Chapter 5:
The soft morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as Swati tiptoed down the stairs from JK’s room. From the kitchen drifted the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sizzle of dosa batter on the pan.
Inside, Chandrika, Kamala, and Yashodha were busy preparing breakfast. Ramya, Sowmya, and Vrinda—the daughters-in-law of the household—lent helping hands, their gentle chatter filling the warm space.
Chandrika was the first to notice Swati, her smile widening warmly.
Chandrika (fondly): “Swati, dear, come join us for breakfast.”
Yashodha peeked from behind the counter, concern softening her face.
Yashodha: “Swati, is JK still feeling down this morning?”
Swati shook her head lightly, offering a small, relieved smile as she stepped closer.
Swati (softly): “No, Aunty. He’s perfectly fine now.”
Yashodha let out a deep sigh, her shoulders relaxing.
Yashodha: “That’s good… at least he’s himself again.”
Kamala (curious): “But what made him so moody yesterday?”
Chandrika let out a quiet chuckle.
Chandrika: “Honestly, we didn’t even get a glimpse of his face all day!”
Just then, Lakki Granny shuffled in, leaning on her cane, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
Lakki Granny (teasing): “Ahh… but isn’t JK always perfectly fine when Swati’s around?”
Swati’s cheeks flushed as Ramya, Madhav’s wife, frowned slightly and crossed her arms.
Ramya (muttering): “Granny, what are you even saying…”
The other women glanced at one another, mildly surprised by the elder’s bold comment.
Lakki Granny (waving a hand innocently): “Oh my! I just meant JK doesn’t need anyone else when his friends are here. Isn’t that right, Swati?”
Swati stifled an awkward laugh as Yashodha looked at her with amused eyes.
Yashodha (gently): “Is that so?”
Before anyone could add more, JK stepped out of his room, freshly dressed, his hair still damp from a shower. His usually serious expression softened ever so slightly as he noticed the group in the kitchen.
Ambrutha entered behind him, her voice cheerful.
Ambrutha: “Hey, Swati! Good morning.”
Swati (smiling): “Good morning, Ambrutha.”
Ambrutha’s eyes flicked toward JK with a teasing glint.
Ambrutha (playfully): “And look at you, sir! So full of energy today. Yesterday you were acting as if the whole sky had fallen on your head.”
JK shot her a pointed look, his tone calm but his eyes hinting at a faint smile.
JK (dryly): “Go to college, Ammu. If I get annoyed again, it won’t be pleasant. Worry about clearing your backlog first. Go.”
Grinning, Ambrutha turned to Lakki Granny.
Ambrutha (mock whisper): “Granny, see how he talks? I don’t think we can save him today.”
JK (irritated): “Enough… don’t make a scene.”
Lakki Granny (shaking her head with mock disappointment): “Ahh! You two are always squabbling like this.”
Ambrutha sighed dramatically as she checked the clock.
Ambrutha: “Oh no! I’m late for college already. Bye, everyone!”
Yashodha (calling out): “At least have breakfast before you leave!”
Ambrutha (rushing out): “I’ll eat at the canteen, Mom! Bye!”
The door shut behind her.
Lakki Granny (grumbling): “This girl is always in such a hurry.”
Just then, little Suraj—Madhav’s young son—ran into the kitchen clutching his school bag. He tugged at JK’s sleeve, looking up with pleading eyes.
Suraj (whining): “JK Uncle… I don’t want to go to school today. Please take me with you instead.”
JK knelt down to his level, surprised.
JK (gently): “Why, little one? What happened? Why don’t you want to go today?”
Ramya stepped forward with a frown.
Ramya: “Hey! What’s this nonsense? Stop acting up. Your school bus will be here any minute.”
Before JK could respond, little Priyanka toddled in and wrapped her arms around his legs.
Priyanka (sweetly): “Uncle…”
JK scooped her into his arms, his face softening into a smile.
JK (affectionately): “What’s the matter, sweetheart? Why is Suraj refusing school?”
Priyanka (giggling): “Because… because he didn’t do his homework yesterday, and now he says he won’t go!”
The whole kitchen erupted in laughter.
Ramya (scolding): “Suraj! You’re trying to butter up your uncle to avoid homework? Go eat your breakfast and get ready!”
Swati knelt beside him, her tone gentle.
Swati: “Listen, sweetheart. Go to school today. If they scold you, it’s okay—we’ll go out for ice cream this evening. Deal?”
Suraj’s face crumpled, and he began to cry loudly.
Suraj (wailing): “I’m not going!”
JK (firmly): “Enough! Are you going, or should I call Big Grandpa?”
Suraj’s eyes went wide with alarm. He nodded quickly and dashed off to his mother.
Ramya (shaking her head): “Priyanka, you get ready too. Mokshit, Shravyya, where are you two? The bus will be here any second!”
