Enchanted melody of our hearts

💝TYING THE KNOT(1)-CHAPTER-36

Meera pov:

As I approached, and called "appa" He turned, his face breaking into a warm smile the moment he saw me. "Meera ma," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "You still haven't gone to sleep, huh?"

I playfully glared at him, hands instinctively going to rest on my hips. "Coming from the man who insisted I take a pill just an hour ago? It's already past 10:30, Appa! Go to bed!"

He chuckled, patting the seat beside him on the garden chair. "Come, come," he coaxed. "Sit here for a bit."

 I settled down next to him, my gaze falling on the object in his hands – a photo album. A wave of nostalgia washed over me. Appa flipped through the pages, a smile gracing his lips. He stopped at a particular picture, his finger pointing at a much smaller version of myself.

"Do you remember this one, Meera?" he asked, his voice soft.

The picture showed me, babbling excitedly while Appa listened intently. I couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Yes, Appa," I said, "I remember this."

A warm smile spread across his face. "You were explaining how to draw an elephant," he reminisced. "You were just four, but you talked with confidence, even if your words were a little broken. And how you fussed over Naveen, always ensuring he had his milk and toys."

 I smiled at Appa, and he continued,"You know what, da?" he began, his voice taking on a sentimental lilt. "After anju and I got married, we had each other's backs through everything. She was my rock, my biggest supporter, but there was this one void..." He trailed off, a hint of sadness flickering in his eyes. "We longed for a child, Meera. For three whole years, we held onto that hope." He paused, taking a deep breath as if gathering his courage. "And then, you came into our lives. The day I first held you in my arms, Meera, it was like the world shifted on its axis. Suddenly, everything felt complete. It was like I had achieved everything I ever wanted." A choked chuckle escaped his lips. "You were our little miracle, Meera ma."

Tears welled up in my eyes, Without a word, I leaned my head against his shoulder "Don't cry, chellam(sweetheart)," Appa wrapped his arm around me gently. "I'm just happy to see you've grown up so well. You and Naveen... you both are my world."

"We know, Appa," I choked out, my voice thick with emotion. "We're so lucky to have you.  you've done so much for us. You've faced so many challenges and always kept us safe and happy." He looked at me with tear-filled eyes. "It's my duty as a father, Meera. But Seeing you so happy, so excited about starting your own family with Adrian, fills my heart with joy"

I nodded, wiping away the last remnants of tears from my cheeks. "I know, Appa, And I promise, I'll make you a proud father, just like you've always made me a proud daughter."

A watery smile graced his lips. "I do not doubt that, Meera ma. I do not doubt at all." We continued talking for a while longer, sharing stories and memories, both joyful and bittersweet. Now, let's both get some sleep. Tomorrow is a big day, and I want to see you glowing with happiness" I gave him a tight hug, reluctant to let go. "Goodnight, Appa. Thank you for everything."

"Goodnight, da," he whispered back, his voice thick with emotion. "And remember, I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

With a final squeeze, I pulled away and appa kissed my forehead, and I watched him walk back into the house, As I turned to head inside myself, a single tear rolled down my cheek, a tear not of sadness, but of the profound love and connection that bound me to my father. The wedding day was upon me, and with it, a new chapter in my life. But one thing was certain: the love and support of my family, both past and present, would forever be the guiding light on my path.