After a long moment of silence in the car, Dhiviya finally spoke, breaking the awkward tension between them.
"When did you come back?"
"Today."
"Why didn't you tell me? I could have come to fetch you."
"I wanted to surprise you." Athavan smiled, his expression so captivating that Dhiviya felt her thoughts drifting away. She recalled their first meeting, the way he had stolen her breath even then. Her cheeks flushed.
"What happened?" Athavan asked, noticing her sudden change in expression.
"Nothing," she brushed it off, shaking her head. But her gaze lingered on him.
You've changed so much, she thought, studying his sharp jawline and the way his tailored suit perfectly molded to his frame. The once rugged, unpolished man had transformed into someone who looked like he had stepped out of a world she wasn't familiar with. This wasn't just a change in appearance—this was a transformation of soul.
She swallowed, suddenly overwhelmed. "I think I should restrict you from walking around like this."
"Like what?" he asked, raising a brow in amusement.
"With such a handsome appearance," she admitted before realizing what she had just said. Her face burned. Oh my god, I'm flirting with my husband! she thought in embarrassment.
Athavan chuckled. "Are you jealous that other girls might look at me?"
"Stop it," she huffed, trying to change the subject. "Tell me, do you know about Rigveda? How did you understand my design with just a single glance?"
Athavan smirked. "Did you forget my other identity?"
"Oh, Vishwakarma," Dhiviya knocked herself lightly on the head. How could she forget? Athavan's connection to Vishwakarma, the divine architect, had led her to study more about the god of creation. The more she learned, the more fascinated she became. Unknowingly, that inspiration had shaped her latest design.
Her expression softened. "How was the prayer for Amma?" Her voice turned guilty. "I'm sorry… I was a bad daughter-in-law and a bad wife. I didn't go with you to India."
Athavan's expression turned gentle. "I already told you. Even if you wanted to come, I wouldn't have brought you. It's not safe to be with me there. And more importantly, it's even more dangerous for you because of your father's family."
Dhiviya frowned. "What about my father's family? Both of you keep being so mysterious about this!" She pouted in frustration.
Athavan simply smiled and refused to answer, which only made her more curious. Before she could press further, they arrived at the mansion. As soon as they stepped out of the car, Dhiviya made a move to rush inside, but Athavan caught her hand and pulled her back into his arms.
"Where are you running off to?" he teased, holding her firmly.
Her heart skipped a beat. This is unfair! How does he do this so effortlessly?
Just as she was about to say something, a furious voice rang out, making both of them jump.
"Dhiviya! How dare you?!"
They both turned to see Guna standing at the doorway, his face twisted in fury.
Dhiviya blinked, confused. "What? What's wrong with you?"
Guna pointed an accusing finger at her. "How dare you betray my brother-in-law? How could you walk hand-in-hand with another man and bring him to his home? Are you even worthy of my brother-in-law?!"
Athavan's eyes widened slightly. Was this little brother-in-law of mine… standing up for me? A strange warmth spread through his chest. For a brief moment, he actually considered hugging Guna and kissing his forehead, but he quickly pushed the ridiculous thought away.
Before Athavan could say anything, Archana and Vasanthan rushed out of the house, alarmed by Guna's shouting.
Before they could react, Dhiviya marched straight up to Guna and—
SLAP!
The sharp sound echoed through the entrance hall.
Guna staggered back, clutching his cheek in shock. "O-ow! What the hell, Dhiviya?!"
"Open your damn eyes and look at his face properly!" Dhiviya snapped, her eyes blazing with frustration.
Guna blinked in confusion, his hand still on his burning cheek. He turned his gaze toward Athavan and stared—truly stared.
His mouth fell open. "M-Mama?!"
Vasanthan and Archana finally took a proper look as well. A second later, realization dawned on them.
Archana gasped. "Oh my god! Athavan?! This… this is you?!"
Athavan smirked slightly, watching their expressions change.
Guna, still holding his cheek, turned to his mother, feeling betrayed. "You recognized him instantly?! Why didn't you say anything?!"
Archana sniffed proudly. "Of course! Unlike you, I recognized my son-in-law in a single glance."
Guna gave her a side-eye, rubbing his stinging cheek. That slap was way too painful for such a small mistake.
Athavan chuckled. It felt good to be back home.
That night, they had a joyous family dinner together. The table was filled with an array of dishes—spicy mutton masala, crispy fried fish, aromatic biryani, and rich chicken curry. Guna sat with wide eyes, staring at the feast. Finally! My herbivore brother-in-law is cured! he thought happily.
After dinner, Dhiviya turned to Guna. "Have you decided where to apply for your internship? We could use your expertise in our company. Why not join us?"
"No way," Guna said immediately. "I told you, I'm applying for an internship at AD Tech. This is my dream. Never force a man to leave his dream!" He shot a proud glance at Athavan.
Dhiviya sighed, already knowing something Guna didn't. Athavan was the owner of AD Tech Corporation.
She had long since decided—no matter how shocking Athavan's revelations were, she would believe them. She had stopped questioning her husband's credibility and focused on proving her worth instead.
Still, she pleaded silently to Athavan for Guna's sake.
Guna frowned. What's going on? Why is she looking at him like that?
Athavan smirked slightly. "Alright, alright. I'll bring him to AD Tech for his internship application."
Dhiviya grinned. "Tomorrow, you'll follow your brother-in-law to AD Tech. No questions."
Guna groaned. "Fine."
After a while, Dhiviya excused herself. "I'm heading to bed. I have work early tomorrow."
Athavan stood up too. "I'll head in as well."
Guna narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Mama… what do you mean—"
Whack! Archana smacked Guna's head lightly. "Shut up. Maapilai, go take rest!" she said with a knowing smile.
Athavan laughed and followed Dhiviya inside.
The First Night Together
As Dhiviya entered the room, she turned to see Athavan closing the door behind him. Her heart pounded.
"What are you doing here?" she whispered, suddenly nervous.
Athavan leaned against the door, his lips curving into a teasing smile. "This is my room too, isn't it?"
Dhiviya's face turned bright red. "H-Husband… I… I'm not ready."
Athavan chuckled and walked toward her. Gently, he kissed her forehead. "Don't worry. I won't force anything. Let nature take its course."
He flopped onto the bed casually. "For now, we're just roommates."
After a long hesitation, Dhiviya lay down beside him.
As she listened to his steady breathing, she watched him.
Unknowingly, she fell asleep beside him.
Athavan opened his eyes slightly, smiled, and covered her with the blanket.
Finally… he could sleep peacefully.
The End.