Dusky Moonlight

23(2)

Kayanangai felt a pang of nervousness on her spine when she entered Aathiyan's place. The queen, her sisters-in-law, Aathiyan's sister Sumitra and wives of the king's closest men accompanied her which added turned Kayanangai shy. From her family, her father's sisters came with them.

Ladies were giggling behind talking about their experience in the early stages of their marriage. They teased Kayanangai for being so shy and asked to talk to him because he's now his wife. She didn't answer and just nodded her head.

After the wedding, she got a lot of presents from everyone and met many people from all over the town. It was a wonderful lunch she had with Aathiyan. She saw her brother only after the wedding. He and his father were so cheerful more than her. She's quite happy to know that her brother and her husband were bonding so well.

Mathinila, she's extraordinarily happy in her own little world. She didn't mind anything and anyone around when Veera was there by her side. She held hands with Veera without reluctant in front of all those people but Kayanangai was hesitant to even look at Aathiyan's side. She felt like she's not her sister anymore, someone else.

The first time she's going to spend a night with Aathiyan, he just married her and got a place in her life as her husband yet he's a stranger who she knew nothing about. Aathiyan didn't speak much to her after the marriage besides they didn't get a chance. Too many people were around and Kayanangai was so reserved to start a conversation with him.

She slightly envied her sister who had an entirely different day. There she thought how much life is different even for sisters who get married in the same household, to the similar type of person yet this marriage brings much joy to Mathinila compared to Kayanangai.

She laughed like there's no one around when Veera cracked silly jokes. She can't help but roll her eyes.

"Kayanangai, you are like my daughter," The Rani said getting her attention. "If you had anything that's bothering you don't ever hesitate, okay?"

That's one of the kindest words that she heard and she got emotional thinking about her mother who isn't here to give her blessing. She fell to his feet and got her blessing. She cried in the morning and now some tears slipped out of her eyes but she doesn't want to cry anymore. Tears aren't shaming, it's just an extreme emotional outcome that words will fail to address.

"God will bless you with all the fortunes, get up my dear," her mother-in-law said and brought her back to her feet.

"Yes, I am like your sister," Sumitra said and leaned on to her ears, 'If he scolds you for anything, tell me."

Kayanangai smiled and nodded looking at her. She can understand that Sumitra was fond of Aathiyan more than Veera.

"We can't come inside after this," one of the Aunt reminded the ladies why they are here.

Yes, I will see you, tomorrow, Kayanangai," the rani said.

She's so grateful for all these good women who somewhat reminded her mother in some way. It felt like her mother was close to her and her eyes reflected that gratitude. Getting blessings from all the elders as, Kayanangai walked further inside, alone. Her heart is racing in an impulsive way and her steps were rapid because she doesn't want to waste any moments in the troublesome nervousness.

Aathiyan is in his boudoir, waiting for Kayanangai. Hearing the faint sound of her anklet, Aathiyan straighten his posture and relaxed his firm face. His lips stretched in a small smile, and his eyes were delighted to see his wife.

He never felt this way before, his heart is pounding. He's conceited to accept his eagerness but his gestures showed it. He took the glass which had the imported wine from Greece, after taking a sip he picked up a piece of mango to ease the sour taste.