After seeing Nisha off to school, Ahalya decided to take a much-needed break from work, relishing the opportunity for a peaceful nap. Meanwhile, Ashwath sat absorbed in the latest updates on Dootha News channel, occasionally glancing out the window at the gathering storm clouds, portending an imminent downpour. As raindrops began to splatter against the windowpane, he swiftly rose from his seat and made his way room.
Upon entering their bedroom, Ashwath noticed Ahalya deeply enveloped in slumber, her features relaxed and serene. His then turned to the clothes hanging on the terrace. With a sense of urgency, he gathered the damp garments and carried them downstairs to their bedroom. There, he carefully deposited them on a nearby chair before methodically folding and arranging each item into the cupboard.
Outside, the rain intensified into a torrent, the sound of heavy drops drumming against the window adding to the cozy ambiance indoors. Ahalya stirred abruptly, her peaceful sleep disrupted by a sudden realization.
"Oh no," she exclaimed in a mix of surprise and dismay, her voice laden with concern, "I left the clothes hanging upstairs."
Ashwath, who had preemptively rescued and neatly organized the clothes, couldn't help but chuckle at her startled awakening,
" Oh no. "
Meeting his amused gaze, Ahalya offered a grateful smile before sinking back onto the bed, her eyes closing in contentment. "Thank you," she murmured softly, her voice tinged with relief.
Undeterred by the storm outside, Ashwath's playful spirit was evident as he gently tugged at Ahalya's sheets, suggesting, "Come on, it's Sunday and it's pouring. Let's whip up some hot snacks and enjoy a movie indoors."
Ahalya playfully pulled the sheets back over her head, her voice muffled but amused. "Just ten more minutes," she pleaded, clearly relishing the comfort of their cozy bedroom retreat.
Ashwath left the room with a grin, already envisioning a spread of delicious homemade treats and a stack of their favorite films. The rhythmic patter of rain against the windows seemed to echo his anticipation for a relaxed day together, filled with warmth and shared moments.
After a few minutes, Ahalya woke up refreshed and headed to the washroom to freshen up. When she emerged, she found Ashwath in the kitchen, busily preparing some fries. He stood there, fully engaged in his task, wearing a kitchen apron and holding a spoon with a playful air.Ahalya leaned against the doorway, a soft smile playing on her lips as she watched him lovingly. Ashwath sensed her presence and turned towards her, his face lighting up with a wide grin. He extended his hand theatrically and bowed playfully.
"Come in, Your Grace,"
he exclaimed in a mock royal manner.
Ahalya played along, feigning regal indifference. "What's special on the menu today, cook?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow with mock seriousness.
Ashwath chuckled and raised the spoon in his hand as if it were a royal scepter. "Cook, huh? Come here," he teased, stepping closer.
In a playful response, Ahalya giggled and attempted to evade him, dancing out of reach. Ashwath joined in the game, pretending to chase her around the kitchen with the spoon raised in mock threat. Their laughter filled the air as they enjoyed the spontaneous moment of fun and affection.
As Ashwath prepared the snacks, both settled comfortably on the lounge in front of the TV, deliberating on which movie to watch.
"What will we watch?" Ahalya asked, scanning through the options on the screen.
"How about a thriller?" Ashwath suggested, intrigued by suspenseful plots.
"In such good weather, let's watch a comedy," Ahalya countered, preferring light-hearted entertainment.
Ashwath countered with a mischievous smile, "How about a horror movie?"
Ahalya shot him an annoyed look. "Seriously?"
"Action?" Ashwath suggested another genre."
Let's just watch a rom-com, a good one with a happy ending," Ahalya insisted, wanting to settle on something light and feel-good.
"Okay, wait, I'll search," Ashwath finally agreed, both settling on a compromise.
As they settled into the movie, Ashwath rested his head on Ahalya's lap, and she gently played with his hair. They watched the romantic comedy together, occasionally pausing to discuss the characters and scenes, sharing laughter over the humorous moments.The day passed pleasantly, the cozy atmosphere and shared moments.
After the movie ended, the rain had not yet abated. Ahalya, feeling the urge to revel in the downpour, grabbed Ashwath's hand and led him upstairs to the terrace. She dashed out into the open, arms outstretched, and tilted her face upward, letting the raindrops wash over her, exhilaration evident in her voice.
"Come on!" she called out to Ashwath, her laughter blending with the patter of raindrops.
"No, you go ahead and play," Ashwath declined with a smile, staying under the shelter of the terrace roof.
"Why not? It's rare to have such beautiful rain," Ahalya insisted, twirling around with infectious joy.
"I just don't like rain," Ashwath replied, shaking his head.
"How can anyone hate rain?" Ahalya teased, her playful expression turning thoughtful as she danced alone in the rain.
After a moment, she turned back to him with a mischievous grin. "At least bring an umbrella!"
"Wait, I'll get one," Ashwath agreed, heading downstairs. He rummaged through the cupboard and found a black umbrella. Returning to the terrace, he opened it with a flourish, but to his dismay, the umbrella's top section split from the rod and flew off into the air. With a quick reflex, Ashwath managed to catch it mid-air, then reattached it to the umbrella frame.
"Hold this for yourself." Ahalya called out, thoroughly enjoying the rain shower.
"Fine, fine," Ashwath chuckled. Despite his initial reluctance, he couldn't help but smile at Ahalya's infectious delight as they both stood in the rain.
After the rain subsided, they descended from the terrace, both slightly damp from their playful time in the rain. Ashwath grabbed a towel and gently began to rub Ahalya's hair, helping to dry it off as they laughed together.
"If you catch a cold, you might end up taking a sick leave tomorrow for real," Ashwath teased, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Nothing will happen," Ahalya replied, turning her face away with a smile, her voice filled with confidence.
Ashwath continued to dry her hair, enjoying the moment of closeness and shared laughter after their spontaneous adventure in the rain. The towel was warm and comforting against her skin, and Ahalya couldn't help but feel grateful for these simple, intimate moments they shared together.
As Ashwath gently dried Ahalya's hair, their daughter Nisha suddenly burst into the room, her school uniform soaked and tears streaming down her cheeks.
"What happened, dear?" Ashwath asked with concern, gently wiping away Nisha's tears.
"I'm drenched," Nisha sobbed, shivering slightly from the cold.
"Achoo! Ahalya, bring a towel," Ashwath called out.
"Wait a minute," Ahalya replied calmly, heading to their room to fetch a towel. She returned promptly, handing it over to Ashwath who immediately began drying Nisha's wet hair and clothes.
"It's okay, sweetheart. Look, even I got drenched. Rain can be so beautiful," Ahalya comforted Nisha, rubbing her back soothingly.
"I hate rain," Nisha cried out, still upset.
"Like father, like daughter," Ahalya whispered to herself with a gentle smile, noticing the similarity in their aversion to rain.
YOU ARE READING
THE END
Acción" What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from." -T.S. Eliot In the enigmatic town of Kshaya lurks a figure shrouded in infamy: SHAITAN, the most wanted criminal whose true id...
