💌WOUNDS & WARMTH-CHAPTER-11

Third pov:

As the night stretched on, Rudhran had already made sure Vishnu was sent home first, ensuring that everyone was safely tucked away before heading to his place. Tonight, it was just him and Aaradhya—no distractions, no interruptions.

The road was eerily empty as Rudhran drove his sleek car, 90s love songs floating through the speakers. His obsession with these songs had only grown since Aaradhya came into his life. They had become his personal soundtrack, his little escape.

His sharp eyes flicked to the rearview mirror. A motorcycle, with three men riding it, was tailing him. Rudhran wasn't the type to have personal guards; he was more than capable of handling situations like this by himself. His lips curled into a smirk.

Without warning, he slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a halt. He threw open the door, coat discarded inside the vehicle, and stepped out, his tall frame looming under the dim streetlights. The three men followed suit, getting off their bikes, and sizing him up with menacing looks.

The leader of the group spoke first, a sneer on his face. " you think you're untouchable, huh?"

Rudhran didn't flinch. He stood tall, his posture casual but confident.  "Untouchable? Nah, just not interested in dealing with idiots like you."

One of the goons pulled out a knife, rushing at Rudhran with a wild swing. But Rudhran was quicker. He sidestepped effortlessly, grabbed the man's wrist, and twisted the knife out of his hand, sending the attacker crashing into the ground with a swift knee to the chest.

"Is that the best you've got?" Rudhran taunted.

Another goon lunged forward, trying to land a punch, but Rudhran caught him mid-air and flipped him onto the hood of his car. The third man tried to sneak up behind him with another knife, but Rudhran was already one step ahead. He grabbed the attacker by the arm, twisting it and slamming him into the car.

One of the goons, now on the ground, groaned, "Damn it!"

"You picked the wrong guy to mess with," Rudhran said, his voice cold, his tone dripping with menace. He looked down at the men, who were struggling to get up. "You really thought you could get away with this?"

In a last-ditch attempt, the knife-wielding goon made another move. This time, he managed to slash Rudhran's back. It wasn't deep, just a scratch, but it was enough to stain the back of his white shirt with blood. Rudhran winced but didn't let it slow him down.

He turned, his eyes narrowing with fury. "That was a fu**** mistake."

With one swift motion, he knocked the knife-wielder out with a punch that left the goon sprawled on the road. The remaining two men, now terrified, looked at each other. As Rudhran casually reached into his car and pulled out his licensed gun, the fear in their eyes intensified. The cold, calculating look in his eyes made it clear: this wasn't a fight they wanted to finish.

The goons froze, their hands raised in surrender as they scrambled to get back on their bike. They could see the gun in his hand, the glint of danger in his eyes, and without another word, they sped off into the night.

Rudhran muttered under his breath "bayandagolinga(cowards)" He casually slipped the gun back into the car. With a smirk, he slid into the driver's seat,

He started the engine, the familiar hum of the car blending with the soothing sounds of his love songs as he drove off into the night.

Aaradhya pov :

As the gentle breeze of the garden brushed against me, I sat near the stone steps of the Murugan shrine, waiting for Rudhran sir. My thoughts wandered to him automatically, and a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Ever since his arrival, everything had changed around here. The house felt more lively, like it had a heartbeat of its own now. And, thank goodness, Ajay sir wasn't home. His gaze always made me feel uncomfortable, almost as if I was nothing more than an object to him.

But things had gotten easier since Priya akka and Dhivya started treating me like a friend. They helped in the kitchen while I worked, and we spent time talking, and laughing. It didn't feel like work anymore. I actually enjoyed it.

At first, I was so nervous about what Radha akka, Kamala akka, and Selvi akka would think when they saw me spending time with them. Would they judge me? Would they think I was acting differently? But to my surprise, they were genuinely happy for me! Their smiles and kind words put me at ease right away. They even encouraged me, saying, "Go spend time with them, Aaradhya! Don't worry about the rest—we'll handle the other work." Hearing that made my heart feel so light. It was so nice to know they were on my side.

I glanced at the gate again, my mind constantly drifting back to Rudhran sir. He had this way of making me feel special without saying a word, just his soft gaze could bring me comfort. But I reminded myself, I had to keep my limits. He was a good man, kind to everyone, but I knew my place.

I had already finished my dinner, something Rudhran sir had insisted on earlier. He didn't want me waiting for him to eat, always so considerate. It was already 10:15 p.m., much later than usual. Normally, he'd be home by 9:30, but tonight, I had no idea what was keeping him.

Suddenly, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway broke my train of thought. I stood up immediately, excitement bubbling in my chest. As the car came to a stop, I saw him—Rudhran sir. But today, something felt different. Normally, after work, he would carry his coat in his hand, but today, he was wearing it.

His usual stoic expression softened as he approached. "Hey, Aaradhya! Had dinner, huh?" his voice soft and warm. I nodded, a little shy, and said, "Yes, sir."

