ℂ𝕆ℂ𝕂𝕋𝔸𝕀𝕃𝕊 𝕎𝕀𝕋ℍ ℂ𝕌ℙ𝕀𝔻

𝟳𝟳: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂?!

>>>>---- 💘 ----<<<<

Avi and Ananya reached home just a few moments before midnight. He purposely chose the longest route possible, blaming traffic. He didn't allow her to drive her scooty, claiming it was too late. Ananya was too sleepy and tired to notice his strange behavior. The air inside the mansion was unusually quiet. Almost too quiet.

Ananya blinked, surprised.

Yenga yellarum? Yen veedhe ivlo amaidhiya iruku?

(Where is everyone? The house feels... deserted.)

Avi shrugged, looking suspiciously around - not at the silence, but for signs of Mithra and Shakthi. His eyes scanned the hallway and the staircase, expecting someone to pop out with a balloon or a cheesy smile. But no one came.

Huh?.. Adhu enakum therile

(Huh?... I-I don't know either)

he muttered.

Too tired from the day, Ananya didn't probe further. She failed to see the gentle glow of butterfly lights overhead, the curtains' new color, or balloons partly hidden beneath the tables and behind the curtains

Avi let out a soft breath of relief when she didn't notice. Good. It wasn't twelve yet. He still had time.

And then, his eyes landed on a piece of paper beneath the vase, he went and picked it up.

It read in Shakthi's handwriting (with added Mithra doodles on the sides):

Anbulla Bro'ku,

Naanga unga koodha irundhomna, neenga engalla veche Ananya birthday'va oatiruvinganu, unga face'ah pathone nanga kandupudichitom. Ana idhellam unga plan, unga arrangement, unga wife, unga suprise. Adhunala neengale nalla aara amara celebrate pannunga, yenna venalum pannunga. Nandhi madhiri naduvula naanga yedhuku?

Adhunaala naanum Mithra vum oru naal veliya thangikurom. Kalaila phone panni wish pannikirom, naalaiku night dhan veetuke varuvom. Kavala padadhinga, unga thangachi enna bathrama paathupa.

Andha periya maaligai'la oru naal full'ah neengalum avangalum maatum dhan iruka poringa, naala vaipu bro, dheivasenju yedayum sodhapiradhinga. Unga confidence'ah paatha nambikaila ungala veetutu poren.

Have fun bro, love you bro,

Shakthi.

translation:

To my dear bro,

If we were around, you would've somehow dragged us into Ananya's birthday plan and made us do everything- we could see it all over your face. But this is your plan, your arrangements, your wife, your surprise. So you go ahead and celebrate it well, do everything your heart wants. Why should we be in the middle of all that?

That's why Mithra and I are staying out for a day. We'll call in the morning to wish, and only return home tomorrow night. Don't worry - your sister will take good care of me.

For once, you both get that whole palace all to yourselves. Don't waste the chance, bro. Please don't mess it up - I'm leaving you there because your confidence gave me faith.

Have fun, bro. Love you, bro.

-Shakthi.

Avi crushed the note.

Idiots

He muttered, suddenly feeling sweat prickle at his palms. He'd been counting on the two of them. Shakthi was supposed to handle the talking. Mithra was meant to do all the sweet gestures and emotional bonding. All Avi had to do was stand there awkwardly and be a silent presence. That was the plan.