Family of Shaows

[sexonmind]

Chapter 15 part 2

Next day, Sunandha sat motionless in the quarters, staring blankly ahead. The day that was meant to be filled with joy had instead unraveled into something she could barely process. The humiliation of calling off Babu’s engagement, the whispers of relatives, and the weight of his accusations still clung to her like a shadow. She even asked Rani to leave as soon as she finished her chores, wanting some quiet time.

Moments later, the doorbell rang echoing through the quiet quarters, breaking the suffocating silence.

Sunanda sighed and got up to answer it. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see Mr. Anand standing there, dressed in his usual crisp white shirt and neatly pressed trousers. His expression was serious, his eyes scanning her face as if searching for answers.

"Anand garu," Sunanda said, stepping aside to let him in. "Please, come in."

As Anand walked inside, his eyes immediately landed on Aruna, who was casually seated on the sofa, flipping through a magazine. Aruna remained silent, offering him a polite but nervous smile. He had known Aruna from the past, but he hadn’t expected to find her here, settled comfortably in Sunanda’s home.

His expression changed—confusion, then surprise, and finally, a hint of disapproval.

He turned to Sunanda. "What is Aruna doing here?"

Sunanda glanced at Aruna before responding. "She’s been living with us for the past two years since Narendra passed away."

Anand didn’t respond right away. He turned back to Sunanda. "Can we talk? Alone."

Sunanda hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Of course."

Aruna’s expression shifted abruptly. The casual confidence on her face drained away, replaced by a sudden, sharp tension. Her fingers, which had been lazily flipping through a magazine, now gripped its pages tightly.

Her mind raced. What if Anand tells Sunanda about Yedukondalu?

Two years ago, when she manipulated the situation to her advantage. She had implicated even Sunanda in the sexual harassment charges against Yedukondalu, twisting the narrative. Sunanda had no idea that her name had been dragged into it.

And Anand… he was the inquiry officer in that case.

Of course, he knew the truth. He had led the internal investigation, gathered statements, and reviewed the evidence. If he had come here now, looking serious and asking to talk to Sunanda alone, it could only mean one thing—he was planning to tell her everything.

Aruna’s breath hitched. If Sunanda found out that she had been falsely implicated in the case, it would destroy everything Aruna had built over the last two years.

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to think. Taking a deep breath, she quickly composed herself, but inside, she was panicking.

“I can’t let this happen.” she thought.

As Anand and Sunanda started walking toward Sunanda’s bedroom, Aruna felt the walls closing in. This was it. If Anand spoke to Sunanda in private, she had no control over what he might reveal.

Panic surged through her, but she masked it instantly.

In one swift motion, Aruna stood up from the sofa, her voice carrying a sudden warmth.

“Anand sir! I’m sorry, I didn’t recognize you at first.” She forced a bright smile onto her face. “You’ve changed a lot!”

Before Anand could respond, she stepped forward and hugged him. It was quick, almost natural—an act that would disarm him before he could react.

And as she leaned close, she lowered her voice, her words meant only for him.

“Before you tell Amma anything, just listen to me for five minutes.”

She pulled away, maintaining her pleasant expression as if nothing had happened. But her eyes locked onto Anand’s, filled with an unspoken urgency.

“Then you can do whatever you want to do.”

As the tension in the room thickened, Aruna quickly regained her composure. She turned to Sunanda with a playful yet firm tone, her voice carrying an air of casual hospitality.

“What is this, Amma? You’re not even offering our guest some tea or coffee?” She flashed a smile, masking the storm raging inside her.

Sunanda, still caught off guard by Anand’s sudden visit, hesitated for a moment. Before she could respond, Aruna turned to Anand, her tone light and insistent.

“Amma, please prepare some coffee for Anand sir.”

Anand, however, was in no mood for pleasantries. His gaze remained fixed on Sunanda as he said, “It’s okay. I just want to talk to you.”

But Aruna wasn’t about to let that happen just yet.

She stepped in smoothly, her voice carrying a subtle authority.

“First, have some coffee.” She smiled again, but there was an unmistakable firmness in her tone. “Then you can talk to Amma as much as you want.”

She met Anand’s gaze, silently daring him to push back. Every second she delayed his conversation with Sunanda was a small victory.

As Sunanda disappeared into the kitchen, Aruna wasted no time. She turned to Anand, her voice softer now, calculated yet urgent.

“Whatever happened seven years ago was a mistake. I realize that now.” She looked at him, her eyes filled with something resembling regret. “Two years ago, when my father passed away, Amma took me in. She cared for me. I have built a good life here.”

She took a step closer, lowering her voice as if pleading. “Please don’t ruin it for me by telling Amma everything.”

Anand’s expression hardened. He didn’t respond immediately, but Aruna could see the conflict in his eyes. He was thinking. That was a good sign.

But Aruna knew her life here alone wasn’t enough to persuade him. She needed to offer him something more—something irresistible.

She took a deep breath and played her final card.

