💖REUINTED AS FAMILY CHAPTER-21

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Third pov:

With the wedding ceremony completed, the atmosphere softened into a warm and joyous celebration as the family moved to their ancestral home. Dhivya and Priya, their faces lit with wide smiles, held the arthi plate and circled it around the newlyweds, welcoming them into the house with love and blessings.

Rudhran held Aaradhya's hand firmly, guiding her through the threshold. Aaradhya's cheeks flushed as her gaze fell on their intertwined hands. She couldn't believe that she was now Rudhran's wife. The weight of the nuptial chain against her chest made her heart swell with pride and a hint of shyness, a real symbol of their bond.

Ganga Patti's voice called out from the pooja room, breaking the moment. "Aaradhya ma, come and light the lamp," she said warmly. Aaradhya nodded and stood, her steps measured and careful. As she lit the lamp, the soft glow illuminated her face, her expression serene as she silently prayed for the family's happiness and thanked the divine for the life she'd been blessed with.

When the rituals were done, the family gathered in the hall. Rudhran led her to the couch, his hand never leaving hers. His carefree demeanor contrasted with her timid glances. Aaradhya's gaze flickered to the floor, her lashes fluttering as she tried to gather her composure. Rudhran, catching her unease, leaned closer and whispered teasingly, "Still shy, Mrs. Rudhran?" His deep voice sent a shiver down her spine.

Gomathi approached the couple with a silver plate holding a glass of milk and a bowl of sweets. Priya clapped her hands together, "Now, it's time for the bride and groom to feed each other!"

Aaradhya's eyes widened in embarrassment, her fingers clutching the edge of her saree. Rudhran, however, seemed completely at ease, his signature smirk playing on his lips. He picked up the glass of milk, his gaze never leaving Aaradhya's face. "Open your mouth," he commanded softly but firmly.

Aaradhya hesitated, Gomathi chuckled,  "Come on ma, don't keep your husband waiting." and everyone chuckled at her shyness that belongs to the newly wedded bride.

Reluctantly, she parted her lips, and Rudhran tilted the glass slightly, letting her take a sip. The teasing look in his eyes didn't falter as he wiped a stray drop from the corner of her lips with his thumb, causing her heart to race.

When it was her turn, Aaradhya's trembling hands reached for the sweet. She picked a small piece and held it up to him. Rudhran leaned forward, his lips brushing her fingers as he took a bite, his eyes locked on hers the entire time. Aaradhya's breath hitched, as she quickly pulled her hand back.

The family erupted in cheers and laughter, with Priya and Dhivya exchanging knowing looks. "Looks like Rudhu anna is already setting the tone for this marriage," Dhivya teased, snapping a photo of the couple.

Rudhran leaned back confidently, his arm draped casually over the couch. "Of course," he said with a wink. His gaze softened as it rested on Aaradhya, who sat shyly beside him, "She's mine, and I'll take care of her, no matter what,"  his voice firm but filled with affection.

Aaradhya glanced at him, her heart swelling with a mixture of love and nervous excitement. As the family continued to enjoy the playful moment, Vishnu, unable to resist, leaned against the couch and smirked at Rudhran. "Rudhra, dai... Are you feeding your bride or rehearsing for a romantic drama? Aaradhya, better be careful, or he might just steal another moment to show off his skills."

The room erupted in laughter, with Priya and Dhivya joining in the teasing. Aaradhya's cheeks flushed and she looked down, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her saree. Rudhran, however, was unfazed. With a slow, deliberate motion, he placed the glass of milk back on the plate and turned his gaze to Vishnu, his playful smirk fading into a more serious expression.

"Vishnu," Rudhran said firmly, nodding his head slightly. The unspoken exchange between the two men spoke volumes, and Vishnu's teasing demeanor shifted instantly. He straightened up, his playful grin replaced by a knowing look. He nodded back at Rudhran, his expression signaling that he understood.

Clearing his throat, Vishnu turned to the rest of the family. "Everyone," he called out, his tone now serious, yet still warm. "Can we all gather in the hall for a moment? Rudhran has something important to say."

As he asked everyone gathred and wondering,  Rajendhran, felt a flicker of apprehension. He had a faint idea of what might be revealed, and it sent a wave of worry through him. If Rudhran decided to expose the truth, it could alter everything.

In stark contrast, Yamuna and Ajay sat at the corner of the hall, their disinterest poorly masked. Yamuna's gaze flitted around impatiently, while Ajay leaned back with a frown.

