chapter 6

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 6 :Startled, Aadhya and Nandu turned swiftly toward the bed. Parasuram had awakened, his frail form struggling to sit upright. Concern etched across her face, Aadhya rushed to his side, gently easing him back onto the bed.“Dad! please rest”, she urged, holding him steady. Nandu stepped forward, adjusting the pillows to ensure his comfort.Parasuram's gaze lingered on the elders before shifting to Aadhya. With a soft yet firm tone, he began to speak, his words tinged with both reproach and wisdom.“Aadu! Is this how I raised you? Is this how you treat your elders? They are your mother's parents, and their concerns come from a place of love and duty. As a father of a daughter, I can understand their perspective. Wherever your mother’s soul resides, she would not find peace seeing you disrespect her parents”.His voice grew steadier, carrying the weight of his unwavering principles.“Go to them, Aadu. Apologize sincerely. This is not about who is right or wrong; it is about upholding the values your mother cherished and taught you”.Aadhya's heart clenched at his gentle reprimand, his words resonating deeply. Placing her trembling hand on Parasuram’s shoulder, Aadhya choked out, her voice thick with emotion,“Dad... how can you forgive those who humiliated you, who shattered your dignity at every turn? How can you be so kind-hearted to the very people who tried to take your own daughter away from you, when you were already drowning in the anguish of losing Mom?”.Her voice cracked, laden with agony and anguish, her words reflecting the storm of pain and confusion swirling within her. Tears glistened in her eyes as she struggled to comprehend her father’s boundless compassion.Tapping her hand gently, the one resting on his shoulder, Parasuram offered a warm, reassuring smile. His eyes held a glimmer of understanding as he began to speak, his voice calm and steady.“Aadu! I understand your pain, but I too am a father of a daughter. If I didn’t know Nandu as I do now, I might have reacted the same way they did. Their actions, though harsh, come from a place of love and protectiveness. One day, when you become a mother, you’ll understand the fierce, all-consuming desire to shield your child from harm, even if it means making difficult decisions”.He paused, his gaze softening as he continued,“Don’t let their hostility toward me stop you from embracing them. They are your maternal grandparents—the only family your mother left behind for you. Honor her memory by treating them with the love, respect, and warmth they deserve. Go to them, Aadu. Apologize, not because you were wrong, but because you understand the deeper threads that bind relationships. Show them the affection they long for from you”.His words, laced with encouragement and wisdom, gently urged her to see beyond the surface and recognize the hidden nuances of family bonds.Realizing the depth of the  meaning behind her fathers words, Aadhya looked toward the elders, her eyes filling with remorse, ready to honor her father's guidance and bridge the chasm that fate had created between their two families.Nandu stood in awe of Parasuram's wisdom, marveling at the grace with which he diffused the tension and guided Aadhya toward the right path. His heart swelled with pride and joy, grateful for the privilege of knowing such an extraordinary man.“Uncle!”, Nandu began, his voice gentle yet steady, carrying a profound sense of respect. “I am truly honored to know you. Your wisdom and compassion inspire me deeply. It fills me with pride to be a part of your family, and I look forward to your guidance in navigating life with integrity and understanding the true value of relationships”.His words, filled with reverence and admiration, reflected his heartfelt gratitude for Parasuram’s strength and the lessons he imparted, lessons that would undoubtedly shape their lives for the better.-  *KRISH*