Bodyguard of the Heiress

Chapter 49

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Hey Lovelies,

Manichu for the delay, konjam caught with the personal work athan.

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Rudhran

I disconnect the call from Raj and place my mobile back on the bedside table. I caress Tharan's head and kiss his forehead as Tina watches me with a confusion maring her forehead. I throw the quilt aside, get off the bed and walk up to the balcony, opening the french doors, stepping out. My parents are back in India but they didn't call me or even Raj to inform prior.

They were good and supportive towards Jeevitha and even helped me out along with Raj to save her from her marriage but until I married her. They immediately turned cold towards her and were not ready to accept a broken woman as their daughter-in-law and with Tharan they just stayed cordial, they neither hated him nor loved him.

It was difficult for us until Tharan turned five as they never spoke with Jeevitha, ate with us together at the dining table. On his fifth birthday night, they wantedly came forward and celebrated it grandly and at the end Mom demanded a grandchild of their own.

"Thooran Harshavardhan, antha pera nee avanuku koduthuta, aana intha naal varaikum naanga avana oru Harshavardhan ah ethukala. Inaikku intha birthday party oru sample dhaan, intha mari ella varushamum naanga Jeevitha vai yum Tharan aiyum ethukanum na, engaluku oru perano pethiyo venum, unooda sontha varisa venum." (You gave him the name Thooran Harshavardhan, but till date, we haven't accepted him as a Harshavardhan. This birthday party is just a sample. If you want this to continue for every year and we accept both Jeevitha and Tharan, give us a grandchild of your own.)

I was irritated by my parents' demand but I was shocked by Jeevitha's acceptance.

"Avanga ennaiyum Tharan ah yum accept panikala na kooda paravala, avanga unkita yum thaane seriya pesa matranga. Avangaloda orey paiyan ah prinju irukurathu evlo kastama irukum avangalum. Tharan en vitu piriya kudathu nu thaane namma marriage panikitom. Avanga asaipadurathu ku othukurathu la entha thappum illa la." (If they are not just accepting Tharan and me, It could have been fine but they are not talking with you too. It will be hurtful for them to stay away from their only son. Even we got married to keep Tharan with me. So there is nothing wrong in accepting what they demand.)

We tried our level best to come close together but we always failed. Jeevitha was the only girl in the boys gang, she was typically a Tom boy, hanging around with us. Jeevs was our bro and even Raj never looked at her in the wrong way. We secretly tried artificial insemination, none from our family knew that, including Raj. After two failed attempts, she got pregnant but before she could inform she passed away in the accident.

It was not completely three months after her death, when my parents started to bring profiles of girls for me to marry. They were stressing me to send Tharan back to Prakash or to a residency school. When I was persistent against their efforts they left for the US, almost cutting ties with me. I have always had the doubt that my parents are behind Prakash suddenly claiming Tharan's custody. Them returning within three days of my fake marriage with Tina is not sitting well, too.

A touch on my shoulder brings me out of the trance and Tina comes into my view. "Sorry, I was calling you but you didn't reply," I nod my head. "Who was on the call?"

"Raj... My parents are returning in a while," I look into the open landscape as the Sun peeks through the horizon.

"It's good that they are finally coming to meet you," She leans on the railing and looks at my face, "But you seem worried."