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Aaradhya pov:

Today, the house is buzzing with excitement and the scent of decorations and many relatives. Everything looks so beautiful! Vishnu mama is running around, making sure everything is perfect, triple-checking everything. Sathyan uncle and Rajendhran uncle are doing the same, working hard with proud smiles on their faces. Gomathi athai is helping Priya akka get ready for her valaikapu ceremony, and I'm busy arranging the sandal paste and vermillion near the chair, while Dhivya is helping me.

But my mind keeps wandering...

It's been a week since Rudhran mama and I consummated our marriage. I never realized how much he controlled his desires and how much care and tenderness he showered on me. I blush just thinking about it. He's been so affectionate with me, even a little clingy, but honestly, I don't mind one bit. I can't help but smile whenever I think of him.

"Oi, Aaru, why are you smiling like that?" Dhivya's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. She's wearing a half saree and looking so cute, her playful grin making me even more embarrassed.

"No-nothing," I stammer, trying to hide my smile.

Dhivya just gives me a teasing look. "Oh, thinking about your future function, huh? Fine, fine."

My cheeks heat up even more, and I scold her softly, "Shut up, Dhivi."

Everyone around me is giggling, and I try to focus on arranging the things around me, but it's hard when I keep thinking about Rudhran mama. I notice Ganga patti sitting nearby with a proud smile, chatting with the other ladies. Her warm eyes are on me, and she gives me a nod of approval. But then I hear it—a voice calling me from upstairs.

"Aaaaaru, come here, I can't find my phone!"

It's Rudhran mama. I know exactly why he's calling me, but I can't help the smile that forms on my face at the sound of his voice. Ganga patti, not knowing his real reason, just tells me, "Go on, da. Rudhu is calling you."

I sigh, my heart doing a little flip at the thought of him, but I can't refuse Ganga patti. "Hmm, patti," I say softly, shaking my head as I walk away.

Dhivya gives me an extra teasing smile, and I warn her playfully, "Shut up."

I entered the room, and there Rudhran mama, looking effortlessly handsome in a green shirt and a white vesthi. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he watched me approach, and before I knew it, he pulled me close to him, his strong arms circling my waist.

"Where's my morning kiss, Aaru ma?" he murmured, "I woke up and found your side of the bed empty."

I blinked in surprise, feeling my heart race as his warm breath brushed against my skin. "Mama, leave me now," I said, trying to push him away, though I was secretly enjoying this closeness. "We're having a function at home!"

But he just chuckled, his fingers gently caressing my waist, sending a shiver down my spine. "Aaru ma," he whispered, his voice soft and almost hypnotic, "Do you know how beautiful you look in this silk saree, with jasmine flowers in your hair? Maman oda moodu maraudhu ore kiss kodra..."

Before I could even react, his lips hovered close to mine, and I knew he was about to steal a kiss. I quickly pulled back, giggling as I escaped from his arms. "Come on, help Vishnu mama! He's doing all the work alone."

Rudhran mama muttered under his breath, his eyes darkening with playful intent. "Hmm, do you think I'll leave you just like that? Tonight, you'll have a punishment for this. Be ready."

His words made my cheeks burn, but before I could respond, he placed a chaste kiss on my forhead and he let go of me, shaking his head with a grin as we made our way downstairs to join the others.