The sun was just starting to rise as Gayathri, Vivek, and Vaiga set off from Divya's house. Gayathri had packed some homemade dosas for the journey, knowing that Vivek and Vaiga were allergic to outside food. As they drove, the warm sunlight streaming through the windows highlighted the elegant lines of the Benz car.
Gayathri sat beside Vivek, who was driving, while Vaiga slept peacefully in the back seat. Gayathri was wearing a stunning red tusser saree, but her expression was guarded, her eyes fixed on the road ahead.
Vivek tried to make small talk, but Gayathri's responses were monosyllabic, her tone cool and distant. Vivek's eyes flicked to her face, his expression soft with longing. He knew he had hurt her deeply, and he didn't blame her for being angry.
As they stopped at a hotel along the way to freshen up and have a snack, Vivek tried again to break the ice. "Gayu, your cooking is still amazing," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I was missing your food."
Gayathri's expression didn't change. "I made it for my daughter, not for you," she replied curtly.
Vivek chuckled. "Hey, don't be like that. I'm just trying to compliment you."
Gayathri raised an eyebrow. "I don't need compliments from you, Vivek."
As they continued their journey, the sun began to climb higher in the sky. They finally arrived at Vivek's home in Thiruvananthapuram around 4 pm. Vivek's mother, Lakshmi, welcomed them with a warm smile and a diya in her hand.
"Ah, my dear Gayathri, it's so wonderful to see you," Lakshmi said, embracing Gayathri warmly. "And Vaiga, my little cutie, you're the spitting image of your father."
Vaiga giggled and hugged her grandmother back. Gayathri's expression softened slightly as she hugged Lakshmi back.
As they entered the house, Lakshmi showed Gayathri to Vivek's room. "You can freshen up and rest for a bit," she said. "Vivek will join you soon. And Vaiga will be with me."
After some time, Vivek entered the room with luggage. Gayathri knew he was trying to manipulate her, to get her to forgive him. But she wasn't ready to forgive. Not yet.
As Vivek entered the room, Gayathri turned away, her back stiff with tension. "I need to change," she said curtly. "Can you please leave the room?"
Vivek raised an eyebrow. "Oh, come on Gayu. I've seen you in less than this saree."
Gayathri's face flushed with anger. "Vivek, get out."
Vivek chuckled. "Fine, fine. I'll leave. But just remember, I'm still the same man who undressed you with his eyes every night."
Gayathri's eyes snapped with anger, but she didn't respond. Vivek left the room, whistling softly to himself.
As Gayathri changed into a yellow salwar set, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was in grave danger of losing her heart to Vivek all over again. But the memories of her struggles as a single mother, and Vivek's marriage to Janaki, rushed back to her mind.
"Never ever will I forgive him," she whispered to herself, her jaw set in determination.