Chapter 3 – Bonds and conflict
The sound of JK’s footsteps echoed softly as he entered the house. His mind was heavy, his thoughts circling like a storm he couldn’t escape.
JK: Amma… Amma…
His voice was gentle, almost hesitant. But before he could take another step, Sudhakar appeared in the hallway, arms folded and face stern
(Let me tell you a little about JK’s family.)
“Lakshmi” (affectionately called Lakki) is the matriarch of this house. She has three sons and one daughter:
🌿 The eldest son Shashidhar,
🌿 The second son Sudhakar,
🌿 The youngest son Keshav,
🌿 And their only daughter Sumathi (surya mother)
Shashidhar’s wife is Kamala, and they have two sons—Bhuvan and Manju.
-Bhuvan, a doctor, is married to Soumya, and they have a little boy named Mokshit.
-Manju, a soldier currently on duty, is married to Vrinda, and they have a daughter, Shravya. Vrinda and Shravya live in the house while Manju serves the nation.
Sudhakar’s wife is Yashoda, and they have three children—two sons and one daughter.
-Their elder son Madhav, a police officer, is married to Ramya, and they have two children: Souraj and Priyanka.
-Their second son is JK (Jay Karthik). JK was named after his grandfather, Jayasimha, a brave soldier who gave his life for the country. JK was born after Jayasimha’s sacrifice, so the family honored his memory through JK’s name.
-The youngest, Ambrutha, is still in college.
Keshav and his wife Chandrika have no children of their own, so they have raised JK like their own son since his childhood. He holds a special place in their hearts.
This joint family of 19 members (18 at present since Manju is away) is well-respected in their community for their values, their service to society,and the bond they share.
Sudhakar: You’re home early today, aren’t you?
JK: Appa, I am sorry…
JK’s words faltered under his father’s piercing gaze.
Sudhakar: Lately, you’ve been getting too comfortable. Everyone in this house has their responsibilities, but you… you think you can do as you please?
At that moment, Lakki walked into the hall, her soft footsteps and warm eyes easing some of the tension.
Lakki: Why are you scolding the boy again?
Sudhakar: Amma, you’ve all spoiled him. That’s why he’s behaving like this.
JK lowered his head, clenching his hands tightly, his heart pounding in his chest.
Keshav: JK, you’re back, my boy.
Sudhakar: (turning sharply) Don’t defend him, Keshav! You all treat him like a child, and that’s why he doesn’t take responsibility.
Yashodha: (stepping forward) Why are you always finding fault with him? He’s still young. Let him grow at his own pace.
Sudhakar: No matter how many times I say it, you all keep supporting him. That’s why he doesn’t change.
Just then, Shashidhar’s calm voice echoed through the hall as he entered.
Shashidhar: What’s going on here,? Why are you scolding the boy again?
Sudhakar’s tone softened instantly. He had too much respect for his elder brother to argue.
Sudhakar: Brother… it’s nothing… I was just—
Shashidhar: (cutting him off) If you keep scolding JK like this, you won’t even finish your meal in peace. Let it go. It’s already late—come, let’s all eat.
Lakki: Come, my boy. Let’s have dinner.
- At the Dining Table
The family gathered around the long wooden table. The aroma of fresh curries and warm rotis filled the air, but JK sat quietly, barely touching his food.
Shashidhar(to Keshav, Sudhakar)… what’s the update about increasing the employees’ salaries?
(Shashidhar, Sudhakar, and Keshav managed several companies together. While Shashidhar remained the guiding force, he entrusted most responsibilities to his younger brothers.)
Sudhakar: Brother, discussions are still going on.
Shashidhar: Finish it quickly. The employees shouldn’t face any trouble. And JK… you’re about to finish your education. Soon, the company responsibilities will come to you too.
JK: Umm ok Appa…
JK hesitated. He wanted to speak but didn’t know how to explain himself.
Sudhakar: Enough! “We’re working hard for you. Why do you even need this part-time job? Haven’t I already told you? Have you ever listened to me?”
---
(What no one in the house knew was that JK’s part-time job wasn’t for himself. He had quietly decided to take responsibility for his friend Kartik’s education. Kartik had once told him firmly, “If your family pays for my studies, I’ll treat it as a debt—and spend the rest of my life repaying it.” So, without telling anyone—not even Kartik—JK took up part-time work and used his earnings to secretly support his friend’s education.)
Keshav: Brother, let the boy be. JK wants to live independently. Doesn’t that count for something?
Shashidhar: Keshav is right. Sudhakar, let JK learn in his own way.
Sudhakar: But brother… all the other children are already in big positions. Only he—
Lakki: Enough! My grandson will shine too. Why don’t you just wait and see?
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Yashodha: JK, why aren’t you eating properly?
Ambrutha: (teasing) Maybe because Appa scolded him earlier.
Bhuvan: Hey! Don’t tease him like that.eat your food first'
Madhav: (looking at Ambrutha) Isn’t today your results day? So… how many subjects did you fail this time?
Soumya( smirking): is that's true ammu, then let me check it first,I am curious
Ambrutha: (pouting) Only one! I wasn’t feeling well during the exam.
Laughter erupted around the table, lightening the mood for a while.
---
Suddenly, JK pushed his chair back and stood up.
Sudhakar: (angrily) In this house, no one leaves the table halfway through dinner! Sit down!
JK clenched his fists, forcing himself to sit again. He finished his meal in silence, each bite heavy in his throat. Without saying a word, he walked away to his room.
Lakki: Why is my grandson so quiet today? He’s never been like this before…
Keshav: Amma, give him some time may be he's stressed about studying. He’ll be fine.
The rest of the family finished dinner with soft laughter and retired to their rooms, the house slowly settling into silence.
- JK’s Room:
Sitting alone in his room, JK stared at the floor, his mind spinning.
JK: (to himself) “Why did Swathi speak like that? Why doesn’t she understand my feelings, Should I call her? No… why should I always be the one to call first? Let her call me this time…
The door creaked open softly. Lakki entered, her eyes filled with love and concern.
Lakki: What’s troubling you, my boy?
Without a word, JK rested his head on her lap, seeking comfort like a little child.
JK(stressed face): Lakki…
Lakki: You don’t need to say anything. I’ve already spoken to Sumathi. I know everything. Don’t worry—things will work out.
She stroked his hair gently.
Lakki: Now let me sing you to sleep, just like I used to.
Her lullaby was soft and warm, like a blanket wrapping around his restless mind. Slowly, JK’s eyes closed as he drifted into sleep.
To be continued…
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Aouther note:
🌸 This family holds so many emotions, bonds, and hidden stories… and JK’s journey has only just begun. In the coming chapters, you’ll laugh, cry, and feel every heartbeat with them. Stay with me… I promise, it will be worth it🌸
