Retributed And Redempted Love

Chapter 44

Let's get into the story,

It was just past 9 AM when Arjun and Mugen stepped into Shravan's house.

They didn't knock. They never needed to.

Shravan glanced up from the kitchen, smiling faintly. "Punctual for once?"

"Smell dragged us in," Mugen said, slipping off his slippers. "Is that butter dosa or pure magic?"

Arjun yawned as he walked in. "Tell me you made extra. We skipped breakfast just for this."

In the living room, Saakshi sat comfortably in her wheelchair, a soft shawl draped over her shoulders. A calm smile touched her lips as she greeted them. "Good morning."

"Morning, Saakshi," Arjun replied with a grin.

Shivu, sitting nearby and busy banging two plastic cups together, perked up the second he spotted them.

"Achu mamaaa!" he squealed, crawling across the floor.

Arjun crouched instantly. "Come here, kutti!"

"Mugi mamaa!" Shivu added, giggling as Mugen joined in.

Shivu raised his arms toward Arjun, who scooped him up easily. "Heavy boy!"

"Appaaa!" Shivu giggled again, stretching one sticky hand toward Shravan.

Shravan handed a plate to Saakshi, then placed two more on the table. Finally, he brought out a smaller dish for Shivu - tiny pieces of dosa, slightly mashed with a little potato on the side.

"Eat with Mugi mama, okay?" he said, wiping Shivu's hands before placing him on the mat.

"Dosaa!" Shivu repeated cheerfully.

The morning rolled on gently - warm food, casual teasing, and the familiar scent of coffee.

Shivu sat near Saakshi, stuffing his mouth, most of it landing on his cheeks instead.

"Slowly, pattu," Saakshi said, wiping his chin with a soft cloth.

"Amma... suduu!" Shivu said, dramatically blowing on his dosa.

(Hot)

Arjun chuckled. "Drama king in the making."

Then, with sticky fingers, Shivu picked up a bite and held it toward Shravan. "Appa ahh kathu!"

(Open your mouth)

Shravan bent down, took the bite, and smiled. "Perfect chef."

Shivu wiped his hand proudly on Shravan's shirt.

"Hey! Wipe your hands here, not on me!" Shravan scolded gently, pointing to the towel.

"Nooo!" Shivu giggled, wiping his sticky fingers on Shravan's shirt again and hugging his leg.

Saakshi smiled. "You made him a wild one."

"And I'll keep him wilder," Shravan said, tousling Shivu's hair.

But beneath the laughter, a quiet tension simmered.

Later, as Saakshi and Shivu played with crayons on the mat, Arjun, Mugen, and Shravan leaned against the kitchen counter.

"You noticed, right?" Shravan asked softly.

Arjun nodded. "Ravi. Too quiet for too long."

"No calls. No random visits," Mugen added. "Way too calm."

"He's not the type to disappear without a reason," Shravan muttered.