A Web of Love and Deceit

Beginning of Storm

Shivada's heart leaped when she spotted Ram and Shiva emerging from the airport. Without thinking, she sprinted towards them, her feet barely touching the ground. "Ram!" she squealed, throwing herself into his arms. He broke into a massive grin, catching her with ease and lifting her effortlessly off the floor. Their laughter echoed in the crowded terminal, a sound that felt like home.

Nearby, Aadhi and Shiva exchanged a brotherly hug, their hands clasping tightly. "I missed you, brother," Aadhi said, his voice low but sincere.

"I missed you too, big boy," Shiva replied, a rare softness in his eyes as he affectionately ruffled Aadhi's hair.

The drive home was pure joy—a whirlwind of playful jabs and shared memories that had them all in stitches. It was like no time had passed, and yet everything had changed.

As they neared home, Shivada's eyes flicked to Ram, her heart swelling with the hope she barely dared to voice. "Finally, my irritating brother is back where he belongs. You're not going back this time, are you?" Her voice wavered with a hint of desperation.

But Ram's smile faltered. Guilt clouded his features. "Shoebill... I have to go back. I got a job."

Her world seemed to tilt. "What? You got a job?!" Her voice rose, a mixture of shock and betrayal. "You didn't even tell me?! I still have two months left before I finish my postgrad, and you've already snagged a job in the UK?" She shook her head, her voice thick with frustration. "Great, just what I needed! Now all the relatives can have a field day comparing me to you!"

Aadhi, ever her protector, leaned forward, his voice steady and soothing. "Shivada, you're an economist. These things take time," he said with a teasing wink.

Ram, unable to resist, shot Aadhi a mock glare. "Ohhh, still siding with Shivada, huh? I'm your best friend, man! When are you going to have my back for once?"

Aadhi laughed, the sound rich and full of affection. "Who said I'm not on your side? I just know better than to get on her bad side."

Padma was over the moon when she saw Shiva step through the door. Tears welled up in her eyes as she rushed forward, pulling him into a tight embrace. Her joy was palpable, spilling over in the form of happy tears that trickled down her cheeks.

"Amma, I'm here," Shiva whispered, hugging her back just as tightly. "Don't worry."

But Padma wasn't ready to let go. "I'm not letting you go anywhere anymore," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I need you with me."

Shiva held her even closer, murmuring reassuring words, but nearby, Ram's smile faltered. His eyes briefly flickered toward Shiva and Padma, and for a moment, a shadow of sadness crossed his face. Quickly masking his feelings, Ram straightened up and cleared his throat. "Well, we should get going now, Padma Aunty."

Padma, still wrapped in the warmth of her son's return, turned and smiled at Ram. She stepped forward and enveloped him in a hug. "This is your place too, Ram. Don't be a stranger. Come here whenever you want, okay?"

Ram nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. With a final wave, he and Shivada left, heading back to their own home, though Ram's unspoken emotions lingered in the air, heavy and unacknowledged.

Meanwhile in the car, Aadhi gently took Shivada's hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Baby, we need to tell Shiva and Ram about us today," he said softly. "We have to make it official. So, it's better if you do it."

Shivada sighed, her heart fluttering with a mix of nerves and anticipation. "I know, Aadhi... but I'm just scared. And honestly, it's kind of embarrassing, you know?"