Family of Shaows

[sexonmind]

Part 2 of chapter 8

Before she could finish, Purushotham leaned forward and pulled her into a warm, friendly hug. The gesture took her completely off guard.

"Thank you, Rani," he said sincerely, pulling back to look at her bewildered face.

"Th-thank me?" she stammered.

"Yes," Purushotham said, smiling gently. "You don’t need to explain anything or feel guilty. I don’t care about what happened between you and Babu, or even if it’s truly over. What matters to me is that you helped him change. The stubborn, brooding Babu I’ve known for so long is finally seeing things differently. And for that, Rani, I owe you."

Rani stared at him, stunned. "I know you value Babu's friendship, sir, but... I didn’t realize it meant this much to you."

Purushotham chuckled, a hint of emotion in his voice. "It does. He’s more than a friend—he’s like family. And thanks to you, I feel like I’ve got my Babu back."

Before Rani could respond, Purushotham handed her a large set of gift covers.

"Sir, what’s this?" she asked hesitantly.

"Just some small tokens of appreciation," Purushotham said lightly. "There are toys for your little one, new clothes for all of you, fresh fruits, dry fruits, sweets, cakes, and even some cash. Please, take it."

Rani immediately shook her head. "No, sir, I can’t accept this. It’s too much."

Purushotham raised a hand, stopping her protest. "Rani, you have to accept it. This isn’t about putting a price on your relationship with Babu. I’d never do that. It’s just... you’re part of our circle now. Even though things are over between you and Babu, he still cares for you. And so do I. We take care of our own."

Rani blinked back tears, overwhelmed by the gesture. She hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. "Thank you, sir. I don’t know what to say."

"Just promise me one thing," Purushotham said, his tone soft yet firm. "If you ever need anything—anything at all—you come to us. No questions asked."

Rani nodded again, this time with more conviction. As Purushotham left, she stood at the door, holding the gift covers, her heart lighter yet conflicted. In her mind, she couldn’t help but wonder how she had earned such kindness despite her mistakes.

It had been a year since Narendra’s passing, and the household was immersed in preparations for the solemn occasion of his first death anniversary. Sunandha, with the steady support of Purushotham and her trusted staff, orchestrated every detail to ensure the ceremony adhered to their traditions.

The house buzzed with activity—staff arranging the seating, Rani overseeing the kitchen preparations, and Purushotham managing logistics with precision. Despite the outward commotion, a solemn atmosphere hung over the quarters.

Aruna approached Sunandha, who was seated in the living room, reviewing a checklist with Purushotham. She hesitated at the doorway before stepping forward.

"Amma," Aruna began softly, her voice carrying a tone of uncertainty.

Sunandha glanced up, her expression immediately warm and welcoming. "Yes, Aruna? Come in."

Aruna stepped closer, clasping her hands nervously. "Amma, I was wondering... would it be alright if I went to my brother’s house during the ceremony? He’s also performing rituals for our father, and I feel I should be there."

Sunandha paused for a moment, studying Aruna with a thoughtful expression. Then, to Aruna’s surprise, Sunandha smiled warmly and reached out to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Of course, Aruna," Sunandha said gently. "It’s only right for you to be there with your brother and sister during such an important time. They will need your support, and your father would have wanted you to honor his memory with them too."

Aruna blinked, momentarily taken aback by Sunandha’s understanding. "Thank you, Amma," she said softly. "I didn’t expect you to say that."

Sunandha chuckled lightly. "Aruna, this family values tradition and respect, but we also value each other’s bonds. You have every right to be with your brother. We’ll manage things here, don’t worry."

Purushotham, who had been quietly listening, chimed in with a smile. "Don’t worry, Aruna. Everything will run smoothly here. Amma has everything under control, as always."

Aruna smiled, feeling a sense of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Amma. I’ll make sure to come back as soon as I can."

"Take your time," Sunandha said. "These rituals are about connection and remembrance. Be with your family."

With a lighter heart, Aruna excused herself to make the necessary arrangements for her trip.

Babu arrived home just a day before the ceremony, stepping into the bustling quarters where preparations were in full swing. The scent of freshly prepared sweets and incense mingled in the air, and the quiet hum of activity was a testament to the care that had gone into organizing the event.

As he set his bag down in the living room, Purushotham greeted him with a warm smile. "Finally, the guest of honor arrives," he joked lightly.

Babu grinned, the weariness of his journey momentarily lifting. "Thank You so much. I know I should’ve come earlier, but college had me tied up. I’m glad you were here to take care of everything."

Purushotham waved off the gratitude with a chuckle. "You know Amma wouldn’t have let anything go awry, even without me. I was just here to assist."

Babu turned to Sunandha, who was busy instructing the staff on the final arrangements. He approached her with a soft smile. "Amma, everything looks perfect. You managed this so well."

Sunandha looked up, her face lighting up at the sight of her son. "Babu, it’s your father’s memory we’re honoring. This is the least I could do. And Purushotham has been a tremendous help, as always."

Babu glanced around, noticing Rani overseeing the kitchen staff and the neatly arranged seating area in the hall. He felt a pang of guilt for not being there earlier but also immense gratitude for the people who had stepped in.

As the evening unfolded, Babu found a quiet moment to speak with Purushotham. "I really appreciate everything you’ve done. Amma keeps telling me how much easier things were with you around."

Purushotham placed a reassuring hand on Babu’s shoulder. "You’re family, Babu. That’s what we do. Now stop thanking me and focus on what’s important—paying tribute to Uncle's memory."

