Ennai Maatrum Kadhale...

Sakkarai Nilave...

Episode 18...

It was a crisp, cool morning in Switzerland. The air had a subtle chill, but it was refreshing, carrying with it a calmness that contrasted the intense emotions bubbling within Shreya and Ajay. The day had finally come-the day they would meet Abi.

Ajay's nerves were on edge as they approached the café Abi had mentioned in her email. It was a small, elegant café tucked into the corner of a quiet street. Shreya, calm and collected on the outside but equally anxious on the inside, had instructed the others-Naren, Keerthana, Malini, and Hussain-to wait at a nearby park. She would enter first, while Ajay waited outside. This was going to be delicate, and she wanted to ensure Abi wasn't overwhelmed right away.

'Everything will be fine' Shreya assured Ajay, squeezing his hand briefly before stepping out of the car.

Ajay nodded, his eyes betraying the storm of emotions swirling within him. He watched as Shreya entered the café, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

---

Inside the café, Shreya's eyes immediately scanned the room, but Abi had not yet arrived. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air, and the place was relatively quiet, save for a few patrons scattered around.

Shreya chose a table near the window, where she could watch for Abi's arrival. She couldn't deny the slight nervousness creeping into her. Would Abi remember Ajay? How would she react? What if things didn't go as planned?

After a few minutes, Shreya saw a car pull up outside the café. Her heart skipped a beat as Abi stepped out, and Shreya was momentarily stunned. Even from a distance, Abi was beautiful-more beautiful than Shreya had imagined. She had an effortless grace about her, her long hair swaying in the breeze as she adjusted her coat and walked toward the café.

Next to her stood Vijay, tall and protective. He walked Abi to the entrance and waited outside, glancing at his phone to pass the time.

Abi entered the café, her eyes scanning the room. Shreya waved from her table, and Abi's face lit up with a polite smile as she walked over.

'Hi, I'm Abinaya' she introduced herself, her voice soft but confident.

Shreya stood up to greet her. 'Shreya' she replied, her own voice steady as she extended her hand. Abi shook it warmly, and the two sat down.

For a moment, there was a comfortable silence as Abi settled in. Shreya could feel the tension easing just a bit as they started with pleasantries.

'Unga pera naan email la pathapo I was surprised' Abi said with a small laugh. 'It's nice to meet a fellow Tamilian here in Switzerland. I don't come across many.'

Shreya smiled, feeling a sense of ease. 'I know, right? namba ooru karangala pakuradhu oru thani sandhosham dhan, especially in a place like this.'

The conversation flowed easily after that. They talked about their work, their experiences in Switzerland, and life back in India. Abi's smile was warm, and Shreya could tell she was genuinely kind-hearted. Despite the fact that Abi had once been a part of Ajay's life, Shreya couldn't help but admire her. There was a strength in Abi's eyes, but also a gentleness that Shreya found endearing.

But soon, Shreya knew she had to steer the conversation toward the real reason for their meeting. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she prepared herself.

'Abi, na ungakita oru mukiyamana vishayam solanum' Shreya began, her tone softening as she leaned slightly forward. Abi's smile faltered a bit, sensing the shift in mood.

Shreya continued, choosing her words carefully. 'This meeting isn't about the official matter I mentioned in the email. Idhu oru vera vishayam pathi... vera oruthar pathi... I need you to meet.'

Abi's brows furrowed in confusion. 'Vera oruthar?'

Shreya nodded and gently picked up her phone. 'I need you to meet someone who was... once a big part of your life.'

Before Abi could ask further questions, Shreya dialed Ajay's number. The few seconds it took for Ajay to come in felt like an eternity. Shreya could see Abi's puzzled expression grow with each passing moment.

And then the café door swung open.

Abi turned her head toward the entrance, and her entire world seemed to stop. Standing at the doorway, looking right at her, was Ajay.

For a second, Abi didn't move, frozen in place as her brain struggled to process what she was seeing. Her breath hitched, and her heart raced uncontrollably. She had thought he would never come for her. For years, she had believed it, carrying that grief in her heart.

But here he was. Standing right in front of her.

Tears welled up in Abi's eyes, and her mouth opened as if to say something, but no words came out. Her vision blurred as her emotions overwhelmed her. She was still rooted to her spot, staring at Ajay in disbelief.

Ajay, too, stood frozen, his eyes locked on Abi. His heart was pounding in his chest, and he could feel the tears threatening to spill. After all these years, here she was-Abi, the woman he had loved so deeply.

Suddenly, Abi's body swayed, her legs giving out beneath her. The shock was too much to bear, and before anyone could react, she fainted.

'Abi!' Shreya cried, rushing to catch her as she collapsed onto the floor.

Vijay, who had been watching through the window, saw everything unfold in those few, intense seconds. Confusion flashed across his face as he saw Abi collapse, and within moments, he was at the café door, rushing inside.

'Enna achu?' Vijay demanded, his voice full of panic as he knelt beside Abi, gently lifting her head onto his lap. His eyes darted between Shreya and Ajay, trying to piece together what had just happened.

'Avanga... she was just shocked' Shreya stammered, her heart racing.

Ajay, still stunned, stepped forward but couldn't find the words. His entire world had shifted in that one moment, and now, seeing Abi unconscious, a wave of guilt and concern washed over him.

Vijay's gaze turned sharp, protective, as he looked at Ajay. 'Yaaru... yaaru neenga?'

Ajay remained silent, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath, unable to speak. Shreya, however, knew the time for explanations would come soon. For now, they had to ensure Abi was okay.

'Let's get her some water' Shreya said, springing into action. She rushed to the counter to grab a glass of water, while Ajay stood helpless, watching the love of his past in the arms of her husband.

To be continued...

Hope you guys liked this chapter 😄

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Stay Tuned!
~Abi