Chapter 8: "The Annual day morning"
On the morning of the Annual Day, JK was in his room, getting ready after a refreshing bath. As he adjusted his hair in front of the mirror, his granny, Lucky, stepped into the room with a loving smile.
"What's my darling grandson up to?" she asked warmly.
"Hey... my darling!" JK said affectionately, pressing a gentle kiss on her cheek. Wrapping her in a tight hug, he added, “Do you know how happy I am today? This day is incredibly important to me, darling.”
(Lucky was not just his grandmother, but his closest confidante. JK often called her “darling” with genuine affection, a rare bond they shared.)
She chuckled softly. "You're so excited, my boy. Just don’t lose patience. I hope you’ve taken care of all the preparations properly?"
JK exhaled deeply, his voice lower now. “Granny... actually, I'm really nervous. But I’m trying not to show it.”
“Don't be afraid, dear. We’re all with you,” she said reassuringly, running her hand over his head. “Now go on, get ready quickly. I’ll head downstairs.” You come soon once you’re ready,” she said with a smile before walking out.
Jk, now fully dressed ,came downstairs soon after
He was dressed sharply, as always. JK had an effortless sense of style. He could wear anything and make it his own. That day, he wore a white shirt paired with cream-colored formal pants. The shirt hugged his fit, well-built frame perfectly. His hair was styled in a trendy fashion, and his face – clean yet rugged – bore a neatly trimmed beard and mustache. His sharp eyes added to his striking appearance. On his right wrist, he wore a bracelet, and on his left, a sleek watch matching his outfit. His polished boots completed the look. JK looked nothing short of a movie hero.
Downstairs, the household was bustling with activity. As JK descended, everyone paused to look at him.
He noticed the sudden attention. Why is everyone looking at me like that? Is my dress alright? Is there something on my face? he wondered to himself, confused.
“Why is everyone staring at me like that?” he asked.
Kamala: beamed. “My boy looks so handsome today! May God protect you from all evil.”
She performed a quick ritual to ward off evil eyes.
“Oh… I see. I was wondering why everyone was staring,” JK chuckled, slightly relieved.
Chandrika : chimed in teasingly, “If you look this good, no girl will ever let you go. Be careful!”
JK : laughed shyly. “aunt… nothing like that is going to happen. Anyway, where’s that monkey?”
“Who, Ammu? She left early for college today,” Chandrika replied.
“She left already? Then today must really be my lucky day,” JK said with a proud grin.
Just then, Lucky looked at him with pride in her eyes. “My grandson is just like his grandfather. The same strength and charm. Doesn’t he look exactly like his grandfather, Yashodha?”
Yashodha smiled. “Absolutely. He hasn’t left any trace of difference. A mirror image of his grandfather.”
Soon, Ramya, Soumya, and Vrinda came forward to do a small ritual "arati" to protect JK from any evil eyes.
“Let no harm come to our hero,” they all said in unison, admiration in their eyes.
But not everyone shared the same emotion.
Sudhakar entered the scene, his tone sarcastic. “Is he achieving something great today? Why are you performing rituals for him? He has no sense of responsibility.”
Madhav and Bhuvan were nearby and stepped in before the situation could escalate.
“appa, he’s still young. He has us to take care of responsibilities. Let him study for now,” Bhuvan said calmly.
“Yes, Appa. Brother is right,” Madhav added.
Sudhakar : scowled. “You’ve all put him on a pedestal. One day, he’ll make you hang your heads in shame. Just wait.”
Lucky stepped in. “Why do you always speak so harshly about him? He’s still a child in many ways. You always scold him for no reason.”
Without another word, Sudhakar walked away. Bhuvan and Madhav wished JK goodbye before heading to their work.
JK took a deep breath. “Alright, I should leave too. It’s getting late.” He said goodbye to everyone and, before leaving, made a call to Praveen.
“Is everything set?” he asked.
Today was the day JK had planned to propose to Swathi. After the college function, he had organized a surprise at a resort. Every detail had been carefully arranged.
“All done, don’t worry,” Praveen replied. “I’m so excited, bro! Just come quickly now.”
“I’ll go pick up Swathi and come there. Where are you?” JK asked.
