𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝔸𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕊𝕔𝕒𝕣𝕤

EPILOGUE

Back To The Past
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The curtain billowed gently behind Tara as she stood on the balcony overlooking the breathtaking view of the Goa beach. The rhythmic sound of the waves reached her ears, creating a soothing melody that seemed to harmonize with the soft rustle of palm leaves. The air carried with it the distinct scent of saltwater.

She closed her eyes, allowing the breeze to play with strands of her hair, and a contented smile graced her lips as she stood in the balcony of the same hotel room she stayed seven-years-ago. 

Tara couldn't help but chuckle as she turned around to find her husband sprawled on the bed, sleeping on his stomach, his cheek pressed against the softness of the pillow. It never ceased to amuse her how the man who stood as one of the most successful photographers in the country, adorned with principles and achievements, transformed into a version of himself that was no different from their five-year-old daughter.

She approached him with a quiet step, a mischievous glint in her eyes. The morning sunlight played on Vikram's tousled hair as he peacefully slept, unaware of the impending disturbance. Tara couldn't resist the temptation to tease him a bit, an impish grin forming on her lips.

Vikram's peaceful sleep met an unexpected interruption, and a furrow formed on his forehead as he felt a weight pressing down on his back. Attempting to shift, he found himself constrained. Slowly opening his eyes, he discovered that his wife, Tara, was lying on his back, her eyes closed, yet a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

He couldn't help but chuckle at the playful invasion.

Tara

Her eyes were closed, and she pretended to be asleep.

Ma, mudhila ma vayasachu enaku

However, that triggered her. With a swift motion, she rolled next to him, her eyes shooting daggers in his direction. Vikram, undeterred by her glare, grinned back,

Vayasachu? Unaku?

Vikram fake-pouted, nodding in acknowledgment of his wife's mock anger, which only intensified her glare. Undeterred, he wound his arms around her waist, swiftly pulling her into his warm embrace. He gently nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck before playfully speaking.

Na yenna pannen? Nee dhan enna night full'ah thoonga vidhula

Tara gasped, her hands instinctively covering her mouth as she stared at him with disbelief and a hint of horror. The marks he had left on her from the passionate night before were still vividly etched on her skin. Later, when they went out, Tara knew she would need copious amounts of concealer to hide the evidence of their shared intimacy. Vikram, however, chuckled at her reaction before affectionately pecking her nose and giving her a playful nudge.

Seri ivlo early ah yelunchi yenna panna porae? Innum konjam neram thoongalam va

As he finished speaking, Tara's mobile rang. They both chuckled, understanding exactly who it was. Wordlessly, Vikram swiftly pulled on his t-shirt. After ensuring they were both decent enough, Tara answered the video call, revealing their daughter's face on the screen.

Hi Baby!

Good Morning!

Akshara proudly wished her parents, her wide smile reflecting on both of their faces. Their daughter, their joy, every little thing she does manages to spark pride in them, no matter how simple it may be.

Appa na inniki 8 o'clock lam yelunchuten theriyuma?

Yen ma?

Patti kovil'ku polamnu sonnanga, na pattu pavadhai'lam podha poren!

Appo kandipa appa'ku photo anupanum?

Okay!

As Tara observed the father-daughter conversation, her keen eyes spotted something next to her daughter's hand on the table.

Akshara, pakathula yenna adhu?

Akshara's eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly looked up at Venkatesh, signaling him to hide the chocolate milk. Tara gasped as she noticed her father discreetly slipping the carton away.

Akshu?!

Yennikachum oru naal dhane di!

Meenakshi immediately stepped in to defend her granddaughter. No one, not even Tara, was allowed to raise their voice against Akshara. At times, Tara wondered if Akshara was her daughter or Meenakshi's.

When this Akshara was born, everyone couldn't help but point out the uncanny resemblance she had with their Akshara. Especially Meenakshi and Venkatesh, it was like seeing and holding their daughter back in their hands after losing her. Although Akshara also inherited some genes from Vikram and Tara, like the dimples and photogenic nature from Vikram, and the disobedience and style obsession from Tara. But there was just no denying who Akshara would resemble as she grew up, and they all saw it as their miracle.

Ma, kalailaye avaluku sweet ah yedhuvum tharadhanu unaku na yethana thadva solradhu? Kekkave maatiya?

Na solradhelam nee kettrukiya? Ippo theriyudha unaku yepdhi irukunu?

Vikram chortled earning a glare from his wife, she looked back at her mother who had a amused look on her face,

Revenge yedhukuriya?

Akshu kutty!

as Saranya's voice made an entrance, she was caught on camera. When Meenakshi turned around, Tara's eyes widened in surprise, while Vikram couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. Saranya was handing out chocolate to a very excited Akshara. Vikram noticed Tara's reaction and,

Akshara odhiru, na aprom call panren!

Little Akshara ran away from the camera to her grand father, and Vikram playfully grabbed the mobile from his wife's hold as she was pissed by their unhealthy pampering to their daughter, who would bring her to the dentist later? Her! As Vikram held the phone higher for Tara to reach, Meenakshi smiled as she declined the call which she knew would have only infuriated her daughter even more.

Tara glared at Vikram, beating him only to be pulled into a kiss to calm her down. 

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The event venue sparkled with decorations and vibrant lights, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Tara couldn't help but feel a rush of nerves as she absorbed the surroundings, the familiarity of the event triggering a wave of nostalgia.

This was where it all started, her first step towards her dream, her challenges, her home, her achievements, everything started here and to think that she was back here again felt so surreal to Tara. However, she wasn't a contrstant this time.

Vikram, sensing her unease, gently took her hand to provide comfort. Upstairs, as they prepared to take the stage, Vikram glanced back to check on Shakthi, who was overseeing the academy photographers. Satisfied that things were in capable hands, Vikram returned to Tara, offering a reassuring sigh.

Seated on the stage, the emcee's voice resonated, kicking off the event. Soon, an announcement filled the air, revealing the esteemed judges for the evening.

And our judges for the photographers would be Mr. Vikram while the chief judge for the designers is going to be none other than the sensational and inspiring designer in the country, Tara Venkatesh

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