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Third pov:

At the stroke of midnight, the flight touched down in Chennai. Rudhran, accompanied by Vishnu and Priya, made their way through the bustling city streets toward their family mansion. Even at this late hour, Chennai was alive, its streets vibrant with activity, a testament to how much the city had evolved in the years Rudhran had been away.

As they entered their old neighborhood, Memories of cycling to school, carefree days spent exploring every nook with Vishnu and their friends, and the simple joy of a life unburdened by responsibility played in his mind.  Sensing his mood, Vishnu exchanged a glance with Priya before placing a reassuring hand on Rudhran's shoulder. Rudhran shook his head, brushing off the momentary lapse into nostalgia.

When they arrived at the mansion, His gaze lingered on the intricate gates and the sprawling façade, his heart heavy with memories of a life once filled with joy and his mother's comforting presence.

As Rudhran stepped out of the car, his imposing figure exuded a quiet strength, His expression was stoic, his emotions carefully concealed, but the flicker of nostalgia in his eyes betrayed his guarded demeanor. When his gaze landed on Rajendhran, however, any trace of sentiment vanished. His face hardened into a mask of indifference

Rajendhran's longing was evident in the way his eyes searched Rudhran's face, The man before him wasn't the boy he'd last seen—Rudhran now exuded confidence, style, and a quiet intensity.

The tension in the air was palpable, threatening to suffocate them all, but Vishnu broke it with his usual booming humor.

"Periyappa!(Father's elder brother) How are you?" he called out, striding forward and enveloping Rajendhran in a hug.

Rajendhran chuckled, "I'm good, pa. How are you, Priya, and... him?" His eyes flickered toward Rudhran, though his son remained silent.

Vishnu smirked, playfully patting Rajendhran's stomach. "We are all fine, ohh unga thoppai last time vida perusa irukey(Looks like your tummy's gotten bigger since I last saw you!)" he teased.

Rajendhran let out a hearty laugh, a sound he hadn't made in years. "It's all thanks to Aaradhya's cooking," he replied with a fond smile.

 Rudhran's heart skipped a beat, He heard his patti singing Aaradhya praised even his father too!

Meanwhile, Priya stepped forward with a polite smile, "How have you been, mama? It's been so long."

Rajendhran's smile widened, "I'm doing well, ma. It's good to see you both."

As the workers helped bring their luggage inside, the group followed Rajendhran into the house."

Inside the grand mansion, The workers scurried off after helping with the luggage, leaving Rajendhran to linger near the staircase, his eyes following Rudhran as though trying to memorize his every move. Rudhran, however, didn't spare him a second glance. Instead, he gestured to Vishnu and Priya to follow.

As they climbed the marble staircase, Vishnu's boisterous chatter filled the halls "I hope they've given us the good guest room this time. Last time, the mattress felt like I was sleeping on a rock." He threw an exaggerated grimace at Priya, who smacked his arm playfully.

"Don't be so dramatic, Vishnu. You snored so loudly that I doubt you noticed the mattress," Priya quipped.

"That's not snoring, darling; that's my soul singing in my sleep," Vishnu replied with mock seriousness, pulling her closer with an arm around her shoulder. "And you, my lovely wife, are the melody to my life."

Priya blushed,  "Stop it, you're embarrassing me," she whispered, but her smile betrayed her delight.

Rudhran, walking a step behind, rolled his eyes at the display. "You two should just get a room. Oh wait, you are getting one," he muttered dryly.