ESP - By Yegeshweriy Arumugam

Written By: Yegeshweriy Arumugam

Category: Script Writing

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Meet Yegeshweriy Arumugam, a talented writer who has contributed a compelling script titled "ESP" to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Under her pen name, Enna Solle Pogirai, she delves into the nuances of modern relationships through the lens of humor and subtlety. The competition showcases the diverse creative writing skills from around the world, encouraging writers like Yegeshweriy to present their unique voices and narratives.

About the Work

"ESP" is a humorous yet heartfelt exploration of the complexities of modern relationships. Through witty dialogue and engaging interactions, the script captures the intricacies of communication and the emotional subtleties that accompany it. The narrative is filled with vivid imagery and relatable scenarios that speak to the reader's own experiences with love and friendship. The playful banter and evolving dynamics between characters add depth to this engaging piece.

Enna Solle Pogirai

Original Submission by Yegeshweriy Arumugam

ESP

ENNA

SOLLE

POGIRAI

~ IS IT A YES OR A YES? ~

A Curiosity By

YEGESHWERIY ARUMUGAM SERVAI

@

a-gesh servai

SCENE 1: INTRODUCTION OF HEROINE

The phone rings! Meera, who is working on her laptop, checks her phone and sees that it’s her high school senior, Jothi. Excited, she answers the call. After a brief conversation, Jothi invites Meera to her engagement. Due to the MCO, the engagement is planned on a small scale, with only close relatives and friends attending. Meera is the only junior who still keeps in touch with her seniors, and as Jothi’s favorite junior, she insists on inviting her. Jothi apologizes for not being able to invite Meera in person and instead calls her. Meera is both grateful and excited about the engagement.

JOTHI : Hello!

MEERA : Hello, sollunge ka. Epdi irukinge?

JOTHI : Nalla iruken da, nee epdi iruke? Sapthiya?

MEERA : Nalla iruken ka, ippotha sapthen. Neenge?

JOTHI : Athulam on time senjureven teriyum le..(laughs)

MEERA : Biasa thane ka, aprom eppo kalyanam sapadu podeporinge?

JOTHI : Dey, actually athu solle tha call panne. Engagement fix ayiruchu da.

MEERA : Wow da, congratulations ka.

JOTHI : Thanks da, sorry da inthe MCO naale unne nerele vanthu invite panne mudile. Kochikathe teriyuma. Aduthe MCO kule at least engage panirulam nu sollitha fix pannithom and on a very small scale tha, only close relatives and friends are invited.

MEERA : Aiyo akka, eneku avelo scene lam ille. Neenge enne invite pandrethe eneku periye vishyem. Thanks for inviting me to your special day, akka.

JOTHI : Nee illame epdi da? Un batch leye nee mattum tha enkode inne varaikum close aprom epdi da nee illame. Kandipa vanthuru teriyuma. Varele sette mavale!

MEERA : (laughs) Haahahaha! Enga akka engagement ku naan illamaya, definite ah varuven. No worries.

JOTHI : Cheri, digital invitation whatsap le send pannuren, ok va?

MEERA : Sure ka, no worries!

SCENE 2: INTRODUCTION OF HERO

On the engagement day, Meera joins Jothi’s batchmates, as she has no other friends there. The group enjoys their conversation, laughing and reminiscing after meeting again after so long. While chatting, Meera notices a guy walking past their group and curiously asks if it is Shyam. It turns out to be her senior, Shyames @ Shyam. Hema and Menaga immediately start teasing Meera, reminding her that Shyam had proposed to her during their school days. Meera also learns that Shyam is still single, and they playfully encourage her to give it a try.

HEMA : Oik Meera, inge vaa..naange ingetha irukom…

MEERA : Hi akkasss, epdi irukinge rendu perum?

MENAGA : Naange nalla irukom, nee epdi iruke? Parthu pala varusham achu..

MEERA : Nalla iruken ka. Atha, parthu rombe varusham achu…

(The conversation continues with laughter and friendly teasing until Meera’s eyes wander, noticing a familiar face walking past. She squints, trying to recognize him.)

MEERA : Akka, ange porethu senior Shyam thane?

(The group pauses and turns to look. Hema and Menaga exchange knowing smiles before turning back to Meera.)

HEMA : Aama-aama unge aalu Shyames-eh tha..(laughs)

MEERA: Yen ka ipdi lam solringe? Avunge girl or wife ketta enneye adikiretheka?

