chapter 4

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 4 :Nandu continued feeding Parasuram with gentle affection, coaxing him to finish the soup completely. Afterward, he engaged in light conversation with Parasuram, ensuring he was at ease.Once Parasuram had taken his medicine, Nandu adjusted the bed to make him as comfortable as possible before letting him rest.Turning to Akhil, Nandu said,“Akki! Arrange for dinner to be brought to the room. Aadu isn’t going to leave uncle alone”.Akhil nodded in agreement and replied,“Yes, brother. I’ve already informed them. Dinner should arrive any moment now”.As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door. It opened to reveal a man carrying a food package, followed closely by another carrying a bag filled with plates.They placed everything on the table and arranged the settings, ensuring everything was ready for dinner before preparing to leave.Turning toward Aadhya, Nandu noticed her gazing out of the window, her eyes distant, lost in a world of her own. Shaking his head with a sigh, he gestured silently to Akhil, pointing toward her. Understanding his unspoken request, Akhil nodded and walked over to Aadhya. Taking a seat beside her, he gently placed a hand on her shoulder, startling her from her thoughts.Aadhya shifted her gaze to Akhil, noting the concern etched on his face. His voice was soft and coaxing as he implored,“Aadu! Come, let’s have dinner. You haven’t eaten anything since morning”.Lowering her head, Aadhya replied, her voice hoarse and strained, her eyes welling with fresh tears. “I’m not hungry. Please, go ahead”.Nandu, standing nearby, could hear the vulnerability in her tone, the tremor she tried so hard to mask. His heart ached at her pain, but he decided to give her the space she needed, hoping she would come to him when she was ready.Akhil, however, wasn’t ready to give up. Gently squeezing her shoulder, he continued to persuade her. “Aadu! Don’t you think Uncle would be disappointed if he wakes up tomorrow to find out you didn’t eat anything? Come on, just have a little something”. His words were soothing, his tone filled with brotherly affection.Reluctantly, Aadhya allowed him to help her to her feet. Akhil guided her to the table with gentle insistence, determined to ensure she took care of herself, even amidst the storm brewing in her heart.Once Aadhya took her seat, Nandu quietly served a portion of food onto her plate, hoping she would at least take a few mouthfuls. But she simply stirred the food with her spoon, her movements slow and detached. After taking only a few bites of rice, she rose to her feet and silently made her way to the small bed placed beside her father’s.Pausing for a moment, Aadhya cast a tender glance at her father before gently caressing his forehead. Without a word, she lay down on the bed, pulling the quilt over herself. She closed her eyes tightly, shutting out the world and making it clear she didn’t want to be disturbed.Nandu observed her every move in silence, his heart heavy with unspoken emotions. Letting out a quiet sigh, he stepped away from the table, sparing a stern glance at Akhil and Sid as if to urge them to finish their meal.As they complied, Nandu walked over to Aadhya’s bed. He stood there for a long moment, gazing at her with a mixture of worry and affection. Leaning down, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, his touch light and filled with unspoken reassurance. Without another word, he turned and left the room, hoping to find a moment’s peace to settle his restless mind.Later, Sid and Akhil retired to the adjacent room, their conversation subdued out of respect for the somber atmosphere. Nandu, meanwhile, settled himself on the couch in the same room as Aadhya and her father. Though the couch was far from ideal, he made himself comfortable, his exhaustion pulling him swiftly into a deep sleep. The weight of the day’s events pressed heavily on him, but for now, he surrendered to the much-needed respite of slumber.The next day ...Aadhya stirred in her sleep hearing the noice of voices disturbing her sleep. Though she struggled to ignore the voices which were entering her ears, she couldnt go back to sleep. Once her mind registered the familiar voice arguing with someone, Aadhya swiftly sat on the bed and opened her eyes making herself adjustable to the sun light illuminating into the room.The first thing her eyes caught was Nandu standing infront of an old man, his collar was roughly held by an old man, his face furious and was about to lashout on Nandu.- *KRISH*Hey my lovely readers!A very happy and prosperous new year to all  readers,  staff of Pratilipi and to my co writers. I hope this year brings the bright life to each and every one blossoming with happiness and make your dreams come true.I expect the same support and encouragement from you people to achieve a significant place in the writers society. Thank you.