The next morning, as usual, Dhiviya found breakfast ready on the dining table. Despite everything that had happened the previous night, Athavan was there with his usual expressionless face. A deep sense of guilt washed over her.
When Guna had accused Athavan of smacking her father so hard that he vomited blood, she had been furious. Without a word to Athavan, she had rushed her father to the clinic. But when they returned home later that night, Athavan was already asleep. Now, seeing him again, her emotions were in turmoil. She wanted to apologize, but she didn't even know where to start.
Whatever he had done yesterday—it was nothing short of miraculous. It still felt like a dream. Once again, the same question arose in her heart: Who is Athavan? Is he truly a divine being? Her mind raced with a thousand thoughts. She began to question everything.
Did I make the right choice marrying him? Will my life ever be normal? But then, how could she regret it? He had saved her father miraculously. Is he like the sages in the movies? Her mind drifted to scenes from Pattinathar, where the protagonist renounces his worldly life to become a saint while his wife pleads with him to return home.
"What are you thinking so much about?" Athavan's voice snapped her back to reality.
Startled, Dhiviya felt exposed, as if he had read her thoughts. After a long hesitation, she finally said, "Thanks for saving my dad."
Athavan simply nodded and, without another word, turned back to continue his kitchen chores. Feeling lost, Dhiviya grabbed her takeout meal and rushed out the door.
As she drove, her mind was a tangled mess. She missed turns, driving aimlessly until she finally pulled over on the roadside. Overwhelmed, she broke down into tears, unsure of what to think anymore.
Back home, Athavan had finished his chores and left for the temple. The moment he stepped out, Guna and Archana emerged from their rooms. They had both avoided him that morning, unsure of how to face him. To them, he no longer seemed like an ordinary man. There was an aura around him that made them feel pressured in his presence.
Archana turned toward her sleeping husband. She had never seen him sleep so peacefully before. Hesitating for a moment, she gently shook him awake.
"Dear, wake up."
Vasanthan stirred, his voice groggy. "What? Is something wrong?"
His wife's troubled expression made him sit up. "Why are you still sleeping?" she asked.
"Why not? It's Sunday," he replied, stretching.
Archana blinked in confusion. "Oh, right... it's Sunday. Then where did Dhiviya go so early?" She quickly called her daughter.
Dhiviya was still sitting in her car, trying to compose herself, when the call came. She hurriedly wiped her tears and tried to sound as normal as possible. "Yes, Mom? Anything wrong?"
"Where are you?"
"Near the office. Why?"
"The office? Dhiviya, today is Sunday!" Archana said in surprise.
Only now did Dhiviya realize her mistake. She had been so lost in thought that she had driven to work out of habit. And just like that, the tears came again.
Archana panicked. "Oh my dear, why are you crying? Tell me what's wrong!"
Hearing his wife's distress, Vasanthan took the phone and put it on speaker. "Dhiviya, talk to us," he urged gently.
Between her sobs, Dhiviya finally poured out her feelings. She spoke about her confusion, her overwhelming thoughts about Athavan, and how everything felt surreal. Archana listened in silence, unable to find the right words to console her daughter.
Guna, who had been eavesdropping from outside their room, felt equally helpless. The entire family was at a loss.
When Dhiviya finally returned home, she looked utterly dispirited. The entire family gathered in the living room. Though his body felt better than ever, Vasanthan's mood had plummeted. The weight of guilt bore heavily on him.
"I'm so sorry, my dear daughter," he said, his voice breaking. "Because of me, you had to get married. Our family has ended up like this. It's all my fault. I was a failure in business and fell into massive debt. Because of that, you worked like a slave for your uncle's family. You were even forced into marriage just so I could get my bypass surgery... I have failed all of you." Tears streamed down his face in regret.
Archana tried to console him, but before she could, Dhiviya shook her head firmly. "Dad, no. I don't blame you! Please don't cry."
Guna, feeling utterly powerless, quickly hugged his father. "Dad, you're my hero. We've never seen you as a failure. We're just so happy that you're healthy now!"
Archana placed a comforting hand on her husband's shoulder. "Dear, it's a blessing from God that we received such a son-in-law. Our daughter is just confused. Please don't blame yourself."
"Yeah, Dad," Dhiviya added. "This has nothing to do with you. I'm just trying to understand everything. Please, don't feel guilty about this."
They all tried their best to comfort Vasanthan. Just then, they heard the front gate opening. All heads turned toward the door.
Athavan was walking into the house. Behind him, a golden ray of sunlight streamed through, casting a glow around him. For a moment, he looked almost divine. There was an unexplainable aura surrounding him, something holy and ethereal. The entire family fell into stunned silence.
Athavan, still calm and composed, noticed their strange expressions. For the first time, a hint of confusion crossed his face.
Vasanthan was the first to recover. Gathering his courage, he slowly spoke. "Maapi... ah, no... Sa—" He hesitated, his words fumbling. "How should I address you?"
Athavan looked puzzled. "Just address me as usual. Or simply call me Athavan. Whatever makes you comfortable."
Still bewildered, Vasanthan nodded. "Athavan..." he repeated, as if testing the name on his tongue.
Athavan glanced around. "What's going on?"
The entire family exchanged looks, but no one knew how to answer.
The End.
Hindu Mythological / Cultural / Belief References – Chapter 7
Pattinathar -
Pattinathar was a Tamil Shaivite saint and poet who lived during the medieval period. Born into a wealthy merchant family, he renounced all material possessions after a profound spiritual awakening and became a wandering ascetic devoted to Lord Shiva. His life and teachings emphasize the impermanence of worldly wealth and the pursuit of spiritual truth.
In popular Tamil folklore and cinema, Pattinathar is portrayed as a sage who leaves behind his home, wife, and riches in search of moksha (liberation). His story often explores the tension between spiritual duty and worldly attachment, making him a symbolic figure for those who walk the thin line between family responsibility and divine calling.
In this chapter, Dhiviya draws a subconscious parallel between Athavan and Pattinathar, questioning if her husband—stoic, detached, and mysterious—is also destined to walk a path beyond this world.