Babu nodded, his respect for Purushotham deepening. With his arrival, the family felt complete, ready to honor Narendra’s legacy together.

On the day of the ceremony, the quarters were filled with a somber yet warm atmosphere as family, friends, and acquaintances gathered to pay their respects to Narendra. The living room was adorned with garlands and incense, and the soft chanting of prayers echoed through the space, creating a reverent ambiance.

Among the attendees were several staff members, many of whom had brought their families to show their gratitude and respect for a man who had touched their lives in numerous ways. Srinu, Sunandha’s long-time and trusted attender, arrived with his wife and their 19-year-old daughter, Gita.

Gita stood out in the crowd. Dressed modestly in a simple yet elegant salwar kameez, she carried herself with a quiet confidence that belied her young age. Her bright eyes and poised demeanor reflected her intellect and the promise of a bright future.

Sunandha, noticing their arrival, approached them with a warm smile. "Srinu, it’s so good to see you and your family. Gita, how are your studies going?"

Gita folded her hands respectfully. "Namaste, Madam. They’re going well, thanks to your and Sir’s support. I wouldn’t have made it into such a prestigious college without your encouragement."

Srinu, clearly proud, nodded but was too emotional to respond. His wife, however, chimed in, "Madam, we’ll always be grateful to you and Sir. Gita’s education is the biggest blessing in our lives."

Sunandha’s face softened, and she glanced at Srinu. "Your daughter’s success is her own, Srinu. Narendra and I only wanted to ensure she had every opportunity to shine. You’ve raised her well."

Sunandha smiled warmly at Gita but then shook her head. "What is this new 'Madam' talk, Gita?" she said gently. "Call me Aunty, as you always did."

Gita blinked, a slight flush of embarrassment crossing her face. "I’m sorry, Aunty. It’s just… it feels more respectful."

Sunandha chuckled softly. "You’ve grown up so much, Gita. But to me, you’ll always be the same—my Gita."

The conversation continued with a sense of familial warmth, but Sunandha’s pride in Gita lingered in her gaze.

As the ceremony continued, Srinu and his family mingled respectfully with the other attendees, a quiet reminder of Narendra’s legacy—not just within his family but in the lives of those he had supported and uplifted.

Gita, though humble, always took quiet pride in her beauty and intelligence. Her sharp mind and radiant looks had always drawn admiration, but she carried herself with grace, aware of her strengths but never boastful.

As the ceremony progressed, Srinu spotted Babu across the room and called out to him, "Babu, come here for a moment."

Gita’s ears perked up at the mention of Babu’s name. Memories of her childhood interactions with him flashed in her mind—a chubby, awkward boy with dark skin, always hiding behind his mother or books. She had not seen him in years, and she instinctively prepared herself for that familiar sight.

But when Babu walked over, Gita was taken aback. Gone was the boy she remembered. In his place stood a well-toned, muscular, and confident young man with sharp features and an easy smile. His presence radiated maturity and charm, leaving Gita momentarily speechless.

Babu, unaware of Gita’s surprise, greeted Srinu warmly. "Srinu, how are you? And how is your family?"

Srinu beamed with pride as he gestured to his wife and daughter. "We’re all doing well, Babu. Meet my daughter, Gita. You both used to play together when you were kids."

Babu turned his attention to Gita and smiled. "Of course, I remember. It’s been a long time. How are you, Gita?"

Gita, still recovering from her astonishment, managed a polite smile and folded her hands in greeting. "I’m doing well. It’s good to see you again."

Babu nodded, his tone friendly. "Good to see you too. You’ve grown up a lot."

As the conversation shifted back to the ceremony, Gita found herself stealing occasional glances at Babu, her earlier assumptions completely upended. The boy she had underestimated had transformed, and she couldn’t help but take notice.

During lunch, the dining area buzzed with soft chatter as attendees shared memories and meals. Amid the hum of voices and the clinking of plates, Babu and Gita found themselves seated at the same table, their earlier brief interaction opening the door for more conversation.

“So, Gita,” Babu began, smiling warmly as he reached for a glass of water, “what are you studying these days?”

“I’m in my second year of engineering at XXXXXXXX College,” Gita replied, her voice steady and confident. She glanced at him, curious to see his reaction.

Babu’s face lit up. “I know that college! It’s really close to mine. I’m doing my master’s at YYYYYYYY College, just a few streets away.”

“Really?” Gita’s surprise was genuine. “I had no idea. That’s such a coincidence.”

“Small world,” Babu said with a chuckle. “It’s great that you’re studying engineering. How are you finding it?”

“It’s challenging, but I enjoy it,” Gita admitted. “The workload is heavy, but I’ve always liked problem-solving, so it suits me.”

“That’s the spirit,” Babu said encouragingly. “If you ever need any help or just someone to talk to about balancing the chaos, let me know. I’ve been through the grind.”

Gita smiled, her initial shyness fading. “Thanks, Anna. I might take you up on that.”

They exchanged phone numbers casually, with Babu suggesting, “Why don’t we meet up over the weekend? Maybe grab coffee or something? It’d be nice to catch up and talk more.”

“That sounds good,” Gita replied, her tone bright. “It’ll be nice to know someone nearby.”

As lunch continued, the conversation between them flowed easily, marked by shared anecdotes and laughter. Their newfound connection felt natural, a blend of nostalgia and the promise of a growing friendship.

End of Chapter 8