chapter 9

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 9 :Aadhya, just entering the room with Akhil, overheard Nandu’s words. A gentle warmth spread across her heart as she realized the depth of his care for her.Nandu was willing to give her the space she needed to process everything—the whirlwind of emotions, the sudden marriage, and the panic that had consumed her.She hadn’t imagined getting married to Nandu so soon. Her mind had been filled with dreams and goals she longed to achieve, and the abrupt change left her restless and overwhelmed.Parasuram, sensing the tension, swiftly grasped Nandu’s hand. Squeezing it gently, he said firmly,“Nandu! You are not going anywhere. You left your house and your parents for Aadhya, and now you wish to distance yourself from her? I understand your hesitation, but Aadhya is still young, practically a child at heart—and she’s struggling to process these sudden circumstances. But I promise you, if the two of you sit down and talk openly, everything will fall into place”.He paused, his voice softening yet filled with resolve. “If you leave now, she may misunderstand and feel hurt, as if you’re avoiding her. From the moment you tied the knot with my daughter, you became part of this family. You belong with us. Though my house may not be big, our hearts are wide open to welcome someone as loving and genuine as you”.His words, filled with understanding and wisdom, resonated deeply, offering Nandu both reassurance and a sense of belonging.Feeling the warmth and affection Parasuram showered on him, Nandu held his hands firmly and pleaded,“Uncle! I’m truly grateful for your love and care, but I don’t want to disrupt Aadhya before she’s had the chance to process everything...”, His words were abruptly interrupted by Aadhya’s sweet but commanding voice.“Dad! Everything’s ready. Are you both coming, or shall I leave? You can come on your own if you like”, she said, her tone threatening but carrying an underlying insistence that Nandu should join them.Startled, Nandu spun his head toward the door to find Aadhya standing there, her face stern but her eyes soft with concern as they remained glued to him.Their eyes locked for a moment for the first time after all the circumstances they went through and unspoken emotions passed between them before Aadhya turned her attention to her father.“Dad! I’ll go inform the reception. You both come soon”, she said before turning on her heel and walking away with Akhil, who couldn’t resist casting a teasing glance at Nandu, wiggling his eyebrows mischievously.Nandu flushed, his face turning a noticeable shade of pink. He quickly cleared his throat, trying to redirect Parasuram’s scrutinizing gaze, and said awkwardly,“Uncle! Shall we move?”. His voice faltered slightly.Parasuram, catching Nandu’s unease, playfully hit his shoulder and teased,“Oh! So you were waiting for her invitation! It seems you’ll only act on your companion’s orders now, not your dear uncle who adores you the most”, he said with a grin, his words dripping with playful affection.Nandu’s embarrassment deepened, but he couldn’t help smiling as he followed Parasuram, his heart lighter than it had been in days.Reaching home, Nandu gently supported Parasuram as he entered, carefully helping him settle onto the bed. Adjusting the pillows to ensure his comfort, Aadhya stood nearby, assisting with quiet efficiency.Once Parasuram was comfortably settled, he turned to Aadhya with a tender, affectionate gaze and said in a gentle tone,“Aadu! Take Nandu to your room. He’s been by my side the entire time at the hospital and must be exhausted. Let him take a shower and rest for a while. Place his luggage in your room as well”.His words, spoken with such care and love, took both Aadhya and Nandu by surprise. They exchanged a quick, startled glance before Nandu was the first to respond. His voice was anxious, and the words spilled out in a hurry.“Uncle! Please don’t worry about me. I can share this room with you. I really don’t mind at all”.Parasuram smiled fondly at Nandu, his expression brimming with warmth. “Don’t make me look like an intruder between husband and wife in my in-laws’ eyes”, he teased lightly. “If you don’t stay in Aadhya’s room, they might think I’m against your marriage. And, Nandu, this is your house too. You have every right to feel at ease here. So, go on and make yourself comfortable”.Turning to Aadhya, his voice softened, but there was an unmistakable undertone of playful authority as he continued,“Aadu! Behave properly in front of your grandparents. Take him to your room”.Though his words were gentle, there was a subtle yet undeniable firmness in them, leaving no room for further argument.- *KRISH*