A Family's Unspoken Love - Part 11
As Deepti started to fall, Hari swiftly embraced her, holding her close to his chest. Their eyes met, and they stood there as if transported to a magical realm."Mmm..." Achu cleared his throat, breaking the moment.
Deepu, still recovering from the shock, distanced herself from the startled Hari. Her hands and legs trembled, and her heart pounded steadily.
Hari's expression turned serious, and he chastised her angrily. "I didn't warn you. You need to be careful."
"I... I didn't know..." Deepu stammered.
"You didn't know what could have happened. Your heart could have stopped in an instant," Hari scolded.
"I'm sorry, Hari," Deepti said tearfully. "Let's go, forget it. Nothing happened," she pleaded.
Hari, still frustrated, moved away a bit.
Deepti cast a sad glance at Achu, who reassured her, "It's alright. Don't worry."
Achu held her shoulder and encouraged her to approach Hari.
With a smile, Achu sat down on a nearby rock, leaving Deepti and Hari alone.
Deepti took a seat beside Hari and called his name in a hushed voice.
Hari turned away, not even looking at her.
She rested her head on his shoulder.
Achu, seizing the moment, captured a photo with his camera.
"I'm sorry, Hari. I'll listen now. Please don't be upset. I can't bear it when you're silent," Deepti implored, her eyes welling up with tears.
Hari placed his hand on top of hers. "I was scared. I can't stand the thought of something happening to you," he admitted, looking away.
"I'm sorry, hey," Deepti said softly.
"It's alright. Let's go," Hari responded, giving her a faint smile.
Seeing the smile on his lips, a smile formed on Deepti's face.
"Dee, everything's alright now, isn't it?" Hari sighed, slumping onto the sofa.
All three of them were at Deepti's house.
Krishna and Ragini had cleaned and prepared all the food together before Gayatri arrived.
Achu and Deepti lounged on the sofa, waiting for their guests.
"Do you know when they're coming?" Deepti inquired.
"He said he'd be here today," Hari replied.
"Ah."
"Should I go make some tea?" Deepti asked.
"No, it's already half-past three," Hari said, glancing at his watch. "But don't leave us when they arrive. Stay with us."
"If you want me to, Father," Deepti said with a pout.
"Don't be sulky, Dee. We'll say something when we see them; we won't send messages or Miss Call. We know that," Hari assured her.
"I know, Dee. These two days were so joyful because of you. You made me very happy," Deepti said, her smile returning.
Hari came downstairs and joined them.
"Dee, you don't need to be sad when we're with you. We're always here for you," Hari reassured her.
"But let's head down," Hari suggested.
The three of them rose from the ground, and Achu hugged Deepu.
"We'll call you tonight," she said, stepping away.
"Sure," Deepti nodded.
Hari smiled and patted her shoulder. "Let's go, Dee."
"Alright."
Holding their hands, Deepti led them out into the yard.
"Okay, I'll call you," she said.
"Ah."
Deepu watched as they disappeared from view.
Wiping away her teary eyes, she turned and went back inside.
Upon hearing the car's engine, Deepti opened the door and stepped outside.
Giri was the first to exit the car, followed by Krishnan from the co-driver's seat.
When Deepti saw Krishna with stitches on his forehead and hands, her heart ached. She rushed over to him.
"Dad, what happened?" she asked with concern, trying to hold him up.
"Stay away," he gruffly pushed her hands away.
She looked at him, her eyes filled with sorrow.
"Dad," she said, her voice filled with pain.
"It's nothing, honey. We had a car accident on the way here. I've been in the hospital for the past two days," Giri explained as he looked at her.
"Why are you telling her all this? Help me to the room; I need to rest," Krishna demanded angrily.
Giri supported him and led him inside.
At that moment, Ragini and Gayathri, each carrying bundles in their hands and on their heads, descended from behind, accompanied by Revathy.
Ragini stopped in front of Deepti. "Aren't you happy, Dee? I thought you'd be thrilled when I saw you
," she said through gritted teeth, her anger apparent.
