Chapter 7

That night, Vikram couldn't sleep. His mind was consumed by the desire to understand how Lakshmi felt about him. Every thought kept circling back to her. Unable to shake his restlessness, he decided to meet her after everyone else had fallen asleep. He stood on the balcony, cigarette in hand, staring at her room, waiting for the right moment. His gaze never left the window, and he could feel a storm of emotions brewing inside him.

Meanwhile, Lakshmi had finished her bath and stepped out of the bathroom. She walked outside to gather her clothes from the rope where she had hung them to dry earlier in the day. As she was bringing them inside, Raghu approached her.

"Hey, Lakshmi, what are you doing out here at this time?" he asked, his voice casual.

"I just came to my room, anna" she replied, glancing at him. "I cleaned the kitchen counter today, so I was a little late."

Raghu reached into his pocket and pulled out two kacha mango candies, offering them to her. "Here, take these. I went to the shop to buy something, and instead of giving me change, the shopkeeper gave me these. You should have them."

Lakshmi's eyes widened at the sight of the candies. She loved the tangy, sweet taste and quickly opened one, savoring the flavor. Her face lit up with the simple joy of a childhood favorite. Raghu smiled, happy to see her enjoying something so simple.

"It's cold outside. Go back inside," he said, before turning and heading to his room.

Lakshmi returned to her room with her clothes, completely unaware of the intense gaze that followed her from Vikram's direction.

Vikram stood there, boiling with jealousy. The sight of Lakshmi eagerly savoring the candy Raghu gave her made his stomach burn with frustration. How could she smile so brightly for Raghu and yet remain so distant toward him? The anger bubbling inside him felt almost foreign, but it was undeniable. He clenched his fists, fighting the urge to do something, anything, to erase the image of her joyfully eating that candy.

After the lights in the house were turned off, Vikram quietly left his room. He walked toward Lakshmi's door, moving carefully so as not to make any noise. His heart pounded in his chest, and his mind raced with thoughts he couldn't make sense of. When he reached her door, he paused and looked around to ensure no one was nearby. Satisfied that the coast was clear, he gently knocked.

Lakshmi, who already feared sleeping alone, was startled by the knock. She hesitated, wondering who could be at her door at this hour. Her heart pounded in her chest as she slowly rose from her bed and walked toward the door, her voice trembling as she asked, "Who is it?"

"It's me, Vikram. Open the door. I need to talk to you," came his voice from the other side.

Her breath caught in her throat. Why was he here at this time? Her mind raced, her body torn between fear and curiosity. She stood frozen for a moment before he spoke again, his voice softer, almost pleading.

"Please."

Reluctantly, Lakshmi opened the door, knowing he wouldn't leave until she did. As soon as she opened it, Vikram entered quickly and closed the door behind him. She stepped back instinctively, feeling her heart race with uncertainty.

Vikram looked at her trembling, frustration and emotion clouding his expression. He exhaled sharply, his words coming out with an edge. "Why are you scared of me? I don't have any ill intentions. Please understand. If I wanted to, I could have any girl. I don't need to be around you like some lovesick puppy. I can have anyone, and you know that."

His voice softened as he continued, almost desperately. "I love you, Lakshmi. Please don't be scared of me. It hurts, please."

Lakshmi's fear began to subside as she listened to him. But the words 'love' and 'maid' seemed so wrong together in her mind. How could someone like Vikram, someone with everything, love someone like her? She slowly responded, her voice low and filled with uncertainty. "No, that's not possible. You can't love me. I'm just a maid in your house. You shouldn't feel this way about me. So please, just leave."

She clasped her hands together in front of her, hoping to make him understand her position.

Vikram took a step forward, his eyes filled with intensity as he gently reached for her hands. She tried to pull away, but he held them firmly. "Who said that?" he said, his voice soft but insistent. "Look, Lakshmi, I lost my mother when I was very young. My father—well, he's prioritized his own happiness, leaving me to fend for myself. I've had no one to share my pain, my fears, my feelings with. But when I saw you, I felt like you were home to me. You remind me of my mother. You're the one I can confide in, the one who makes me feel less alone. Please, don't push me away."

His words cut deep. Lakshmi understood the weight of loneliness, the pain of loss. Her heart ached as she thought about her own parents. She had never imagined Vikram could be so vulnerable. The tears welled up in her eyes, not just for him, but for the ache inside her own heart.

Seeing her tears, Vikram gently cupped her face, wiping them away with his thumb. The tenderness of his touch made her breath catch. For a moment, everything seemed to still, the air between them heavy with emotion. But then, Lakshmi pulled away, her voice firm once again.

