Chapter 20 – Hidden Truths and Unspoken Bonds
They left Surya’s house earlier than planned, and by the time they reached JK’s home, the air was already heavy with anticipation.
The main door opened, and the familiar fragrance of sandalwood and old memories greeted them. In the living room, Chandrika sat quietly, but the moment her eyes landed on JK, her entire face transformed. Her eyes widened in disbelief, her lips parted, and a stream of tears welled up instantly.
“Son… JK,” she whispered, her voice trembling as if the words had been trapped for years. Her cheeks quivered with emotion, and tears slipped down one after another. “It’s been so long since I last saw you.”
Before JK could say anything, Chandrika sprang up, rushing forward with a sudden burst of energy. She wrapped her arms tightly around him, pressing her face against his shoulder, trembling with joy.
“Chikki…” JK’s eyes softened, his lips curving into a tender smile. His hand rested protectively on her back as he whispered, “Now that I’ve seen you, my heart feels at peace again, my dear Chikki.” His gaze sparkled with affection as he held her like a long-lost treasure.
Turning quickly, Chandrika called out, her voice filled with excitement that she couldn’t contain.
“Yashodha sister, Kamala sister, come quickly! Look who’s here!”
Within moments, footsteps echoed, and the women hurried into the hall.
Lucky stood frozen for a second, her frail hands trembling. Then her lips curled into a wavering smile, and her entire face lit up with tears. “My grandchildren have finally returned!” she said, her voice breaking. Her hands, quivering like fragile leaves, reached out as if afraid they might vanish if she didn’t touch them.
“Hi, my darling… how are you?” JK asked warmly, his smile glowing with both pride and relief. Together with the others, he bent down at Granny’s feet.
Lucky’s fingers stroked their heads shakily, blessing them with trembling hands. “Do you know how happy I am today?” she asked, her voice choked, her throat tightening with every word. The deep lines of worry that had shadowed her face for two years seemed to fade into the background, replaced by radiant joy.
Yashodha and Kamala, tears glistening in their eyes, couldn’t resist caressing the children—stroking their hair, holding their cheeks, as if to erase all the bitter distance of the past years in one tender moment.
The elder brothers—Keshav, Sudhakar, Shashidhar—watched with faces glowing in pride. Their stern features softened, their eyes moist with warmth.
“I always knew you would accomplish something great,” Keshav said, his lips trembling with emotion. He hugged JK tightly, then kissed his forehead with fatherly pride. His eyes sparkled as he turned. “Did you see that, brother?”
Sudhakar’s serious expression softened into a gentle smile. “Yes,” he said, nodding slowly, his eyes calm but shining. “I have been watching all along.”
Together, the three brothers extended their blessings, placing firm yet tender hands on the younger ones’ heads.
“At last, you honored my words and kept them close to your hearts,” Shashidhar said, smiling with deep satisfaction. His stern eyes glowed with approval, the corners of his lips curving upward.
Surya, though smiling on the outside, couldn’t hide the flicker of restlessness in his eyes. His lips curved politely, but his gaze darted across the hall, searching desperately for Ammu.
Shashidhar turned to his mother, his eyes glimmering with pride. “See, Mother? Two years passed so quickly. Everyone worried about sending them away, but now they’ve returned.”
Lucky’s smile faltered, her lips trembling as her eyes filled once again. “You don’t understand, son. Only we know how we survived these two years. Only we know the weight of it.”
Sumathi stepped forward, her face bright with a hopeful smile. “Mother, don’t dwell on the past. They’ve come home at the right time. Let’s be happy now.”
Kamala, Shashidhar’s wife, tilted her head slightly, her eyebrows raised, lips curling in playful reproach. “Sumathi, we told you to come earlier, didn’t we? Why did you delay so much? Now it’s already evening, and the guests will arrive soon.”
“Sorry, Aunt,” Sumathi said, bowing her head with an embarrassed smile. Her cheeks reddened slightly as she added, “Alright, let’s get to work quickly.” The women disappeared into the kitchen, their faces determined, voices mixing with the clatter of vessels.
