Heylo people,
I am back with the update!
Sorry for not updating regularly. Have so many things happening in life. And not getting that proper mind to scribble down something...
Hope you like this chapter !!
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Anand was sitting on his high chair with a blank face. Neither Karthik nor Shreya was able to decipher what was going through his mind. They only knew that he wasnt happy. Its been months that he met his parents and today it was like meeting strangers.

Though Venkatesh could spend only less time with his son due to his work, Anand was more attatched with his Dad. They were the coolest Dad-Son duo one would ever see. They never hid any secrets and thats the main reason why Venkatesh couldnt accept what his son did to him and to his family when it came to the most important thing in his son's life. Hence the hatred. And None could really blame him for that.

One who knew Anand could clearly see how he have changed in these two years. The most vocal, happy, naughty Anand has become a moody, silent intovert. And they know what made him that.
His wife's absence.
She was his soul. His voice. His life.

This was known to Karthik and Shreya more than anyone. Thats the sole reason why they want to be with him in bringing her back in his life.

After almost 15 minutes of silence, Shreya came to him. She placed her palm over his and Anand felt her wet tears. He looked at her with a shocked face. He dint expect her to cry. Felt sorry for her though his attitude towards her was right thinking from his end.

"I am sorry Anand. I... She .. You were my family. I loved my Vaishu more than anyone and when I heard you cheated on her, I dont know why I couldnt think straight.. I felt like killing you. And especially when I heard that b***'s name along with you, my anger overpowered my every other emotions. I know what I did was a huge mistake. I should have given you a chance to explain yourself rather than blaming you. I also know that I cant undo those things now. But I promise you that things wont get repeated. Please let us both be with you. We will be there to support you no matter what. We will bring Our Vaishu back to you. Safe and sound. Please Anand....
We will not be able to forgive ourselves if you dont allow us to be with you !!"
Shreya couldnt complete her words as she was choked out of emotions.

Anand kept mum and after a few minutes, he sighed and held her shoulders. He looked at Karthik who was silently witnessing the scene. Anand could see his Bava's eyes reflecting Pain, guilt and helplessness.

He pulled Shreya into a sidehug and opened his other arm wide asking Karthik to join them. Karthik was surprised yet utmost happy. He joined them with a huge smile.

The trio was determined to set things right. Because their lives now revolved around a single person...

Vaishnavi !
For Shreya if she was her bestfrnd, then she was sister to Karthik and for Anand, She was his love, breath and his life. They cant leave her just like that.

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Mira was looking at her reflection on the mirror. She was clad in a red georgette saree with golden work. Her hair was plated neatly and kept on right shoulders. She matched it with a simple golden hoops and a watch as accessories.

She was never fond of getting dressed up and had kept everything minimal. But that was enough for her as she was such a stunning beauty.

This time, she was not satisfied.
She felt something was a miss and was confused.

"Why is my babygirl confused?"
She heard her amma's voice. Savithri was noticing her antics from behind and chuckled. Her daughter was such a cute kid at times.

"Amma.. everything is set. How do I look?? Something is missing na. I feel like that." She whined.
Savithri smiled at her and looked her from head to toe. She went to the drawer, took a packet and placed a small red bindi on her forehead.

She showed her mirror.
"Now look. Its perfect. My babygirl is the prettiest". Saying that she took kohl frm her eyes and placed it dramatically behind Miru's ears.
Miru opened her mouth surprised.

"Ammaa..." She called her and Savithri closed her mouth with a smile and said "For protecting you from evil eyes".

"Akkaaa... Miru Akkaaa..." They heard someone calling her. It was her neighbours kids calling out for her.
Miru was such a kid herself and she made friendship with the neighbour kids. They were equally fond of her Akka.

"Aree Chinnu... what happened??"
Miru asked taking the smallest one of the group in her arms.

"Akkaa... you... not coming??" Chinnu asked and She got confused.
"Where babyy??"

Chinnu slapped on her forehead and slid down. Kept her hands on her hips and asked "You forgot akka'??"
"Akkaa... its nirav's bday today and you promised to join the surprise party right." Rohan, another kid reminded her.

