chapter 7

Author's POVShiva entered the room and, hearing sobs, understood that his grandson was hiding in the cupboard. Taking a deep breath, he opened the cupboard to find little Aadhavan hugging his knees, crying. That scene struck a deep chord with his old memories of hiding under the bench and crying alone whenever he was bullied for being an orphan...Shiva released a deep sigh and offered a smile to Aadhavan, who gazed up at him, eyes brimming with tears."Aadhava....come out "The little boy shook his head, signalling a negative response. Shivashankar sat down in front of him, mirroring his posture, and let out a painful groan intentionally His primary concern now was his grandson, who was struggling to cope with the harsh truth revealed to him in such an uncertain manner."Ahh see you are increasing my back pain little boy"Shiva inquired, a playful smile on his lips as he raised his eyebrows."Neeinga en kela ukantheinga ???? ungaluku muthuku valikum nu theriyatha"(why did you sit down?? Don't you know you have back pain)Putting his sorrow aside, little Aadhavan enquired his grandfather. Shiva chuckled "Because of you boy...you weren't ready to come out of your den....sari come to Thatha..""Can I call you Thatha now????" Aadhavan asked him in his low voice..."OfCourse Aadhava you are my grandson...""They said Amma didn't give birth to me as Uyir athai did for Thulir and Issai maa did for Agathiyan... they said my appa and amma weren't mine, so how can I call you Thatha?.....I.....I am an or..orphaan" The little boy's voice cracked as he cried, without a moment's hesitation, Shiva lifted him and embraced the seven-year-old Aadhavan... Shiva wiped his tears..."You are not an orphan, Aadhava. You belong to this family that loves you dearly. Did you notice how your father and mother confronted that lady for causing you harm? How can you even think such things? You are my grandson, and the opinions of others do not matter to me because their words cannot alter our bond, understood?"Shiva was pacifying the crying Aadhavan ....the little boy nodded his head up and down agreeing with his grandfather "You are here, and I've been searching for you everywhere... What are you doing here? There's a lot of work that needs to be taken care of."Agathiyan's voice pulled Aadhavan out of his thoughts. As he turned, Aadhavan saw Agathiyan's intense stare directed at the watch in his grasp—the very watch that belonged to Shivashankar."Aadhavaa..."Agathiyan stepped closer and, with a tone of concern, called out to his brother. He had already guessed what might be on his mind."I don't want any issues today, Aaguu... especially not because of me."Aadhavan said taking a deep breath and wore that watch...Agathiyan placed his hand on his shoulder comforting his brother knowing what he trying to say."Aadhava... Nothing would happen; even if something went wrong, we would manage. Nothing will ever slip through our fingers, and we are not children to be swayed by those words. It's Raghav Thatha's decision... Do you think we can change it when Magi Appa and Perimaa didn't want to stop him?""The issue is that I can foresee the upcoming events, yet it seems you cannot. Mii and Paah did not oppose Thatha's decision, nor did they suggest postponing it until I at least complete my master's degree. This implies they want this turmoil to occur.""And Complete it once and for all today."Agathiyan completed his sentence, and Aadhavan signed and sat on the bed..."But why today....its Umaiyazh's birthday I surely don't want anything messing up my  little sister's birthday.....its her Special day why did they hold bent to make it like mine "He expressed his concerns. "Don't be a mood spoiler Aadhu...just Imagine the drama that will unfold today. And it will be fun to watch the savage side of our elders, especially Ammu and Tisya Atthe....it will be a blast and Umaiyazh surely not going to complain now or in future...maybe she will feel bad that she couldn't remember seeing such drama but no problem we can record it and save it for future "yeah, that's Thulir and both men knew it and rolled their eyes... "madam we are having a serious conversation  and you keep your jokes with you"Agathiyan retorted back Thulir chuckled hearing him confusing the brothers..."Thulirr...."Aadhavan called, already burdened, surely didn't need the added stress of their bickering on top of everything else.Thulir sat on the dressing table looked at the Duo and Smirked."Actually, I am more serious than both of you, especially Mr. Agathiyan, who will be the big fish in today's hunt. Aadhavan will just be the starter. I think your professions keep you too busy to remember the precarious edge you're on, and you could fall into it at any moment."Thulir said confusing the duo more....."Thulir say it clearly "Aadhavan asked ..."Okay, the clear description follows below....You Aadhavan Magilan the adopted and only son of Magilan and Tisya, Your maternal Grandfather decided to announce you as heir to all his