Revelations in Muhurtam

Muhurtam
By a coincidence, Radha, Sivaperumal's wife, who is locked up in her room, sees Kadir's partner installing a cable connection next door. She gets his attention. Cutting a long story short, Kalidas (the only police inspector in town, no doubt) comes over with a posse and releases her. She reveals her husband and mother-in-law's wrongdoings. Manjula is called over by Kalidas to hear this fantastic story. She is aghast. She goes and fetches her two sisters, pushing aside her aunt (Sivaperumal's mother) who protests. Having dropped them at her house, she does one of the most idiotic things imaginable: proceeds to the quarry to confront a known killer single-handed. At the last scene, he beats her on the head with a stick. Meanwhile, Janani, smelling a rat, calls Kalidas and tells him Manjula has gone to the quarry. He hurries there.

Selvi
Bala and maya get Ranjini released from prison on bail. Maya brings her to the GJ residence. Ranjini by now hates Selvi so much that she has decided to move out. When Maya and Ranjini show up, both bad-mouth Selvi, who is at the door. Selvi lets loose a flurry of abuse in English, in reply to Maya's abusive English. Selvi also slaps Maya and asks her to get out. GJ and her father also lose their temper at Ranjini. She tells them to go to hell, saying she is leaving. When she invites her husband to go with her, he refuses. Don't forget you have tied a tali around my neck, she reminds him. In that case, take it off and give it back to me, he says, shocking her and everyone else.

Meanwhile, what of Piriyan (alias Ganesh) who is kidnapped by Devarajan and Bala's hirelings, observed by Tamarai and Selvi, but ignored by GJ? He is taken to the top of a hill, blindfolded, beaten up, and left to roam. He falls off a cliff, to the delight of his tormentors, but he rolls down, with his hands coming untied, but evidently, alive to appear another day.


Manaivi
Ramani falls into a trap set by Velu and gets arrested on a charge of transporting illicit liquor. Velu has called Krishnaveni and informed her of his coup. Naturally, Ramani is taken to the only police station in all of Madras- the one where Pallavan presides. When Krishnaveni goes there to meet Ramani and explains to Pallavan that Velu is behind all this, he is cool (recall his blackmail by Velu). Krishnaveni catches on right away, and says she will be back with a lawyer to post bail.

Velu is celebrating Ramani's arrest at Hamsaveni's place. At this juncture, Ramani's mother Thangam comes. Velumani hides in a room with the baby as hostage, and tells Hamsaveni to get rid of her quickly. But the old aunt manages to slip a note (she was typing something earlier) to Thangam.

Divya's new husband turns out to be 100% money-minded fellow, he can talk of nothing else. Kalpana comes to Arivu's place. Asks when Arivu and Rohini are getting married. Rohini says, not until my parents are present. Idiotic, because they have left only so she may get married. Arivu has the right idea. Let's get married and announce it, then they will see the announcement and return. Probably they should just post an announcement, so they may see it and return. Who knows?

Idiocy Abounds

Muhurtam
Picture this. You are about to make a phone call reporting a crime. You want to tell a daughter that her father and mother (indirectly) were both killed by your husband. Your mother-in-law and husband have locked you in the house and have gone to the house of the deceased. You pick up the phone, and call that house, hoping to tell the daughter everything. Would you:

a. Make damn sure you were talking to the right person, and perhaps disguise your voice, or,
b. Spill out every last detail without even asking whether it was the right number?

Chalk one more up to Tamil serials -- Sivaperumal's wife picked choice (b) and spilled her guts to her mother-in-law, who happened to answer the phone at the other end. Naturally, when husband and mother-in-law come back, husband beats her up (a regular feature in Tamil serials) and mother-in-law heaps scorn upon her.

Meanwhile at Kadir's place, his parents forbid him from going to pay respects, and he decides it would be better to compromise here for a smooth marriage later. Explains to Janani when she comes to complain.

Selvi
Selvi expresses a desire to meet her preserver (i.e., the guy who saved her from the acid attack). GJ is in a dilemma - if he takes her, she would meet Piriyan. So he asks Govind to kidnap him and get rid of him (Goving elaborates a plan of cutting him into tiny pieces and feeding him to the marine animals). Meanwhile, in an event of total coincidence (again, a Tamil hallmark), Bala and his father see the two discussing something. In a display of techno-savvy which left me breathless, Bala's dad Devarajan engineers an on the spot bug using his cell phone, and overhears GJ and Govind talking about getting the patient (Piriyan) out. Except they have finished mentioning his name, so Devarajan and Bala think he is getting him out to fete him. They decide to kidnap him even sooner, so GJ doesn't lay his hands on him. They do so.

