Chapter 18 : "The Silent Test of Love"
The three of them landed in the UK, and Sundar was there to pick them up. After a long drive through quiet streets, they finally reached Sundar’s house.
“Welcome to our house, children,” Sundar said warmly, his smile carrying the comfort of home.
“Thank you, Uncle,” JK replied politely.
Sundar guided them inside. “Freshen up and get some rest,” he insisted, leading them to the guest room.
After resting for a while, the boys called their families back in India, speaking to everyone one by one. Their voices carried both excitement and a hint of homesickness. A little later, they stepped out of the room, only to find Sundar busy preparing dinner.
“Uncle, do you live here alone?” Surya asked curiously.
“No,” Sundar chuckled softly. “I live here with my wife. But she isn’t here at the moment.”
“What do you mean, not here?” JK asked.
“She’s gone on a trip with her friends. And I have a daughter too. She lives elsewhere, enjoying her own life. From now on, you boys must stay here with me.”
JK frowned slightly. “Oh no, Uncle. We’ll find a room elsewhere. We don’t want to trouble you. What you’ve already done for us is more than enough.”
“Yes, Uncle,” Karthik added in support.
Sundar shook his head firmly. “I’ve already told Shashidhar that you’ll be staying here. Don’t think too much about it. I won’t take no for an answer. Besides, the university isn’t too far from here, and honestly, I hate being alone in this house. Please agree.”
The boys had no choice but to accept his warmth. They stayed on, and soon college life began.
---
Months Later---
Time flew by. Months passed, and the three—JK, Surya, and Karthik—were now writing their second-year final exams.
Late one night, the three of them were sitting together, studying hard.
Karthik nudged JK and whispered, “Look at Surya. He’s sitting there lost in his thoughts.”
JK observed him closely. “You’re right. I’ve been noticing it too.” kartik leaned forward. “Surya! Mr. Surya!”
Surya startled. “What’s wrong? Why are you shouting like that?”
“Don’t you realize we’ve been calling you for so long? What are you thinking about?” JK asked, concerned.
Surya sighed, his voice heavy. “Nothing much… It’s just that Ammu, who calls me without fail every day, hasn’t called since morning. Even when I tried, she didn’t pick up. I don’t know why, but I feel uneasy.”
JK tried to lighten the moment. “She didn’t call and you’re upset? You should be happy for a little break!”
But Surya wasn’t convinced. His face turned anxious. “Please… will you try calling her once? I’m asking you as a request.”
“Alright, I’ll try,” JK agreed. But no matter how many times he dialed, Ammu didn’t pick up.
“What happened?” Surya asked, his voice trembling.
“She isn’t answering either. Maybe her phone is on silent, or she’s gone out somewhere. You know how she is,” JK reasoned.
Karthik stepped in. “Why are you overthinking this? Tomorrow’s our last exam. In two days, we’ll be in India. You can spend the whole day with her then. Right now, focus. If you don’t, you’ll fail and get stuck here again.”
Surya lowered his head. “Maybe you’re right… but JK, please call someone at her house. If I know she’s fine, I’ll feel better.”
JK teased lightly. “Look, Karthik, how much he cares for Ammu. Normally, that little monkey gets into trouble with everything, but in this one matter, she’s made the right decision.”
JK picked up his phone, ready to call Yashoda Amma, but just then, Shashidhar’s name flashed on the screen.
“Who is it? Ammu?” Surya’s eyes lit up. “Give it to me, let me talk!”
“No, it’s Big Father,” JK replied.
“Ah… alright. Then talk.”
JK answered. “Hello, Father.”
“Hello, son,” Shashidhar’s tone was rushed. “I don’t have much time, but I had to tell you something important.”
“What is it?” JK asked, a sinking feeling in his chest.
“Today, the groom’s side is coming to see your sister.”
The words struck JK like a blow. Shock rushed through him, followed by anger. Surya and Karthik exchanged worried looks, noticing JK’s sudden change of expression.
“There’s no time to explain,” Shashidhar continued. “You’ll be back after exams anyway. You’ll understand everything then. They should be arriving any moment now—Sudhakar is calling me, I have to go.” With that, he cut the call.
JK’s mind raced. How am I going to tell Surya this?
“JK, what happened? You look tense,” Surya pressed.
“Wait a minute. Let me make a call first,” JK tried to walk away, but Surya grabbed his arm.
“Don’t try to hide anything from us. Whatever it is, tell us here and now. That’s the right thing to do.”
