Saturday morning arrived with the sound of temple bells from the nearby kovil faintly ringing in the distance. Maha stretched in bed, letting out a dramatic groan. "Yen da weekend-la kooda nimmathiya irukama intha mokka train-la veetukku pogye thaan aganuma?" she mumbled, burying her face in the pillow. (Why does even my weekend have to be ruined with this boring train ride to my hometown?)

From the kitchen came the cheerful clatter of utensils, accompanied by Saraswathi Chithi's commanding voice. "Maha! Nejamave innum thoongituthaan irukiyaa? Eppo veetukku poga pora nu theriyuma? Coffee kudika seekiram vaa!" (Maha! Are you seriously still sleeping? Do you even know when you're supposed to leave for home? Come quickly and have your coffee!)

Dragging herself out of bed, Maha shuffled to the dining table and plopped down with a sigh. The aromatic scent of freshly brewed filter coffee perked her up instantly. Taking a sip, she leaned back, savoring the warmth. "Chithi, ippo ulagame peace moment-la irukura mathiri feel aaguthu! What ever would I do without you?" she declared dramatically. (Chithi, it feels as if the entire world is in a moment of peace right now!)

Chithi rolled her eyes, placing a plate of dosa in front of her. "Unna mathiri oru heroine intha ulagathile illa! Coffee kudichutu veetukku poga ready aagu. Idho ticket-um bag-um ellam ready panniten." (There's no heroine like you in this world! Drink your coffee, eat, and get ready to leave for home. I've kept the tickets and packed your bag too.)

Later, as Maha got dressed, she called Lathika. "Lathi, amma en weekend-ku veetukku vaa nu solranga di. Yedho oru big atom bomb-a solla porathu mathiri iruku." (Lathi, my mom wants me to come home this weekend. It feels like she's planning to drop some big announcement.)

Lathika's teasing voice came through loud and clear. "Aiyo, ivlo suspense build-up-aa? Ponnu paakara drama mathiri theriyuthu. Paathu irunthuko di!" (Oh my, so much suspense? Feels like one of those bride-seeing ceremonies. Watch out!)

"Stop imagining nonsense, Lathi! En life-a full Tamil serial-a kondu poga nee oru mudivathaan iruka pola!" Maha retorted, feigning annoyance. (Stop imagining nonsense, Lathi! You're determined to turn my life into a Tamil soap opera!)

With a quick goodbye, Maha and Saraswathi Chithi left for the station. The train journey was comforting, filled with glimpses of lush paddy fields, lazy cows grazing, and vibrant tea stalls dotting small railway platforms. Maha felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. No matter how chaotic life seemed, something was grounding about returning home.

As the train pulled into the familiar station, her mother's welcoming smile greeted her. "Maha kutti! Unakku college-la nimmathi illama nee oduratha paathathe pothum! Veetukku va nu koopda ethachum excuse thedite irunthen." Her mother said, giving her a tight hug. (Maha dear! Watching you running around so restlessly in college was enough worry for me! I was just looking for an excuse to call you home!)

"Amma, namma ooru atmosphere vera madhiri iruku. Royalty mathiri treat panringa, yen surprise nu straight-a sonna nallairundhurukum! Ulkuthu ethuvum illaiye?" Maha replied, narrowing her eyes in mock suspicion. (Mom, the vibe here at home feels extra special. You're treating me like royalty—just tell me the surprise outright; it'll be better! There's nothing shady, right?)

Her mom just chuckled and ushered her into the house. The smell of hot idli, sambar, and chutney wafted through the air, making Maha momentarily forget her curiosity. As the afternoon passed by, she lay on the terrace, sipping cool nannari sharbat, soaking in the tranquility.

Later in the day, her phone buzzed. She picked it up to see Lathika's name flashing. "Yen da? Enna pudhusa gossip solla vandhutiya?" Maha asked, smiling as she answered. (What's up? Are you here to share some new gossip?)

"Maha... guess who else is on leave today," Lathika teased, her voice full of mischief.

"Yaaru nu neera sollu, Lathi! Scene set panra maadhiri pesadha!" Maha shot back impatiently. (Just tell me who, Lathi! Don't act like you're setting up a dramatic scene!)

"Yadav Kishore sir!" Lathika exclaimed. "Avanum leave-la irukkaram. Naane ippo sir kooda amma paakara bride-seeing coordination pannitangalo nu yosikaren!" (Yadav Kishore sir! He's also on leave. I'm wondering if your mom and he are secretly coordinating some bride-seeing event!)

Maha almost choked on her drink. "LATHI! Nee sir peraiyum, en peraiyum orey sentence-la solla koodathu!" she said, feigning outrage. (LATHI! You shouldn't even say sir's name and mine in the same sentence!)

"Haha, relax! But seriously, sir leave-la irukkaratha ippo enaku evlo funny-ah theriyudhu theriyuma?!" Lathika laughed loudly. (Haha, relax! But seriously, do you know how funny it feels to me that sir is on leave?!)

Maha shook her head, a small smile escaping despite herself. "Sir, leave-ah? Indha news-la irunthu veliya vara masala tea kudikanum pola iruku. Iru, iru... Let's mark this date on the calendar!" (Sir on leave? I feel like I need masala tea to process this news. Alright, let's note this monumental occasion on the calendar!)

As the evening breeze swept over the terrace, Maha lay back, letting Lathika's teasing sink in. She had no idea what twists awaited her next but was determined to relish the calm before the inevitable storm. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she mused about what Yadav Kishore's unexpected leave might signify. But for now, her priority was simple: embracing the present moment.

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