A Family's Unspoken Love - Part 1
In this moment, tempers had to be kept in check, and every action needed careful consideration. The weight of decisions carried the knowledge that a child might look up to us helplessly, awaiting our choices. If we were to rescue her, it would be after we had meticulously arranged everything for her.Hari and Achu nodded in agreement, emphasizing that they would only proceed with well-thought-out plans.
Vasu observed them and grinned. "Alright, everyone, it's time for a meal," announced Devaki as she appeared at the door.
"Ah," Vasudevan acknowledged. "You can start eating now." Hari and Achu rose from their seats beside Vasudevan.
They all gathered around the table and began to eat. Hari eventually excused himself.
"Achu, I'll see you at the temple in the evening."
"Alright. Will Deepu be there?" Achu inquired.
"Of course," Hari replied. "I'll see you both there."
With that, Hari departed, leaving Vasudevan to question the change he had noticed in Hari. "My dear, have you noticed a glimmer in Hari's eyes whenever he talks about Deepu?" Vasudevan inquired with a knowing smile.
Achu met his gaze and smiled. "Yes, it's true. Hari has feelings for Deepu, but she's unaware of them," Achu confessed, placing a reassuring hand on Vasudevan's shoulder.
Vasudevan chuckled. "Ah, so our hunch wasn't wrong."
"That's correct. They should be united, and Deepu's sorrow must be dispelled. Hari would cherish her like gold," Achu shared.
Vasudevan's grin widened. "In that case, we don't need to search for a suitor for our daughter, do we?" he teased.
"Hey, don't tempt fate! I have much to do at the moment. Don't mention marriage just yet. I'll let you know when the time is right," Devaki interjected playfully, feigning annoyance.
"What's this? Such cryptic talk," Vasudevan teased further.
"I can't say just yet. I'll reveal it when the time is right," Devaki replied with a secretive smile.
"What conspiracy are you brewing? I wonder," Devaki inquired as she approached.
"I'm contemplating sending my mother to Mars," Vasudevan quipped.
"Oh, you're too much! You've bested me," Devaki responded with a wry smile.
"Ah, my dear Devumma, are you offended?" Vasudevan playfully inquired, cupping her chin.
"Stop teasing the girl. The stew is getting cold outside. Go and have your meal," Devaki chided.
"Alright, no more talk of marriage for now. I'll let you in on it when the time comes," Devaki said, feigning irritation.
"What's with these weighty matters?" Vasudevan asked, chuckling.
"I can't say right now. I'll inform you when it's appropriate," Devaki replied.
"What conspiracy am I not privy to?" Devaki queried as she returned.
"I'm considering sending my mother to Mars," Vasudevan joked.
"Oh no, you're even more mischievous than me," Devaki remarked, pouting.
"Well, my dear, are you upset?" Vasudevan asked, gently touching Devaki's face.
"It's just a thought. Vasuvetta, you're the one who's better at this," Devaki responded, her voice softening.
"Oh, come on, don't pout," Vasudevan cajoled.
Devaki stood on her tiptoes and rested her head on Vasudevan's chest. Achu, with tear-filled eyes, gazed at a photo of her father as a young child.
"Where are you, Appu Vetta? Mom and Dad are eagerly waiting. So am I," she whispered, wiping her eyes before joining her parents.
"What's going on here? Don't forget you have a grown-up daughter here, and you can't fall in love with two more," she teased with a smile.
"Alright," Devaki said as she wiped her eyes, her gaze filled with love.
Achu embraced them both. "Have you both come?" she asked, calling out to Hari and Deepu as she led them to the mango tree.
Sitting on the swing, she motioned for them to sit on a nearby bench. "I have something to share with both of you," she began.
They looked at her curiously.
"I won't be seeking a suitor," Achu announced, causing Vasudevan to furrow his brow.
"Already? Have you found someone?" Vasudevan asked.
"No, not yet," Achu replied. "But after my exams, I plan to enroll in a computer course."
"So, you won't be pursuing your post-graduation?" Vasudevan inquired.
"I can complete it through distance learning. After the course, I intend to start working," Achu explained.
"Ah, you want to work," Vasudevan commented. "But why? You could manage our family business after finishing your studies."
"Please, Father. You don't have to work," Devaki said with a frown. "Give it to me. I can't bear the weight of such responsibility. If Appu Vettan returns, I'll hand it over to him."
The word "Appu" hung in the air, and both Hari and Deepu were silent.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" Achu wondered. "Appu Vettan will come back. If he demands everything be handed over to him, I won't mind. I'll have a job, and I've been yearning to work for a long time."
Achu smiled as she continued, "You've become quite talkative, Father."
Devaki interjected, "I don't want to hear it, Achu."
"But, Mom..."
"I won't hear any more of it," Devaki insisted as she rose to leave.
"I will go to Bangalore with Hari and Deepu if my mother gets upset," Achu declared.
"Bangalore?" Vasudevan and Devaki both asked in surprise.
Devaki stood her ground, and Achu smiled as she settled between her parents. "Hari will go to Bangalore after his exams. His brother will arrange a job for him. Deepu will go there soon as well."
"You're going with them?" Devaki inquired.
"I'm not leaving my mom and dad for anything," Achu reassured them. "Let's settle here and live comfortably. We can always go on trips if we want."
Both Hari and Deepu held her close.
