New Beginnings....

💫 A walk down memory lane..💫

November arrives with a quickness that surprises the students of MPS that Half yearly exams are just around the corner... And also the excitement that Children's day is just a fortnight away.

Mahi's school has their annual Fancy dress competition and as usual Mahi wants to go as a Princess or a Fairy but Mullai disagrees. She has someone in mind and gets busy in arranging for the costume and the jewelry. And starts teaching Mahi the lines that she has to say.

With her exams fast approaching, Mullai becomes more and more stressed... She is a teacher for God's sake. Exams are supposed to be a part of her life... But now that she is the one writing it after so many years, her nerves begin to get the better of her...
She is irritable half the time and dejected the other half... So sure that she is not going clear it.

Her mother and Kathir keep Mahi out of the way and keep her entertained and on some nights when Mullai is studying, Kathir brings his laptop down and works quietly at the other end of the table, just to keep her company...

On her ten minute breaks they have conversations about everything under the sun but they avoid talking about their past. And Mullai realizes that every single person in her family, her mother included has been laughing more ever since Kathir came to say at the top floor...

On the morning of November 14, Mullai dresses Mahi as Rajamatha Sivagami Devi, with a doll in her hand wrapped up as a baby... She looks regal and imitates the walk perfectly.
Kathir bows to her very respectfully and she giggles uncontrollably...

M: Kathir video edukkae marakkathae...

K: Marakkae matten Mullai....

She starts her bike sadly...

She can't miss school today and disappoint her students.

Mahi already had a meltdown when she came to know that her mother was not going to be there cheering for her... Somehow Mullai made her understand and once she came to know that Kathir was going to be there, her tears vanished.

The children are all dressed in their best and the entire day, she doesn't scold them, she gives them free time in class and doesn't give them homework... And in the afternoon, there is a program in the auditorium and the teachers put up a wonderful program for the children...
Singing, a skit and some dances and Mullai is in group dance as well...

After she climbs down the stage from dancing so gracefully, she is surrounded by her class students, all telling her that she danced so beautifully and that she was the best in the group... Smiling and chatting with them, she makes her way to the staff room.

J: Super ah adunae Mullai.. Dance class ku poniyah?

M: (laughing) Illae Miss... Etho naanavae TV yeh paathu aduven..avlo dhan.

Then they spend some time talking about Isaac and afterwards Mullai leaves.

***********

When she reaches home and opens the door, Mahi runs towards her and launches into her arms, waving the trophy above her head proudly.

Mh: Mummy....Naan dhan first...

Mullai hugs Mahi...

Paarvathy has a proud look on her face.

M: I'm so happy Mahi ma....

And kisses her chubby cheeks...

Mahi then proceeds to tell her who got the 2nd and the 3rd price while Mullai looks at the certificate that is awarded to her daughter...

Mh: Kathir uncle dhan munnadi vanthu ennae video eduthangae...

Mullai wonders why he hasn't sent her the video yet...