- (windchime jingles) - (Rithanya cries quietly)
Please don't tell Amma about this.
It'll upset her a lot more.
She's finally on the mend.
Let's not mess it up now.
Anna, why do such things keep coming up?
Did Appa actually do wrong?
- (door opens) - (footsteps)
(car door clicks)
Hello, good morning. RBV Fertility Hospital.
Is it open now?
Yes, ma'am. Should I book you in with the doctor?
I'll call you back.
What the fuck!
We were all...
(sighs) Tarunika, meet me in the office at 1 o'clock.
But, before you come,
stop by the home to get an important piece of information from Aadhya.
Yes, ma'am. I'll go meet her.
(opening music)
(tyres screech)
(pleasant music)
Akka, it feels weird to touch this.
But it's interesting.
Thanks, akka.
Dear...
Do you think the hospitals are not to blame in your case?
Huh?
Well... since your fake Aadhar card shows a different age,
maybe the hospitals weren't aware of this issue.
No, akka.
The hospital is instructing the agents to bring in minor girls.
Akka, it seems like you are hesitant to ask me something.
This fraudulent hospital suggests that minor girls need to be sexually active
to keep their eggs fertile.
Had they not said all that, I'd have only faced some pain or an infection.
You know the man my mother is living with?
Your stepfather, right?
He wouldn't have touched me inappropriately.
(music turns heavy)
(lorry engine murmurs)
(tense music)
(horn blaring)
(tyres screech)
(music rises)
- (car screeches to halt) - (mirror crashes)
(gasping tensely)
You got lucky today.
Because there wasn't anyone in the car with you.
Just imagine, if your children were with you in the car,
what might have unfolded?
(sinister laugh)
I have people everywhere.
Just wanted to bring this up to you.
See you.
(Lavanya) Thillai Ramalingam is a former client of our firm.
Hmm. He just dropped by.
Nagamuthu, Additional Sessions Judge.
One of the most corrupt!
He accepted a bribe from the hospital and let it reopen
and resume normal operations.
And the health minister...
He took ₹2 crore from the hospital.
What a grave mistake, idiots!
People have started forgetting already.
The hospital is also running IVF drives and camps now.
They're opening a branch in a new city.
Because of all their flashy advertisements,
people think it's not the same hospital that was once shut down.
Hmm.
I'm planning to file an appeal in the High Court.
This impugned order must be assailed.
(footsteps approaching)
What happened to your car?
All okay?
I'm fine. It was just a small accident.
Ma'am, I'll get the case papers ready.
Excuse me.
What?
Good morning!
(door clicks)
(door shuts)
Anna, what are you watching?
Your total score?
Are you closing it so I don't see what you are watching?
You're right!
When you say it's right, it just means it's not.
Tell me what you were watching.
Why do it just to make you cry again?
(sighs)
Anna, why are you looking at that photo again?
I was looking to see whether it is real or manipulated.
Hmm.
What do you think?
It's fake.
What makes you say that?
The woman in the photo has six fingers.
Karthik in Section A also has six fingers.
Oh, my! You won't understand.
That's just an AI glitch. The person isn't real.
It's generated.
She has no belly button.
Ew! Anna!
Anna, do you remember something?
On my birthday, you asked in front of everyone
why there was no belly button on my doll.
Do you remember how everyone laughed
- at that time? - Oh, my!
You are still repeating the same thing.
But you think of yourself
- as a smart detective. - What did you say?
- Detective? - Anna, anna! No!
Hey, anna.
Hey, stop it.
(both laughing)
Hey, anna, stop it!
- Anna! - Hey, Rithesh! Stop that!
Paati, we are just having fun.
Listen, you shouldn't play like this.
It could hurt both of you. Come, I've made rice and lentils.
(kids cheer)
(Rithanya giggling)
(Tarunika) Amma will be late. You must sleep by 9:30 p.m., okay?
No. I can't allow more screen time.
You've got school tomorrow. Okay?
Good night!
(switch clicks)
(footsteps approaching)
Take a break, Taru.
Have this first, then work.
Your favourite.
