Chapter 20

After a while, she reentered the room, her face still showing fear.

"Have you gathered any information about my father?" she inquired with anxiety.

"No... I've searched everywhere you directed. They seem to be unaware," I responded.

"My father has a friend, a man named Ram. He's at his residence. Father requested some money from him. If the funds are ready, he'll need to go there. Father once mentioned that it's a day's journey. Has he made this trip before? Could his delay be due to inadequate funds?"

Considering it, there's a possibility. Govindan did mention that if her father decided to take the house, he'd require the money.

"Do you possess his contact number or address?"

"The details, including the number, are in my father's phone. The address is noted in one of my father's books. Here it is..."

She handed me a piece of paper.

"I recognize this place. However, it's quite a distance. It'll take at least two days to reach there. Regardless, I'll bring Hari and inspect it tomorrow."

"Nandu, don't take Hari... I want to accompany you. Would you permit me to join? Perhaps, if my father is there... I'd like to see him..."

"Don't do this... What if I insist that you come along too? Alone with me for two days..."

"With Nandu... I'm comfortable," she assured.

"Well, let's contemplate... why is it that it seems troublesome if I go by myself... Are you insistent on accompanying me, fearing that I won't search for your father otherwise?"

"It's nothing. I can't find peace sitting here, Nandu... That's why. And I know that Nandu won't be as concerned about finding my father anymore. Because now, Nandu needs me to be with my father more than I do."

It was a moment that left me breathless. How did she grasp what I had only thought? I kept my head down, unable to utter a word. Devu stood there, her face devoid of expression.

"Nandu, I'll never do anything wrong. If I'm the obstacle to your desires, I'll step aside. Don't say anything to anyone. If my father is there, I won't return here."

Her words felt preordained, each one stirring a sense of guilt within me. I was at a loss for what to do or say.

"Nandu..."

I lifted my gaze to meet hers.

"When are we heading to Pollachi for our honeymoon?" she asked, a smile playing on her lips. Initially, I thought it was a jest, given my expression. But later, I understood it was her way of ensuring the house continued searching for her father. She had thought of everything.

"There's no other girl in the world who understands you as well as she does, mate..." Harry joked upon hearing the events of the previous day. Yet, deep down, I felt there was truth in his words. There truly was no one else who understood me so profoundly.

"Didn't you ever wish for a girl who understands you like this? But what if you left her with her father and brought her back here? What do you think? From what I've heard, this Devika is a good person."

"My friend, that's the issue. Why bring that poor thing with me and make her suffer any more? If she can escape, let her escape..."

"Then who are you to take such a risk to save her? My friend, are you being truthful? Do you truly have feelings for her?"

"You go on, my friend... Every time I try to get her out of my head, you try to sway me with your words..."

"My dear friend, I was just making a point... Leave that aside, when is your honeymoon?"

"The day after tomorrow... Mother was very opposed. Thankfully, my sister-in-law supported me, and that saved the day. It was a good thing my brother wasn't around. If he were here, everything would have fallen apart. The next challenge for them was deciding where to go. When I suggested Pollachi, no one agreed. So I deferred to your plan. I'll return after going to Ooty by that route."

"You rascal... why did you bring up my name? Besides... my friend, both of them are going together... don't lose control and make any mistakes... and the girl will stay at home."

"You go on, my friend... I'm not like you... I know how to keep myself in check."

"Mm... we'll see..."

He continued in a joking tone.

"Shouldn't we pay Raghavan a visit before we go, Hari? We really should see him..."

"Why... are you out of your mind?" Hari objected to my suggestion.

"And if he's bold enough to come to my house and threaten us, why shouldn't we show him that we have the courage to enter his house and confront him..."

"My dear Ananthu, striking someone is not as straightforward as hitting a six on the cricket pitch... that would lead to significant trouble. You should go ahead first. Then we can contemplate it."

I didn't appreciate his words, but I acquiesced.

To be continued...