chapter 23

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 23 :After what felt like an eternity, Nandu retreated from Aadhya and pressed their foreheads together, panting for air. They stood in that position for a while before Nandu gently pulled her into his embrace.With a pleading tone, Nandu implored,“Aadu! Don’t keep distance between us. Sleep beside me. I promise I won’t cross my boundaries until you’re ready. I don’t wish to be away from you even for a single moment. Please, join me in bed and grant me the honor of holding you in my arms before sleep, so I can wake up to the sight of you in the morning”. His voice was laced with vulnerability, as if even the slightest distance between them was agonizing.Noticing the pain in his voice, Aadhya lifted her head from his chest, cupped his cheek, and replied,“I’m sorry if I hurt you by keeping my distance. I don’t know how to handle the sudden changes between us. I just wanted to make you feel comfortable by giving you space. I… I really don’t know how to react or what to do”. Her eyes moistened, and her voice cracked, unable to find the right words to comfort him.Cupping her face in his palms, Nandu reassured her,“Aadu! I know you’re still young and that you were raised by your father after your mother’s passing. I understand how confusing and frightening all of this must be. But believe me, I want you by my side. I just want to fall asleep with you in my arms, nothing more. We’ll take things slow, and I promise I won’t cross any boundaries until you’re ready. Okay?”. His voice was gentle and soothing.Aadhya nodded, lowering her gaze as a wave of warmth and relief washed over her. She felt safe, knowing Nandu understood her so well.That night, Aadhya lay beside Nandu in his arms, both feeling complete in each other's presence. As she drifted into sleep, Nandu gazed at her, admiring her serene expression, the innocence on her face, and the delicate features that made his heart swell with contentment.He wished for this moment to repeat every night—for her to always fall asleep in his embrace and be the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes. With that thought, he, too, surrendered to slumber.The next two days passed as the three of them adjusted to their new surroundings. Parasuram, along with Aadhya and Nandu, was moved to the top-floor rooms, which had been constructed recently when the grandsons started leaving for college. They had often complained about the lack of attached bathrooms when they returned from their hostels with friends. To accommodate the preferences of the younger generation, Seetha Ramaiah had ensured that a few rooms were built with attached bathrooms, making them convenient for any guests visiting from the cities. After Parasuram’s family arrived, the rooms were cleaned and prepared, with two of them being offered to them.Nandu, who had spent his entire life surrounded by wealth and luxury, was fascinated by the simplicity of the small town. He cherished every moment, wholeheartedly embracing the new experience. Every morning, he joined the youngsters at the well, learning to draw water despite the physical effort it required. He enjoyed the warmth and companionship of the grandparents, engaging in long conversations with Seetha Ramaiah and relishing the affection and pampering from Janaki.Parasuram, too, recovered quickly under the love and care showered upon him by the family. His health improved, bringing joy to Aadhya, who was delighted to see both the most important men in her life—her father and her husband—happily embracing their stay.As Parasuram's health stabilized, Seetha Ramaiah saw an opportunity to discuss something that had been on his mind since their return. Seizing the moment, he sat down with Parasuram and broached the topic.“Parasuram!”, Seetha Ramaiah began, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom. “I’m sure you are aware of our family tradition of visiting our ancient temple with newly married couples. Now that you are here, and since Aadhya’s wedding happened so suddenly, I would like you to consider making this visit with Aadhya and Nandu. What do you say?”.Parasuram was surprised that Seetha Ramaiah was asking for his permission rather than simply declaring it as a family obligation.Touched by the respect, he took the elderly man’s hand and gently replied,“Uncle! You are a man of great wisdom and experience. If you believe this visit is important, I have no reason to refuse. If it brings good fortune to Aadhya and Nandu, what more could I ask for?”. His voice was warm, filled with gratitude and sincerity.Smiling warmly at Parasuram, Seetha Ramaiah implored,“Then I will arrange everything after consulting my priest to find an auspicious day. Once it’s decided, we will all visit the temple together. Okay?”. he asked, seeking Parasuram’s approval.Once the day was fixed, Seetha Ramaiah informed everyone about the temple visit and urged Nandu and Aadhya to wear traditional attire for the occasion. He explained that it was their custom to visit the temple after marriage, and it was mandatory to dress traditionally—dhoti and kurta for men, and saree for women.Though Nandu was happy about following the tradition, he felt nervous and anxious upon hearing that he had to wear traditional clothing.“Uncle!” Nandu whispered to Parasuram, his voice uncertain. “I don’t know how to wear those, and I don’t even have one”, he admitted, his anxiety evident.Noticing Nandu whispering to Parasuram, Seetha Ramaiah chuckled softly and reassured him,“Nandu! Are you worried about dressing traditionally? Don’t worry, the kids will help you, and I have already arranged new clothes for both of you, as well as for Parasuram. There’s nothing to be concerned about. This visit will bring you good luck and happiness”.Hearing Seetha Ramaiah’s words, Nandu felt reassured. He eagerly awaited the temple visit, hoping to seek the goddess’s blessings for Aadhya’s happiness.-  *KRISH*