Attention & Appreciation
She went up to change for her voice lessons. She had an argument with Appa about the broken glass soon after lunch, in one of the ground floor bedrooms
"Dont say anything to him Appa" she began
"why shouldnt I. Dont I have concern?" Appa argued
"Ayyoo.. oru nimisham summa kelungo" (just listen) Amma did a face palm
"she shuts me up the moment I open my mouth. Anda manushar is proudly defending his son" (Ranjan) Appa was upset
"Appa he grew up differently. He wont understand. I am begging you" II said sternly
"Its three years. He is going back and forth. You are unable to find your niche at work. Iam retired and so far away. We cant help out daily" Appa said sadly
He looked old and weak to II
A somber Appa brought tears to her eyes for some reason
"Did you ask him to punish Shravu?" Ii asked sneakily
"I know he wont do it I say. I know him very well. So I only said. "Kids needs discipline" "You must make Nivi follow rules" Appa said honestly
Ii swallowed sadly... fighting tears
"Thats it?" she asked
"Why will I say anything more kanna? He already does not like me" Appa said glumly
Amma looked unhappy too
"Its not like that" Amma said gently
"Have you seen?" Appa asked his eyes glistening
Amma squirmed
"He talks to you about everything. He treats me like an outsider" Appa cleared his throat
"Ayyo pa... he doesnt do that" Ii lied
"I am not talking about staying or eating" Appa insisted like a child "But there is no connection" "Bala will sit by me and talk about politics and cricket" Appa scratched his grey head
II was quiet
"i dont understand this boy" he sighed
"He is very quiet" Amma said
"But she says he fights" Appa shot back
"Adu aval wife" (she is his wife)
"I have come here yesterday. He has not spoken more than 10 sentences" Appa was emotional
"Appa... he doesnt speak Tamil. He is basically very quiet... he doesnt even speak with Dad" she said
"I am not the same no? his father..." Appa stopped before sayinng the word scandal
Amma exhaled audibly, and lay down weakly
"When the water tank is fixed we are going to go home... just a matter of week no" Amma said deflated
Appa nodded and put his feet up, pulling his veshti to cover the ankles
"Appa do you need more heat?" Ii asked
"No kanna its very comfortable" Appa smiled
Ii nodded and went up
Returned
"Amma Akka called for dinner at 8. So I am going to paatu class, will see you there?" she asked
Amma was wearing her glasses and was browsing the ipad
She nodded and smiled
"Kanna.. dont say anything to him" Amma whispered pointing to the ceiling
II nodded reluctantly
"dont provoke him either" Amma warned
Ii nodded dutifully
"Paavam vayas aaradu... he wants to attention and appreciation no" Amma cleared her throat feeling compassion for her husband
Appa snored softly, as he lay on his side...
II went up again slowly... changed into a luscious peach and purple chiffon saree
found him at work in the office
"Mahavir can fix you a turkey sandiwch if you want" she said haughtily
AYYYO
AMMA IPPO DAANE AVANODA PESSADE SONNA?
DIDNT SHE TELL YOU NOT TO PROVOKE HIM?
He leaned back and swung his chair wildly and stopped
"You... are a liar II" he said plainly
She turned red
"Thanks..." she said turning away
"Didnt tell Mahavir not to bring seconds for me saying I dont like veggie lasagna?" he asked softly as her back was turned to him
AYYYO
POCHU DA
HE BUSTED YOU
RAKSHASAN
"Umm... No I didnt" she said primly turning to him... "But it is a fact that you HATE it" she said
WHY CANT YOU SAY YOU LIKED IT?
PIG
I AM DREAMING
I KNOW YOU WILL NEVER SAY IT
She felt childish outrage bubble up inside her
"So you did say it to him then?" he asked
"NO" she denied
"So Mahavir's a liar now?" he asked, his arms locked behind his head... ogling her...
She turned
"I can give you a ride" he said
"No I know the way to paatu mami's house" she said dismissively
He was closer now
"THATS where you are going?" he asked shocked
"Kyon?" she challenged...
DO YOU WANT TO SAY SOMETHING TO YOUR WIFE?
"Umm... never mind" he said softly, letting his eyes caress her in swift abrasive brush strokes