As the initial tension in the cave began to ease, Rajeev turned his gaze to Gowthami, curiosity and hope lighting his eyes. "Gowthami, do you remember anything about your past?" he asked gently, his voice tinged with the anticipation of discovering more about her.
Gowthami was a bit disappointed that she could recall so little about this animal . her fingers still lightly tracing patterns in Vyaaghra's fur. " No Rajeev, I just recall a couple things involving this animal and I don't recall any other," she answered, lowering her head.
Gowthami's voice was soft, almost a whisper, as she admitted the truth that had been hidden in the depths of her past. Her eyes, usually so clear and focused, now seemed distant, as if they were peering into a long-lost memory. "Seeing Vyaaghra brought back some of those memories," she began, her tone tinged with a mix of nostalgia and sadness. "I remember how I found him in the jungle when he was just a little cub. He was alone, vulnerable, and I couldn't leave him behind."
As she spoke, Rajeev and Ram listened in silence, their minds still grappling with the reality of the tiger's presence. Gowthami's words painted a vivid picture in their minds—an image of a tiny, helpless cub, lost in the vast wilderness, with no one to protect him. They could almost see the scene through her eyes: the dense jungle, the shadows of trees stretching long and dark, and in the midst of it all, a small, trembling tiger cub, too young to survive on its own.
"I took care of him," Gowthami continued, her voice growing softer, as if she was reliving those moments.
Rajeev listened intently, his heart swelling with admiration for her bravery and compassion. Her recollection stirred something deep within him, a desire to help her uncover more of her past and to ensure their future together.
"I fed him, watched over him. And in time, he became my companion. We grew up together, in a way. He was more than just a wild animal to me—he was my friend, my protector."
Her words hung in the air, carrying the weight of her past. Rajeev and Ram exchanged glances, understanding now why the tiger had shown such affection towards her, and why she had been so unafraid in its presence. Gowthami's bond with Vyaaghra was forged in a time and place that seemed almost magical, a connection between human and beast that transcended the ordinary.
As Gowthami finished speaking, she gently ran her fingers through Vyaaghra's fur, her touch filled with the tenderness of someone who had shared countless memories with this creature. The tiger responded with a soft rumble, its eyes half-closed in contentment, as if it too was remembering the days when it was just a cub, relying on Gowthami for survival.
Rajeev felt a pang of emotion in his chest. He realized that this bond, this deep connection between Gowthami and Vyaaghra, was something truly extraordinary—born out of compassion, trust, and the shared experiences of survival in the wild. Ram, who had been so frightened earlier, now felt a profound respect for both Gowthami and the tiger. The fear that had gripped them had given way to a deep understanding of the bond that had brought them all together in this strange and unexpected way.
Rajeev was a little depressed. He reasoned that if she had remembered her past, he could have gotten in touch with her parents and they might have had a happy marriage with their blessings and support, but it was too late.
"If you can remember more about your past, maybe we could find your family," Rajeev suggested, his voice full of hope. "And if we do, I could ask for their permission for our marriage."
Gowthami looked at him, her expression a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. "I want to remember, Rajeev," she said earnestly. "But it's like trying to grasp at shadows. The memories come in fragments, like pieces of a puzzle that I can't quite put together."
Rajeev reached out and gently took her hand in his, offering a reassuring squeeze. "We'll figure it out together," he promised, his voice steady. "No matter how long it takes, I'll be by your side."
Ram, who had been quietly observing their exchange, felt a newfound respect for the depth of their bond. He realized that their connection was not just about shared experiences but also about a profound commitment to one another's well-being and happiness.
As the night wore on, Rajeev's mind churned with plans and possibilities. He imagined taking Gowthami to meet his family, introducing her as the woman he loved and hoped to marry. He pictured the joy on his parents' faces when they saw how happy she made him and the acceptance that would follow once they learned about her courage and kind heart.
Rajeev was somewhat relieved that Gowthami was gradually regaining her memory.
For now, though, they had to focus on the present and the challenges that lay ahead. Rajeev knew that the journey to uncover Gowthami's past would not be easy, but with Vyaaghra by their side and their unwavering love for each other, he felt ready to face whatever came their way.
As they settled down for the night, huddled together for warmth and comfort, Rajeev's mind continued to churn with thoughts and possibilities. Suddenly, a realization struck him, and he sat up, his eyes widening with excitement.
With his eyes fixed on the tiger, " Gowthami," he said, his voice filled with newfound hope. "I assume this animal acknowledges where you belong right where you used to live. Vyaaghra might have traveled from your home to find you. If that's the case, we could follow him back to your home."
Gowthami looked at Rajeev, her eyes widening as she considered his words. "Do you really think so?" she asked, a spark of hope igniting within her.
Rajeev nodded, a determined smile spreading across his face. "It makes sense. If Vyaaghra came all this way to find you, he must know the way back. We can follow him and see where he leads us."
Ram, who had been listening quietly, felt a surge of excitement as well. "That could work," he agreed, his earlier apprehension giving way to enthusiasm. "Vyaaghra could be our guide."
Without delay, Rajeev approached Vyaaghra and said, "I'm not sure if you grasp my dialect, but could you please lead us to the spot where Gowthami used to live?"
Given that Vyaaghra is a skilled tiger and that Gowthami was aware of all of her abilities, it is clear what Rajeev is discussing.
Gowthami glanced down at Vyaaghra, who was lying calmly beside her. She stroked his fur gently, a mixture of hope and determination in her eyes. "Vyaaghra," she whispered softly, "can you take us home?"
The tiger looked up at her, its eyes reflecting a deep, understanding bond. Gowthami felt a surge of confidence, believing that Vyaaghra understood their need.
It led the way as it quickly made its way outside the cave.
The fact that Vyaaghra could really comprehend what he requested made Rajeev very pleased.
Ram was particularly interested in learning about Gowthami's upbringing and how she learned her exceptional fighting techniques. He even considered interviewing Gowthami's trainer.
Gowthami was excited to learn about her previous life as well, but she is also apprehensive that her extended family would not approve of her marriage to Rajeev.
She was hesitant to follow Vyaaghra.
Rajeev spotted Gowthami pondering deeply, and he could imagine what she was deliberating about at the moment.
He moved in closer, taking her grasping hands in his, saying, "I comprehend what're worrying about, Gowthami. Your loved ones will be okay with me for sure, and I'll make sure of it."
" However, Rajeev, I'm genuinely afraid—what if they reject you?"