22-01-2025, 05:56 PM
(This post was last modified: 22-01-2025, 05:58 PM by sexonmind. Edited 1 time in total. Edited 1 time in total.)
Chapter 12 part 3
Sunandha, deeply unsettled by Dr. Prakash's revelation and determined to prevent further complications, decided to take direct action. The next day, she invited Srinu over for tea, making sure the conversation appeared casual. After a few pleasantries, she brought up the matter.
"Srinu," Sunandha began warmly, her voice steady yet kind, "I’ve been thinking a lot about Babu and Gita. They’ve grown close, and I believe they make a wonderful pair. I wanted to ask for Gita’s hand in marriage to Babu."
Srinu’s eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words. He lowered his gaze, his tone hesitant. "Madam, I... I don’t know what to say. This is such an honor, but..." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "I’m just a driver, and our family doesn’t have the status to match yours. I wouldn’t want people to think we’re reaching beyond our place."
Sunandha leaned forward, her expression softening further. "Srinu, you’ve worked for me and my husband for so many years. You should know by now that we don’t measure people by their wealth or status. What matters to us is character, loyalty, and the goodness of one’s heart. You’ve raised Gita to be a fine young woman, and that’s all we care about."
Srinu looked up, his eyes glistening with gratitude, but he still seemed uncertain.
Sensing his hesitation, Sunandha added gently, "I don’t expect you to answer right away. Take your time, Srinu. Talk to your wife and discuss this with her. Think about it carefully, and let me know your thoughts."
Srinu nodded, his voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you, madam. I’ll speak with my wife. This is... it’s a big decision. But your kindness means everything to me."
Sunandha smiled, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "That’s all I ask, Srinu. We’ll wait for your answer."
Later that evening, Sunandha called Babu into the living room. Her serious expression immediately caught his attention, and he sat down, sensing the weight of the moment.
"Babu," she began, her tone firm and resolute, "I’ve made a decision about your future."
Babu frowned slightly, leaning forward. "Amma, what’s going on?"
"I’ve spoken to Srinu about you and Gita," Sunandha said, her voice steady. "I’ve asked for her hand in marriage. I’m just waiting for his decision, but if he agrees, you will marry Gita."
Babu’s eyes widened, and he sat back, stunned. "Amma... marriage? So suddenly? Don’t I get a say in this?"
Sunandha’s gaze softened slightly, but her tone remained firm. "No, Babu. This isn’t up for discussion. I’m doing what’s best for you, for her, and for our family. You and Gita care for each other, and this marriage will bring you both stability and purpose. It’s time you take responsibility and focus on building a life."
"But, Amma—" Babu began, his voice faltering.
Sunandha held up a hand to stop him. "Enough, Babu. You’ve had your freedom, and I’ve given you time to figure things out. Now, it’s time to step up. If Srinu agrees, this will happen, and I expect you to respect my decision."
Babu sat in silence, the weight of her words sinking in. He could see the determination in her eyes and knew there was little point in arguing further.
"Alright, Amma," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sunandha nodded, her expression softening just a little. "Good. Trust me, Babu, this is the right thing for everyone."
She stood up and walked away, leaving him to sit in the quiet living room, grappling with the sudden turn his life was about to take.
Later, as Babu sat in his room, grappling with the weight of the situation, Aruna stood by the doorway, having overheard the conversation between him and Sunandha. She took a deep breath, stepping inside and closing the door softly behind her.
She sat beside him on the bed, her face calm yet pensive. "Babu, you should listen to Amma," she said, her voice gentle but with a tinge of urgency. "She’s thought this through, and her decisions are never without reason. This wedding might be the best thing for you."
Babu looked at her, his expression a mix of frustration and doubt. "But, Akka... this feels so sudden. I don’t know if I’m ready for this step. I don’t even know if this is what I want."
Aruna studied him for a moment, her own emotions swirling beneath the surface. She had already accepted that the feelings she had for Babu, feelings that went beyond the sibling bond, were dangerous and misplaced. If this marriage could help her suppress those emotions and redirect both their lives, it had to happen.
"Babu," she said, her voice steady now, "sometimes, we don’t realize what’s good for us until we’re forced into it. Amma sees a future for you and Gita, and she’s right. Gita is a good girl, and this marriage could bring stability and purpose to your life."
Babu frowned, his uncertainty still evident. "But what if it doesn’t work out? What if I mess this up?"
Aruna placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You won’t. Amma trusts you, and so does Gita. Besides," she added with a small, bittersweet smile, "maybe this wedding will be the change we all need. You, me, Amma... we’ve all been stuck in the past for too long. It’s time to move forward."
