💫HIS TOUCH HER WEAKNESS-CHAPTER-22

Third pov :

After one week:

Sudharshan paced back and forth in the dimly lit hall, his frustration growing with each passing second. Yamuna stood by, her arms crossed, a scowl on her face as she recounted everything that had happened.

"I can't believe it, anna," she said, her voice laced with irritation. "I can't stay there anymore. They're all gushing over that girl like she's some kind of princess. She's just a maid, and now she's become the daughter-in-law of that house not only that she is daughter of that Seetha. I don't understand how everything changed so quickly. The whole family is acting like she's the queen, and it makes my blood boil."

Sudharshan nodded thoughtfully, "Yeah, I don't get it either. The reports from our men said they saw the house burning, but no one knows how that girl managed to escape. And how your husband, Rajendhran, found her and brought her into that house... it doesn't make sense."

Yamuna's face contorted with disgust. "Of course, they don't know the full truth. We were the ones who orchestrated everything that led to Seetha and her husband's deaths. They never saw us coming. That girl, Aaradhya... she's the daughter of the very people we wanted to destroy, and now they've made her the center of everything. It's infuriating!"

Sudharshan clenched his fists, a dark expression crossing his face. "I can see that... but there's something else. Rajendhran has changed. He's not the man he used to be. He just keeps quiet in front of his son, Rudhran. It's like he's been tamed."

Yamuna's eyes narrowed,  "Forget about that useless man. He's nothing now. He just stands there, silent, like a puppet in front of his son. He's lost all his spine."

Sudharshan's jaw tightened in frustration. "I can see that too. But we have to be careful. Rudhran and Vishnu are always watching. They've got eyes everywhere, especially in the company. I can't do anything without them noticing."

Yamuna scoffed,  "Don't worry, anna. My son, Ajay, is staying low for now. He knows when to make his move. At the right time, he'll take care of everything."

The two of them exchanged a look, their minds plotting and scheming. Yamuna's cold confidence was unmistakable, and Sudharshan knew that, with time, their plan would come together. But for now, they had to stay in the shadows, biding their time while watching Rudhran and his family celebrate the very girl they despised.

Aaradhya pov:

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my fingers lightly grazing the edge of the glass. The girl looking back at me... she wasn't the same anymore. There was something different, something new. My face had a glow I never noticed before, my eyes sparkled in a way they hadn't in years. Is this what happiness feels like?

For so long, my life had been filled with uncertainty and loneliness, but now... now, I was experiencing something I thought I had lost forever—love. My hands, once bare, were now adorned with beautiful glass bangles that chimed softly with every movement. The earrings I wore were new—Patti had gifted them to me, saying they once belonged to her daughter. And now, they were mine.

I smiled softly, adjusting the pleats of my deep purple saree. It was the first time I had worn such a rich color, and it made me feel... different. More like a woman, more like a wife. My long hair cascaded down my back, loose and flowing, just the way he liked it. My forehead was marked with vermillion, a symbol of my marriage, a reminder that I was no longer alone.

I let out a small breath and turned away from the mirror, stepping out of the room. The crisp morning air greeted me as I made my way to the Murugan shrine in the garden for my morning pooja. The scent of fresh jasmine and sandalwood filled the air,  I held the pooja tray carefully, my bangles softly jingling, and as I walked through the garden, I let my heart absorb the peace of this place—my home.

At first, when I learned that this was my family, I was stunned. How could I have lived all these years without knowing? But my heart accepted it, and Ganga Patti made me feel it. She and everyone didn't just tell me I belonged—she showed me, in every small way, in every touch of her hand, in every loving word.

When I came back to Chennai, I was hesitant. I didn't know how the others—the maids, the staff—would see me now. Would they think I had changed? Would they treat me differently? But to my surprise, they were genuinely happy for me. They still spoke to me the same way, still smiled at me with warmth. It felt nice.

This past week had passed so quickly, slipping through my fingers like sand. I didn't know how I had settled into this new life, this new role as a wife, a daughter-in-law. Everyone had taken such good care of me, treating me like I had always been part of them. And slowly, I was getting comfortable.

Of course, Yamuna Athai still gave me cold looks whenever we crossed paths, but it didn't bother me much. I had learned not to let her ruin my happiness. I hadn't seen Ajay Sir either, and honestly... it was for the best.

I adjusted my saree, my fingers grazing over the soft silk, and smiled to myself. Amma left them for me... and I didn't even know. She had given me a family, a home, a place to belong.

And him.

My cheeks warmed as I thought of him—Rudhran Mama. My husband.

He took care of me like I was something precious, something fragile. He noticed the smallest things—if I was tired, if I was insecured, if I was feeling nervous. He always made sure I was okay, in ways no one had ever done before. Even the way he spoke to me, the way he looked at me—it was different. Deep, protective, his.

