Kalaba Kadhala | Part 1

Chapter 17

Italics- translation

"Anu..."

She swallowed hard, fighting the emotions that threatened to spill over. He rushed toward her, and she stayed rooted to the spot, torn between the urge to embrace him and the wall she had built around her heart.

Aditya's arms enveloped her, pulling her into a tight hug. A deep sigh escaped him, a sound filled with relief and joy. "You're really back," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

"Annai..." she managed, her voice barely a whisper.

He pulled away to look at her, and she felt his gaze searching for answers in her eyes. "You've changed so much," he said softly, but the joy in his expression was pure, bright like sunlight breaking through clouds. "And yet, you're still my little sister."

Anushka forced a smile, the corners of her mouth twitching as her heart clenched tightly. She wanted to tell him how much she missed him, to scream it out loud. Instead, she looked past him and caught sight of a small figure peeping from behind Aditya's long legs.

"Kaashi!" she exclaimed, hiding her discomfort with a rush of affection. The little boy came bounding forward, a whirlwind of energy, and she knelt down to his level.

"Athae!" (Aunty)  he squealed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. His tiny arms wrapped around her neck in a hug that melted the ice encasing her heart. Anushka chuckled, the sound genuine this time, as she ruffled the boy's hair. Kaashi was her little sunshine, a reminder of family and the innocence of childhood that still thrived despite her bitterness.

Aditya smiled, a proud look on his face as he watched the two of them. His expression softening as he took a step back, allowing them their moment. The rest of the family also felt delighted seeing a genuine smile on her face at last.

Anushka's heart felt a little lighter, if only for a few seconds. The warmth of family surrounded her, filling the hollow spaces left behind by her mother's absence. Perhaps there was still a little room for joy within her, somewhere beneath the layers of bitterness and sorrow.

Aditya made his way to his father's room and his father was already awaiting him, sleepless.

Deva looked at Aditya, his sharp eyes assessing not just the boy who stood before him, but the man he had transformed into.

"How did it go?" Deva asked, his voice steady but tinged with the familiar worry that threaded through their conversations.

"It's done, Appa" (Father) Aditya replied, his tone firm. "I met him personally. He'll help us"

"Ava eppidiyana aal?" (What kind of a person is he?"

"He's a bit arrogant Appa... but a man of his word. Aana kopam koncham adhikam". (He's got anger issues) Aditya said making and they both let out a brief chuckle.

"Did you get him settled?"

"Yea... and He'll come to see you tomorrow, then you can ask him to stay here if you want. Because he denied when I asked". Aditya suggested.

"Hmm..." Deva's gaze sharpened. "Did you met Anushka?"

"Yes," Aditya replied smiling. "She's in the garden with Kashi, playing."

Deva's brow furrowed. "I hope she's all right. She's different, Aditya. Since she came back, it seems like she's carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.... Ava romba maari poch" (She has changed)

"I noticed that too," Aditya admitted, his heart sinking at his father's concern. "But we have to give her time Appa. Coming back can't be easy for her."