MENAGA : Athulam adike mathange because aven innum single ah tha suttikithu irukan, so no worries.

MEERA : Innum single ah? Unmaiya va?

HEMA : Aama, Nee venum na try panni paaren, un aalu thane.

MEERA : Ade neenge vere, aver thirumbiya parkele ithule try vere pannenuma?

MENAGA: Yaar aven unne thirumbi kude parkele? Athulam onnum ille, inneram aven unne full ah scan pannirupan. Ippo naange ange poonethum, nee enna pandre, yaar koode vanthe, kalyana pannithiya ille yaareyum love pandriya nu kettu enge uyir eh edupan.

MEERA : Unmaiya va? (MINDVOICE : Uru velai nammele usuptherangelo?)

(Meera rolls her eyes but can’t help feeling a little curious as she watches Shyam move through the crowd.)

SCENE 3: HERO & HEROINE'S FIRST CONVERSATION

Later, Meera goes to the drinks corner to grab a drink and notices Shyam standing alone, focused on his phone. Since he is the only senior she hasn’t spoken to yet, she decides to approach him. Without hesitation, Meera initiates the conversation, which lasts for a few minutes. They mostly discuss their jobs and work-related matters. Before leaving, they exchange phone numbers to keep in touch.

MEERA : Enna senior, solo va nikkuringe? Friends lam kaanom?

SHYAM : Hey, ille… paiyanunge pakkethele poirukanunge atha wait pannithu iruken.

MEERA : Oh okok. Aprom epdi irukinge? Enna nyabagam irukule, senior?

SHYAM: Haannn, nalla iruken, neenge epdi irukinge? (MINDVOICE : Mareke kudiya aala nee)

MEERA : Naanum nalla iruken. But yen neenge ivelo mariyathiya pesuringe? Naan unge junior thane, vaa poo ne koopdelame?

SHYAM : Ille, rombe varusham ache le parthu, atha konjum weird ah iruku.

MEERA : Aama neenge tha parthuthu kude parkathe matri poringele, mothe.

SHYAM : Hey apdi ille, naan unmaiyave unne parkeve illa lar.

MEERA: Neenge parkele nu tha naan parthene, hmmm.

A brief conversation takes place where Shyam switches between addressing Meera formally (Vange-Ponge) and casually (Vaa-Poo).

MEERA : Cheri senior, kelamburen time achu.

SHYAM : Cheri ok, parthu ponge.

MEERA : Ok senior bye, keep in touch.

SHYAM : Epdi keep in touch pandrethu? Phone number kudukama?

MEERA : Keep in touch phone le tha pannenum nu illeye. FB le add pannunge newsfeed le keep in touch pannalam.

SHYAM : Enkitte FB illeye. Hmm, unkitte Insta iruka?

MEERA: Insta illeye.

SHYAM : See, unkitte Insta ille and enkitte FB ille. Rendu perkitteyum common ah irukerethu Whatsapp tha but number illame epdi?

MEERA : Hmmm, athuvum vasthuvum tha. (MINDVOICE: Unaku perechenei velile ille, un vaai tha Meera)

SCENE 4: STATUS ATROCITY

For nearly two weeks after the engagement, Meera and Shyam only view each other’s WhatsApp statuses without exchanging any messages. Eventually, they both start posting love songs as indirect hints for each other. Shyam is always the first to view Meera’s stories, and vice versa.

(Meera sees a new status update from Shyam – a romantic song about waiting for love.)

MEERA (thinking): Hmm… ithu random story-ah… ille paiye pulle eneku potrupara?

(She hesitates for a moment before smiling to herself.)

MEERA (to herself): Syok sendiri agathe… namme parpome senior evelo thooram poraru nu…

(She picks a soft, emotional song and posts it as her status.)

________________

(Meanwhile, Shyam notices Meera’s status almost immediately.)

SHYAM (grinning): Ah, oru velai en stor- ku reply story ah ithu? Ille, naan overthink panraano?

(He leans back, staring at his phone.)

SHYAM (to himself): Cheri, namme innoru story poduvum, athuku reply story vanthuchu na, I’ll take it as a sign.

________________

(The next day, Meera posts another love-themed song, this time about longing and missing someone. Shyam smirks as he watches.)

SHYAM (smirking): Ambuthu tha, sooli mudinjuruchu… we’re definitely playing the same game.

(Neither of them messages first, but the unspoken conversation between their statuses continues.)

