chapter 26

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 26 :Yeshwanth stood there, a bright smile beaming across his face. Beside him, Sruthi clung to his arm, her eyes brimming with tears as she gazed at her elder brother.As soon as Nandu’s eyes met hers, Sruthi broke into a run like the wind. She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly while bursting into tears.“Brother! Why didn’t you call me? I missed you so much”, she accused, her voice cracking with emotion.Gently rubbing her back, Nandu fought his own emotions, his voice turning hoarse. “Sruthi… I’m sorry. I missed you all so much, but...”.He faltered, his words trailing off as his eyes shifted towards his father.Watching Yeshwanth stand before him, Aadhya felt her heart clench with unease. Their sudden appearance left her surprised and anxious, anticipating something dreadful. Instinctively, she took a step back, hiding behind Nandu, trying to make herself invisible from Yeshwanth’s gaze.Yeshwanth slowly advanced towards them, his steps slow and deliberate. Nandu watched him carefully, bracing himself for what was to come. But to his surprise, Yeshwanth walked past him.He stopped in front of Aadhya.She stiffened, lowering her head further, her fingers nervously fiddling with the edge of her saree.Then, gently, Yeshwanth placed his hand on her head. The unexpected gesture startled her. Her head snapped up in surprise.“Aadhya! How are you, my child?” Yeshwanth’s voice was soft, gentle—filled with warmth.Aadhya’s eyes widened in disbelief. She stared at him, her lips parting slightly, but no words came out. She blinked a couple of times, trying to comprehend the reality before her. Her heart raced, not with fear, but with confusion, mixed with a faint trace of hope.Was this truly happening?Watching Aadhya's bafflement, Yeshwanth chuckled softly before adopting a harsher tone in an attempt to startle her. “What? Don’t you know you should greet your father-in-law? Haven’t you learned the basics of manners?”, His voice carried a feigned severity, laced with amusement.Startled by his stern tone, Aadhya straightened abruptly. Her voice wavered as she stammered,“No... yes... sorry... Good morning, sir! Sorry, Namaste, sir”. Her anxiousness grew, her body trembling under the weight of her nervousness.Yeshwanth burst into laughter, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Holding her shoulders affectionately, he teased,“Oh my God! Aadu! Now I understand why my son is so smitten with you. I’ve never met such an innocent girl. You’re truly the perfect companion for my brat of a son”. He ruffled her hair lovingly.Nandu stood by, watching his father pamper Aadhya with a soft smile, holding Shruthi securely in his arms.Realizing Yeshwanth had only been teasing her, Aadhya flushed in embarrassment. Recovering quickly, she bent down and touched his feet, her voice filled with reverence. “Please bless me, sir”.A wave of joy washed over Yeshwanth as he witnessed her respectful gesture. His heart swelled with pride at her upbringing. Turning to Nandu, he chided,“You brat! Come here and take my blessings together”.Feeling the warmth in his father’s voice, Nandu’s heart brimmed with contentment. Without hesitation, he rushed forward, bending down alongside Aadhya to touch Yeshwanth’s feet.“God bless you both to be together for eternity”, Yeshwanth murmured, his voice rich with affection. He then gently lifted them, resting his hands on their shoulders, his heart full of love for the couple standing before him.-  *KRISH*