chapter 82

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!GChapter 82 :Nandu was taken aback. Her question hit him hard. She was questioning her worth, feeling unworthy of his love after what had happened. Ignoring the pain squeezing his own heart, he gently cupped her shoulders and spoke with unwavering love.“Aadu... even if he had ravished you, I would still see you as my angel. My princess. My love for you will never fade… never lessen. Nothing in this world could make me see you any differently”.Aadhya vigorously shook her head, sobs racking her body. “No… I can’t forget his filthy hands on me”, she cried out, her voice raw with despair. “I feel dirty… disgusted.”Nandu froze, his heart breaking at her anguish. Emotions warred on his face—rage, sorrow, helplessness—but above all, love. After a silent beat, he gently rose to his feet and scooped her into his arms. She gasped softly in surprise but didn’t resist.He carried her to their room, entered the bathroom, and carefully helped her to stand. Without a word, he turned on the shower, letting the water cascade over them. Then, facing her beneath the stream, he gently cupped her tear-streaked face in his palms. His voice was tender, coaxing, and deeply sincere.“Aadu!”, he whispered,“you are the light of my life—the one who brightens my world with nothing but your presence. No matter what we face, no matter what darkness touches us, my love for you will never fade. Let me help you feel clean again... not just in body, but in heart. Let me remind you of the love that’s yours—forever”.He paused, waiting for her eyes to meet his. When they finally did, filled with uncertainty and vulnerability, she gave a subtle nod—seeking his comfort. With reverent care, Nandu began to undress her, his touch respectful, never rushed. Then, he stripped down himself, and together they stood beneath the warm water, the steam wrapping around them like a protective veil.Aadhya instinctively crossed her arms over her chest and lowered her head, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.Nandu reached for the body wash, then gently lifted her chin.“There’s no need to feel shy in front of me, Aadu!”, he said softly. “We are two souls bound as one. You are my everything—and there’s nothing in you that’s ever hidden or unworthy in my eyes. Let me show you what your love means to me… let me cherish you”.With careful, soothing movements, he lathered the body wash in his hands and began to cleanse her, not out of passion, but with profound love and reverence. Every stroke of his hands was a silent promise—a vow to protect, to honor, to love without condition. Aadhya closed her eyes, letting the shame and pain slowly dissolve beneath the gentle rhythm of his touch.Once they rinsed off, he wrapped her in a soft towel, then secured another around his waist. Lifting her once again, he carried her back to their room and laid her down on the bed with utmost care.As he caressed her cheek, his voice quivered with emotion. “Aadu! I love you more than words can say. Never doubt your worth—not for a moment. If anyone should feel insecure, it’s me. I’ve done nothing to deserve a heart as pure as yours. Yet here you are, loving me, blessing my life. I’m the luckiest man alive”.He placed a tender kiss on her forehead before continuing, “Let me show you that love once more... not to erase what happened, but to remind you of who you are—of what we are”.And so, with infinite gentleness, he poured his love into every kiss, every touch, every word. There was no haste, no demand—only reverence and affection. Slowly, Aadhya let herself melt into his embrace, her pain dulled by the warmth of his love. The nightmare that haunted her began to fade, replaced by the certainty of his unwavering devotion.Exhausted but at peace, she drifted into a deep slumber in his arms.Later, Nandu slipped out of bed, quietly making his way to the kitchen. He wanted to prepare something for her—something warm, something comforting—before she awoke with a hungry stomach and, hopefully, a lighter heart.-  *KRISH*