X Crossed Paths X ( Undergoing Editing )

Realizations

Gone case...

Kathir's mind echoed with the melancholic strains of "Sodhanai mel sodhanai," setting the stage for his contemplations.

"Yenga avanga ingayae irrukatum indha veetla yenna korai?" Lakshmi questioned Pandian, her words laced with curiosity.

"Lakshmi...!" Pandian's response carried a deep tone, a tone that conveyed more than spoken words. Lakshmi, in her silent wisdom, placed her faith in her husband's superior judgment and silently agreed.

"Poi solluvaangala? Nee kelambu... idhuku melae edhum pesadha un things ellam pack panniyachu," Pandian stated, leaving Kathir in a state of bemusement.

Meanwhile, Mullai harbored her thoughts: "Kudumbathoda gumbal ah irrukumbodhae samlika mudilla...thaniya pona yenna padu pada poreno...."

With the elders' blessings, that day marked their transition from the bungalow to a new abode.

As Kathir stepped out of the taxi and gazed at the imposing apartment, he couldn't help but muse, "Eppadiyo rendu bedroom irrukum ivaluku oru bedroom kuduttutu namba onna edhutukuvom..."

Upon entering, his shock was palpable: "One BHK va...!"

On the other hand, Mullai, observing the compactness of the house, contemplated, "Mamanar konjam kanjam ah irruparu pola irrukae... seri paravala, adjust pannikuvom... namaku adjust pannikiradhu pudhusa yenna..."

Kathir found a semblance of peace on the veranda, discovering that the house was not only furnished but also equipped with an attached stove. The attached balcony adorned with a small beautiful garden added a touch of solace.

While Mullai admired the house, Kathir barged into the room with an air of vexation. "Vellaiku kelamba poraru pola...hmm...sapadu office canteen avlo nalla irrukadhae..." Mullai overheard and pondered.

Mullai's mind flashed back to her sister's complaints about canteen food – "Idly kallu maari irukum...Sambar chappunu irukum...Agamothathula kevalama irrukum..."

Undeterred, she decided, "Ivugha veetu sapatayae saptu pazhagirupanga kandippa canteen sapadhu othuvaradhu namale edhavdhu senju kudupom..." With determination, she marched into the kitchen, ready for culinary warfare.

"Manju akka ivugha ponnu pakka vandhapo rasam ah naluvaati vaangi nakki kudicharunu sonna...appo ivaru rasam pudikum seri adhayae vepom..." she murmured while soaking tamarind in hot water, blending tomatoes and garlic, and discreetly grinding pepper powder.

In the midst of her culinary escapade, she questioned herself, "Rasam ah eppadi tiffin la pack panna...leak ayiduchuna... Sapada kozhaiya vechu mix pannuvom appo leak agadhu..." The lunch was promptly packed.

As anticipated, Kathir descended, clad in neat formals with a sling bag hanging over his shoulder. Without warning, Mullai banged his head.

"Pch, pathu vara theriyadhu...?" Kathir, rubbing his forehead, questioned.

"Sorry..." Mullai apologized, handing over the blue bag. Kathir raised an eyebrow.

"Yenna... Impress panna try panriya..." he inquired, his demeanor distinctly cross.

"No need for any impression or compression... Canteen la sapadhu nalla irrukadhunu kelvi patturuken... Adhan lunvh panniruken... Edhuttutu ponga..." Mullai responded with a cheerful voice.

"Un sapada vida yenga office canteen sapatu onnum avlo kevalam irrukadhu..." smirking, Kathir remarked.

To be honest, those words did hurt her, but undeterred, Mullai continued being herself.

"Dho da... Engakittyaeva... Neenga yen sapata saptadhae illa pinna eppudi solriya kevalama irrukum nu..." she questioned.

"Unnaku badhil sollanum ngra avasiyam ennakilla..." Kathir retorted, beginning to leave.

"Ayo ayo porahalae... Yenna panna Mullai seekiram edhvadhu yosi..." she thought fast and came up with a brilliant idea.

"Ahem ahem... Neenga ippo lunch ah vaangittu polana naan mama kitta complain panniduven..." Mullai said with a lopsided smile.

Kathir, about to open the door, stopped in his tracks. "Appa kitta complain pannuvala... Sutham..." Kathir thought and returned, giving Mullai a look of disdain.

A huge "happada" escaped from her mouth. Mullai wiped the sweat beads formed on her forehead.

"Ivara samilika oru valiya kandupudichachu..." she acknowledged to herself and moved onto the kitchen.

Mullai, in her efforts to stay occupied, tended to the plants, stacked her clothes, and cleaned the kitchen and bathroom.

"A capable wife's value is far more than that of corals..." she mused, finally settling in front of the television.

"Suryavamsam... Suyamvaram... Rendu la edha pakka...?... hmm... Seri, rendayum papaom..." she said, putting on the television.

Even though a part of her missed her work, she found happiness in sacrificing things. And for Mullai, Kathir was totally worth it.

On the flip side, Kathir was burning, both inside and out.

"Ippo nee yen dinosaur maari bussu bussunu mooku valiya nerupu vittutu irruka..." Ramesh asked Kathir.

"Appa kitta solluvalam... Blackmail panra..." Kathir, fisting his hands, replied.

"Seri vidra avan avanuku pondatti samchae kuduka mattengira un pondatti unnaku asaiya lunch pack panni kudutiruka adha papiya... Vandhu polambitu irrukan..." Ramesh said with a grimace.

Kathir grunted.

"Dei machan, naan canteen ku poren..." Ramesh announced.

"Irru, naanum varen..." Kathir replied.

"Nee edhuku da vara... Adhan nee lunch edhutu vandirukiyae..." Ramesh pointed out.

"Idhan poi naan edhuku sapuduren..." Kathir said, pointing to his tiffin carrier, opening the box, and throwing the food into the dust bin.

"Dei dei arivu kettavanae en da ippidi ella sapdayum dustbin la pota... Un pondatti samchu kuduturuka... Adha poi... Next time food ah waste pannadha enkittayadhu kodu naan sapuduren..."

"Haan..." Kathir nonchalantly responded.

Mullai was beautiful, well-educated, polite, and kind. However, Kathir's ego hindered him from recognizing these positive qualities. His anger served as a veil, blinding him to Mullai's virtues.

His mind fixated on one thing – she agreed to this marriage even after he disagreed. The question lingered: Why would she do that?

"Thimiru..." his lips whispered. Yet, decisions and assumptions made in anger are seldom right.

Will Kathir realize it? Will his heart let go of his ego?

To be continued...