the nuptial night.Meanwhile in the room,Vicky was struggling with his costume.

V: Atleast our side it's a panche so I didn't fear much but this tamilnadu style feels like a skirt.If it drops infront of her it will be puppy ma shame for me.I want to change but nanna said I should be in this mmm...

He got an idea.He wore his bermudas beneath then secured the veshti around with his belt.

V: Now if it drops also no problem....

He sat on the bed and looked at the flower decorations.

V: Hmm this is what she mentioned as the war game aa...tonight is also going to be a waste night...sigh...Let me have these sweets atleast.

He took the platter and keeping it on his lap he chomped on the delicacies.

One of the elder married lady in the family passed Meenakshi the milk vessel and blessed her.

"Meenu kutty,next year by this time we should hear the wails of kutty Meenu in this house.Ok?"

Meenakshi faked shyness and touched the lady's feet.She was escorted to the room by married women.

Ve: Akka,akka!Wait!

Veni pushed two glucose sachets discreetly into her sister's palm.

Ve: For maams height and gym body I think he will be very active moreover he takes alot of spicy food so he'll be having exxxtra power.You should be able to cope up with his energy that's why I got you glucose.

M: Veni!Talk for your age!Who is teaching you these things?

Ve: Is it very important now?I did some research earlier...for your sake only...don't forget to take it...all the best..👍🏼

Vicky heard ladies laughter and became alert.

V: Chomp...chomp...oh no tornado is here.First time I got one slap now what will it be...better to sleep.

Dusting the crumbs off his mouth,Vicky switched off the bed lamp near his side and lied down pulling the bedsheet over himself.

Meenakshi entered the room.While keeping the milk vessel on the table she noticed the half eaten items on the platter.

M: (mv:He isn't a sleep)Vicky...

She called him in a calm voice but he did not budge.

M: Mmm...elders are eager to see a grand child in this house.You slept so soon then how can we...err...I'm feeling shy...(mv:Now you will get up ra...)

She placed her hand on his shoulder.

V mv: She's in a good mood...that means I should...hey no it could be a trap!If you get up now you'll not be able to see any more first nights in your life!Don't ra Vicky don't...don't give in to temptations,don't open your eyes!

Vicky remained motionless like a man attacked by a grizzly bear.

M mv: Acting smart.Nevermind.I'll deal with you tomorrow...

She went to her side of the bed.Stacking cushions in their middle she reclined on the bed facing away from him.

Vicky opened one eye and raised his head.Seeing her asleep he sighed in relief.

Next morning,

Stretching his arms Vicky woke up with smile on his face thinking he was in his room.

V: Goodmorning Vicky...

He cleared his vision and found Meenakshi sitting beside him,legs drawn to her chest,with a sharp knife in her hand.

V: Baboi!

He tried to escape but she caught him by his collar and pulled him back then held the knife near his throat.

V: Ms.Fish,Ms.Fish!!Listen to me...I'm not worried for my life but white saree won't look good on you so I'm saying put the knife away pls...🙏🏼

M: Ssshhh...sit quietly!

He froze like a statue.

M: What did you go and tell about me to Siva?

V: I...I...did not tell anything...

M: Liar!It's your work only!You spoke to me so convincingly and made me believe you then you went and corrupted Siva's mind,made him leave so that you could become the groom!How tactful!😡

V: You're mistaken Ms.Fish...I swear I never had any intention to ruin you wedding or marry you.

M: He refused to take a single paisa for dowry.Such a person suddenly walking off seconds before tying the knot doesn't seem natural to me.It must be you who provoked him!

V: Aiyooo pls believe Ms.Fish!I swear on my parents I did not ask Siva to leave.Trust me pls!

Seeing him promise upon his parents Meenakshi believed him.

M: Then why did he...

V: Even I'm also clueless about that Ms.Fish.Maybe he overheard us speaking that night?

It dawned upon her that it could have been a possibility.

M: So?If he overheard he will assume things and leave abruptly?Won't he bother to find out what actually happened from me?

V: You're asking me,how would I know Ms.Fish?Had I not agreed when Aaachi asked me,they would have married you off to Azhagappa whom you don't like...