The car in which Piriyan is being taken, and the car with GJ, Tamarai and Selvi are next to each other at a traffic intersection. After a while of suspense, Tamarai notices the hooded figure in the car putting up a struggle, and points it out to Selvi.

Tooooodrummmm.

Manaivi
Krishnaveni gives a signed divorce paper to Ramani, because she wants him to live with his daughter. He throws a tantrum, and throws away the paper, saying he will not consider it.

Velumani (the only interesting character remaining in the story) is arrested by Inspector Pallavan. He confronts him with a set of incriminating docukments given to him by Pallavan's assistant Kumar (who is also there to arrest Velu!). Pallavan balks, and lets Velumani go.

Thick with happenings

Muhurtam
After Kadir and Janani figure out that Sivaperumal was the hand behind the AK/Kadir confusion - kidnapping the child, etc., etc., Janani comes back and reports to her mother. Her mother doesn't want to believe it, but says she will go to Sivaperumal and ask him directly (her daughers don't even stop her).

When she reaches Sivaperumal's house, she overhears the entire conspiracy. Sivaperumal is boasting to his mother how flawlessly his plan worked, how he kidnapped the child, how he got Devayani and Bharati to go with him and look at AK and Kadir, how the old woman got so fooled that she asked him to break off the marriage, etc. etc. When his wife protests at his wrongdoings, his mother boasts that he was even the one who killed Devayani's husband. At this point, instead of leaving quietly and reporting this to the police, she decides to go in and confront Sivaperumal. He his shocked, but drags her out and throws her out.

She reaches home. What would you expect her to do? Tell her daughters all this shocking information, naturally. That would be too lifelike. Let's see what happens in a Tamil serial. She calls Bharati, and asks her to fetch her pregnant daughter, Manjula. Bharati, one of Gods more brainless creations, does not even ask why she has changed her mind, or what happened at Sivaperumal's. And what happened to that cell phone that she carries all the time? Couldn't she have stayed with her mother and called Manjula over? No way. She goes all the way to fetch Manjula.

In the meantime, Devayani, having a heart attack, writes out a letter saying what happened, and is found dead by the time the daughters return.

Sivaperumal and his mother are planning to use this opportunity to get into Devayani's house. The mother says she will stay with them and look after them.

Selvi
Selvi's temple penances take place all day. When they come home, Tamarai is not in her bed, but her tali is hanging at the bottom of the bed. After a house-wide hunt, Selvi discovers her at in the puja room. Much excitement. But Tamarai says nothing, seems to recognize no one (beautifully shot, as she looks at each one, and her expression conveys what she thinks of their behavior during her illness) except Selvi, whose name she utters.

Manaivi
Nothing much to report. Girija wants to commit suicide, comes to Madras to pick up her children. Does. Then decides not to commit suicide. What a let down.

Usual stuff. The story is out of ideas.

Kadir catches on, Selvi's Expiation, Velu consolidates hold

Muhurtam
Janani meets with AK, who explains everything. Meanwhile, kadir comes to Bharati's house to present his side of the story and clarify. Neither mother nor Bharati will hear him, and they ask him to get out. He leaves. Devayani mentions that Bharati is going to get married to someone else.

Later, Janani explains to Bharati, who is sad at how she has treated kadir. Sends Janani to give him her apologies and inquiries. When they meet, Kadir wonders how mother and daughter happened to be at AK's house at that time. Janani says casually that Sivaperumal...then it dawns on both that he may be playing a role in scuttling the wedding. Janani promises Kadir that the wedding will take place.

Selvi
The brushing contact of previous evening lingers. GJ is a different man, cheerful and friendly. He tries to talk to Selvi, suggests they go out to breakfast. She has other plans -- expiation at the temple. Mauna vritam, anga pradakshan, etc. She goes through with all this. Nice music. Tamarai will get better, it seems.

Manaivi
Back to Sriperumbudur, and Girija (the old actress got tired and left, they have a replacement). She has sold all the vessels, and now hints at suicide. Sends Thambidurai to fetch her children, presumably wanting to see them one last time. He arrives in Madras drunk, having spent the money for his children's gifts on drink. Dumb discussion on Aparna's wedding. Aparna has suddenly become a defiant to the point of being obnoxious.

