Bairavanin Kadhali (Completed)(Under editing )

41. Daunting

Author's POV

"Then what are you expecting from me huh??? To be your puppet....to be inferior to you where you and your family will constantly remind me that I can never match your status and luxury? "

Bairavan seethed Umaiyazh furrowed

"Ahh... I understand that my mother's words upset you, and I've apologized on her behalf. If those apologies aren't enough, then I'm sorry again. She shouldn't have said those things; she spoke out of concern for me. I'm sorry for being overwhelmed that day and asking you to stay. My apologies, but that doesn't mean I want you as my puppet, nor does my family want to make you feel insecure. For heaven's sake, I was angry at you that day and didn't want to come here until you apologized. It was my father who supported you, shared your perspective, and convinced me to come. So please, don't think like that," she implored, holding his hand.

Bairavan took a deep breath, composed himself, and withdrew his hands from her grasp. He turned to leave and reached the main door but paused, and spoke without glancing back at her.

"Please return everything to your home. I do not want their gifts here; I am not in such a desperate situation that I need to accept all this."

Bairavan's words confused Umaiyazh

"What are you talking about? which things you want me to send back and which gifts?"

Umaiyazh asked and Bairavan turned back and shook his head in disbelief

"Oh, you haven't noticed... Take another look around and see if you can spot the differences in the house since the day I left for this case. You might then understand which gifts I'm referring to"

Bairavan spoke, and at that moment, Umaiyazh understood his words. Overcome with emotion, she rose to her feet, strode over to him, and stood before him.

"What gave you the impression that these were gifts for my family? I purchased all of this for our home with the money from my salary."

"Your money???"

"yes"

She said and Bairavan asked sarcastically

"Your salary? which your family gave to you as pocket money because you pay timepass visit to their office"

"Wait... what made you think I get paid for idling and do no work? Do you even know what I studied? Let me clarify, I am a lawyer, a civil lawyer to be precise, unlike my father who is a criminal lawyer. I'm part of the legal advising team for my family's business group, and I have fought and won cases for them. They pay me for my work, not just because I'm family. Yes, I am pampered, but not so spoiled that they would pay me for doing nothing. I earned my position. True, I don't do much except review legal documents unless there's a civil dispute. I am the designated successor to my father as the CEO of our law firm, a position I have declined because I don't want it. How easy it is for you to judge me, huh? Is this why you're upset about the new appliances, furniture, and other items in your house? Then please, let me explain my perspective. You left me alone here for 2 weeks, and not knowing what to do, I decided to set the house in order. Without any help, I cleaned the entire house and garden to pass the time. I eagerly changed the house decor completely, thinking it would be a surprise for you. I've been planning to do this for a longtime....I mean from the day I visited here that is 2 years back when I first came here itself..... I thought we could change anything you didn't like after you returned, but I never expected this reaction. Even if all this was a gift from my family, what's wrong with that? My room back at Revathi Illam is as big as this entire house. If they think I can't manage here and want to make me comfortable, sending all this is justified. In fact, they wanted to, but I said no. I want this to be our house, reflecting our contributions. I could have easily paid all the amounts in full, but I chose EMI, thinking you might feel left out. After you returned, we both could go and pay the full amount together.

If you wish, you can reimburse me for the advance payment I made for the appliances; I will provide you with the bill. Also, thank you for clarifying that the house is yours, not ours."

Umaiyazh gulped, her eyes brimming with tears. As she turned to leave, he grasped her wrist and drew her into his embrace. She fought to push him away, but his grip was firm; still, she persisted in her struggle to break free.

"I am sorry.....please forgive me.....sorry maa.......I was a fool.....I am truly sorry. Please forgive me maa......... I was foolish and didn't mean it that way..........I had hoped we would choose everything for our home together. In fact, I wanted to discuss buying a new house with you. But seeing all these new things, your mother's words echoed in my mind, reviving the painful thought that I made you believe I couldn't provide a comfortable life, prompting your family to step in. I realize I was wrong, and I am deeply sorry. Please forgive me..... I am sorry ma please.... sorry"

He offered explanations and repeated apologies, yet they did not sway Umaiyazh. She pushed him away, escaped his hold, and glared at him silently. She returned to the sofa, picked up the plate, and moved to the dining table where she began to eat. As he approached, she glanced at him but remained silent, continuing to eat despite his apologies. After finishing her meal, she went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. He followed, persistently apologizing and even attempting to take over the dishwashing, but she sternly looked at him, reclaimed the plate, and finished cleaning. Once the kitchen was tidy,

Switched off all the lights and she retreated to the bedroom, lay on the bed, pulled the comforter over herself, turned to other side and switched off the lights, and closed her eyes, determined to sleep and ignore his continued pleas.

Bairavan sighed as he looked at her back and lay down facing her. This was not how he had envisioned the day ending, but it was the reality. he had upset her, and the beginning of their marriage was not as idyllic as they had both dreamed.

The future, with its unknowns, now seemed even more daunting, and neither of them knew if they could handle what was to come.