"Great," he replied, his gaze already heading toward the door. "Arrange the table. I'll freshen up and be back in a minute."

I nodded, watching him walk toward the stairs, but then I noticed something.  He was trying to hide something, walking a little more stiffly than usual, like he was in pain.

but then I noticed something, His car keys had fallen from his pocket, and without thinking, I bent down to pick them up. I stood up, holding them in my hand, deciding I'd give them to him.

As I walked down the silent hallway,  I stood outside Rudhran sir's door, hesitant but determined. I raised my hand to knock, but before I could, the door creaked open slightly.

What I saw made my breath hitch. Rudhran sir was sitting on the bed, his shirt off, and his broad, toned back was facing me. The dim light from the room highlighted his muscular frame, but my gaze was immediately drawn to the streak of red on his back. Blood. Oh my God, was that blood? His white shirt was crumpled on the bed, stained with it. My legs moved on their own, and before I knew it, I was inside the room.

"Sir! What happened? There's b-blood!" My voice came out shaky, My chest tightened as I took a step closer, my eyes fixed on the scratch running across his back. It wasn't deep, but the sight of blood made my knees feel weak. My vision blurred, and my hands shook. Was he in pain? How could he be sitting so calmly like nothing happened?

Rudhran sir turned his head slightly, his sharp features softening as his gaze landed on me. "Hey, Aaradhya, relax. It's just a scratch. Nothing to worry about," he said, his voice steady, calm, and so... him. But how could he act so casual about this? He was hurt!

"No, sir! This is not 'just a scratch.' It's bleeding!" My voice quivered as I stepped closer, my hands instinctively reaching out but hesitating mid-air. My fingers curled into fists, unsure if I was even allowed to touch him.

He chuckled softly,  "You're overthinking, ma. Sit down, take a deep breath. I'm fine."But how could I relax? There was blood smeared on his back, staining his otherwise perfect skin, and his white shirt lay discarded nearby, drenched in red patches.

How could I stay calm when he was hurt? "Sir, please... at least let me help," I said, almost pleading, my eyes wide with worry.

He sighed,  "Okay, fine. Just don't faint on me, alright?" he teased lightly, but his voice held a gentleness that made my heart flutter.

I rushed to grab the first-aid kit from the nearby drawer. My hands fumbled as I opened it, my fingers trembling as I pulled out the antiseptic and cotton. Sitting beside him, I felt my cheeks burn. He was so close, and his presence was overwhelming. His skin was warm, and the faint scent of his cologne lingered in the air. My gaze darted to his back again—the scratch, though not deep, still looked painful.

I dabbed a piece of cotton with antiseptic, and I flinched as if I were the one feeling the sting. "This... this must hurt, sir," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

His lips curved into a faint smile, but he didn't say anything. As I cleaned the scratch on his back, my eyes kept welling up with tears. The sight of blood on him made my heart ache, and my mind couldn't stop racing.

Before I realized it, a tear slipped down my cheek and fell onto his skin. Rudhran sir noticed immediately and turned slightly, his eyes softening when they met mine. "Aaradhya," he said gently, "Why are you crying? It's just a scratch, ma."

"But sir," I stammered, trying to wipe my face quickly, but the tears wouldn't stop. "You're hurt... and there's blood... I—"

Before I could finish, he reached up and brushed his thumb lightly against my cheek, wiping away my tears. His touch was so gentle, so warm, that it made me freeze for a moment. "Don't cry, ma," he said softly,  "I told you, I'm fine. Seeing you like this hurts me more than this wound ever could."

My breath hitched at his words, His fingers lingered for a moment longer than necessary, My gaze met his, and for a brief second, the world around us seemed to still. His eyes were softer than I'd ever seen, like they were holding something he couldn't say aloud.

"Promise me you won't cry for something so small," he said, his tone soft but firm, his hand still lingering on my face.

I nodded slowly, my voice barely audible. "I... I promise, sir."

He smiled faintly. "Good girl," his voice dropping just enough to make my cheeks warm.

I quickly looked down, my fingers fumbling to pack up the first-aid kit. My hands were trembling slightly, not from fear but... something else. Something I didn't want to think about too much.

As I stood up to leave, I glanced at him again. He was still sitting there, shirtless, looking impossibly composed despite the bandage on his back. I hesitated for a moment, then cleared my throat. "Sir, I will get dinner for you"

He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Not yet. But don't worry, I'll grab eat later. You may go and take rest"

I frowned, my worry creeping back in. "No, sir. You need to eat now. You... you've lost blood. I'll get dinner for you."

Before he could protest, I turned and hurried out of the room, my heart racing. What was happening to me? Why did I feel like this—so restless, so... overwhelmed?

As I entered the kitchen, I busied myself plating his dinner. My hands moved quickly, but my mind kept replaying the scene in his room: his soft smile, the warmth in his eyes, the way he wiped my tears. the way his voice held a tenderness that made my chest tighten.