Velumani once again threatens Hamsaveni and aunt, and spots the aunt's plans of escape, fully laid out in loud tones as befitting Tamil serials. Threatens to drop the baby into the well if they entertain any ideas of betraying him.

And oh yes, Divya gets married. After some hesitation, TNA ties the know.

Plotting, Selvi/GJ, Divya's wedding?

Muhurtam
Devayani insults and throws out Kadir's parents when they go to Bharati's home. She describes everything they saw at AK's house - Kadir carrying AK, etc. They rush home and confront Kadir. Why did he go to a married woman's house? Especially when he had a marriage all settled? He explains.

Meanwhile, plans between Saktinayagam and Sivaperumal to get Bharati married to Saktinayagam's son.


Selvi
Tamarai shakes about when the kids give some prasadam to her. The traditional doctors Selvi has engaged are waiting downstairs, and they say her rather terrible-looking tremors are actually a sign she is recovering. GJ cannot bear this, and says all this country medicine is dangerous for her. He weeps in his room. Selvi goes in to console him, and one thing leads to another, and they end up in each other's arms. Nothing further, at this point.

Manaivi
Divya tries to meet Tirunavukkarasu, with whom her marriage has been arranged. Kalpana comes along and happens to find her outside the bank where he works. She drags her away so she doesn't talk to him about her love for Arivu. Divya is an impetuous but good natured girl, a little weak in the head. If she really wants to tell Tirunavukkarasu about her heart having been given to Arivu, why tell everyone about her plans? But there are people like her.

The next scene is the wedding, where TNA (Tirunavukkarasu) 's sister overhears Arivu and Rohini talking about Divya's misgivings about the marriage. At the ceremony, Divya is looking at Arivu. TNA is about to tie the Tali, but notices her sadness, and stops...

Kadir's Follies, Down Memory Lane, Velu's Back!

Muhurtam
Sivaperumal has 'kidnapped' AK's and Anand's daughter (she has a complicated name which escapes me) , but in a nice way, stuffing her with sweets and toys. His plan is pretty complex. He calculates that AK will call Kadir for help (why not the police?). When Kadir comes, it would be time for him to go and fetch Devayani and Bharati so they can see Kadir and AK together. One might think there are so many variables involved, and the timing factor, so that this would be rather difficult to make happen, but no one has gone bankrupt betting against the lunacy of Tamil serial plots.

So what happens? Sure enough, AK calls Kadir, who answers reluctantly. Instead of getting to the point, she first blubbers, then finally tells him her daughter is missing. Once he gets there, they waste time commiserating, and then she faints. Meanwhile, Sivaperumal goes and fetches mother and daughter. They are just in time to see him carrying AK into the bedroom (she has fainted).

Devayani (Deva yanai would be more appropriate) has seen enough. She asks Sivaperumal to cancel the marriage. He gives himself a silent high-five.

Selvi

Ranjini sizzles as she spits out her anger at Selvi, but in a veiled way (I've always thought her acting was pretty good, though I don't know the actress' name). Selvi and GJ's dad feel insulted and walk away. Selvi realizes the connection between Maya's visit and Ranjini's anger, and knows Maya has filled something in Ranjini's head.

Nothing at all. Tamarai's parents come over to GJ's place. It is Tamarai's birthday. They remember how it was celebrated last year.

Manavi
Arivu and Rohini sit down to breakfast. Arivu's mother is insulting to Rohini. Divya walks in, and with great familiarity with Arivu's mother, who gushes all over her. Tiruchelvam suggests to Divya that the prospective inlaws don't seem to be very nice people, an d they should perhaps look elsewhere. She (the sense I get is she wants to take revenge at Arivu by making a terrible life for herself) says no, she likes the bridegroom. Tiruchelvam says fine, then we'll fix the wedding date. She speaks with an bit of needling to Arivu and Rohini.

Velumani gets into Hamsaveni's house, beats up her aunt, and grabs the baby. Hamsaveni is helpless. He says he is going to hide out there for some months.

Inspector Pallavan comes over to Krishnaveni's house, asking if they might be able to persuade her foster-mother (Ratnam's wife) to give evidence against Velu. They know that he is the one who killed Ratnam. Krishnaveni says she can only do so if Velu is first arrested. Her foster-mother would be scared to do so otherwise. Pallavan says he has gone missing, and asks if he might be with Hamsaveni. Krishnaveni says she doesn't think so, but...

