chapter 10

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 10 :Aadhya, flustered yet unable to defy her father’s affectionate command, nodded reluctantly, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly. Nandu, caught off guard by the situation, could only follow her lead, a mix of embarrassment and gratitude evident in his expression.As Nandu entered Aadhya’s room, his eyes roamed across the space, taking in every detail. He was captivated by how thoughtfully and meticulously she had kept it.Though the room was small, it was a testament to her personality—warm, welcoming, and filled with care. A neatly made bed that could fit two, curtains in soft, cheerful hues that bathed the room in a soothing glow, a cupboard painted with intricate designs that evoked an exotic charm, and a reading table by the window adorned with neatly arranged books. Every element spoke of her creativity and effort.Nandu couldn’t help but compare it to his own room, which, despite being four times bigger, felt impersonal in comparison to the cozy comfort of Aadhya’s space.Aadhya placed Nandu’s suitcase beside the cupboard and leaned against it, her posture stiff and her expression tinged with nervousness. An air of awkwardness lingered between them, making her hesitate to initiate any conversation.Nandu, having absorbed every little detail of her room, finally turned his attention to Aadhya. Noticing her unease, he moved toward the window, gently pushing the curtain aside. His gaze landed on the pots of blooming flowers outside, their vibrant colors and delicate fragrance filling him with an unexpected sense of calm.The peaceful sight melted his own uneasiness, and he turned back toward Aadhya, who was now leaning against the wall, her expression a mixture of apprehension and discomfort.Crossing his arms, Nandu cleared his throat softly to capture her attention. His voice was steady and filled with empathy as he spoke,“Aadu! I know everything has happened so suddenly, and it feels overwhelming. But please, believe me when I say this—I will never take a step that puts you under pressure. Trust me, I want to give you the space and time you need to adjust. I’m here for you, no matter what”.Aadhya lifted her gaze to meet his, their eyes locking in a moment of silent understanding. His sincerity was unmistakable, and she could feel the weight of his words.But as the vulnerability of the moment overwhelmed her, she lowered her eyes, fidgeting with her fingers as she replied, her voice tinged with frustration and restlessness.“I don’t know what to do. I feel surrounded by these massive walls, and they’re suffocating me. I can’t see a way forward”.Her words hung in the air, raw and filled with emotion, as Nandu took a step closer, determined to be her anchor amidst the turmoil.Placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, Nandu caught Aadhya’s attention before pulling her into a warm, secure embrace. He held her close, savoring the moment, feeling a wave of calm and joy wash over him after so long. Aadhya, too, felt a sense of ease in his arms, the protective strength of his gesture soothing her turmoil and silencing her worries about the future. Before stepping back, Nandu pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, leaving her feeling comforted and cherished.Guiding her to the bed, he helped her sit down and then knelt in front of her. Taking her hands in his, Nandu gazed deeply into her eyes, his own reflecting the unwavering love and affection he felt for her.“Aadu”, he began, his voice soft yet steady. “I know you’re still young, with dreams and aspirations for your career. Believe me, I never wanted to marry you this soon. I wanted you to fulfill your dreams first. But when I learned about my mother’s cruel actions toward you, I couldn’t risk anything that might hurt you. I decided to claim you as mine before she could take any step to separate us. Unfortunately, she was a step ahead, and I couldn’t stop her in time. That’s why I had to make this sudden decision to marry you in such a chaotic situation”.His voice faltered slightly, laden with the weight of his emotions. “But trust me, Aadu, I will never stand in the way of your dreams. Until you feel comfortable with everything that’s happened, we’ll just be friends. I don’t want to rush you into anything”.He paused, his grip on her hands tightening slightly as he continued, his voice thick with emotion.“These past few days felt like an eternity, not being able to talk to you. I’ve been terrified of your resentment, of you judging my actions without your consent. My heart has been on edge all this time, fearing the distance between us”.Nandu’s voice broke as he pleaded, his words coming straight from his heart. “Please, Aadu! Don’t keep a distance between us. I can’t endure it, not even for a moment. If anything bothers you, just sit me down and talk to me. But don’t lose yourself in silence, shutting me out. I need you to trust me, to let me be there for you”.His heartfelt words hung in the air, heavy with sincerity and vulnerability, as he searched her eyes for a glimmer of understanding and hope. Aadhya, moved by his raw honesty, felt her defenses begin to crumble, the warmth of his love reassuring her that they could face whatever lay ahead—together.-  *KRISH*