Years later, this is 2018 now. Madhavi continues her job as a health inspector while her son Harish is 8 years old, studying 3rd standard. Madhavi is excellent at balancing between being a single mother and a health inspector.
Scene 1: Breakfast and Reminiscing
Madhavi in now in a black net saree just like in the pic given below.
She, in her kitchen of her house, is flipping dosas, lost in thoughts of her deceased husband. Harish, her 8-year-old son, enters the kitchen, cheerful and hungry.
HARISH: Amma, I’m hungry! Is the breakfast ready?
MADHAVI: (Forces a smile) Just a few more minutes, thangam.
As Harish leans on the kitchen slab, Madhavi absentmindedly plays with the hem of her saree.
(Like this)
This is seen by Harish. He stands straight and speaks to his mom in a straightforward tone.
HARISH: Amma, if you don’t mind, can I see your thoppul?
Madhavi stares at her son for some time. Then she smiles at him and slides her saree to expose her navel.
MADHAVI: Here you go, Harish.
Harish is delighted at this very sight. He leans in and gently touches his mom’s navel by placing his palm on it.
Madhavi chuckles and ruffles her son’s hair.
A few seconds later, Harish then uses the index finger of his right hand to draw some lazy circles around his mom’s navel. Madhavi feels ticklish but decides to let her son do his thing on her navel.
After drawing a good number of circles around his mom’s navel, Harish pulls his hand back. Madhavi then puts her pallu back in position.
MADHAVI: (giggling and playfully pinching her son’s cheeks) You silly goose!!!!! You know how to tickle your Amma. Don’t you?
HARISH: (squeals from his mom’s pinches) Not absolutely, Amma. I just got fascinated by your thoppul. That’s all.
MADHAVI: Oh…I see…..What’s so special about your Amma’s thoppul?
HARISH: It’s deep, perfectly round and beautiful.
MADHAVI: Oh…You really think so?
HARISH: Yes, Amma. Absolutely.
MADHAVI: Very well, silly goose. You can touch your Amma’s thoppul whenever you want to. I won’t say “NO” to it.
HARISH: (his eyes widen with excitement) Seriously?
MADHAVI: (responds teasingly) You think I’m joking?
Harish gets highly joyous and hugs his mom tightly. Madhavi enjoys her son’s embrace and hugs him back.
A few seconds later, the hug breaks and both have their breakfast. After the breakfast, both exit the house. Harish goes to school and Madhavi goes to office.
Scene 2: Juggling Responsibilities
A series of quick cuts, demonstrating Madhavi’s day: packing lunches, doing the dishes, school pick-up, grocery shopping, and visiting various eateries as a part of her duty as a health inspector.
Scene 3: The Troubled Restaurant
Madhavi receives a frantic call from the restaurant’s accountant. She learns of the mounting debt and staff layoffs due to Raghu’s overall mismanagement.
Scene 4: A Difficult Decision
At home after returning from office, Madhavi is seated alone on a couch. She’s now in a saree just like in the pic given below.
As Madhavi’s thoughts swirl, her loyalty to her late husband’s family weighs heavy on her heart. On one hand, she wants to protect Seenu’s legacy and uphold the promise she made to him. On the other, she knows the financial instability threatens her and Harish’s well-being.
Tears begin to form as she traces the outline of her navel, a symbol of her love for Seenu, whispering her concerns and seeking his guidance. Her navel, although a physical reminder of the past, becomes a beacon of strength, reminding her of the resilience she possesses.
With a deep breath, Madhavi resolves to face the difficult decision head-on, for the sake of her son’s future.
Scene 5: Confronting Raghu
The following day, Madhavi visits the restaurant to confront Raghu. She calmly explains the financial situation, the layoffs, and her intentions to find a resolution.
RAGHU: (Slightly defensive) This isn’t my fault. Seenu should have been more cautious.
MADHAVI: (Steely) Nonetheless, the situation demands immediate action.
RAGHU: (Exasperated) What do you suggest?
MADHAVI: (Pauses, then replies firmly) We need to sell the restaurant. It’s the only way to clear the debt and allow the employees to be compensated.
RAGHU: (Stunned, then angry) You want to end the family business?
MADHAVI: (Determined) Yes, and I have no intention of letting it go bankrupt. I’m doing what I believe is best for all of us, and most importantly, for Harish’s future.
RAGHU: (Grasping for a solution) What about asking Seenu’s family for help?
MADHAVI: (Shakes her head) The situation’s dire, and I don’t think they have the means to help at this time. But, we can try.
RAGHU: (Sighs) Alright, let’s give it a shot. (Pauses) I’m sorry for my part in this.
MADHAVI: (Forgiving) We’ll move forward together and put this behind us. (Smiles) Now, let’s get started on finding a buyer.
Scene 6: Seeking Assistance
Madhavi and Raghu reach out to Seenu’s extended family for financial assistance. They meet with a lukewarm response, and some suggest it’s time to let go of the restaurant. The lack of support from the family forces Madhavi to make the tough decision she’s been dreading.
Scene 7: The Sale
Through their efforts, Madhavi and Raghu manage to find a buyer for the restaurant. The terms are negotiated, and the sale is underway. The proceeds will cover the debts and compensate the employees. A weight is lifted from Madhavi’s shoulders as she realizes she’s done her best to protect her family and honor Seenu’s memory.
Scene 8: A Blessing
This is the night time. Harish and his mom Madhavi just had their dinner. Now they are in bedroom.
Madhavi is now in a saree just like in the pic given below.
Harish, sensing his mother’s relief, gently slides her saree and reaches for her navel, as he’s often done.
Madhavi, smiling at her son, leans down to hug him tightly. They both feel the warmth of the blessing from within, as though Seenu is guiding them through this difficult time.
Madhavi, with tears of gratitude in her eyes, whispers, “I’ll always carry your love with me, Seenu. And together, we’ll build a brighter future for us all.”
Harish, feeling the love and support from his mother, answers with a sweet smile and whispers, “I love you, Mommy.” He then leans in for a gentle kiss on her navel, which makes Madhavi’s heart swell with pride and affection.
After their embrace, they both snuggle up in bed, with Madhavi’s hand resting protectively on her son’s chest while Harish places one of his hands on his mom’s bare tummy, and they drift off to sleep.
Nice chapter!
I’m glad you enjoyed it