Divya's disappointment

Muhurtam
Kadir meets Bharati at a temple. She makes him promise not to meet Angiyarkanni until their wedding is over. He reluctantly agrees. Their meeting is seen from a distance by Sivaperumal's mother, who goes home and reports it to her son. She thinks they are planning to elope. He takes off saying he will do everything to break them up.

Kalidas tries to persuade Anand, AK's husband, that he should patch up with his wife, and also to drop the charges against Kadir. Anand says, restore my child to me, and I'll do it, not otherwise.
Next day, Anand goes to the school and takes the child away with him. AK is searching all over for her.

Selvi
Maya and father meet Ranjini at the prison. Poison her mind against Selvi some more. Just as they are leaving, Selvi and Ranjini's father arrive. Confrontation between Selvi and Maya.

At the Yogeswaran residence (or should we say salon), he wakes up with a hangover. Family yells and screams at him for his outrageous behavior, but he refuses to apologize for being offensive to GJ. Tells them Maya and her brother and father have told him all about GJ.

Manaivi
Much happens. Ramani refuses to enteratain the idea of bringing the child back from Hamsaveni.

Divya gets engaged to Tirunavakkarasu (the actor is Selvam of Metti Oli fame). He seems a pleasant guy, but under the thumb of his sister and brother-in-law. She reluctantly agrees to marry him, when pressured by all. She is unable to tell him about her love for Arivu, because people (deliberately) keep interrupting her. She predicts that her life is going to be miserable.

Next day the prospective in-laws arrive. They are obnoxious to Divya's family, and start by demanding a huge dowry. Arivu tells them to accept (what kind of role models is Sun TV promoting, when it has young people have no compunctions about talking a bout dowry?). They do.

Not much to report

Muhurtam
Big conversation between Manjula and her husband Kalidas on how to resolve this problem arising out of Kadir/Angiyarkanni police case. Kalidas says he'll talk to her husband to make him take back the charge. Manjula says the long-term solution is for them to get Angiyarkanni and her husband back together. Tough days ahead (for viewers).

Sivaperumal returns from an errand and they swap reports. She tells him how she has started a fire in Devayani's mind, and wrecked the wedding. He tells her something, but the sound is not relayed, so it must be something rather ominous.

Selvi
Yogeswaran calls GJ a 'fraud', an 'international' fraud, etc. (must be the Sri Lankan connection). Finally they drag him home. Selvi is weeping. GJ and his assistant decide to get over this shock by getting a drink.

In the lockup, Ranjini spots Kanaga and thrashes her. They are separated by the cops. Later, Kanaga gets Ranjini's attention and informs her it was Selvi, having paid her money, who told her to point the finger at Ranjini. Ranjini seethes.

Manaivi
The story is out of ideas. It is really pathetic to watch. Krishnaveni and Ramani are arguing about his sending the baby back with Hamsaveni. He discovered Krishnaveni knew all along it was Hamsaveni's daughter. But it is also yours, she says. Both of them miss the kid. But Ramani claims this is all Hamsaveni's plan to hurt Krishnaveni by such deprivation of the baby. Wonder why, because it was he who sent the kid away with her.

Kaplana and Krishnakumar are walking home from the chemist's store, when Arasu pulls in with a couple of goons. Points to Kalpana's stomach and says 'that baby is mine, take good care of it'. Krishnakumar brushes him aside, saying the moment he married her, it bacame his. Pushing away Arasu, they walk along.

Arivu comes to Divya's place with the photo of a prospective bridegroom. She displays no interest, sayin that if he likes it, she will too. She warns Arivu that she will tell any bridegroom the entire story.

Manjula plays diplomat, Off the rails, Baby switch

Muhurtam
Sivaperumal's mother comes over to Devayani to spill the beans about Kadir getting caught at Angayarkanni's house, their subsequent visit to the police station, etc. Except in her version, Sivaperumal, who happened to be there, tried to persuade Kalidas not to file the case, unsuccessfully. Kalidas, according to her, insisted on doing so.

Bharati contradicts her and tells her mother her aunt is lying. Her mother's mind is all unsettled, and she talks of breaking off the engagement.

Meanwhile, Manjula pays a visit to Angayarkanni and extracts all kinds of promises from her - that she will clarify matters to Devayani, and that she will not meet again Kadir before his wedding. Ina typical display of adigaprasangi-ness she also pokes her nose into the other woman's affairs, and tells her she should get back together with her own husband.

