The golden evening light slipped through the curtains, spreading a soft warmth in the living room. Anu and Nidhi were sitting cross-legged on the rug, surrounded by half-open bags, laughing softly while discussing their trip checklist.

"Anu akka, sweaters pakka pettara? Munnar lo chali baaga untundi anta" said Nidhi, carefully folding a scarf.
(Anu akka, did you pack sunscreen?  Munnar is the cool place.)

Anu smiled,. "Aa, pack chesa nidhu... "
(Yes, I did.)

Rahul sat on the sofa a little away, laptop open, eyes glued to the screen. His fingers danced over the keyboard, the sound of typing filling the air. Even on holidays, his discipline never took a break.

Nidhi pouted. "Bava... even now you're working? We're supposed to relax!" she teased, turning to him.
Rahul didn't even glance up, murmuring, "Just five minutes, Nidhi. Urgent file."

Anu chuckled quietly. "He'll never change."

But before Nidhi could reply, a loud cheerful voice echoed from the entrance—
"Krishna mama!" (krishna uncle)

The air froze for a second. Everyone looked toward the doorway. Nidhi blinked in surprise. Anu frowned slightly. Rahul closed his laptop instantly, his jaw tightening.

Krishna, who was reading the newspaper on the couch, looked up instantly, a broad smile lighting his face.
"Are ra ra Vaishnav! Lopaliki ra ra!"
(Oh come in, Vaishnav! Come in!)

The familiar name hit Anu like a pin. Vaishnav... her pedha bava(elder bua's son). He lives in USA.

Vaishnav walked in — tall, confident, his shirt half unbuttoned, sunglasses hanging from his collar. That smug smile on his face hadn't changed a bit.

"Lakshmi, chudu mee alludu ochadu!" Krishna called out proudly toward the kitchen.
(Lakshmi, look! Your son-in-law has arrived!)

The word "alludu" (son-in-law) hit Anu like a spark in dry air. Her face stiffened. Her mother's cheerful reply came from the kitchen, " vachada? Ra ra Vaishnav!"
(Oh really, he's here? Come, Vaishnav!)

But that one word alludu didn't sit right with anu heart. Alludu... that was Vedansh's place in her world, not anyone else's. Her chest tightened slightly.

A moment later, Lakshmi came out, wiping her hands with her saree pallu, her face glowing with affection. She cupped Vaishnav's face warmly.
"Enti Vaishnav, okadive vachava? Kalyani vadina ekkada? "
(What Vaishnav, you just came alone? Where is your mother?)

Vaishnav smirked slightly, "Aa, amma busy... next week ostaru. Inka pandagaki 2 weeks undi kada."
(Yeah, Mom got busy with work... she will come next week. Anyways festival is in next week.)

He laughed lightly, his tone too casual. Lakshmi didn't catch it, but Rahul's eyes narrowed slightly — he caught that playful undertone.

Lakshmi turned, "Anu, tea theama pedha bava ki."
(Anu, bring tea for your elder cousin.)

Anu hesitated for a moment, her hand stopping midair. Her lips pressed tight, but she nodded quietly.
"Sare, amma." (Okay, mom.)

Nidhi watched the little change in Anu's expression curiously, unaware of the small storm in her mind.

When Anu came back with the tray, Vaishnav's eyes followed her every step. She could feel it — that uncomfortable gaze scanning her face, her movements.
"Thank you, Anu..." he said as he reached for the cup, his fingers deliberately brushing hers.
(Thank you, Anu... )

Anu froze. Her eyes widened slightly at the sudden touch — subtle, but unmistakable. She pulled her hand back quickly, pretending to adjust her dupatta. Rahul, who was observing silently, clenched his jaw. His protective instinct flared instantly.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Lakshmi called out,

"Nidhi, velli amma ni annaya ni pilichi ra!"
(Nidhi, go and call your mother and brother!)

"Sare Atha!" Nidhi replied cheerfully, unaware of the tension brewing.
(Okay bua!)

