chapter 38

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 38 :A long mattress, adorned with fragrant flowers, had been laid out on the floor, covered entirely by a delicately draped mosquito net that cascaded down from all four corners. A small wooden tray was set to the side, holding a box of sweets, fresh fruits, and a jug of water. At the edge of the mattress, a few dhoop sticks burned softly, their enchanting aroma filling the air, adding to the dreamlike ambiance.Aadhya stood frozen, her heart pounding. The truth finally dawned on her. This night had been meticulously planned for one purpose, her union with Nandu.Before Aadhya could react, whether to question or protest, Janaki gently caressed her head, her touch filled with warmth and reassurance. The other ladies giggled softly, their eyes twinkling with unspoken mischief before they quietly slipped away, leaving Aadhya alone under the moonlit sky.Meanwhile, Akhil led Nandu to the bath, handing him a neatly folded new shirt and dhoti. Nandu's brows furrowed in suspicion as he examined the fresh attire. Looking at Akhil, he arched an eyebrow in silent inquiry, but Akhil merely shrugged, offering no explanation.Soon after, Nandu was directed toward the stairs, where he was casually told that his sleeping arrangements for the night had been set up on the terrace. They insisted that he take this rare opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and the full moon, something he would hardly get to experience once they returned to the city.Though their chatter seemed lighthearted, a sense of unease stirred within Nandu. Their unusual behavior and sly smiles only deepened his suspicion. Still, with no valid reason to refuse, he bid them farewell as they left in their vehicle, disappearing into the night. However, the families who worked on the coconut groves remained in the distant yard, their presence offering a semblance of normalcy.With every step he took up the stairs, Nandu’s heart pounded harder, a strange anticipation building within him. The air felt different, charged with something he couldn’t quite name.Reaching the terrace, he took one last step forward before freezing in place.His breath hitched in his throat as his gaze fell upon the scene before him.There Aadhya stood at the edge of the parapet, her silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight. The gentle breeze played with the ends of her neatly braided hair, the flowers adorning it adding to her ethereal beauty—like a celestial being who had descended from the heavens.Nandu’s gaze drifted from her delicate figure to the beautifully arranged mattress on the terrace. The realization of what had been orchestrated struck him like a tidal wave. His heartbeat quickened, his chest tightening with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty.A sudden thought gripped him, had Aadhya been aware of this beforehand, or was she just as taken aback as he was? Would she be ready to take this next step, or was she struggling with the unexpected turn of events?After standing in silence for a moment, he cleared his throat to announce his presence. Yet, Aadhya remained still, her back rigid, making no move to acknowledge him.-  *KRISH*