After dropping the driver at nearby bus-stop, Dhiviya drove in silence, her hands gripping the steering wheel as she stared at the road ahead. She hadn't spoken a single word to Athavan since they left her uncle's house. Her heart was still weighed down by the humiliation she had endured. The way her relatives treated her and Athavan had been beyond embarrassing. But what hurt more was Athavan's indifference. Not once did he react. Not once did he speak up for her.
As they reached her apartment complex, Dhiviya pulled into the parking lot and turned off the engine. She took a deep breath and opened the door. Just as she was about to grab her bags, Athavan silently stepped forward and lifted all of them at once. His arms barely strained under the weight. Dhiviya stared at him, surprised. She hadn't expected him to help. She didn't say a word, but for the first time, she wondered what kind of man he really was.
Her family's apartment was on the fourth floor of a budget housing complex with no elevator. As they climbed the stairs, Dhiviya had to pause twice to catch her breath, but Athavan continued moving steadily, unfazed by the heavy luggage. She stole a glance at him—his breath was even, his posture relaxed. Was he always this strong? She shook off the thought, still unwilling to let go of the resentment she felt.
When they reached the apartment, Dhiviya rang the doorbell. Within seconds, her mother, Archana, opened the door, holding a tray with an arathi to welcome them.
"Why didn't you call me when you arrived? I could've sent your brother to help carry the bags," Archana scolded lightly, casting a quick glance at Athavan.
"It's alright, Atte (Mother-in-law)," Athavan responded calmly.
Dhiviya's eyes widened slightly. It was the first time she had heard him address her mother, and it caught her off guard.
Inside, her father, Vasanthan, welcomed them warmly, but her younger brother, Guna Seelan, sat on the couch, arms crossed, looking thoroughly displeased. Archana nudged him sharply. "Guna, welcome your sister and brother-in-law. Help carry the bags inside."
Guna shot her an irritated look but got up begrudgingly. He took a bag and muttered something under his breath, though he dared not speak openly. Athavan, as always, remained silent, observing everything without reaction.
After an awkward pause, Vasanthan broke the silence. "Where did you park the car? Inside the compound or outside? It's a new car, right? You should be careful."
Dhiviya's stomach twisted. She inhaled deeply before answering. "I… I switched cars with Anjana. She took the BMW."
Her father and mother looked shocked. Guna, on the other hand, turned red with fury. Before he could explode, Archana shot him a warning glare. Dhiviya stole a glance at Athavan, hoping for some reaction. Nothing. He simply stared at the wall as if none of this concerned him.
Swallowing her frustration, Dhiviya continued, "Uncle asked for the wedding gift bank card. I have to pass it to him tomorrow, Amma."
Silence fell over the room. Vasanthan and Archana exchanged glances, their disappointment obvious. "And what about your father's operation?" Archana asked hesitantly.
"He said he'd make the payment when the time comes," Dhiviya replied bitterly.
The room felt heavy with unspoken words. Vasanthan finally sighed and turned to Athavan. "Son-in-law, maybe after a few days here, you can move into the house your family gifted you."
Dhiviya hesitated. She knew what was coming next. "Aunty already decided to rent it out," she admitted.
Vasanthan clenched his jaw, but before he could say anything, Guna snapped. "Take everything and give it to them! Why are we even talking about the house?"
"Guna! Watch your mouth!" Archana scolded.
But Guna was beyond livid. "No, Amma! Enough of this! You all forced her into this marriage for Appa's medical expenses, saying it would give her a better life. And what happened? The car is gone, the wedding money is gone, even the house is gone! And look at him!" He pointed at Athavan. "Does he even care? Is he even human? Or is my sister married to a statue?"
A loud slap echoed in the room. Archana had struck Guna across the face.
Guna glared at her, his face burning with resentment. Then, without another word, he stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him.
"I'm so sorry, maapilai (son-in-law) ," Vasanthan said, ashamed. "This isn't the impression we wanted to give."
Athavan, still calm, looked at Archana and asked, "Can I get a cup of coffee?"
The entire family turned to him in disbelief. With all the chaos, the shouting, the anger—this was what he chose to say?
Archana hurried to the kitchen, flustered, while Dhiviya stared at Athavan, trying to understand him. He turned to her and asked, "Where is our room?"
The words 'our room' sent an unexpected shiver down her spine. Collecting herself, she pointed to her bedroom. Without another word, Athavan picked up his bag, entered the room, and shut the door behind him.
A few minutes later, he emerged, dressed in a traditional black dhoti and a simple white shirt. He looked like he had stepped straight out of a Tamil village movie. Taking the coffee from Archana, he took a sip and said, "I need to tell you something."
Everyone focused on him.
"I am fasting for my mother's mourning period. I have three more months to complete it. Until then, I will not fulfill any… marital duties."
Dhiviya's face turned crimson. Her parents looked away awkwardly. She simply nodded, mortified.
"I can share a room with your son temporarily," Athavan continued.
At that moment, Guna re-entered, and his face twisted in horror. "WHAT? Why would you share a room with me? Are you married to my sister or me?!"
Another slap landed on his face from Archana.
Guna clutched his cheek. "You all keep hitting me!" He left the house again.
Athavan ignored the drama and continued, "If that is an issue, I can sleep in the hall or the prayer room."
He then pulled out a bank card from his wallet and handed it to Dhiviya. "This is my savings. Use it for household expenses."
Dhiviya quickly shook her head. "No. Your family has already given us too much. I don't need it."
Athavan held her gaze for the first time, his dark eyes sharp like a dagger. He grabbed her hand and placed the card in her palm. "The password is your birthday: 210395. Keep it. This is my own money, not my father's. I have responsibilities as your husband, whether you like it or not."
Dhiviya's heart pounded as she pulled her hand away, feeling a strange warmth spread through her.
"I won't be working until my mourning period ends in three months," Athavan stated.
Guna, who had re-entered the house, fumed. "You're going to be jobless and leech off my sister?"
Another slap. This time, from Vasanthan. "Don't you dare walk out again. You always react before hearing the full story!"
Athavan took another sip of coffee, glanced at Archana, hesitated, then said, "Atte, next time, I'll make my own coffee."
Then he calmly walked back into the bedroom, leaving the family utterly dumbfounded.
For the first time, Guna felt his brother-in-law might not be so bad after all.