😞SILENT VICTIM-CHAPTER-8

Aaradhya pov :

I stirred the bubbling gravy absentmindedly, but my thoughts weren't with me. They were somewhere else... or rather, with someone else. My heart felt weird, fluttering like the wings of a trapped bird. And the reason? Rudhran sir.

I don't know why, but something about him makes me feel... different. It's hard to explain. His gaze—intense and piercing—doesn't make me uncomfortable like Ajay sir's did. Ajay sir's stares always felt wrong, like they were prying into places they didn't belong. But Rudhran sir's eyes... they're different. Warm, and commanding, and yet, they give me a strange sense of security. The kind of feeling I haven't had since my parents were alive.

My cheeks grew warm just thinking about him, and I shook my head, trying to focus. What's wrong with me? Why am I thinking about him now? But no matter how much I scolded myself, my thoughts kept circling back to him—his deep voice, the way he walked like he owned every room, and those rugged features that made my heart skip a beat.

Suddenly, a pair of hands covered my eyes from behind, making me gasp. "Wh-who is this?" I stammered, startled.

"Aaradhya, guess who!" came a cheerful, familiar voice. Before I could answer, the hands disappeared, and I turned around to see Dhivya standing there, grinning from ear to ear.

"Dhivya!" I exclaimed, a smile breaking across my face.

She giggled and pulled me into a tight hug. "Ha! How are you, Aaradhya? It's been forever!"

"I'm fine," I replied, my smile softening. Dhivya's energy was infectious—it always had been. She was Sathyan sir's daughter, my age, and probably the only person in this family I could talk to freely. She had this way of making everyone around her feel at ease, like sunshine in human form. There was a time when I'd hesitated to even call her by her name. Back then, I used to address her as "madam," which she hated. One day, she stopped talking to me, leaving me guilty. I can't stand upsetting others, especially someone as sweet as her. After that, I mustered up my courage and started calling her by her name. Ever since she's been my closest confidante in this house.

As Dhivya talked on and on about her hometown, Coimbatore, I found myself smiling at her animated expressions. She was so lively, gesturing wildly as she described every little thing, from the latest street food craze to the temple festivals she missed. Meanwhile, I quietly got busy making tea for everyone.

After her a steaming cup, I handed one to Dhivya. She took it with a grin, but not before dramatically sniffing it. "Ah, Aaradhya's special tea! If this doesn't cheer me up, nothing will!"

"Stop being silly," I said, shaking my head with a laugh.

Carrying the tray, I walked to the hall where Ganga Patti was deep in conversation with Sathyan sir and Gomathi mam. As soon as they noticed me, their faces lit up with warm smiles.

"Ah, there's my favorite tea maker!" Sathyan sir joked, his booming voice filling the room.

I blushed and set the tray down carefully. "It's just tea, sir," I mumbled, looking down shyly.

"And yet, it's the best tea in this house!" he declared, earning a chuckle from Gomathi mam.

She looked at me with her kind, motherly eyes. "Don't listen to him, Aaradhya. He just wants an excuse to get more tea out of you," she said, her voice gentle but teasing.

Patti chimed in, "He's been like this since he was a boy. Always finding ways to sweet-talk people into giving him what he wants."

"Oh, come on, amma!" Sathyan sir feigned mock hurt, clutching his chest. "You're making me sound like a villain in front of Aaradhya!"

I couldn't help but giggle at their banter. Gomathi mam gave me an encouraging nod as I handed her a cup. She always spoke to me—and the other staff—with so much respect. Unlike Yamuna mam, who barely acknowledged us, Gomathi mam made everyone feel seen.

Rajendhran sir was sitting nearby, quietly listening to their conversation. His expression was hard to read, but there was a hint of weariness in his eyes. He nodded slightly as I handed him his cup, and I quickly stepped back, not wanting to intrude.

Dhivya joined us, plopping down next to her father with a dramatic sigh. "Appa, tell Aaradhya about the time you got chased by that dog in Coimbatore. She'll love it!"

