In the Shadows of Love

Chapter 7

The next day, Shiv headed to Vizag for an extended break. As per our plan, the wedding would take place in Hyderabad, followed by the reception in Vizag.

In the morning, Madhuri woke up feeling refreshed and found her parents deep in conversation.

"Madhuri, breakfast is ready," my mom called out.

I have this odd habit of watching TV or videos on my phone while eating, but today didn't seem like the right time. My mom will scold as there is so much work. I reluctantly had breakfast without any entertainment. My mom and dad say i am addicted to tv which is true i love it

Afterwards, I retreated to my room, got ready, and emerged while booking an Uber.

"Mom, Dad, I'm off to school to submit my resignation," I announced.

"Ok beta take my car" said my dad

"No dad i already booked auto i know you have other works" i replied

"Alright, dear. Finish up your errands, and we'll go shopping later," my mom replied.

"Okay, Mom. Bye, my Uber's here," I said, heading out.

As I left home and settled into an auto, lost in my thoughts, my phone rang, interrupting my reverie.It was an unknown number. Hesitantly, I answered,

"Hello?"

"Hi, this is Shiv. Are you there, Madhuri?" came a voice from the other end. I recognized it instantly and felt a blush creep up.

"Yes, yes," I replied, my heart racing.

"How are you?" Shiv asked.

"Good. How about you? Had breakfast?" I managed to respond.

"I'm good too. Yes, just finished breakfast. Arrived in Vizag this morning," he replied.

"Oh," I stumbled over my words, unsure of what to say. my mind gone blank?

"Are you okay? The wedding is in a week," Shiv asked, breaking the awkward silence.

"Yes, yes, I'm okay," I reassured him.

"Are you out? I hear car horns," he inquired.

"Yeah, I'm heading to school to submit my resignation," I replied.

"I'm sorry you have to resign and move here because of the marriage," Shiv apologized.

"It's okay. I'll join there next year. It's fine," I replied, trying to sound casual.

"Why next year? You could join the school here now," he suggested.

"Nah, I need a break," I said, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Okay then. Hey, I'll talk to you later," Shiv said.

"Okay, bye," I said, hanging up and staring out of the auto window, lost in thoughts of him.

After reaching school, completing my tasks,

"Ok mam then you should come to wedding compulsory i will also come again and give invitations also " i said getting up

"Will come madhuri Congratulations once again" replied principal mam

Coming out i went to staff room invited all teachers to wedding then called my mom to inform her, I headed to South India Shopping Mall as per her instructions.

After an hour-long auto ride, I met my mother and best friend at the entrance.After exchanging greetings, we dove into shopping. I already had an idea of the color saree I wanted.

After four hours of browsing, we finally made our selections, including sarees and dresses for my mom and friend.

"Finally it's over" said keerthi tiredly

"Haa maa i am very hungry shall we go to restaurant. Will also ask dad to come there" i asked my mom

"Haa ok" said my mom busy in seeing in some other sarees

I dialled my dad "Hello nanna we are going to xyz restaurant for lunch you too come"

"Ok did you select everything bangaram"asked my father

"Yes dad i got everthing"

"Ok then i will be there in 20 min"

I told my mom and keethi same went to restaurant ordered food

"I can't wait to wear all those sarees and dresses i will enjoy fully" said keerthi again checking clothes

Me and mom chuckled seeing her excitement

"Thank god we got everything in one shop only with reasonable rated" said my mom

Like that we are talking later my dad too joined uss we ate lunch

Over the next few days, the house buzzed with activity as relatives and grandparents arrived.

Shiv's Pov:

The next morning, I arrived in Vizag, having already informed my cousin Arjun and friend Rakesh to come to airport

Arjun is a software employee and rakesh is also police officer.
His marriage is fixed is in next 6 months

"Anna, over here!" called Arjun from the car.

"Hi, guys," I greeted them.

"Congratulations! Finally tying the knot. We thought you were going to stay single forever," teased Rakesh."

Me too," chimed in Arjun.

I playfully hit them both on the head, shooting them a glare."Alright, show us the bride-to-be," they demanded.I showed them Madhuri's picture

After that we went to the authorities to extend my leave and take care of some work.

I came home booked food and ate

Later, I decided to call Madhu, or should I say, my madhu with a smile, I dialed her number talked to her sometime i cut the call as rakesh and arjun came

Hello all
Hope you liked the chapter
Please do vote and comment