The sun rose brightly, its golden rays slipping gently through my bedroom window and falling directly across my face. The warmth brushed against my skin like a soft morning blessing. I stirred slightly, turning to the other side, but the sunlight refused to let me sleep any longer.
With a small smile, I opened my eyes.
Watching the sunrise every morning is something I truly love. There is something peaceful about it the quiet sky slowly turning shades of orange and gold, the birds beginning their tiny conversations, and the world waking up without hurry. It feels like the beginning of something new every single day.
Stretching lazily, I got out of bed and tied my hair into a loose ponytail. After brushing my teeth and finishing my small morning routine, I stepped outside into our little garden.
My lovely darlings were waiting.Yes my plants.Some people talk to their pets. I talk to my plants.
As I watered them carefully, I touched each leaf gently. "Good morning," I whispered dramatically. "Did you all sleep well?"
The jasmine plant swayed slightly in the breeze, and I smiled. After finishing my daily chores, especially watering my plants, I finally walked back inside the house.
The smell of roasted rava hit my nose even before I entered the kitchen.
Oh no.
"Maa, what are you making?" I asked, hopping onto the kitchen counter and swinging my legs.
She didn't even look at me. "Upma," she replied casually.
I froze.
"Upmaaa?" I dragged the word in pure disappointment. "Maa, I don't like upma. Why do you always make upma instead of something else?" I asked, making the most dramatic face possible.
She turned slowly and gave me that look.
"I will make upma. If you want to eat, eat. Otherwise, leave it," she said firmly and went back to stirring.
That was enough for me.
I sighed loudly, slid off the counter, and walked out of the kitchen like a rejected heroine.
If I don't like my mother's cooking, I simply go to my mamaya's house. It's normal for me. Our parents are childhood friends, and our houses are right next to each other. So technically, both houses feel like my own without wasting another second, I crossed into their house.
"Athaya!" I called loudly. "What are you making today?"
She turned from the stove with a warm smile. "Your favourite dosa."
My eyes lit up instantly.
"That's my Seetha!" I grinned. "You should teach your friend how to cook my favourites too."She shook her head, trying not to laugh.
Yes, I sometimes call my athaya by her name, Seetha, and mamaya by his name whenever I feel like it. They don't mind. They've known me since I was born. And obviously, I'm their good girl.
"Okay, enough drama," Seetha said. "Go call Shiva, Lucky, and mamaya. I'll arrange breakfast."
"Yes, boss," I saluted and ran toward Lucky's room first.
As expected, she was still buried under her blanket like a sleeping panda.
"Lucky! Wake up. It's already eight!" I pulled her blanket slightly.
She groaned and turned to the other side. "Please… let me sleep."
"Fine," I said casually. "I'll eat your dosa then."
Her reaction was instant.She shot up and sat straight on the bed. "No! I won't give my dosa to anyone!"
I burst out laughing.Lucky and I love dosa. Actually, everyone likes dosa but we love dosa like it's our life.
"Then get up and freshen up," I said. "I'll call Shiva."
I knocked on Shiva's door twice before entering.
"Shiva, athaya is calling you for breakfast."
He was searching through his study table drawers.
"I'm coming," he said. "But can you help me find my headphones?"
"Why do you need headphones this early in the morning?" I raised an eyebrow suspiciously.
"Aree, em ledhu… just vethukuthunna anthe."
("Nothing, just searching for it.")
I rolled my eyes and quickly found them near his books.
"Here," I handed them over.
He smirked. "Morning aa vachav? Eroju upma na?"
("You came here early? Today it's upma at your house, right?")
I simply smiled and nodded. He laughed knowingly.
I poured a cup of coffee carefully and walked toward the living room. As usual, he was sitting on the sofa, completely immersed in his newspaper.
"Hi Ram, here's your coffee," I said, placing it on the table.
"Thank you, maa," he replied without lifting his eyes.
I folded my arms dramatically.
"Appudu chudu, aa newspaper pattukoni chuduthune untaav. Bore kottadha? Paapam maa Seetha!"
("You're always holding that newspaper. Don't you get bored? Poor Seetha!")
He slowly lowered the newspaper and stared at me for two seconds before bursting into laughter.
"Amma, you won't change," he said.
"I hope not," I replied proudly.
Soon everyone gathered at the dining table. The aroma of hot dosa filled the house. Seetha poured fresh batter on the pan skillfully, spreading it perfectly round.
While eating, mamaya suddenly asked, "When will he arrive?"
My fingers paused for a second.
"At this time, he should be home. I think he'll come soon," Seetha replied casually.
My heart skipped a tiny beat.
Bava had gone to Chennai for work. And he was coming back today.I tried to act normal and continued eating, but inside, something fluttered softly. It had been days since I saw him.
Lucky and Shiva joined us at the table. Seetha lovingly fed me a piece of dosa like I was still five years old. I happily opened my mouth.
"Maa, me too!" Lucky stretched her hand,seetha fed her too.
Shiva pouted dramatically. "What about me? Won't you feed me?"
Before Seetha could reply, mamaya lightly smacked his head.
"They are girls. They look cute while pouting. You look like an animal."
The entire table burst into laughter including Shiva.
"Exactly, Ram! I was thinking the same," Maha added, shaking her head.
The house felt warm, noisy, alive and then—
A sudden shadow fell across the doorway,a stern, deep voice echoed through the hall.
"MAHA."
My smile froze.
The dosa in my hand suddenly felt heavy. My heart started beating loudly in my chest.I didn't need to turn around to know who it was but slowly… very slowly… I lifted my eyes toward the entrance and there he stood.
Rudra.