Chapter 21: "A House Divided By Love and Honour "
JK guided Surya from Ammu’s room toward Madhav’s. Surya’s steps were hesitant, almost faltering, and his hands twisted nervously at his sides. As he entered, the air seemed to thicken, a silent tension wrapping around the room like a living thing.
Madhav’s eyes were sharp, almost piercing, brows furrowed. His jaw clenched as he asked, “Surya, what you did… was it right?” His voice shook slightly, betraying a flicker of worry he tried to hide behind stern authority.
Surya’s gaze dropped, his lips pressing together, shoulders slumping as guilt weighed him down. “Sorry, bro… I made a mistake. I had promised JK that I wouldn’t tell anyone about this. He’s not at fault in any of this.” His voice cracked faintly, a quiver of shame echoing in the room.
Bhuvan exhaled slowly, eyes shadowed with frustration and concern. “You both messed up, didn’t you?” His words hung like a cold breeze, leaving the room awkwardly silent.
JK’s face twisted in confusion, eyes wide, searching Bhuvan’s face. “Brother, why are you saying that? Don’t tell me you didn’t like that Ammu and Surya love each other?”
Madhav’s features softened, though tension still lingered in the furrow of his brows. “No, no… it’s not that. We’re genuinely happy for them. But… I just feel like it’s already too late.” His hands fidgeted subtly, rubbing each other nervously.
Surya’s face fell, lips trembling as fear and despair danced across his features. “Bro… if even you say that… what will happen to us?” His voice was barely audible, almost swallowed by the weight of his dread.
JK stepped forward, eyes glistening with urgency, voice low but firm. “Please… both of you, support their love. And today… we have to tell this to Big Father.” His fists clenched at his sides, jaw tight, brows drawn together.
Bhuvan’s gaze flickered nervously between Surya and JK. His lips pressed into a thin line, hesitation battling responsibility. “If only we had known about this earlier, JK… we could’ve spoken to Father ourselves. But now… I fear he won’t agree.”
Madhav’s chest heaved, a nervous tremor in his voice. “JK… you know how Big Father is. Once he gives his word, nothing can change it. He’ll do anything to keep his promise — it’s a matter of family honor.” His hand twitched, fingers tightening into an unconscious fist.
JK’s eyes softened, pleading, and he took Bhuvan’s hands, holding them tightly. His gaze locked with his brother’s, almost desperate. “Brother… please. I’m begging you. You’re the only one who can talk to Big Father. Please… you tell him.” His lips quivered slightly as emotion crept into his voice.
Bhuvan flinched back, startled, eyes widening. “What? Me? No… I can’t do that.” He avoided Surya’s pleading eyes, but guilt pricked at his conscience.
Madhav laughed softly, exasperation mixed with amusement flickering across his face. “Oh, come on! Let me do it then. I’m a police officer, after all — I’m not scared of anyone, right?” His lips twisted into a small smirk, but worry still lingered in his eyes.
JK gave a light chuckle, biting his lip to suppress it. “Exactly, bro! You’re brave… His eyes sparkled with mischief, yet a shadow of anxiety lingered.
Madhav rolled his eyes, letting out a faint sigh. “Hey, that’s different! Outside, I can face anyone. Inside this house… facing Big Father is like walking into fire. How about Karthik? Let him try!”
Karthik’s eyes widened, lips parting in panic. A bead of sweat slid down his temple. “What? Me? I can’t even stand in front of Uncle without trembling. You expect me to speak? Not possible!”
Bhuvan laughed nervously, scratching his neck. “Bro, this job suits you perfectly. Please, go ahead.”
Surya stepped forward, voice low and trembling, a desperate edge creeping in. “Brother, if you don’t support our love, no one will. And remember one thing… if anyone tells Shashidhar uncle before we do, Ammu’s marriage will be fixed elsewhere. Then… I’ll be left broken… living the rest of my life haunted by her memories… until I die.”