"Sir, please leave. It's not appropriate for you to be here at this time."

Vikram paused for a moment, as if struggling with something inside. Then, he turned to leave. Before he opened the door, he looked back at her, who was nervously fidgeting with her pallu.

Then, in a softer tone, almost as if he had to say it, he added, "And don't call me 'sir.' Call me Vikram... or Viki." He paused, his expression hardening. "And stay away from that driver," he continued, his voice colder now. "I don't want you getting too close to him."

With that, he left, quietly closing the door behind him.

Lakshmi sighed in relief. She locked the door and lay down on her bed, her thoughts consumed by him. Did he really love her? Even if he did, what would his parents say? What would society say? What if they accused her of seducing him? She couldn't bear the thought of her reputation being tarnished, of her parents being blamed for raising her with no morals. She was determined not to encourage his feelings.

But how could she stop this? Would he listen to her if she spoke to him? She decided she would try talking to him tomorrow. She couldn't keep this uncertainty inside her. With that resolution in mind, she closed her eyes, hoping for sleep to come.

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The next day was Sunday. Vikram was in the garden with his brother and sister, while Lakshmi was preparing juice for them. She carefully placed the glasses on a tray and walked toward the garden to serve them. She handed the glasses to Vinay and Vinitha before turning toward Vikram. As soon as their eyes met, Vikram smiled and winked at her. Lakshmi stiffened, her heart racing. She quickly looked around, hoping no one had noticed. Hesitantly, she handed him the glass. Vikram took it without breaking eye contact, making her feel uneasy under his intense gaze.

Later, after cooking dinner, Latha left for her house, instructing Lakshmi to take care of the rest of the work. Vikram's family went out to a movie, leaving just Vikram and Lakshmi in the house. When it was time for dinner, Vikram came down to the dining area. Lakshmi stepped out of the kitchen to serve him. Noticing that no one else was home, Vikram asked, "Where is everyone?"

"Sir, madam and the kids went out for a movie. They also told me they would eat out and should cook only for you," she replied.

Hearing this, Vikram's expression darkened. He couldn't help but feel the absence of his mother. If my mother were alive, would I be sitting here alone? The thought lingered, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. After a long pause, he got up and said, "I'm not hungry."

Lakshmi, sensing his pain, felt a pang in her heart. She couldn't bear seeing him upset. As he started to leave, she spoke, her voice hesitant, "Why are you leaving? Please eat."

Vikram turned abruptly, shocked that she had spoken to him. His heart raced, touched by the rare care someone was showing him. He had long yearned for that kind of attention. He smiled softly, his voice quiet with a mixture of surprise and longing. "What?"

"Latha aunty said this is your favorite dish. Why are you leaving? If you sleep on an empty stomach, you won't get good sleep," she said, her eyes meeting his.

Vikram paused, a warmth spreading through him at her concern. "Okay, if you say so," he replied, sitting back down at the table.

Lakshmi served him the food silently, watching him as he ate. He occasionally glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips, appreciating her company. After a few moments, he asked, "What's your favorite food?"

Lakshmi glanced at him briefly but didn't meet his gaze. "I don't really have a favorite. I eat whatever is available," she replied softly.

Vikram pressed further, "No, there must be something. Come on, tell me."

She thought for a moment before answering, "Hmm... I like this chocolate. It has almonds and some nuts in it." She paused, unsure of its name.

Vikram's curiosity piqued. "What's it called?"

"I don't know the name, but it's the one you gave me that day," she said, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I ate it once in school. A friend gave me a small piece."

Vikram looked at her with pity, feeling a sting of hurt. "You didn't eat the chocolate I gave you that day?"

"No, I gave it to my aunt," she replied quietly, her voice barely above a whisper as she lowered her gaze.

A flash of anger surged through Vikram, but he controlled it, choosing not to react immediately. He asked, his voice calm but strained, "Didn't she ask where you got it from?"

"I told her I bought it with my first salary," Lakshmi said, her voice low and apologetic as she lowered her head.

Vikram remained silent, his emotions a mix of hurt and frustration. He didn't want to press her too much, especially since she had only just started speaking to him more openly. He didn't want to ruin the fragile connection they were building. After finishing his meal, he was about to get up from the table when Lakshmi stopped him.

"I need to talk to you," she said, her voice firm yet gentle.

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Hey guys!!!

I've been thinking about something and would love to get your opinion.

I tend to focus on the main characters and only bring in the other characters when they're needed for the story. Do you think I should involve the side characters more, or is it okay to keep them limited? I don't want them to just be fillers, but I want to make sure the story feels balanced. What do you think guys?

Comment your thoughts.

Bi Bi!!!