Chapter 39

"Sorry, I just..." Vikram's voice trailed off, his words caught in his throat. He cursed himself for losing control, for letting his emotions spill over in a moment of vulnerability. His heart pounded as he struggled to find the right words, but none came.

Lakshmi's sharp voice cut through the silence. "How did you get in?" she demanded, her tone laced with both anger and unease.

Vikram swallowed hard, his voice soft but steady. "Lakshmi, the door wasn't locked. I knocked, and it just... opened slightly. I thought you were busy cooking, so I stepped in. But Lakshmi, how can you be so careless? Changing your clothes without latching the door properly? Thank God it was me who walked in. What if it had been someone else?" His voice trembled with worry, his concern for her safety evident.

Lakshmi's eyes flashed with defiance, though her hands clutched the folds of her saree tightly against her chest. "There's no difference between you and anyone else," she retorted bitterly. "And don't worry about me. I know how to protect myself. I've already faced the worst this life has to offer. Now, tell me, why are you here?"

Vikram hesitated, his gaze dropping for a moment before he met her eyes again. "I promised Kittu I'd take him for a ride. I thought I'd surprise him by dropping him off at school today."

Lakshmi's expression hardened, her voice cold and cutting. "Please don't give him a taste of these things. He's just a child. He can't handle heartbreak like I did when you betrayed."

Vikram's face crumpled, his voice breaking as he took a step closer. "Lakshmi, please... he's my son. How could I ever betray him? I never betrayed anyone. It was my stepmother's cruel game, her manipulations that tore us apart. I loved you—I still love you. Every single day, I've held my breath, waiting for the chance to see you again. Please, don't say such things." Tears welled in his eyes, his voice raw with emotion.

Lakshmi turned her face away, her jaw tightening as she fought to keep her own emotions in check. "I don't want to hear this. Just wait outside. I'll call you when he wakes up."

Vikram nodded silently, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. He turned to leave, but just as he did, Kittu stirred awake, his small voice breaking the tension in the room. "Daddy!" the boy exclaimed, his arms stretching out toward Vikram, his face lighting up with pure joy.

The sound of that word—Daddy—hit Vikram like a wave, flooding his heart with a bittersweet ache. Tears threatened to spill again, but he forced a smile, his arms instinctively reaching out to scoop Kittu up. He held the boy close, pressing a tender kiss to his cheek, his heart swelling with a love he had been denied for so long.

"Put him down and wait outside," Lakshmi snapped, her voice sharp but trembling with suppressed emotion. "How long do you expect me to stand here like this?"

Vikram turned to her, his expression apologetic. "Sorry," he murmured, gently trying to set Kittu down. But the boy clung to him, his small hands gripping Vikram's neck tightly.

"Daddy, please don't go!" Kittu cried, his voice breaking into sobs.

Vikram's heart shattered at the sound. He glanced at Lakshmi, who stood frozen, her glare softening for just a moment as she witnessed the undeniable bond between father and son.

Despite the fear of her wrath, Vikram couldn't bring himself to let go. With Kittu still in his arms, he hurried out of the room, closing the door softly behind him.

As he stood outside, holding his son close, Vikram couldn't help but smile faintly. He had never seen this side of Lakshmi before—the fire in her eyes, the sharpness in her voice. She had always been like an innocent flower, delicate and gentle. But life had changed her, hardened her.

The thought filled him with a deep sadness, but also a strange sense of admiration. She had survived, endured, and protected their son in his absence. And for that, he owed her everything.

Vikram stood outside, holding Kittu in his arms, the morning sun casting a warm glow over them. Kittu looked up at his father with wide, curious eyes and asked, "Daddy, where is your home?"

Vikram smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from the boy's forehead. "It's nearby," he replied, his voice gentle.

Kittu's face scrunched in thought, his innocence shining through as he asked, "When will you take me and Amma to your house? All my friends' parents live together in the same house. Why aren't we like that?"

The question struck Vikram like a dagger to the heart. He hesitated, struggling to find the right words to explain something so complex to a child. Finally, he asked softly, "Do you want Amma and Daddy to live in the same house?"

Kittu nodded eagerly, his little face lighting up with hope. "Yes, Daddy!"

Vikram's heart swelled with a mix of joy and desperation. He crouched down slightly, bringing himself to Kittu's eye level, and whispered, "Then will you help Daddy convince Amma to stay with us?"

Kittu's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes, Daddy!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with determination.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Lakshmi stepped out, her expression stern. She gave them a sharp glare before turning back into the house without a word. Vikram watched her go, his heart heavy with the weight of her silence. She moved to the kitchen, her back rigid as she began her morning chores.

Kittu tugged at Vikram's sleeve, pulling him out of his thoughts. "Daddy, will you help me get ready for school?" he asked, his lips forming an adorable pout.

Vikram's heart melted at the sight. He smiled warmly and said, "At your service, my little prince."

Kittu giggled, the sound like music to Vikram's ears. "Wait, I'll get my towel and clothes!" he said, darting toward the shelf covered with a screen. He rummaged through the bags Vikram had brought the previous day, pulling out a small T-shirt and trousers. Clutching them tightly, he ran back to Vikram, his excitement palpable.

Vikram carried him to the bathroom, setting him down gently. He glanced around the cramped space—a tiny 4x4 room that served as both a toilet and a bathroom. His heart clenched as he took in the modest conditions his son was living in. The walls were bare, the floor cracked, and the air carried a faint dampness. He made a silent promise to himself: I have to do something. I have to get them out of this place.

