After a while, Krishna left and Vrindha stood by the window watching his car disappear down the road. A feeling of longing settled in her chest, one that had both confused and frustrated her. She couldn't pinpoint why thoughts of him is stirring irritation alongside desire, a blend of emotions that felt both thrilling and unsettling.
Lost in her thoughts, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. Turning around, she found her sister-in-law Subhadra, looking at her with concern etched across her face.
Subhadra : What's going on ?
Subhadra asked and her voice is a soft inquiry filled with genuine worry.
Vrindha shook her head and a small smile is playing on her lips but not quite reaching her eyes.
Vrindha : It's nothing, really.
she replied eventhough the weight of her feelings lingered heavily in the air. She walked downstairs hoping the movement would clear her mind.
As she descended, she spotted her mother Parvathi, pacing the living room, her brows are furrowed in deep concern. The sight of her mother's anxious demeanor sent a jolt of worry through Vrindha.
Vrindha : What happened amma ?
she asked by rushing towards her.
Parvathi glanced up and her expression is grave.
Parvathi : I just got a call from your mama (uncle) . Your amamma (grandmother) is in critical condition. We need to visit her immediately.
Vrindha's heart sank at the news. A wave of anxiety washed over her and she felt a rush of urgency. Her grandmother is a leukaemia patient. Who is undergoing multiple treatments.
Vrindha : Let's go.
she replied and her voice is steady despite the turmoil inside her.
In an instant, the family sprang into action. Arjun, Subhadra, Shankar and Parvathi hurriedly gathered their things, the atmosphere is shifting from lightheartedness to an urgent sense of purpose. Vrindha felt a surge of responsibility. she needed to be strong for everyone.
They piled into the car and the tension is palpable as the engine roared to life. As they drove away from the city, the world outside transformed. High-rise buildings gave way to open fields, and the cacophony of urban life faded into the background. The sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the horizon in hues of orange and pink casting a warm glow over the landscape.
As they navigated the winding roads toward the village, Vrindha couldn't help but glance at her mother, who sat beside her in the front seat, worry etched on her face. She reached over, squeezing her mother's hand, a silent gesture of support. Parvathi returned the squeeze and her eyes are reflecting gratitude and love.
Arjun : our grandmother has always been strong.
Arjun said by trying to lift the mood as he drove.
Arjun : She'll fight through this.
Vrindha : I hope so.
Vrindha replied and her voice is barely above a whisper. Thoughts of her grandmother filled her mind. her gentle smile, the stories she told and the wisdom she imparted. Memories flooded back, each one a reminder of the bond they shared.
The road narrowed as they approached the village, lined with trees swaying gently in the evening breeze. The familiar sights of their childhood began to appear. the old well at the village entrance, the bustling market square and the dusty paths leading to their family home.
As they drove deeper into the village, the atmosphere shifted, the air was thick with anticipation. The quaint houses, with their thatched roofs and vibrant gardens, seemed to watch them as they passed, each one a repository of memories and stories.
Finally, they reached the familiar home where Vrindha's grandmother had lived for decades. The front yard, usually filled with blooming flowers, felt subdued in the evening light. The house stood as a silent guardian of family history, a place where laughter and tears intertwined over the years.
They stepped out of the car, urgency propelling them forward. Vrindha's heart raced as they approached the door, her mind is racing with unspoken prayers. Her mother knocked softly, and after a moment that felt like an eternity, the door creaked open, revealing her uncle with a worried expression.
Parvathi : Ramu !
Ramu : akka ! She's inside.
he said by stepping aside to let them in.
Vrindha took a deep breath steeling herself for what lay ahead. Together, they moved into the dimly lit room where her grandmother lay. She is frail but surrounded by the warmth of family. The scent of herbs and incense filled the air like a soothing balm amidst the tension.
As they gathered around the bed, Vrindha felt a swell of emotions. Her grandmother's eyes fluttered open and for a moment, their gazes locked. In that brief exchange, a lifetime of love and memories passed between them, a silent promise that they would face this together. Vrindha felt her heart pound in her chest. The dim light cast soft shadows across the room, and she could see her grandmother, frail but still exuding a quiet strength. The air felt heavy with unspoken words, but when their eyes met, a flicker of recognition sparked between them.
The old woman smiled faintly and her wrinkled face is lighting up with warmth.
Grandma : Oh, don't cry for me.
she said and her voice is a gentle rasp.
Grandma : I'm not a young lass anymore. I'm just an old woman who had a long life. Life has its seasons and I've lived mine well.
Parvathi is holding back tears as she leaned closer.
Parvathi : What can we do for you amma ? We're all here for you.
she said and her voice is trembling.
The grandmother's gaze turned serious and her eyes are glinting with an earnestness that silenced the room.
Grandma : I want you to promise me something.
she said by looking directly at Parvathi. Then she turned her gaze towards vrindha.
...............
How's the chapter ?
Is Vrindha in love with Krishna ?
Why she is hesitant to confess ?
What grandma is going to ask for ?
YOU ARE READING
IN THE CITY OF PEARLS✔️
Storie d'amoreIn the lively city of Hyderabad, Vrindha is a passionate IAS officer determined to make a difference. She juggles her demanding job with the expectations of her traditional family. Krishna is a dedicated lawyer who fights for justice and hopes to c...