As she gathered the children, Swati turned to JK with a playful sparkle in her eyes.
Swati (teasing): “Aren’t you getting late too? Or should I call your Big Uncle on you?”
JK (raising a brow): “No… please don’t. Let’s go.”
Lakki Granny (laughing): “Looks like someone finally has JK under control.”
JK (groaning): “Granny… you’re ruining my reputation.”
Chandrika (chuckling): “Granny, don’t exaggerate. No one can control JK. He’s too headstrong.”
Yashodha (sighing): “Hmph! Just wait until this king gets married. Then he’ll know—a wife’s words leave no room for argument.”
Kamala (nodding): “True. Whoever marries JK will be one lucky girl. She must have done great karma to win him.”
Swati glanced at JK and couldn’t resist joining in.
Swati (teasing): “Ohhh really?”
JK (clearing his throat, embarrassed): “Enough. Amma, we’re late already. Swati, let’s go.”
Swati (pleading): “Let’s at least eat something first?”
Yashodha: “Yes, dear. Eat quickly and then leave.”
Lakki Granny (smiling): “A little delay won’t hurt.”
Swati (grinning): “Come on, JK. Granny says it’s okay.”
JK (resigned): “Fine. But make it quick.”
The two sat for a swift breakfast before heading out to college, the house echoing with laughter and lively chatter as they left.
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Later That Morning
After class, the group strolled together toward the college gate—JK, Swati, Surya, Karthik, and Praveen walking side by side, the afternoon sun casting long shadows on the ground.
Praveen (frowning): “Poorvi didn’t come today. I wonder what happened to her.”
Surya (dryly): “Do we really need to talk about her now?”
Praveen (shrugging): “I was just asking…”
Swati’s heart skipped a beat. Poorvi again… After yesterday’s drama, I need to change the topic before JK gets upset.
Swati (cheerfully): “Hey, why don’t we all go shopping today? The annual day is coming up, and we need new clothes. What do you say?”
JK (teasing): “Girls and their shopping! No matter how many dresses you have, it’s never enough.”
Praveen (joining in): “True. Whoever marries Swati is going to have a tough time.”
Swati (rolling her eyes): “Ugh! Stop teasing me. You people can’t survive a single day without picking on me, can you?”
She playfully raised her hand to swat Praveen, who immediately raised his hands in mock surrender.
Surya (grinning): “Alright, let’s go before it gets too late.”
Karthik: “You guys go ahead. I’ll skip this time. I have some work to do.”
Surya: “Work? Come on, don’t make excuses.”
Swati: “Yeah! You can do your work later. Join us first.”
Karthik (shaking his head): “No, really… I already have plenty of clothes. I’ll just wear one of those.”
JK (his tone firm): “Karthik. Start the bike.”
Karthik (hesitant): “Please, JK… I don’t feel like coming.”
JK (his voice sharper now): “I said, start the bike.”
Surya (surprised): “Whoa, JK… why are you getting angry over this?”
JK (voice soft but edged with hurt): “Oh, so we’re all dead to him now, is that it?”
Swati (gently): “JK… why are you saying that?”
JK (letting out a heavy sigh): “Our big man here has been worrying too much about money lately. That’s why.”
Surya (looking at Karthik): “Is that true, Karthik?”
Karthik looked away, his voice barely a whisper.
Karthik: “I… I didn’t want to trouble you all anymore. I was thinking of taking up a part-time job… but I knew you wouldn’t let me. I feel embarrassed to keep depending on you guys.”
Swati (softly): “Oh… since when did you grow so mature?”
Praveen (half-joking, half-hurt): “Exactly! Seems like you never thought of us as your friends. And yet we always treated you like our brother.”
Karthik (quickly): “No, don’t say that… you’re all my family too.”
JK stepped forward, his face tight with emotion as he gripped Karthik’s shoulders.
JK (voice thick): “Then stop acting like a stranger. One more time you distance yourself like this, I swear I won’t forgive you. Got it?”
Karthik’s throat tightened, and tears welled in his eyes.
Karthik (voice cracking): “I’m… I’m truly lucky to have friends like you. Why do you care so much about an orphan like me?”
JK (fiercely): “Don’t you ever call yourself that again! As long as we’re alive, you’ll never be alone. You’re family.”
Karthik couldn’t hold back anymore. He pulled them all into a tight hug, his tears spilling silently.
Praveen (sniffling, trying to lighten the mood): “These emotional scenes don’t suit us.”
Swati (smirking): “Nothing suits you anyway. So hush.”
The group burst into laughter, breaking the heavy moment.
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Author’s Note:
True friends are the family we choose. ❤️ Which moment touched your heart the most—JK’s fierce words or Karthik’s tears? Share your thoughts below! ✨ Stay tuned… the next chapter brings new twists 😉
