So far,
After a week, Shakthi's wounds had healed, and he was ready to go back to work.
Now,
"Raji, I'm getting late! Hurry up!" he shouted, standing by his bike, ready to leave.
"Just a minute!" Raji replied, coming out with his lunch box in hand.
"Alright, take care and go safely," she said, handing it to him.
Shakthi nodded and started off toward the bank.
"Bharathi, aren't you leaving yet?" Raji asked.
"I'm coming, Ma!" he replied, quickly grabbing his things.
"You're always late!" she teased with a smile. Bharathi laughed, took his lunch, and left.
At the bank, everyone greeted Shakthi and asked about his health. After replying to each of them, he got back to his desk and began his work.
Meanwhile, at his office, Bharathi received a call from Shivani. He quickly answered, "Hi Shivani, good morning!"
"Good morning, Bharathi! Tomorrow is my parents' wedding anniversary. So you, your mom, and Shakthi must come to our house by 6:30 in the evening. Don't forget! I'll send the location on WhatsApp," said Shivani cheerfully.
"Okay, Shivani, we'll be there," Bharathi replied.
"How is Shakthi now?" she asked.
"He went to the bank today," said Bharathi.
"For any important work?" she asked curiously.
Bharathi laughed. "Not important—his work itself is at the bank!"
"Oh, really? Alright, then don't forget to come tomorrow—all three of you!" she said before hanging up.
That evening, both brothers returned home. Raji had also just come back from the shop.
"Shakthi, does your leg still hurt?" Raji asked.
"It hurts a little," he said.
"That's why I told you to rest for two more days! You never listen to me," she sighed.
"It's okay, Raji. It's just a mild pain. I can manage," he said.
"Mom, Shivani called today too—like always, she asked how Shakthi's doing," Bharathi added.
"Really? Did she actually ask about me? Don't make fun!" said Shakthi in surprise.
"I'm serious! She asks about you every day," Bharathi said with a grin.
"She also invited us for her parents' wedding anniversary tomorrow evening," he added.
"Is that so? Alright, we'll go," said Raji.
"Shakthi, are you coming too?" Bharathi asked.
"Of course. I should thank her in person," Shakthi replied.
"Raji, you prepare a gift for her parents—I'll get a thanking gift for Shivani. Hmm, but what should I give?" he wondered aloud.
Bharathi started suggesting ideas, but every time he did, Shakthi kept saying, "No, not that. Something else."
Finally, Bharathi sighed. "You keep rejecting everything. Think of it yourself then!" he said and left.
Shakthi thought deeply and finally came to a decision.
The next morning, as Shakthi got ready for work, Raji said, "Shakthi, go with Bharathi for the next two days. Don't strain your leg. Bharathi, go carefully."
Both nodded and left, while Raji too headed to the shop.
By 6 p.m., after finishing their day's work, Raji, Bharathi, and Shakthi returned home, freshened up, and got ready to leave for Shivani's house.
"Shakthi, are you ready? We're both done!" said Raji.
"Coming, Raji," said Shakthi, coming down the stairs.
Bharathi smirked. "Hey, you don't look like a man going to say 'thank you.' You look like someone going to say 'I love you'!"
"Bharathi, you're going to get a beating from me," said Shakthi.
"Raji, what gift did you prepare for her parents?" Shakthi asked.
"I packed a dhoti, shirt, and saree—all in matching colors," said Raji.
"Nice. What about your gift, Shakthi?" asked Bharathi.
Shakthi smiled mysteriously. ""Hmm… I won't tell," said Shakthi.
"If you don't, I'll just ask Shivani myself," said Bharathi.
"Go ahead," Shakthi said with a grin.
They all got into the car.
"I'll drive," said Bharathi. "Your leg still hurts, Shakthi. Sit quietly."
"Fine," Shakthi agreed.
On the way, Shakthi suddenly said, "Stop by that gift shop, Bharathi."
Bharathi stopped the car.