"Get a hold of yourself, Aaradhya," I whispered under my breath, shaking my head. "He's your boss. That's all." I shook my head, focusing on preparing his dinner. Whatever it was, I pushed it aside. Right now, all that mattered was making sure he was okay.

As I returned to his room with the plate of dinner in my hands, I noticed Rudhran sir had changed into a simple black t-shirt. It clung to his frame in a way that made his broad shoulders and lean build more noticeable. His hair, slightly messy.

He looked up as I walked in, "That was fast," he said, his lips curving into a faint smile.

I placed the plate on the small table near his bed, my hands fidgeting nervously. "I-I didn't want to keep you waiting, sir," I murmured, my voice quieter than usual. I avoided his gaze, focusing instead on setting the plate neatly.

He noticed, of course. Rudhran sir always noticed. "What's wrong, Aaradhya?" he asked, his tone casual but laced with a knowing edge.

"Nothing, sir," I replied quickly.

He raised a brow,"You're a bad liar," he said with a hint of teasing in his voice. "Sit down."

I hesitated, glancing at the chair nearby. "Sir, I should—"

"Sit," he repeated, this time more firmly, though his tone remained gentle.

Reluctantly, I perched on the edge of the chair, my fingers nervously twisting the saree pallu. The silence between us was heavy, and I could feel his eyes on me. Finally, I couldn't hold it in any longer. I bit my lip, my hesitation evident. After a long pause, I finally asked, "What... what happened, sir? How did you get hurt?"

Rudhran sir leaned back slightly, He picked up the fork, poking at the food casually before responding. "It's nothing, Aaradhya. Just a small scratch," he said, his tone dismissive yet calm. "Not worth losing sleep over."

"But..." I started, my voice faltering as I twisted my hands together. "It must've hurt. Did someone... hurt you?"

His lips twitched slightly, as if my endurance amused him. "Aaradhya," he said, looking directly at me,  "you're worrying too much. Do you think someone like me can't handle a few idiots on the road?"

I blinked at him, surprised by his tone. He wasn't angry or frustrated—he seemed almost... playful. "Idiots on the road?" I repeated, my brows furrowing in confusion.

He smirked faintly, leaning forward slightly, his elbows resting on his knees. "Some people don't know when to mind their own business," he said, his voice casual but laced with a hint of arrogance. "They thought they could scare me. Let's just say... they learned their lesson."

I stared at him, my eyes wide. His confidence, his calm demeanor—it was so... Rudhran sir. Yet, the thought of him facing danger made my chest tighten again. "But you're okay now, right?" I asked softly.

He looked at me for a moment,  his expression softened, and he gave me a small nod. "I'm fine, Aaradhya ma," his voice gentler this time. "Really. You don't need to worry so much."

I nodded slowly, but the dull ache in my chest didn't completely fade. I couldn't help but notice the soft lines of exhaustion on his face, the way he occasionally shifted to avoid straining his back. "You should've gone to a doctor," I murmured, lowering my gaze. "Even if it's just a scratch... it could get worse."

He let out a soft sigh, "I'll go tomorrow," he said, and I glanced up at him, surprised. "Happy now?" a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

A tiny smile crept onto my face "Promise?" I asked quietly.

He raised a brow, "You're not going to let this go, are you?"

I shook my head, "No, sir."

He chuckled softly, the sound low and comforting. "Fine. I promise," he said, leaning back again.

I nodded slowly, feeling both reassured and oddly unsettled. There was a weight to his words, an unspoken depth that I couldn't quite grasp. My gaze lingered on his hands as he ate, strong and steady, and I found myself thinking about how effortlessly he carried himself, even when injured.

When he finished, I reached for the plate, our fingers brushing briefly as I picked it up. The contact sent a small jolt through me, and I quickly pulled back, "I'll take this plate back to the kitchen," I said, standing up abruptly.

He watched me with a small, almost imperceptible smile, and for a moment, I thought I saw something in his eyes—something warm and unspoken, like a secret he wasn't ready to share.

As I turned to leave, I felt a light touch on my wrist. I froze, my breath catching. His hand was warm, firm but gentle. "Aaradhya," he said softly, and when I turned back, his eyes held a sincerity that made my chest ache. "Thank you."

The words were simple, but the way he said them felt anything but. I nodded with a smile, my throat too tight to respond, and hurried out of the room, my mind spinning with emotions I couldn't name.

Hey guysss! 👋

How was this chapter? Did you feel the pace was just right, or is it going a bit slow? 🤔

Let me know your thoughts in the comments, okay?

Your feedback really means the world to me! 🥹💖

Don't forget to vote, comment, and share this with your friends—come on, show some love and support, pretty please! 😘✨

Here's a random fun fact for you! 🧠✨

Did you know that octopuses have three hearts? Two pump blood to the gills, while the third pumps it to the rest of the body. And when they swim, the heart that delivers blood to the body actually stops beating! 🐙💓💓💓

Crazy, right? 😄