Selvi
Whole episode devoted to Yogeswaran. After he is missing all night, there is much confusion in his house, especially since the TV reports someone in white shirt and veshti lying on the railway track. Selvi's stepmother immediately concludes he has committed suicide. She and Praba go to Selvi's home, after Selvi learns of this and also wonders if her words have driven him to this. While they are all discussing this, they hear his drunken drawl - he is being brought to GJ's house by two people. GJ also comes, saying he found him lying on the railway track. Gives Selvi a lecture.

Yogeswaran is completely drunk. But when he stirs, he starts yelling at GJ.

Manaivi
The baby is switched, but two cops standing outside get supsicious of the auto driver who is carrying the baby to mottai. Mottai and the auto driver have difficulty getting the auto started. When it finally does, they look up, and find Charukesh blocking the way. The police arrive soon enough, and Mottai is arrested.

Meanwhile, Ramani comes home and finds Hamsaveni on her usual aavin trip. He is furious, and orders her out. Even though he just discovers the baby is hers, he orders her to take the baby as well and leave, saying nothing of hers should be around him.

Kalpana and Krishnakumar are leading a happy married life. She has read in the paper that Arasu is about to become a minister. He tells her to forget about it.

Reconciliation of the Villains, Yogeshwaran off the Wagon (Literally), Baby Exchange

Muhurtam
Sivaperumal goes to Saktinayagam (Kadir's uncle) all hot and angry. The old man explains his motivation: by getting Sivaperumal into trouble he had hoped to get Kadir's engagement postponed (if not derailed). Sivaperumal tells him he is second to none in wishing for the marriage to be cancelled. They shake hands, saying they will work together in the future.

Bharati's burnt nichadartham saree is discovered by her mother, who wails about bad luck, etc., etc.

On a positive note, Devayani runs into Tenarasu (Kadir's colleague) who assures her that he will take responsibility to make sure the marriage takes place smoothly.

Selvi
Devoted to Yogeswaran's drinking binge at Maya's house. They ply her with Black Label, then discover, accidentally, that he knows their former driver, Piriyan. He is very cut up at Piriyan, though, saying he had asked him to get out of town because Selvi was now married, and the rascal seemed to be still around. This connection is news to Maya and brother and father.

Finally, when he falls down insensate, Bala and his hirelings take him and drop him on the railway track. A train is shown running over the tracks. Most likely he will be alive but shaken (unless his contract is terminated) because they have been careful to place him between the tracks.

Manaivi
Neelaveni delivers -- a boy. Krishnaveni has arranged for police protection, given mottai's threat to kidnap the child, including a nurse/policewoman right inside her private room. But mottai has bribed a cleaner woman to exchange the baby with another one he has stolen from some other nursing home. Despite the nurse's vigilance, the cleaner woman manages to give her the slip and swaps infants with mottai's assistant.

Selvi Charmed!

Muhurtam
Sivaperumal sees his explosives supplier on the roadside. Goes and beats him up, before learning that the supplier was asked to supply extra explosives by Sivaperumal's manage, who said he (Sivaperumal) wanted extra explosives. Sivaperumal is convinced it was Kadir who was behind all this. The supplier says he knows no one by that name. Then Sivaperumal goes to his manage, and after threatening him, discovers that the guy behind the scheme was not Kadir, but Namasivayam (whom he has thought friedly to himself).

He goes to Namasivayam's house...

Meanwhile, Kalidas tells his wife about Kadir's FIR. They decide she should talk to Angyarkanni and make sure she clarifies to Bharati's mother, should the question come up, that their relationship is platonic.

Selvi
GJ comes home angry, demanding lunch. Selvi slams some food down on the table. As he eats, he gets hiccups. She pats him on the back, and her manner changes. Nicely done. She softens, and even glances back with a smile as she leaves the kitchen. He too sees her, and gives himself a high-five at this achievement. A start.

Maya discovers Selvi's dad sitting on a sidewalk up on what appears to be a hillstation. She strikes up a conversation with him, and puts a good deal of suspicion in his mind about GJ's devious ways. She then brings him home, and turns her brother and father loose on him. They ply him with Johnny Walker Black Label, which, with zero reluctance, he starts downing right from the bottle.

Manaivi
Kalpana and Krishnakumar get married at Tiruchelvam's home. They decide to go off and live on their own, a decision both their parents agree to.

Some farce about Hamsaveni nearly getting caught when she visits Ramani's place under the Aavin scheme.