Okay!
(jovial music)
Hey!
(sniffs)
Isn't it the almond pudding
- from chettan's shop? - Yes.
- Are they delivering it online? - No.
I went over and bought it.
You don't believe me? It's still the go-to spot at our college.
When food vloggers show up, they snatch their cameras and shoo them away.
Well done!
(scoffs)
(Tarunika) Mmm.
Are you serious?
Exactly the same taste and texture!
Even the almond count on the topping is the same.
(pleasant music rises)
Some things just don't change,
no matter how many days pass.
Well, before you used to buy this with me.
Is it the same as before or a new one?
Were the old ones settled?
- What's the update? Hey! - Hey, don't bring it up.
Shush! Office.
(both chuckle)
(Tarunika) Rithesh! You have to go by bus.
The bus won't wait for you like that driver uncle did. Hurry up.
I know, Amma. Just five minutes.
Amma, I'm good to go.
I'll do a quick revision now.
You are smart! Drink the milk.
(phone vibrating)
Hello.
Taru?
Taru.
Yes, tell me.
How are you?
I'm okay. Nothing great.
How's Rithesh doing?
He's having a bath. It might take a while, you know.
- How's the little one? - She has some cycle tests.
She's doing her revision.
Sorry, what did you say?
I said Rithanya's got a cycle test and she's preparing for it.
It seems like no one is bothered by my absence.
Everyone is tied up.
Are you saying we should just sit and cry in a corner?
All right, I'm ending the call.
(introspective music)
Hi, today it's Rithanya's--
- Shh! - Oh! Okay, I'm sorry.
(Rithesh) We are going to give her a surprise now.
(giggling)
Darling. Darling!
(singing) ♪ Happy birthday to you! ♪
- ♪ Happy birthday to you! ♪ - Anna, look at that. (giggles)
- Hey! - Happy birthday, darling.
(Tarunika laughs)
This is your favourite flavour.
Guna.
Appa, come on.
One second. Be right back.
Guna, you are missing out.
One second, I'll call you back.
(suspenseful music)
(taps)
- Appa, come on. - One second. Be right back.
One second.
(suspenseful music)
(music rises)
I've got everything ready for your trial.
And I gave Bharath everything he asked.
I've asked for an alibi for that date. What's the status?
I'm not in a state to ask anything right now.
Back then, Taru used to capture everything as photos and videos.
She really is a memory keeper.
We'll get some clues from her.
But I'm not in a position to ask her right now.
She loses her temper no matter what I ask.
(nervously chuckles)
All right, I'll handle it. Leave it.
(phone vibrating)
Yes, Joseph. Tell me.
Tarunika, I need to ask you something important.
Can you tell me where Guna was on April 21st?
My 15-year-long marriage has disappeared just like a mirage.
Everything is a blur.
If you ask me about only one day, what can I say?
We use technology to support our memory.
If you go through your phone data, you will come across photos.
You can look at it, right?
(suspenseful music)
You won't explain why you are asking this, will you?
We have to get an alibi.
Someone has filed a complaint, alleging that
Gunaseelan took a bribe in person on that day.
We need to refute that. That's all.
(door closes)
(door opens)
Athai, come in. Take a seat.
Taruni, I need to say something to you.
On Guna's birthday,
we need to arrange lunch for the bar council as we always do.
Also, reach out to the orphanage and...
the old-age home in our town,
and check how many beds and wheelchairs they require.
Athai, we are running low on money. Let's skip this for now.
Taruni, why are you stressing over it?
Leave it to me.
Listen, we need to make it grand this year, just as we do always.
Don't worry. I'm here. Strong and by your side.
Dear, I'll take the kids to meet their father.
You are taking them?
Athai, is it a park or an exhibition?
That's a jail.
The energy there...
Athai, no. Please.
He'll also want to see his kids, won't he, dear?
You always call me old-school,
but now you are going on about energy!
Don't worry, dear. I'm going with them.
Athai, please!
Please don't get involved in this matter.
(fingers snapping)
What's with all the serious thinking?
Once I begin, it'll just keep on. Is that okay?
