A Family's Unspoken Love - Part 8
Kumar picked up his phone and dialed Ragini's number. After just two rings, she answered."Hello?" Ragini inquired.
"What's going on?" Kumar asked, his voice tinged with anticipation.
"This is what Kumar said," Ragini responded.
Ragini's face lit up with joy. "I'll see you when you come," Kumar assured her.
"We have two days to get there. I'll make sure to visit you. So don't forget what you promised," he reminded her.
"Okay," Ragini replied, a smile forming on her lips as she hung up the phone. She shared her excitement with Gayatri, and their smiles grew as they discussed their plans.
Meanwhile, Hari turned his attention to me and said, "Deepu, pack your essential clothes."
I looked at him, surprised by the sudden request. "They'll be back soon," I mentioned.
"They won't be back. The trip has been canceled," Harry informed me.
"Trip?" I questioned, casting a skeptical look.
"Yeah, they must have gone to Mysore. It's a two-day trip," Harry clarified.
I stared at them in shock, struggling to process the information. "That's true. I hung up because Kichu was calling. I saw your father on the way to meet him and told his dad," Harry explained.
"My father... My father... left me here all alone. They didn't even think about me," I whispered, tears streaming down my face.
Hari's anger flared up. "Deepu!" he shouted.
I looked up at him, startled by his outburst. His expression was unfamiliar, and I was taken aback.
"Now, do you understand? Why shed tears for those who don't want you? Don't let your eyes fill with tears for people who wouldn't look back even if something happened to you. We're here to love you and understand you," he declared, anger evident in his voice. With that, he got up and left the room in frustration.
Achu comforted me, saying, "Don't cry for people who love you and can't understand you anymore. You have to be strong, Deepu. You don't want to live alone for the rest of your life, do you?"
I shook my head, wiping away my tears.
"Until you find a job, you have to be brave. We'll be here for you no matter what," Achu reassured me. She wiped my eyes and pulled me into a comforting hug.
I embraced her tightly, feeling the warmth of their support. In that moment, I realized that they were willing to go to great lengths for me. Their love was unwavering, and they felt my pain as deeply as I did. Now, they were all I needed in my life.
Achu and I pulled away from our hug, and she encouraged me, "Go and pack your clothes. Let's make the most of these two days."
I managed a small smile and walked into my room, still trembling from the emotional rollercoaster.
Hari approached Achu and asked, "What's going on? I got so angry suddenly."
"I'm sorry, Dee. I just couldn't bear to see her cry," Achu replied.
"Mmm," Hari acknowledged.
"She's very upset. After all, he's not her real father," Achu said with a sigh.
"But he doesn't think like that. It's not about blood; it's about protecting the ones you love," Hari expressed, his voice filled with anger.
"Mmm."
"Anyway, let her stay at your house until they return," Hari suggested.
"Mmm. It doesn't matter if she stays there anymore. But it can create some issues. That's why I didn't insist earlier. Otherwise, she would have stayed at my place a long time ago," Achu explained.
"Mmm."
"Hari, tomorrow we're all going on a trip together. We'll explore Palakkad. I'll bring the car," Achu proposed.
"Okay, Dee. I'll be home early. You get ready," Hari agreed.
"Ah. We'll make the most of these two days," Achu said, extending her hand towards him.
Hari took the bag from her hand and added, "Let's go."
They switched off the lights, locked the house, and headed outside. It was dark, and Achu suggested, "Turn on your mobile flash."
The three of them held hands and walked cautiously, scanning their surroundings as they approached the bike.
They all got on the bike, and Hari addressed them, saying, "Let's go."
"Aa," they replied in unison.
Hari started the bike, and they embarked on their journey. Vasudeva and Devaki were waiting for them at home. Devaki noticed that I was standing hesitantly inside the house and came over.
"Come on, baby," she said, taking my arm and guiding me inside, followed by Achu.
"Why aren't you coming, Hari?" Vasudeva asked.
"No, uncle. I'll see you tomorrow," Hari replied.
"Ah," they both agreed.
Achu and I exchanged glances, and Hari waved goodbye to us. A faint smile appeared on my face when I saw that. However, a sense of apprehension lingered in my heart.
"Okay, then, everything will happen as planned tomorrow," Hari said to Vasudeva.
He nodded, and Hari mounted his bike. The three of them held hands and rode off into the night.
