It's Complicated

Five

one month later

The Krishnakumar family were gathered at their dining table, feasting on a traditional Kerala full meal lunch.

Binni eagerly watched her family try the food. She wasn't the best cook, and this was the first time she had made so many dishes on her own.

"Sappadu eppadi irruku?"

"Super amma, Lakshmi akka usual ah pandrathu vidda etho innum nalla pannirukanga," replied Sivaangi.

Binni laughed out loud.

"Lakshmi akka didn't make this mole. I cooked it all myself," she announced proudly.

Her grin widened as her family clamoured to shower her with praise.

Krishnakumar beamed at his wife, his eyes full of deep affection. Sivaangi observed the loving look he sent her with a twinge of envy.

But she wasn't a stranger to such looks.

flashback, november 2021.

"Ashwineyy just one second stop teasing me and listen! I have something important to say."

The two were seated in his car outside her house, Ashwin had offered to drop her after Pugazh's celebration dinner for his first film release.

"I've been waiting to tell you the second I got the news. I...I've been offered the lead role in a huge project. To be the heroine for AGM's next film."

She went on excitedly.

"They told me I was the first choice, and I couldn't believe it! The script is amazing, so interesting from start to finish. There's comedy, music, action, romance. A dream movie for me."

She took a deep breath, waiting to hear his response.

His answer was one of silence, but not one lacking communication.

His eyes seemed to melt into hers, in that special way he reserved just for her. He didn't have to speak to convey his pride, his excitement and his admiration. His gaze was like waves furiously crashing into each other, like wind searing through the sky, like the entire universe compressed together.

There was no chance, in any lifetime, that someone could look at her the way he did.

back to present.

"Yenna Sivu yoschitu sappadamatingra?"

She looked up from her plate.

"You know, Ashwin is committed now."

Her family reacted in surprise.

"Apdiya? Eppo?" asked Vinayak.

"A few weeks back. His family set him up with a girl and it worked out."

Krishnakumar smiled.

"Kekka santhoshama irruku, avaru romba nalla paiyan. I hope he gets everything he wishes for in life."

Binni hummed in agreement, looking to her daughter wistfully. Her husband may always see her as a innocent child but she knew better. She knew how Sivangi saw Ashwin, and how this must feel. But her daughter had always been open about her feelings, when she wanted to talk about it she would. All she could do now was give motherly support.

"Sivu, inniki gulab jamun panlama?" she asked.

Sivaangi's eyes lit up hearing about her favourite dessert, and she forget all about her troubles for a moment.