Misty Rain

5. tender coconut

Shobha, alongside her husband Vijay and little Karthik, was just about to make their way toward Shourya when Sandhya intercepted them with a knowing smile. Without missing a beat, she scooped Karthik from Shobha's arms and handed him over to Vijay. "Can't even take care of your own son, huh?" she teased, her voice playful.

"Mom!" Vijay protested, as Karthik's face fell into a deep pout, his big eyes welling up as he glanced between his mother and grandmother. He looked utterly heartbroken, already missing the warmth of Shobha's embrace. "Mumma," he whimpered softly, gazing at Shobha with a grumpy expression.

Both Shobha and Sandhya couldn't hold back their laughter, exchanging a quick, mischievous high-five at the sight of Vijay's bewildered face and Karthik's adorable protest. Sandhya, wiping a tear of laughter from her eye, turned to Vijay. "Vijay, why don't you give us a minute? I need to have a word with my daughter-in-law."

Vijay looked between the two of them, eyes wide with disbelief at how quickly they'd teamed up against him. "Unbelievable," he muttered, shaking his head with a mock sigh, though the smile playing on his lips betrayed his amusement.

•••••

Naveen and Harini were happily chatting with Shourya when their two-month-old daughter, Akhila, caught Shourya's attention. With a bright smile, he stretched out his arms, calling, "Akki baby!"

The little girl, who usually clung only to her father, immediately reached out for her "Mamu" and nestled into Shourya's arms with a contented giggle.

Naveen raised an eyebrow, playfully sighing. "Wow, Shourya. She won't go to anyone except me, but the moment she sees you, she's all yours."

Shourya chuckled softly, pressing a light kiss to Akhila's forehead. "Why were you late, Akhi? I've been waiting for you," he teased.

Akhila responded with an innocent giggle, as if she understood every word.

Harini, watching the adorable exchange, couldn't help but join in on the teasing. "Akhi, leave my brother alone! He's my Bhai!" she said, hugging Shourya's free arm in a mock possessive gesture. Akhila, however, wasn't having it. She tightened her tiny hands around Shourya's neck, as if to claim him all to herself, making a small pouty face.

"I told you, he's my brother!" Harini continued, pretending to whine.

Akhila's eyes welled up with tears, and before they knew it, the baby started crying in protest. Shourya shot Harini a playful glare, his voice full of amusement. "Naveen! Honestly, who's the bigger kid here-Harini or Akhila?"

Naveen laughed, shaking his head as he reached out to take Akhila, but she only tightened her grip on Shourya, clinging to him as though her life depended on it. Her small face scrunched up in determination, and she let out a tiny wail.

"Okay, okay, Akhila, no need for tears!" Shourya said, chuckling, while glaring mockingly at his sister. "Harini, see what you've done!"

But Harini, determined to keep teasing, said, "Nope! He's my Bhai, Akhila! You can't steal him!"

Akhila wasn't amused. She turned her little body and buried her face into Shourya's shoulder, refusing to acknowledge anyone but him.

Just then, Shourya's phone rang. Still carrying Akhila protectively, he answered the call and began walking towards the drawing room, gently bouncing her in his arms. Her sniffles softened, and soon enough, her face lit up with that signature innocent smile, completely forgetting her tears.

•••••

Shobha sat comfortably with Gowthami and Sandhya, sipping her juice and laughing over light-hearted banter when Gowthami suddenly leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Shobha, you and Shourya have been best friends for years, and you were even college mates. So, tell me-did he ever have a love story? Was there anyone he loved back then?"