Rudhran, standing at the center with Aaradhya by his side, held his grandmother Ganga Patti's frail hand. His usual confident demeanor was replaced with an unusual softness, one that reflected the weight of what he was about to say. Ganga Patti looked up at him, her wise eyes filled with curiosity and love for her grandson.

Rudhran took a deep breath, his gaze softening as it landed on his grandmother, and he approached her gently, holding her frail hand in his own. "Patti," he began softly, "how would you feel if you found out that Seetha Athai isn't with us anymore... but she left behind something very precious for us?"

The mention of Seetha's name sent shockwaves through the room. Aaradhya's eyes widened in disbelief, the name echoing painfully in her chest. Her mother's name was Seetha,Which Seetha does Rudhran is talking now?

Ganga Patti froze, her breath catching as tears filled her eyes. "My Seetha... my daughter," she whispered, Ganga's tears spilled freely, her sobs wracking her frail frame.

Rudhran's jaw clenched, his own emotions barely contained as he kneeled beside his grandmother. "Patti," he said softly,  "don't cry. If you cry, I won't be able to tell you the rest. Please... for the sake of the family, stay strong."

Ganga, though overwhelmed, nodded through her tears, wiping her eyes with trembling hands. "Tell me, Rudhra... what did she leave for us?"

Rudhran took a deep breath, his gaze flickering briefly to Aaradhya, who was sitting in stunned silence, her hands clutching her saree. Then he turned back to his grandmother, his voice filled with emotion but steady. "Patti, Aaradhya... Aaradhya is Seetha Athai's daughter. She's your granddaughter."

For a moment, there was silence. Complete, deafening silence. And then, the room erupted.

Ganga's cry was the loudest, a raw sound filled with both heartbreak and joy. "My granddaughter... my Seetha's child..." she sobbed, clutching Rudhran's hand tightly. "She's here... she's been with us all this time..."

Aaradhya's world tilted. Her vision blurred with tears as the truth sank in. This family... this house... these people were her family. Her real family. She looked at Ganga Patti, whose tear-streaked face was now filled with a mix of pain and relief, and the dam inside her broke.

Ganga reached out with trembling hands. "Come here, Aaradhya ma... come to your Patti..."

Aaradhya stumbled to her feet, her legs shaking, and fell into Ganga's arms. The elderly woman hugged her tightly, her sobs muffled against Aaradhya's shoulder. "You're my Seetha's child... my blood, I may have lost my daughter, but I have you now. You're my granddaughter, my own blood. Forgive me for not knowing sooner" Aaradhya hugged her back, her tears soaking her grandmother's shoulder. "Patti... I didn't know... I didn't know I had a family," she said, her voice breaking.

Sathyan and Gomathi, unable to contain their emotions, rushed to Aaradhya and embraced her. Gomathi kissed her forehead repeatedly, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You're family, Aaradhya. You always have been,"  her voice breaking. Sathyan,  wiped at his tears and patted Aaradhya's head with fatherly affection.

In the corner, Rajendhran stood frozen, guilt etched into every line of his face. He looked at Aaradhya, his lips trembling as he struggled to find words. The weight of his silence all these years bore down on him, and he turned his gaze away, unable to meet anyone's eyes.

Yamuna and Ajay, on the other hand, looked as though the ground had been pulled from beneath them. Yamuna's face was a mask of shock, her hands gripping the armrest of her chair tightly. Ajay, too, sat stunned, his usual arrogance replaced by disbelief.

Priya and Dhivya stood frozen, their expressions shifting from stunned disbelief to radiant happiness as the truth sank in. Rudhran glanced at Aaradhya, who was still nestled in Ganga Patti's arms, her tears now drying as a small, hesitant smile graced her lips.

Sathyan, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, "But how did you find out, Rudhran? How did you know Aaradhya is Seetha's daughter?"

At this, Rudhran's expression darkened slightly. His sharp eyes darted toward Rajendhran, and the disapproving glance he shot his father was enough to make the older man shift uncomfortably in his seat. Rajendhran looked away, guilt weighing heavily on his shoulders.

Rudhran sighed and turned back to Sathyan. "It started the day we all went to the mall. Aaradhya and I were talking, and during our conversation, she mentioned her parents' names—Seetha and Mayavan. At first, I thought it was just a coincidence, but something in the way she spoke about them... it stayed with me. So I started digging into her past, and I found out the truth."

Everyone listened intently as Rudhran continued, his voice calm but firm. "Her parents died in a house fire... a tragedy that left her all alone. But what I found out next shocked me even more."

