chapter 31

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 31 :Nandu, Akhil, and Sruthi gaped at their father in astonishment, amazed to see this lighthearted side of him.Aadhya extended her hands to help them up and guided them toward the orchard, following Neil and Pranay.Upon reaching the mango orchard, they were awestruck by the lush greenery. The massive mango trees formed a dense canopy, blocking out most of the sunlight and casting a soothing shade over the area. Whenever they stepped out from under the trees, they could instantly feel the heat radiating from the sun.In the heart of the orchard, a large blanket had been spread out, big enough for everyone to sit comfortably.Nandu noticed their father, Yeshwanth, lying on his back, gazing at the sky with his hands resting beneath his head. Seeing him so relaxed—free from the burdens of status and wealth—Nandu couldn’t contain his excitement. He rushed toward him, with Akhil and Sruthi following closely behind. Without hesitation, Nandu lay down beside his father in the same position. Akhil took the spot on the other side, while Sruthi settled near their father’s head, gently running her fingers through his hair with fondness.“Dad! You look so peaceful and carefree in this weather. Aren’t you enjoying it?”, Sruthi asked, her voice laced with playful curiosity.Feeling the warmth of his daughter’s touch, Yeshwanth smiled warmly and replied,“I regret not experiencing this kind of happiness in my entire life. My joy has always revolved around wealth, business, and chasing success. But today, I realize that true satisfaction—the happiness our hearts truly crave—comes from spending time with our loved ones, in a place where no one judges us”. His voice carried a hint of remorse.Nandu and Akhil placed their hands on their father’s chest in reassurance.“Dad! Please don’t dwell on the past,” Nandu said gently. “At least now, we have the chance to witness and cherish real happiness”.Just then, Aadhya’s cheerful voice interrupted them.“Hey! Look at this!”, she exclaimed, stretching out her phone with excitement.Yeshwanth, curious, swiftly sat up before anyone else could and snatched the phone from her hands. As he looked at the screen, his eyes softened. It was a picture of the four of them lying on the blanket, their faces radiating pure joy—an unfiltered, genuine happiness he had never experienced before.Nandu, Akhil, and Sruthi leaned in to see the picture and burst into delighted laughter.Raising his head, Yeshwanth beckoned Aadhya with a gesture. She stepped forward and kneeled in front of him. Placing his hand gently on her head, he smiled with deep affection.“You are an angel sent to fill our lives with real happiness”, he said warmly. “How could I ever repay you?”.His voice was filled with gratitude and love, making the moment even more precious.Widening her eyes in shock, Aadhya gasped before replying,“Sir! What are you saying?”, She lowered her gaze, looking around awkwardly, feeling uneasy about receiving such appreciation from the wealthiest and most influential businessman.Chuckling softly, Yeshwanth ruffled her hair and, with a hint of fake anger, sulked,“I know you haven’t forgiven me for my actions. But in the future, try to forgive me… and if your heart accepts it, call me ‘Dad’ instead of ‘Sir’—if possible, as your father-in-law”. His voice carried a mix of anguish and regret.“Aah!” Exhaling heavily, Aadhya looked at him, her eyes moistening. “Sir! Please don’t say that. You are an elder, Krish’s father… I’m sorry if my behavior made you feel insecure. I never felt worthy of calling you ‘Dad,’ and I don’t know if you would even accept it”. Her voice quivered, as if she had unknowingly hurt Yeshwanth.“Hey!”, Yeshwanth gently wiped her tears and implored,“You have done nothing wrong. Don’t be so sensitive. If anything, my family should feel unworthy of having you as a member after everything you’ve endured because of us. Please, with all your heart, forgive me for the pain my wife caused you. And call me ‘Dad’… not ‘Sir”.” His voice was gentle and tender.Looking at him with glistening eyes, Aadhya called out,“Dad!”. Her voice choked with overwhelming emotion.Nandu moved beside her and gently cradled her in his embrace, while Yeshwanth patted her head affectionately and said,“Thank you, dear! I feel proud to have you in our family”. Then, turning to Nandu, he commanded,“If I ever see you hurting her, I won’t hesitate to kick your ass. Understand?”. His voice carried unwavering determination.-  *KRISH*