Chapter 40

After Kittu left for school, Lakshmi sat down on the mat, her mind swirling with the recent happenings in her life. Vikram had re-entered her world after so many years, and she had let him into her home. Kittu, her precious son, had already grown attached to him. Was this a good thing or a bad thing? She couldn't decide. Her thoughts were a tangled web of doubt, fear, and longing.

Was Vikram telling the truth? Was it really his stepmother who had manipulated their fates all those years ago? As far as Lakshmi knew, Vikram had always been genuine with her. He had never failed to care for her, to love her, to make her feel cherished. She had never doubted his love—not once. He had never given her a reason to.

But then, Why had he disappeared from her life without a word? why had he treated her so cruelly when returned, seeing her after all these years?

And why had he never married anyone all these years? Had he truly been waiting for her? The thought made her heart ache. Was she the one who had doubted him? Was she the one who had failed to trust him? But then, what if he had thought she had moved on, married someone else, when he saw her with a child? Her head throbbed with the weight of these unanswered questions.

Just then, Rashi walked in, her college bag slung over her shoulder. "Akka, has Kittu left for school?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"Yes," Lakshmi replied, her voice distant. "His father dropped him off and said he'd pick him up too." The words slipped out almost involuntarily, and Lakshmi immediately regretted how casual they sounded.

Rashi, sensing her turmoil, sat down beside her. "Akka, don't overthink it. Just talk to him. Decide whether to give him a chance or not. But remember, it's not just about you and Vikram anymore. Kittu is involved now. You have to think about his future. Only you and Vikram anna know what really happened back then. Don't let the past dictate everything."

Lakshmi sighed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Rashi, it's not just about giving him a second chance. If his parents find out about Kittu, they might harm him. They would never accept a child from someone like me—a maid. It's better for Kittu to grow up without a father than to be labeled an illegitimate child. I don't want that for him. Even if we live in poverty, we live safely and peacefully. But Vikram's presence... it brings chaos. I can't risk Kittu's safety. That's all that matters now."

Rashi fell silent, understanding the depth of Lakshmi's fears. She hadn't considered the dangers that could come with Vikram's return. What if his family did try to harm Kittu? The mere thought sent a shiver down her spine. She sighed, her heart heavy with the weight of her words.

"Okay, Akka," Rashi said softly. "I don't know what to say. You should rest. It's getting late, and I need to head to college now. Bye." She stood up, giving Lakshmi a reassuring pat on the shoulder before leaving the house.

As the door closed behind Rashi, Lakshmi was left alone with her thoughts once more. Her heart ached with the weight of her decisions. She had spent years building a life for herself and Kittu, a life free from the shadows of her past. But now, with Vikram's return, those shadows threatened to consume everything she had worked for.

She thought of Kittu's innocent smile, the way his eyes lit up when he saw Vikram. Her son deserved love, happiness, and security. But at what cost? Could she trust Vikram to protect them, to stand by them no matter what? Or would his presence only bring more pain?

Tears finally spilled down her cheeks as she whispered to herself, "What am I supposed to do?" The question hung in the air, unanswered, as Lakshmi sat there, caught between the love she once knew and the fear of what might come.

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Kittu entered his classroom and was immediately struck by the transformation. The room was now adorned with colorful dual desks, each one inviting and vibrant. His eyes widened with excitement as he took in the sight. He turned around to check if the classroom across the hall had undergone the same change—and sure enough, it had. Vikram had arranged for all these basic amenities in the school, a gesture that filled Kittu with joy. He squealed in delight and rushed into the classroom, where the other children were equally thrilled, eagerly settling into their new desks. The day passed in a blur of happiness, the children reveling in their upgraded surroundings.

When the final bell rang, Kittu dashed out of the school, expecting to see Rashi or Lakshmi waiting for him. But to his surprise, it was Vikram who stood there, leaning casually against his car, a warm smile playing on his lips. The sight of him made Kittu's heart leap. "Daddy!" he shouted, running full speed toward Vikram. Without hesitation, Vikram scooped him up, tossing him into the air before catching him and planting a firm kiss on his cheek.

"Daddy... you came again!" Kittu exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.

"From today onwards, it's my duty to drop you off and pick you up from school," Vikram replied, his tone gentle but firm.

