X Crossed Paths X ( Undergoing Editing )

Estrangement

Mullai welcomed the dawn with a sense of purpose, gracefully tending to her chores. Despite her foreign education, she embodied the essence of a traditional Indian housewife. The morning sun highlighted the bright yellow thread around her neck and the kumkum on her forehead. Beads of sweat glistened like amber as they traveled from her temples to her neck.

Lakshmi, witnessing Mullai's efficiency, felt a surge of gratitude for her daughter-in-law. Yet, lingering beneath the surface was the concern - would Kathir appreciate her efforts? Would he unintentionally hurt her?

Approaching Mullai with a gentle touch, Lakshmi inquired, "Mullai, naan onnu solluven ketukuviya?" Mullai's calm response, "Yen vishayam ma sollunga," carried a warmth that resonated beyond words. The subtle shift from "atha" to "Ma" in addressing Lakshmi added a layer of familial closeness.

Expressing her concern, Lakshmi pleaded, "Kathir ah katayam padutti dhan indha kalyanatha panna vechom nee... avan edhum unna kaya padhutura maari nadhandukutana konjam poruthu poyiko ma... please ennakgha..." Mullai's simple "Seri ma" was accompanied by a genuine smile, creating a moment of understanding.

As Mullai orchestrated the breakfast table, her artistic touch transformed it into a masterpiece. Hot rotis, potato gravy, salad, and sweet bread were arranged with precision, reflecting Mullai's joy in making ordinary things extraordinary.

"Ahaa rombha naal ku aprom ippo dhan dinning table pakka asathala irruku..." Pandian remarked, acknowledging the positive change.

Kanna, seemingly ravenous, enthusiastically devoured the food, eliciting a snort from Jeeva, who commented, "Pathu plate ah yum sethu sapturadha." Meena's appreciative words, "Super mulla sapadu rombha taste ah irruku..." resonated through the room.

"Thanks nga..." Mullai responded with a polite smile, her eyes briefly lifting to their room - a subtle hope lingering in her gaze. Pandian, sensing Mullai's expectations, signaled Lakshmi to call Kathir.

"Dei un pondatti samchiruka breakfast A1 da va vandhu unkandhu sapidu..." Lakshmi called him, but Kathir's stony-faced response extinguished Mullai's hopeful smile.

"Vidu Lakshmi, thunguravangala ezhupa mudiyum ana thungura maari nadikiravanbala ezhupa mudiyadhu..." Pandian's sternness cast a shadow over Mullai's face, emphasizing the weight of the situation.

Feeling sorry for Mullai, Lakshmi prayed silently for her son to gain some sense of understanding. Kanna, in an attempt to lighten the mood, declared, "Anni apo anna oda panga naan saptukuren..."

Lakshmi, emphasizing values, stated, "Padipula varadha arvam sapathula maatum varum..." Kanna whimpered, "Yen ma Sunday annaiku poi padipa pathi pesringa..."

"Ennala Kathir annae maari irrukamudiyadhu, anga paarunga... discipline ah Sunday kuda velaiku kelmbiruchu..." Kanna pointed to Kathir.

All eyes turned towards Kathir as he descended the stairs, buttoning up his formal shirt sleeves. "Sunday la kuda aya velaiku kelambitaro..." Pandian mocked.

"Sunday velai seiyakudhadunu edhavadu rule irruka yenna..." Kathir responded before making his way out, leaving an air of uncertainty lingering.

"Rombha kastam..." Pandian sighed, getting up and shaking his head bitterly.

Mullai, shaking her head, ascended to her room, where conflicting images of happy couples post-marriage and her reality coexisted. However, her commitment to patience prevailed, and she promised herself to endure.

In the garden, Pandian's impatience manifested as he roamed, contemplating the need for change. "Idhu kandippa seri pattu varadhu, edhavadhu panni aganum..." he thought.

Kathir returned home late, finding Mullai wide awake. As the door creaked open, Mullai hurried to the hall, and Kathir looked at her astounded. "Ivala pakka kudhadunu dhan late ah vandhom... iva patha innum muzhichitu irruka..." he thought.

"Sapudringala..? Edhuttu vaikatuma..?" Mullai asked, trying to initiate a conversation.

"Hotel layae saptuten..." he replied plainly.

"Ohh..." Mullai said, her expression blank. "Kulikiringala... velaiku poitu vandhu irrukenga.. veneer vaikatuma..?" she inquired.

"Bathroom la geyser irruku thevai illa..." he answered curtly.

"Naan gavanikala..." Mullai said, attempting to keep the conversation light.

"Innaiku eppudi pochu..." she continued.

"Suriyan udichu astamanam ayi pochu..." he sarcastically remarked.

"Ohh appadiya seri..rombha nalla vishayam.." Mullai said with mischief.

"Huh..nalla vishayama..." Kathir asked, raising his brow.

"Illa neenga joke panna try panningalae adhan sonnen..." Mullai responded nonchalantly, attempting to bridge the gap with humor.

Mullai's talkative nature clashed with Kathir's reserved demeanor, creating a magnetic opposition between them.

"Look vala vala nu pesi yen time ah waste pannadha..." Kathir's cruel words cut through the air, leaving a palpable tension.

"Naan just ungala visarichen avlodhan..." Mullai defended, her attempt at conversation met with an unexpected coldness.

"Yenna visarikiradhuku nee yaaru..?" Kathir retorted, his words sounding harsh and detached.

Mullai couldn't help but wonder if he had gone mad. His tone seemed as though he had been in a coma for weeks.

"Namaluku kalyanam nu onnu anada neenga marnadhutingala... naan unga wife...andha urimai la dhan visarikiren..." Mullai passionately expressed, seeking understanding.

"Nee yen wife nu un kazhuthula irruka thaali sollalam... ana naan manasu alavula unna yen wife ah nenaikala... you are just a mere stranger to me..." Kathir's declaration hit Mullai like a wave, leaving her rooted to the ground.

His words, "You are just a mere stranger to me," echoed painfully in her ears as tears rolled down her cheeks, expressing the deep hurt she felt.

With a smirking acknowledgment of her fate, Mullai moved back to her room as dawn broke, leaving the echoes of their strained conversation lingering.

The following morning, the family gathered for breakfast, and even Kathir took his place at the table, ensuring the food was prepared by his mother. The dense silence spoke volumes, setting the stage for the inevitable confrontation.

"Kathir..." Pandian's thick, curt voice disrupted the quiet atmosphere, making Kathir look up.

"Sollunga pa..." Kathir responded, anticipating an important announcement.

"Naan unnakum mullaiku oru thani apartment rent panni irruken... innaiken nee anga shift agu..." Pandian dropped a bombshell, leaving Kathir feeling as though the ground beneath him had shifted.

Pandian wore a smirk, relishing the impact of his decision, while tensions thickened, creating an atmosphere charged with uncertainty and unspoken words.

TBC...