UNSPOKEN BONDS

PROLOGUE

© archanaj1308 2024. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.

THIRD PERSON POV

The annual family picnic was set at a picturesque park just outside Mumbai, in Lodha Palava Lakeshore Greens, a tradition that had brought the close-knit group together for years. The Mehtas had a villa there, apart from having an apartment in Mulund, Mumbai.

The sprawling green lawns, dotted with colorful picnic blankets and lively conversations, were filled with laughter and the aroma of delicious food.

All the youngsters—Ashwin, Ashwathy, Samarth, Amritha, Gayatri, Dhwani, Chinmay, Shruti, Sejal, Ashwin's close friend Rishi, Kriti, and her sister Rathi, who is also Sejal's best friend—were present.

Sejal was over the moon about Sam being with Kriti, and it had been two years of them growing stronger together.

Samarth stood with Kriti, discussing her latest music recital while keeping an eye on Ammu. He noticed she seemed particularly anxious, glancing at Ashwin every now and then. It was unlike her to be so distracted, but before he could think further, Ashwin gestured for Ammu to join him a little distance away from the crowd.

“Ammu, can we talk?” Ashwin asked, his tone serious yet gentle.

She nodded, following him to a quieter spot near a cluster of trees. Samarth watched from afar, curiosity piqued, and decided to follow them discreetly.

"Ammu," Ashwin began, taking a deep breath, "we’ve known each other our whole lives. I’ve always appreciated you and honestly, I was a douche to turn a gem like you down and I regret it. I want to be the lucky one who has you by his side. Will you give me a chance? Will you go out with me?”

Samarth, who had approached to call them for another round of Karaoke session, overheard the conversation. A mix of shock and anger flashed across his face as he listened to Ashwin's heartfelt proposal.

Ammu looked at Ashwin, her eyes wide with surprise. “Ashwin, this is so sudden. I don’t know what to say…”

Before she could respond further, Samarth stepped out from his hiding spot, his face a mask of barely contained fury. “Ammu, why didn’t you tell me about this?” he demanded, his voice low but intense.

Ammu looked up, startled by the vehemence in his tone. "Sam, I wanted to, but... I was scared of your reaction."

“Scared of my reaction? I’m your best friend, Ammu! You always liked Ashwin, my first cousin, one out of 3 of my pals, and you never told me, my best friend fell for my brother and she didn't tell me. You had so many chances,” he said, his voice rising. “Do you have any idea how it feels to find out like this?”

Ammu stood up, her frustration boiling over. “Yes, it was Ashwin I mentioned before. Why are you feeling bad about me not telling you? I was scared about your reaction. And when I did want to share it with you, you were too busy with Kriti. She doesn’t like me, Sam, and she’s keeping you away from me as if I’m going to wreck your relationship.”

Samarth’s face hardened. “Enough, Ammu. Enough with your excuses. Don’t you dare accuse Kriti. Ashwathy and Sejal were right about you. You’re an attention-seeking hoe who likes to attract guys, whether it’s me, Ashwin, or Chinmay.”

Ammu’s face fell, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Sam, that’s not fair…”

But Samarth turned on his heel and walked away, leaving her standing there, stunned and heartbroken. His words echoed in his mind, and regret began to seep in, but his anger and sense of betrayal kept him moving forward.

As Ammu watched Samarth's retreating figure, she turned to Ashwin, her voice trembling. “Ashwin, you’re a good friend and I value you and that a lot. We’re good friends, so let’s keep it at that. I’m sorry to turn you down and I hope and pray you find someone who understands the essence of your being, someone who’ll love you unconditionally and who you’ll love unconditionally. I’m sorry that I am not that girl and I can’t be.”

Ashwin took it in the right spirit, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding. “I understand, Ammu. Thank you for being honest.”

With a heavy heart, Ammu walked straight to her car. She sent a message to Chinmay, Dhwani, and Gayatri, informing them that she was leaving. As she prepared to drive off, her phone buzzed with messages from Ashwathy and Sejal.

“It’s good that Sam showed you your real place, Ammu,” Sejal's message read with a smirk emoji. “He deserves better, not someone like you who’s always seeking attention.”

Ashwathy’s message followed, “You’re just a bore, stuck and trying to attract guys. I don’t know what our families see in you.”

Ammu stood silently, absorbing their harsh words. The pain of Samarth’s accusations and the cruel comments from Ashwathy and Sejal weighed heavily on her heart. She looked over at Samarth one last time, seeing him stick around with Kriti, and wondered how everything had gone so wrong so quickly.

The once joyous picnic ended with a lingering sense of tension and unresolved feelings, setting the stage for the tumultuous journey that lay ahead for Ammu and Samarth.

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### Author's Notes A/N

Hi everyone,

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this chapter of "Unspoken Bonds." I hope you enjoyed the drama and intensity of Ammu and Samarth's story. Your support means the world to me, and I'm thrilled to share this journey with you all.

Please stay tuned for the upcoming chapters as we dive deeper into the complexities of their relationships, the twists and turns of their lives, and the unspoken emotions that bind them together. There's so much more to come, and I can't wait for you to read it!

Don't forget to like, share, and comment. Your feedback and encouragement keep me motivated to continue writing. If you have any thoughts or predictions, feel free to share them in the comments – I'd love to hear from you!

Thank you again for your support, and stay tuned for more!

Happy reading!

Archana. J .
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