chapter 8

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 8 :Everyone took their seats around Parasuram. Aadhya settled on the other side of the bed beside her father, while Nandu took the chair next to them.After some lighthearted chatter, Parasuram turned to Aadhya with a gentle plea.“Aadu! Why don’t you take them home? They came directly to the hospital. Let them freshen up and get some rest”, he urged, his voice soft and caring.Aadhya hesitated, glancing at her father. “Dad! How can I leave you alone?”, she asked, her voice tinged with concern.Nandu stood, his tone firm yet reassuring. “Aadu! Don’t worry. I’ll stay with Uncle and take care of him. You don’t need to worry while I’m here. Take them home. Akhil will drive you all”, he said, his determination evident.At that moment, Akhil, who had been standing at the door with Sid, interrupted with a dramatic sulk.“Oh! So you only remember me when you need a ride for my best friend but not to introduce me to our new family members? Don’t I deserve the love and affection of our grandparents too?”. he accused playfully.Aadhya couldn’t help but chuckle at his childish behavior. Raising her hand, she gestured for him to come closer. Nandu, shaking his head with a fond smile, walked toward them.Patting Akhil on the shoulder, Nandu teased him gently. “You’ve grown up, man. Try behaving like an adult instead of a kid”, he said with mock sternness before turning to Sid. “Come on, you too”.Returning to the group, Nandu made the introductions, ensuring everyone was acquainted. Afterward, Akhil agreed to drive the family home, and despite her hesitation, Aadhya finally decided to accompany them.As they left, the atmosphere remained warm and filled with a sense of newfound connection, leaving Parasuram with a content smile and Nandu keeping a watchful eye.Parasuram stayed in the hospital for three more days under the doctor’s observation, accompanied by Nandu. Nandu remained by his side, hesitant to return home with Aadhya.Anxiety gnawed at him—he couldn’t predict her reaction to seeing him in her house, especially in her room. Though Aadhya wasn’t outwardly furious with him, she maintained a noticeable distance, keeping interactions formal and brief.Nandu silently resolved to address the unspoken tension between them, but only after Parasuram’s discharge. For now, Aadhya seemed too preoccupied—restless over her father’s health and overwhelmed with the newly reunited family. He didn’t want to add to her burdens.Finally, the day of Parasuram’s discharge arrived. Aadhya, with Akhil’s help, packed their belongings and loaded everything into the car, including Nandu’s suitcase that Akhil had fetched from their home.As Parasuram prepared to leave the hospital room, Nandu approached him, taking his hand gently. With a voice filled with concern, he said,“Uncle! Please take care of yourself and make sure to take your medicines on time. I know Aadu might get caught up in things but wouldn’t neglect your health, but I couldn’t help cautioning you”.Parasuram, taken aback, raised an eyebrow and asked,“Nandu! Why are you speaking like this? It sounds like you’re not coming with us. Why are you acting as if you’re going somewhere else?”. His voice carried a mix of suspicion and curiosity.Nandu hesitated for a moment before replying, his tone steady and deliberate,“Uncle! Let Aadu settle down first. She’s been through so much with all that’s happened, and your sudden health scare only added to her stress. Once you’re home and she’s more at ease, I’ll come and join you. For now, let me leave. I’ll stay in my apartment for the time being”.His words were calm, but his determination was clear.-  *KRISH*