“Anand, I know you love Amma.”

Anand’s gaze snapped to hers, and for a fleeting moment, she saw the flicker of truth in his eyes.

She pressed on. “If you let me have my life here, I will help you win hers.”

Anand remained silent, his jaw tightening.

“She is in a vulnerable position right now,” Aruna continued smoothly. “If I talk to her, I can help you. You can marry her.” She paused, then added with a knowing smirk, “I know you never married because you loved Amma.”

Anand clenched his fists, looking away. She had hit a nerve.

As Sunanda walked in, carrying a steaming cup of coffee, her face was calm, but her eyes held a quiet curiosity. She placed the cup on the table in front of Anand and then waited for him to finish it. As soon as he was done Sunandha said “Anand, you wanted to talk to me in private.” She gestured toward her bedroom. “Let’s go.”

Anand glanced briefly at Aruna before rising from his seat. He nodded silently and followed Sunanda into the bedroom.

For the next 30 minutes Aruna sat stiffly on the sofa, her fingers drumming lightly against the armrest. Every passing second felt like an eternity.

Her mind raced with possibilities. Was Anand telling her everything? Was he bringing up Yedukondalu? Was he warning Sunanda about her? Or was he using this opportunity to get close to her, just like she had suggested?

She bit her lip, trying to appear composed, but her body betrayed her—her foot tapped anxiously against the floor. She hated not being in control.

Finally, the door creaked open.

Anand stepped out, his face unreadable. He glanced at Aruna and gave a polite nod. “Goodbye, Aruna.”

And just like that, he was gone.

Aruna immediately turned to Sunanda, her curiosity burning through her facade of indifference.

“What did he say?” she asked, forcing a casual tone.

Sunanda exhaled as she sank into the chair, rubbing her temple as if she were tired.

“Nothing unusual,” she said, “He asked about the engagement—why it was canceled. Where Babu is now. If I was doing okay.”**

Aruna’s shoulders relaxed slightly, but Sunanda kept talking.

“He also said I was being too hard on Babu.” She sighed. “He thinks I should forgive him.”

Aruna’s jaw tightened.

“He told me that no matter how angry I am, I can’t live without Babu for too long. That I would regret push him away.”

She let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. “He said it was for my own sake… not even for Babu’s, but for me.”

She looked at Aruna, her eyes searching. “Do you think he’s right?”

Aruna forced a gentle smile, but inside, she was seething.

So Anand didn’t expose her… but he had planted a seed in Sunanda’s mind.

A dangerous seed.

Aruna sighed and looked down, as if contemplating her words carefully. Then, in a soft voice, she said,

“I don’t know, Amma. Maybe… maybe it’s my fault to some extent.”

Sunanda frowned, confused. “Your fault? What are you talking about?”

Aruna hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “I mean, I always gave Babu whatever he wanted. All the pocket money, all the freedom to spend it however he wished… Maybe I spoiled him without realizing it.” She sighed again. “Maybe I made him believe that he didn’t have to take responsibility for himself.”

Sunanda’s face softened, but her voice remained firm.

“Aruna, don’t blame yourself for his actions.” She shook her head. “Babu is not a child anymore. He knew what he was doing.”

Aruna nodded. “You’re right, Amma. But… Anand does have a point. Sooner or later, you’ll have to forgive him.”

Sunanda’s eyes darkened for a moment, and she leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping lightly against the armrest.

“Yes, eventually,” she admitted after a pause. “Just… not yet.”

She turned to Aruna and gave her a small, tired smile. “But don’t you ever think that this is your fault, Aruna. Babu made his choices. He has to face the consequences.”

Aruna gave a faint nod, but inside, her mind was racing. Sunanda had made up her mind.

She will forgive Babu… but not yet.

And that was all Aruna needed.

That evening, even though Sunanda had given her permission to take the rest of the day off, Rani still came to the quarters. She told herself it was just to check if everything was all right, but deep down, she knew she was worried about Sunanda Madam.

As she stepped inside, the house felt unusually quiet. Sunanda was sitting on the sofa, staring at nothing in particular, lost in thought. Aruna sat across her browsing through her phone. Rani Sat near Sunandha's feet Cutting Vegetables for the night dinner.  The doorbell rang, breaking the silence. Sunanda looked up, startled, while Rani quickly got to her feet.

"I’ll check, madam," Rani said, making her way to the door.

She opened it just enough to see who was outside, then paused for a moment before closing it again and returning to Sunanda.

"Madam…," she said, “Someone named Ratna Kumar is here to see you.”

Sunandha barely acknowledged her. She simply gave a slight nod.

Ratna Kumar entered, hesitating for a moment before clearing his throat. “Madam,” he began carefully, “I need to speak with you about something important.”

Sunandha didn’t react.

Ratna Kumar sighed, shifting uncomfortably. “I must first apologize for the delay in bringing this to your attention. Two years ago, when Narendra Garu passed away, I had to leave for abroad to settle my daughter in university. By the time I returned, my mother fell ill, and I was caught up in taking care of her. That’s why it took me this long to meet you.”