Inspector Pallavan asks his subordinate to track Velu's tracks. The subordinate is on Velu's payroll, and immediately informs Velumani that he is being surveilled and is likely to be arrested. Velu says he will now kill Krishnaveni (don't look at me to explain the logic of this -- I'm just reporterting what happened).

Kalpana's Divorce

Muhurtam
No show.

Selvi
No show.

Manaivi
Tiruchelvam's house -- Kalpana's father Sivaprakasam is sitting, contrite and apologetic, saying how badly he misjudged his daughter and ruined her life. To make up, he has brought a signed divorce paper from Arasu, and gives it to Kalpana to sign. Tiruchelvam brings up the topic of her marrying Krishnakumar. Her father says whatever she is happy with is fine by him.

Aparna's mother, Ramani, are screaming at her as she insists the new boy, 'Nut' is the only one she will marry. Krishnaveni asks her if they really love each other. If this is true, she reassures Aparna, I will get you married myself. Promise.

Aparna talks to Narayanan (Nut). He is quite uncaring, saying she is too sentimental. When she continues weeping, he says relax, when the time is right I'll myself come and ask for your hand.

Kadir trapped in Love Nest, Selvi's Problems, Rohini

Muhurtam
Kadir is in his friend Angiyarkanni's home, chatting with her. Most of the conversation is talking about how their relationship is so pure, making the whole relationship rather ridiculous. Her husband is frustrated because she won't give him a divorce, nor will she consent to live with him. He is also a man irritated by Kadir. He shows up, and taunts her. Words flare, and he grabs her by the hair and slaps her around, accusing her of carrying on with Kadir. Kadir hurls him to aside, and splits open his temple. There is blood.

The guy shows up at Kalidas' police station, lodging a complaint about his wife and her lover. Kalidas dispatches an underling to fetch the two, and is shocked to see Kadir. Meanwhile, Sivaperumal, who is visiting the station for his daily signature, sees this and is overjoyed. He insists that the complainte be registered as an FIR, which Kalidas is forced to do.

Earlier, Sivaperumal is told, with much regret, by his aunt that he need not bother to show up at the wedding.

Selvi
Conversation between Satyamurthi and Selvi. She asks why he has not tried to get his wife released. He says she has betrayed him, and refuses to say more.

Selvi's dad and Malar's husband show up at GJ's office. The dad wants GJ to give the young man a job. Govind calls GJ, who says, don't tell them you spoke to me, just call Selvi and ask her to come down and settle this. Selvi's dad is a little drunk too.

She comes down and does her usual high and mighty stuff. Meanwhile, the dolt that is Malar's husband thinks he already has the job, calls Malar, and starts by sitting at the owner's desk. GJ comes in, and intervenes when Selvi is asking them to leave. She finally says to him, don't get in the middle of my family stuff.

Manaivi
A new character entered the show a couple of episodes back -- a ill behaved lout full of western mannerisms (but no manners) whom Aparna has got close to. Her parents get upset with her, but appear to have no influence.

Hamsaveni shows up to give milk to the baby. Though Thangam tries to keep this a secret, her husband spots it.

Rohini finds her parents have disappeared. She discovers a letter from her father, saying they are off on a long pilgrimage, and it is best for her if they are not around. She should get married to Arivu -- who shows up soon after she has read the letter, also discovers the same letter, and then drags her against her mild protests to her house.

At his place, his mother is still cursing Rohini, when Divya is brought there by her father. He asks if she can stay there for a few days while he tries to fix up her marriage. Before they can answer, Arivu shows up with Rohini. His mother yells at her, but Kalpana takes her inside.

Sivaperumal declared persona non grata, No support for Ranjini

Muhurtam
Kadir's mother is unwell. Bharati persuades her mother to go to Kadir's place to visit her. They go and there is a brief dalliance with Kadir. As they leave, there is a phone call from Kadir' sister Anu's place.

Anu's husband has been beaten up by Sivaperumal's men. He has been lying on the street unconscious all night and has fractures. Kadir's parents rush to her place, and on finding out this is Sivaperumal's doing for non-repayment of Rs. 35000, sternly go to Devayani's place, hand over a purse containing the amount to her, and then speak their mind. Here is the money Sivaperumal is owed. For this, not considering the relationship between the families, he has beaten up our son-in-law (the politician, Anu's husband). Who knows that he might not resort to similar tactics with Kadir if there is some disagreement after the wedding. Then Kadir's mother adds, "We've determined that Bharati is our daughter-in-law, so there's no change in that", but adds firmly, "But we do insist that Sivaperumal have nothing more to do with the wedding, including attending!" Devayani makes some noises about Sivaperumal being a good man, etc., but it cuts no ice.