His thoughts were interrupted by Kittu's voice. "Daddy, fill the bucket!" the boy said, pointing to the drum outside the bathroom.

Vikram fetched water from the drum, filling the bucket. As he dipped his hand into the water, he realized how cold it was. He frowned, turning to Kittu. "Wait, let's ask Amma to bring some hot water. This is too cold for you."

But Kittu shook his head, his expression matter-of-fact. "Daddy, I take a bath in cold water every day. Amma only gives me warm water when I have a fever. We're used to it."

Vikram's heart shattered at those words. He stared at his son, his chest tightening with guilt and sorrow. How could I let this happen? he thought, his mind racing. He forced a smile, though his eyes betrayed his pain. "Okay, let's get you ready," he said softly, helping Kittu brush his teeth and bathe.

As he dressed Kittu in his school clothes, Vikram couldn't shake the image of his son shivering in the cold water. He moved to the kitchen, where Lakshmi was preparing breakfast. "Lakshmi," he began, his voice tentative, "can you put some hot water on the stove for Kittu? The water is too cold for him."

Lakshmi didn't look up from her work. Her voice was sharp, laced with bitterness. "We're not used to such luxuries. I can't afford to heat water every day. He's fine with cold water—he's not delicate like you rich people."

Vikram flinched at her words, but he didn't argue. He knew she was carrying the weight of years of hardship and betrayal. He sighed and returned to Kittu, helping him finish getting ready.

By the time they were done, Lakshmi had prepared a simple breakfast. Meanwhile, Rashi had come to visit as usual. But seeing Vikram's car parked outside, she hesitated. She knew the family needed time to reconnect, to heal. With a soft smile, she turned and walked back to her home, giving them the space they needed.

Lakshmi set a plate of food for Kittu and walked over to the mat where Vikram and the boy were engrossed in a lively conversation. Seeing his mother approach with the plate, Kittu looked up at Vikram with pleading eyes. "Daddy, will you feed me?" he asked, his voice sweet and hopeful.

Vikram's heart warmed at the request. He nodded with a soft smile and took the plate from Lakshmi. She handed it to him without a word, her expression unreadable, before turning back to the stove to prepare horlicks for Kittu. The aroma of the simple breakfast—upma and peanut chutney—filled the small room, making Vikram's stomach growl softly. His mouth watered at the sight of the food, but he pushed his own hunger aside, focusing entirely on feeding his son. Kittu ate quietly, his trust in Vikram evident in the way he obediently opened his mouth for each bite.

Once Kittu had finished eating, Vikram stood up, intending to wash his hands, but Lakshmi stopped him. She handed him a plate of food, her movements deliberate but devoid of emotion. Vikram frowned, caught off guard by the gesture.

Lakshmi met his gaze briefly, her voice flat as she said, "Eat. You must be hungry."

Vikram stared at her, surprised and touched by her unexpected concern. He hesitated for a moment before accepting the plate, his heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and guilt. Lakshmi turned away, serving herself a plate before sitting down to eat in silence. Kittu, now engrossed in playing with his new toys, seemed oblivious to the tension between his parents.

Vikram took his first bite, closing his eyes as the flavors washed over him. It had been years since he had tasted homemade food, and the simple meal felt like a feast to him. The warmth of the food seemed to seep into his soul, filling a void he hadn't realized was there. Lakshmi, watching him from the corner of her eye, felt a pang of pity. Despite his wealth and status, it was clear that Vikram had no one to care for him, no one to ask if he had eaten or if he was well. The thought made her chest tighten, and she quickly looked away, unwilling to let her emotions show.

After they finished eating, Vikram scooped Kittu into his arms. "Come on, I'll drop you off at school today," he said, his voice warm and reassuring.

Kittu's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? In the car?" he asked, his voice rising with joy.

Vikram chuckled and nodded. "Yes, in the car."

Kittu squealed with delight, wrapping his arms around Vikram's neck in a tight hug. Then, remembering his mother, he turned to Lakshmi and asked, "Amma, can I go with Daddy today?"

Lakshmi nodded silently, her expression softening just a fraction as she watched her son's happiness. Kittu beamed, thrilled that his mother had agreed. After bidding Lakshmi a quick goodbye, Vikram carried Kittu out to the car, the boy chattering excitedly about the ride.

As they drove to school, Kittu explored the car with wide-eyed wonder, turning the AC on and off, fiddling with the music system, and marveling at every detail. Vikram watched him with a fond smile, his heart swelling with love and pride. In just a few minutes, they reached the school. Vikram got out of the car and walked around to open the door for Kittu, helping him down with gentle hands.

Kittu stood tall, his chest puffed out with pride as he walked toward the school gates. His friends watched in surprise, their eyes wide as they saw him arrive in a car with his father. Kittu turned to Vikram, who knelt down to kiss him goodbye. "Have a great day, my little prince," Vikram whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Kittu waved enthusiastically before running off to join his friends, eager to share the news of his special morning. As he entered the classroom, however, he stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening in surprise at the sight that greeted him.

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Hey guys!!!

As you all know, I'm currently studying, and this being my final semester, it's been quite busy with project work and other commitments. Even with my hectic schedule, I'm trying my best to update regularly. Though it's not as frequent as I'd like, I manage to update 3-4 chapters weekly.

I kindly ask for your understanding—some of you have been asking for updates in a way that feels a bit harsh, and it's been hurting me. This is a crucial time in my life, and I'm doing my best to balance everything. Please be patient with me, guys. I love you all, and I truly appreciate your support.

By the way, how did you find today's chapter? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Enjoy reading!!!

Bi Bi!!!