He pulled out a folder and placed it on the table. “This is Narendra Garu’s will.”

He took a deep breath and began reading. “As per this will, the house in Guntur and six acres of agricultural land in Kakani are to be given to his first wife’s children—Aruna, Venu, and Vani. The Hyderabad house and three acres of land in Kazipet, though earned by Narendra Garu, were made possible with your support, and so they are given to you and Babu. However…” Ratna Kumar hesitated for a moment before continuing, “as long as you are alive, you have full control over the entire property. You have the right to make any changes, including writing anyone out of the will at your discretion.”

He looked up, waiting for a reaction. But Sunandha sat still, her face unreadable.

The silence stretched, heavy and thick, until Aruna finally spoke.

“Amma,” she said gently, stepping forward. “I know this isn’t the right time, and I hate to bring this up, but it’s important.”

Sunandha slowly turned her gaze toward Aruna.

“Venu wants to sell his share of the property,” Aruna continued carefully. “He wants to invest in his business. He applied for a legal heir certificate, and the process is pending.”

Ratna Kumar glanced at Sunandha, but her expression didn’t change.

“We didn’t know about the will, Amma,” Aruna added quickly. “We had no idea you had full control over the property. Please… don’t take any action against Venu. It’s an honest mistake.”

The room fell into silence again. Sunandha exhaled slowly, but her face remained unreadable.

Sunandha looked at Aruna for a long moment, her eyes filled with exhaustion and resignation. Then, with a deep breath, she spoke.

“It’s alright, Aruna,” she said, her voice steady but heavy. “Venu and Vani are also my children, even if they don’t see me as their mother.”

Aruna remained silent, watching her carefully.

Sunandha continued, “Your father wanted them to have their share, and I won’t stand in the way of that. I’ll make sure Venu gets what was intended for him.”

She then turned toward Ratna Kumar, her expression resolute. “Prepare the necessary documentation—not just for Venu’s share, but for mine as well.”

Ratna Kumar frowned slightly. “Madam… your share?”

“Yes,” Sunandha confirmed. “I want to transfer my share, as well as Babu’s, to Aruna, Venu, and Vani. They can have everything.”

A stunned silence filled the room. Aruna’s fingers tightened slightly, but she quickly masked her reaction.

Ratna Kumar hesitated. “Are you sure?”

“I am,” Sunandha said firmly. “If my presence in that will was meant to control them, then I want nothing to do with it. Let them have the properties. I don’t need them.”

Ratna Kumar nodded slowly, still processing her decision.

Sunandha sat back in her chair, as if the weight of the day had finally settled on her shoulders. “If that’s all,” she said, her voice quiet but unwavering, “you may both leave.”

Ratna Kumar gathered his documents, glancing briefly at Aruna, who forced a smile despite the turmoil in her mind. “Thank you, Amma,” she said, her voice carefully controlled.

She turned to leave, but as she stepped out of the room, her thoughts raced. This was unexpected—but not necessarily a setback. Sunandha’s emotions had made her impulsive, and impulsive decisions could be manipulated. Aruna just needed to play her next move carefully.

Aruna walked out of the room, maintaining a composed expression, but inside, her mind was reeling. This was more than she had planned for. She had expected Sunandha to agree to Venu’s request without resistance—but for her to give away her entire share, including Babu’s, was completely unexpected.

She had spent years carefully maneuvering her way to secure what she believed was rightfully hers, but she had never imagined that Sunandha would surrender so easily.

Why would she do this? Aruna thought, her fingers clenching into a fist. Guilt? Resentment? Or is this some kind of trick?

For the first time, Aruna felt a flicker of unease. Sunandha had always been strong-willed, never one to back down easily. This sudden decision—without argument, without hesitation—didn’t sit right with her.

As she reached the corridor, she forced herself to take a deep breath. No, this isn’t a problem—it’s an opportunity. She had won more than she had ever hoped for. Now, she just needed to make sure nothing changed before the papers were signed.

Aruna had expected Sunandha’s anger toward Babu to cloud her judgment, perhaps even push her into giving away what rightfully belonged to Aruna, Venu, and Vani. But she had never anticipated this. Sunandha wasn’t just giving away Narendra’s share—she was surrendering her own property and Babu’s as well.

Aruna kept her expression neutral, but inside, she was stunned. What is she thinking? This was too easy. Sunandha had spent years protecting Babu, shaping his future, ensuring he had everything. Yet now, with just one confrontation, she was willing to strip him of his inheritance entirely?

Is it Punishment? An overreaction ? Or something else?

For a moment, doubt crept in. Had she pushed too hard? Had she miscalculated? But as quickly as the uncertainty came, she suppressed it. No. It doesn’t matter why she’s doing it. What matters is that she is.

Now, all she had to do was make sure nothing changed before the documents were signed.

Continued in the next part……