After introducing Shourya to everyone as his friend’s son, Srinivas guided him to the guest room. “Make yourself at home, Shourya. Take some rest,” he said warmly before leaving him to settle in.
Shourya walked into the guest room and took in the cozy space, his eyes drifting to a door that led outside. Curious, he opened it, finding a path that led to a small garden, bordered by lush, sprawling fields. He stepped out, feeling the cool breeze brush against him as he stretched his arms lazily. For a moment, he let himself relax, inhaling the fresh, earthy scent of the countryside.
His mind drifted to Jagathi, her laughter, her quick wit, and the way her presence made his heart race in a way he hadn’t expected. There was something enchanting about her, something that felt like magic.
Just then, his phone buzzed, breaking the spell. He looked down to see Shobha’s name flashing on the screen. Smiling, he answered the call.
“Shourya! Did you reach home, or... should I say your in-laws’ home?” she teased, her voice laced with mischief.
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Yes, yes, I’m here,” he replied, amusement in his voice.
Shobha picked up on his tone immediately. “Oho, someone sounds a bit smitten!”
“Nothing like that,” he protested, though he couldn’t keep the smile from his voice.
Shourya heard the knock, he quickly said, “I’ll call you back later,” and ended the call. Opening the door, he found Srinivas standing there, wearing a warm smile.
“Shourya, don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything,” Srinivas said, stepping into the room.
“Okay, Uncle,” Shourya replied, feeling at ease in his presence.
Srinivas continued, “You could have called ahead. I would’ve sent a car, or come to pick you up myself. It must have been tricky finding your way here.”
“Oh, actually, I met Jagathi on the way,” Shourya mentioned, a slight smile playing at his lips.
At this, Srinivas chuckled, a knowing glint in his eyes. “Ah, Jagathi. She’s a handful, that one—full of mischief and never short of jokes. Don’t take anything to heart if she talks nonsense.
Srinivas patted him on the shoulder, a warm, fatherly gesture.
Srinivas turned back at the doorway and called, “Shourya, come join us for breakfast.”
“Give me just ten minutes, Uncle,” Shourya replied with a warm smile. “I’ll freshen up and be right there.”
•••••
Jagathi slipped quietly into the house, her mother spotted her, eyebrows raised in disapproval. "Where on earth have you been, running around in the rain?" she scolded.
Jagathi rolled her eyes, trying to look unfazed. "Mom, please, stop scolding me—I’m not a kid anymore," she replied, just as a sneeze escaped her, betraying her.
Her mother gave her a suspicious look. "Don’t tell me you had ice cream again."
"Me? Ice cream? Never!" Jagathi replied, feigning innocence, though her eyes darted away. "But I am hungry."
Her mother glanced at her soaked clothes, shaking her head in exasperation. "Look at you! Go and change out of those wet clothes first."
With a dramatic sigh, Jagathi turned and trudged towards Anand’s room. “I want one of Anand bhai’s T-shirts!” she called out as she entered.
In the corner, Priya was trying to soothe Tarun and Tanuja to sleep, giving Jagathi a knowing look as she signaled her to check the cupboard.
Jagathi quickly rummaged through the closet, her fingers brushing against the familiar fabric. She pulled out one of Anand’s oversized T-shirts, its soft material promising comfort. “Perfect!” she exclaimed, grinning as she held it up triumphantly. then dashed back to her room, holding the shirt like a trophy.
•••••
Jagathi was about to serve breakfast when Laxman walked over with a mischievous smile. "Jagathi, why don’t you take breakfast to our guest?" he suggested casually.
She made a face. “Chachu! Really?”
But she gave in with a sigh and picked up the tray. As she turned, Laxman raised an eyebrow, noticing her outfit. She was wearing one of her brother’s oversized T-shirts, which hung loosely on her, paired with ankle-length trousers.
"Lucky," he said, with a soft chuckle, "you look good in anything you wear, but maybe not *this.* You know Dad’s friend, Shourya, is here, and it might be better if you dressed... a little more neatly," he added gently.
She groaned, rolling her eyes. “Chachu, please don’t start! If Mom hears this, she’ll jump at the chance to give me a lecture. She’s always waiting for an excuse to scold me.”
Laxman chuckled. “Alright, alright!"
Jagathi rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile back as she carried the tray over, thinking about the fuss everyone was making.
•••••
In Laxman's house, Vinodh and Anand sat across from each other, an air of unease settling between them.
"Something's definitely fishy," Anand said, breaking the silence.
Vinodh nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. "I was just thinking the same thing. There's something about him that doesn't sit right."
Anand leaned in, his voice low. "I've seen him somewhere before. I just can't put my finger on it."
Vinodh's expression mirrored Anand's concern. "I feel it too. We need to dig deeper."
Without wasting another moment, Anand reached for his phone. "Let me call that journalist friend of mine. He might have some insights."
•••••
Shourya stood in his T-shirt and shorts when he heard a knock at the door. Opening it, he was greeted by her bright smile.
"Hi!" she said cheerfully.
Returning the smile, he stepped aside to let her in. As she walked past him, he noticed her hair pulled back into a casual ponytail, her loose shirt fluttering slightly, and the way she radiated a relaxed charm.
"Look at us—same pinch!" she exclaimed, pointing at his black T-shirt, which matched her own.
He chuckled,
Setting a tray on the table, she said, “Breakfast for you!” She turned to leave but paused as he called out, “Jagathi, will you keep me company
Thank goodness, I’m starving!” she replied, pulling out a chair and settling in. She handed him a plate, carefully arranged with a delicious spread. He took a seat across from her, the air filled with a sense of comfort.
Keep smiling
Chandanakshi
YOU ARE READING
Misty Rain
Romance"Oye, Miss Universe," he teased, a playful grin dancing on his lips. She shot him a fierce glare, determination etched across her features, and turned away to walk forward. "Lucky!" he called after her, quickening his pace. She continued to ignore h...