The men remained in the hall, the air filled with chatter and laughter.
“Go to your rooms and rest a while,” Lucky suggested warmly. “I’ll send coffee with Ramya.”
But Madhav’s brows drew together, a crease forming across his forehead. His lips curved in the faintest of smirks as he said, “Mother, they already rested at Aunt’s house. They don’t need to rest again, do they?” His eyes shifted deliberately to JK, narrowing with unspoken questions.
JK felt it instantly. A flicker of unease crossed his face, his brows knitting. Why is he staring at me like that? He leaned toward Surya, lowering his voice. “Brother… did you notice Madhav’s expression?”
“Yes,” Surya whispered, his smile fading. His eyes darkened with concern. “Something feels strange.”
Madhav suddenly straightened, his face calm but his eyes sharp. “Why don’t you hug me, brother?”
JK hesitated, then forced a smile to hide the tension tugging at his chest. He stepped forward, embracing Madhav warmly, patting his back.
Madhav leaned closer, his lips barely moving as he whispered into JK’s ear. “Sir, will you please come to our room? Bhuvi and I want to speak with you privately. There are things we need to share—matters of both joy and pain.”
JK nodded, though a storm brewed inside him. What could it be? Why do I feel so unsettled? Stay calm, JK. Today the truth about Surya’s love must be revealed, no matter how much anger follows.
Turning back, JK said lightly, “Surya, Karthik has called us. Come, let’s go.”
But Surya shook his head quickly, his eyes full of worry. “No, JK… I must see Ammu first. She hasn’t stepped out of her room. I’m worried. Please, let me comfort her. You go with Karthik.”
JK frowned, unease clouding his face."Karti please"
Karthik’s lips pressed into a thin line, irritation flashing across his face. He sighed heavily, his brows furrowed. “Fine, but if Brother scolds us, don’t drag me into this mess again.”
JK gave a chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything.”
Together, JK and Karthik followed Madhav to his room. Surya slipped away silently, his heart leading him straight toward Ammu’s doors
Inside Madhav’s room, both Madhav and Bhuvan waited, their faces serious. As soon as JK and Karthik entered, Madhav closed the door firmly behind them. JK and Karthik exchanged uneasy glances.
“Sir,” Bhuvan asked sharply, his eyes narrowing, “where is your other best friend, Surya? Didn’t he come?”
JK frowned, unease tightening his chest. “Why do you ask like that?”
Madhav’s gaze bore into him. “Why are you hiding, brother? Sit down. We need to talk.”
“What is this? Why are you speaking so strangely?” JK’s voice cracked slightly. “Did I make a mistake?”
“‘Mistake’?” Bhuvan laughed bitterly, his face darkening. “If you call hiding the truth a mistake… then yes, it is.”
“What truth?” JK’s voice faltered, disbelief crossing his features.
Madhav’s eyes pierced him. “The truth about Surya and Ammu’s love. Why did you hide it from us?”
The words hit JK and Karthik like lightning. Both froze, eyes wide, mouths slightly agape.
“How… how do you know?” JK stammered, panic flaring in his chest.
“That doesn’t matter,” Madhav said coldly. “Answer me first. Why did you hide it?”
JK’s mind raced, thoughts colliding. How can I escape this? He forced a strained smile, pointing at Karthik. “Because… because Karthik told me not to tell anyone.”
“Is that so, Karthik?” Bhuvan’s gaze sharpened, a shadow of suspicion crossing his features.
Karthik’s face turned pale, jaw tightening. He clenched his fists, glaring at JK. “Didn’t I warn you not to drag me into this? Fine then. I’ll reveal your secret too—about Swathi.”
“Wait!” JK cried, stepping between them. His hands raised defensively. “Don’t. I’ll explain everything.” His voice softened, eyes pleading. “Surya made us promise not to tell anyone until our education was complete. That’s why I stayed silent.”
Madhav’s eyes hardened, lips pressed into a thin line. “Enough of your excuses. Stop your drama, JK. We want the truth.”