"Oops ... I am sorryy.. I forgot that kiddos." She thought for a while and kneeled down to their heights.
"I am sorry babiess... I completely forgot about it and I am sorry that I cant come. One uncle and aunty is coming to our home."

"Nooo... You have to come. You had promised to us." The kids said in unison.

"I know babies. But Akka is helpless. They will feel bad if I am not here na. You celebrate and Akka will come tomorrow. Okiee?" She held chinnu's cheeks.But she removed it and pouted.

"Akkaa you promised to us and you know you are our favouritee.. and .. andd.. " Chinnu started crying.
Mira stood dump as Savithri pulled Chinnu's cheeks and hugged her.

"Aww chinnu .. dont cry. She will come. Miruu you go and celebrate it okie." Savithri told.

"But Ammaa... venky uncle and seetha aunty will feel bad if I am not here na." Miru was confused.

"Ill manage that. Dont worry. You go with them. Dont make them sad" she told her and turned to kids.
"Miru akka will come. Okie.. happy now??"
Chinnu wiped her tears and ran towards Mira asking her to take her in her arms with a huge grin plastered on her lips. And the kids shouted in happiness. They all went to Nirav's home leaving a happy Savithri behind.

After half an hour, Seetha and Venkatesh reached Shetty's residence. Seetha hugged Savithri in happiness. Venkatesh greeted Prabhakar.

"Where is Mira?" Venkatesh asked.
And Prabhakar replied "Ah actually Miru is fond of kids and she have a small rowdy gang here. They have a bday celebration happening at nearby home. So she has gone to attend that with them."

"Yeahh.. She wanted to be here for recieving you both. But the kids were so stubborn and they wanted her aith them. And I forced her to go. Please dont feel bad Annaya." Savithri explained.

"Areyy No No... Let her be there and come back. We will go after meetig her only." Venkatesh said with a smile and Seetha was completely surprised at his behaviour. He was not the same a few hours ago. But she chose to keep quiet knowing what made him rude to their son. He is hurt and he hid his emotions in anger.

The elderly couple had a good time remniscising the ladies' old memories. Time passed by and Savithri thought of giving the food which Mira had prepared. Though Venkatesh and Seetha insisted to wait till Mira comes, Prabhakar and Savithri convinced them to have it as Miru have asked them not to wait for her.

Seetha was the first one to get surprised with the dishes to be served for them.
It was all Tamil Iyer type dishes.
Right from Rice, Poosanikkai pachidi, Peerkangai thogiyal, Vendakkai sambhar, Avarakkai curry, Kathirikkai Gothsu and Keerai mulagoottal. What astonished them was that it was Venkatesh's favourite combination.

As far as she knew, Savithri doesnt know to cook those. They started having food and both of them felt it as something familiar. The couple exchanged a surprising look at each other as all the dishes had authentic taste and Savithri noted it.

"Didnt you like the food Annaya??" She asked Venkatesh which made them come out of their glance and he replied.

"No .. No.. this is so good. "He turned to Prabhakar and said.
"I must say that you are so blessed to have food made by her everyday. So both the best friends happens to be a good cook too."

Prabhakar laughed at this.
"Yeah you are right. Savi is a great cook. But today's meal was completely prepared by my daughter. So all credits must go to her. Else she will be so angry you know."

"Hahah so true. She will be mad at us". Savi joined them.

They finished the food and sat in the drawing room. Prabhakar made a call to Mira and heard her phone ringing from outside.

"Appaaa I am Here..." Mira hurriedly came inside with an ever charming smile.

Seetha and Venkatesh literally stood up seeing her infront of them.

They couldnt believe their eyes.
The one who changed their lives stood right infront of them.

Shock was written over their face.

"Ahhh There she is. Miru, you are late. You know, they were waiting for you since one hour" Prabhakar teased her faking anger.

"Appaaa... I am sorryyy" She whined.
He pulled her cheeks.

"Hahah I was teasing you Bangaru. Infact, They asked me not to disturb you and still I called."

Miru punched her appa playfully and saw Seetha and Venkatesh looking at her with wide eyes. She passed a big smile and went near them.