"Dhivi ma!" Sathyan sir exclaimed, "Do you have to bring that up every time?"

"Yes!" Dhivya replied with a mischievous grin. "It's the funniest thing ever!"

As Sathyan sir launched into a hilariously exaggerated retelling of his misadventure with the dog, I couldn't help but laugh along with the others. For a moment, the warmth of their family dynamic reminded me of my own parents—of quiet afternoons when Appa would tell stories and Amma would scold us playfully for not helping her.

The memory tugged at my heart, but I quickly pushed it aside. This wasn't the time to dwell on the past.

Dhivya nudged me gently. "You okay?" she whispered.

Startled, I quickly shook my head. "Nothing, Dhivya. Just happy to see everyone together."

She patted my hand kindly, her touch reminding me of the comfort I had missed so much.

Third pov:

Rudhran descended the stairs, as he spotted the familiar faces waiting below. His stoic demeanor melted slightly as he walked toward them, his voice carrying a warmth.

"Chitti! Chithappa!" he called out, and before he could say anything more, Sathyan and Gomathi pulled him into a tight hug.

"Rudhu kanna! How are you, da? Look at you! Only now you found time to visit us, ah?" Gomathi's voice trembled with emotion as she held him close. Sathyan patted Rudhran's shoulder, his eyes glistening with pride and affection.

Rudhran gave them a small smile, a flicker of guilt gnawing at him. It wasn't as if he'd ignored them completely—he always kept in touch over the phone—but seeing them in person reminded him of the distance time had created.

Before he could say anything, a shrill, excited voice pierced the air.

"RUDHUUU ANNNNAAA!"

Rudhran's lips curved into a genuine smile as his younger sister, Dhivya, bolted toward him, throwing her arms around his waist. He chuckled and patted her head affectionately.

"Ayy vaalu(it denotes a person who does naughty activities)! How are you,?"  his tone light and filled with brotherly affection.

As they caught up, Priya entered the scene, her face lighting up when she saw her in-laws. She greeted Sathyan and Gomathi with a warm hug, and Dhivya immediately latched onto her sister-in-law.

"ANNIIII!" Dhivya squealed, grinning from ear to ear as Priya laughed at her energy.

In the middle of the lively chaos, Vishnu was standing back, observing his parents' reunion with his elder brother. With an exaggerated pout, he called out dramatically, "MMAA! APPA! I'm here too, you know!"

But Sathyan waved him off with a mock stern expression. "Dei, go stand somewhere else! I'm talking to my elder son now."

Rudhran smirked at the exchange, while Vishnu clutched his chest in mock betrayal. "Ah, appa! What is this partiality? You didn't even look at me!"

Undeterred, he turned to his mother, who was deep in conversation with Priya and Dhivya. "MMAAA!"

Gomathi glanced at him briefly before shaking her head with a laugh. "You too, go away! I'm talking to my daughter-in-law now."

"Yes, Anna, go, go!" Dhivya chimed in, shoving Vishnu playfully.

Vishnu staggered back dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. "Aiyo, what kind of parents are you? Did you even give birth to me, or did you pick me up from a dustbin outside the hospital?"

Everyone laughed, including Aaradhya, who had been quietly standing to the side, watching the lively reunion, Priya shaking her head at her husband's antics. "Vishnu, stop being a drama king," she said, trying to suppress her giggles. Aaradhya quietly slipped away to the kitchen. He noticed her absence immediately, his sharp eyes following her figure until she disappeared around the corner, a question forming on his lips, but before he could say anything, she reappeared, carrying a steaming cup of black tea.

"Here,sir" Aaradhya said softly, placing the cup in front of him with a slight smile.

Rudhran's stoic expression softened, His gaze lingered on her, a tenderness in his eyes "Thanks, Aaradhya" he murmured with a smile that made her heart skip a beat.

Aaradhya nodded with a small smile.

The tender moment didn't go unnoticed. Gomathi and Ganga Patti exchanged a knowing glance, their faces glowing with quiet happiness.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Yamuna stood near the railing, her sharp eyes glaring down at the scene unfolding below. She clenched her fists, her anger simmering as she watched the family laughing and bonding. Her lips curled into a sneer as her gaze shifted to Rudhran, who was quietly sipping his tea, his eyes flickering back to Aaradhya occasionally.

