Her Second-Hand Husband!

Arjun's PoV

I am now driving to Tirupur to my grandparents home. My mom hails from Tirupur and my dad from Coimbatore. We now live in Chennai because of our work. Mom hates to be in Chennai for she dislikes the traffic and heat. But the most important thing she hates about Chennai is the language they use to talk. She often would say that people here are killing Thamizh. Though I was born in Tirupur, I have been in Chennai for all my life and I love the regional Thamizh in Coimbatore, Tirupur and Erode. Their Thamizh is like music to our ears. The way they address you, you would feel compassion from even a stranger. I love being there to enjoy the love of my grandma and grandpa.

"Ma, When is the 'Kumbabishekam' exactly? Why is Priya not here?" I asked mom.

"Kumbabishekam is on Sunday. Priya is not here because though she comes she cannot come to the temple." mom said. Ah, ladies' monthly problem.

"Oh, ok. Then why are we going there on Saturday itself? That too the sun is not up yet." I asked her. I am feeling sleepy. It's 3am!

"That is why I asked the driver to come along with us. You wanted to drive and now complain about the same." mom said.

"Not that ma, I love driving and I don't trust drivers for such a long drive."

"I know, Ajju. Thatha and paati wanted to see you. They want to talk to you. That is why I asked you to come. I was happy that you at least agreed to come on Sunday but thanks to Preethi, you are here now. Thatha and Paati would be beyond happy if they see you today. It is actually a surprise. I have not yet told them that you are coming along." mom said happily.

I am happy to visit them too. The last time I saw them was two years back when that unfortunate event happened in my life. It pained them more than it pained me. They took me with them for a month to escape me from prying eyes and all nonsense stories people managed to spin. I was not myself at that time and I failed to take care of them. But I should make them feel that I am alright now and also make them happy.

"What did they want to talk to me about, ma?" I asked her.

"I don't know, Ajju. They just asked me to bring you to the festival. They said nothing more." she said but for some reason I thought mom is not telling me the whole truth. Preethi and the kids were sleeping peacefully and dad was trying to sleep.

those songs on. Let me sleep for some time. I have to go to Coimbatore after breakfast. I

worrying about the work and time. This man would always spoil it for me." mom mumbled to herself which we both heard

something?" dad asked

is them who inspired me to marry. I thought my life would be like theirs, filled with love and happiness. But I realized later that not everyone is blessed with such life and I am one among them. I switched on the songs and the rest of the drive

another. You cannot hold back mom once she goes there. She will literally stop at every house to talk and greet before we go to our grandparents. My grandparents' home is not a big one but a beautiful one with all native things. They still don't use the fridge or washing machine or air conditioner or microwave oven or vacuum cleaner! My grandpa is 85years old and he still runs his errands on his bicycle. We have a whole lot of farming land

way of calling Arjun), come come. What a pleasant surprise! How are you Raasa(king - an endearment)." My granny was the first to

good. How are you and Appuchi(mommy's dad)?" I asked her, getting down, giving

said giggling. It is a beautiful sight to see her getting shy and blushing even at this age. She

(Don't get too

she moved a step away from me and received my dad and ran in. It is still a practice here to not speak freely to the son-in-law of the

I told her in

with warm smiles. The kids were still sleepy and granny showed them a room where they can sleep for a little more time. I went to the backyard where the restrooms are located and took a nice cold bath. Mom and dad took

little chit chat and by 8am Preethi and the kids woke up. They took a bath and we all settled down to eat breakfast.

today?" I asked him as he was getting ready

filled with shops and people. There are even rides for the kids. Take them there. It will be fun." he said

you not coming

care of in the fields. It will take some three hours to finish that. I will come to the temple after lunch. The temple is also

will come with you, Appuchi. I will ask mom and dad to take them to the temple now. Like you said, we all can go together in the evening." I told him and went in

this place for this very reason. People won't judge you by what you are doing here. You can walk or ride a bicycle without worrying about your reputation. I love looking at the fields with well grown crops. Before my marriage, I would come here every year. Grandpa will even let me work in the fields with him. For some reason, I feel that

and grandpa was so happy to talk to them about my arrival for the festival. Though I