17."Hear Me Out"

Finishing my breakfast, I rose from the table, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Turning to Anu, I offered her a warm smile. "Anu, let's go. I'll drop you home," I suggested, eager to spend more time with her outside the confines of my family home. Anu's agreement was swift, and she bid my parents farewell with a polite nod and a gentle smile.

As we stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeted us, the promise of a new day lingering on the horizon. I swung my leg over my trusty bike, the familiar rumble of the engine filling the air as Anu settled in behind me. With a gentle kick, the bike roared to life, and we embarked on our journey.

Navigating the familiar streets of our town, we shared easy conversation and comfortable silences, the rhythm of the road lulling us into a peaceful reverie. The sunlight filtered through the branches of overhanging trees, casting dappled patterns on the pavement below as we made our way toward Anu's house.

After what felt like mere moments yet also an eternity, we arrived at our destination. Bringing the bike to a smooth halt in front of Anu's gate.

As Anu dismounted from the bike, a sense of apprehension flickered across her features. "Let's go inside. I don't want to tell Papa about us alone," she murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty. I offered her an understanding smile and nodded in agreement, guiding the bike to a stop near the gate before following her inside her home.

Upon entering, we were greeted by the sight of Viswanath uncle seated comfortably on the sofa, engrossed in the morning newspaper. As he looked up and caught sight of us, his face lit up with genuine warmth. "Ah, Krishna, Anu, come, take a seat," he beckoned, gesturing to the empty space beside him.

Anu settled onto the sofa, and I took my place beside her, the air thick with anticipation. Viswanath uncle's curiosity was palpable as he addressed Anu directly, his eyes brimming with gentle inquiry. "Anu, what important matter did you need to discuss with Krishna that prompted your visit to his house yesterday?" he inquired, his tone laced with curiosity.

Anu glanced at me for reassurance before meeting Viswanath uncle's gaze, her smile tinged with nervousness. Sensing her hesitation, Viswanath uncle encouraged her to continue, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Did something good happen?" he pressed gently.

Anu nodded, a radiant smile lighting up her face as she stood and approached Aunt Lakshmi, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "Ma, Papa, Krishna and I are now in a relationship," she announced, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

Aunt Lakshmi's eyes widened with joy as she returned Anu's hug, her voice trembling with emotion. "Oh, Anu, that's wonderful news! I'm so happy for you both. I knew this day would come," she exclaimed, her maternal instincts kicking in as she turned to me with a meaningful look. "Krishna, take good care of Anu, okay?"

I nodded earnestly, a surge of gratitude flooding my heart at her words. "You don't have to worry about that, Aunt," I assured her sincerely. As my gaze drifted to Viswanath uncle, I noticed a flicker of hesitation in his expression, as if he were grappling with conflicting emotions.

"Papa, you're not happy," Anu's gentle observation brought Viswanath uncle back from his reverie. Slowly, a smile spread across his face as he stood up, a newfound sense of contentment evident in his demeanor. I mirrored his actions, rising to my feet as he approached me with a warmth that melted away any lingering doubts.

"I am too happy today, Krishna. I hope you take good care of Anu," Viswanath uncle's words held a mixture of pride and paternal concern. "You don't have to worry, uncle. I promise to take care of her," I reassured him, my voice steady with conviction. I mention of my father's intention to call him prompted a chuckle from him.

"Hahaha, it's okay. Now, we've become family," he remarked jovially, his arms enveloping me in a heartfelt hug. Then, turning to Anu, he extended the same gesture of affection, sealing our newfound bond.

As the conversation turned to the topic of marriage, Anu and I echoed the sentiments we had shared with my mother earlier. "We feel we're too young for marriage, Uncle, and Anu still has her studies to complete," I explained, seeking his understanding.

Viswanath uncle listened attentively, nodding in agreement. "Of course, Krishna. Take your time. When the moment is right, I'll be here to support you both," he affirmed, his approval a comforting reassurance.

After spending some quality time catching up and sharing laughter, it was time for me to head to the company. With a final round of hugs and well wishes, I bid farewell to Viswanath uncle and Anu, a sense of gratitude filling my heart for the support and love that surrounded me.