I bit my lip, my heart racing at the thought of him. Was it normal to feel this way? To blush just thinking about your husband?

I reached the shrine and carefully placed the pooja tray in front of the idol of Murugan. Folding my hands together, I closed my eyes and whispered my gratitude.

"Thank you, Muruga. For giving me this family. For giving me him."

The morning breeze kissed my face, almost as if blessing me in return.

Just as I was about to open my eyes, I felt something—a presence, a warmth standing close behind me. My breath hitched, my heart recognizing him before my mind did.

My breath hitched slightly, my hands still folded in prayer as I stood before Murugan. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was. My husband.

Rudhran Mama stood beside me,  his hands folded in prayer, eyes closed with a rare softness on his face. His lips carried the faintest trace of a smile.

I watched him for a moment, feeling something indescribable bloom in my chest. This man—so fierce, so intense—stood here beside me, praying. Not just for himself, but with me.

A small smile tugged at my lips as I picked up the aarthi plate and gently waved it before Murugan.

As I turned to him, holding out the plate for him to take blessings, his sharp eyes flickered open, locking onto mine with a teasing glint.

"Oi, do you forget our agreement?" he asked, one brow raised in mock offense.

I bit my lip, suppressing a giggle, and shook my head. "No, Mama," I whispered.

Slowly, I tiptoed to his height, my fingers dipping into the sacred ash. Carefully, I pressed it onto his forehead,  I felt his breath hitch ever so slightly.

And then, without missing a beat, he reached for the vermillion.

I stilled, my heartbeat drumming in my ears as he dipped his fingers into the crimson powder and leaned in. His touch was slow, deliberate, as he pressed it against my forehead, adding another coat over the vermillion already there.

A mark of his presence. A silent declaration that I was his.

Our agreement.

My breath caught as his fingers traced my hairline ever so slightly before dropping away. His lips curled into a soft, almost boyish smile, Rudhran mama's voice was soft as he spoke, his thumb brushing against my temple briefly before he pulled away.

"You know, Aaru..." he murmured, "After so many years, I finally prayed after marrying you. Since my mother died... I never once stood before God."

I looked up at him, my chest tightening at his words.

"But now," he continued, "with you beside me, I prayed again."

Something warm and overwhelming filled my heart, my fingers gripping the edge of my saree as I fought the sudden rush of emotions.

I didn't know what to say, so I simply smiled. The soft chatter of the house ahead broke the peaceful silence, and Rudhran mama, still holding my hand, tugged me along. "Let's go inside before everyone starts wondering where we disappeared to."

As we walked back toward the house, the peaceful morning was immediately replaced by a familiar scene—Priya Akka and Vishnu Mama locked in a full-blown argument. And the reason? A simple glass of milk.

"I can't drink that, Vishnu! What do you think my stomach is—A tank?!" Priya Akka huffed, crossing her arms.

Vishnu Mama, He stood there holding the glass as if it were the most sacred thing in the world. "Oh, come on, Priya baby," he cooed dramatically,  "You thought I wouldn't notice, huh? I saw you this morning sneaking to the sink and spilling the milk! Do you think your husband is blind?"

I covered my mouth to hide my giggle, while Rudhran Mama beside me just sighed, shaking his head as if he had seen this drama a hundred times before.

Priya Akka rolled her eyes. "Vishnu, I've already had enough milk for today!"

"No, you haven't! This is for your health, baby. You're pregnant! You have to drink this!" his voice filled with exaggerated concern.

At that moment, the whole family started gathering around, curious about the commotion. Ganga Patti walked in first, followed by Sathyan mama, Gomathi athai, and even Dhivya who was already grinning mischievously, sensing an opportunity to tease.

"Ayyo, again?" Dhivya Akka smirked. "Priya anni, just accept your fate and drink it. "Akka," I  looking up at her with hopeful eyes, "it's not just for you, it's for the baby too. Please?"

Priya Akka groaned. "Not the puppy eyes, Aaradhya! That's not fair!"

I giggled but didn't let go. "Please, Akka?"

With a dramatic sigh, "Fine! But only because you asked me, Aaru."

Vishnu Mama beamed in triumph, handing her the glass. "See? Our Aaradhya knows how to handle you!"

Priya Akka glared at him as she drank the milk in one go, making a dramatic face as if she were being tortured. The moment she finished, the whole family clapped and cheered like she had just won an Olympic medal.

"Finally!" Sathyan mama laughed.

"Ah, what a proud moment!" Dhivya teased. "Now, let's frame this moment so we can remind you every time you refuse in the future."

