So far,
Shakthi, Bharathi, and Raji were discussing the plans to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their shop.
Meanwhile, Shivani and her mother were talking about attending the function at Sakthi's shop the next day.
Now,
Shivani's 's father came home late from work.
The next morning, Shivani woke up early and got ready to leave. Seeing her ready, her mother asked,
"Shivani, you're leaving so early?"
"Yes, Ma. I thought I'd go early and help them if there's any work. And since dad came home late, let him sleep well. I'll call you when the pooja starts. You and dad can come then. If he's still sleeping, you come alone, call me, and I'll come pick you up, okay?" said Shivani.
"Alright dear, take care on the way," her mother said.
"Are Shakthi and Bharathi ready?" asked Raji, looking toward the doorway.
"Yes, we're ready," said Shakthi and Bharathi as they came out.
"Raji, make sure you've packed everything we need for the shop. Don't forget anything and don't leave anything behind thinking we'll come back home for it," said Shakthi.
"Yes, everything's packed. Only Kamala hasn't come yet. She said she'd bring the cow's ghee for the pooja. Once she's here, we can leave. Bharathi, call the Iyer and check if he's coming," said Raji.
"He said he's already on the way and will reach the shop in half an hour," said Bharathi.
The doorbell rang.
"Shakthi, that must be Kamala, go open the door," said Raji.
Shakthi went to open the door — and froze for a second when he saw Shivani standing there, looking stunning in her saree like a goddess.
"Hi Shakthi, good morning!" said Shivani, bringing him back to his senses.
"Come in, Shivani! I wasn't expecting you so soon," said Shakthi, inviting her inside.
"Shivani dear, your parents didn't come?" asked Raji.
"I thought I'd come early and help you, Aunty. Dad came home late from work, so he's still sleeping. They'll come once he wakes up," said Shivani.
"Where's Bharathi, Aunty?" asked Shivani.
"He's inside packing the things," replied Raji.
"Okay, Aunty. I'll go see," said Shivani and went in.
"Hi, Shivani! Come on in," said Bharathi.
"Need any help, Bharathi?" asked Shivani.
"Yeah, can you help me carry these things to the car? Shall we go?" he asked.
Together, they took the items one by one and loaded them into the car.
"Bharathi, when I came in, Sakthi opened the door, saw me, and just stood there without saying anything. Why?" asked Shivani playfully.
"He didn't know you were coming, and besides, it's the first time he's seen you in a saree. He was probably stunned," said Bharathi, grinning.
"Oh really? Am I that horrible to look at?" teased Shivani.
"Terrible? You look like a goddess! Even I almost lost my senses seeing you," said Bharathi dramatically.
"Ha! You and your teasing!" said Shivani, laughing as Bharathi chuckled.
"Kamala's bringing the ghee, we can leave, Shakthi," said Raji.
Just then, Shivani's mother called, and Shivani answered.
"Shivani, your father is tired. He told me to tell you to go along with you. I've finished cooking and am about to leave. You come and pick me up, okay?" said Shivani's mother.
"Okay, Ma. I'll be there soon," said Shivani, ending the call.
"Bharathi, Raji, Shivani and Kamala Ma take all the items and go to the shop. I'll go to the flower market and buy the garlands and flowers for the pooja," said Shakthi.
"Shakthi, Mom called — dad's tired, and she's leaving now. I'll go pick her up and bring her," said Shivani.
"Shivani, your house is on the way to the flower market. I'll pick Aunty up myself. You call and tell her, okay?" said Shakthi.
"Okay," said Shivani, and called her mother. "Shakthi's coming to pick you up, Ma," she said.
Raji quietly said to Bharathi, "Why is he going to pick her mother instead of the girl?"
"This is a new trick, Ma. You won't understand," whispered Bharathi with a smirk.
Bharathi took everyone in the car and left for the shop.
When the doorbell rang, Shivani's mother opened the door to find Shakthi standing there.
"Come in, Shakthi!" she greeted.
"It's okay, Aunty. Are you ready? Shall we go?" he asked.
"Yes, let's go," she said, and they both left.
At the flower market, Shakthi parked the bike.
"Aunty, we need a big garland for the shop entrance, flowers for the pooja, and some more for guests. Can you help me, please?" asked Shakthi politely.
"Why 'please'? Of course, I'll help," said Shivani's mother warmly. They bought everything and returned to the shop.
"Raji, here are the flowers for the pooja. Bharathi, come here — let's hang this garland at the entrance," said Shakthi.
"Welcome, Nandhini!" said Raji as Shivani's mother arrived.
"How are you? Your husband didn't come?" she asked.
"No, he was exhausted after his night work. He told me to go on my own," replied Nandhini.
The pooja began — the shop was filled with friends of Shakthi and Bharathi, relatives, familiar faces, and shop staff.
"Call your sons to come sit for the pooja," said the Iyer.
"Where have they gone now? Shivani, dear, please go bring them. And if Shakthi refuses like always, just drag him here," said Raji.
"Okay, Aunty. I'll bring them," said Shivani, and went out.
She saw Shakthi and Bharathi talking to some guests.
"Aunty asked you both to come quickly," said Shivani.
"Alright, let's go," said Bharathi, walking ahead.
"What about you, Shakthi?" asked Shivani.
"You go ahead, I'll come," said Shakthi.
"Aunty told me not to come back without you," said Shivani.
"It's fine, you go," said Shakthi stubbornly.
"Hey Shakthi, even if you don't want to, come for everyone's sake," said Bharathi.
"Alright, alright — let's go," said Shakthi finally.
Both of them sat for the pooja, followed the rituals, and everything went well.
After the ceremony, everyone had breakfast.
"Shakthi, Bharathi — give the workers the clothes they selected, and also pack the gifts for the guests," said Raji. They did as told.
"Okay, we'll leave now," said Shivani's mother.
"One minute — Bharathi, bring that bag," said Raji.
"Why all this? We're so happy to have been part of this celebration," said Shivani's mother.
"This is just to remember our shop's anniversary. Thank you so much for coming and making it special," said Raji warmly.
"We're happy too. Come, Shivani, let's go," said her mother.
"Ma,Whoever brought you here should drop you back — right, Bharathi?" said Shivani playfully.
"Point Shivani. You proved that you're a lawyer's daughter," said Bharathi.
Shakthi smiled and said, "Aunty, I'll drop you home — no problem, right?"
"What's this, Sakthi? You're the one making it difficult for yourself. Shivani, you come home -- I'll deal with you," said Shivani's mother.
"Aunty, please don't scold Shivani. I'm happy she feels so close to me," said Shakthi, smiling — while Bharathi and Raji exchanged knowing looks and smiled too.
"Alright, it's time for my hospital shift. I'll leave now. Bye everyone. Bharathi, my bike's at your house — can you drop me there, please?" asked Shivani.
"Sure, come," said Bharathi, and the two left together.
To be continued…