Nandini

Chapter 26- The Bride

Nandini opened the jewellery box they brought from Pazhayarai. When Akka got married, she was given her share of ornaments, sarees and Amma's old box. She insisted that the new box be kept at home. When they returned from Pazhayarai, both sisters wanted to throw away the damn thing with its contents in Vaigai. But anger is the privilege of gods and kings! They had no other means but to use the fineries gifted by the two pirattis for akka's wedding. But none of these will be needed for Nandini's marriage.

Akka and Amma stood at the corner of the room and weeped silently. Annan too wore an inexplicable expression on his face. Nandini placed the big maangamaalai on tiny Nila and laughed. The necklace is almost as big as Nila. How long will it take her to grow up! When she grows up, the tiny lolakku will suit her face well and her hands will be big enough for these valayal. The baby took the chutti from her hands and started to bite it with her toothless gums. She cried when Nandini took it from her mouth. She tickled the baby who started to laugh again. Adi! The little girl is already obsessed with jewellery. Maybe akka herself will start wearing these when she gets over her initial sadness. She wrapped each piece carefully.

"Here akka, be careful. Why are you crying? This is a small gift to my vennila kutti. I am giving this to you only because she is too little", Nandini gave the bundle to akka.

She took the silver jewellery she wore regularly. She had washed them and put it on the windowsill to dry them. She gave her earrings to Arulvezhi, a neighbour of akka whom she had invited to their home.

"Do you like the design, kanne?", she pinched the cheek of the girl.

"Akka, when do you want it back?", the girl asked with apprehension.

"It is yours paapa"

"Really? You don't want it? Ever?", the girl asked again and again, as if she couldn't believe it.

She divided her bangles among twin sisters Mullai and Maathu who too looked at her with astonishment and thanked her profusely. She gave her mookuthi to Gnanam akka in the neighbourhood and silver chutti to her sister who had come to visit her. Though they tried to give it back, she insisted that they take it.

Amma and akka kept on crying. Maybe that's why Velvizhi was reluctant to accept the chelas. She was about to get married in a month. Nandini had considered giving her silk sarees too to Nila but she felt that Velvizhi needed it more than baby Nila who won't wear them for at least 12-13 years. No wonder Kundavai and Sembiyan Madevi gave away jewellery and chelas frequently. It feels so good. 

"Don't mind them. Actually you should call me when you drape it. I wish to see you in them. In my opinion, it is the green colour that suits you the best".

Obviously Velvizhi had questions. Nila was too young to understand anything and other girls thought Nandini was just lending them the jewellery, though she insisted that it isn't so. They didn't look convinced. She saw Gnanam giving the mookuthi back to Amma, saying that she can't accept such expensive gifts.

"Akka, why are you giving away all this? Won't you need it for your marriage?"

"I am married", Nandini declared. Amma and akka cried even louder. Baby Nila too started to cry when she saw her mother and grandmother crying. Annan took her out and Amma and akka went with them, unable to accept the madness which was unfolding before their eyes. Velvizhi's eyes looked like they will fall out of their sockets.

That day Velvizhi accompanied Nandini when she went to take a bath and pestered her. When did Nandini get married? Didn't get father die recently? Have they conducted her marriage secretly? Why is she giving away everything as if she has a lot of gold and silk lying around? Most importantly, where is her husband?