I laughed along with everyone, feeling the warmth of family all around me. These small moments, these silly arguments and love-filled scoldings, were things I never had before. And now, they were mine.

As the teasing continued, I quietly slipped away to the kitchen.  It was time to prepare breakfast, and unlike before—when cooking felt like a duty—now, I did it with rights.

Kamala Akka was already there, preparing the chutneys, and Gomathi Athai stood with her hands on her hips, frowning at me. "Aaradhya, you are a new bride. Why are you in the kitchen? Go"

I smiled, gently taking the ladle from her hand. "Athai, please... let me cook. It makes me happy."

She sighed, shaking her head. "You're too sweet, ma. Fine, cook, but at least let us help you."

I grinned and got to work, stirring the sambar while Kamala Akka helped with the dosas. It felt so nice, so right, to be here, cooking not just as a duty but as a wife, a daughter, a part of this family.

Soon, the dining table was filled with plates of steaming hot idlis, crispy dosas, and fragrant sambar. As usual, Yamuna Athai was nowhere to be seen, and I knew she wouldn't come. I didn't let it bother me. Not today.

Rajendhran Mama arrived first and quietly took a seat. I smiled at him gently, and for a second, he hesitated before nodding back at me. He was trying—just being here, among the family, because I had asked him to. But even as he sat at the table, his presence was barely acknowledged.

Rudhran Mama was silent, his jaw clenched as he focused on his plate. I could tell he was holding back his anger,  He just sat there, eating quietly.And I served Priya akka's favorite vadas specially made for her! her eyes sparkled seeing them.

As we ate, Rudhran Mama suddenly spoke up, breaking the comfortable hum of conversations.

"Patti, today I'm taking Aaradhya out."

I blinked, mid-bite, my brows raising in surprise. Out? Where?

Ganga Patti smiled. "Sure, pa. Take care."

I turned to Rudhran Mama, silently asking where are we going? with my eyes. He only smirked and leaned in slightly.

"Suspense," he whispered before popping a piece of dosa into his mouth, chewing like he hadn't just dropped a mystery in front of me.

I pouted, but he ignored me, acting all casual.

After breakfast, I barely had time to clean up when Rudhran Mama grabbed my wrist and started pulling me toward the entrance.

"M-Mama, where are we—"

"No questions, aaru. Just come."

Before I could argue, I found myself seated in his car, as he got into the driver's seat.

"Put your seatbelt," he ordered, eyes focused on the road.

Still pouting, I obeyed. "You're not even telling me where we're going..."

He glanced at me briefly, smirked, then turned back to the road. "Patience, ma."

I huffed, crossing my arms. "You always do this!"

He chuckled. "And yet, you always follow me."

I bit my lip, unable to argue with that.

As the car sped down the road, I could feel the excitement bubbling in my chest. Whatever he had planned... I knew it would be special.

After an hour of riding in comfortable silence, the car finally stopped. I looked around, and my heart skipped a beat.

The beach.

There weren't many people here—just a few scattered here and there, walking along the shore, enjoying the gentle waves. The air smelled of salt and fresh breeze, and the weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right.

Before I could open the door, Rudhran Mama walked over and opened it for me, extending his hand. I blinked up at him, smiling softly before placing my hand in his. His grip was firm, warm, reassuring.

We walked toward the shore, the sand soft beneath my feet, the waves lapping at the shore in a calming rhythm.

This is the exact spot where he confessed his love for me.

My lips curled into a small smile at the memory.

Mama noticed and raised an eyebrow. "What's making you smile like that?"

I shook my head. "Nothing."

He hummed as if he didn't believe me but didn't press further. Instead, he led me to a stone bench nearby and cleared his throat. "Aaru ma, sit here."

I nodded and sat down. He took the seat next to me, our shoulders brushing slightly. I felt so small beside him, his broad frame completely dwarfing mine.

For a moment, we just sat there in silence, watching the waves roll in and out.

Then, he turned to me, his gaze serious but gentle. "Now, you're going to tell me everything—your dreams, your likes, your dislikes. This past week has been too packed with the wedding, our return to Chennai, and other legal matters. But today..." He exhaled deeply. "Today, we're only going to talk about us and our future."

I swallowed, suddenly feeling nervous.

He watched me, waiting, "What's your dream, Aaru? Do you want to study further? Work somewhere?"

The question caught me off guard. My mind immediately thought of the CS course. It had been my dream for so long. I had always wanted to become a Company Secretary, but after my parents passed away, my world had shattered. I had buried my dream beneath survival, responsibilities, and the reality of life.

And now... I was married. I had duties as a wife, a daughter-in-law. Patti needed me. The house needed me. How could I think about studying now?

So I shook my head. "No, Mama. I don't want to—"

But before I could finish, his fingers gently gripped my chin, tilting my face up so I had no choice but to meet his eyes.