Rudhran's gaze flickered to Rajendhran again, and this time, his voice carried a sharp edge. "that man knew. He found Aaradhya after the accident, knowing full well who she was. He brought her into this house, but he kept the truth hidden from all of us."

Gasps filled the room as everyone turned to Rajendhran. Ganga Patti's expression darkened with disappointment, her frail body trembling as she leaned forward. "Raja,"her voice cracking with both anger and sadness, "how could you hide this from us? From me? From her?"

Sathyan, too, looked furious, his usual calm demeanor breaking. "You knew Aaradhya was sister Seetha's daughter, and you stayed silent all these years? What were you thinking, Anna?"

Rajendhran's head hung low, his shoulders slumped in defeat. "I... I didn't know how to say it," he muttered, his voice barely audible. "I thought it was best... I thought it wouldn't matter anymore..."

"Wouldn't matter?" Ganga Patti's voice rose, her tears flowing freely again. "How could it not matter? She's family! She's my Seetha's child! How could you keep her from me?"

Aaradhya, who had been listening quietly, finally stepped forward. Her eyes, still teary, were filled with compassion. "everyone" she said softly, placing a hand on Ganga's shoulder. "It's okay. Please don't be angry with him."

"But, Aaradhya—" Ganga began, but Aaradhya shook her head gently.

"He brought me here," Aaradhya said, her voice steady but kind. "He could have left me on my own, but he didn't. Whatever his reasons, he gave me a chance to be part of this family, even if he kept the truth hidden. I'm grateful for that."

Her words hung in the air, softening the tension in the room. Rajendhran looked up at her, his eyes filled with surprise and remorse. "Aaradhya..." he started, but his voice broke.

Rudhran, who had been watching silently, finally spoke. "For Aaradhya's sake, we'll let this go," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "But don't think for a second that what you did was right."

Gomathi raised her voice gently, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Rudhra and Vishnu, why didn't you tell us sooner? Why keep this a secret until now?"

Rudhran leaned back slightly, a soft, knowing smile playing on his lips. "Chithi," he began, "I wanted Aaradhya to know something important. I wanted her to understand that she is mine—my wife—regardless of her background, even if she was once just a maid. I wanted her to see that our family would love and accept her wholeheartedly even before knowing she is Seetha Athai's daughter. That's why I kept silent and made sure this wedding happened quickly. I didn't want her to ever feel lesser or degrade herself because of anyone's opinions."

His gaze sharpened as it shifted to Yamuna and Ajay, who sat in uncomfortable silence. "Especially," he added, his voice firm, "because I didn't want others to taunt or look down on her."

Aaradhya's eyes widened, her emotions a whirlwind of gratitude and disbelief. She couldn't help but smile at him softly.

Before the atmosphere could get too heavy, Dhivya's mischievous voice cut through. "Patti, now that Aaradhya is officially Rudhu Anna's murai ponnu also wife, doesn't that mean she has to call him 'mama'?"

Aaradhya's face tflushedas everyone burst into laughter. Rudhran, on the other hand, leaned back with an amused smirk.

"Of course, it's tradition!" Ganga Patti chimed in, nodding sagely. "That's the way it's supposed to be."

Priya clapped her hands together, "So, Aaradhya, from now on, there's no need to be shy. You can call Rudhran as mama whenever you want! Loud and clear! How about giving it a try right now?"

The room erupted in laughter again as Aaradhya unable to hide her embarrassment. Rudhran chuckled softly.

Before Aaradhya could stammer out a response, Vishnu dramatically stepped forward, placing a hand over his chest with a mock pout. "Wait a minute! If Aaradhya is Rudhran's murai ponnu, then technically, that makes her mine too. I demand equal rights! Aaradhya, don't I deserve a little respect too? Maybe you should call me 'Vishnu Mama' from now on!"

Ganga Patti, still wiping away tears of joy, nodded sagely. "Well, technically, Vishnu is also mama to Aaradhya. And since she's calling Priya akka, it makes perfect sense."

Vishnu grinned triumphantly, folding his arms. "See, Patti agrees with me! Aaradhya, I'll be waiting for you to call me Vishnu Mama—with full respect, of course."

Aaradhya's face burned "You everyone teasing me so much" she mumbled, flustered beyond words.

Rudhran, who had been leaning back and watching the chaos unfold with an amused smirk, decided it was time to intervene. "Enough of this nonsense," he said,Standing up, he reached for Aaradhya's hand, pulling her to her feet.

