Just A Friend?

Chapter Twenty-Seven

As Prabhas and Sweety's evening ended on a heartwarming note, back at the house, Sridevi and Ragu found themselves lost in a sea of mixed emotions. Sridevi nestled her head against Ragu's chest, her heart heavy with a lingering unease.

"I am so happy today, Ragu," Sridevi murmured, her voice soft and content. Ragu, gently stroking her hair, replied, "Me too, dear. It's been a beautiful evening."

But Sridevi's expression remained troubled, her brows furrowing as she pulled away slightly to look at her husband. "Yet, I can't shake off this uneasy feeling about their relationship," she admitted, her eyes clouded with concern.

Ragu looked at her with a puzzled frown. "Why, dear? You saw them tonight, didn't you? They're so close, like a couple already. Our son loves her deeply, and Sweety seems to have come back to herself. Everything is going well."

"It's not that," Sridevi said, her voice tinged with apprehension. "Yes, everything seems smooth. Sweety is back with us, and things are looking up. But what if she can't love him back after everything that's happened?"

Ragu's confusion deepened. "What do you mean? Sweety has never been one to fake her feelings. I believe she still harbors love for him deep inside."

Sridevi shook her head, a tear escaping her eye. "That's the problem. She once loved him, but it brought her so much pain and heartbreak. I fear for our son, that he might end up heartbroken too."

Ragu reached out, cupping Sridevi's face with gentle hands. "Dear, don't let your mind wander to such dark places. This time, things will be different. There will be no pain or scars. Prabhas will bring her happiness."

"I hope so," Sridevi said, her voice trembling with anxiety. "But how can she accept that love now? If she does, I'll be overjoyed, but what if she doesn't? When she left us, the look she gave me... It was filled with disappointment, anger, and sadness. I saw the depth of her pain. I'm afraid if Prabhas proposes now, how will she react? Will she misunderstand his intentions? Back then, she was different—overweight, lacking fame or status. Now, if Prabhas proposes, will she think he loves her only for her appearance? That's my greatest fear."

Ragu's eyes softened as he listened, understanding the depth of her worry. Before he could respond, they heard the familiar sound of Prabhas's bike approaching.

"Quick, wipe your tears," Ragu instructed softly, as he adjusted his posture to mask the concern. "We don't want him to see you upset."

Sridevi hastily wiped away her tears, trying to regain her composure as Prabhas walked in, whistling a cheerful tune.

"Well, well, if it isn't the dynamic duo, Shiva and Parvati," Prabhas teased playfully as he took a seat, his light-hearted tone a stark contrast to the tension in the room.

"Why so serious? Still in shock from the evening?" he added, raising an eyebrow in playful curiosity.

Sridevi, with a gentle smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, said, "No, nothing like that, Prabhas. It's getting late. Why don't you go freshen up? I'll bring you some milk for your room before you fall asleep."

Prabhas glanced at his father, noticing Ragu sitting quietly in the corner. "What about Dad?"

Ragu, catching the drift of the conversation, rose with a weary sigh. "I also need to freshen up. It's been a long day. Good night, my boy."

"Good night to you too, Dad," Prabhas responded with a grin, heading towards his room to freshen up.

As Ragu and Sridevi parted ways, the air in the house was filled with an unspoken worry and hope. Sridevi watched as Prabhas disappeared into his room, her heart still heavy with the uncertainty of what the future might hold.