"Hi Uncle and Aunty... I am Mira. Their Miru... Amma Appa told a lot about you since your last meet. By the way, I am not late right..." She spoke cheerfully with glint of naughtiness in her eyes.

The couple was shocked to the see the girl infront of her. They stood there as if they have seen an alien.

Mira?? No !! She isnt Mira... Or is she?? How can that be possible.

They remember the first time they saw her with their son.

Vaishnavi... their Vaishu !
She was a very simple normal girl. Her innocent face, sweet and calm voice made them like her instantly. But the one infront of her isnt the same. She is more chirpy, modern and had change in her overall appearance.

Seetha almost uttered her name but before that Savithri came and held Mira's ears diverting her attention.

"Naa You are soo early. They were planning have food after meeting you. And you are asking this??"

"Aahh Ammaa... leave me." She cried and came out from her hold.
She hugged Seetha and smiled at Venkatesh.

"I am so sorry Uncle and Aunty. I couldnt escape from the little rowdies. I hope you liked the food. Plz dont say No otherwise also". She held her ears apologatically and spoke.

They were amused at her behaviour. But Venkatesh somehow managed ro get back to the normal state.

"Its ok Mira. We understood. And the food was amazing. Right See?" He nudged his wife breaking her thoughts.

"Huh?? Yeahh... " She mumbled still looking at her in surprise.

"Ammaa..Did you give the sweet to them?" She asked her mother and she said No.

"Ok you guys please sit. I will bring it now." She said excitedly and rushed to the kitchen to get it.

The sweet which she prepared again surprised them. It was an traditional kannadiga dish "Belgaum Kunda". She asked them to have it and both the couples loved it. While one of them were proud of their daughter's cooking skills, the other one was dumbfounded with the striking familiarity of taste.

Again !! Belgaum kunda?? That too with all of Venky's favourite dishes? How can this happen?? This was how they started loving their Vaishu. When she came to their home, Seetha taught her to cook all these and she made the same dish from her side as a sweet, which both of them loved. Their Vaishu was so naive who didnt talk much but always cared for everyone. They considered her as their daughter and even secretly wished if she was Anand's bride. But fate had a different way to treat people. And here they are in the most unexpected path of life.

Seetha and Venkatesh exchanged a knowing look at each other.

"Aunty... Hows it? You dint tell anything. And uncle too". Mira wanted to know their comments.

"Its so tasty ma. Tastes so good" Venkatesh answered and caressed her hair and passed a look to Seetha. She understood what he meant and affectionately caressed her cheeks.

"Yea he is right. It is so good. Its been long since we had such a tasty food." She complimented her.

Mira was so happy that they loved her effort. She smiled and hugged Seetha.
Prabhakar and Savitri too became happy.

"Infact it is just like how his niece prepares. She is like a daughter for us and is currently working abroad and after tasting the food, we miss her evenmore now." Seetha lied to know her reaction.

"Aww. Dont worry. I am here na. I will make it up for your missing feeling." She said cheerfully.

"But we will be going back to Chennai na." Seetha told her.
Mira thought for a while and asked.
"Aunty when is your niece's marriage?"
"Tomorrow!" She replied.

"Okie. Then please do one thing. Come here once after marriage. And please stay with us for a few days. Ill prepare food for you and we will have a gala time. I promise you will forget your niece and starts missing me wen u go back.

Will you come?" She asked with a puppy face and a mischievous smile.

Seetha could only gape at her in amusement. Because the girl infront of her is the exact replica of Vaishnavi in looks but not in behaviour.She is more cheerful, smart and talkative than Vaishu. Seetha turned to her husband and Miru asked him.
"Will u come Uncle?"

Prabhakar and Savithri smiled at each other and requested them the same.
The other couple were in a dilemma. But one look at her innocent face and they know what would be their answer.

"Yes Ma. We will come."
That was all Venky could utter.
Denial was not even an option infront of her cuteness. He tapped her head in an unknown affection. And Seetha hugged her still feeling confused.

They left the Shetty's residence with a thousand questions running through her mind.

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Hope you all liked the chapter !
Please do like and comment 😁
- Love Apz ♥️