Neeyum Naanum Anbe💫💝

.☘︎ ݁˖NIDHANAM PURIYADHA NODIGAL.☘︎ ݁˖

The early morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow around the room. Tara stirred and opened her eyes slowly, her mind still clouded by the emotions of the previous night. She turned her head to see Adi lying beside her, his face relaxed in peaceful sleep.

For a moment, her heart softened. He looked so calm, so unaware of the storm brewing inside her. She thought of waking him up, just to speak with him, to bridge the gap she felt growing between them. She extended her hand, hesitating just inches away from his shoulder.

Should I? The question lingered in her mind, her fingers trembling slightly. What if he still wants to talk to Nithya? What if I disturb him for nothing?

The memory of him laughing with Nithya on the balcony flashed through her mind, and her heart sank. She could still hear their voices, the easy familiarity between them. He barely noticed me yesterday...

Slowly, she pulled her hand back, retreating into herself. Maybe it's better if I don't wake him. What if he thinks I'm being insecure? What if he questions why I'm upset?

She quietly slid out of bed, trying not to make a sound. Her bare feet touched the cool floor as she stood, watching him for a moment longer. It's better this way, she convinced herself, though her heart ached. She left him sleeping, slipping out of the room like a shadow, her presence unnoticed.

Downstairs, Nithya is already awake and chatting with Adi's family in the living room. Seema seems especially fond of her, laughing at something she said while preparing breakfast in the kitchen. Nithya is trying her best to fit in, helping Seema occasionally and even complimenting Lakshmanan's gardening skills as she watches him from the window.

Nithya: (with a friendly smile) "Aunty, the house looks just the way I imagined it back in college. Adi used to talk about his family all the time."

Seema: (smiling warmly) "Well, we always heard about you too. It's nice to finally meet the famous Nithya."

Nithya: (grinning) "It's so nice to be here with all of you. I feel like I'm back in my college days."

Tara, standing quietly at the doorway, watches the scene unfold. She forces a polite smile when Nithya notices her and waves. Inside, however, a storm of emotions brews. Nithya's ease with the family, her casual conversation with Adi's mother—it makes Tara feel like an outsider in her own home.

Tara tries to spend some time with Adi. As he prepares to leave for work, she hesitates for a moment before approaching him.

Tara: (softly) "Adi... do you have a minute?"

Adi turns to her, but just as he's about to respond, Nithya's voice rang out from the dining area. Adi! Breakfast is ready, come on.

Adi turned to Tara and said.

Adi : Vaa Saapdalam. Aprma Pesuvom.

But before Tara could continue, Nithya appeared in the doorway, tugging at Adi's hand. "Come, you'll love what Aunty made," she said, pulling him towards the dining room.

Tara watched them disappear, the words she had carefully rehearsed fading on her tongue. She let out a deep breath, feeling the sharp sting of disappointment as Adi followed Nithya downstairs without a second thought.

After packing her bag, Tara descended the stairs, trying to steel herself. Maybe it was better to focus on college and the bakery instead of dwelling on things she couldn't control. Just as she was about to leave, Seema's voice interrupted her thoughts.