It's Complicated

Thirty One

Geetha sighed as she ran her fingers over the old family photo album. It had been so long since she'd opened it up. A barely there smile appeared on her face as she flipped through the pages, memories flooding back to her.

There were many pictures of Nivetha and Ashwin as children, them playing and laughing. Sometimes she couldn't believe that both her kids were over thirty, and her eldest was a mother. They were still wide-eyed innocent babies in her eyes. As she skimmed, one particular photograph caught her eye. She lifted the album closer, taking in the image of her younger self stood with a teenage Ashwin and his school principal.

Flashback, Coimbatore 2006

"You should be very proud, miss. You've raised an excellent boy."

Geetha tightened her arm around Ashwin as the principal showered praises on her son.

"He has scored great marks in the final exams. Not only that, he helped teach and guide many of his classmates. He's quiet, but he's the perfect class leader."

She couldn't hold back her grin as he continued to speak.

"Every parent's dream is to have a child like yours. So disciplined, so obedient. Truly an example."

"Aiyo, thank you so much for saying all this about him. Avan eppomai apdi thaan, nanga enna sonnalum keppan. Romba samathaana paiyan, we are blessed," replied Geetha graciously.

The principal turned to Ashwin.

"What do you want to study?"

Ashwin smiled.

"Engineering sir. Maybe mechanical."

The principal put a hand on Ashwin's shoulder.

"Great choice. I'm sure you'll go far."

Back to Present

Geetha chuckled, amused by how simple life had been for them. They had no clue of the years of turmoil and struggle that was to come. The shock and confusion of watching Ashwin throw away everything to chase some impossible dream. It had drained her, breaking her in places that were still healing. Even so, she couldn't believe there was a period where she'd gone a year without talking to her precious boy.

She felt she was back in that zone, as that precious boy hadn't said more than a few sentences to her all week.

The excitement that had filled her when she heard Ashwin was going to be home for a week quickly deflated when she saw his state. His face was worn, body almost slumped over. An immense, constant sadness emitted from his eyes... he was simply hard to look at.

It was torturous to be an observer to the behaviour, pouring over reasons to understand him. Her light questioning led to no explanations, just more anxiety on her end.

Geetha didn't know why he broke off the engagement.

Certainly she had been taken back, but her gut had been warning her of it going wrong for awhile. Nevertheless it had been disappointing, she'd really liked Kavya and was elated to see her son settle down. Was she convinced by Ashwin's reasoning that they weren't right for each other? Not really. But she'd spent the last five months biting her tongue on the matter, respecting his decision. She had only proceeded with the match on his wish, marriage wasn't something to be forced.

She wondered if Ashwin was possibly regretting his choice, and hurting from the breakup. But he wasn't one to sulk over situations where he had control, and he could get Kavya back if he tried. Narayan's incessant calls to their family was proof enough.