SCENE 5: FIRST MESSAGE

In the third week, Meera receives her first WhatsApp message from Shyam. He introduces himself and asks her to save his number. Confused, Meera replies that she had already saved it earlier, which is why they can view each other’s statuses. In reality, Shyam was just looking for a way to start a conversation. Amused, Meera teases him about it, and from that day onward, they start chatting daily beginning with a simple 'Good Morning' and ending with 'Good Night' messages.

SHYAM : Hi Meera, Shyam here. This is my number. Save panniko.

MEERA : Hi Senior, atha theriyume. I’ve saved your number.

SHYAM : Owh save pannirikiya? I thought you didn’t save it, atha message panne.

MEERA : Ughh! Ille eneku pruile? Save panname epdi naan unge status parkuren and neenge en status parkuringe?

SHYAM : Owh nee en status lam parkuriya? Sorry, naan realise pannele.

MEERA: Owh apdiya? But naan notice pandren, neenge tha first en status eppothum parkuringe nu.

SHYAM : Aamava, naan parkurena? (MINDVOICE: Mathikithiye Shyam, cheri samalipom)

MEERA : Appo ungeleku teriyathu? (MINDVOICE: Ulaga maga nadipu da samy!)

(The Next Day)

SHYAM: Good Morning, Meera…

MEERA: Morning, Senior…wow, woke up early?

SHYAM: Yeah… kind of. You?

MEERA: Just now… still sleepy.

SHYAM: Haha… have a good day!

MEERA: You too!

(Days Later)

SHYAM: Hey… had lunch?

MEERA: Not yet… you?

SHYAM: Just ate. Don’t skip meals. On time ku sapdenum.

MEERA: Haha, okay, boss.

(Weeks Later)

SHYAM: How was your day?

MEERA: Hmm… normal. A bit tiring. Yours?

SHYAM: Same… busy. But okay.

MEERA: Ate dinner?

SHYAM: Not yet… maybe later. You?

MEERA: Just finished. Don’t be too late. Thookem mukkiyam bigilu.

SHYAM: Okay, okay, Madam.

(Eventually)

SHYAM: Good night, Meera. Sleep well.

MEERA: Good night, Senior.

SHYAM: Yeah… as usual.

(A simple message turned into a habit. Their chats grew from ‘Good Morning’ to ‘Good Night,’ with daily check-ins. It became routine without them even realizing it.)

SCENE 6: VIDEO CALL

For almost three weeks, they communicate only through WhatsApp messages. One day, Meera receives a missed video call from Shyam. Surprised, she messages him, but her texts remain unread. Curious, she calls Shyam and asks why he tried to video call her. After hesitating, Shyam claims that he accidentally pressed the call button. Meera, unconvinced, questions why he ignored her messages if it was truly a mistake. Shyam explains that he was afraid she might misunderstand him. Although Meera isn’t entirely convinced, she lets it go. From then on, they occasionally start talking over the phone.

(Meera misses a video call from Shyam. Surprised, she quickly texts him to ask why.)

MEERA : (text) Enna senior ennachu? Why a video call?

MEERA : Halooooo, senior irukingela?

(Seeing her messages remain unread, Meera frowns.)

MEERA : Bluetick again?

(She hesitates, then calls him.)

MEERA : (call) Hello, call panningele?

SHYAM : Hello. Hmmm… yeah silap ah press pannithen. Sorry.

MEERA : Ethu? Silap ah, press pannithingela? Appo reply pannirukelam le? Yen, message lam bluetick le pothu?

SHYAM : (hesitates) Ille… eneku enna reply pandrethenu terile. Bayama irunthuchu nee tappa nenechethena, atha reply pannelle.

MEERA : Neenge reply panniruntha kude tappa nenechuruke mathen but reply pannathe naale

tha ennemo engeyo idikuthu.

SHYAM : Hey, naan unmaiyave silap ah tha press pannithen, nambu lar.

MEERA : Cheri, Naange nambithom!

(From that day on, their chats slowly turn into occasional phone calls.)

SCENE 7: MEET-UP DISCUSSION

As their daily conversations continue over phone calls and WhatsApp messages, Shyam eventually brings up the idea of meeting in person, saying he has a lot to share, especially about their school memories. Meera, however, playfully dodges his request, using MCO and COVID-19 restrictions as her excuse. Shyam isn’t convinced and teases her about constantly postponing their meet-up. Their lighthearted banter turns into a friendly bet, whoever guesses the end of MCO correctly wins, with the loser having to fulfill a small challenge. Though Meera laughs along, deep down, she knows she’s not ready to meet him just yet.

