One Shots Series (VM)

Sweet Memories

Song and Character Credits – All rights belong to their respective owners



The day that he had been waiting for was finally here - he was on his way back to to his ancestral village to celebrate Tamil New Year as one family unit. Over the years, everyone had spread their wings and were now situated in different parts of the world. But every single member of the family had made it a point to touch base for three extremely important days - Pongal holidays, Tamil New Year (which was coincided with his mother's birthday) and Deepavali.



The long flight had made him extremely tired. As the cold air fills the car, he was soon drowsy. As one of his favourite songs started to play, he closed his eyes and soon beautiful memories take over.



Elangaathu Veesudhey
Isai Pola Pesudhey
Valaiyaadha Moongilil
Raagam Valainchu Odudhey
Megham Muzhichu Ketkudhey

Karum Paarai Manasula
Mayil Thogai Virikkudhey
Mazhai Chaaral Thelikkudhey
Pul Veli Paadhai Virikkudhey
Vaanavil Kudaiyum Pudikkudhey
Pul Veli Paadhai Virikkudhey
Vaanavil Kudaiyum Pudikkudhey

Maniyin Osai Kettu Mana Kadhavu Thirakkudhey
Puthiya Thaalam Pottu Udal Kaatril Midhakkudhey



Everywhere he turned, there were sounds of laughter but his vision remained blinded.



"Enna nae pidikka sonna chumma nadanthukittu iruka?"

"Dei, nee mattum kaiyila maatuna!"

"Aama paarthu da. Unga anna unna pidichiruvaaru!"

"Ey! Neeyuma! Unna!!"



"Yay! Pidichittaen!!"



He takes off his blindfold and sees his brother looking at him, with an unimpressed look.



"Periya sathanai! Iruvathu nimishama thedi ippo thaan pidichirukae! Po nae. Enakku tired aachu! Mazhaiyum vara mathiri irukku"



Before he could say anything, his brother runs off and his gaze turns to the hand that he was still holding on to.



"Eppadi?!"

"Oh nee pidichanu nenappa? Naana therinjae thaan pikka vittaen! Ippo vidu naan poganum"

"Mudiyathu! Naan un kaiya pidichathu vittutu poga illa!"

"Kitta varatha!"

"Ey! Paavi, valikuthu di!"

"Valikattum"



She giggles before running off leaving him to rub his arm where she had lightly pinched him, with a smile on his face. A plop of rain drops on his nose which widens his smile and soon, it starts pouring yet he felt warm and cozy within.



Elangaathu Veesudhey
Isai Pola Pesudhey
Valaiyaadha Moongilil
Raagam Valainchu Odudhey
Megham Muzhichu Ketkudhey



Without any conscious effort, his lips curve up and the next memory appears just like a dream.



Pinni Pinni Chinna Ezhaiyodum
Nenjai Allum Vanna Thuni Pola
Onnukkonnu Dhaan Enanji Irukku
Uravu Yellaam Amanji Irukku
Alli Alli Thandhu Uravaadum
Annamadi Indha Nelam Pola
Silarukku Dhaan Manasu Irukku
Ulagam Adhil Nilaichu Irukku
Nethu Thanimaiyila Pochu, Yaarum Thunai Illai
Yaaro Vazhi Thunaikku Vandhaal Yedhum Inai Illai
Ulagathil Edhuvum Thanichu Illaiye
Kuzhalil Raagam Malaril Vaasam Serndhadhu Pola



Images of everyone gathered in the hall laughing flash across his mind and even then, she was the highlight. Her cheeky smile and her occasional glances towards him when no one was looking - she sure did have the capability to stop his heart beat.

And then his favourite memory of her - when they were really young, one of their grandmothers had mentioned that people who leave the earth never leave their loved ones. She had then told the children that they would come every night to watch over them as stars. Ever since then, it had become her habit to spend at least 5 minutes looking at the night sky. Nothing changed all these years - she still believed in that magic and him, he saw everything he loved in her. Even on days when they had little arguments, the day always ended the same - him beside her, she gazing at the night sky seeking out the brightest star while he gazed at his shining star.



Elangaathu Veesudhey
Isai Pola Pesudhey
Valaiyaadha Moongilil
Raagam Valainchu Odudhey
Megham Muzhichu Ketkudhey



And just as the next set of memories come flooding, he feels a weight on his shoulder. Slowly, he feels a pair of hands wrapping itself around his arm and snuggling close, holding on to his t-shirt. His smile widens and he plunges back into memory lane.



Manasula Enna Aagaayam
Dhinam Dhinam Adhu Pudhir Podum
Ragasiyathai Yaaru Arinja? Adhisayathai Yaaru Purinja?
Vedha Vidhaikkira Kai Dhaane
Malar Parikkudhu Dhinam Dhorum
Malar Thodukka Naarai Eduthu
Yaar Thodutha Maalaiyaachu?
Aalam Vizhudhile Oonjal Aadum Kili Yellaam
Moodum Siragile Mella Pesum Kadhaiyellaam
Thaalaattu Kettidaamale, Thaayin Madiya Thedi Odum
Mazhalai Pole



There was no one moment where he could say for sure that this was when he fell in love. Right from the very first memory he had of her till date, she was the one who filled his heart with joy and mind with beautiful memories. Right from her double plait and chubby cheek days till her current phase of messy hair, loose clothes and a small baby bump, every moment he had with her was his most favourite. In her, he saw his mother and with her around, he felt the comfort that a baby would have with his mother. And he knew that there was no greater blessing than his family and most importantly, her. For they made life much more beautiful.



Elangaathu Veesudhey
Isai Pola Pesudhey
Valaiyaadha Moongilil
Raagam Valainchu Odudhey
Megham Muzhichu Ketkudhey

Karum Paarai Manasula
Mayil Thogai Virikkudhey
Mazhai Chaaral Thelikkudhey
Pul Veli Paadhai Virikkudhey
Vaanavil Kudaiyum Pudikkudhey
Pul Veli Paadhai Virikkudhey
Vaanavil Kudaiyum Pudikkudhey



The vehicle enters the ancestral village and as if on cue, he opens his eyes. He gestures to the driver to switch off the air conditioning and winds down the window before starting to take in the sights and sounds around him. As the car comes to a stop in front of their home, he notes the decorations and shoes. Hearing the car sound, everyone gathers and soon laughter fills the air. As he watches everyone move into the house, a sense of satisfaction fills his heart and he mutters a quick thank you to God before joining the rest.



~ Blessed are those who have people who will fill your life with light, love and joy! To another beautiful Tamil Calendar Year with these blessings and a heart full of gratitude!