One More Time

n i n e

Shivanya's countenance was adorned with a wide smile, and a delicate flush graced her cheeks as she gazed into the mirror in front of her.

The mirror, which was long accustomed to mirroring her gloomy and lackluster reflection, now bore witness to a countenance beaming with contentment. The person staring back at her seemed almost alien, sparking a moment of surprise for Shivanya.

With a dismissive shake of her head at the reflection, she left the restroom, the persistent smile still lingering.

The moment she stepped into her chamber, her eyes fell upon the little card that little Avi affectionately crafted. She gracefully glided towards her dresser, slowly retrieving the card into her grasp with a smile.

"So cute..." Shivanya softly muttered, as she tenderly caressed the sloppy drawing.

Her gaze then drifted to the chocolate bar that was still adhered to the card. At the sight of that, Shivanya's smile unknowingly broadened, and a cascade of today's memories flooded into her mind.

Her mind replayed the intricate gestures of Aaruthran, and her heart slightly fluttered with an unknown emotion that overwhelmed her. His prioritization of her comfort, the gentle handling of her insecurities, and the beautiful surprise, made her feel undeniably special.

Before she could delve further into these moments, a knock punctuated the quietude, interrupting the serenity of her thoughts.

Cradling the card in her hand, Shivanya turned around and strolled towards the door, the lingering smile from earlier still gracing her face. Upon opening the door, the sight of her brother's smiling face greeted her, and her smile widened even more as she caught sight of the visitor standing before her.

"Vaa ney!" She exclaimed, as she moved aside, inviting him into her room.

In response, Pugazh affectionately ruffled Shivanya's hair with an adoring smile before stepping into her room. He strolled towards her bed, and settled himself down before patting the empty space next to him.

Grasping the meaning behind his gesture, Shivanya smiled and made her way towards the bed, before comfortably settling down.

"Madam inniku romba santhoshama irukinga pola?" Pugazh teased, gazing at Shivanya's beaming face.

A delighted chuckle escaped Shivanya's lips, and she lowered her gaze, fixing her eyes on the card cradled in her hand.

"Orey naal la en vaazhkaiye azhaga maaruna mathiri iruku ney..." She fondly smiled, gazing at the card.

Gradually lifting her head, Shivanya passed Pugazh a warm smile before extending the card to him. "Idha paaru... Idhu avarum Avi-yum ennaku kudutha birthday gift...".

"Birthday gift?" Pugazh's eyes widened in surprise.

Shivanya nodded with a fond smile, before excitedly sharing the day's events with her brother. With each word she uttered, Pugazh couldn't help but discern the glint in his sister's eyes. The admiration radiating from her gaze didn't escape his notice, and a warm smile adorned his face as he listened to her.

"Idhellam ennaku romba pudhusa iruku ney... Ithana varshathula, unna thavira vera yaarum ennaku ivlo importance kuduthadhu illa... Aana inniku, ennakaga oruthar idhellam panrarunu nenaikumbodhu, ennaku oru mathiri feel aagudhu..." .

Shivanya finished with a confused smile gracing her countenance, her eyes expressing the overwhelming emotions she was feeling.

As Shivanya's words sank in, Pugazh grasped the extent of her obliviousness to her own feelings. The pure and unadulterated nature of her emotions unfolded vividly before him, and he regarded her with a knowing smile.