"Really? Promise?" Kittu asked, his eyes wide with hope.

"Promise, my prince," Vikram said, sealing the vow with a soft smile. They climbed into the car, and Vikram began to drive, the hum of the engine filling the silence.

After a few minutes, Kittu broke the quiet. "Daddy, where were you all these days? Why aren't you and Amma together? Don't you like Amma?" The innocence in his voice was piercing, his young mind unable to grasp the complexities of their family's past.

Vikram's throat tightened at the question. Don't like Amma? he thought, his heart aching. How could I ever not like her? She is my life, the reason I breathe. He took a moment to steady himself before answering. "Who said I don't like Amma? She is my life, Kittu. The reason for my existence. I love her very much, and she loves me too. But you know how every story has a villain? Well, a witch played with our lives. That's why we're not together." His voice cracked slightly, the pain of the past resurfacing.

Kittu listened quietly, his little brow furrowed in thought. Then, with the determination only a child could muster, he declared, "Daddy, who is that witch? Tell me, and I'll take care of her. Amma says I'm strong, and I have to fight against this cruel world. You know, I eat spinach—that's why I'm so strong!" He flexed his tiny arms, trying to prove his point.

Vikram couldn't help but chuckle, though his eyes glistened with unshed tears. He ruffled Kittu's hair affectionately. "We'll definitely punish the witch, but not now. The time will come. For now, do you know what we have to do? We need to make Amma come to our house and stay with us. Remember?"

Kittu nodded solemnly, his focus shifting to the road ahead. A few minutes later, Vikram pulled over at an ice cream parlor. He got out of the car, walked around to Kittu's side, and lifted him into his arms. Together, they entered the shop, the sweet aroma of ice cream filling the air. Vikram stood at the counter, Kittu still cradled in his arms, and asked, "Kittu, what flavor do you want?"

Kittu's eyes scanned the colorful array of options before he pointed excitedly. "I don't know the name, Daddy, but I like the brown one!"

Vikram smiled, understanding that he meant chocolate. He ordered two chocolate cones and carried Kittu back to the car. Once they were settled, he watched as Kittu ate his ice cream with meticulous care, holding the cone in one hand and a tissue in the other. Pride swelled in Vikram's chest—Lakshmi had raised him so well.

"Daddy... the ice cream is so tasty!" Kittu said between licks.

"You like it? Then I'll buy it for you often," Vikram promised.

"Really? But where will you get the money for it? You know, I've only had ice cream once before, and that was when Raghu uncle bought it for me," Kittu said innocently.

Vikram's heart clenched at his son's words. The thought of Lakshmi struggling to provide for Kittu while he was absent filled him with guilt. But the mention of Raghu's name stirred an uneasy feeling in his chest. He knew Lakshmi would never think of anyone else, and Raghu was a good man, but the idea of someone else stepping into his role, even temporarily, was hard to swallow.

"Does Raghu visit you often?" Vikram asked, trying to keep his voice neutral.

"Yes, Raghu uncle comes often. He buys me toys and snacks," Kittu replied cheerfully.

Vikram felt a pang of shame for doubting Lakshmi, even for a moment. Raghu had been there for his family when he hadn't. He had taken care of them, and for that, Vikram owed him gratitude, not suspicion.

Kittu finished his ice cream neatly and tossed the tissue out of the car. Then, turning to Vikram, he asked, "Daddy, next time you buy me ice cream, will you buy one for Amma too? She's never had ice cream before. Whenever I ask her to buy me some, she says I'll catch a cold and it's not good for my health. But when we get home, I don't know why, she cries. So I stopped asking her."

Vikram's heart shattered at Kittu's words. The image of Lakshmi, struggling to fulfill the smallest joys of their son, was almost too much to bear. He couldn't speak, the weight of his emotions rendering him silent. Kittu, sensing his father's quiet, turned his attention to the passing scenery outside.

The rest of the drive was quiet, the air heavy with unspoken emotions. When they finally reached Lakshmi's home, Vikram parked the car and turned to Kittu. "We're here, my prince," he said softly, his voice tinged with both love and sorrow. As they stepped out of the car, Vikram couldn't shake the ache in his chest. He had so much to make up for, so many wounds to heal. But for now, he focused on the little boy beside him, his son, who had already brought so much light back into his life.

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