The morning routine was already tense. Lavanya, who usually did most of the house chores, noticed the strain between her and Meena. Despite the gap growing more noticeable each day, neither addressed it.
Aarti, in the early stages of pregnancy, woke up later than usual, determined to avoid any conflict with Meena. After freshening up, she went in search of her husband, Arun, but finding no one, she headed to the kitchen. Seeing both Meena and Lavanya working together, Aarti approached Lavanya, hoping to ask about Arun without engaging with Meena.
As Aarti approached Lavanya to ask about Arun, Meena, noticing Aarti's presence, couldn't resist a sharp remark, began her taunts .
"Is this the time to wake up, Maharani? What did your parents teach you? Do you think we are your slaves? Or were you expecting someone to serve you?"
Lavanya saw Aarti's struggle to contain her tears and intervened. "Amma, leave her be. She's just a kid, and pregnancy hormones are hard on her." Turning to Aarti, she said gently, "Aarti, try to wake up by 8 AM, okay? I'll teach you some household chores since I'll be joining my new office next week. Now come, you need to eat something for the baby."
Aarti felt grateful for Lavanya's support while Meena fumed, believing Aarti was driving a wedge between her and Arun and now influencing Lavanya. Meena vented her frustrations to Deepa over the phone, convinced that Aarti was the cause of the growing distance in the family.
Later in the evening, Arun returned home with good news: he had secured a part-time job at a local fast food shop, earning Rs. 6000 monthly with Thursdays off. Varun, the eldest son and Aarti's brother-in-law, immediately inquired about Arun's studies, always looking out for his younger brother. "Can you manage work and your classes?" he asked.
Arun nodded eagerly. "Yes, anna. I've planned everything out. My studies won't suffer."
Lavanya, sensing Arun's determination but also his underlying worry, spoke up gently. "Arun, we can handle the expenses. I'm starting my new job next week too. Together, we'll manage everything."
Arun hesitated, his heart warmed by their love and support, but he politely refused, determined. "Thank you, anni. But I want to focus solely on my studies and this job. I'll manage."
Meena, observing the exchange, couldn't hold back. "Why are you being so stubborn, Arun? Do you think you can handle everything alone? It's better to listen to your elders!"
Her words hung heavy in the air, but before tensions could escalate, Raghavan intervened, his voice calm yet firm. "Let's trust Arun's decision. He has to take responsibility. He knows what's best for himself."
Meena just mumbled to herself, blaming Aarti for the situation, and left the place.
The next day, Aarti, Arun, and Lavanya went for Aarti's first-month check-up at the clinic. They returned home around 3 PM with the lab test results and an ultrasound picture, which confirmed that Aarti and the baby were healthy, though she needed vitamin supplements. Back home, Raghavan eagerly asked about the doctor's visit.
Aarti couldn't wait to show everyone the ultrasound picture. "Look, Uncle!" she exclaimed, showing the tiny dot on the screen. "Our little one!"
Meena, curious, asked to see the picture. Unable to decipher it, Lavanya laughed with Arun and Aarti at their confusion. Lavanya pointed out the tiny dot on the image, explaining it was the baby, tugging at the hearts of the elderly couple.
That evening, when Varun returned home, Arun shared with joy the ultrasound picture and details of the doctor's visit. Varun was genuinely happy for his brother. At dinner, Meena served a sweet dish, kesari. When Varun inquired about the occasion,
"It's for Karthigai prayers," she explained, though everyone knew it was also a celebration of the new life growing in their home.
Varun, Again continue with a teasing smile, glanced at Meena. "Amma, is this a special treat tonight?"
Meena chuckled softly, trying to stay composed. "Just a small offering for the prayers," she replied casually, though her eyes twinkled with joy. "Don't you know you can't talk when you eat? Now shut up and eat," she added with strictness.
Varun just shook his head with a small smile and resumed eating silently, with everyone's lips tugged up in amusement.
Despite the underlying tensions, the family shared a moment of warmth and hope for the future, each member silently preparing to face the challenges of the next day.
YOU ARE READING
Village meets city love
Genel KurguAs the night wore on, Lavanya lay in bed, feeling numb and vulnerable, the memory of Varun's roughness lingering on her mind like a bitter taste. She couldn't help but wonder how they had reached this point, where love had been replaced by anger and...
