38
Ashwin looked at Shivangi worried. She was excited the whole morning about visiting the caterers for tasting of their wedding food, but ever since she entered the car, she has been lost. Knowing her, he expected her to rant about the best food she has had at weddings right from when she was five.
"Enna aachu ma?" Ashwin asked snapping his fingers in front of her. Shivangi turned towards him, but she was still miles away. "Shivangi!" he called her name
(Are you okay?)
"Sollunga." She said after a moment
(Yes)
"Are you okay?" he asked worried. They both have been working relentlessly so that they have enough free dates to enjoy wedding and honeymoon. Ashwin wondered if work was getting to her. "Tired ah iruka? Namba vena nalaiku tasting polam. Inniku nalla toongu."
(Are you tired? Do you want to postpone meeting?)
"Illa, I am good." She said
"Enna yosikara?"
(Where are you lost?)
"Onnum illa."
(Nothing)
Shivangi threw a warm smile at him hoping that was enough to make him believe that she was okay.
Shivangi loved the fact she and Ashwin are planning their wedding together. Like any other girl she has dreamed about how her wedding should take place. Ashwin, on the other hand, had his own share of wishes to fulfil. So, it only seemed right that they involve themselves as much as possible in the wedding preparation. Both the families obliged. However, now, Shivangi realized that even though families aren't vocally against about anything they do, they have their own share of check list they wish to be ticked.
Shivangi's father already once mentioned not so directly how he feels let down by not getting to plan his only daughter's wedding. Today morning, when she was getting ready to meet the caterers, she overheard her parents discussing how they are going to miss the typical meal spread that is served in all weddings in their family and is sort of a tradition and sentiment. On other hand, yesterday, while speaking to Shivangi, Ashwin's mother let it slip that she was disappointed with Ashwin for refusing to hire the caterers from Coimbatore who have been associated with the family for over two decades now.
Shivangi wondered if they are making their parents feel unimportant while doing everything according to their wish.
Shivangi was immersed in her own thoughts while walking without her eyes on the path, when she banged on something hard but soft.
"Ouch" she scrunched her nose and looked up at Ashwin frowning at her. Did she collide with him? She wondered
"Enna prachana nu nee solra varaikum naan next step vekka maaten."
(Tell me what is bothering you)
It was as much as his wedding as hers. But, does that mean she has to let him on all things that can kill the excitement?
"Onnum illa, Ashwin." She said.
(Nothing really)
"Konjam suthi paaru." He insisted. Shivangi realized there were in the longue of the caterer's office and they were surrounded by sweets of different varieties. "Sweets ku nadula nikkarom, aana nee excite aagala. Definitely problem dan. Sollu. Enna aachu?"
(Look around. We are midst of so many sweets and yet you are not excited. I am alarmed. What is bothering you?)
Shivangi sighed. Maybe sharing with him is not about making him share her burden. It can also be about discussing to arrive at a solution.
