Chapter 16: "when path begins to change "
All the exams were finally over, and the five friends decided to spend a week on a trip together, returning home to relax and enjoy themselves. In just a few more days, the results would be announced. Four of them passed with distinction, but Karthik topped the entire college. The joy of the group knew no bounds.
But life has a strange way of reminding us—when you’re happiest, that’s often when fate has something unexpected waiting around the corner. These friends, who hadn’t spent a single day apart for years, were about to face a time when each of their paths would lead in different directions.
As Shashidhar had planned, JK and Surya were to be sent abroad for higher studies. He had already informed them to come and speak to him in person. Surya and his family arrived at JK’s house, and soon after, Surya went up to JK’s room.
“Hi, come in,” JK greeted with a warm smile.
Surya stepped in, a faint crease on his forehead. “Listen, big uncle said only the two of us should come to the room. But he also asked my parents to join… doesn’t that feel strange to you? Like something is missing?”
“I’ve been feeling the same,” JK admitted, lowering his voice. “You know what I think…?”
“What? Tell me quickly, you’re scaring me,” Surya urged.
“I think your love matter with Ammu might have come to their attention. Maybe that’s why.”
“What? No way!” Surya almost stumbled over his words. “Nobody knew about this till now. How would they suddenly find out? Wait—this must be Ammu’s doing! That girl never stays still. But… why would they call you too?”
“Maybe they want to confirm your love matter,” JK teased with a grin. “Alright, let’s go. I’m actually eager to see you married.”
“Oh, so you’re waiting to throw me into the river?” Surya muttered, shaking his head. “I’m nervous, you know… but fine. Whatever happens, I’m with you.”
Together, they walked to Shashidhar’s room where Shashidhar and Sudhakar were already waiting.
“Oh, you’ve come,” Shashidhar said. “We have something important to discuss with you.”
“Tell me, big uncle. Surya is already terrified over here,” JK joked, though his own unease was evident.
Shashidhar leaned forward. “Your college is over now, so we’ve decided to send both of you to the UK for higher studies. Do you agree?”
Before JK could respond, Sudhakar spoke. “I already know what you’re going to say—you won’t want to leave your family or your friends. But don’t argue; just listen to what your uncle is saying.”
“Appa, what are you saying? Big Father, our education is complete. This is enough,” JK said firmly.
Surya exhaled in relief, realizing it wasn’t about his love life after all. “Yes, uncle. I don’t want to be so far away from my family either… or my friends.”
“I knew you’d refuse,” Shashidhar said calmly, “but I can’t change my decision. You have to go. Your future is important to me.”
“Just listen to him,” Sudhakar urged. “He’s thinking about your future.”
“But uncle, will the rest of the family agree? Especially Granny?” Surya asked.
“You don’t worry about that. Convincing everyone is our responsibility,” Sudhakar assured.
It was clear there was no escape for them. Shashidhar was deeply respected in the family—when he spoke, no one opposed him. JK and Surya exchanged troubled glances, both lost in thought.
“I’ve never stopped you from doing anything you wanted, JK,” Shashidhar continued gently. “Please, agree to this.”
“Please don’t ask me like that, big Father,” JK said quietly. “I don’t have the strength to stay away from my family and friends. I’ll do any course here if needed, but don’t give me the punishment of being so far away.”
“It’s only two years,” Shashidhar said. “It will pass quickly. Please, agree.”
JK’s mind instantly drifted to Karthik. If I leave, what about him? His future matters too… but how do I tell Father that?
Surya, watching him closely, knew exactly what he was thinking. “Big uncle, if you don’t mind me saying something…”
“Go ahead,” Shashidhar said.
“Karthik is a very talented boy. He topped the college. Maybe he could come with us to the UK. I think that’s why JK is hesitating.”
“In that case, take him with you,” Shashidhar said without hesitation. “No objections from us. And your other friend… who’s that? Ah, Praveen. If he’s interested, he can join too.”
“No, uncle. He doesn’t want to continue studies—he wants to help his father in the business. But I’ll ask him,” Surya replied. Then, glancing at JK’s anxious face, he added, “And, uncle, there’s also Swathi.”
“I’ve already asked her to come over,” Sudhakar said. “If she agrees, you can all go together.”
That gave JK a little relief.
“That’s fine, big Father, but what about Karthik?” JK asked again.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Shashidhar said gently. “He’s like a son to us. We’ll take care of his expenses as well. You’ve been covering his costs with your part-time job, and I never stopped you. But this time, all three of your expenses will be on us. All this wealth we’ve built is for you children. Just focus on your goals.”