Selvi
The arrest takes place. Ranjini appeals to everyone, but umpire GJ specifically says nothing doing. Let the law take its course. Selvi, naturally, is the good samaratan, and goes to bail out Ranjini, against GJ's wishes. The inspector says he cannot let her go, and they can argue it out in court, where she will be produced.

GJ tries to merattify Selvi saying she as his wife she is bound by his orders, but she asks him to take a flying leap into the Coovum.

When she approaches Satyamurthi and discusses Ranjini, he says it is best if she remains in custody. No help for Selvi there.

Selvi seems torn -- she knows Ranjini has something to do with this, but also knows she doesn't have the smarts to have done this alone. She says the latter half to the inspector, who insists he has to go by the statement given by Kala/Kanaga.

Manaivi
Further discussion between Krishnaveni and her foster mother. Mrs. Ratnam finally admits Velu was behaving suspiciously the night of Ratnam's death. Krishnaveni leaves saying she will see to it that he is punished. Mrs. Ratnam is scared what will happen.

Divya is crying, as her stepmother has been abusing her in vile terms. Her father comes and consoles her, and says he will take her to a place where she need not listen to such abuse any more.

In Rohini's place, the same conversation that has taken place a half-dozen time before is held again. You should get married, say the parents. No, my life is with you, says the young fool. Anyway, the astrologer has a new scheme. Let us leave town without telling her, he says. Only then will she unite with Arivu.

The Arrest of Ranjini, Keeping Abreast of Hamsaveni

Muhurtam
Janani in Kadir's office, requesting help for organizing the wedding, since no male relative on their side is avialable to set it up. Kadir requests his friend and colleague Tamizharasu to help her. Attraction seems to spark between the two as they go to a marriage organizer, who, Tamizharasu says, can set up everything for money. And since money is no object for the Janani (and Bharati) family, this is not an issue.

The couple is spotted by Janani's teacher's son (name not known), who immediately goes into mental agony, and approaches his father to set up his wedding to Janani right away. Father phones up Janani, and discovers that the wedding is for her sister, not her. He reassures his son.

Selvi
Big happenings.

Kanaga comes to Maya, who asks her what she's still doing in Madras, when she had asked her to leave town for Mumbay some days back. Kanaga assures her that she will not 'betray her craft', that is, not give out Maya's name to the police, even if roughed up by the police. She says she will blame it all on Ranjini, and then tell Ranjini Selvi put her up to giving out the name (don't look at me, I thought this was ridiculous too, but I'm just reporting the story). Devarajan, who is hearing the conversation, says to Maya that the situation was rife with opportunity. He then proceeds to call his servant, telling him to tip off the police where to find Kanaga. His theory is that Kanaga will tell the police about Ranjini, causing further hatred in Ranjini's heart for Selvi.

Accordingly, the police, after due chase, catch Kanaga. When beaten up in custody, she denies all connection to Maya, and finally reveals that it was Ranjini who hired her to take revenge on Selvi. The inspector goes to Ranjini's place. She is completely shaken, and he watches out of the corner of her eye as she spills milk, scatters sugar and is obviously in fear. When she sets down the coffee, the inspector asks her, "Do you know Kanagasri?" She answers, "No, Kala", and instantly realizes she has tripped up. Then she loses it completely, babbling about Kala and Kanaga. The inspector says, "I knew everything before coming here. I'm only here to arrest you".

Manaivi
Hamsaveni's baby is crying. Thangam (Ramani's mother) is of the opinion that it is pining for mother's milk. Meanwhile, Hamsaveni is shown in agony (the result, her aunt says, of milk buildup in her breasts). Thangam, after sending Ramani and Krishnaveni out of the house, brings the child to Hamsaveni's house, where both child and mother find relief.

Tiruchelvam visits Divya and her parents, and advises her that if she really wants Kadir and Rohini to marry, she should first get married, to assuage their guilt. Her parents also second his arguments. Finally, Divya acceds to his request.

Krishnaveni is shown talking to Ratnam's wife, who is desperately asking her to drop the case against Velu. Krishnaveni finally says, tellingly, "Is it Velu who killed Appa?", meaning, "Or was it you?"

Selvi sees the killer

Muhurtham
Very little to report. Side story of Kadir's colleague and his "Wrong Number" routine.

