He was a ruthless business man.
Meet Arjun Venkatraman CEO of AV Tech, one of India's biggest tech companies. He is a cold blooded boss who would stop at nothing to keep his company in the ranks. He is the only son of Murali Venketraman who has hig...
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The golden rays of the morning sun set the stage for what promised to be an eventful day. Breakfast with the family was filled with warmth, but the atmosphere took an unexpected turn when the topic of Pongal shopping surfaced.
My mother-in-law, ever the harbinger of joy, gleefully announced plans for a shopping spree.
"Arjun, Shruthi innum rendu naalule pongal varuthu. Ungalukku athu thala pongal. Pandrathuku neraiya vela irukku aana athuku munnadi kadaiku poi puthu thuni vaanganum. Innaiku ellarum free thaane, innaike poi vaangitu vanthuralaam." (Arjun, Shruthi, in two days Pongal is coming. This is your first pongal together and we have alot to do but before that we need go shopping for clothes. If everyone is free today, we can go today itself and get it done.)
"Aama athai naanga free thaan, eponu sollunga poitu vanthuralaam", I replied smiling. (Yes Mother in law, we are free, just tell us when, we'll get ready.)
However, the excitement was met with a discordant note from my father-in-law. His dismissive tone questioned the need for new clothes, sparking a tense air that I could feel settling around the dining table.
"Ethuku intha thevai illatha selavu thunikaaga. Namba kaasa semichitrukanum," he remarked with a stern gaze. (Why indulge in such unnecessary expenses for new clothes? We should be saving money instead)
"Enga ithu thuniya pathi illanga. Ithu thaan namba parambiriyam. Onna senthu uruvaakura nyabagangal aprom kudumbathoda santhoshama irukkurathu. Athu mattum illa ithu thaan avangaloda thala pongal. Shruthiku namba thaan ellathaiyum seiyanum." Athai defended, a pang of discomfort creeping in. (Dear it's not just about the clothes. It's about celebrating our traditions, creating memories, and bringing joy to our home. Besides, it's their first Pongal together. We should make it special for Shruthi)
"Parambariyam pala varshama namba kudumbathula irukku. Intha thuni manilaam puthusa vanthathu atha ethuku namba pannum," he countered, his resistance echoing through the room. (Traditions have sustained our family for generations. We don't need to follow these modern extravagances)
"Appa, it's not about extravagance. It's about embracing new beginnings and weaving our own traditions. We can respect the old while adding something new and meaningful to it," Arjun explained, trying to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.
The clash of opinions hung heavy in the air, but Arjun stood up to defend his opinion.
"Appa, it's our first Pongal together. New clothes are a tradition and a symbol of joy. We should embrace it," he declared, his resolute defense casting a hopeful light on our journey as a couple.
Soon my dropped the topic and resumed eating while casting a sour look at us. He didn't talk to any of us after than and he just focused on the food.
As we embarked on our Pongal shopping adventure, Arjun, expertly navigated the bustling city streets. Athai and Mama went on their car and the three of us were off on Arjun's car.
