ℕ𝕠𝕥 𝔸𝕝𝕝 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝔸𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕟

4

This Shade of Red
>>>>–––– ✨️ ––––<<<<

Vikram and Akshara walked into the house, arms full of bags from their shopping trip. Earlier that morning, when they had first arrived, Akshara had taken one long look around the place—a blank canvas, too white and bare, filled with only the essentials. Her expression, though subtle, had revealed her thoughts: this place needed work. It lacked warmth, personality, and, frankly, a bit of soul.

Vikram, not blind to her silent judgment, had sheepishly suggested they go shopping, hinting that she had free rein to transform the space as she liked. He wasn't exactly known for his sense of decor, but he trusted her instincts completely. It was her home now, after all.

And just as Vikram had predicted, Akshara immediately dove into selecting items for the house—some of which left him completely baffled. Decorative pieces, small plants, and oddly shaped cushions were just a few things he couldn't name. Seeing her enthusiasm brought a smile to his face, even if he had no idea what half the stuff was for.

When Vikram had mentioned they would be staying in a 3BHK apartment, Akshara hadn't expected much. But walking into the space, she realized it was perfect—more than enough room for her creative ideas to flourish. The blank slate before her felt like a canvas with endless possibilities, and she was already mentally rearranging furniture, imagining colors and textures that would make this place truly their home.

After hanging the dreamcatcher on the nail Vikram had helped her secure, Akshara turned around and gave him a questioning look, her head bobbing slightly to ask for his opinion.

Nalla iruka?

( How's it?)

By the way Vikram nodded and swayed his head. It was obvious he had no idea what it even was. Akshara chuckled softly, amused by his cluelessness, and decided to explain its significance. 

It's a Dreamcatcher

Apdhina?

( Meaning?)

Apdhina, namba dreams'ellam idhu catch panni, adha neravethidum

( It means it will catch all our dreams and make them happen)

Vikram scratched his head confusingly,

Yenna logic idhu?

( What logic is this?)

Idhula logic yella pakakudhadhu, only magic

( Do not search for logic in magic)

Vikram smiled, amusement twinkling in his eyes, as Akshara eagerly rushed him to the next spot. She was on a mission, and he found her energy contagious. After draping the table with new cloths, she had him help put nails into the wall for her vibrant scenery paintings. Once they were up, the once-empty walls started to come to life, filled with color and warmth, transforming their house into something that felt more like a home. 

There was something quietly intimate about the way they moved through the house, setting things in place together. Akshara would hold up a new painting, and Vikram would step back, tilting his head slightly, squinting as if measuring the balance of the space. She'd look over at him for a nod, and if it didn't come, they'd adjust, sometimes with him walking up to help, fingers brushing lightly over hers as they straightened the frames. The room and their relationship slowly shifted from blank to full of personality, without them realizing it, piece by piece, and moment by moment.