"Don't think about anyone else. Just think about you, Aaradhya. You've already lived for others all your life. Now, it's time to live for yourself again."

Something inside me cracked at his words.

I hesitated before whispering, "Yes, Mama... I wanted to study CS." My voice felt small, almost afraid. "But after my parents' death, you know the rest..."

He exhaled, his hold on my chin softening, his thumb grazing my jaw for a second before he dropped his hand. "You don't have to explain anything to me, fresa," he said, his voice quiet yet firm. "Don't worry about anything. Your dream..." He reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Your dream is my responsibility now."

My lips parted slightly, but I didn't know what to say.

I had spent so long pushing my desires aside, convincing myself that I shouldn't be selfish. That my responsibilities mattered more. But here he was, my husband, telling me that my dreams mattered too.

"Aaru," he murmured, "I know everything has changed so fast for you. This marriage, this new life... and now, me telling you to chase your dreams again."

I swallowed, lowering my eyes. "It's not that I don't want to, Mama... I just—"

"You're scared," he finished for me, tilting his head slightly. "Scared that you'll have too many responsibilities. That you won't be able to manage everything. That you'll disappoint someone."

I nodded hesitantly, not trusting my voice.

He exhaled, his fingers tapping against his knee as if in thought. "Listen to me, fresa," he said, his voice deep, firm, yet full of warmth. "From now on, you don't have to worry about all that. You take care of everything and everyone, so its my duty to take care of you"

I blinked at him, surprised by his words.

I lowered my gaze, my fingers fidgeting with the pleats of my saree. "But... you have your own work, your own life, Mama. I don't want to become a burden—"

Rudhran mama let out a sharp breath and suddenly flicked my forehead, making me gasp. "Ayo!" I whined, rubbing the spot. "Why did you do that?!"

He simply smirked. "For talking nonsense," he said lazily, leaning back. "What burden, ma? You're my wife. My responsibility. Not some outsider. Understand?"

I pouted, still rubbing my forehead fakely. "That hurt, Mama..."

Before I even realized what was happening, his lips brushed against the exact spot he had flicked moments ago, lingering for just a second longer than necessary.

My breath hitched, my fingers clutching onto the pleats of my saree as if that would somehow steady my wildly beating heart.

He pulled back slightly, his lips quirking into a teasing smile.  I blinked up at him, stunned, my cheeks burning. "M-Mama..."

He hummed in amusement, tilting his head. "Hmm? Say something, ma."

I quickly looked away, my fingers fidgeting nervously. "You... You did that on purpose," I muttered.

He let out a soft chuckle, leaning back on his elbows casually. "Of course, You looked too cute when you whined, so I had to make up for it properly."

I turned to glare at him, but he only smirked, completely unfazed. "You're impossible, Mama," I huffed.A moment passed, the teasing replaced by something quieter, more intense. The tension between us thickened, the breeze carrying it like an unspoken secret. I felt his eyes on me, but I was too shy to meet them.

"Aaru," he called again, softer this time.

"Hmm?" I asked, still looking down.

His fingers suddenly reached out, brushing against my knuckles before gently holding my hand. His touch was warm, firm, but not forceful. My breath caught.

"I know you're still getting used to all this," he murmured. "I won't rush you. I won't do anything that makes you uncomfortable."

I looked up at him then, my heart beating a little too fast.

His gaze held mine, steady and sincere. "You'll take your time to love me, and that's okay, ma," he continued, his thumb tracing small, absent-minded circles over the back of my hand. "But I'll wait. However long it takes, I'll wait for you."

I bit my lip, feeling my cheeks grow even hotter.

After a moment, he gently tugged my hand, making me look at him again. "You focus on your studies first. Become a Company Secretary. Do whatever you want, live however you want. And when you're ready..."

He smirked, his voice dropping lower, teasing yet laced with meaning.

"I'll be waiting."

My heart flipped, and I looked away again, pretending to focus on the waves. But even as I tried to calm my racing thoughts, my fingers remained curled around his.

I peeked at him from the corner of my eye, my heart still racing. He caught my gaze and winked, making me immediately look away again.

I sighed, trying to steady my breath. How am I supposed to survive this man for a lifetime? If he makes my heart flutter like this?

Hai guys! 🤗

Extremely sorry for the late update! 🙈 Got stuck in my native place for a few days—no WIFI, just me, cows, and grandpa's coconut trees! 🌴🐄😂

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FUN FACT : A Rainbow Isn't a Solid Arc: A rainbow is actually a full circle, but we usually only see it as an arc due to the horizon obstructing its bottom half. If viewed from a high vantage point, like an airplane, the full circle can sometimes be observed.