Neeyum Naanum Anbe💫💝

🫶🏻💓IDHAYATHIN OOSAI - 1🫶🏻💓

Tara sat in her college class, her books open in front of her, but her mind elsewhere. She tried to focus, scribbling notes mindlessly, but nothing stuck. The events from the previous day—Adi's indifference, Nithya's presence—kept replaying in her mind. She sighed, resting her chin on her hand, completely disconnected from the world around her.

Just then, her phone buzzed. It was her mother-in-law, Seema.

Seema: Tara, did you eat something this morning?

Tara's throat tightened, and she blinked back the sudden tears that welled up in her eyes. She didn't want to worry Seema, who had always been kind to her. So, despite the lump in her throat, she composed herself.

Tara: (softly) Yes, Aunty, I ate. Don't worry.

Seema's voice was warm, full of affection.

Seema: Come home for lunch, okay? I'm making your favorite dishes. You can eat properly then.

Tara bit her lip, her emotions threatening to spill over. The thought of going back to Adi's house felt overwhelming right now. She still hadn't processed everything from the day before, and the last thing she wanted was to face him and Nithya again so soon.

Tara: (trying to sound cheerful) Actually, Aunty... I was thinking of going to meet my mother after class. Haven't seen her in a while, and I thought I'd have lunch there.

There was a pause, but Seema's reply was understanding, as always.

Seema: Oh, of course! Go see your mother, spend some time with her. But make sure you eat properly, alright? If not, I'll ask Radha to check on you!

A small smile tugged at Tara's lips. Seema's concern felt like a comforting hug in this moment of emotional turmoil. Despite everything going on in her marriage, Tara found solace in her relationship with her mother-in-law, a bond that seemed to grow stronger each day.

Tara: (with warmth) I will, Aunty. 

After hanging up, Tara leaned back in her chair, her heart heavy. Seema's kindness tugged at her in a way she didn't expect. She felt guilty for lying about breakfast and for dodging lunch. But right now, she needed space—space from Adi, space to sort out her feelings.

As she stared out of the window, her thoughts shifted to her own mother. Maybe spending the afternoon with her would bring some clarity. She needed it—before she could return to the house where the tension between her and Adi was growing, tangled with emotions she didn't yet fully understand.

After class, Tara made her way to her mother's house, her mind swirling with thoughts, each one heavier than the last. The familiar streets leading to her childhood home offered little comfort today. She felt a knot in her chest, an ache she couldn't quite shake. When she finally reached the front door, she stood there for a moment, trying to gather herself.

As if sensing her presence, Radha opened the door with her warm, familiar smile.

Radha: (surprised, with joy) Tara? This is a surprise! I wasn't expecting you, come in, ma.

Tara managed a weak smile and walked inside, the comfort of her childhood home wrapping around her like a blanket. But today, even that warmth felt distant. Radha, noticing something was off, immediately became serious. She guided Tara to sit on the sofa, her motherly instincts kicking in.

Radha: (concerned) What happened, kanna? You didn't say you were coming. Something's bothering you, isn't it?

Tara sat down but couldn't find the words at first. Her mind was a mess, tangled with emotions she hadn't even processed fully yet. Her mother sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on Tara's back. That gentle touch made her resolve crumble. The tears she had been holding back since morning finally spilled over.