"We are married, And I'm taking her to our room before you all come up with more ridiculous titles." His tone left no room for argument.

But just as he began leading her away, Ganga Patti's stern voice rang out. "Rudhran, stop right there!"

Rudhran froze mid-step, turning around with a raised brow. "What now, Patti?"

"You can't just drag her off like that!" Patti declared, wagging a finger at him. "We only send the bride with the groom during the auspicious time. Until then, you'll have to be patient. No sneaking off before that!"

Gomathi chimed in, nodding firmly. "Exactly! It's tradition, Rudhran. You'll have to stay here and keep quiet until the time is right."

The room erupted in laughter again as Rudhran sighed dramatically, running a hand through his hair. "Patti, I'm her husband. Don't I get any rights in this house?"

"Rights? You have plenty of rights," Ganga Patti replied with a teasing smile. "Just not until the auspicious time."

Rudhran groaned,and Vishnu pulled him with him. As the evening wore on, the family's laughter and conversations filled the house. The ladies had completely surrounded Aaradhya, asking her about her life and listening intently to everything she shared. Ganga Patti was over the moon, unable to stop smiling. She held Aaradhya's hand like she never wanted to let go, cherishing every word. "It's like hitting two mangoes with one stone," she exclaimed proudly, her joy radiating through the room. Aaradhya felt overwhelmed by their love, the warmth of a family she had longed for now wrapping around her completely.

Dhivya,  soon ushered Rudhran and Aaradhya together, pulling out her phone. "It's time for some photos of our newlyweds!" she declared. Amidst laughter and teasing, she directed them into romantic poses—Rudhran pulling Aaradhya close, their foreheads gently touching, and Aaradhya standing shyly as Rudhran wrapped an arm around her waist. The room filled with giggles as Rudhran effortlessly played along while Aaradhya blushed furiously.

As the night settled in, Rudhran found himself alone in his decorated bedroom. The faint scent of roses and jasmine filled the air, the handiwork of Vishnu and Priya, who had clearly enjoyed setting the mood. Rudhran sat on the edge of the bed, dressed in a crisp white shirt and a perfectly draped veshti, looking both regal and relaxed. His fingers drummed lightly on his knees, his eyes glued to the door.

He couldn't help but smile to himself, a mixture of excitement and anticipation bubbling inside him. "Any moment now," he murmured, his gaze never leaving the entrance.

And then she appeared.

The door creaked open slowly, revealing Aaradhya standing in the doorway. She stepped inside hesitantly, her eyes downcast,  She was a vision. Her chiffon blue saree, A delicate hip chain rested on her waist, catching the light with every movement. Her long braid, adorned with fragrant jasmine flowers, fell over her shoulder, and the vermillion on her forehead and The nuptial chain resting against her chest, a symbol that she was now his. She carried a glass of milk in her hands, her fingers trembling slightly as she approached him.

Rudhran's gaze softened as he watched her. There was a carefree charm about him, yet his eyes held an intensity that made Aaradhya's heart race. He leaned back casually on the bed, one arm propped behind him, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You're finally here," his voice low and teasing.

Aaradhya's hands tightened around the glass as she approached him, her footsteps slow and deliberate. She locked the door behind her, the soft click echoing in the room. Her heart was pounding so loudly she wondered if he could hear it.

She stopped a few steps away from him, unsure of what to do next. Her lashes fluttered as she kept her eyes firmly on the floor, her nerves evident in the way she shifted slightly on her feet.

Rudhran couldn't take his eyes off her. "Aaru," he said softly,  "You look... beautiful."

The soft glow of the candles flickered in the room as Aaradhya sat shyly beside Rudhran, her head slightly bowed and her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her saree. "Thanks," she murmured softly.

Rudhran, ever the casual yet commanding presence, smiled and gently pulled her closer, making her sit right next to him. "Why are you sitting so far away ? I'm not going to bite," he teased lightly, his tone warm and comforting.

Aaradhya hesitated for a moment before extending the glass of milk toward him. "I... I got this for you,"

He took the glass from her hands, his fingers brushing hers intentionally, sending a wave of warmth through her. "First, you have some, then I'll drink," he said with a mischievous smile, holding the glass out to her.

She nodded shyly, taking a small sip before handing it back to him. Rudhran took the glass, his dark eyes fixed on her as he brought it to his lips. After taking a sip, he smirked and said, "Damn, it tastes even sweeter now that your lips have touched it."

Aaradhya's cheeks flushed at his cheesy remark, her eyes darting away from his gaze. Rudhran chuckled softly at her reaction.

