Threads Of Fate

Realization

Aditya’s gaze remained cold. “She’ll be fine,” he muttered.

“No, she won’t,” Rashi shot back. “Do you know how many times she’s had to cancel her plans because of you? How many times she’s put aside her own happiness just to make sure you were comfortable? This is the first time she’s asking for something for herself. Why can’t you let her have this?”

Aditya’s eyes flashed with something unreadable—anger, guilt, maybe both. His jaw tightened, and for a moment, Rashi thought he was going to yell at her. But instead, his gaze lowered.

Rashi’s voice softened. “Your mother deserves to enjoy her life too, Aditya. Just like you. Just like me. Let her go.”

Aditya stood in silence for a long moment. Her words sank into him, stirring a strange feeling in his chest. Regret. He had always been so focused on his own needs that he had never stopped to think about what his mother might want.

Without saying a word to Rashi, he turned and walked toward his mother’s room.

Rashi watched him go, surprised.

Aditya found his mother dusting a photo frame in her room. She turned when he entered, a mixture of surprise and confusion crossing her face.

“Em ra?”(" what dear...?") she asked, her tone cautious.

“Luggage sardhukovatledhe?” ( "Are you not packing the luggage?")Aditya asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Sulochana’s expression faltered. “Nuvvu vadhu annav kadha,”(  "Didn't you say no?") she said softly.

Aditya’s chest tightened. He stepped toward her, gently taking her hands in his. “I’m sorry, Amma. Nanna, nuvvu  Pelli ki vellandi,” ( "I'm sorry, Amma. Nanna, you both go. Attend the wedding.") he said.

Sulochana’s eyes widened. A radiant smile slowly spread across her face. “Emo ra babu… indhakada  no cheppav… ippudu yes cheptunav. Assal ardgam kavu ra nuvvu naku. Em cheppinchi oppinchindhi na menakodalu?”( "What’s this, dear… earlier you said no… now you’re saying yes. I really don’t understand you. What did my daughter-in-law say to convince you?") she asked knowingly and in teasing way.

Aditya’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Adhi pakkana pettu, Amma. Pelli ekkada jarugutundhi?”("Leave that aside, Amma. Where is the wedding happening?")

“Hyderabad lo,”( "In Hyderabad.")  she replied.

“Ho Hyderabad aa! Akkada places baguntay kadha. Pelli ayina ventane saradhaga anni chosesi randi,” ("Oh, Hyderabad, huh! The places there are nice, right? After the wedding, take your time and explore everything properly.")  Aditya said with a light grin.

“Chinnu okardhe anni chesukoledhu kadha ra,” ( "Chinnu can’t handle everything alone, right?") Sulochana said, concern creeping into her voice.

“Nenu vunnanu ga. Nenu help chesthale dhaniki,” ( "I’m here, right? I can help with that.") Aditya said confidently.

Sulochana’s eyes softened. “Avuna sare,” ( "Really? Alright then.")she said, gently squeezing his hand.

From the doorway, Rashi watched the exchange with a small smile tugging at her lips. Seeing Aditya finally acknowledge his mother’s feelings filled her with warmth. Maybe he wasn’t as cold as he seemed after all.

Just then, Sulochana turned toward Aditya with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Avunu, Rashi ni enti ra bava ani pilavadhu annav anta?”("I heard you told Rashi not to call you bava?")

Rashi’s eyes widened. She felt the heat creep into her cheeks.  Immediately she went to inside the room and interupted into their conversations “Attayya, akali ga vundhi… emaina vunnaya tinadaniki?” ( "Aunty, I’m feeling hungry… Is there anything to eat?") she stammered, desperately trying to change the topic.

Aditya’s gaze flicked toward her, and for a brief second, Aditya turns towards Rashi  “Ohho… nuvvu ikkade vunnava?”("Oh, you’re here?") he said.

Rashi’s heart hammered in her chest. His expression was unreadable—was he serious or joking? She couldn’t tell.

“Ha vunnay ma… neekosam potato chips chesi petta,”("Yes, ma… I made potato chips for you.")

  Sulochana said, standing and heading toward the kitchen.

Rashi followed her, relief washing over her. But as she glanced back at Aditya, she saw him watching her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.

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