JK lowered his gaze, his voice barely a whisper. “Brother… Surya made me swear. That’s why I couldn’t say a word.”
Madhav turned to Karthik, eyes demanding. “Is that true?”
Karthik nodded reluctantly, jaw tight, eyes averted. “Yes, brother.”
“See, Bhuvan?” Madhav said coldly, voice firm. “Surya has been doing things behind our backs.”
“Yes,” Bhuvan agreed grimly. “JK, go. Bring Surya here.”
“Surya? But why?” JK hesitated, eyebrows knitting.
“Just do as I say,” Bhuvan’s voice thundered. The anger in his eyes silenced all objections. Without another word, JK turned to leave. This is it. My story ends today, he thought bitterly as he walked toward Ammu’s room.
Inside, Surya was already with Ammu. She sat on the bed, wringing her hands, face pale with worry.
“Don’t worry,” Surya assured her gently, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “JK is here. He’ll take care of everything.”
“But I’m scared,” Ammu whispered, eyes glistening. “How can I face Shashidhar uncle? What if JK reveals our love?”
“Stop thinking negatively,” Surya said, pulling her into his arms. “Everything will be fine.”
They held each other tightly, seeking comfort in their closeness—until a sudden knock at the door startled them.
“Who could it be now?” Surya muttered, heart racing. “What if it’s Aunt or someone else? What do we do, Ammu?”
Ammu squeezed his hand. “Don’t worry. I’m here with you.”
“Alright. I’ll hide behind the door. You open it and see who it is,” Surya whispered urgently, slipping behind the door.
The knock came again.
Ammu opened it—and froze.
JK stood there, expression stern, eyes sharp. “How long does it take to open one door?” he asked coldly.
Her lips trembled. “Brother…” she whispered, before breaking down and throwing herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
From behind the door, Surya stepped out, realizing he could no longer hide.
JK looked at Ammu’s tear-stained face, and in that instant, all his anger melted away. He cupped her cheeks gently, thumbs brushing away tears. “Hey… why are you crying like this? As long as I’m here, no problem will touch you. First, stop these tears.”
Surya smiled with relief, watching his friend handle the situation.
But JK’s face grew serious again. “Both Madhav and Bhuvan already know about your love.”
Surya gasped, eyes wide with shock. “What? That’s impossible! We never told anyone. Not even Swathi would say anything. How could they find out?”
JK turned to Ammu. “Would you like to explain?”
Ammu bit her lip nervously, then giggled awkwardly. “Well… I told them.”
“What?!” Surya exclaimed. “Ammu, why?”
“Because I thought if you stayed quiet, at least they might help us,” Ammu replied softly. “They would have found out today anyway.”
JK shook his head in disbelief. “You foolish girl… your words and mine are never the same. Fine. You stay here. Surya, come with me.”
“I… I’m scared, JK,” Surya admitted, voice low.
“You weren’t afraid when you fell in love. Why now?” JK snapped gently, grabbing his hand.
“No!” Ammu protested, holding Surya’s other hand tightly. “I won’t let him go. I still have so much to talk with him.”
“Ammu, don’t test my patience. I’m already under enough pressure,” JK warned.
But Ammu refused to let go, tugging at Surya. JK pulled from the other side, and poor Surya was caught between them.
“Stop, both of you!” Surya cried, exasperation clear in his voice. “If you pull me apart like this, where will I even go?”
Ammu folded her arms defiantly. “Fine then. Go with him.”
Surya sighed helplessly. “Ammu, it’s not like that—”
But before he could finish, JK pulled him firmly out of the room. “Enough. Let’s go.”
And so, Surya was dragged unwillingly toward Madhav’s room, where truth and confrontation awaited.
To be continued...
🌸Author’s Note🌸:
Sorry for the late update, dear readers. 🙏
The truth is finally out—Ammu and Surya’s love is no longer hidden. But how will the family take this shocking revelation? Will they accept it… or will everything break apart?
Tell me your guesses in the comments, and follow to know what happens next!