“I’m at Karthik’s room. Suriya’s coming too. You bring Swathi here, and we’ll all go together,” said Praveen.
“Alright,” JK replied and hung up, heading to Swathi’s house.
As he stepped in, Shivu greeted him. “Hey JK, come sit. Bharathi, look, JK is here. Let me make you some coffee.”
“No thanks aunty, I’m getting late for college. I’m here just to pick up Swathi.”
Bharathi : entered the hall. “Swathi said she would come with her dad today, didn’t she?” asked shivu
Shivu : nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, JK. Yesterday she came to me and said, ‘dad, tomorrow is Annual Day. Can you drop me to college?’ I found it a bit odd… usually she goes with you. I meant to tell you. Didn’t she mention it to you?”
“I’ll go ask her myself,” JK replied, puzzled, and walked toward her room.
“Swathi… Swathi… open the door,” he called, knocking gently.
“You’ve always come with me. Why this sudden change?” he said softly, his voice tinged with confusion.
But the door didn’t open.
“Go on ahead today, JK. I’m not ready yet. I’ll be late,” Swathi called out from inside.
“It’s okay. I’ll wait for you.”
“No, don’t. You have a lot of work to do at college. You go ahead, I’ll come soon,” she said, her voice distant.
We didn’t even have a fight… then why is she avoiding me? JK thought, his heart sinking.
“Why aren’t you opening the door? Please open it,” he said, more softly now.
“Oh my dear JK, I’m not angry at you. It’s just that I need more time to get ready. You’ll get late. Please go,” she said gently.
“But—” JK began.
“If you don’t leave now, I’ll really get angry. Please go. Let me get ready in peace,” she insisted.
JK stood silent for a moment, disappointment visible in his eyes. “Okay… come soon. We’ll all be waiting,” he said quietly and walked away with a downcast face.
Shivu noticed the change. “She’s always like that. You never know how she’ll be. Don’t take it to heart, JK.”
JK tried to smile. “I understand her, Uncle. Don’t worry. I’ll leave now. Please bring her soon.”
As he left, Bharathi looked at Shivu. “JK is such a good boy. He understands our Swathi better than we do. Isn’t he perfect for her?”
Shivu nodded. “Yes, you’re right. JK is the kind of boy who really cares. We’re lucky.”
“Once their education is over, let’s speak to his family about their marriage,” Bharathi suggested.
“Yes, let’s do that,” Shivu agreed.
Meanwhile, JK had reached Karthik’s place.
“Hey JK! Wow… you look amazing. Just like a real hero,” Suriya said with admiration.
“Yeah man, girls are going to be flat today,” Praveen added teasingly. “Who knows, Swathi might propose to you before you do!”
JK gave a half-smile. “Hey… don’t joke like that.”
Surya noticed his face. “Why do you look upset? And why aren’t you answering college calls? Everyone’s trying to reach you.”
“I don’t know where Swathi is. She didn’t come with me. She said she’d come with her dad. I was so excited to see her… but she just… I don’t know. I’m afraid today’s plan might flop.”
Surya laughed lightly. “Come on! Don’t be so worried. Girls always take a long time to get ready. They’re usually tense too. Just relax. She’ll come.”
Praveen looked thoughtful. “You seem to know them well, huh?”
“What can I say? I’ve learned a little from our Ammu,” Suriya winked.
“Don’t worry, JK. She’ll come. Let’s go. We’re running out of time.”
JK sighed. “I’m trusting you. I just hope nothing goes wrong today.”
And with that, JK, Suriya, Praveen, and Karthik all headed toward the college.
To be continued…
Author’s Note
JK showed up with a heart full of dreams… but Swathi’s closed door said more than words ever could. Sometimes, even without a fight, love leaves us hurting.
If this scene touched you—even a little—I’d be so grateful if you follow me. Every follow, every read, gives me the strength to keep writing stories straight from the heart. 💫❤️
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To my special readers — you’re not just names or numbers,
Don’t panic when life feels heavy—even pain has a purpose.
It’s not the end, just a lesson in disguise.
You’re braver than you think…
and your journey still holds beautiful chapters ahead.