His lips quivered, eyes glistening with unshed tears. Though he didn’t shed them, the emotion was palpable. JK, standing to the side, bit his lip, struggling to suppress a smile at Surya’s over-the-top, dramatic sobbing.
Madhav’s stern expression melted entirely. His eyes softened, voice warm, yet resolute. “Oh, Surya… don’t cry like that. I can’t watch it. Fine… I’ll talk to him. But all of you stay right beside me, do not leave.”
A collective sigh of relief rose, smiles breaking through the tension. “Of course, brother. We’re right behind you.”
Madhav’s hands flexed, gripping the railing tightly as he tried to calm his racing heart. “Alright… let’s go.”
Descending the stairs, Madhav’s legs trembled, a subtle wobble betraying his inner turmoil. In the hall, Sudhakar, Shashidhar, Keshav, and Shekhar conversed casually, unaware of the emotional storm approaching.
Each step made Madhav’s stomach churn. He whispered under his breath, fingers tapping nervously. “No one panic… everything will be fine.”
JK leaned close, whispering in a quiet, teasing tone. “Bro, you’re already trembling. Come on, speak up.”
Sudhakar noticed the group and waved them over, smiling broadly. “Ah, everyone’s here! Come, come… it’s almost time for the guests. Sit down.”
Keshav’s gaze swept over the four, suspicion darkening his eyes. “Just look at their faces… they don’t look like they came to sit — looks more like they came to confess something.”
Surya swallowed hard, cheeks reddening. “Actually, yes, Father—”
Madhav’s sharp glance cut him off, eyes flashing, silently warning him to stop.
Shashidhar’s gaze was cold, piercing, demanding answers. “What’s going on here?”
Madhav’s voice was hesitant, lips pressed thin. “Nothing… Father, nothing at all.”
Shashidhar leaned forward, jaw clenched. “Madhav, stop stammering. Speak up.”
His phone rang — Mohan Rao’s family calling. He answered briskly, ending the call quickly, yet tension lingered in the room like a storm cloud.
Shekhar leaned in, curiosity shining in his eyes. “What happened, brother?”
Shashidhar replied curtly, voice clipped. “Nothing. They’ll be a bit late — stopping by the temple first.”
JK whispered urgently, “Bro, now’s the time. Go on, say it.”
Madhav muttered under his breath, shoulders tense, lips tight. “You’re all going to be the death of me.”
Shashidhar leaned forward, eyes flashing. “Madhav… you wanted to say something, right? Speak.”
Sweat beaded on Madhav’s forehead. He stammered, hands twisting. “Ah… Father, actually — oh! JK wanted to say something, that’s why I brought him here.” He gestured nervously toward JK, who paled, lips pressing together in frustration.
Madhav whispered, “Please… you start first. Then I’ll take over.”
JK inhaled deeply, jaw tightening, eyes glistening with resolve. Alright… for my surya and sister. Be strong.
Keshav nudged him. “Come on, speak up.”
JK’s voice rang clear, firm, yet trembling slightly with emotion. JK took a deep breath, his eyes steady and firm. “This marriage must not move forward,” he said, his voice carrying both determination and a plea for understanding. He looked around at everyone, hoping they would see the truth and urgency in his words.
The room fell into a tense silence. His declaration hung in the air, weighty and undeniable, signaling that the course of events could change entirely from this moment onward.
Shock rippled across the hall, mouths opening, eyes widening.
Shashidhar’s voice thundered, shaking the walls. “What did you just say?”
Even the kitchen staff froze. Granny ,all members rushed in, concern etching her face. “Shashidhar! What happened? Why are you shouting?”
JK raised a hand, eyes pleading, lips quivering. “Please, Father… don’t be angry. Just listen. Surya and Ammu love each other. It’s not new… it’s been going on for a long time. I beg you… let them be together.”
Sudhakar rose abruptly, fists clenched, face flushed with anger. “Do you even realize what you’re saying?”
Granny Lucky turned toward Surya. His lips trembled, but his gaze held steady. “Yes, Granny. Ammu and I have loved each other for a long time.”
