BLOOMING LOVE FROM HATE

Chapter 27

Nithya and Sri cooked lunch together, chatting about random things. Since Sri was just an average cook, she helped Nithya by cutting the vegetables while Nithya handled the actual cooking. Meanwhile, Prem and Adhitya were engrossed in a discussion about business and politics, but Prem still seemed distant from Adhitya, who noticed Prem's aloofness.

After an hour of cooking, Sri was setting the table for lunch when Nithya came to the hall to call everyone. Prem stood up with Diya and walked toward the dining table. Adhitya sat there, contemplating whether to join them or not, while Nithya looked at him before heading to the dining area.

Noticing Adhitya's absence, Sri asked Prem, "Where is Adhi?"

"I don't know, maybe he's not hungry," Prem replied, shrugging his shoulders.

"Not hungry? Man, I'm starving," Adhitya thought to himself, mentally scolding his brother. It had been a long time since he had enjoyed a good meal, and the delicious aroma of the food was only making his hunger more intense.

"Wait, I'll call him," Sri said, returning to the hall to invite Adhitya to join them. Not wanting to miss the opportunity, Adhitya quickly got up and took his place beside Diya.

Sri said, "Nithya, come sit down first. You can't stand for too long, you've already spent too much time in the kitchen cooking. Just sit down, I'll take care of it."

"No, Akka, I'll eat later. You sit down, I'll serve," Nithya insisted.

"Nithya, listen to us. Sit down and eat," Prem said, and after a moment of hesitation, Nithya sat down quietly. Watching this, Adhitya felt a wave of guilt wash over him, remembering how she used to spend hours in the kitchen catering to everyone's needs, even when she was heavily pregnant. He hated himself for not caring for his wife when she needed it most.

Adhitya's thoughts were interrupted by Sri's voice, "Adhi, what are you thinking? Eat." He nodded and began to eat. Prem complimented Nithya on her cooking skills and suggested that she teach Sri how to cook. Sri shot him a glare and playfully spanked him on the shoulder.

"Mummy, don't beat Daddy," Diya chimed in, prompting laughter from everyone.

Adhitya watched them, yearning for such a cute family dynamic, and realized he needed to work hard to regain Nithya's trust.

After lunch, they all spent some time in the hall before getting ready to leave for Adhitya's home. Nithya felt tears welling up as they departed, but Sri reassured her, saying, "Why are you crying, Nithya? I'll come back this evening, and Diya and I will stay with you for a few days, so don't cry. We'll be back soon." Nithya smiled and nodded, grateful for the support.

As Adhitya and Prem drove away, he felt relieved knowing Nithya wouldn't be alone for at least a few days. Nithya waved goodbye until their cars left the compound. She then went in search of Gangamma, who was working in the field. Nithya called her to have lunch, but Gangamma declined, saying she had already eaten. Satisfied, Nithya returned home, feeling happier than she had in a long time, and took a nap with a smile.

At Adhitya's house, everyone sat in the hall, where Sri was making tea for everyone and milk for her daughter. Adhitya's grandmother asked Prem curiously, "Prem, you visited Nithya, right? How is she? Is she willing to come back here?"

"No, Grandma, she's living peacefully there. Let her be, don't disturb her," Prem replied sternly.

"Prem, have you gone mad? She is the daughter-in-law of this house. How can she live there alone? What will people say?" Adhitya's grandmother exclaimed.

"Then what were you doing when your grandson and your daughter-in-law were abusing her? She was working like a maid here, cooking for everyone. Is this how you treat a daughter-in-law?" Prem retorted.

Adhitya's mother interjected, "Even I used to cook for the entire family after I got married to this house. Does that mean your grandma abused me? It is the duty of the daughter-in-law to take care of her family."

"Ma, don't make me talk. I know how much you care for your daughter-in-law," Prem said, which silenced her, as she understood that speaking further might lead to trouble.

"It's all common in the family. She should have at least thought about us, right? We are here to care for her," Adhitya's father added.

"Dad, what's the use of you caring for her if the person who should have cared for her has abused her, and you all have chosen to ignore it?" Prem shot back, looking at Adhitya. Everyone turned to Adhitya, who lowered his head in shame.

"Whatever it is, no one should force her in any matter. Whatever decision she makes, everyone has to support her, and know that I'm there for her," Prem asserted, looking directly at Adhitya. Adhitya's grandmother regarded him with disappointment, realizing that his foolishness had led them to this point.

Sri emerged from the kitchen with a tray of cups, serving everyone. She announced that she would stay with Nithya until they left, and everyone agreed, thinking it was a good idea to have someone with Nithya in her condition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was almost dinner time, and Nithya was eagerly waiting for Sri and Diya, who had promised to return. Just as she was about to enter the kitchen to cook dinner, she heard the sound of a car pulling up. A smile spread across her face as she rushed to the entrance of the house.

Sri got out of the car, holding ice cream, cake, and sweets. Adhitya, Prem, and Diya also emerged from the vehicle. Nithya welcomed them, and everyone settled on the couch.

Sri placed the treats in the fridge and then asked Nithya to get ready. "Why, Akka? Are we going somewhere?" Nithya inquired.

"Yes, Nithya, today we're going out for dinner. Come on, go get ready quickly!" Sri replied. Nithya smiled with excitement and dashed off to her room.

Adhitya watched her enthusiasm and couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth. A few minutes later, Nithya emerged from her room, wearing a white and pink cotton saree. She looked stunning, like an angel, and Adhitya was mesmerized by her beauty.

Sri, noticing Adhitya's captivated expression, signaled Prem to take a look. Prem playfully tapped Adhitya on the head and grinned at him.

Adhitya glanced at both Sri and Prem, lowering his head shyly. Prem shook his head with a smile and headed outside to start the car, with everyone following him. Nithya informed Gangamma that Sri and Diya would be staying with her for a few days, which made Gangamma nod in approval before leaving for her own home. Nithya then locked the house.

Prem took the driver's seat, Adhitya sat in the passenger seat, and Sri, Diya, and Nithya settled in the back seat.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next update, tonight.

Please vote, comment and share.

Bi Bi!!!