One More Time

t w e l v e

"Papa?"

"Shivu?"

"Shivanyaaa!"

Shivanya's trance shattered abruptly as the echo of her name reverberated loudly in her ears, jolting her back to the present moment. Slowly turning, she found Pugazh standing in the doorway of her bedroom, his expression a mosaic of confusion and concern, mirroring her own inner turmoil.

With a subtle exhale, Shivanya summoned a fragile smile, attempting to mask the turmoil that churned within her. "S-Sollu ney?" She attempted to sound chirpy.

Pugazh's face twisted with confusion as he strode inside her room, his gaze settling on his sister who was seated on the vanity chair before him. "Yen mugam oru mathiri iruku? Yennachu?" Pugazh questioned as his eyes met his sister's forced smile.

Instantly overcome by panic, Shivanya hastily shifted her gaze downward, her eyes fixating on her lap as she grappled with how to address her brother's question. As she fidgeted with her fingers, Shivanya's mind raced, scrambling for a plausible response when suddenly, a convincing response sparked in her mind.

"O-Onnum illa ney... Inniku kalyanam la? Adhaan konjam nervous-ah iruku..." She responded, her voice softening towards the end.

Pugazh's eyes softened in understanding at her response, and he reached out to tenderly caress her hair, "Naa unnoda yedathula yennikumey irundhathu illa so naa yenna solli unna samaadhanam paduthunaalum un kashtam unnaku mattum thaan theriyum, aana naa onnu mattum sollikuren... Life has been very unfair to you aana vaazhkaila mudhal vaati, nee aasai pattadhu onnu unnaku nadakka pogudhu..."

"Un past-ah overcome panradhu kashtamnu ennaku theriyum aana adhu thirumba nadanthirumongra bayathula nee aasai pattadha yezhandhuratha... Vazhkaila prechanaigal vara thaan seiyum aana pesi theeka mudiyaadha prechana yedhuvum illa so yedhuva irundhaalum un husband kitta manasu vittu pesidu, and adhayum meeri yedhachu nadanthuchuna namma paathukalam seriya?" He completed, assuring Shivanya.

Shivanya didn't know if this exact moment was a whisper from the universe or simply the gentle reassurance of a brother's love. Regardless of what it was, Shivanya felt an immense sense of gratitude flooding her soul like a gentle tide. Her brother's wisdom rang true in her mind. Indeed, there was no challenge too daunting, no obstacle too insurmountable that couldn't be overcome with an open and honest conversation. Hence, taking her brother's words to heart, she made a silent vow to herself. Once Aaruthran and her were married, she would have an open conversation with him, trusting in their friendship to resolve this misunderstanding. With this newfound determination, Shivanya decided to put away her worries and get ready to embrace the life she always dreamed of.

"Thank you ney..." Shivanya spoke, a genuine smile gracing her lips this time.

Hearing her response, Pugazh's face softened into a tender smile. "Naa yeppovum unkooda thaan irupen thangam... Ippo, un kutty moolaya pottu romba kuzhapikaama seekiram veliya vaa... Muhurthathuku neram aayiduchu..." Saying that, Pugazh proceeded to vacate the room.

Nodding in approval, Shivanya turned to take in her reflection in the mirror one last time. As her gaze lingered on the saree gifted to her by her mother-in-law, she couldn't help but feel like the most beautiful woman on earth.

Draped in a resplendent red silk saree, adorned with elaborate golden borders and intricate designs, she exuded an aura of timeless elegance. Her matching red puffed-sleeved blouse added a touch of regal sophistication, perfectly complementing the grandeur of her attire. Her dense locks were skillfully arranged into a low, slightly tousled bun, adorned with delicate jasmine flowers that imparted a subtle fragrance to her appearance. The beaming glint of big golden jhumkas framed her face, while the gold choker and long haaram added a touch of opulence to her neckline. The nethi chutti, resting delicately on her forehead, added a final flourish of traditional elegance. With her eyes densely coated with eyeliner and a kutty red pottu delicately placed between her eyebrows, Shivanya truly felt like a bride.