SHYAM : Hey Meera, nee eppo free, meet pannelama?

MEERA : Ethu meet pannenoma? yen senior?

SHYAM : Ille nereya iruku unkitte peserethuku. Neraya vishyem share pannenum I mean namme school memories, old stories… you know.

MEERA : Hahahha amava? Pannuvom-pannuvom, soon meet up pannevom.

SHYAM : Soon sounds like never. Unmaiye sollu, soon nu chumma kathe oderethane?

MEERA : (MINDVOICE: Aiyayo, epdi kandupichan?) Aiyo, apdi ille senior. Ippo irukure situation seri ille parungelen. MCO la, COVID la… you know how it is!

SHYAM: Right, right… excuses on point. But let’s see how long you can keep this up. Kudiye sikiram inthe MCO ve thookiruvanunge, appo paakurene nee enna solle porene.

MEERA: Ahem! I’m being responsible, okay? Social distancing rombe mukkiyam boss.

SHYAM: Oh, so nee enna solle vare WhatsApp calls are safer than meeting in real life?

MEERA: Exactly! See, neengele purinjikithinge. Proud of you, Senior!

SHYAM: Wahhh, sarcasm level 100. But I’ll wait… MCO mudiyethom parthukuren.

MEERA: Senior, venumna namme oru deal ku varuvom, eppo MCO mudiyum nu bet pannelam. Yaaru correct ah or kitte tatte guess pandrangelo avungeleku innoru aalu ethachum seyenum. Epdi deal ok va?

SHYAM : Onzz tha, naan jeicha nee enna meet panne varenum, ok va?

MEERA : Enekum ok tha.. (MINDVOICE: Ippo irukure Cases ku, MCO mudinja thane) Athuve naan jeicha neenge enekaga unge favourite song onnu sing pannenum.

SHYAM : Paathu thane padiruvom. Aana, nee ivelo easy ah kekeruthu nenecha tha santhegama iruku.

(Though Meera laughs it off, she knows she’s not ready to meet him just yet.)

SCENE 8: ACCIDENT

After Meera gets into a minor car accident, leaving her unharmed but her car damaged, she uses it as another excuse to avoid meeting Shyam, feeling it’s still too soon. Concerned, Shyam quickly checks on her and offers to give her a ride if she ever needs to go out. He even suggests meeting somewhere near her house if she feels bored staying home. However, Meera politely declines, insisting that she enjoys working from home. Though she brushes it off with playful excuses, Shyam sees through her hesitation but chooses not to push further.

(Shyam messages Meera as usual.)

SHYAM: Oik!! Enna morning lenthu sound eh kaanom? Semma busy pole?

MEERA : (Sends a picture of her car) Accident, senior.

(Concerned, Shyam quickly video calls Meera.)

SHYAM : Oik! Are you alright? Epdi achu? Unaku adi ethuvum padele le?

MEERA : Halo senior, chill. I’m alright. Just car tha konjam damage.

SHYAM : Thank God, you are alright. Nee safe ah iruntha podhum. Car parawale athu parthukelam.

MEERA : Athan, just missed.

SHYAM : Epdi achu?

MEERA : Sudden break, so I langgar belakang.

SHYAM : Hmm, be extra careful next time. Aprom, work?

MEERA : Work from home tha, car kedaikire varaikum.

SHYAM: If you need to go on-site na, sollu. I’ll fetch you.

MEERA : Aiyo senior, parawale. Work from home eh first nalla enjoy pannevom. Thanks actually.

SHYAM : Hey, no problem. In fact, it’s my pleasure. In case, WFH pandrepo bore adicha sollu, meet up pannuvom.

MEERA : (MINDVOICE : Hmm, unge plan le correct ah irunge) Eneku transport ille senior.

SHYAM : I’ll fetch you. And just somewhere nearby your house tha.

MEERA : Cheri parpome, bore adichaaaaa solren.(MINDVOICE : Bore adichalum solle mathane)

SCENE 9: DIGITAL NAME CARD

Meera starts a part-time business and needs a digital business card. Since Shyam has experience with it, she asks for his help. Eager to assist, Shyam suggests a short meet-up to discuss and design the card according to Meera’s preferences. He even offers to pick her up since she doesn’t have transport. Unsure how to avoid meeting him this time, Meera simply tells him she will think about it.

(They were having their usual casual call, discussing random topics.)

