Neeyum Naanum Anbe💫💝

🥀PIRIYADHA PIRIVU🥀

As Adi pulled up in front of their home, the car came to a smooth halt. Tara, who had been quietly watching the road pass by, felt a pang in her chest. She had tried to speak earlier, but Adi's soft, almost affectionate conversation with Nitya over the phone had silenced her. The mention of Nitya and Adi's tone left an unexpected weight on her heart, though she couldn't quite figure out why it bothered her so much.

Tara blinked, her eyes widened slightly. She had thought they would enter the house together, but Adi had already stepped out of the car. He didn't seem to notice her hesitation. 

What should I say?  She bit her lip, hiding her disappointment.

Adi disappeared into the house, hurrying to meet Nitya without looking back at Tara. She stayed in the car for a moment, replaying the phone conversation in her mind. 

Was I supposed to stay behind? Did he really forget about me?

Inside the house, the atmosphere was lively. Adi's entire family was gathered in the living room, talking to Nithya. His father, mother, sister-in-law, and brother all sat around, laughing and chatting warmly with her. As Adi entered, Nithya looked up, a wide smile spreading across her face.

Without a second thought, Adi walked towards her, and they shared a hug. It was brief, but Tara, who had just walked into the room, felt her heart sink even further. The image of them embracing, so comfortably, so naturally, twisted something inside her. 

Does he even realize I'm here?

She stood quietly by the entrance, unsure of whether to step forward or retreat. Before she could decide, Seema, noticed her.

Seema: Oh, Tara, come in. Meet Nithya.

Tara forced a small smile and walked towards them, feeling the weight of every step. When she stood next to Adi, he still didn't acknowledge her. He seemed too engrossed in conversation with Nithya to notice the tension in the air.

Seema: (gesturing to Tara) Nithya, this is Tara. Adi's wife.

At those words, Nithya's smile faltered just for a second, but she quickly regained her composure. Her eyes scanned Tara briefly before she extended a hand, keeping her exterior calm and friendly.

Nithya: Oh! Congratulations to you both. I'm Nithya, Adi's... friend.

Tara shook her hand, nodding politely. Hi.....Nice to meet you.

The word "friend" lingered in the air, and Tara couldn't help but wonder how much history lay behind it. She wanted to ask, to know more about Nithya and her connection with Adi, but she remained silent. She felt out of place, as if she were intruding on something.

Seema: Dinner is ready. Come, everyone, let's eat. Adi, Tara, why don't you both freshen up?

Tara's heart lifted slightly. This would be her chance to finally talk to Adi, to connect with him after feeling invisible for the past few hours. She nodded, about to follow Adi upstairs, hoping they could have a moment alone.

But Adi was already halfway up the stairs, not even waiting for her. Tara felt the disappointment settle again, but she pushed it aside, determined to stay positive. 

Maybe during dinner, she thought.

After freshening up, Tara came back downstairs, expecting to find Adi waiting for her. But instead, she saw him already seated at the dining table... next to Nithya. They were chatting, their conversation filled with quiet laughter and soft tones that made Tara's heart sink even further.