“Yes, JK,” Karthik added. “We’re worried too. Tell us.”
JK took a deep breath. “I’ll tell you, Surya. But you have to stay calm. Promise me.”
Surya’s heartbeat quickened. “What happened? Tell me quickly, I’m scared.”
JK hesitated, then said, “It’s about Ammu…”
Surya’s voice shook. “Ammu…? What happened to her? Please tell me.”
“They’re bringing a boy to see her.”
“What?” Surya’s world collapsed. “Ammu? How is that possible? She’s still studying. She’s just a little girl. She’s mine…” His voice broke, his body trembling with fear and anger.
JK tried to calm him. “That’s why I told you to stay composed. Karthik, bring some water.”
Karthik quickly handed Surya a glass. “JK, this is all so sudden. And you weren’t even told beforehand?”
“Exactly. I don’t understand it myself,” JK admitted. “Wait, I’ll call Lucky and find out.” But Lucky didn’t answer. “Maybe she is busy…wait I’ll call Bhuvan Bro.”
Bhuvan picked up. “Hello, JK.what's up?"
“Bri, don’t you know what’s happening at home?” JK asked urgently.
“Yes, I know. I’m at the hospital right now. I have patients, so I’ll be a bit late getting home.”
“But how could they do this without me?” JK asked in frustration.
“Relax, JK. They’re only coming to see her, nothing more. No engagement is happening. You’ll be home this week anyway. Focus on your exams. I’ll call you later, I’m busy.” take care of you Bye..He cut the call.
“What did he say?” Surya demanded.
“Nothing more. He’s in the hospital,” JK said helplessly.
“Then call Swathi,” Karthik suggested. “She’ll surely know what’s happening.”
Just as JK was about to dial, Swathi’s call came through.
“Swathi!” JK answered quickly. “We were about to call you. What’s going on?”
“JK, it’s a big problem,” Swathi said in a worried tone. “There was a family function the other day. Despite Ammu protesting, they took her along—Lucky, Yashoda Aunty, Kamala Aunty, Shashidhar Uncle, and Sudhakar Uncle. There, they met Mohan Rao’s family. In function His son saw Ammu and liked her instantly. He declared he wanted to marry her. And auncle say He’s a good boy, and his family is important to Uncle. So he agreed. Now they’re coming to see her.”
Surya’s blood boiled. “Swathi, is Ammu there? Give her the phone. I want to speak to her. How dare they lay eyes on my girl! If that boy comes in front of me, I won’t spare him!”
“Calm down, Surya,” Swathi tried to soothe him. “Ammu is getting ready. Everyone is around her. She asked me to call you and tell you herself.”
“Fine. Tell her not to be scared. As soon as our exams are over, we’re coming. I’ll handle everything,” Surya said firmly.
“Swathi,” JK added, “keep us updated on everything happening there. Call me every time.”
“Alright,” Swathi agreed before ending the call.
JK turned to Surya. “You trust me, don’t you?”
“Why are you asking me like that?” Surya’s eyes welled up.
“Because once we go back to India, I’ll speak to the family about your love. You don’t need to be scared,” JK promised.
Karthik placed his hand on Surya’s shoulder. “Yes, Surya. They’re just coming to see her. Tomorrow is our last exam. As soon as it’s done, we’ll go.”
Surya pulled both JK and Karthik into a tight embrace. “If you two are with me, I don’t need to worry.”
JK’s voice broke with emotion. “You’re not just my friend—you’re my brother. No one can take your place.”
“JK, my life is in your hands,” Surya whispered. “No matter what happens, please make my love known to the family.”
“Surya,” JK said firmly, “Ammu is my life too.if yes it would be I always fight with her it's true, but I love her more.. Her happiness lies only with you. I will never let that be taken away from her.”
Karthik smiled softly. “We are all Ammu’s brothers. And as her brothers, we are with you. So stop worrying. Let’s get back to studying, or tomorrow’s exam will swallow us whole.”
The three sat back down, books open, but their minds were restless.
Little did they know—the real battle would begin not in the exam hall, but once they returned to India.
To be continued…
🌸Author note🌸
The bond of love is now tested against the weight of tradition and family decisions. Will Surya and Ammu’s love find its voice, or will silence take it away? JK has promised to stand by his brother, but how far will that promise go when the entire family is involved?
Stay tuned for the next chapter to
witness how this storm unfolds. If you felt the emotions in this part, don’t forget to rate, comment, and follow—your support means everything and keeps the story alive.
