It was the afternoon and Shivanya found herself perched on the couch with her mother-in-law beside her, chatting away. As she lounged on the couch, engrossed in a conversation with Maha, Shivanya couldn't help but reflect on the utterly unimaginable transformation her life had undergone in the past three weeks. Not long ago, the mere idea of leisurely sitting on the couch with a refreshing drink on a bustling afternoon seemed like a distant dream, yet now, this was her reality. Her days were once filled with endless chores around the house, leaving little time for anything else. But, today was different.
Habituated to her daily schedule, Shivanya found herself performing the same tasks she did everyday at her in-law's house. However, Maha swiftly intervened, insisting that the maids will handle the tasks, leaving Shivanya with a simple task of relaxing and chatting with her. Realization soon washed over her as she sat there, soaking in the happiness that swirled within her heart.
No, her happiness didn't stem from escaping chores but from the overwhelming feeling of being wanted, being loved, and being cared for. In that moment, Shivanya knew that she had finally found her home, her family.
"Shivu kutty, un purushan pona vegatha paatha madhiyam saapudra mathiri therila. So, naa avanuku lunch pack panni tharen, nee poyi kuduthutu variya?" Maha questioned, breaking her reverie.
Upon hearing her mother-in-law's words, Shivanya's eyes widened in disbelief. "I-Illa naa y-yepdi adhu—" She began stuttering when Maha swiftly interrupted her.
"Nee vaayila type adichadhu podhum! Ozhunga poyi kelambu, naa driver-ah vara solren." The older woman exclaimed, as she rose from her seat and made her way to the kitchen.
Shivanya mentally whined, pondering ways to avoid the situation when a plausible excuse popped into her head. "Haan! N-Naa poyita Avi-ah yaaru school la irundhu pick up pannuva?" She rose from the couch and trailed behind Maha.
"Yen, ivlo naal neethaan avala pick up pannitu irundhiya? Adhellam naa paathukuren, ippo nee five minutes la kelambi keezha vara, avlothaan!" Maha instructed, while swiftly packing lunch for her son and daughter-in-law to share together.
"Maaaaa!" Shivanya whined, hoping for some sympathy from the older woman.
A frustrated sigh escaped Maha's lips as she turned around with her hands rested firmly on her hips. "Yenna maaaaa? Yedhuku di unnaku ivlo bayam? Avan yenna peiya pissasa ipdi bayapudrathuku?" She deadpanned.
Upon hearing her response, a small pout formed on Shivanya's face. "Adhungalukkachu moolai oru nelai la irukum aana unga pulla apdiya? Nenacha vandhu pesuvaaru illana apdiye murukittu poyiduvaaru..." She muttered, twisting her lips in annoyance.
Obvious to her daughter-in-law's murmurs, Maha continued with her words. "Nee yevlo polambunaalum inniku nee poyi thaan aaganum baby, so hurry up!" She 'sweetly' smiled, making Shivanya sulk.
"Seri, poren poren..." She dejectedly dropped her shoulders before making her way upstairs, while Maha simply chuckled at her antics.
Reaching her room, Shivanya effortlessly draped herself in a plain orange saree paired with a vibrant green blouse. With her long hair neatly plaited with a middle part, she chose minimal jewelry, only donning golden jhumkas and her mangalsutra. With a touch of vermillion on her hairline and a kutty red pottu adorning her forehead, her natural beauty radiated as she prepared to go downstairs.
"Vandhutiya!" Maha exclaimed, glancing at Shivanya who was walking down the stairs.
Rising from her seat, the older woman made her way over to her daughter-in-law, clutching the lunch bag in her grasp. "Poga maaten poga maatenu sollitu, ivlo azhaga ready aagi vandhirukiye thangam! En kanney patrum pola iruku, avlo azhaga iruka!" Maha drishti-suthified Shivanya.
Shivanya responded with a wide smile before gently planting a kiss on Maha's cheek, evoking a tender smile from the older woman. Not even her own mother has ever had the heart to compliment her, so this gesture of Maha spoke volumes, conveying a depth of affection that Shivanya has rarely experienced. She truly felt a sense of belonging and acceptance that touched her heart deeply. It was a moment of realization that she had finally someone who truly loved and accepted her as a daughter.
"Indha, idhulla rendu perukum sethu lunch pack panniruken. So, neeyum angaye saaptu vandhiru, okay?" Maha handed over the lunch bag to Shivanya with a sly smile.
Her moment of overwhelming love was abruptly shattered as she vehemently denied Maha's request. "Adhellam mudiyadhu! Naa veetuku vandhey saaptukuren!" She exclaimed nodding her head in denial.
With a sigh escaping her lips, Maha put on a facade of innocence as she turned around and walked away with a hint of sadness in her demeanor. "En marumaga nerathuku saapudanumnu nenachadhu en thappu thaan Shivu... Enna manichidu ma, unnaku yenna thonudho nee panniko..." She sulked, as she stopped in her tracks for the dramatic effect.
Upon hearing her words, Shivanya couldn't help but huff in exasperation as she briskly walked over to her melodramatic mother-in-law. "Naal muzhukka sun tv serial paatha ipdi thaan pesa thonum! Kudunga, naa angaye saaptu varen!" She exclaimed, prying the lunch bag away from Maha's grasp.
"Bye!" Shivanya exclaimed, frustrated.
With frustration etched on her face, Shivanya made her way out of the house, her steps fast, as she slipped into the waiting car. Meanwhile, Maha watched with amusement, her laughter bubbling up at the sight of her daughter-in-law's adorable display of frustration. Staring at her disappearing form, Maha felt content knowing that Shivanya was slowly but surely becoming more at ease with her...
. . . . . . .
hope y'all liked this one! 💕
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missrozario
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One More Time
Romance~ AN ASHAANGI FANFIC ~ Aaruthran, a man who has lost hope in love, and Shivanya, a woman haunted by a tragic past, find their lives intertwined when circumstances force them into an arranged marriage. Although, initially reluctant, they slowly disc...
