chapter 74

Author's POV "Agathiyaa..."Thulir called out after a few moments, but there was no response. He was lost in his thoughts, his silence stretching between them. She looked up to find him staring at the empty wall, his mind somewhere far beyond the room they were in.Gently, she pulled away from his embrace, sat up, and placed a hand on his shoulder. The touch made him blink, finally pulling him back to the present."What happened?"Her voice was soft but firm."Uh... Nothing. Just thinking about a case..."He tried to reason it away, but she knew better. Still, she chose not to push him—at least not now."You didn’t say anything about the reports. What did they say?"He asked, seizing the opportunity to shift the conversation. Thulir wanted to bring it up anyway, so she answered."Appa’s reports say the same—no big improvement, but thankfully nothing worsening either. He just needs to take his medicines properly, avoid exhausting himself, and get plenty of rest. His sugar levels are under control, which is a relief. Ammu’s reports, all good, she is completely alright""Hmm."His response was short, reflective."I have a new idea," she said, "but I need to discuss it with Thuyavan before bringing it up to Ammu and Appa.""New idea?""Hmm... Thuyavan wants to expand Thulir Publications, especially its digital presence. He’s already implementing a hiring process to build a stronger marketing team.""Oh, that’s good.""Yeah. And when he told me about it—along with what the doctor said—it sparked this idea. Why not ask Amma to have her own podcast series? She’s the founder of Thulir Publications, and she’s read an incredible range of books. Getting her to talk about her favorites could be amazing. And my Ammu—she’s a born storyteller. She never wanted to be a writer, but the way she narrates stories... we could listen to her all day."She paused, considering the weight of her next words."Appa, on the other hand... He’s been feeling low, stuck at home all day. And even with his grandkid around, I can tell—there’s an emptiness creeping in. He’s always been so active, always had something to do, and now, with all this forced rest… it’s making him restless. Maybe getting him and Amma involved in recording the podcast could help. It might give him a sense of purpose, something new to engage with."Agathiyan exhaled slowly, nodding. "It’s a good idea, Thulir. But Mama doesn’t know anything about recording, and I don’t know if Atha will agree."A smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "That’s where I step in. Thalir agrees with me. Actually, she’s the one who suggested getting Appa to record instead of just listening. He’s still eager to learn, still that same curious man. He’s picking up new technologies just to keep up with his grandkids, so why not this? And with Ammu by his side... doing something together like this?"Her voice softened."It could mean everything. because that man is still obsessed with that lady""It’s also the other way around," Agathiyan muttered.Thulir rolled her eyes. "Yeah, of course."He let out a sharp exhale. "So, you’ve already made the decision and are just informing me now?""Hmm... yes." She shrugged, entirely unapologetic. "Besides, there’s nothing you can do in this matter anyway—even if you want to help. And if you say you don’t like the idea? Well, Mr. Agathiyan, I won’t be considering that opinion of yours."Agathiyan shot her a pointed look. "Then why even discuss this with Thuyavan? You could just say it, and your siblings would follow without question."Thulir smirked, tilting her head. "True. But I need to ask him something else. And trust me, Mr. Thuyavan Jayadev, CEO of Thulir Publications, isn’t the kind of man who obeys my orders the way my dear Thambi Thuyavan does."That caught his attention. He frowned. "What else do you need to discuss?""That—"A sudden, loud banging on the door cut her off.Thulir sighed, pushing herself off the bed. When she opened it, she found Malar, Alar, and little Aarudran standing there, their expressions expectant. Hands on her hips, she glanced down at them."Amma, it’s dinner time!""Only you and Peripa haven’t eaten.""So Patti sent us to bring you both!"The three spoke in unison, their determination unwavering.Thulir threw a quick glance at the clock, sighing. "You all ate already?"They nodded in perfect sync."Milk?""We drank milk too," Malar said confidently. "If you have doubts, ask Anna."She narrowed her eyes. "I will."Malar lifted her chin, unbothered. "Go ahead, I have no problem."Thulir looked at Alar and Aarudran. They nodded—those two wouldn’t lie. Satisfied, she smiled, leaned down to kiss their cheeks, and picked up Aarudran.Behind her, Agathiyan lifted his daughters as they reached for him, then together they headed downstairs. As soon as they reached the hall, the kids wriggled free and ran off to play, leaving the two to settle at the dining table.While they served each other, Agathiyan’s gaze kept drifting toward the hallway, where his mother sat—waiting.Thulir, focused on her food, noticed. She knew he wouldn’t ask."Mama hasn’t returned yet," she said casually, nudging the conversation forward. "That’s why Atthe is waiting."Agathiyan frowned. "What’s he doing at the hospital? He’s old, he needs to rest like Amma. Aadhi and Anu can handle things. But he just won’t listen.""Agathiyaa..."His name left her lips with weight."Attha is a dentist, not retired—just on leave because her granddaughters are here, and she wants to be with them. Mama, on the other hand, is a top surgeon. If he’s still at the hospital, it means it’s a critical operation. He’s been saving lives for years—it’s what he does."She let the words settle before adding, "Aadhi may have completed his super-specialty, but he still has so much to learn before he can take over fully. Mama isn’t just there because he wants to be—he’s needed."She met Agathiyan’s gaze head-on. "And when have you ever asked Mama to rest? Do you even remember the last time you had a normal conversation with your parents? Because I don’t. You never did. And I don’t understand—what exactly is their fault?"His jaw tightened. "Thulir. You don’t know anything."Her eyes burned as she shot back, "Oh, yes. I don’t know anything. But you do, right?"She didn’t wait for his answer. Done with her dinner, she grabbed her plate and walked off toward the kitchen, leaving him alone with his half-eaten chapathi.His gaze followed her as she returned moments later—not with words, but with action. She placed another chapathi on his plate, poured some gravy, then silently gathered the utensils, carrying them to the sink one by one.Agathiyan sighed, pushing himself up, but Thulir returned to pick up the hotbox. The sharp glare she threw at him—and at his untouched plate—was enough to make him sit back down.He exhaled deeply and resumed eating.The maids had already washed most of the dishes, leaving just a few for her to clean. He finished his meal in silence, then carried his plate to the sink, where Thulir was rinsing the last of the dishes. He stepped aside as she finished, washing his own plate and drying it before placing it back where it belonged.He stood there, watching as she cleaned the sink, washed her hands, wiped them dry, and finally turned—to find him still standing there."Thulir..."She sighed, meeting his gaze."All I’m saying is—you’re being too hard on them, Agathiya. Just try to see it from their side, at least once.""You don't have to advocate for them"He snapped, his frustration sharp and immediate.Thulir sighed, the weight of the moment settling in her chest. Without another word, she turned and stepped out of the kitchen, her voice steady as she called for her daughters, leaving him alone with his thoughts.