You Are My Sunshine

Chapter 21 Perfect Son-in-Law

Though Dev is an early riser, he thought of sleeping for a while, as no Gym is here for a workout; Suddenly, a high pitch voice of L.R.Eswari reached his ears through loudspeakers.

It was Adi month (a Tamil month), and they were celebrating the Mariamman temple festival in the neighbourhood. Dev can't sleep a bit; he tried to muffle his ears with a pillow. Being from a posh location, where the house is nearly at a distance of a half kilometre from the entrance, these surroundings were new for him.

[ A/N ] - L.R.Eswari- A famous female playback singer who had sung so many devotional songs. Its a ritual in Tamil Nadu to play her songs in loudspeakers in the temple during festivals, especially the songs she sung for the Goddess, Mariamman.

Anu was also disturbed by the loud music and was sitting on the bed. She saw Dev struggling with the pillow. So, she tried to close the windows properly, so that he can sleep for a while. When she was about to close, he grabbed her hand and said with a full smile.

"I love Mariamman."

Anu can't stop laughing. He attempted to act as if he wasn't bothered at all, which she enjoyed.

Dev was behaving like his own house and moved here and there. Contrarily, Anu felt odd, as this was all new for her. Her brother Arjun somewhat adjusted with him. Moreover, as he will be going with them, he thought of being on good terms with his Uncle.

Being a weekend, Anu's mother Seetha started planning for a trip to their family deity. As Dev is here, she didn't want to miss the opportunity. Their family temple is just one-hour travel from their place. When she told her idea, Mohan was also curious to take the couple to their temple. So, he slowly talked with Dev and expressed their idea of visiting their temple. Dev replied immediately,

"Why not? I am all free. Weekend, only right? We will return home by Sunday night. No problem" - he assured.

Anu's mouth hung open to see a different Dev, who works even during weekends. After breakfast, they all went in Dev's car. He was the one driving. Though Mohan suggested hiring a cab, Dev declined on firsthand. Mohan felt bad about treating him like a driver. Dev, on the other hand, was overjoyed at the prospect of a family vacation. They had a great experience as a family. Anu's parents were overjoyed with his transformation, as he had not even wished them during the wedding. Now Dev became a good man in their eyes, and it is a doubt only if they would agree with Anu's decision of not accompanying Dev. After a long inner debate, Anu talked with Dev in the evening.

"You don't have to act lovey-dovey in front of my parents. Just behave as you are." - she said.

Dev was annoyed was an understatement. He was enraged that Anu misunderstood him while he was striving to mend the link that he had previously shattered.

"Anu, I am not acting; I am trying to be a good son-in-law to this family." - he shouted.

Anu got flinched by his sudden high pitch voice, and her eyes became wet.

"Hey...Hey.. just I am telling you. My voice itself is like this." - he tried to convince her. When they were talking like this, Arjun shouted from outside,

"Anu, you want to watch the orchestra; they are about to start in the temple ground?"

The temple festivals will be celebrated vibrantly with so many happenings for almost ten days. Every night there will be special prayers and cultural shows.

That particular day, it was an orchestra, where the singers would sing popular songs from Movie albums. Anu used to watch whenever such shows were staged nearby. Knowing her fondness, Arjun invited her to come along with him.

Dev butted in, "Let me also come; I had never seen one."

Arjun was surprised to hear that.

"What, being in Chennai, how you missed one?"

Anu shushed him.

The three of them headed to the show. Arjun mingled with his friends. Dev and Anu were sitting on the edge of a parapet wall. Anu has lived in this area since she was a child. It's a densely populated middle-class neighbourhood where practically every family knows everyone else. This is different from the residential area where Dev's mansion is located. In the playground, the boys liked to play cricket. Festivals will all be celebrated together.

Anu remained focused on Dev, who was engrossed in his television.

"Whether or not to believe him. Is he a different person now? What if he reverts to his old ways when I rejoin him? "- she pondered.

Like reading her mind, he waved his hands in front of her and told,

"I am changed Anu."

Anu was staring at him without saying anything.

"Please, say something." - she heard him saying and looking at her with a sad face.

"No, I am wondering how a man can change overnight. If I am correct, you behaved like a gangster by buying that company." - She stated.

"Anu, my approach may be wrong, but my intention was good. I thought of adorning you in a superior post, but I didn't think about your opinion. Being in business and the bitter past I had, I became void of emotions. I know only deals and don't know how to handle these matters. I am looking forward to giving our relationship a chance. Even I don't know, how to explain this to you. " - He sighed.

"Dev, I am from a simple family, where we work to put bread on the table. I don't know superior, inferior jobs. Even if you can't accept me working in a small job in someone else company, then how can I survive with you. Your ego is important for you than my feelings."

"Also, I asked you to give me some time, but here I am standing without a choice. This is a relationship, Dev, where we have to respect each other. But you expect others to dance to your tunes." - She added.

Dev didn't know, how to answer her. He felt guilty, as her words were very true.

The air became thick in the atmosphere; after a brief silence, he apologized.

Dev was perplexed as to how to respond to her. He felt bad since her remarks were so genuine.

The air became thick in the atmosphere, and he apologized after a brief pause.

"I apologize if my actions irritated you, Anu. Yes, I despised the notion of you working for someone else, which is why my rage drove me to do such bizarre things. But nothing crafty, trust me. If you want to work, you can work in our company, or you can join MBA. Mugil told me that you are interested in doing an MBA."

Anu was happy about his suggestion, at least he is not locking up her inside, she thought to herself. But she didn't want to give up yet. After a pause, she answered.

"I'll think about it. But for now, can I come after few days, after my convocation."

Earlier, Dev was reluctant to leave her here, but after thinking about their little talk, he decided to agree with her. The typical Dev won't leave this to happen.

"Okay, but call me, I'll come and pick you up." - he said obediently.

"Am I invited to the convocation?" - he asked with puppy dog eyes.

"I will let you know." - She smiled.

They watched the show till midnight and returned home. Both felt relieved after clearing things.

The next day they convinced her parents by saying convocation as a reason. Arjun, who had many plans, was irritated by their sudden 180-degree turn, but he decided to keep an eye on them both.