chapter 27

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 27 :Later, Yeshwanth reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a sleek box. With a gentle smile, he handed it to Nandu, gesturing for him to adorn Aadhya with it.Perplexed, Nandu opened the box and his eyes widened in astonishment as he took in the dazzling diamond necklace resting inside. He looked up at his father, his gaze reflecting both joy and disbelief.Nodding in affirmation, Yeshwanth said warmly,“It’s my gift for your marriage. Go on, adorn her with it”.Overwhelmed, Nandu carefully took the necklace from the box and turned towards Aadhya. She stood there, eyes wide, her face a portrait of shock and awe as she glanced between Nandu and Yeshwanth.Before he could place the necklace around her neck, Aadhya raised her hand hesitantly, stopping him.Looking at Yeshwanth with a soft, nervous whisper, she murmured,“Sir... this is too expensive. I... I can’t…”. Her voice faltered as her eyes shifted toward her father, who stood a few steps away, observing the scene with disbelief etched across his face.Sensing her hesitation, Yeshwanth’s gaze softened. With gentle curiosity, he asked,“Aadu! Won't you introduce me to your father?”.Realizing her lapse, Aadhya gasped and lightly smacked her forehead. “Oh… I’m so sorry, sir! Please, come”, she said with an apologetic smile, quickly leading the way towards her father. Nandu and the rest of his family followed closely behind.Seeing them approach, Parasuram hurried forward with long, respectful strides. Folding his hands in a traditional greeting, he bowed slightly and said,“Namaste, sir! I didn’t expect to see you here”. His voice carried both respect and surprise.Before Aadhya could even introduce him, Yeshwanth folded his hands in return, his expression warm and welcoming. “Namaste! My kids were missing Nandu dearly. They wouldn’t eat or sleep properly without him around. As a father, I couldn’t bear to see them in pain. It’s truly a pleasure to meet you”.Extending his hand for a handshake, Yeshwanth smiled kindly. Honored, Parasuram shook his hand firmly, respect radiating from his posture. The two fathers exchanged a glance, one of mutual understanding and shared affection for their children—signaling the beginning of a bond between families.Hearing Yeshwanth’s words, Akhil swiftly jumped into the conversation, pointing an accusing finger at his father. With a playful pout, he complained,“Brother! Don’t believe a word he’s saying! He’s the one who’s been missing you like crazy these past few days. He kept hovering around us, asking if we got any calls from you. Without Mom’s knowledge, he’s the one who cooked up this whole trip, saying we were miserable without you, when, in reality, it’s him who’s been desperate to see you!”.His tone was both accusing and sulking, his eyes twinkling with mischief.Everyone chuckled softly, but Nandu’s eyes shifted to his father. Yeshwanth, caught off guard, quickly averted his gaze, his face flushing with embarrassment.Realizing the depth of his father’s longing, Nandu’s heart swelled with emotion. He stepped forward, gently taking Yeshwanth’s hand. His voice trembled, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.“Dad... you really missed me? I never thought… I never knew you felt this way...” His words trailed off, choked by emotion.Yeshwanth turned to him, his eyes softening with a mix of love and guilt. He placed a firm hand on Nandu’s shoulder, his voice carrying the weight of his sincerity.“Nandu... Do you think I don’t love my children? I know… I’ve always been caught up in business, and I regret not spending enough time with you three. I thought your mother’s love would fill the void my absence created. But the truth is, not a single day has gone by when I didn’t think of you all. You… you three are my strength, the reason I work so hard, so I can give you the best life. But I forgot… that the best life starts with being there for you”.His voice wavered, guilt and remorse intertwining with his words. “I neglected my duties as a father… and I regret it deeply. Can you… can you all forgive me?”.Tears glistened in everyone’s eyes. Nandu, overwhelmed by his father’s honesty, wrapped his arms around him in a tight embrace. “We never needed your forgiveness, Dad… We always loved you… We just needed to hear that you felt the same”, he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.Akhil and Shruthi joined in, forming a warm family embrace, a silent promise that no matter what, they would always find their way back to each other.Aadhya and Parasuram gazed at them their heart full of contentment.-  *KRISH*