"Enjoy all you want now," Yamuna muttered under her breath. "Let's see how long this lasts."

Yamuna had been watching the scene unfold from the corner of her eye, her eyes narrowing with irritation. Everyone in the house was laughing and enjoying themselves—especially after Rudhran had taken charge and knocked Ajay off the CEO chair.

Yamuna seethed with anger. The idea that Rudhran had put her son in his place while Aaradhya—of all people—was so calm and composed, living a life she could never have, was maddening.

As the day passed, the house bustled with life. Rudhran and Vishnu left for the office, not without enjoying Aaradhya's delicious breakfast, offering her brief nods of appreciation. Dhivya, ever the chatterbox, was happily gossiping with her mother, Priya, and even called out to Aaradhya to join them. Aaradhya, however, politely declined, excusing herself with work to do. She preferred to keep her distance, not wanting to overstep boundaries.

Up on the terrace, Aaradhya was busy drying clothes, her hands deftly clipping them to the hanger as she hummed a soft tune to herself. The gentle breeze tugged at the hem of her dupatta, and for a brief moment, she felt at peace. But peace was a fleeting luxury in Yamuna's presence. From below, Yamuna noticed Aaradhya's interactions with the family—the ease with which she moved about—and her irritation bubbled into full-blown anger. Her resentment toward Rudhran, who had cost her son the CEO position, had been festering, and now her displaced rage found an easy target: Aaradhya.

With her face twisted in anger, Yamuna stormed up to the terrace. The sight of Aaradhya humming while working only fueled her ire further. Without warning, she kicked the clothes bucket, sending it tumbling to the ground with a clatter. The clothes, now dirtied by dust and dirt, were scattered across the ground

Aaradhya gasped in shock, turning quickly. "Ma-Madam!" her voice shaky with fear.

Yamuna didn't stop. She grabbed a handful of Aaradhya's hair, yanking it harshly, making her cry out in pain. "What do you think you're doing, ha?" Yamuna spat.

"Madam, please! It hurts!" Aaradhya pleaded, tears pooling in her eyes as she tried to pry Yamuna's hand away.

"You're just a maid, Aaradhya! A servant! Don't you dare think you're part of this family just because they talk to you kindly," Yamuna hissed, her grip tightening. "Stay in your place! Do your work and keep your head down. Don't forget who you are!"

Each word hit Aaradhya like a slap, her heart sinking lower with every harsh syllable. Her tears fell freely now, but she didn't dare speak back, too afraid of Yamuna's wrath.

"Walking around here like you belong, humming songs as if this is your home," Yamuna continued, her voice rising. "You're nothing but a maid! Don't you dare forget that, or I'll make sure you regret it!"

Aaradhya nodded frantically, her hands trembling as she tried to hold back sobs. "I'm sorry, madam. I'll stay in my limits," she whispered.

Yamuna continued with her gritted teeth"You will clean every single one of these clothes again. No washing machine. You'll wash them by hand,  behind the garden, so you remember your place."

Yamuna finally let go, shoving Aaradhya back slightly "If anyone finds out that I threatened you, I swear I'll make your life a living hell. I'll make sure you never forget who's in control here."

Aaradhya's breath caught, a shiver running through her as she met Yamuna's eyes, which were dark with fury. Yamuna marched away, her anger far from full but her immediate target soothed.

Left alone on the terrace, Aaradhya dropped to her knees, her hands clutching her aching scalp. Silent tears streamed down her face as she began to gather the scattered clothes, her heart heavy with humiliation and pain. The once peaceful terrace now felt suffocating, the harsh words echoing in her mind and chipping away at her already fragile self-esteem.

Hey everyone!

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Aaradhya really went through it, didn't she? And Yamuna... well, let's just say she's the villain we all love to hate. Feel free to let loose and vent about her in the comments – she deserves it!

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