chapter 36

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 36 :As he turned to leave, his gaze landed on a silhouette standing just a few feet away.His stomach dropped.Akhil.Nandu’s eyes widened in horror as he watched Akhil staring at the back door, his brows furrowed in curiosity. A moment later, Akhil turned to Nandu, and a slow, mischievous grin spread across his face. He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.Heat rushed to Nandu’s face as embarrassment crashed over him. He quickly averted his gaze and cleared his throat before walking toward Akhil.“Akki! What are you doing here?”, he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.Beaming widely, Akhil teased,“Oh, sorry! Did I disturb you? I should have been quieter, I might have gotten the chance to witness your romance, isn’t it?”. His eyes twinkled with mischief.“Akki!”, Nandu groaned, his face turning an even deeper shade of red. “It’s nothing like what you’re thinking! I was just… just talking to her”, he blurted out, but his stammering completely betrayed his facade.“Oh! Really?”, Akhil drawled, his voice dripping with mischief. “Then why is Aadhya running away with a flushed face as if she just got caught doing something she shouldn’t?”. His playful smirk widened as he watched the deepening redness on his brother’s face.Nandu shook his head, his face burning with embarrassment. Without another word, he lightly punched Akhil’s arm and retorted,“Akki! This is not how you tease your brother!”.Still smiling shyly, he threw an arm around Akhil’s shoulder and dragged him along.“Come on, let’s go”.Laughing loudly at his brother’s antics, Akhil followed without any protest, thoroughly enjoying the moment.Later, Akhil seized the opportunity to meet his father alone when no one was around. Without warning, he dragged Yeshwanth out of the house to the nearest garden. Surprised by his son’s sudden actions, Yeshwanth followed without protest, sensing that Akhil had something important to discuss.Once they reached the garden, Akhil turned to his father, placing his hands on his hips. “Dad! Do you even realize what you’re doing?”, he accused, his face showing mock anger. “You’re busy having fun with your kids in this peaceful atmosphere, but have you ever thought about your newly married son?”.Yeshwanth’s eyes widened as he stared at his son in confusion, his mouth slightly open.“Akki! What are you talking about? Didn’t we come here to stay with him for a while?”, he asked, his voice laced with contemplation.Crossing his arms over his chest, Akhil maintained a straight face. “Dad! After meeting Aadhya, have you ever heard of Nandu clinging to his old flings?”, he asked, his voice steady and unwavering.Yeshwanth pondered his son’s words before shaking his head. “No! Nandu completely abandoned his old lifestyle after falling for Aadhya. I haven’t heard of him chasing after anyone else since then. But why are you bringing this up?”, he asked, curiosity and suspicion creeping into his tone.Leaning closer, Akhil said,“Don’t you see how smitten Nandu is with Aadhya? Don’t you think it’s time they take their relationship to the next step?”. His voice was filled with empathy.Yeshwanth looked at Akhil in puzzlement for a moment before realization struck him like lightning. His mouth fell open, and he exclaimed,“Oh my goodness! I never even thought about it!”. Smacking his forehead, he shook his head, feeling foolish for overlooking something so obvious.“Dad!”, Akhil called out, placing a reassuring hand on his father’s shoulder. “Aadhya doesn’t have a mother. Her father is the only family she has. When we return to the city, do you think he can speak to Nandu or Aadhya about organizing the occasion? Shouldn’t you, as elder, take the first step to speak with Aadu's grandparents?”.Yeshwanth nodded, sighing deeply. “Hmm! I really became oblivious to everything. I was too caught up in the peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by love and affection. But you’re right”, he admitted, his voice tinged with contemplation. “How should I make it happen now?”.“Dad! Please calm down!”, Akhil urged gently, his voice steady yet reassuring. After a brief pause, he continued, “This is the perfect opportunity to speak with Grandpa and Grandma and organize the event. But remember, Brother made a promise to Aadhya, he vowed that their first night would unfold just as she wished, beneath the swaying coconut trees in the groves, bathed in the soft glow of the full moon. Tomorrow is the full moon night, so we must make all the arrangements without them suspecting a thing”.Frowning, Yeshwanth looked at Akhil suspiciously and questioned,“How do you know this? Were you eavesdropping on them?”. His voice was steady and strict.“Dad!”, Akhil gasped in disbelief at the accusation. “How can you think so low of me? Why would I spy on them?”. He sighed, shaking his head. “This came up during an incident at the company when Aadhya was working as an intern. I happened to be there with them”. His voice carried a hint of disappointment at being doubted.“Oh!”, Yeshwanth gave him a sheepish smile before saying,“Sorry, my child. I’m not doubting you. But tell me, how should we bring this up with the elders?”. He looked into the distance, lost in thought, contemplating a plan to approach them.“Dad! Just go and speak to Grandfather. Everything will fall into place in his way. What do you say?”, Akhil encouraged him with a confident smile.Smacking Akhil's forehead playfully, Yeshwanth chuckled,“I never thought my sons would grow up so fast”. His voice was filled with fondness as he pulled Akhil into a warm hug.After sharing a moment, they left the garden, discussing their plans as they walked back toward the house.-  *KRISH*Hey my lovely readers!I understand that the story might feel like it's slowing down, but I want to weave in some heartfelt drama and lively moments in the village before the couple returns to the city to face the storm that awaits them. So keep reading and immerse yourself in the journey ahead!Love,SUJANA.