business, This decision is likely to displease his grandfather's brother's family, even though they had no part in his success. They had previously divided their ancestral wealth equally before he embarked on his business venture using that as capital. Therefore, everything Raghav Thatha possesses is indeed the result of his hard work...And he wants to pass his legacy to his only daughter's only son.....he is right on his point...The problem here is you are the adoptive son and they want to use this single point against you and create an issue......Do you think this is the problem then you are wrong it will just open the door to even bigger chaos...This Man Agathiyan Aadhiran, the firstborn of our generation and son of Aadhiran and Innisai, My dear mother, Uyir, is the sole heiress of the Ramachandran Group of Industries....by her decision her heirship will pass to the firstborn that is Agathiyan...the issue here is the Wealth he inherits can never be shared between any of us ...it will solely belong to him and even if my mother wishes she can't change that terms.....along with that he also gets shares from what his father's hospital chain as well as the paternal wealth which we all have shares along with the share from his maternal grandfather Rudra......In simple terms, out of all ten of us, he is the most powerful and also holds the majority of shares. Sir abandoned business and now has chosen a career in the police force. Certainly, neither Innisai Athhai's side nor my Ammu will cause any trouble here.However, the same cannot be said for the other three maternal family members who would likely have more issues with Agathiyan inheriting so much, especially concerning you, Aadhava. This is because you only have to confront one family, whereas this individual must contend with attacks from three fronts...Observe how calm and inconsiderate your elder brother is, he's going to be entangled in a web of problems. So why are you taking it so seriously?"When Thulir finished her speech, leaving the brothers dumbfounded, she simply rolled her eyes and coolly drank the water.Now, both Agathiyan and Aadhavan were shocked, and they couldn't even deny her because those were the facts. Thulir might seem like a carefree and joyous chatterbox, but she knows and understands more than her other cousins. She also has the sensibility to completely change the mood according to her wishes.Perhaps she won't state the facts to you directly and clearly, but she will certainly persuade anyone to agree with her, even if it goes against their terms, much like her grandmother.....Agathiyan scoffed seeing her enjoying the turmoil of them "Don't you think even you will get to face the issue...Because even madam choose to be a professor ditching business" Thulir shook her head in disbelief...."I believe you've forgotten... I have two siblings. Thalir, who is interested in business, and Thuyavan, who is passionate about hockey and also assists Ammu with her publishing firm. My maternal and paternal families are the same, and they certainly won't involve me in the business and shares turmoil like others might... In fact, I am considered the fortunate one in our generation, while you bear the burden of overwhelming responsibilities ,complications and power......so sad "Thulir shook her head as if in sympathy."You"before Agathiyan continue Aadhavan intertwined both....."Just stop it, both of you... Thulir, I appreciate you thinking that a fact-check speech would help improve things, but let me tell you, your idea has miserably failed. My concern isn't the drama, it's that this is happening today, on my only sister's birthday. So please, no more stunts from your fighting. We're already swamped with many things... not today, people.Try to be civil, at least for today. Pretend you don't exist in the same space and don't you dare drag me into it."Aadhavan spoke with finality, observing the duo who were poised to grab each other's throats."Purincha rendu perukum "(Did you both Understood)He asked in common they both nodded their head agreeing with him....Aadhavan took a deep breath...calming himself he picked the coat and wore it before moving out he looked at both ..."Thulir Mii has set aside a bangle set for you in the cupboard. I asked this guy to give it to you yesterday, but he forgot and left it here. Please wear that one. Meanwhile, I'll check on the catering work and see if Papa's cake has arrived"he said the first to Thulir and the later one to Agathiyan and moved out leaving the duo alone......Thulir was now glaring at him..."Ena dii Moraikura"(What huh...why are you glaring at me dii )"Moraikama ena panatum ACP sir ah madila vachu konjava "(What more do you expect me to do, huh? Should I coddle ACP sir and utter sweet nothings to him)He smirked and drew her close by grasping her waist. she gasped at the sudden act of him...her eyes widened when his grip tightened and the distance between them erased....."I won't mind if you do that dii Theeni"Thulir gulped  hearing him....