Kadir asks Ashwini, why not be a little submissive and go with your husband. After all, you'll have to live in your father-in-law's house only for a short while. She asks him to buzz off. All my life, male relatives have asked me to be submissive. Now you too? No way, she says, and walks off.

Selvi
At the jewellery store, GJ asks Devarajan what he wants. Maya answers. You. As my husband. GJ says, are you kidding? I already have a wife. Devarajan gives a devastating reply. You dog, didn't you already have a wife when you were set to marry my daughter? Anyway, settle my account, otherwise, I'll take over. GJ says he will write a check for 75 lakhs. What about the interest? Then GJ directs Govind to tally up what is owed. Govind takes Devarajan aside.

Yogeswaran is blubbering away about how it is all his bad luck and his fault. GJ says, once this is all settled, you will be managing the store.

Back home, Selvi and GJ's younger brother are in the market place, buying vegetables. The brother spots Kanaga/Kala. Tells Selvi, but then is scared. Selvi takes pictures of her on her cell phone. She calls out to Kala. The woman is startled, and edges away and starts running. Some people from the crowd chase her. She picks up a knife from one of the fruit stands, and threatens her pursuers.

When she comes home, GJ tries to persuade her to drop her pursuit of the killer. She asks why? Obviously, GJ has not told her that Bala has threatened him. But Satyamurthi (Ranjini's husband) talks to Selvi, takes Selvi's camera and develops the pictures. After some time, GJ asks for Selvi's phone. She says, do you want to erase the picture? GJ says yes. Satyamurthi says, the phone is with me, and gives him the phone. GJ erases the pictures, not knowing it has already been developed, and given to the police.

Manaivi
Pallavan visits Ratnam's wife, and questions her about her husband's death. She is flustered, and keeps defending Velu. He asks, aren't you interested in finding out who whether your husband was killed? Did Velu threaten you? She says, I have not seen Velu for weeks. Pallavan sardonically observes, Your watchman tells me he was here yesterday.

Finally he realizes he cannot get anything from her, and leaves, saying he will track down the truth anyway.

Kadir drops in on Divya, to entreat her to consider marrying someone else. Quite rightly, she says he certainly has a right to say he will not marry her, but he has no business saying she should marry someone else. Kadir goes home. His mother is distraught, and hurling abuses at Rohini's family (in absentia) for their ruining the wedding. Kadir says if he marries anyone, it will be Rohini. When she says he should marry Divya, he says if she persists, he will run away from home.

In Rohini's place, her father says his calculations say Rohini's marriage can only take place if he dies. So what, he says. Rohini overhears this and says she will live and die a spinster.

Kadir's Uncle's Ploys, Hostile Takeover, You first, You first

Muhurtam
Kadir's uncle drops in suddenly on Kadir's family. Much startled joy. He says nothing should be spared in making Kadir's wedding an affair to remember. Kadir's father is deferential. On leaving, he mumbles to himself that he will teach them a lesson.

Sivaperumal threatens Kadir'spolitical fixer brother-in-law that he should either return his money, or face the consequences.

Selvi
GJ tells Selvi to stay home, given the threats against her. Instead, he asks, without her knowledge, Govind to call her father to the store and hand over the keys to him to manage. He is completely thrown by this request. Meanwhile, Maya and her father show up, and on the basis of the unpaid loan of Rs. 75 lakhs, asks Selvi's dad to get out, and has Maya take over the top seat. GJ shows up, but is left with no answer when her dad mentions the 75 lakh.

Bala, Maya and Ranjini are in the hospital room. They don't recognize Piriyan. He also turns his face away. When Bala tells him he will take care of him, 'Ganesh' says he guesses he will want him not to tell the police anything. Piriyan does not reply. Bala issues a final threat, asking him to consider his offer seriously, and leaves.

Manaivi
Kalpana is trying to have her pregnancy terminated. The doctor calls Krishna Kumar, who is accompanying her, and tells him it is not legal because the pregnancy has progressed too far. In an instant, Krishna Kumar says he is her husband, the baby is his. Kalpana melts in his arms.

Divya comes to Arivu, and there is a big sob scene where she relinquishes her rights to him for Rohini. Then she is shown at her home, wehre her stepmother is belittling her luck. At this point Rohin shows up. The step mother and father hurl curses at her. She says she has come to relinquish Arivu to Divya. The parents don't credit this very much and ask her to leave. She does.

Velumani visits his sister, and threatens her that if she so much as squeaks to the police about how Ratnam died, her children are in mortal danger. She first is indigant, then scared.