He placed the glass on the bedside table and reached for her hand, his touch firm yet gentle. "Look at me, ma," he said softly. Aaradhya hesitated before lifting her eyes to meet his, her heart fluttering at the intensity in his gaze.

"I know everything feels like it's happening so quickly," Rudhran began, his voice low and sincere. "But we have plenty of time, Aaradhya. I won't do anything that makes you uncomfortable. You're my wife now, and I want you to trust me completely. Don't hide anything from me—your dreams, your fears, everything. I want to know it all. Okay?"

Her eyes welled up with emotion as she listened to his words, She nodded, her voice trembling as she said, "Thank you, mama. I don't know how else to show my gratitude to you."

Rudhran smiled warmly, his thumb gently brushing over the back of her hand. "Well," he said playfully, "you can show your gratitude by standing by my side and supporting me in everything. Deal?"

She giggled softly at his teasing tone, and he leaned in, lightly bumping his forehead against hers, making her laugh even more.

As the laughter faded, his gaze dropped for a brief moment, landing on the delicate hip chain adorning her waist. The sight of it stirred something in him, but he quickly controlled himself, not wanting to scare her.

"You must be tired after everything today," he said gently, "Let's get some rest. We have plenty of time to talk about everything else."

Aaradhya nodded, though she felt a small pang of embarrassment. She didn't have her comfortable clothes to change into and realized she would have to sleep in her saree. She reached down to remove the hip chain, but the clasp was too tight.

Rudhran noticed her struggling and immediately reached out. "Let me help," he offered.

Her breath hitched as he knelt slightly beside her, his hands moving toward her waist. His touch was firm but careful as his fingers grazed her bare skin, sending shivers down her spine. He worked gently to unclasp the chain, his eyes dark with focus. When the clasp proved stubborn, he leaned in closer, using his teeth to carefully loosen it. Aaradhya's breath came in short gasps, her heart racing at the intimate gesture.

"There," he said softly as he removed the chain, his fingers lingering for just a moment too long against her skin. He straightened, his gaze meeting hers. "You don't need to wear something so tight. You should be comfortable."

Aaradhya's cheeks burned with shyness, and she nodded wordlessly, unable to meet his eyes.

Rudhran smiled at her reaction, leaning over to turn off the lights. The room plunged into a soft darkness, lit only by the faint moonlight streaming through the curtains.

Rudhran shifted slightly, propping himself up on one elbow so he could look at her. In the dim moonlight, he could see  the way her eyelashes fluttered against her skin, a sign of her shyness and nervousness.

"Aaru," he whispered, his voice low and soft.

"Yes, mama?" she replied, her voice a whisper as soft as the night air.

A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He raised a hand, gently brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face. His touch was feather-light, and the way his fingers lingered on her temple sent a shiver down her spine.

"I just want you to know something," he said softly,  "You're not just my wife in name, Aaradhya. You're my everything now. And I promise I'll spend the rest of my life making sure you never feel alone again."

Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Rudhran pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes again. "You don't need to thank me, ma," he said, his voice filled with gentle authority. "Just be yourself. That's all I need."

Tears welled up in Aaradhya's eyes at his heartfelt words, but before they could fall, Rudhran leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead.

The simple yet profound gesture made her heart ache with emotion. It wasn't just a kiss—it was a vow, a promise, an unspoken assurance that she was cherished and valued.

He shifted back onto the bed and looked at her. "Is it okay if I hold you?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

Aaradhya hesitated for a moment before nodding, her shyness making her movements hesitant. Rudhran slid closer, wrapping his arms around her in a protective embrace.

"Comfortable?" he asked softly, his voice close to her ear.

She nodded again, her heart racing as she felt the warmth of his body against hers. He held her securely, his fingers lightly tracing soothing patterns on her arm.

As the silence stretched between them, the tension slowly melted into a comforting closeness. Aaradhya felt herself relax in his arms, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest lulling her into a sense of peace.

"Good night, Aaru" Rudhran murmured,

"Good night, mama" she whispered back. The night stretched on in peaceful silence, with the gentle rhythm of their breaths syncing as they held each other. As Aaradhya drifted off to sleep, comforted by his warmth and presence, Rudhran stayed awake just a little longer, watching over her and marveling at how lucky he felt to have her by his side.

In that quiet, intimate moment, with the faint scent of jasmine lingering in the air, Rudhran silently promised himself that this was only the beginning of a lifetime of love, care, and devotion.