THE RULERS OF KHANSAAR ( PART 1 COMPLETED, PART 2 IS LOADING )

Deva noticed that Mythili was unusually anxious about leaving Khansaar. He decided to confront her directly. He always had this feeling that she is hiding something from everyone. 

Deva : why are you so unwilling to go ?  You seem really upset about it.

Mythili hesitated and didn't answer. Deva's annoyance grew, but he tried to remain patient.

Deva : I need to know why. It's important. Please, just tell me.

Mythili's eyes filled with tears. She started to panic and  her emotions are  getting the best of her. She recalled what all she experienced before returning to khansaar. 

Mythili : I... I can't go because... I'm hiding something from everyone. I don't want to leave and have it come out.

Deva is confused and concerned. He asked her gently. It is a new side in him.

Deva : What are you hiding ? You can trust me.

Mythili's tears began to fall more freely. She struggled to speak through her sobs. She told everything that she faced before coming back to khansaar. Mythili planned to come back to khansaar before Aarathi and Varadha's wedding but those events made her to delay her visit.

Mythili : I'm scared Deva. I didn't want anyone to know . I thought I could keep it hidden, but it's all too much now.

Deva had never really dealt with emotions like these before. He wasn't sure how to respond but saw the distress in Mythili's eyes. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, trying to console her.

Deva : It's okay. You don't have to hide anything from me. Just calm down. You can believe me in the same way how you believe Aarathi. 

 Mythili is shivering because of the emotional stress. She needed a comforting presence. Without thinking twice she hugged Deva tightly and continued to cry. Deva is surprised by the sudden intimacy. He hesitated for a moment but then gently wrapped his arms around her by offering what comfort he could. He didn't say anything, but his presence and embrace provided some solace to her. 

As Mythili's sobs slowly quieted, Deva remained silent by holding her in his arms. He was unsure about these feelings and the comfort he was providing, but he knew it was important to be there for her in this moment of need.

..............

Baachi returned to Varadha who is  looking slightly uncomfortable.

Baachi : Anna ! Vadhina said she'll meet you later. She's really busy with her work.

Varadha's frustration was evident. He ran a hand through his hair as he is clearly irritated by Aarathi's delay.

Varadha : Busy with work ? This is important too !  I need to speak with her now.

Baachi : Don't use me as a mediator between you two. I have some work at the mines.

Baachi left by leaving his brother alone in the room.

..........

Later, when Aarathi finally arrived in their room after finishing her work.  Varadha was waiting. his expression is  a mix of impatience and determination. As soon as she enteredthe room he  grabbed her by her arm and pulled her towards him. He pinned her gently but firmly against the wall.

Aarathi looked at him with a surprised and intrigued face.

Aarathi : What's this all about ? 

She wrapped her arms around his neck with  a playful glint in her eyes. Her demeanor shifted to a bolder and flirtatious side from being  ruthless and strict.

Aarathi : So, why the sudden rush to see me ? Are you missing me that much ?

Varadha is still holding her against the wall. He  looked into her eyes with a mix of seriousness and desire.

Varadha : Let's put everything else aside for now. Let's focus on us first.

Aarathi's eyes sparkled as she leaned in closer and her lips almost touching his. They began to kiss, the intensity of their feelings are  apparent in their embrace. For a while, they let themselves get lost in each other, the outside world fading away.

After a few moments, Varadha pulled back slightly and his expression turned serious again.

Varadha : Aarathi, there's something bothering me.

Aarathi : what happened ? 

She asked by holding his face in her hands.

Varadha :  Baba has been acting strange. He's worried about something and I think he's hiding it from us. I have a feeling that he's concerned about us because he knows something we don't.

Aarathi's playful smile faded as she looked at him with her concern growing.

Aarathi : What do you think he's hiding ? Do you have any idea what it could be ? 

Varadha : I'm not sure yet. But we need to find out. Whatever it is, it might be important for us to know. We can't afford to be left in the dark.

Aarathi nodded and her expression turned thoughtful. She understood the gravity of Varadha's concerns and knew they needed to address this issue urgently.

Aarathi : We'll get to the bottom of this, Varadha. Let's stay alert and make sure we're ready for whatever might come. I don't think confronting baba is a good idea. Let's ask him slowly.

They shared a determined look and their earlier moment of romance now giving way to a shared resolve to uncover the truth.

.........

As Deva and Mythili sat together on the edge of the bed, Deva gently held Mythili's hand by trying to offer comfort and support. Mythili looked at him with a thoughtful expression.

Mythili : You know, I have this strange feeling that you're somehow familiar to me. It's like I've known you for a long time.

Deva looked at her with curiosity.

Deva : We've never met before, Mythili. I'm sure of it. I left Khansaar a long time ago and lived in Gujarat and Maharashtra for several years.

Mythili's eyes widened as a memory sparked in her mind.

Mythili : Actually, there's something else. I remember when I was a child, Shivada Aunty used to visit us often. I think you might have come with her sometimes.

Deva looked surprised but then nodded as  recognition is dawning on him.

Deva : Yes, that's right. I did visit your house a few times. I used to tag along with Shivada Aunty whenever she goes somewhere alone.

Mythili's face brightened with realization.

Mythili : That's it ! I remember seeing someone who looked like you during those visits. It must be why you seem so familiar to me. You just grew up into man from a boy. No other change is evident in your demeanour. 

Deva smiled. Mythili looked at him with surprise as she never saw him smiling much.

Deva : It's amazing how small the world can be. Even after all these years, those connections can still linger.

Mythili nodded by  feeling a mix of relief and nostalgia.

Mythili : It makes sense now. I guess those old memories and connections have a way of resurfacing when you least expect them.

Deva nodded in agreement.

.............

How's the chapter ?