MEERA : Hmm, senior… you know I just started my part-time business, right?

SHYAM: Yeah, atha teriyume. Why? Any issues?

MEERA : Ille no issues but just need your help.

SHYAM : Sollunge, enne seyenum?

MEERA : Remember the digital business card you shared the other day? I want to create one for my business too. Atha ungekitte help kekelam nu, because I tried a few apps but nothing worked out.

SHYAM : Oh, that’s a great idea! Digital cards are really useful for online promotion. Athu katheye ille, there are a few apps we can use to create one.

MEERA : Can you help me with it? Maybe teach me how to do it?

SHYAM : Of course! I can even make one for you. But… on one condition.

MEERA : Enna condition?

SHYAM : Vere enna? Meet pannenum.

MEERA : Enge sutthenalum correct ange vanthurunge.

SHYAM : Hey, apdi ille lar. Actually, namme meet panna easy ah irukum because we can discuss the design properly and uneke pudiche mathiri seyelam. If naane senjena, maybe unaku pudikama pogelam. Athan solren, meet pannuna better ah irukum.

MEERA : Hmm, cheri parpom. Yosichu solren. (MINDVOICE : Silap ah, silap aana aale kethuthen pole?)

SCENE 10: FIRST FIGHT

Meera’s cousins visited her after her accident, and during their time together, she asked her cousin brother, who was studying Multimedia, for help in creating her digital name card. Within just an hour, he designed it for her. Later, Meera shared the name card with Shyam through WhatsApp, asking for his opinion. However, Shyam felt a tinge of frustration, she had chosen to ask her cousin for help instead of meeting him. A small argument followed, with Shyam questioning her decision. Upset, he abruptly ended the conversation.

MEERA : (text) Senior, look at this. Is it ok?

SHYAM : Wow da! Nice, epdi senje? Aniku enthe app-um work agele nu sonne? Ithu enthe app?

MEERA : Ille, naan seyele. My cousins came to visit me today. One of my cousin brothers is studying Multimedia. So, I asked for help, and he did it for me in not even one hour. Nice kan?

SHYAM : Yeah, nalla tha iruku but nee seyerethu tha nalla ille Meera.

MEERA : Senior, enna solringe? Naan enna panne?

SHYAM : You don’t trust me. Oru velai naan senjiruntha ivelo alaga irukathu nu ninaikiriya?

MEERA : Che che, apdilam ille. In fact, yours lagi cantik.

SHYAM : Then why ask your cousin brother to do it? You asked me first right?

MEERA : Yes, I did. But neenge tha sonninge meet pannatha seye mudiyum nu. I needed it urgently, and they came today atha.

SHYAM : Evelo urgent ah irunthalum, enna meet pannave kudathu nu thane nee un cousin kita kette?

MEERA : Aiyo senior, nothing like that. I don’t have transport, and I didn’t want to trouble you.

SHYAM : Ithulam kathei, Meera. I told you clearly, naane fetch pannikiren and will discuss and do

it together. You’re purposely avoiding me, kan?

MEERA : Sorry, senior, I didn’t mean it that way.

SHYAM : Cheri, I’m busy. Chat with you later. Bye.

MEERA : Senior, don’t be like this lar. I really didn’t mean to avoid you.

MEERA : I just needed it urgently, athan I asked my cousin. Please understand.

MEERA : You know I appreciate your help, right? Please don’t be mad.

MEERA : Senior? You there?

MEERA : Just reply lar, at least let me know you’re not that upset.

(But all her messages were left seen with no reply from Shyam.)

SCENE 11: SHYAM IS SULKING

Shyam avoids Meera for a few days, still upset about the incident. Meera tries to pacify him by messaging and calling him daily, using playful tricks to lighten the mood. Eventually, her efforts pay off, and things go back to normal between them.

MEERA : (text) Good morning, senior! Have a nice day ahead.

MEERA : Enge reply eh kaanom? Innum kovama senior?

SHYAM : Morning! Busy now, will chat later.

MEERA : Hmmm, ok.

(Later that evening.)

MEERA : (call) Haloo sir, innum busy ah?

SHYAM : Yes.

MEERA : Appo busy tha, kovam ille le?

SHYAM : Kovam tha.

MEERA : Appo sir busy ille?

SHYAM : Rendume tha.

MEERA : Ohh appo ok. Naanum kovam irukure naale tha busy nu poi solringe nu nenechen. First

neenge busy ah irunge, aprom kovam padunge. Appotha namme pesi theerke mudiyum.

