The doorbell rang, and from inside the apartment, a melodic and warm, mature voice called out, "Aisha, open the door. It must be the milkman."
"Okay, Mom," responded Aisha energetically as she swung open the door.
"Okay, Mom," responded Aisha energetically as she swung open the door. However, as soon as she saw Vikram, she screamed, "AHH!! BHAIYA!! (Brother)" in joyful surprise, hastily pulling him into a tight hug.
Vikram, equally thrilled, embraced her warmly, his voice slightly hoarse with tears welled up in his eyes. "Hey, Aishu, my cute little girl."
"Bhaiya, what happened? Did someone do anything? Tell me I'll beat him up. HUMPH!!" Aisha hugged him tighter, expressing how much she missed her brother, who rarely visit home.
"Aisha, why are you shouting?" Meera's voice came from the kitchen. As she walked out, she glanced at the door, surprised to find Vikram standing there. "Vikram, what are you doing here?"
Vikram entered the home, placing his backpack and shopping bags on the floor. He walked towards Meera and hugged her tightly. "Mom, I missed you." Unable to hold back his tears any longer, Vikram cried.
Meera was taken aback, as she had never witnessed Vikram complaining or crying before. She was heartbroken seeing him in this state. "What happened, Vikram?"
Upon hearing his mother's warm voice again, Vikram unconsciously hugged her even tighter. "Nothing, I just missed you so much I couldn't hold it back."
Overjoyed and relieved, Meera expressed her emotions. She had been worried about her son's condition at the university. "Good, you have come back, and you are lucky this time. I made your favorite food, too." The aroma of the special dish filled the air.
While Vikram and Meera engaged in conversation, Aisha couldn't hide her displeasure at the stolen attention. Her gaze shifted towards the shopping bags her brother had brought. Among the treasures, she discovered a graceful lavender-hued kurta adorned with intricate golden threadwork. This attire exuded elegance and charm, capturing Aisha's curiosity.
The kurta featured a round neckline with a subtle V-cut, enhancing its traditional appeal. Delicate embroidery adorned the three-quarter sleeves, adding a touch of sophistication. Crafted from a soft and breathable fabric, the kurta was ideal for both casual and festive occasions. Paired with a contrasting palazzo in a complementary shade, this ensemble effortlessly blended contemporary style with timeless grace. "Wow!!"
Meera, still fuming from Aisha's loud outburst, scolded her, "You, little girl. Why are you shouting again?" Aisha paid little heed to her mother's reprimand, her attention fully captivated by the dress Vikram had bought.
"Mum, look at the dress! Doesn't it look pretty?" Aisha exclaimed, showcasing the cloth Vikram had picked for their mother.
Meera's eyes lit up as she examined the dress. The dress's beauty captivated her for a moment, as she appreciated the thoughtful gesture. Turning her gaze towards Aisha, she inquired about the origins of the dress. Before Aisha could respond, Vikram intervened.
"Mom, I bought this dress for you," Vikram said with a radiant smile, a sense of pride evident in his expression. "Doesn't it look good on you?". The unexpected gift surprised Meera, subconsciously nodding in agreement.
However, her joy was short-lived as skepticism crept in. "No, Vikram. Where did you get the money from?" Meera questioned, her mind racing through scenarios of potential illegal means.
Vikram, maintaining his composure, looked into his mother's eyes and chuckled. "No, Mother. I earned it through a competition and secured the first place." The lie flowed effortlessly from his lips, and he met Meera's gaze without a hint of guilt. He chose not to reveal the complexities of the system that had rewarded him with the funds.
Meera continued to stare at Vikram, her gaze penetrating, as if attempting to unveil the truth hidden beneath his words. Aisha, caught in a mix of happiness and skepticism, mirrored her mother's doubtful expression. Vikram, sensing the tension, decided to alleviate the mood and reveal another surprise.
"Aishu, check the other bag. There are clothes for you too," Vikram announced with a warm smile. Aisha's demeanor instantly transformed from uncertainty to elation. She eagerly opened the bag, revealing an elegant green beige kurta with vibrant floral and paisley embroidery. The joy on her face was palpable as she examined the beautiful attire. Aisha couldn't contain her happiness and hugged Vikram, expressing her gratitude and love.
"Thank you, bhaiya! I love you," Aisha exclaimed, her heart brimming with affection. Vikram, witnessing his sister's happiness, felt a sense of fulfillment he hadn't experienced in his past life. He silently vowed to protect her at all costs.
However, Meera's stern voice interrupted their joyous moment. "Vikram! You bought such expensive clothes. Are you stupid?" Meera's anger was palpable as she looked at the price tag that remained intact. Vikram, swift on his feet, tried to diffuse the situation by redirecting his mother's attention.
"Mom, this is for you. Just imagine how beautiful you'll look in this dress. If you don't want it, I can go back and return it," Vikram reasoned, attempting to shift the focus to Meera's potential delight.
Meera, torn between anger and appreciation, found herself swayed by Vikram's words. However, the last sentence once again stirred her anger, causing her to playfully hit Vikram on the head. Confused by the sudden change in his mother's demeanor, Vikram asked innocently, "Mom, why did you hit me?" Internally, he marveled at his newfound ability to navigate complex emotions and act accordingly.
Aisha, finding the situation amusing, struggled to contain her laughter. Meera, shooting a sharp glance at her daughter, silenced her with a stern look. Aisha, succumbing to the pressure, sided with her mother, playfully calling Vikram "Stupid Vikram" while teasingly sticking out her tongue, an innocent gesture that brought laughter to the room.
Author's Note:
Dear readers, your support and engagement mean the world to me. As we dive deeper into Vikram's journey, I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for the upcoming chapters. Your creativity and input can add exciting twists and turns to the narrative. Don't hesitate to share your suggestions, and let's make this story even more captivating together! Thank you for being a part of this adventure. 📖💡
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