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After Krishna left, Anu and her family settled onto the sofa in their cozy living room. Viswanath uncle, still brimming with joy from the morning's events, turned to Anu with a warm smile. "I am happy, Anu. You chose the right person. I knew this day would come," he said, his voice filled with pride and affection.

Anu nodded, acknowledging his words, but there was a flicker of worry in her eyes that didn't escape Viswanath's notice. "Anu, you look worried," he remarked, his brows knitting together in concern.

Anu shifted uncomfortably, her nervousness palpable. "Anu, you don't have to worry. Tell me what's bothering you," Viswanath urged gently.

Taking a deep breath, Anu finally spoke. "Yesterday, Anand uncle told us about Krishna's birth story," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Viswanath's expression softened as he placed a reassuring hand on Anu's head. "I know what you want to say. It's about Krishna's marriage, isn't it? I know all about it," he said calmly.

Anu's eyes widened in shock. "How did you know about it, Papa?" she asked, her voice trembling with surprise.

Viswanath's smile was gentle and knowing. "I was there in Ujjain with Anand when Krishna was born. Anand and I have been friends for so long, he told me everything," he explained.

Anu's curiosity intensified. "Then what do you think about it?" she began, but before she could finish, Viswanath interjected, "You don't have to worry about it, okay?"

A wave of relief washed over Anu, and she hugged Viswanath tightly. "Thank you, Papa," she murmured, her gratitude evident in her tone.

Viswanath smiled, the affection between father and daughter palpable. After a moment, Anu pulled back slightly and looked up at him with earnest eyes. "But Papa, can you tell me the full story? Anand uncle only told us up to when you all went to Ujjain. What happened after that?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Viswanath's expression grew thoughtful. "Anu, if Anand didn't tell you the rest, it means it's not yet time for you to know. We will tell you when the time is right, okay?" he replied, his tone gentle but firm.

Anu nodded, accepting his answer. "Thank you, Papa, for your approval," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.

Viswanath smiled, a blend of pride and love shining in his eyes. "You're welcome, Anu. Remember, no matter what, we're all here for you," he assured her.

The room seemed to breathe with a newfound sense of calm. The initial tension had given way to a quiet understanding, a mutual respect that strengthened the bond between father and daughter. As they sat together, the morning light casting a warm glow through the windows, Anu felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. She was surrounded by love and support, not just from Krishna, but from her entire family.

Their conversation drifted to lighter topics, and soon the room was filled with laughter and stories, the worries of the morning forgotten for now. Anu's heart swelled with happiness, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, she would not face them alone.

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After leaving Anu's house, I headed towards the company, my thoughts a whirlwind of emotions and concerns. "It's good that Viswanath uncle accepted Anu and my relationship," I mused, a small smile playing on my lips. But the smile quickly faded as worries crept in. "What if Ammu and Raji find out? What are they going to do? I just hope Anu didn't tell Raji about it. As for Ammu... I can only imagine how she'll react. What a crazy day today is turning out to be. I think it might be a bad day for me."

A sudden chill ran down my spine, making me shiver despite the warm weather. "Why do I suddenly feel so cold? Is something going to happen?" I wondered, an uneasy feeling settling in my stomach.

The ride to the company felt longer than usual, my mind preoccupied with a myriad of thoughts. Eventually, I arrived and parked my bike, taking a deep breath before making my way inside. As I walked through the corridors, I greeted my staff, their cheerful responses a brief respite from my troubled mind.

But as I approached my cabin, my heart sank. Sitting inside my cabin was Ammu, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Her tears were like daggers to my heart, and I knew instinctively that something was terribly wrong. The chill I had felt earlier now made sense. The reason behind Ammu's tears had to be related to me.

Swallowing my nervousness, I approached her with a tentative smile. "Ammu, are you okay?" I asked gently, my voice betraying my concern.

Hearing this, Ammu looked at me, but instead of answering, she started throwing objects at me. Papers, pens, even a stapler flew through the air as I dodged them with a mix of surprise and agility. "What the hell, Ammu? Can you tell me what happened?" I shouted, ducking behind a chair for cover.