“Alright, big Father. As you wish,” JK agreed reluctantly. “But if we tell Karthik, he might refuse. You’ll have to…”
“Fine. Tell him to come tomorrow, and we’ll talk to him,” Shashidhar said.
Sudhakar chuckled. “Honestly, I didn’t think you’d agree. I trusted Surya to say yes, but you… you surprised me.”
“See?” Shashidhar smiled. “One word from me, and both of them agreed.”
JK and Surya left the room together.
“I can’t believe you agreed so easily,” Surya said.
“It’s true,” JK replied. “Big Father has never stopped me from doing anything, and he’s always supported me. I can’t say no to him, nor can I go against his word.”
“I know you respect him a lot,” Surya said with a grin. “But you’re still scared to talk to him directly. If this is the case, how will you speak about your girl in future?”
“That’s not fear,” JK retorted. “It’s respect.”
“We’ll see,” Surya laughed. “Let’s see how you talk about Swathi . But are you sure she’ll come?”
“She can’t stay away from me,” JK replied confidently. “You’ll see.”
“Alright, let’s go downstairs,” JK said suddenly. “Our girl is probably waiting.”
Surya rolled his eyes. “A moment ago you were all gloomy, and now that she’s coming, you’re a new man. Let’s go.”
Downstairs, everyone was sitting together, chatting. Nobody knew about the UK plan yet. Lucky spotted them and called out, “We’re all sitting here together, and you two are always locked up in your room.”
“Lucky, we were discussing something important,” JK replied, glancing around the hall for Swathi—but she was nowhere to be seen.
“She hasn’t come yet,” he murmured to Surya.
“Relax. She’ll be here soon,” Surya said.
In the meantime, Surya and Amrutha exchanged glances, and JK teased, “Are you sending messages with your eyes now?”
Lucky interrupted, “What are you two whispering about?”
JK’s mischievous eyes landed on Lucky, “Darling, why are you angry? We’re all here now. Come on, let’s dance.”
Lucky glared. “Shame on you! You never behave. Have you no dignity?”
Everyone laughed, but JK only grinned wider. “If you won’t, then I’ll dance with my dearest aunt instead. Come, Aunty.” He stretched out his hand toward Sumathi.
Sumathi gasped, half-scolding and half-laughing. “You shameless boy! Your uncle is right here. Aren’t you afraid?”
“Afraid? Not at all,” JK teased. “Even if everyone is watching, what’s the harm in a little dance?”
Just then, his mother Yashodha stepped in with a smile. “Enough, JK. Don’t trouble your aunt. Why don’t you ask Granny instead? Let’s see if she’ll dance with you.”
The entire room burst into laughter at the idea. Granny’s eyes widened, and she waved her hand quickly. “No, no! Don’t you dare drag me into your mischief. I can barely walk straight, and this boy wants me to dance!”
But JK, refusing to let the moment go, gently held his Granny’s hands. “Just one step with me, Granny. Please? For your grandson.”
The family clapped and cheered, encouraging her. “Come on, just once! Dance with him, Amma!”
Blushing like a child, Granny finally gave in. She tapped her foot lightly while JK guided her in a playful twirl. The hall erupted with laughter and applause, the air filled with warmth and joy.
For a few moments, the worries about studies and the future vanished. All that remained was the sight of generations together—laughter, teasing, and love binding them as one family.
Soon, Shashidhar and Sudhakar returned. “Looks like everyone’s enjoying themselves,” Sudhakar remarked.
After a few casual exchanges, Shashidhar asked, “Is everyone here?”
“Not yet,” JK said. “Swathi hasn’t come.”
“Let her come,” Shashidhar replied.
Everyone began to grow curious. Keshav asked, “Why? Is it something important?”
“Yes,” Shashidhar said seriously.
By the time Swathi arrived—already aware of the matter because Shashidhar had called her earlier—everyone was waiting in suspense.
“Yes, Swathi, sit down,” Shashidhar said. “I’ve thought about this decision a lot. I believe you’ll all agree.”
Everyone’s curiosity reached its peak. Lucky urged, “Tell us quickly; we can’t wait any longer.”
“Alright,” Shashidhar said. “We’ve decided to send JK and Surya to the UK for higher studies. They have agreed. Now, they just need your blessings.”
The entire room fell silent, stunned. Whether the family would agree—or not—would be revealed in the next chapter.
To be continued…
🌸Author’s Note🌸:
This chapter shows how quickly life can change. Just when JK, Surya, and their friends are celebrating success, fate presents them with a new challenge. The thought of leaving behind family, love, and friendship is never easy, but sometimes the future demands courage. The journey ahead will test their hearts, their bonds, and their choices.
---