"You get two flower bouquets; I'll grab the gift. Raji, wait here—we'll be back," said Shakthi.
A short while later, they both returned with the items and continued their drive.
"Do you know where Shivani's house is?" asked Shakthi.
"She sent the location—it's just ten minutes from here," said Bharathi.
Soon, they reached Shivani's house. Bharathi parked the car on the side while Raji and Shakthi got down, carrying the gift and bouquets.
Just as Bharathi called Shivani, Shakthi noticed the nameboard next to her house:
"SUGAM CLINIC — Dr. Shivani, MBBS."
He smiled faintly.
A few moments later, Shivani came out to welcome them.
"Come in! Why are you standing outside?" she said warmly, guiding them in.
"Please sit down, I'll bring some water," said Shivani, returning soon with glasses.
"What will you have—coffee, tea, or something cold?" she asked.
"We just had coffee before leaving," said Raji.
"How's your leg now, Shakthi? I wasn't sure if you'd make it today," she asked kindly.
"It only hurts if I strain too much—otherwise, I'm fine, Shivani," said Shakthi.
"Shivani, where are Uncle and Aunty? Haven't seen them yet," Bharathi asked.
"They're arranging the tiffin inside; I'll call them," she said.
"Ma, Pa, come here!" Shivani called out.
"One minute, we're coming! Take care of our guests till then," her mother replied from inside.
Raji said, "Let them come when they arrive. If you have any work, go and help — and if there's anything we need to do, tell us and we'll take care of it."
"Oh no, Aunty! You're our guests—you shouldn't be doing anything," smiled Shivani.
"Are there many guests today?" asked Bharathi.
"Not too many—just some of my friends, my parents' friends, and neighbors. Usually, I'm in the hostel or on training during this time of year, so I thought we should celebrate it properly this year," said Shivani.
Soon her parents came out.
"Pa, this is Raji Aunty, and these are her sons—this is Bharathi and this is…" Shivani began, but her father interrupted, smiling.
"Shakthi, right?" he said.
Shakthi looked surprised. "You know me, Uncle?"
Her father chuckled. "I recognized you from the sketch Shivani showed me. You've drawn her and yourself perfectly! By the way, how's your leg now?"
Shakthi smiled shyly. "It still hurts a little if I walk too much—but I'm okay, Uncle."
"Okay, you both keep talking. Bharathi, come and help me with the decorations," called out Shivani.
"Sure!" said Bharathi, walking off with her.
Raji turned to Shivani's parents. "If Shivani hadn't been there that day, I don't know what would've happened to my son. She truly saved him," she said with emotion.
Soon, everything was ready.
"Ma, Pa, come! It's time to cut the cake!" called Shivani.
Everyone gathered around as her parents cut the cake and fed each other. The guests clapped and offered their gifts. Raji, Shakthi, and Bharathi gave theirs too, along with the bouquets.
After dinner was served and everyone ate, guests began to leave one by one.
While Raji chatted with Shivani's parents, Shivani called Shakthi and Bharathi to introduce them to her friends.
One of her friends exclaimed, "Oh, Shivani! Is he the one in that photo you showed us?"
Shakthi looked surprised. "Shivani, how many people did you show that photo to?"
"Sorry!" Shivani laughed, holding her ears playfully. "My mistake!"
Then she introduced Bharathi as well, and soon everyone was talking and laughing together.
After some time, Shakthi called out softly, "Shivani, one minute."
"Yes, Shakthi?" she asked.
"I don't know how to start, but… thank you for everything you've done. This is just a small thanking gift. Please keep it as a memory," said Shakthi, handing her the wrapped box.
"A thanking gift? That's new!" she smiled. "Alright, I'll treasure it." She accepted it warmly.
"Shakthi, Bharathi—shall we go?" called Raji.
"Coming!" they both replied, walking toward her.
"Okay, Shivani—we'll leave now. One day, you must bring your parents and visit our home," said Raji.
"Sure, Aunty," said Shivani with a smile.
And with that, the three of them left.
To be continued…