chapter 14

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 14 :As Nandu and Parasuram joined in the laughter, their earlier worries momentarily forgotten, Seetha Ramaiah turned serious once more. Looking at Parasuram, he spoke in a calm yet pleading voice.“Parasuram! I was thinking of taking all of you along with us for a short trip to our  town. A change of atmosphere could do wonders for Aadu’s mental state and help her overcome the trauma she’s struggling with. Please, don’t let past misunderstandings hold you back. Just think about Aadu”. His voice was gentle yet firm, filled with genuine concern.Holding Seetha Ramaiah’s hand, Parasuram implored, his voice filled with regret,“Uncle! I know our actions have hurt you and created a distance between us. But I never held any grudge against your family, understanding the turmoil of a father who lost his daughter. I have no objection to coming with you—not just for Aadhya’s sake, but also to honor my late wife Nirupama’s family. If doing so can bring her peace, wherever she is watching from, then I will do it”. His voice trembled with anguish and pain for his lost love.Patting his hand gently, Seetha Ramaiah replied,“No, Parasuram. I failed to understand my daughter's heart, and even at the time of her death, I never truly tried to realize why she chose you. But now, I see it clearly—you are the kind of man any woman would devote her life to. Even after Nirupama’s demise, you remained single, dedicating yourself to raising your daughter and keeping your late wife's memory alive. Who, in this day and age, would dedicate their life to the one they lost, as you have? I regret not being there for you both in your hardest times”. His voice, hoarse with remorse, carried the weight of his regret.“Uncle! Please don’t make me feel guilty for hearing such words from you”, Parasuram pleaded. “Let’s leave the past behind and focus on the young ones, who are ready to blossom into their own lives. Right now, we must think of a way to bring back our cheerful Aadu. I can’t bear to see Nandu in misery”. His voice was laced with empathy and determination.Nodding his head, Seetha Ramaiah thought for a moment before turning to Nandu and asking,“Nandu! Is it okay for you to leave the city for a couple of days, considering your business?”. His voice carried a hint of concern.“Yes, Grandpa!”, Nandu instantly replied, his voice cheerful. “I would love to see Aadhya’s grandparents’ place. I believe that atmosphere will surely bring back Aadhya’s cheerfulness among her relatives. Don’t worry about the business”, he added, his tone filled with enthusiasm and eagerness.Later, they informed Aadhya and the rest of the family about their trip, and Nandu booked a minibus for the journey. Though Aadhya hesitated to go at first, seeing her father’s excitement, she decided not to ruin the plan. She knew this was a rare opportunity for her father to be welcomed into his in-laws' home—something he had been deprived of from the beginning.Before leaving, Nandu informed Akhil about their trip to keep him updated on his whereabouts. He also inquired about the situation at home and felt disheartened upon learning about the ongoing turmoil in their family.The day of their departure finally arrived. Everyone took their seats in the minibus, eager for the journey ahead. They had arranged a full seat for Parasuram, adjusting it like a bed with a mattress to ensure his comfort. Aadhya and Nandu sat beside him, keeping a close eye on him throughout the trip.As they neared their hometown, Aadhya's heart swelled with a whirlwind of emotions, memories of her last visit flooding her mind. It had been for a grand occasion at the temple,an event where every woman from the town was expected to visit and seek their parents' blessings. That was the reason her mother had returned to this place, bringing Aadhya along. But that visit had been three months before her mother left forever.Now, after all these years, she was returning to the very place where she had been loved, pampered, and cherished by her family. Yet, an unsettling fear gnawed at her. Would they welcome her with the same warmth, or would they resent her for not informing them about her mother’s illness? Would they blame her for not coming back with her grandparents, for choosing to stay behind with her father?Though her heart ached with longing to reunite with her family, anxiety loomed over her, making her uncertain about the welcome  she would receive.-  *KRISH*