M: I don't like you either!😤

V: I know that but if you married him you would have had to forget your aim,settle in Karaikudi and rear cattle in your Aachi's field.Imagine a qualified doctor,a modern artist and excellent pianist as you dragging buffalos to riverside and scrubbing its body with coconut husks?What a waste of hard work,talent and money?

M: That's the reason I also gave my nod!Instead of scrubbing many buffalos back in Karaikudi I rather scrub one buffalo's back in Hyderabad.All my karma...

She smacked her forehead cursing her fate.

V: (mv:Did she just call me a buffalo?🤔)Huh...uh...Ms.Fish,you won't have to do that.You can be the Meenakshi as you were before our marriage.I will support you to achieve your goals in every way that I can!

He placed his hand above hers but she yanked hers off.Worried she would throw the thaali on his face again,Vicky stretched out both his palms to her.She questioned his actions.

V: Gold price is high Ms.Fish.Don't damage it.You can take it off and give it in my hand.

M: If I give,will you go away from my life for good?Can everything return to how it was before?

He shook his head no.

M: By right I should have called off the wedding when I had to choose between Azhagappa and you.I was already disturbed by Siva's deed above that my parents facing humiliation on one side,my life at stake on another side,my mind went totally blank and I couldn't muster courage to walk out.Even though I'm unhappy about this my parents must be relived that my life is settled and rid of a burden.Let it be.I don't wish to disappoint them that's why I have decided to stay in this relationship.

Vicky sighed in relief.She shot him a look.

M: Don't have any ideas.I have no feelings for you so never come near me with any bad intentions!Take this as a warning!

She strode out of the room shutting the door behind her.Vicky kept his hand on his head.

V: Phew...it's going to be much more difficult then I thought.😟

***

Three days later,

The thaali pirichi korthal* ceremony was conducted for Meenakshi at her house earlier in the morning after which her clan were getting ready to go the temple to offer prayers to their family deity.

*Thaali pirichi korthal - This is a custom in certain south communities where the bride's yellow rope tied during the wedding is replaced with a gold chain.This is conducted by elderly married women in the family.

Vicky sulked to tie the veshti again.Meenakshi remained in the maroon silk saree she wore for her ceremony.

A mini bus was hired for the temple trip.Vicky was excited and chose to go in that despite his in-laws calling him to go with them in the car.Vicky went in first followed by Meenakshi.

V mv: A whole van for us with her by my side...hihihi jolly!😃

Soon all the members of her clan started coming in one after the other and squeezed inside the mini van much to his horror.Everyone chanted 'govinda govinda'once and the van departed.

Vicky felt suffocated.Meenakshi was pushed by her members thus closing the gap between them.

Her back was completely pressed against his chest.The fresh jasmine flowers from her hair brushed against his nose and he inhaled the fragrance.

V: Mmm...this is so inviting...😍

He went closer to sniff her fragrance and his gaze travelled downwards from her ears to her neck to her back.

V mv: Wow...what a back so flawless...is it made of butter or marble...🤔

Then he happened to spot her inner wear band peeping out of her blouse and frowned.

V: Oh no...her book store is open...how to...😳😰

He wanted to inform her but a thought refrained him from doing so.

V mv: As it is she has a very high opinion about me if I tell her she might accuse me of purposely pulling it and slipper me in public...better to keep my trap shut..huh...but then others will see it'll be awkward...

He searched for Veni to inform her but she was at another end busy yapping away with her cousins.

V: No choice.I'll only have to do it...

Meenakshi was chatting with her relatives.Calling all god's to his aid,Vicky carefully put the hooks on and pushed it back into her blouse ensuring it was all completely hidden.

V: Phew!

Meenakshi touched her back.

M mv: Did he just touch me?

She turned to look at him.Vicky had his eyes shut pretending to be asleep.

M mv: No it can't be I'm overthinking...

They had to endure a long bumpy ride in the mini van.When the bus jolted over the rough road,Meenakshi was tossed onto his lap and he caught her thus saving her from a fall.They locked eyes with each other and the sudden break made her chest collide with his.

