The Heir and the Humble

Family

Moments later, Anita appeared, dressed comfortably in a half saree. She looked at Devraj with surprise. "Bava garu! (Brother-in-law) What are you doing here? Is Akka(sister) also here?"

Devraj shook his head negatively, a tight smile on his face. "No, she isn't here. Aren't you happy that I am here, or do you only want your Akka?"

Anita quickly corrected herself, "No, no, no. I am just asking!"

Devraj chuckled, then turned serious. "Can I talk to you for a moment privately, if your father agrees?"

Ram, eager to facilitate the conversation, immediately said, "Of course. Anita, take him to the terrace."

Anita led Devraj to the terrace, the cool evening breeze brushing against them. Once they were alone, she turned to him, her expression curious. "So, what's going on, Bava garu? You never visited this house even once after your marriage proposal day with akka. You seem serious now."

Devraj smiled at her, gathering his thoughts. "This is my fourth time here anita. It's just you are not aware of it." Remembering the day he sneaked here to see anika and the night on the terrace with Anika. She looked taken aback and about to raise her curiosity.

But dev continued "Anita, I came here to talk about Yuvi. I don't know the things between you two and I am not here to lecture you or threaten you. But a request from my side on behalf of yuvi. Please give him a chance."

She didn't responded looking at the saree end on her hand.

"He is crazy about you and I am worried about him. What's holding you back anita? "

She still didn't responded.

" don't try to fool me by saying you don't  love him. I know the look on your face when you are with yuvi"

Anika murmured " Its just the way he do things scares me to share my life with him"

Devraj waited for few seconds to form the rights words to make her understand " You don't have to anita. He will protect you with his life and I will protect him with my life."

Anita eyes widened when she heard him.

He continued in his soft voice" I won't say you are overthinking. But just know  that Yuvi loves you way too much to give you pain anita."

She looked at his honesty with blank face not knowing what to say.

"He does have anger issues. It's in our Varma's blood besides we have to keep that to protect ourselves and our loved ones from getting hurt. Just know that even in his anger, he will never harm you and you have my word"

Devraj replied gently. "He needs you more than anyone right now. I want to make sure you feel the same way."

Anita looked away, her mind racing. "I need him too bava garu. I am trying to be brave for him too."

Devraj nodded smilingly, gently kept his hand on her head lovingly " Bless you anita....... misunderstandings are common but don't let it ruin the happiness of both of you."

Anita was lost in her thoughts, her heart heavy with the weight of Devraj's words.

Devraj's voice trembled as he continued, "Until now, he never asked me anything for himself. He achieved everything on his own, if at all anything, he has sacrificed so much for me. I feel like a terrible brother-no one wants to have."

His eyes glistened with unshed tears, and he struggled to maintain his composure. "For the first time, he asked me for you-to take you rightfully. I don't want to say this, and I'm not proud to say it, but if he really wants something, he knows how to get it. He could even forcefully take you, but he doesn't want that. He wants you rightfully and wants to proudly show you as his wife."