SHYAM : Halo, naan kovama tha iruken, athunale tha busy nu chumma sonne.

MEERA : Appo enkitte poi sollirukinge busy ah irukenu? Enna, avoid pandringela?

SHYAM : Hey, neetha enna avoid pandre! Athunale tha enna meet panneve kudathu nu, un brother kitte seye solliruke.

MEERA : Appo cheri draw, neengelum poi solli enna avoid pannirukinge and naanum en brother

kitte seye solli ungele avoid panne ne vechukuvom. Ithukum athukum seriya pochi. So, inime samathanam agipom.

SHYAM : Oik enna trick-ah plan pandre nee. Periya aalu lar nee. Ithulam bongu, naan otthekemathen!

MEERA : Aama bongu tha! Appo ella kodeyum aalinge, namme marupidiyum start pannuvom.

SHYAM : (Laughs) Orey settei!

SCENE 12: OVERTIME

One Saturday, Meera works overtime to complete pending tasks. As usual, Shyam messages her, then calls and offers to treat her to lunch at McDonald's near her office. This time, with no more excuses left, Meera agrees, assuming that her limited break time will keep the meeting brief.

(Shyam messaged.)

SHYAM : Good morning, have a nice day ahead?

MEERA : Good morning, senior. Just woke up?

SHYAM : Yups, it's Saturday ma. Why are you up so early?

MEERA : OT, boss.

(Shyam called.)

SHYAM : Oik, yen OT?

MEERA : Hmmm, need to clear some pending work, atha.

SHYAM : Are you done?

MEERA : Almost. Just a little bit more.

SHYAM : Hmmm, so what’s for lunch?

MEERA : Terile… inime tha colleagues' kude discuss pannithu order panenum. Ippothane 11 mani, engeleku 12 thane break.

SHYAM : Owh 12 ah? Appo ethum order pannathe.

MEERA : What? Appo naan enna sapdrethu? Aprom eneku pasikum le….

SHYAM : Enkude lunch ku vaa, iniku enkude sapdu.

MEERA : Senior, are you kidding me? I’m working and 1 hour tha break eneku.

SHYAM : But OT thane? Konjam excuses irukume?

MEERA : Yeah, irukum tha… but…. (MINDVOICE: Inthe vidathe karupu nammele parkame vidathu poleye?)

SHYAM : Rombe yosikathe. Engeyum thoorama pooge vena, just nearby your office. Kan, McD ada near your place?

MEERA : Yeah, but the problem is, en car parking-le iruku, and once naan veliya poitenna, I can’t come back. I mean, they won’t let me in unless I provide a gate pass. That’s why naangele order pandrom. If not, naange eppovume veliya tha poovom.

SHYAM : So that's the only problem? Enkude varathu problem ille, right?

MEERA : Yups. (MINDVOICE : Athuvum tha… but athu epdi naan en vaiyale solluven?)

SHYAM : Alright, I have a plan. Nee car edukathe, I’ll come and fetch you. Apdina any problem?

MEERA : Hmmm… I don’t think so. Should be fine.

SHYAM : Aprom enna, naan 12 o'clock vaaren. Is it okay?

MEERA : Okay.(MINDVOICE: Vere vazhiye ille… Seri, iniku poi pathuthu vanthurovom. Appotha sikiram vantherelam.)

SCENE 13: A SONG, A SMILE, AND A MCD LUNCH

Shyam fetched Meera, and they headed to McD, which was just 10 minutes away from her office as planned. On the way, Shyam asked Meera to listen to the song Aval Ulaga Azhagiye from Lesa Lesa, which was playing on the radio, without talking much since she had been chatting nonstop. Meera then remained silent until they reached McD, listening to the song. She stayed quiet, enjoying the music, but deep down, she started feeling nervous about the meeting. As they arrive at McD, their lighthearted banter continues over their food choices, making the moment feel both amusing and comfortable.

SHYAM : Oik, welcome to my car.

MEERA : Nice car! And smells good.

SHYAM : Thank you. Hmmm, by the way, intha song-a nalla keluu, love song maari than irukum… but naan aprom solren.

MEERA : Hey, this is one of my favorites, you know! Mukkiyama antha "Kanni pennin kai viral" line-lenthu romba pudikum.

SHYAM : Naan unneye intha song kekka tha sonnen, flashback lam kekala. Konjam neram amaithiya intha paatu kekeriya, please?