Her words, though spoken with calm assurance, carried an underlying plea—one that Babu couldn’t quite decipher. He nodded slowly, not entirely convinced but finding some solace in Aruna’s confidence.
"Alright, Akka," he said quietly, "I’ll do as Amma says."
Aruna smiled softly, her heart heavy but resolute. As she left the room, she whispered to herself, This is for the best—for both of us.
Later that evening, Babu gathered his thoughts and went to find Sunandha. She was sitting in the living room, going through some documents, her expression calm but focused.
"Amma," Babu called softly, standing a few steps away.
She looked up, her face softening as she saw him. "Yes, Babu? Is something on your mind?"
He walked over and sat down beside her, his posture hesitant yet determined. "I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier, about Gita and the wedding." He paused, taking a deep breath. "I’ve decided to do as you wish, Amma. No matter what Srinu decides, I’ll abide by your decision."
Sunandha’s expression brightened with a mix of relief and pride. She set the documents aside and turned fully to face him. "Babu, you don’t know how much this means to me. You’re doing the right thing—for yourself and for our family."
She pulled him into a warm embrace, her arms holding him tightly. Then, she kissed his forehead, her affection radiating a comfort he hadn’t felt in a long time.
Babu closed his eyes, overwhelmed by the warmth of the moment. It had been a while since his mother had shown him such tenderness, and he realized how much he’d missed it.
"Amma," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion, "I’ll try my best not to let you down."
"You never will," Sunandha replied, her voice gentle but firm. "I’m proud of you, Babu. I always have been. And I know you’ll make the right choices in life."
For the first time in what felt like ages, Babu felt a sense of peace wash over him, the weight of his uncertainties momentarily lifted by his mother’s love and unwavering belief in him.
The next day, Srinu arrived at Sunandha’s office, his face a mixture of nervousness and gratitude. Sunandha invited him to sit, sensing he had made his decision.
“Madam,” Srinu began, his voice steady yet humble, “I’ve spoken with my wife, and we both agree. It would be an honor to give Gita’s hand in marriage to Babu.”
A smile spread across Sunandha’s face, her relief evident. “Thank you, Srinu. I’m glad you’ve come to this decision. Gita is a lovely girl, and I know she’ll bring happiness to our family. We’ll take good care of her.”
Srinu nodded, his voice soft but heartfelt. “Babu is a fine young man, and we’re lucky to have this alliance. I trust he’ll keep Gita happy.”
Sunandha reached out and placed a reassuring hand on his. “He will, Srinu. This is a union built on trust and respect. Let’s work together to make this a beautiful beginning for both of them.”
They discussed the next steps, agreeing to fix a date for the engagement. By the end of their conversation, both looked content and satisfied with the way things were shaping up.
Later that evening, Sunandha called the family together. Babu, Aruna, and the household staff gathered in the living room, their curiosity piqued.
“Everyone,” Sunandha began, her voice carrying a sense of pride, “I have wonderful news. Srinu and his family have agreed to the proposal. We’ve fixed a date for Babu and Gita’s engagement.”
A wave of excitement swept through the room. Aruna clapped lightly, masking her inner turmoil, and offered a warm smile. “That’s great news, Amma. Congratulations, Babu.” Babu managed a small smile, his emotions a mix of resignation and hope.
Sunandha continued, “We’ll hold the engagement next month. I’ll make all the necessary arrangements and inform our extended family and friends.”
The mood in the room was celebratory, with everyone sharing in the joy of the announcement. Despite the complexities and hidden emotions, it was a moment of unity and hope for the future.
The next day, Sai approached Sunandha, his face brimming with excitement. "Madam, I have some good news of my own," he said, struggling to contain his enthusiasm.
Sunandha looked up from her files, intrigued. "What is it, Sai?"
"I’ve cracked the state services exam!" he declared, a broad smile spreading across his face.
Sunandha’s expression lit up. "Sai! That’s wonderful news. I’m so proud of you," she said warmly. "You’ve worked so hard, and you truly deserve this success."
When Sunandha returned home that evening, she couldn’t help but praise Sai’s achievement at the dinner table. "Sai’s hard work has finally paid off. He cracked the state services exam. It’s such a proud moment for him," she said with genuine admiration.
Babu, sitting quietly at the table, felt a pang of jealousy at his mother’s words. The warmth and pride in her tone were unmistakable, and he couldn’t help but compare it to her disappointment in his own recent struggles. Though he remained silent, the subtle clench of his jaw and the faint shadow in his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil.