As she ran, Vaishnav leaned back lazily on the couch, smirking as if he owned the place. Krishna was asking him about his work, proud of his achievements.

Nidhi reached Vedansh's room. He was sitting near the window, phone in hand, working silently. She knocked softly.
"Annaya... vaishnav annaya vacharu. Vaalu pilustunaru."
(Brother, Vaishnav bhai came. they are calling you.)

Vedansh looked up immediately. His fingers froze.
"Evaru? Vaishnav aa?"
(Who? Vaishnav?)

"Haa annaya..."
(Yes, brother...)

Something stirred in Vedansh's chest — a strange unease, sharp and heavy. That man's name alone brought discomfort. He took a deep breath and stood up slowly.
"Hmm... vastha." (I'm coming.)

As they came downstairs together, Kavitha entered from the side door. Vaishnav's face lit up.
"Kavitha pinni! Enti inka young ga unnaru!"
(Kavitha maasi! You haven't aged a bit!)

Kavitha smiled, hugging him warmly. "Enni rojula taruvata vachavu Vaishnav."
(You came after so many days, Vaishnav.)

Just then Nidhi smiled brightly, running to him, "Vaish annaya!" She hugged him innocently — that pure sibling warmth in her eyes.

But Rahul and Vedansh Both their expressions stiffened. They knew Vaishnav's character — the way his eyes lingered longer than they should, the way he played with words.

When Nidhi hugged him, Vaishnav's smirk widened ever so slightly. Rahul's fist tightened. Vedansh took one long step forward, his voice calm but edged.

"Arey Nidhi, konchem opiri pilchuko nivu... ippude ochadu kada."
(Hey Nidhi, let him take a breath... he just came, right?)

He gently pulled her back, his hand resting on her shoulder protectively. The air between them shifted — subtle, but firm. Nidhi looked up, surprised at his sudden tone.

Vaishnav chuckled lightly, pretending it was all fun. "Arey Vedansh, still the same protective brother, ha?"

Vedansh's lips curved into a polite, almost forced smile. "Always... especially when it comes to the people I love."
His gaze was steady — a silent warning beneath the politeness.

Dinner plates clinked as laughter filled the dining hall. Vaishnav sat beside Krishna, talking proudly about his new projects, while Vedansh and Rahul quietly exchanged wary glances. Anu sat opposite, calm on the outside but uneasy inside.

"So, trip ready ki ekkadiki velthunaru?" Krishna asked cheerfully.
(So, where are you all going for your trip?)

Nidhi's eyes lit up. "Munnar mama!"
( Munnar!)

Krishna smiled mysteriously. "Munnar cancel cheyandi . Meeru andaruu Vaishnav tho kalisi village ki velli ammama ni kalavandi."
(Oh ,Cancel  Munnar. You all go with Vaishnav to the village and meet Grandma(nani) — that's better.)

The table went silent. Rahul's hand froze mid-air. Vedansh's eyes hardened. Anu looked at her father in disbelief.

"But nana... bookings aipoyay kada," Rahul said softly.
(But dad... we already booked everything.)

Krishna waved it off. "Cancel cheyyi ra. Grandma health baaga ledu anta. Vaishnav velthunnadu, meeru kuda velandi thoduga"
(Cancel it. Grandma's health isn't good. Vaishnav is going — you all should too along.")

Lakshmi nodded, smiling. "Avunu , idi manchidi." (Yes , that's good.)

Only Nidhi was excited. "Super mama! amama vala intiki aa"
(Wow uncle! I'm so happy we'll see Grandma!)

She turned to Vedansh, her eyes sparkling. "Annaya, manaki village trip! Enta fun untundi!"
(Brother, we're going to the village! It'll be so much fun!)

Vedansh forced a small smile. "Avunu Nidhi... fun untundi." (Yes Nidhi... it'll be fun.)
But his gaze flicked toward Vaishnav, dark and warning.

Rahul leaned close to Anu, whispering, "Munnar cancel chesaru... with him coming along. Great."
Anu sighed quietly. 

So how is todays chapter and what do you think about this new character....??

do comment and vote.........