Kalyana Maalai 2

Chapter 21

As Kathir descended the staircase, his gaze swept across the room until it settled on Mullai, who sat among the group of women gathered for the Mehndi ceremony. Her presence seemed to cast a soft glow upon the room, her features illuminated by the flickering candlelight that danced in the dimly lit space.

Yet, despite the lively atmosphere surrounding her, Mullai appeared lost in her own world, her thoughts a tumultuous sea of emotions that threatened to engulf her whole. Kathir couldn't help but notice the distant look in her eyes, the faint furrow of her brow betraying the inner turmoil that churned within her.

Unbeknownst to the others, Kathir had marked Mullai as his own in the quiet solitude of his room, his actions a silent declaration of his love and desire. Though Mullai had initially resisted his advances, she had eventually succumbed to the irresistible pull of his touch, her heart and mind waging a silent battle against the overwhelming tide of her emotions.

As Mullai sat with her eyes tightly shut, as if trying to banish the memories that threatened to consume her, the Mehndi artist gently interrupted her reverie, her voice a soothing balm against the backdrop of Mullai's inner turmoil.

Mehendi artist - Mam neenga rhomba kuduthu vechavanga..podum podhae unga marudhani ivlo sevakudhu..appo kaanja innum dark ah irukum..

M - Hmmm..adhukku enna..

Mehendi artist - Enna mam..ippadi kekureenga..marudhani kaila nalla pudicha..unga purushan ku unga mela semma love nu artham..theriyadha ungalukku..

A - Ahn Mullai appadi dan solluvanga..enakku mattum marudhani sevakkama irukkatum..Vetri ya oru vazhi panniduvenu erkanavae meratti dan vechi iruken..

Abhi's friend - Oh appo kandippa oru sandai irukku..paaru kalyana ponnu unna vida unga anniku dan marudhani nalla pudichu irukku..

A - Aww..appo Vetri enna love panradha vida..Kathi anna ungala love panrara??

Kathir and Mullai immediately looked at each other , a sudden surge of tension crackled in the air between them, tangible and palpable. Mullai felt a flutter of nerves dance in the pit of her stomach, her heart pounding erratically within her chest. Could it be true? Love? Could Kathir truly started loving her??

Love-an emotion so profound and all-encompassing, yet so fraught with uncertainty and vulnerability. Mullai found herself grappling with a myriad of conflicting emotions, uncertainty warring with hope as she dared to entertain the possibility that Kathir's feelings ran deeper than she had ever imagined.

A - Mullai enna aachu?

Sensing Mullai's discomfort, Abhi's voice cut through the tension like a knife, a gentle reminder of the world outside their private bubble of uncertainty. Mullai seized upon the opportunity to escape, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke.

M - Abhi enakku mudinjidu..naan ippo varen..

Mullai murmured, her words barely above a whisper as she sought refuge in the safety of solitude.

Retreating to a quiet corner, Mullai found solace in the delicate patterns of her Mehndi, the intricate designs serving as a soothing distraction from the tumultuous storm raging within her heart. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to drift into the depths of her memories, reliving the intimate moments she had shared with Kathir in the privacy of his room.

For nearly fifteen agonizing minutes, Mullai waged a silent battle against her inner demons, her mind and heart locked in a fierce struggle for dominance. Yet, as she finally opened her eyes, she was met with a surprising sight-a sight that filled her with both trepidation and a flicker of hope.

Standing before her, his gaze fixed upon her with an intensity that sent shivers cascading down her spine, was Kathir. In that moment, amidst the swirling chaos of her emotions, Mullai couldn't help but wonder-was this a sign of a new beginning, or merely the calm before the storm?