As Sunandha continued to talk about Sai’s determination and perseverance, Babu’s mind wandered. He felt a growing sense of inadequacy, overshadowed by the praise lavished on someone he had once considered just a household staff member. The weight of expectation and his own failures pressed down on him, deepening the rift between him and the confidence he once had.
Continued in next part...
"Srinu," Sunandha began warmly, her voice steady yet kind, "I’ve been thinking a lot about Babu and Gita. They’ve grown close, and I believe they make a wonderful pair. I wanted to ask for Gita’s hand in marriage to Babu."
Srinu’s eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words. He lowered his gaze, his tone hesitant. "Madam, I... I don’t know what to say. This is such an honor, but..." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "I’m just a driver, and our family doesn’t have the status to match yours. I wouldn’t want people to think we’re reaching beyond our place."
Sunandha leaned forward, her expression softening further. "Srinu, you’ve worked for me and my husband for so many years. You should know by now that we don’t measure people by their wealth or status. What matters to us is character, loyalty, and the goodness of one’s heart. You’ve raised Gita to be a fine young woman, and that’s all we care about."
Srinu looked up, his eyes glistening with gratitude, but he still seemed uncertain.
Sensing his hesitation, Sunandha added gently, "I don’t expect you to answer right away. Take your time, Srinu. Talk to your wife and discuss this with her. Think about it carefully, and let me know your thoughts."
Srinu nodded, his voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you, madam. I’ll speak with my wife. This is... it’s a big decision. But your kindness means everything to me."
Sunandha smiled, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "That’s all I ask, Srinu. We’ll wait for your answer."
Later that evening, Sunandha called Babu into the living room. Her serious expression immediately caught his attention, and he sat down, sensing the weight of the moment.
"Babu," she began, her tone firm and resolute, "I’ve made a decision about your future."
Babu frowned slightly, leaning forward. "Amma, what’s going on?"
"I’ve spoken to Srinu about you and Gita," Sunandha said, her voice steady. "I’ve asked for her hand in marriage. I’m just waiting for his decision, but if he agrees, you will marry Gita."
Babu’s eyes widened, and he sat back, stunned. "Amma... marriage? So suddenly? Don’t I get a say in this?"
Sunandha’s gaze softened slightly, but her tone remained firm. "No, Babu. This isn’t up for discussion. I’m doing what’s best for you, for her, and for our family. You and Gita care for each other, and this marriage will bring you both stability and purpose. It’s time you take responsibility and focus on building a life."
"But, Amma—" Babu began, his voice faltering.
Sunandha held up a hand to stop him. "Enough, Babu. You’ve had your freedom, and I’ve given you time to figure things out. Now, it’s time to step up. If Srinu agrees, this will happen, and I expect you to respect my decision."
Babu sat in silence, the weight of her words sinking in. He could see the determination in her eyes and knew there was little point in arguing further.
"Alright, Amma," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sunandha nodded, her expression softening just a little. "Good. Trust me, Babu, this is the right thing for everyone."
She stood up and walked away, leaving him to sit in the quiet living room, grappling with the sudden turn his life was about to take.
Later, as Babu sat in his room, grappling with the weight of the situation, Aruna stood by the doorway, having overheard the conversation between him and Sunandha. She took a deep breath, stepping inside and closing the door softly behind her.
She sat beside him on the bed, her face calm yet pensive. "Babu, you should listen to Amma," she said, her voice gentle but with a tinge of urgency. "She’s thought this through, and her decisions are never without reason. This wedding might be the best thing for you."
Babu looked at her, his expression a mix of frustration and doubt. "But, Akka... this feels so sudden. I don’t know if I’m ready for this step. I don’t even know if this is what I want."
Aruna studied him for a moment, her own emotions swirling beneath the surface. She had already accepted that the feelings she had for Babu, feelings that went beyond the sibling bond, were dangerous and misplaced. If this marriage could help her suppress those emotions and redirect both their lives, it had to happen.
"Babu," she said, her voice steady now, "sometimes, we don’t realize what’s good for us until we’re forced into it. Amma sees a future for you and Gita, and she’s right. Gita is a good girl, and this marriage could bring stability and purpose to your life."
Babu frowned, his uncertainty still evident. "But what if it doesn’t work out? What if I mess this up?"
Aruna placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You won’t. Amma trusts you, and so does Gita. Besides," she added with a small, bittersweet smile, "maybe this wedding will be the change we all need. You, me, Amma... we’ve all been stuck in the past for too long. It’s time to move forward."
Her words, though spoken with calm assurance, carried an underlying plea—one that Babu couldn’t quite decipher. He nodded slowly, not entirely convinced but finding some solace in Aruna’s confidence.
