chapter 3

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 3 :Lowering her lashes to hide the tears threatening to spill, Aadhya drew a deep, steadying breath before meeting her father’s weary gaze. Only she knew the immense self-control it took to keep herself distanced from Nandu, even as her heart ached for him. Fury and heartbreak churned within her, a tempest she struggled to contain. His mother’s cruel treatment had shattered her, and seeing her father, her sole remaining family, reduced to a hospital bed was an unbearable blow.She had chosen not to point fingers or lay blame at anyone for the actions Nandu's mother had taken against her. But to push her beloved father to such a fragile state? That was unforgivable. Her father was her anchor, her everything, and the thought of losing him was a pain she couldn't endure.Yet, even amid her anguish, her heart still yearned for Nandu. She craved the solace of his embrace, the comfort and tranquility he brought after the storm of betrayal and heartache. But her resolve held firm. She couldn't bear to let her anger lash out at him, to wound him with words born of his mother’s cruelty. So, she kept her distance, not for lack of love but to protect him, and perhaps herself, from the raw edges of her pain.“Dad!”, she began, her voice trembling,“I’m so disturbed right now that I just need some space from everything. I don’t want to hurt anyone while I’m trying to calm myself. Please understand. The weight of everything that’s happened is unbearable, and it’s making me feel like I’m losing my mind. I’m afraid I’ll lash out if I’m not careful. All I’m asking for is a little time to gather myself”.Pausing, she added in a quivering voice,“Don’t worry about me. Focus on your recovery. The faster you get better, the faster I’ll feel at ease. I can’t bear to see you in pain because of me. It’s tearing me apart, breaking the promise I made to Mom”.Her voice faltered, and she choked on her words, tears spilling over despite her efforts to hold them back.Parasuram, understanding her turmoil, reached out to gently touch her hand.“Aadu!”, he said firmly yet tenderly,“don’t talk nonsense. You didn’t break any promise, and you are certainly not the reason for my ill health. You’ve been a wonderful daughter, and your mother would be so proud of you for taking care of me. If not for you, I would have been lost in a pit of despair and misery. Believe me, wherever she is, she’s looking down on you with pride”. His voice was soothing and filled with reassurance.Wiping her tears, Aadhya leaned forward and gently caressed her father’s hair. “Dad! Stop talking and rest now”, she coaxed softly. “The doctors said you shouldn’t strain yourself after regaining consciousness”.Turning to the nurse, Aadhya asked,“Sister! Can I feed him something?”.The nurse, who had been watching the tender exchange between father and daughter, smiled warmly. “Ma’am! The doctor is on his way. Once he checks on your father, he’ll advise about food”, she replied gently.As if on cue, the door swung open, and the doctor entered with brisk strides, his expression calm but focused.Seeing him, Aadhya stood up and stepped aside to give him room. Nandu, who had been silently watching the father and daughter's interaction, moved from the bed, his eyes fixed on Parasuram as the doctor began his examination.Completing the examination, the doctor turned toward Nandu with a reassuring smile. “Mr. Anandh! He’s perfectly fine. He’ll need to stay in the hospital for two more days. You can give him some soup tonight, and from tomorrow, light solid food can be introduced”, he explained.Walking to the other side of the bed, Nandu approached the doctor, shook his hand, and expressed his gratitude.“Thank you very much, doctor! Please ensure everything is thoroughly checked before discharging him”, he said, his voice steady yet commanding.“Of course, Mr. Anandh”, the doctor replied with a nod before taking his leave.Turning to Akhil, Nandu instructed,“Get some vegetable soup for uncle”. His voice carried both authority and deep concern for Parasuram.Akhil quickly returned with the soup. Taking the container from him, Nandu moved to sit beside Parasuram while Sid adjusted the bed to make Parasuram more comfortable.Opening the container, Nandu stirred the soup with care and brought a spoonful to Parasuram’s lips.“Uncle! Have it while it’s warm. It’ll help with digestion”, he coaxed gently, his tone soothing and affectionate.Aadhya stood silently, watching Nandu’s gesture with a mix of astonishment and realization. Her mind drifted back to how her father had defended Nandu earlier, despite her own ignorance toward him.-  *KRISH*