Krishnavathi: Alright, so when are we going?
Ajay: The day after tomorrow; that is when Moorthy will be visiting the temple.
Amuthan: Okay, Mom. We’re going to bed now; the journey has left us feeling quite tired.
Krishnavathi: Very well, go on. Janani, you stay back for a moment.
Janani: What is it, Mom?
Krishnavathi: They are married now, but has the consummation ceremony—the "First Night"—taken place yet?
Janani: Not yet, Mom. Ramya has just started her menstrual cycle. We can only make arrangements for the First Night once that has passed and she has fully recovered her strength. Now, you go and get some sleep, Mom. —Saying this, she took her leave.
Amuthan: Ramya dear, did you understand what Mom said? We are going to Tirupati the day after tomorrow.
Ramya: I understood, dear. But whenever Tirupati is mentioned, my mind immediately drifts back to that massive bungalow and the horrors I endured there.
Amuthan: That is exactly why I am right here with you, isn't it? You have absolutely nothing to fear.
Ramya: Okay then... May I hold your hand, lean my head against your shoulder, and fall asleep now? Please?
Amuthan: Of course, dear. Go ahead and lie down.
Ramya: "Thank you," she whispered, and holding onto his hand, she drifted off to sleep.
Amuthan: He gazed down at her—his precious Ramya. She trembled like a chick caught in a snare; then, exhausted, she fell asleep. Subsequently, Amuthan also drifted off to sleep.
Ramya: In the morning, she woke up, took a bath, and—tying the end of her saree across her mouth—went to the kitchen. She prepared coffee, then took it and served it to Janani and Ajay, after which she served it to Krishnavathi.
Krishnavathi: "Did you give any to Amuthan, Ramya?"
Ramya: "No, Aunt."
Krishnavathi: "Alright, go give some to him," she said, sending her off.
Ramya: "Amuthan, wake up! It's getting late; don't you have to go to the office?"
Amuthan: Amuthan opened his eyes, got up, and accepted the coffee.
Ramya: Next, she went to the kitchen, prepared breakfast, and served it to everyone.
Krishnavathi: "Amuthan, you truly are a lucky man! To find a wife like this... even Janani wouldn't do household chores like this."
Janani: "What is this, Mom? The moment your new daughter-in-law arrives, are you already finding fault with me?"
Krishnavathi: "Well, what else am I supposed to say? You're always dressed in churidars or jeans and tops, running around like a man, constantly preoccupied with the office and business matters. But look at Ramya: she wakes up in the morning, takes a bath, and—like a traditional, dutiful woman—wears a saree. She doesn't let me lift a finger; instead, she takes it upon herself to handle every single household chore."
Ramya: "Aunt, please don't find fault with Janani." "If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have reached this position. Please don't worry; from now on, I will take full responsibility for this household. Let the three of them handle the business." With that, Amuthan, Janani, and Ajay set off for the office.
Ramya: "Wait a moment! There’s lunch packed in this carry bag; please make sure you eat."
Amuthan: "My dear Ramya, is there anything else you’d like to say?"
Ramya: (Suddenly remembering something) "Oh, sorry!" She planted a kiss on his cheek and whispered, "I love you." Then, the three of them got into the car and drove away.
Janani: "Mom was right, Amuthan. In this day and age, if a woman still listens to her husband and obeys his wishes without ever going against him, you truly are a lucky man." Later that evening, the three of them returned from the office in the car.
Amuthan: "Ajay, pull the car over to the side," he instructed. He got out, went to a shop, and returned with some flowers and *Halwa*.
Ajay: "Did you buy some for us as well?"
Amuthan: "Here you go, Uncle," he said, handing it to him.
Janani: "Has Ramya's menstrual cycle ended?"
Amuthan: "It ended today, Akka."
Janani: "Then why didn't you tell me?"
Amuthan: "She only called me this afternoon to let me know."
To be continued......