MEERA : (Stunned.) (MINDVOICE: Goiyale, kupthu vechi asingem paduthurane)

SHYAM : (Confused) (MINDVOICE: Unmaiyave lyrics purinchu tha pudikum nu sollatha? Oru velai, nammele matri Diamond Pearl fan ah irukumo?)

(Meera stays silent, pretending to focus on the song. Shyam glances at her, smirking slightly, but doesn’t say anything.)

MEERA : (MINDVOICE: Arambame amarkalama iruku, poge-poge enna nadakumo?)

(As they reached McD, they placed their orders)

SHYAM : Seri, enna order pannelam? Unaku enna venum?

MEERA : Hmmm… I think I’ll just get fries and iced Milo.

SHYAM : Fries and Milo ah? Nee enna kindergarten student ah? Vekkam padame order pannu.

MEERA : Excuse me? Senior, naan light-ah tha sapduven. Diet le iruken.

SHYAM : Seri, naan heavy-ah sapdren. Oru burger, nuggets, fries, extra cheese, and McFlurry.

MEERA : (Facepalms) Enna senior, fasting-ah break pandre maatri iruku! Kola pasipole?

(Both laugh as they place their orders and find a seat.)

SCENE 14: SHYAM & MEERA’S HILARIOUS PAST

Shyam and Meera reminisce about school days, with Shyam recalling every detail—including his ignored proposal. Embarrassed, Meera feels awkward as he playfully reminds her of the past. Surprised by his sharp memory, she wonders if this is just a catch-up or something more. But Shyam’s warmth puts her at ease, and as they laugh over old memories, unspoken emotions linger—perhaps their story isn’t over yet.

MEERA : Aprom, senior! Meet pannalama-pannalama nu kettukithe irunthinge. Neraya iruku peserethukku nu sonninge, but ippo silent-ah sapdringe?

SHYAM : Ahhahhha, yeah neraya iruku… but enge irunthu start pandrethenu terile. Ovvoru vathiyum meet panna ipdi pesenum apdi pesenum nu nereya plan lam pannirunthen… but ippo ennemo terile parthone enna peserethunu terile. First date le atha konjum nervous.

MEERA : Ennathu date-ah? Halo senior, ithu just namme first meet up tha.

SHYAM : Just kidding. Nee eppothume rombe ushar tha pole?

MEERA : Biasa thane! You know me, right?

SHYAM : Atha teriyume! Madam, school season le rombeve ushar ache. Unaku nyabagam iruka? Naan propose pannepe nee enna panne nu.

MEERA : Excuse me, neenge eppo sir eneku propose panninge? School full ah sonninge, but enkitte solleve illeye inne varaikum!

SHYAM : Naan unne love pandrenu tha Diana akka unkitthe sonnange thane. Naan aasaiya eluthune letter yum en biodata veyum unkitthe kudathange… Neethane kasaki pothe!

MEERA : Aama.. owh athuku peru tha proposal ah unge orule?

SHYAM : Apdithane start panne mudiyum! Athu-ke nee sir kitte complain panne aalu thane?

MEERA : Apdiya panne?

SHYAM : Athu mattuma panne, en table le name eluthi vechetheku anne-eh kudithithu vanthe aalu thane nee.

MEERA : (MINDVOICE: Aathi, namme china pule thanama tha pannirukomo)

SHYAM : Enna silent agithinge, Madam? Ithukude parawale, oru vatti naan unne cross panni pogumbothu, un friend eh solre matri enneye onnu sonniye, nyabagam iruka??

MEERA : Apdi enna sonne?

SHYAM : “Munje odechereven-nu” sonne.

MEERA : (Surprised) (MINDVOICE: Nammalum konjum overa tha pannirukom poleye.)

(More Flashbacks.)

MEERA : (MINDVOICE: Enna iveru ellame nyabagam vechurukaru? Oru velai nammele palivange tha inthe meet-up oh? Psycho va ivan? Inniyode namme chapter close tha?)

SHYAM : Epdi nyabagam varutha? Nee enna-enna panne nu?

MEERA : Athu.. etho ariyathe vayasu, puriyathe manasu… ennemo chinne pule thaname pannithen.

SHYAM : Epdi? Ariyathe vayasu, puriyathe manasu, china pule thanama? Aana appevum neenge, teriyame kude love mattum panne mathingele?

MEERA : Aama! Love panne kudathu, tappu nu parents sollirukange. Ithulam neenge yen innum nyabagam vechurukinge? Ithene varusham agiyum?

