BLOOMING LOVE FROM HATE

Chapter 20

Hey!!

Second update!!!

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Adhitya released her hand, dumbfounded by her threat. Everyone in the house was shocked by her words, wondering what could have happened in just one night for her to take such a drastic decision. Adhitya stood there, unsure of how to react. He slowly walked to the couch and sat down with a heavy thud, cradling his head in his hands. The entire house fell into a pin-drop silence.

Nithya took slow, deliberate steps toward her room, cradling her belly. Upon entering, she began to pack her things. She didn't have much, so she quickly gathered her clothes and a small treasure box where she kept memories of her parents. Taking one last look around the room, she realized there were no fond memories to miss. A bitter smile crossed her lips as she left.

As she descended the stairs, she struggled to carry her bag. Adhitya turned his head to look at her, wanting to stop her, but his ego held him back. He was also afraid she might make choices that could harm their baby. Just then, her grandmother hurried toward her, grasping her hand. "Nithya, please listen to me just once. Don't go. Your mother's soul won't let me rest if her daughter is suffering somewhere. Don't let me drown in guilt at my age. Whatever happened, just tell me, and I'll talk to him. I'll make him do whatever you say. Please, Nithya, don't let this family down in front of the whole village," she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

Nithya pulled her hand free and looked at everyone. "No, Grandma. My mother would thank you for letting me go. Please don't burden yourself with guilt. I'm grateful to everyone for taking me in and caring for me as an orphan." The family stood rooted to the ground, unsure how to intervene.

With that, she walked toward the door, carrying her bag. As she was about to cross the threshold, Adhitya said, "Wait!" He walked to her side and added, "I'll drop you." Initially, Nithya was fearful that he might take her somewhere and trap her, as she had seen in movies. However, after a moment's thought, she accepted his offer, knowing he wouldn't dare to act against her given her earlier threat.

Adhitya took the bag from her and walked toward the car. Their grandmother sat on the couch, feeling a mix of frustration and sympathy for her granddaughter's stubbornness, hoping that perhaps Nithya needed space to think.

Once inside the car, Adhitya started the engine and drove off to their destination-a farmhouse not far from the village, just twenty minutes away. During Prem's and Adhitya's wedding, all the out-of-town guests had stayed there, so it was well-maintained, with an elderly couple managing the property.

The ride was completely silent. As they entered the compound, the couple tending the garden recognized Adhitya's car and approached to greet him. Adhitya stopped the car, stepped out, and took the bag from the trunk. Nithya retrieved her bag and walked toward the main door, while Adhitya stood by, watching her enter the house. He called the couple over, chatted with them for a moment, and handed them some money before leaving.

Nithya stepped inside the house and looked around, a bitter smile forming on her lips as she sank onto the couch. She contemplated spending the rest of her life here with her baby. Never in her worst nightmares did she imagine finding herself in such a situation. She knew she had to be bold and strong from that moment on, ready to face the challenges of raising a child without a father figure.

As she pondered her life, the elderly maid entered and introduced herself. "Welcome, dear. My name is Ganga, and my husband's name is Gopaiyya. We've worked here for twenty-five years. I knew your mother, she used to visit with your grandfather. She was such a lovely girl, and your grandparents adored her. It's tragic to lose someone so precious. I wonder how they're coping with her loss," she said, tears glistening in her eyes. Nithya felt tears welling up as she listened. "You look just like Sharadha," Ganga added, gently pinching Nithya's cheek and kissing it. "What month are you in?" she asked. "ninth," Nithya replied.

Ganga and Nithya talked for a while, and during their conversation, Gopaiyya entered with groceries and kitchen essentials. Ganga turned to Nithya and asked, "Dear, what would you like to eat? I'll cook for you." "No, Gangamma, please don't trouble yourself. I can manage my own cooking," Nithya replied. "You're nearing your delivery date, it's not good to strain yourself. Just tell me what you want, and I'll prepare it," Ganga insisted. But Nithya remained firm in her refusal. Not wanting to press further, Ganga suggested that Nithya rest and was about to leave when Nithya asked that she wants to go to the bank to withdraw some money. Ganga replied, "Okay, dear. Now, take some rest. Tomorrow, Gopaiyya will take you." Nithya nodded and Gangamma placed her bag in the ground-floor bedroom, acknowledging that climbing stairs would be difficult for Nithya in this state.

She got up to explore the house, recalling that her mother might have brought her there when she was young, but she couldn't remember anything as she had been too little when her parents died.

After a short nap, Nithya woke up feeling hungry. She went into the kitchen, where Gopaiyya had neatly arranged everything he bought. After checking the fridge, she decided to make upma, a dish she had been craving. She prepared the upma and served herself a plate while packing some in a box for Gangamma. Nithya searched for Gangamma to give her the box and quickly returned inside, eager to eat her hot meal.

Sitting at the dining table, she was about to take her first bite when memories of her husband surfaced. He despised upma. With a sigh, she began to eat, reminding herself to take her medications afterward.

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Meanwhile, Adhitya was preoccupied with thoughts of Nithya, feeling frustrated and unsure how to bring her back home. He knew that acting impulsively could endanger their baby, so he decided to approach the situation with patience, taking one step at a time.

Sleep eluded him without Nithya by his side. He tossed and turned, unable to find comfort in the empty bed. He had grown accustomed to falling asleep holding his baby, feeling its movements. Now, he misses his baby terribly. He worried about whether Nithya had eaten and taken her medications on time. Eventually, overwhelmed by worry, he drifted into a restless sleep in the early hours of the morning.

The next day, Nithya went to the bank with Gopaiyya and withdrew some money. On their way back, she stopped at the market for kitchen essentials and also bought a pregnancy pillow, bedsheets, pillow covers, curtains, and a few decorative items to make the farmhouse feel more like home.

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