Without turning to look at Vinodh, Shourya spoke in a steady, thoughtful tone. "Have you ever asked your sister why she's so afraid of marriage? Why she goes to such lengths to avoid it? As her brother, it's your responsibility to help her understand, to support her in facing her fears. Instead, why do you all keep supporting her in turning down every alliance that comes along?"
Vinodh sighed, the weight of Shourya's words pressing on him. "We've tried, Shourya. We've asked her so many times, tried to understand why she's running from the idea of marriage. She just shuts down, avoids the question, and ends up sitting alone, lost in thought. It hurts to see her that way, keeping everything bottled up."
He paused, his gaze dropping to the ground. "We don't know what's bothering her, whether it's something from the past or some fear she can't explain. But as her family, all we want is her happiness. If that means letting her decide when she's ready, even if it means walking away from these alliances... then so be it."
Unbeknownst to Shourya and Vinodh, Janaki stood just out of sight, her heart sinking as she overheard their conversation. She had come up to check on Vinodh but paused when she heard Shourya's firm tone, her curiosity piqued. Now, standing quietly near the staircase, she listened in stunned silence, processing each word.
The revelation hit her hard. She had always assumed Jagathi was simply waiting for the right match. But to learn that her daughter didn't want to get married at all, and that her sons were silently supporting her in turning down every proposal-this was a shock she hadn't anticipated
Janaki turned back, holding back her tears, and made her way quietly to her room, where her husband, Srinivas, was sitting at the desk, sifting through accounts. She hesitated for a moment, collecting herself, before speaking.
"I went to ask Shourya about the people who came to see our Jagathi, but... I overheard something else," she said, her voice trembling.
Srinivas looked up, sensing the distress in her tone. "What happened? What did you hear?"
She took a deep breath, the weight of the revelation pressing heavily on her. "I never imagined that Anand and Vinodh would be turning away these alliances... supporting Jagathi in avoiding marriage. I heard Shourya speaking to Vinodh about it."
Srinivas smiled, his gaze softening as he looked at Janaki, who was still dabbing away her tears. She noticed his expression and asked, puzzled, "Why are you smiling?"
Instead of answering immediately, Srinivas stood up, walked over, and gently took her hand, leading her to sit on the couch beside him. Settling down next to her, he said, "Actually... I already knew that Anand and Vinodh were helping Jagathi."
Janaki's eyes widened, ready to respond, but before she could say anything, he interrupted gently. "But before we get into that, I want to ask-what do you think of Shourya?"
Her confusion deepened. "What am I saying, and what are you asking? Why bring up Shourya now?" she asked, frowning slightly.
Srinivas chuckled softly, patting her hand. "Just humor me. Leave aside everything else for a moment and tell me... what's your opinion on him?".
Janaki sighed softly, her voice thoughtful as she continued, "These days, I've been observing him closely. He doesn't talk much, and he's always so soft-spoken. There's a calmness about him that's... rare. I don't know much about his background, but he seems well-educated, and it's clear he comes from a good family. He's so grounded, so respectful."
Srinivas listened, a gentle smile forming as he watched her thoughts unfold.
She went on, a hint of warmth coloring her cheeks, "And I have to say... he's quite handsome too. Anyone who meets him would notice how sensitive he is, just by the way he listens. He has this... gentleness about him that makes him easy to trust, like he genuinely cares about everyone around him."
Srinivas nodded thoughtfully. "You know, it's rare to find someone with all those qualities".
Srinivas chuckled, watching Janaki's face light up with surprise and joy. "Yes, really," he said warmly. "Shourya spoke to me personally. He explained that he didn't just want to marry Jagathi; he wanted to understand her first, to know why she's afraid of marriage. He wants to be someone she can trust."
Janaki clasped her hands together, her eyes filling with happiness. "I never would have guessed... Shourya has been so patient with her. He's always around, but never intrusive. Oh, this is wonderful news!" She placed a hand on Srinivas's arm. "Do you think Jagathi knows?"
Janaki leaned back, smiling to herself. "If only she knew how thoughtful he's been... She's so lucky to have someone like him, who's willing to go this far just for her peace of mind."
Srinivas squeezed her hand. "Let's give them both time. Jagathi will realize in her own way, and when she does, she'll know he's the right one."
Janaki nodded, still smiling. "I can't wait to see that day," she said softly, her heart filling with a renewed hope for her daughter's happiness.
•••••
Vinodh walked into the living room, balancing a tray with two coffee cups. Just as he was about to put it down, Anand stepped in front of him, his eyes narrowed with curiosity.
"So," Anand began, crossing his arms, "what exactly did Shourya say to those alliance folks to send them packing?"
Vinodh froze for a second, realization dawning on his face. "Oh! Oh no... I completely forgot to ask!" He shook his head, half amused and half embarrassed. "We got caught up talking about other things, and it just slipped my mind."
•••••
As everyone gathered around the dinner table, Shourya subtly scanned the faces, quickly noticing Jagathi’s absence. He leaned over to Vinodh, trying to keep his tone casual.
“Where’s Jagathi?” Shourya asked, his expression neutral, but his eyes giving away a hint of concern.
Vinodh caught that look, and a flicker of suspicion crossed his mind. Why is he suddenly interested in Jagathi’s whereabouts? he wondered. Masking his thoughts, Vinodh replied with a shrug, “Oh, it’s a habit of hers. She tends to get moody sometimes and just skips dinner without a word.”
Shourya raised an eyebrow. “Does she do that often?”
Vinodh nods his head.
•••••
After 11 pm, Shourya walked to the kitchen for a glass of water, he noticed Jagathi quietly heading toward the terrace. He paused for a moment, thinking to himself that she probably wasn’t able to sleep. He didn’t want to disturb her, so he silently walked back to his room, respecting her space.
Keep smiling
God bless you all
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...
