BLOOMING LOVE FROM HATE

Chapter 39

Adhitya's trance broke with her question, "Um, I'm here to take you and Anith to the temple," he said.

"We know the way to the temple, so you can leave. I can manage on my own," Nithya replied sternly.

"Nithya, it's still dark out. How will you walk there with Anith alone? Please, listen to me and come with me," he urged, reaching for her hand.

"All these years, I've taken care of my son alone, so don't worry. Now, please leave," she insisted, closing the door in his face.

Adhitya's expression fell, and he walked back to his bike, sitting down in frustration.

Meanwhile, Nithya woke Anith and took him to the bathroom for a bath. After the shower, she dressed him in a cute outfit that made him look just like a mini version of Adhitya. She packed a bag with a water bottle and other essentials for Anith, then carried him on her hip as she checked the kitchen, switched off all the lights, and stepped outside to lock the door. If Gangamma and Gopaiyya had been there, they would have accompanied her, but they had left for their relatives' village for the festival.

As soon as she stepped outside, she was shocked to see Adhitya waiting for her on his bike. When he saw her, he stood up straight.

"Why are you still here? I told you to leave," she said angrily.

"Nithya, please listen to me," he pleaded.

Ignoring his words, she started to walk away, glancing back at him as if to urge him to leave so she could lock the gate. Understanding her signal, Adhitya locked his bike and stepped outside, following her. Nithya was confused by his persistence as he came up beside her.

Not in the mood to talk, she locked the gate and began walking. Adhitya quietly followed her, and as she carried Anith on her hip and a bag over her shoulder, he stepped closer and extended his hand toward Anith. The little boy jumped into his arms, and Nithya opened her mouth to say something but fell silent, watching as Adhitya took longer strides and walked ahead of her.

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They reached the temple after a 20-minute walk, and Sri was waiting for them outside. As soon as she spotted them, she asked, "What happened to your bike? You walked all the way? Nithya, you should have called me, I would have sent the car!" She shot an angry look at Adhitya. Nithya remained silent, and they all headed into the temple.

Inside, the priest was preparing everything, adorning the goddess with the pattu saree and jewelry brought by Adhitya's family. Soon, the pooja began. Adhitya's grandparents stood at the front, his parents to their right, and Prem's family on the left. Adhitya stood beside Prem, holding Anith, while Nithya was next to Sri.

A few minutes into the pooja, Anith began to cry, feeling suffocated in the still air. Nithya quickly moved towards him and took him from Adhitya. Sri understood the reason for Anith's distress and advised Nithya to take him outside. Nithya stepped out with Anith and sat on the steps, while Adhitya followed, worry etched on his face.

Nithya took out a feeding bottle and tried to feed Anith, but he refused. The crowd in the temple turned to look at them. Anith was cranky from waking up early, and the heat was making it worse. Nithya removed his dress, leaving him in just his diaper. She laid him on her lap and began to rock him gently, and gradually, he drifted off to sleep. Adhitya sat a few steps away, watching Nithya handle their son like an expert, feeling a sense of pride at how strong and independent she had become.

After some time, the rest of the family came out, having completed the pooja. Sri gently lifted the sleeping Anith from Nithya's lap without waking him and asked her to go inside and pray. Adhitya's grandmother added, "Adhi, you should go too." He nodded and followed her inside. Nithya shot him an angry look as she walked in.

Everything went smoothly in the temple. Nithya's grandparents and in-laws invited her to their house, but she declined. Anith was still cranky and not comfortable with anyone else, so she bid goodbye and left, hailing an auto. Adhitya followed her, standing by until she got in. As soon as she settled into the seat, he entered the auto and sat beside her.

"What now? Can't you leave us in peace?" she said, frustration evident in her tone.

"What? I need to take my bike back. You want me to walk?" he asked her.

"Can't you just come by your car?" she snapped.

"Why waste fuel, Nithya? Besides, you're going home, right? That's why I joined you," he replied casually.

Nithya didn't respond, she just shook her head and turned her gaze to the road. Anith woke up and began looking at the surroundings curiously. The ride continued in silence.

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After reaching home, Adhitya got down and took Anith from Nithya. She opened her bag to pay the auto driver, but Adhitya pulled out money from his pocket and settled the fare.

Nithya extended her arms to take Anith back, but Adhitya said, "Open the gate and door, Nithya. I'll bring him in."

Nithya unlocked the gate and the door, then turned to him to take her son. However, Adhitya ignored her and went straight into the house, sitting on the couch with Anith on his lap.

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Bi Bi!!!