SHYAM : Mareke kudiye visheyam lar ithulam?

MEERA : (MINDVOICE: Payapule etheyum marekathu pole. Cringe panne kuptharu nu partha, iveru revenge pannuvare poleye) Appo… any revenge scene?

SHYAM : Chey! Enneya partha uneke enna psycho matri iruka?

MEERA : (MINDVOICE: Appada! Thapichen da, samy). Athane… you are such a gentleman.

SCENE 15: THE PROPOSAL

Before they realize it, time flies, and Meera notices she’s late for work. As they get ready to leave, Shyam finally asks her a serious question. Before parting ways, he eagerly waits for her answer, but Meera simply smiles and walks away. As Shyam drives off, hope fills his heart.

(Meera receives a message from her colleague, Vino, asking for a file.)

VINO : Hey Meera, where did you keep the Inventories File?

MEERA : Hey Vino, it’s on my table by the phone. Just realized it’s 2 o’clock, coming soon!

VINO : No worries, take your time. You’re done with your work, right? And today OT jer kan? Relax, I’ll handle things here. Just needed the file.

SHYAM : What happened?

MEERA : Mani 2 achu, en colleague message pannithange. Poolama?

SHYAM : Oh yeah, naan kavanikele. Avelo neram-ah pesithom?

MEERA : Atha parunge, jom balik.

SHYAM : Sorry, oru 10 min kidaikuma? Oru visheyem sollenum.

MEERA : Hmmm, cheri epdiyo late achu, innum 10 minutes thane, sollunge.

SHYAM : (takes a deep breath) Enna Kalyanam pannikiriya?

MEERA : (freezes for a moment, caught off guard.) Halo senior, enna kalaikiringela?

SHYAM : Illeye, yen apdi kekere?

MEERA : Ille boss, first neenge eneku propose panenum, athe naan reject panenum, aprom accept pannenum. Aprom thaaa inthe kalyanam stage lam. Neenge ipdi direct-ah kalyanam nu sonna, eneku jerk aguthu le!

SHYAM : Madam, athuku neenge naan school le propose pannepeve accept panirekenum… ille na ethachum signal achum kudutherekenum. Ippo 7 kaluthe vayasa achu. Ippo naan propose panni, athe neenge reject panni, naan unge pinnadiye sutti… aprom neenge accept panni, then namme love panni, kalyanam pandrethekule panni vayasu agirum!

MEERA : But iranthalum, ithu too fast illeya?

SHYAM : See Meera, being practical, ippo namme rendu perukume kalyana vayasu achu. Ippo naan unaku love propose pandrethe vidhe, marriage proposal tha logic. Ippo enna, unaku naan propose pannenum and love thane pannenum? Enna kalyanam panniko, naan daily unaku vithe-vithema propose pandren, namme daily love pannenuvom. Ithule enna iruku sollu?

MEERA : Being practical, neenge solrethelam logic tha senior, but I’m totally blur now.

SHYAM : Unaku Ok na sollu, en parents kitte solli, un parents kitte peseren. Enna soldre?

MEERA : (Pauses, unsure) I need some time to think, senior.

SHYAM : Appo cheri, vaa poolam. 10 minutes achu. I’ll drop you.

MEERA : (MINDVOICE: Goiyale, yaarda ivan?)

(Both remain silent until they reach Meera’s office. Lost in thought, Meera steps out.)

MEERA: Thanks senior, for the treat and for recalling all the old memories.

SHYAM : My pleasure, thanks for coming too.

MEERA: (smiling through the window). Bye senior, see you.

SHYAM : Meera, ENNA SOLLE POORE? AND EPPO SOLLE POORE?

Meera leaves with a smile, saying nothing. Shyam drives off, filled with hope.

ENNA SOLLE POGIRAI?: IS IT A YES OR A YES?

To be continued… The answer awaits in Part 2.

✍ Written by Yegeshweriy Arumugam Servai @ A-Gesh Servai

a-gesh_servai

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that celebrates literary talent across various genres. It provides a platform for writers worldwide to showcase their creativity and storytelling prowess. This competition fosters a vibrant community of writers and encourages the exploration of diverse themes and styles in poetry and creative writing.

We extend our gratitude to Yegeshweriy Arumugam for her captivating script "ESP" submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her ability to weave humor and emotion into a narrative is both impressive and endearing. We look forward to seeing her future contributions to the world of creative writing.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.