You have time until I finish my coffee.
- (machine beeps, coffee pours) - (Umar chuckles)
I'm just managing the same old financial dispute cases.
All of them are high-profile cases.
While it's profitable for the firm,
I feel like a sensational case isn't coming my way.
I see! What sort of sensational cases?
Something similar to the Vel Pandiyan case.
What's the development on that case, Sneha?
- I will drink my coffee over there. - Hey!
- Clever girl! - Huh?
Do you mean me?
What name do you have me as on your phone?
It's "Sneha Crush," right?
I'm impressed, Investigator Madam!
Typically, workplace romance doesn't work for me.
And I've never done that.
For some reason...
I can't resist you.
To safeguard your seat,
I heard that you are engaging with everyone to strengthen your vote bank.
Should I report to the IC that you are flirting with me?
I think you are worth the risk.
(clicks tongue)
(both chuckle)
(Guna) Do you know who the happiest man in the world is?
Who? Are you the one?
Exactly!
Can you tell me why?
Seems like you are quite drunk.
Hey, tell me.
You say it then.
Look at me.
I've found a wife who is as beautiful...
and good as you.
That's why I'm...
I'm...
I'm the happiest man in the world,
- no, in the universe. - Hey.
(Guna laughs)
Ah! Trying to flatter me so much it echoes through Pondicherry!
Hey, that reminds me...
- What? Hey! - Just a moment! One minute.
- What happened, Guna? - Just a moment, I'll be back.
I will just...
(phone vibrating)
(man) Sir, did you look at this?
Tell me, dear.
Yes, Joseph.
The day you spoke about was Mahavir Jayanti.
Guna and I had gone to Pondicherry that day.
He also gifted me a necklace.
Oh! Superb, Tarunika.
Can you hand me the receipt for that necklace, please?
I told you it was a gift. Maybe...
we should check his email or ask the jewellers. I don't have it.
All right, give me some time. I'll find out and get back to you.
That will be good. Thank you.
(bustling traffic)
Paati, this is the gift I'm planning to give Appa for his birthday.
Oh, really, sweetheart?
Superb! Wonderful, my dear!
Paati, I'm coming with you since you promised not to take me inside.
Rithesh, you must come inside.
I can't leave you alone on the outside.
I'll bite my tongue, but I won't talk to him.
Listen.
You shouldn't turn away and avoid your father when you see him.
Give him a little attention. He's a poor soul.
Is it you, dear?
He has his mother's temper.
Hey! Amma, come in.
Happy birthday, dear.
How are you?
Come, sit here.
What's wrong, my darling?
- Tears welled up. - Come on.
Sit here. Come on.
Come on.
Why are you standing there? Come on.
- Come, sit. - I'm fine. I'll stay right here.
What happened to him?
Come here.
Happy birthday, Appa.
- I got you a gift. - Really?
(pleasant music)
(muted conversation)
How did you get so thin?
Is your mother not feeding you?
Am I some kind of animal to eat everything that's prepared?
Don't I have my own mind?
What are you saying, Rithesh?
- You said you'd remain silent, right? - What did you say?
Remain silent?
Dear, don't think he behaves like this only with you.
He shows anger towards everyone.
What can we do? He's of that age.
Poor Rithanya, she's not sleeping well lately.
She keeps asking to play Appa's song and video.
She longs to be with you.
She can sleep if her mother is with her.
Doesn't their mother get home on time?
Even if she's delayed, her call comes through.
As soon as she gets a call from a guy called Hari Deepak,
Taruni runs out no matter the time.
(tense music)
The kids are struggling with this.
She's especially struggling to sleep.
(scoffs)
(woman) I have mailed the receipt, ma'am.
Thank you.
(eerie music)
(phone vibrating)
Tell me, dear, have you found the receipt?
You are really sharp.
All you need is that receipt.
For that, you wanted to know where we were on April 21st,
needing an alibi and other rubbish.
You were aiming to use me to get all the evidence against him.
You could have asked me this plainly.
The signal is weak here. Please send over the receipt.
Even if you don't have a signal, hear me out.