"Krishna, you idiot! Cheater! Idiot!" she yelled, her voice filled with rage.

"Ammu, what happened? Can you please tell me what is my fault?" I pleaded, still trying to avoid the barrage of office supplies.

"When I came here, I saw Seenu talking to someone on the phone. Then I heard he was talking to your Anu. He mentioned that you and she are now in a relationship. You cheater!" she shouted, her anger intensifying as she grabbed a paperweight, aiming it at me.

Hearing this, I muttered under my breath, "I'm going to kill that Seenu today, but first, I need to handle the situation in front of me."

Dodging another flying object, I decided I needed to take a drastic step. "Ammu, I can explain! Please, just hear me out!" I pleaded, but she ignored me, her anger unabated.

Realizing that words weren't working, I saw no other option. I darted towards her, closing the distance between us before she could react. Grabbing her tightly, I kissed her deeply, pouring all my emotions into that kiss, hoping to calm her down.

For a moment, Ammu froze, her anger melting away into shock. After a minute, we pulled apart, both of us breathing heavily. I stepped back, trying to catch my breath. "Now, can you calm down and listen to me?" I began, but before I could finish, Ammu moved toward me, her expression shifting from anger to love.

She jumped into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist, and kissed me deeply. Caught off guard, I instinctively held her, responding to her kiss with equal passion. The intensity of the moment consumed us, and for a brief period, everything else faded away.

When we finally broke apart, the room was silent except for our heavy breathing.

"What's going on with me today?" I muttered to myself, trying to process the whirlwind of events. "This morning I kissed Anu, and now Ammu?" I glanced at Ammu, who was still perched on my lap, her eyes filled with a mixture of emotions.

"You're an idiot and a scumbag, Krishna," she declared, her voice trembling with anger.

Without thinking, I lightly slapped her butt. "No, I am not," I retorted, trying to defuse the tension.

Ammu's eyes widened in mock outrage. "You're a pervert! If you're not a scumbag, then how could you kiss me when you're already in a relationship with Anu?"

I sighed deeply and leaned back on the sofa, Ammu still on my lap. "Well, now you belong to this scumbag. And as for Anu, I'm going to marry both of you," I said, trying to sound confident.

Ammu's eyes softened, a small smile playing on her lips. "So, you're already thinking about marriage?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

I grinned back at her. "I've even started thinking of names for our children," I teased.

"Promise?" she asked, her tone more serious this time.

"Promise," I nodded, sealing it with a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Ammu seemed to relax, the tension between us dissolving into a shared understanding. "So, when are you going to tell Anu about us?" she asked, her voice tinged with both hope and fear.

"Soon," I promised, knowing that it was a conversation I couldn't avoid for much longer.

We sat there in silence for a while, savoring the moment. Then, unable to resist, I kissed her neck. She shivered slightly and whispered, "You are a pervert."

I laughed softly and gave her another playful slap on the butt. "Why are you slapping my butt?" she protested, though her tone was more playful than angry.

"Because I am a pervert," I said, echoing her words with a grin.

Ammu responded by playfully punching my shoulder. "Ouch, that hurts," I said, feigning pain.

We both laughed, the sound echoing around the room and lightening the mood. For a brief moment, everything felt right, despite the chaos and confusion of the day.

After we calmed down, I looked at her more seriously. "Ammu, where is Seenu?"

"He's in the Agricultural Department," she replied, her eyes narrowing slightly at the mention of his name.

"Let's go and meet my dear friend, shall we?" I suggested, my tone carrying a hint of mischievousness.

Ammu nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Together, we made our way to the Agricultural Department, the weight of the earlier tension lifting with each step.

(A/N:"I think Anu, Ammu, Raji, Aamukta, and Anasuya those girls are enough for Krishna. What's do you think? let me know. And if you're wondering how easily Ammu agreed with Krishna when he said he was going to marry the two of them, it's because of his gift. people see it as natural for Krishna to marry more than one girl.")

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