chapter 80

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!GChapter 80 :Breathing heavily, both Nandu and Akhil finally stepped back, their faces twisted with disgust, as if even looking at Rajveer polluted them.Taking Aadhya into his arms, Nandu gently buried her face into his chest, placing his chin on the top of her head. He closed his eyes, feeling a surge of relief for rescuing her from the humiliation that would have otherwise scarred her for life.His gaze then shifted towards Rajveer, dark and menacing. His voice turned cold as he instructed Gaurav,“Gaurav! By tomorrow morning, I want him bankrupt. I want his reputation destroyed, his status reduced to nothing. I want him on the streets with no dignity left. He should beg for survival for the rest of his miserable life. Make it happen”.The dangerous fire in his eyes left no room for disobedience.Turning back, Nandu wrapped a protective arm around Aadhya and led her towards the door—only to freeze upon seeing his mother standing there, her face pale, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. Overwhelming emotions flickered in his gaze.Gently, he pushed Aadhya towards Akhil, signaling him to take her away. Then, approaching his mother with aching guilt, he held her shoulders and asked, his voice thick with pain,“Mom… Are you okay?”.Saagarika’s composure finally crumbled. A lifetime of pride, dignity, and grace couldn't shield her from the disgust and humiliation she had faced. For the first time ever, she threw herself into Nandu’s arms and broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.“Nandu… I didn’t expect him to stoop so low”, she cried, her voice choking. “I don’t know what I would have done if that girl...”.She couldn't finish her sentence, the mortification too deep, too raw.Rubbing her back gently, Nandu soothed her, whispering,“Mom! No... Don't be disheartened. Don’t even think like that. We would never let anything happen to you. We are your sons, your strength, your shield. We’ll always be there for you. Please… don't cry”.His voice broke as he held her closer, struggling to keep his own tears at bay, seeing his mother so broken for the first time.After a moment, Akhil joined them, wrapping his arms around his mother from the other side, offering her the strength, confidence, and solace she so desperately needed.Together, Nandu and Akhil gently ushered Saagarika out of the building. As they stepped outside, they spotted Aadhya sitting on the ground, leaning against the car door. She clutched Nandu’s coat tightly to her chest, her eyes closed as if trying to compose herself from the horror she had just endured.A few steps away, Gaurav stood alert, keeping a watchful eye on her, ready to act at a moment’s notice.Nandu’s heart ached painfully as he watched Aadhya — so broken, so disoriented, so helpless and fragile. The sight of her, clutching onto his coat as if he were her only anchor, tore through him like a blade. He couldn't contain the emotions surging within him, each one echoing the torment she had endured. In that moment, he knew — only he could bring back her calm, only he could soothe the storm raging inside her.Nandu turned to Akhil, his voice low but urgent. “Akki… take Mom home, please”.Then, turning to his mother, he continued softly, his heart heavy,“Mom… I’m sorry I can’t come with you. I would have, but... my wife needs me now. I don’t know how I’m going to help her forget this nightmare, but I have to try. Please forgive me”. His words were filled with remorse.As he turned to walk towards Aadhya, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked back and found Saagarika gazing at him, her eyes shimmering with a mix of gratitude, sorrow, and guilt.“Nandu... take care of her”, she whispered, her voice trembling.-  *KRISH*