The hall echoed with the sound of the nadaswaram and the rhythmic beat of the melam, signaling the sacred moment when Ram was about to tie the Thalli around Meera's neck.

Everyone gathered close to the stage, watching with bated breath as the groom, with his hands trembling slightly, carefully placed the sacred yellow thread, adorned with the golden pendant, around his bride's neck.

The moment it settled in place, there was a chorus of cheers and claps from the audience, followed by the joyful sound of rice and flowers showering the newlyweds as blessings.

Tamizh stood nearby, smiling brightly as she tossed her handful of blessings toward her sister. Her heart swelled with happiness for Meera, but something nagged at her as she watched the age-old tradition unfold. She turned to the grandma staning beside her, curiosity evident in her eyes.

"Paati," she began, her tone a mix of genuine curiosity and a bit of playful mischief, "why is it always the groom who ties the Thalli around the bride's neck? Why doesn't the bride do the same for the groom? Shouldn't marriage be about equality of commitment and shared responsibility?"

The grandma let out a small chuckle, shaking her head fondly as she answered. "Oh, child, that's just how tradition is. The husband plays a big part and the wife plays hers. It's always been that way and there's nothing to question the years of old tradition and customs."

Tamizh, clearly unsatisfied with the response, rolled her eyes ever so slightly but kept her thoughts to herself.

The idea seemed antiquated to her—why should one partner have a more significant symbol of the marriage than the other?

The grandma, noticing her discontent, narrowed her eyes at Tamizh and asked with a grin, "So when are you planning to get married, hmm? Your sister's tied the knot. What about you?"

Tamizh smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Not until I find a man who's willing to let me tie the Thalli on him."

The grandma gasped, utterly shocked by her boldness. "At this rate, you'll never get married!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with disapproval.

"That's fine by me," Tamizh replied, coolly shrugging her shoulders.

The grandma's mouth fell open, appalled. "At your age, I was married already had six children!" she said, her voice filled with disbelief.

Tamizh couldn't help but let out a cheeky laugh, "Thank god I'm not that horny yet, Paati. I can wait."

Six kids by the age of twenty four is such a wild granny, Tamizh thought to herself and giggled.

The grandma huffed in irritation, muttering under her breath before stalking off, clearly annoyed by Tamizh's brash attitude.

No sooner had the grandma disappeared than Prabhu suddenly appeared and stood beside Tamizh.He flashed a playful smile at Tamizh before maintaining his casual look.

"So," he began nonchalantly, his voice smooth, "when are you planning to get married?"

Tamizh turned her head slightly, her gaze still on the stage where the marriage continued, with Ram sliding the toe ring in Meera's toe fingers.

Tamizhino with a knowing smirk tugged at her lips. "I'm sure you heard my answer earlier."

Prabhu chuckled, recalling her earlier statement. "Ah, yes. So you're holding out until you find a guy who'll let you tie the Thalli on him, huh?"

Tamizh couldn't help but laugh at his teasing tone. "That's right. Looks like I'm destined to be like Avvaiyar."

Prabhu grinned, leaning closer but still keeping their conversation casual, eyes still forward as if they were simply watching the marriage. "Ayyayyo... so you're planning to follow Avvaiyar's footsteps and stay unmarried, is it?"

Tamizh tilted her head slightly towards him, humor sparkling in her eyes. "What about you? What's your plan?"

Prabhu's smirk deepened. "Oh, I think I've already found someone... Be ready to receive my marriage invitation soon."

Tamizh let out a lighthearted laugh, shaking her head. "If someone as annoying as you can find a girl, why can't I find a guy for myself?"

Prabhu chuckled. "With your demands, it's going to be tough, you know."

Tamizh shrugged, completely unfazed. "Then so be it. I'd rather stay single than be with someone who won't do something so simple for me. Like Avvaiyar, i better to be alone."

Prabhu laughed again, playfully teasing her, "Okay, Paati."

Tamizh lifted her hand in mock blessing, as though she were some elderly sage. "Sarida, Perandi."

With that, she turned away, giggling to herself as she made her way toward the stage for a group photo with the family. Prabhu stood there for a moment, his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the wall, grinning to himself before he followed her for the family photo session.Both of them remained light-hearted and playful as they posed for the family picture.