Arlo, understanding Sanjana's concerns about her safety, took a moment to address them in a calm and professional manner.
He retrieved a pistol from his belongings and handed it to her, suggesting, "To ensure your safety, please keep this pistol with you." He turned to face Sanjana, who remained standing, and added, "If having this pistol gives you a sense of security, please proceed to pack your belongings.
I will be waiting for you in the car. You have 30 minutes to make your decision."
He emphasized that the choice was entirely up to her. Arlo then collected his own bag and left the room, making his way downstairs to patiently wait in the car.
Unknown to him, Jitendra and the rest of the family were engaged in a discussion in their room regarding the final decision.
Dipti expressed her viewpoint, acknowledging the debt of gratitude they owed Arlo for saving their lives but also urging her father to consider the potential risks associated with Sanjana accompanying him on an unknown journey. Jitendra agreed, stating that they would be unable to assist Sanjana if any problems were to arise during their absence.
Jitendra reminded them, "If Arlo had ulterior motives, he would not have risked his own life to save us." Throughout the conversation, Sanjana remained silent, contemplating her own decision.
After a heated debate lasting 25 minutes, Jitendra conceded, "Very well, let Sanjana decide whether she wants to go or not." Initially, when they heard that Sanjana would be leaving with Arlo, they didn't object. However, as they learned more about Arlo's behavior towards Sanjana and the extended duration of his absence, their concerns intensified.
Taking a deep breath, Sanjana finally spoke, "Arlo has helped us, and we are grateful for that. While I like him, I don't love him, and we don't truly know his character. Considering all these factors, I have decided not to go with him." Sanjana turned to her father and requested, "Dad, could you please go downstairs and return the gun to him? Also, inform him that my decision is final, and I will not be joining him."
Jitendra accepted the gun from his daughter, seeking confirmation, "Is this your final decision?" Sanjana nodded, solidifying her resolve. Jitendra gazed at his daughter for a moment, understanding the weight of her choice, before leaving the room.
Meanwhile, Arlo remained patiently seated in the car, lost in his thoughts. He couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness, having grown up alone without friends, and now experiencing the sting of rejection from the person he loved most. He believed it was due to his lack of education and limited financial means. Despite enduring these hardships, he never expected the sudden arrival of an apocalypse, offering him a chance to find someone who could love him.
Lost in his reflections, Arlo was startled by a familiar voice calling his name. He turned towards the window and saw Jitendra standing there. Arlo smiled, assuming that Jitendra had come to drop Sanjana off. Opening his door, he asked, "Did you come here to drop off Sanjana? Where is she? Does she need more time to pack?"
Jitendra's expression has a sense of guilt as he replied, "She is not coming with you." Arlo's smile froze upon hearing those words.
Sensing Arlo's confusion, Jitendra continued, "She expressed that she is unable to join you at this time but might consider accompanying you in the future."
Arlo regarded Jitendra with a helpless smile. "Jitendra, do you think I am a naive child? Can't you see that this isn't merely a rejection of a trip, but a rejection of her feelings towards me?"
Jitendra hastily interjected, "No, you have misunderstood."
Arlo's smile widened, and he responded, "No, I haven't misunderstood anything. Look around you. We are amidst a crisis, and no one can be trusted. Do you truly believe that when I return and ask her to come with me, she will accept? No, she won't, because my behavior towards you and others will remain the same, and she can't trust me based on that."
Jitendra finally understood the gravity of the situation and realized that Arlo's words were true. In this time of crisis, it was difficult to place trust in others, regardless of their outward appearance. Arlo continued, pouring out his heart, "Let me tell you something. I have been alone since childhood, and it has always saddened me. When I met you and your daughter and witnessed your concern for your wife, I felt a twinge of jealousy. Why didn't I have anyone to say that I, too, had a family? That's when I decided to help you, even if it meant risking my life."
As Jitendra listened, he could sense the sorrow, bitterness, and sadness embedded in Arlo's words. He even noticed a glimmer of tears in Arlo's eyes. However, Jitendra knew he couldn't console him.
Arlo continued, "Let me share something else with you. I once loved a girl deeply, and I believed she loved me too. However, in the end, she betrayed me and left me all alone. My heart was shattered, but I gathered the courage to accept your daughter's confession and promised her that I would do my best. The fear of rejection haunted me the most, as I cannot bear the pain of being rejected again."
"But things remain unchanged. I have been rejected once more. If I do survive this journey and return here, I do not wish to see your daughter again."
Arlo maintained his smile and said, "It was a pleasure meeting you and your family. Now, I must take my leave."
He opened his car door, settled into his seat, and started the engine. Just as he was about to depart, Jitendra handed him the gun, saying, "Take this gun; Sanjana gave it to me to return to you."
Arlo replied, "Your daughter should have to rely on a gun to trust someone. Keep it to protect yourself and your family. Goodbye."