Sumathi’s voice shook with disbelief. “This is not a time for jokes — the guests are about to arrive!”
Madhav’s voice, calm yet firm, intervened. “No, Auntie. This isn’t a joke. It’s the truth.”
Shashidhar’s eyes blazed red with fury. “Ammu! Come here!”
Amrutha appeared to hall , trembling, head bowed, small hands clasped tightly. “Yes, Father…”
Sudhakar’s eyes bore into her. “Ammu… is it true? Do you really love Surya?”
Amrutha nodded softly, lips quivering.
Kamala’s voice shook. “What is happening in this house?”
Granny Lucky’s frown deepened. “Why didn’t you tell us earlier, Ammu? You could have refused the proposal!”
Bhuvan interjected, tension lining his face. “Granny, no one even asked her once! How could she speak up?”
Shashidhar’s gaze hardened, jaw tight, fists clenched. “What do you mean? Are you saying we make decisions without thought?”
Shekhar’s frustration erupted. “Surya, what you’ve done brings dishonor to this family!”
Shashidhar’s tone cut sharper, eyes blazing. “If your love was true, you could have told us earlier. Now… it’s too late. We’ve already promised Mohan Rao’s family. Refusing now would disgrace us! You all know our lineage… no one has ever gone back on their word!”
Granny Lucky’s eyes softened, voice firm. “So what? Will you force her into a marriage she doesn’t want? I stand with their love.”
Yashoda stepped forward, respectful but firm, hands clasped. “Forgive me, Brother in law but both these children truly love each other. And Surya… we all know his character — honest and kind-hearted.”
Chandrika added softly, “Yes, , Surya is a golden-hearted boy. Our Ammu couldn’t find a better match.”
Granny Lucky nodded slowly, eyes scanning the hall. “See? Everyone agrees. The children’s happiness matters more than pride.”
Sudhakar muttered bitterly, fists tight. “This is what happens when you spoil them too much.”
Ramya’s voice shook slightly. “Uncle… please… even Madhav and I loved each other before marriage. You agreed happily then. But now…”
Sudhakar snapped sharply. “That was different! This time, it’s about Our brother’s promise — a matter of honor!”
Shashidhar’s eyes turned crimson with silent fury. He said nothing, jaw clenched, fists tight.
Ammu’s voice trembled. “Please, Father…”
Surya fell to his knees, desperation in his eyes. “Uncle… please… if Ammu isn’t mine, then I…”
Shekhar stepped forward angrily. “Stop it! Are you trying to threaten us? What shasidar brother in law says is final!”
Sumathi shouted, voice shaking. “What’s wrong with you all? Is your pride more important than their love?”
Sudhakar snapped. “Sumathi! Do you realize who you’re talking to?”
Kamala’s tone cut through, fierce. “We do! And we know all you care about is status, not these children’s happiness!”
Keshav’s eyes gleamed. “Even I agree. Surya is a gem. We should’ve known this sooner.”
JK’s voice, desperate but steady, pleaded. “Father… please. There’s still time. If we explain to Mohan Rao’s family, they’ll understand.”
Sudhakar’s face darkened. “So now you’re giving advice to your elders?”
Before JK could react, Sudhakar’s hand struck across his face. The slap echoed, silence engulfing the hall. Shock and helplessness froze everyone.
Bhuvan stepped forward, eyes blazing. “Uncle… JK is still young. Losing your temper like this… isn’t right.”
Shashidhar remained stone-faced, unyielding.
In that silence, Surya and Ammu’s love — fragile, desperate — seemed crushed under the weight of tradition, pride, and family honor.
Even with the family’s silent support, the battle between love and prestige had just begun. Would JK’s courage be enough to save them?
To be continued…
🌸Author’s Note🌸:
Tears, anger, and courage collided today, and a single moment changed everything. Will love survive the weight of family honor, or will pride tear them apart? Surya and Ammu’s hearts are on the line, and JK has risked everything for them. What happens next will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Follow the story and join the journey—your favorite moments are just around the corner!