V mv: I've a bowl full of sweet ambrosia in my possession but I'm forbidden from indulging it.Why god?Why are you testing this innocent virgin guy?😭

Mouthing a sorry,Meenakshi tried to move back to her place but one of the kids had occupied her seat.Vicky was of course on cloud nine.

V: It's ok Ms.Fish,you may use my lap as your throne...hihihi...

However Meenakshi carried the kid and shifting back to her place,she placed him on her lap.Vicky kept a face as if a little boy whose laddoos had slipped from his hand and fallen on mud.

***

The sun was scorching and the sand was hot.Their relative's were used to walk on that but it was difficult for Meenakshi and Veni.

Ve: Aaa...my legs!!!Aachi,is there any tram service here until the sanctum?I can't walk in this hot ground...

She ran hither and tither unable to bear the heat.

"No."

Ve: Then I'm not coming I'll be in the van you all go...and don't forget to pack the prasadam for me!

"I'll give you one smack now!Walk quietly..."aachi chided her.

Unlike her sister,Meenakshi bore the discomfort in silence.She hissed feeling the heat and took turns walking on her toes and heels.This did not go unnoticed by Vicky who was walking behind her.

V: Maama,is it a very long way?

M's dad: No but we have to climb 100 steps to reach the main sanctum.

Veni felt her feet wobbly and sat down on the low wall to rest.Feeling tired,Meenakshi also joined her sister.

Ve: I don't care!I'm not coming...

M's mom: Just for walking you're like this you have to climb 100 steps how will you manage?

Ve: What?All this was not told to me before!This is cheating!I won't come...!

M: Amma,if she doesn't want let her be here we can go.

M's mom: No ma she's coming here for the first time it's not right if she returns without seeing the goddess.Veni,don't make a fuss come...

M's dad: Here ma splash this on your feet you will feel better then you can walk...Meenakshi you also wash your feet...

He passed them a water bottle.

Ve: Still I have to walk up...

She sulked.

V: I have a way...

Kicking his veshti he caught it and tied a knot in the middle like Jai bava.With one arm he lifted Veni and with the other he carried Meenakshi.

V: Let's go now...

Elders were in awe as they followed behind.Carrying both of them he climbed the steps.

(Well this is impossible in a normal scenario but since he's the 'strong arms' everything is possible.😉)

Veni was so happy that she got a free ride and mocked elders who were lagging behind.

Ve:Amma,appa,aachi,maama,athaicome fast!You're all so slow...see I'm ahead of you!

While she was irritating them Meenakshi was concerned for Vicky who had beads of sweat trickling down his forehead.

M: If it's difficult you can put me down,carry her alone will do.I can climb the steps.

V: I'm fine...

He responded with a smile amidst his panting.Vicky placed them on their feet upon reaching the main sanctum.

Ve:Yaaayyy!!We're first!! Thanks to you maams!

She clapped jumping in excitement.He flexed his arms and sat down on the bench while waiting for the elders.

M: Are you ok?

He nodded but she wasn't convinced as he was panting heavily.Meenakshi quickly ran to a stall and got two water bottles.

M: Here,have this...

She opened the cap and gave him one.While he gulped that she poured ice cold water on his feet to cool the burning sensation.

V: It's ok Ms.Fish,you don't have to...

She did it anyway and he felt slightly better.Once elders came,they conducted prayers in Vicky's and Meenakshi's names and everything went on fine.

***

Blisters had formed on his soles.

V: Aiyooo amma why I tried to be a hero I regret it now it's hurting...😭

Meenakshi came in with ointment.

M: Here,apply this on your soles...

V: Ms.Fish,like you poured water on my feet can you also apply this pls..

He rested his feet on her lap.As usual she glared at him.

V: Huh...uh...think you are doing service to a crippled man...

M: Service...your...

"Meenakshi,bring your husband for lunch..."

M: Heard that?Get up and come...

She pushed his feet.

V: Aaah...It's burning...

M: Fine,you be here and starve.

She turned to go.

V: Hmm...when snake bit some people I stayed awake whole night to take care of them now my leg is hurt that also because I carried them and walked on hot sand but there is no one to care for me...this world is full of ungrateful people...😞

M: 🙄

He was limping.She took his arm and placed it across her shoulder.Supporting him by his waist,she helped him walk to the dining area.