Didn't you know the necklace is registered under MSP Enterprise?
The drug lord company!
Tarunika, slow down.
I'm trying to help you.
The ones we are against can do whatever it takes.
Put aside your typical husband-wife arguments, and let us
find a way to save the Additional Advocate General Gunaseelan.
We should work together to make this happen.
Just see the larger picture.
After all you've done, now you want me to keep it under wraps?
And when I raise a question...
This isn't just a typical husband-wife argument.
I do have concerns about whether the ex-Additional Advocate General
is involved in bribery and corruption.
Larger picture, my foot!
(clicks teeth)
(typing)
(Rithesh coughing softly)
(soft piano music)
Rithesh.
Why didn't you inform Amma that you have a fever?
Huh?
You took the medicine by yourself. All grown up, huh?
Amma, it's just a regular fever.
I'll be fine once I sweat it out.
How much can you possibly handle?
I'm putting in all this effort for you both.
If something happens to you, I'll let go of everything else.
I know, Amma.
All right, wait. I will give you a cold compress.
Amma, please stay here for a while.
Okay.
(keyboard clacking)
(Rithesh coughing)
Rithesh.
Why are you resting here?
I smelled the soup cooking, so I came over.
Okay, get up now.
Slowly.
- Here, have it. - Thank you, Amma.
Amma, I noticed something while Paati was watching the news.
The power loom factories in Salem and Erode have been shut down.
What's it called? Vazh... Amma, what is it?
Do you mean vazhvatharam (livelihood)?
Yes, that's it.
Seems like it got impacted.
They said that, because of this,
many women are resorting to illegal egg donation.
They said another thing... Batches.
I'm not sure what to tell you.
I'm torn between being happy that you are consuming all this,
yet I feel sad that you know all of this.
Amma, why are you saying that?
Aadhya is only two years older than me.
All this has happened in her life, and it has left her so miserable.
Then what's wrong with me noticing all this?
Amma.
I thought it would be spooky inside the prison.
But when I went there today... I don't know,
but I felt different.
You know that calm feeling we get at temples?
I felt just like that today.
It didn't feel like a place that holds wrongdoers,
but one that helps them change.
(tense music)
Taruni.
I've prepared some adai batter since you love it.
You took them there anyway, even after I opposed, didn't you?
Your issues shouldn't affect the kids in any way, dear.
Rithanya is struggling so much!
She missed her father so much that she made a drawing for him.
I had tears in my eyes, seeing that.
Athai, look...
They are my kids.
The decision of where and when to take them
and what's best for them rests with me.
Don't get involved in this, please.
Okay, dear.
Should I prepare the adai
and keep it in the hot box before you return at night?
Do it.
(in unison) Morning, madam.
- Morning, madam. - Morning, ma'am.
- (loud footsteps) - Morning, ma'am.
Excuse me, ma'am.
Yeah.
I've done all the assignments
- you asked for, ma'am. - I see.
- Can I? - Sure.
I followed the operations at the Chennai branch of that hospital.
Please listen to the nurse.
(nurse) It's fine if the girl isn't 18 years old yet.
Even if she's 15 or 16, we can still manage.
Just bring her over here.
You'll also receive a commission.
Hold on. Don't call me
- on this number. - What?
Yes, ma'am.
This is...
Disgusting!
There's more, ma'am.
Even the ambulance driver is involved.
Check this out.
(driver) Ask the girls attending your tuition classes.
Hey, it's a common thing to do.
That's why I'm speaking to you right now.
Oh, my God!
Umar, this is gold!
- Yes, ma'am. - We can bring them
down to their knees. This is fantastic!
Yes, ma'am.
I don't think they are aware that it's a crime.
I didn't have to work hard to get this evidence.
- It's all over the place. - Umar.
- Yes, ma'am. - You've approached your job
with seriousness and sincerity.
And I'm very happy about it.
- Good job! - Thanks, ma'am.
This is amazing stuff!
Thanks... Thank you, ma'am. Thank you so much!
Thank you, ma'am.
