BLOOMING LOVE FROM HATE

Chapter 40

Nithya looked at him with surprise, giving him an irritated look as she stood before him with her hands on her hips. Adhitya glanced at her and said, "Hmm, Nithya, can you bring me some water?" Nithya shook her head irritably and went into the kitchen, returning with a glass of water. Adhitya reached out for the glass, but she placed it on the table before him. He took the glass, drank the water, and set it back on the table. Anith was playing on his lap. Adhitya looked at Nithya, who stood there uninterested, and said, "Nithya, I need to talk." Nithya frowned and asked sternly, "What?"

"First, sit down," he said. Nithya sat on the couch nearby. He began, "Nithya, I know I have hurt you very badly, and I understand that it's not easy to forgive me. But at least give me a chance—not as your husband, at least as a friend," he said, hope shining in his eyes. Nithya didn't react and sat quietly. "I know you have every right to hate me, and I have given you enough reason to hate me. I made a grave mistake by running away from my responsibilities, but that was not my intention. I thought I was doing the right thing, and it ended up like this. So please," he pleaded. "You know how I spent each day in London, just like a body without a soul. I have spent sleepless nights thinking about you, watching your photos and videos. I accepted that pain as my punishment. I have changed, Nithya. I'll prove myself. Please, give me one chance, at least as a friend."

Tears welled in his eyes as he spoke. Nithya looked at him with an emotionless face, it was difficult to tell what was going through her mind. Adhitya sensed her inner turmoil and said, "Take your time, Nithya, but please don't reject me." He stood up with Anith, and Nithya also stood. He handed Anith to her and left the room.

Nithya's mind was filled with questions. If she gave him a chance, even as a friend, what if he started to dominate her and make her weak, just like before? Her thoughts were interrupted by Anith's cry. He was hungry, so Nithya went into the kitchen to make his meal.

—--------------------------------------------------------------

Later that afternoon, Prem and his family left for home, as Prem had some important work there and would return for Diwali with his family. Sri called Nithya to inform her about their departure. Nithya felt sad because she had hoped they would stay, especially since Gangamma and Goippaiya were also not there. She felt lonely but knew she could not rely on anyone, as no one would be there for anyone until the end. She motivated herself and carried on with her work.

It was evening, in Adhitya's house the landline phone rang. Adhitya's grandmother picked up the phone. It was Gangamma, calling to inform them that due to some reasons, they were stuck in their relatives' village and wouldn't be returning for another week. They asked Adhitya's grandmother to take care of Nithya, as she was in the farmhouse with Anith alone. Adhitya's grandmother disconnected the call and called Adhitya, who was at the office, to inform him of the situation. Adhitya assured her that he would take care. They also called NIthya and informed about their late arrival.

—---------------------------------------------------------

That evening, Adhitya finished his work early and went to the mall to buy some toys for Anith. As he walked past the stores, he saw a chocolate shop. Knowing that Nithya liked chocolates very much, he went inside and bought some expensive imported chocolates for her, along with a box of dry fruits.

At 8 PM, Nithya was feeding Anith, but today he was not in the mood to eat and was throwing tantrums. He was running around the house in just his kickers, and Nithya was chasing him with a bowl in her hand. As Anith ran, he suddenly stopped when he heard the sound of a car and dashed outside, excitedly thinking it was Diya and Sri.

Adhitya got out of the car and took the bags from the back seat. Seeing Adhitya, Anith ran toward him, jumping into his arms as if asking to be saved from his mother. Nithya followed him outside but stopped in her tracks upon seeing Adhitya.

Adhitya carried Anith inside and placed the bags on the table. He took the bowl from Nithya, made Anith sit on the couch, and sat beside him. He placed the bowl on the table and opened the toy bag. He took out a remote-controlled car, unpacked it, and began to operate it. Anith watched in awe, clapping his hands in excitement. Adhitya seized the opportunity, handed the remote to him, and started to feed him. Anith, engrossed in the car, didn't even realize he was eating. He pressed random buttons on the remote, making the car move around. He really liked the toy.

Nithya was dumbfounded to see Anith eating from his father's hands. She never knew Adhitya had this much patience with kids. As she watched her son bonding with his father, a wave of possessiveness surged within her.

After feeding Anith, Adhitya asked Nithya if he could use the bathroom. Nithya thought he might be in a hurry and nodded. Adhitya grabbed a shopping bag and headed to the bathroom. When he didn't return after a few minutes, Nithya wondered why it was taking him so long.

Finally, Adhitya emerged from the room wearing track pants and a black t-shirt, taking a seat on the couch. Nithya frowned and asked, "What are you trying to do?"

"Nithya, Gangamma and Goippaiya won't be back until next week. It's not safe for you to be alone, especially with the kid. What if there's an emergency? That's why I'm here—to keep you company until they return," Adhitya explained.

"Even Gangamma and Goippaiya don't sleep here," she replied.

"I know, but they were just a phone call away. Now that they're out of town, what if you need something?" he pressed.

"I'm capable of taking care of myself and my son, so just go," she snapped at him.

"I know. Just think of me as a security guard," he said, laying down on the couch.

Nithya shook her head in disbelief and walked to the kitchen to have dinner. Anith was playing with the toys that Adhitya had bought on the mat, and Adhitya was observing him. Nithya served food on two plates and returned to the hall, placing one plate on the table. She sat on a single couch and began to eat. Adhitya got up, realizing the plate was meant for him, and joined her. He was enjoying a good meal after many days.

After they finished eating, Nithya arranged the toys on the rack and carried Anith to her room to sleep. Anith was also feeling sleepy after all the playtime. She placed him on the bed, took a bedsheet from the cupboard, and threw it over Adhitya. He caught it and laid down to sleep.

While Nithya managed to make Anith sleep, she struggled to find rest herself because of the person outside her room. Conflicted, she felt uncertain about her life and her future.

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

Hey guys!!!

I appreciate you all for sharing your thoughts and I'm excited for you to see how

things unfold. Change takes time, but i promise, the journey will be worth it.

So please vote, share, comment and follow.

Bi Bi!!!