V: Thanks Ms.Fish.I knew it from day one that you have a kind heart.May god bless you with many babies.🙌🏼

M: 😡😡😡

***

Vicky was in aachi's room pressing her feet.

"You are the son-in-law of this house you shouldn't be doing this..."

She tried to stop him but he wouldn't leave her legs.

V: It's ok aachi I don't have grandparents I've never done this for them let it be.

She began narrating her olden days stories which Vicky listened with interest.

"I was 10 years and Meena's grandfather was 22 years.I hadn't seen his face until the day of my marriage.I threw a fuss as I did not want to marry and was crying when I was brought to the stage.When he tried to tie the thaali,I pushed his hand and ran away...elders caught me and made me sit again.They said they would give my treats if I agreed then I was happy.After marriage I was brought back to my mother's house and stayed there until I attained age.In my 15 years I was reunited with my husband."

V: 😁😁

"I must say he looked after me like a kid more than a wife.Such a gem he was.He used to say that he wouldn't be alive to see me dead.He's a man of his words that's why he went before me..."

She wiped her teary eyes as she reminisced her husband.To change the grim mood Vicky pointed at the old photos around her room.

V: Aachi,who is that?

"That is my father,beside him is me then my mother and my siblings..."

Like that she was explaining every photo.

"That one there...see..that's your wife when she was 10 years."

Vicky saw the old colour photo of Meenakshi in traditional green silk blouse and long skirt with two sided plaited hair and jasmine flowers pinned on one side of her braid.She had a chirpy grin on her face.

Seeing that Vicky imagined her and himself of place of aachi and her husband.

A 10 year old Meenakshi was brought to the dais dressed up like a bride and made to sit beside 22 year old groom Vicky.She flailed her legs and cried.

M: No no no I won't marry this Vicky!I don't like him!His head is like a coconut shell!!

She stared at him as he brought the thaali around her neck to tie.She bit his hand and he yelped in pain.Using that chance she pushed him and got up running away clutching her long silk skirt.

M: I don't want to marry him!I am going to play with my dolls!!!

V: Hahahaha....so cute...

"What happened ayya?You are laughing on your own?"

V: Huh...uh...nothing aachi...just like that...😅

***

The day Meenakshi had to leave with her new family had arrived.She was in her room.

Ve: Akka,they're calling you down...

M: I'll come you go...

Ve: What happened to you?I've been noticing since your marriage you are not your usual self...aren't you happy that you married your friend?

Meenakshi looked at her sister.

M: Who is my friend?Vicky isn't my friend!

She narrated all the incidents that transpired into her marriage with Vicky.Her sister was dumbfounded.

Ve: Omg!Priya spoke like that?You just left it and came?Shouldn't you have chopped her tongue?

M: It's over Veni I don't want to think that day.My concern now is how I am going to live with Vicky...

Ve: Think he is a guy arranged for you by our parents then start afresh with him...

M: It's not as easy as you say Veni...he's Priya's lover and I've seen how much he loves her I cannot accept him as my husband.

Ve: Don't be silly akka!It's not like you desired him,schemed and lured him away from her.It was she who made a scene unnecessarily instigated him to act that way and ruined her own life.Ok even if maams did that blunder the first time why should it repeat?From this itself can't we tell it's god's will that you both were meant to be?Forget the past.Maams is your husband now and you have every right to love your husband!

M: Yeah right today they will fight,tomorrow they will patch up.This is not my assumptions,he himself told.If she turns up and sobs on his shoulder he will hold her hand and go then what will be my state?Sit and cry all my life?

Ve: I don't think maams would do such a thing but you do have a valid point.If you want shall I go and ask him if he loves you or has plans to return to her?

M: Don't do anything like that.I don't even want him to know that you are aware of this.I just felt like sharing with you so I did.Promise me you won't discuss this with anyone.

Veni promised her sister.

Ve: You wish well for everyone and this had to happen to you...

Veni made a face as if going to cry.

M: Hey,this too shall pass...I'll be fine da,you don't worry...😊

Hiding her own sorrows Meenakshi smiled and hugged her to comfort her.

To be continued...