"Alright, Akka," he said quietly, "I’ll do as Amma says."
Aruna smiled softly, her heart heavy but resolute. As she left the room, she whispered to herself, This is for the best—for both of us.
Later that evening, Babu gathered his thoughts and went to find Sunandha. She was sitting in the living room, going through some documents, her expression calm but focused.
"Amma," Babu called softly, standing a few steps away.
She looked up, her face softening as she saw him. "Yes, Babu? Is something on your mind?"
He walked over and sat down beside her, his posture hesitant yet determined. "I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier, about Gita and the wedding." He paused, taking a deep breath. "I’ve decided to do as you wish, Amma. No matter what Srinu decides, I’ll abide by your decision."
Sunandha’s expression brightened with a mix of relief and pride. She set the documents aside and turned fully to face him. "Babu, you don’t know how much this means to me. You’re doing the right thing—for yourself and for our family."
She pulled him into a warm embrace, her arms holding him tightly. Then, she kissed his forehead, her affection radiating a comfort he hadn’t felt in a long time.
Babu closed his eyes, overwhelmed by the warmth of the moment. It had been a while since his mother had shown him such tenderness, and he realized how much he’d missed it.
"Amma," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion, "I’ll try my best not to let you down."
"You never will," Sunandha replied, her voice gentle but firm. "I’m proud of you, Babu. I always have been. And I know you’ll make the right choices in life."
For the first time in what felt like ages, Babu felt a sense of peace wash over him, the weight of his uncertainties momentarily lifted by his mother’s love and unwavering belief in him.
The next day, Srinu arrived at Sunandha’s office, his face a mixture of nervousness and gratitude. Sunandha invited him to sit, sensing he had made his decision.
“Madam,” Srinu began, his voice steady yet humble, “I’ve spoken with my wife, and we both agree. It would be an honor to give Gita’s hand in marriage to Babu.”
A smile spread across Sunandha’s face, her relief evident. “Thank you, Srinu. I’m glad you’ve come to this decision. Gita is a lovely girl, and I know she’ll bring happiness to our family. We’ll take good care of her.”
Srinu nodded, his voice soft but heartfelt. “Babu is a fine young man, and we’re lucky to have this alliance. I trust he’ll keep Gita happy.”
Sunandha reached out and placed a reassuring hand on his. “He will, Srinu. This is a union built on trust and respect. Let’s work together to make this a beautiful beginning for both of them.”
They discussed the next steps, agreeing to fix a date for the engagement. By the end of their conversation, both looked content and satisfied with the way things were shaping up.
Later that evening, Sunandha called the family together. Babu, Aruna, and the household staff gathered in the living room, their curiosity piqued.
“Everyone,” Sunandha began, her voice carrying a sense of pride, “I have wonderful news. Srinu and his family have agreed to the proposal. We’ve fixed a date for Babu and Gita’s engagement.”
A wave of excitement swept through the room. Aruna clapped lightly, masking her inner turmoil, and offered a warm smile. “That’s great news, Amma. Congratulations, Babu.” Babu managed a small smile, his emotions a mix of resignation and hope.
Sunandha continued, “We’ll hold the engagement next month. I’ll make all the necessary arrangements and inform our extended family and friends.”
The mood in the room was celebratory, with everyone sharing in the joy of the announcement. Despite the complexities and hidden emotions, it was a moment of unity and hope for the future.
The next day, Sai approached Sunandha, his face brimming with excitement. "Madam, I have some good news of my own," he said, struggling to contain his enthusiasm.
Sunandha looked up from her files, intrigued. "What is it, Sai?"
"I’ve cracked the state services exam!" he declared, a broad smile spreading across his face.
Sunandha’s expression lit up. "Sai! That’s wonderful news. I’m so proud of you," she said warmly. "You’ve worked so hard, and you truly deserve this success."
When Sunandha returned home that evening, she couldn’t help but praise Sai’s achievement at the dinner table. "Sai’s hard work has finally paid off. He cracked the state services exam. It’s such a proud moment for him," she said with genuine admiration.
Babu, sitting quietly at the table, felt a pang of jealousy at his mother’s words. The warmth and pride in her tone were unmistakable, and he couldn’t help but compare it to her disappointment in his own recent struggles. Though he remained silent, the subtle clench of his jaw and the faint shadow in his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil.
As Sunandha continued to talk about Sai’s determination and perseverance, Babu’s mind wandered. He felt a growing sense of inadequacy, overshadowed by the praise lavished on someone he had once considered just a household staff member. The weight of expectation and his own failures pressed down on him, deepening the rift between him and the confidence he once had.
Continued in next part...
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