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Third pov:

The cool December air swept through the quiet streets of Chennai, carrying the crispness of Margazhi morning. Life stirred in the elite neighborhood of Chennai, where grand mansions stood as symbols of wealth and power.

In front of a grand, imposing mansion, a young woman knelt by the elaborate gates, immersed in her task. Aaradhya, a petite beauty with dusky skin that glowed softly in the golden hue of dawn. Her waist-length hair, still damp from her morning routine, was loosely tied with a simple band, She wore a cotton saree, and Her face was free of makeup, save for a tiny bindi on her forehead, and the only adornments she carried were small, gleaming earrings and a few glass bangles that chimed softly as she moved.

Her slender fingers worked skillfully, creating an intricate kolam with white powder on the stone pavement. The design took shape effortlessly under her steady hand, each line and curve a testament to her practiced precision. A faint smile graced her lips as she worked, the act itself seeming to bring her peace.

As the first rays of sunlight crept over the horizon, casting a warm glow on the quiet street, Aaradhya paused, her eyes lifting to the sky. 

She rose to her feet with effortless grace, brushing off the edge of her saree.

Aaradhya pov:

Ah, it's time for my morning pooja! After that, I have to hurry to the kitchen and get everything ready for the day. My feet automatically carried me toward the garden behind the mansion—it's the only place where I feel truly at peace in this entire house.

As I walked, I greeted Sundar anna, the kind gardener who always smiles back warmly. The moment I stepped into the garden, the cool morning air wrapped around me, and the sight of my favorite place—the small Murugan temple tucked into the corner—filled my heart with calm.

This shrine... it's like my little world. All my sadness, all my small joys—everything, only my Murugan hears them. Nobody else. As I stood in front of his serene idol, my lips curved into a smile, and it felt like He was smiling back at me.

The flowers and pooja items were already set neatly on the side, just how I liked it. I lit the lamp, offered the flowers, and folded my hands tightly in prayer. Looking at Him, my heart poured out, "Muruga, please be with me today too. Give me strength to face whatever comes and help me get through this house. Just stay with me, okay?"

There's something about talking to Him that makes my heart lighter, even on the toughest days. With a final look at His calm face, I felt a flicker of hope spark within me, as if He whispered, "I'm here for you."With a deep breath, I finished my pooja and gently placed the lamp back in its place

Back in the kitchen, my body already felt tired of yesterday's chores, but there was no time to stop. The breakfast prep was in full swing, and I quickly started chopping vegetables. My arms protested, but I pushed through.

As I carefully chopped the vegetables, my thoughts drifted back to a time when life was carefree and full of dreams. Back in my little village, under the warm care of Amma Seetha and Appa Mayavan, I believed my future would be bright. They raised me with so much love and patience,Amma always said, "Aadhya, never let anger or bitterness live in your heart. Even for your enemies, wish good things."

But life doesn't always go the way we plan. One accident changed everything. I was just 17 when I lost Amma and Appa. Their absence left an emptiness I still don't know how to fill. After finishing my B.Com degree, I had big dreams of doing a professional course like CS (Company Secretary). It felt like a step closer to becoming independent, just like a Chartered Accountant—but those dreams crumbled before I could even take the first step.