(Lavanya laughs)
(jovial music)
Hey, are you crazy?
(exhales excitedly)
Hey, Umar.
You seem so happy today.
Is that all that's visible?
In that Prabhu Deva song, the rain falls only on him, right?
I feel exactly that way now!
It looks like you have done something impressive.
- Well... - Hey, tell me.
Why would I disclose my strategy to you?
Do you mean the evil eye?
Do I seem like a jinx to you?
(scoffs) If you got it, then fine.
(laughs)
- Hi! - Hi!
- Shall we go for lunch? - Sorry, sorry!
I'm sorry! She's booked for lunch.
Come on! Hurry up.
I've got an important lead. Let's go.
Hmm.
You choose. Go ahead.
Okay.
Please don't take this the wrong way.
You and Hari Deepak don't seem like you are just college friends.
Was there something more ever?
- Please pardon me if I was wrong. - Hey.
No, it's okay.
What's there to get wrong?
You know us women. We have a unique superpower.
We can easily sense the relationship dynamics between two people.
You are right.
Hari and I... We were seeing each other in college.
But after college, it just fizzled out.
A year later, I met Guna and...
- Yeah... - I see! Interesting.
By the way, I got a lead.
A bigwig went to the Sessions Court Judge's chamber
concerning the hospital reopening.
Oh.
Is it the son or the son-in-law?
You are really sharp!
We'll find out soon.
(tsks) I'm not getting a breakthrough.
Getting accessibility is tough for me because I wasn't in the field.
Tarunika, we only come to know when you mention you've resumed work
after a long break.
You are doing exceptionally well. Really!
But when I realise this job isn't guaranteed...
you know, deep down, I feel...
I don't know, a pang of fear.
When I see Umar,
I feel the same pressure as if I'm taking a competitive exam.
He just jumps the gun! Leave it.
Hi! Sorry for the delay.
Ah, it's okay.
Listen, I've something important to tell you.
Please stay out of the hospital issue.
If possible, have your firm avoid getting involved as well.
Guna, my firm and I will decide what actions to take and what to avoid.
Oh, is it now "your firm"?
Wow.
I couldn't place my trust in the one who said
truth is the foundation of our relationship.
Unlike your party, these people will never give up on me.
And I put my trust in them.
Listen.
Those in power have placed me as a lab rat in here.
If I and those close to me don't bow down...
they'll finish me off here.
The party is a shield protecting me.
If I challenge them, I'm nothing.
(tsks) Guna, please! Don't say that.
Never forget you are a lawyer too.
Don't surrender to them, disregarding your profession.
Even after buying that necklace!
Listen, I'm calmly trying to make you see my point.
Don't lash out without knowing the context!
Before taking on the role of AAG,
I was a legal advisor to the person arrested in the drug case.
My fee was in cash or kind. It was a common practice.
Do you get it? It had nothing to do with bribery.
When a car key is handed to you, you reject it and send it back, right?
Look, you know that I don't get involved in bribery.
(scoffs)
You showed off so much while giving me the gift
that it felt like you bought it yourself.
Of course! I chose the necklace.
I picked it up online and shared the link with them.
It took me three days to make up my mind.
- I find it hard to believe-- - Fine, don't believe me.
Take your time.
Your workspace looks good.
What's making you doubt me?
Is it your profession...
or your ex being around?
Well, you seem to be getting home late these days.
(scoffs) I knew it...
I had a hunch.
Don't you feel any guilt?
Kids build sandcastles on the beach, admire them for a moment,
and then wreck them by jumping on them.
That's just how you are.
You wrecked everything.
To make everything right again, I'm giving my all,
working here and tolerating all the humiliation.
Meanwhile, you are sitting there all cheerful, questioning me.
What authority do you have?
Hmm?
I made another mistake.
It's unfair to ask this after I've deceived you.
I asked this because
I was scared you'd leave me and resent me.
Taru.
I need you.
Please don't give up on me.
My meeting is about to start.
(introspective music)
Okay, tell Kamalesh to meet tomorrow.
(mouthing) Is everything okay?
(Closed Captions by Planetcast Media)