chapter 34

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 34 :Everyone heaved a sigh of relief as they looked at Akhil in a new light, finally seeing the vulnerable child within him.Yeshwanth stepped forward, his voice thick with guilt. “Akhil, I always prioritized business over family, never realizing that it made you feel left out and unloved. I’m so sorry, my son.” His voice trembled with remorse.Akhil immediately fell into his father’s arms, tears streaming down his face. “No, Dad. Don’t say that. At least now, we have our father back. We can finally experience your love.”Sruthi joined them, and the family embraced in a heartfelt hug, their long-lost warmth and affection finally rekindled.Aadhya pulled away slightly, wiping away the tears that threatened to fall. Then, with a playful smirk, she lightly punched Akhil's arm. “Stupid! You made me cry”, she scolded before flashing a soft, affectionate smile.“Sit for a while”, she instructed. “They’re boiling water with bay leaf extracts to relieve body pain. You’ll bathe with that”.Then, she turned toward Sruthi, but before she could speak, Sruthi jumped up and rushed toward their father, shaking her head in protest.“No! No! I can’t allow you to do this”, Sruthi objected. “You’re my sister-in-law! You shouldn’t be doing this for me”.Aadhya crossed her arms, giving her a stern glare. “Oh? Are you going against your sister-in-law? Do you not wish to live in peace? Sit down quietly unless you want your brother to scold you”. She placed her hands on her hips, daring Sruthi to challenge her.Yeshwanth chuckled softly, gesturing for Sruthi to listen. Feeling awkward yet touched, Sruthi hesitantly sat down, finally allowing herself to accept the warmth and affection Aadhya was showering upon them.Later, after completing their evening routines and finishing dinner, everyone retired to their rooms, bidding farewell to the day.Nandu entered their room to find Aadhya making the bed. After locking the door, he walked toward her and, without warning, wrapped his arms around her from behind, Aadhya gasped, about to scream, but the familiar warmth of his embrace eased her fear. She sighed in relief, turning slightly in his arms—yet Nandu didn’t meet her gaze. Instead, he buried his face in the crook of her neck, holding her tightly.Sensing something was off, Aadhya gently encircled his torso with her arms, rubbing his back soothingly.“Krish! What’s wrong?”, she asked softly, her voice as light as a bird’s song.For a moment, Nandu remained silent, simply relishing the comfort of her presence. Then, he slowly pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his hands still resting on her waist.“Aadu!”, he murmured, his voice filled with emotion,“what good deeds did I do in my past life to deserve you as my companion? My siblings and I never knew the love we longed for from our mother, but with you in our lives, we finally feel warmth, care… real love”. His voice wavered as he continued,“Tell me, Aadu! What can I do to repay your kindness?”.Looking deeply into his eyes, Aadhya cupped his cheek with her palm, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.“I do not match you in wealth, status, or reputation. But you have made me a part of your life and kept me in your heart—what could be greater than that? Never say that I have done something extraordinary. Taking care of my husband and my family is not a favor; it is my duty, my privilege. If anything, I should be the one feeling grateful. I would have prayed to the goddess with golden flowers just to have you as my companion”.Hearing her words and sensing the sincerity in them, Nandu was left speechless. Unable to find the right words, he pulled her into a tight embrace, burying her face against his chest. His voice trembled with emotion as he confessed,“Aadu! I love you!”.-  *KRISH*