KMKV One Shots

Flash Forward: Forgiveness Part IX

Priya sits there, her eyes lost in the distance. As happy as she felt, this was only the beginning, and she knew there would be pain throughout this journey to rebuild her life. Her memories with Pallavi flash in her mind, reminding her of what she lost, and worrying for the small girl. "Oi mangamma, what happened?" He sits down, placing two drinks on the table. She shakes her head, grabbing a drink. "After all these years, you'd think you would know that you can't hide anything from me." Arjun says, turning his chair to face her. "It's nothing Arjun, don't worry." "Look who's being a siddumoonju now?" Arjun wiggles his eyebrow as Priya rolls her eyes. "Stop being so glum and tell me what's wrong." 

Priya takes a breath before responding. "I'm just worried about Pallavi. When Vandhana was taking care of Adi, she never showed him real care or love, only spoiled him with gifts. He was broken, Arjun, and I'm scared Pallavi is in the same situation. If she is, then it's going to be a long process to make her feel loved again, for her to know what real love is, and to know the truth. I know it's selfish but I want my daughter back, Arjun." She says in one breath. "Woah, breathe." Arjun responds, placing his arm on her shoulder. "Firstly, Vandhana... That was a major mistake, and I see now that she never changed from Adi. But, Pallavi is not Adi." "But-" "Listen, Pallavi is your daughter through and through. Everything she does reminds me of you. And unlike Adi, Pallavi had her Appa and her Anna and Akka along with everyone else in our families. She knows what real love is, she's seen it from everyone else in the house." "I would not have expected Vandhana to allow her to even look at my family. Thanks for that at least." "I can't take credit for that. It was all your children." "Adi and Pooja?" Arjun nods. "They grew up quickly after you left." "And I'm still mad at you for leaving two young children alone. For prioritizing one over two!" Priya exclaims, crossing her arms. "Don't think I forgot about that!" "Okay cool, cool down. I'm sorry, how many times will I have to say that" Arjun whines, pulling his ears. "Until Pooja and Adi forgive you," Priya smiles. "Which they will, now that I made up with their favourite Priyamma." He smiles.

"But anyways, they spoiled our little princess! And they're the ones who made sure Pallavi spent time with your family too. It was like a game, a secret between siblings that Vandhana had no idea about!" "But Vandhana told Pallavi about me?" Priya questions. "I'm guessing she told that story once you came back. But before that, Pallavi was well aware that you existed and that you were Adi and Pooja's Priyamma. She just doesn't know that you're her Priyamma too."

Arjun phone rings, cutting their conversation. "It's Adi," Arjun smiles. He answers the call and puts it on speaker. "Hello Adi?" "What happened? Did you apologize to Priyamma? Is everything good?" Adi asks. "If you hurt Priyamma and make her leave us again, I don't even know what we'd do!" Pooja interrupts. "Priyamma came back after 6 years, and I don't want to lose her again! Don't say anything mean, don't hurt her like you always do! Don't be dumb, say sorry to her first for everything! And-" "She's still your Pooja kutty, an exact copy of you." Arjun whispers to Priya. "So, what happened?" Adi asks. "Why are you silent?" Pooja adds. 

"Hey kutties." Priya smiles, taking the phone. "Priyamma! Is everything okay?" Adi asks. "Did Appa hurt you again?" Pooja adds. "Hey calm down, everything's okay." Priya responds. "Your Appa did apologize again and again, but I told him I'll only forgive him if he apologizes to both of you." "You sound so happy Priyamma..." Pooja beams. "If Appa made you this happy, then of course we'll forgive him!" Adi adds. "Does this mean, Appa said sorry, then said I love you and then gave you a kiss!?!" Pooja asks excitedly. "Pooja, you can't just ask that!" Adi laughs, trying to grab the phone from her. "Why not, that's the advice I gave Appa when he was trying to propose the first time!" Pooja laughs. Arjun blushes, trying to ignore Priya's gaze. "I'm happy to hear that both of you are happy." Priya says, resting her cheek on her palm. "So what did Appa do? Did he be romantic?" Pooja pushes. Priya laughs, wondering how to manage her two naughty angels. "Romantic, I wouldn't say so," she jokes, "more like a mess, crying the whole time and saying sorry more than a hundred times!" "Hey!" Arjun interrupts, trying to grab the phone. "I was romantic and followed both your advice, okay?" "If Priyamma's happy then that means our help worked!" Adi says. "Wait, did you tell Priyamma about your room?" Pooja asks. "What about the room?" Priya asks suspiciously. "Pooja no! Don't spoil it! Let them come home and Priyamma can see it first hand!" Adi laughs. Priya looks at Arjun, raising her eyebrow. "Fine, I'll show you when we get back, is that okay with you two periya manasars?" "Don't forget about the phone too Appa!" Pooja giggles. "Wha- you went through my phone too?!" Arjun takes the phone off speaker and puts it to his ear. "It's nothing to be embarrassed of Appa," Adi manages, pushing Pooja away.

"Priyamma deserves to know how much you missed her. Anyways, put the phone off speaker for a second, I need to tell you something." Adi says. Arjun whispers to Priya before walking away. "It's off speaker, go ahead." "So, Pooja and I looked into the law, and Vandhana Amma might try to get you to accept a common-law relationship since she's lived with you for 6 years." "What?" "Don't worry, that doesn't mean you and Vandhana Amma are together now. It means that tonight, you need to propose again. And tomorrow you can get married at the register's office. That way, you'll be legally married when you come back, making it harder for Vandhana Amma to mess things up." "Wait that's so soon, what are you talking about? Is it even possible?" "Do you want Vandhana Amma to figure out you are legally separated?" Adi asks. "No, but-" "She will find out sooner or later, that's why you need to get legally married again. And you need to do it before you come back, without anyone else knowing. Otherwise there's a chance that Vandhana Amma will hear." Arjun sighs. "So what's the plan?" "I'll book the register's office for tomorrow evening. You need to choose a ring for Priyamma as soon as possible and send it to me. I'll get Murali Uncle to make it and have it delivered to you by tonight. That way you can propose. Then tomorrow morning, you take Priyamma shopping and buy a new saree for her. We'll come by later with her jewellery, and also be the witnesses you need. After you get married, we'll go back home like nothing happened and you can come back home like the first plan the day after." "When did you do all this planning? We just told you that everything's okay?" "Pooja and I tried to stay positive, that you would convince Priyamma to forgive you and stay." Adi admits. "So all good?" Arjun gives a noise of approval before hanging up.