" You may marry the person you want to marry, even if you are a major. Don't worry, sister-in-law; we will do our best to persuade them. If they still refuse, you can still accompany us. If there is ever any issue, Vyaaghra and I will be here to assist you" , added Ram, glancing at Vyaaghra.
When Vyaaghra realized what Ram was saying, she turned to face him. It moved slowly in Gowthami's direction and softly tugged at her clothing as she spoke, urging her to follow.
Gowthami knew what her Vyaaghra meant when she said so; in fact, it means that it would take care of her in the event of a difficulty.
Gowthami inhaled deeply and said to herself, "It's better to sort things out now; I have to be aware of who my extended family is and who I am. Knowing who my family is and where I live is a nice idea." She also had to confront her family in the future.
"Alright, let's get moving" , Gowthami remarked with joy.
With the newfound realization that Vyaaghra could lead them to Gowthami's home, the decision was made to travel right away. The excitement and urgency of the moment left no room for delay. As Rajeev and Ram prepared to leave, they turned to see Gowthami making an unexpected move.
Vyaaghra, with a slow and deliberate grace, approached Gowthami and leaned over her, his massive head nudging her gently as if to signal something only the two of them could understand. His gesture was clear: he wanted her to rise. Gowthami, with an air of natural grace and confidence, responded without hesitation. There was no fear in her movements, only a deep familiarity that spoke of years spent together, side by side.
She stepped forward, her hand lightly brushing Vyaaghra's fur, and with a fluid motion, she climbed onto his back. The tiger remained perfectly still, his powerful muscles tensed yet calm, allowing her to settle in as though this was a routine they had practiced countless times. In that moment, the connection between them was palpable, a silent communication that required no words.
As Gowthami perched atop Vyaaghra, a transformation seemed to occur. The woman who had been standing with them just moments before now took on an entirely different aura—one of fierce, almost divine, presence.
Rajeev and Ram stood in stunned silence, their eyes widening in amazement. Gowthami astride Vyaaghra looked like an incarnation of Goddess Durga herself, the embodiment of strength and divinity. Her flowing hair caught the moonlight, framing her face with an ethereal glow. Her eyes shone with determination and a fierce protectiveness, reflecting the ancient power and wisdom that resonated through her bond with the tiger.
Her posture was upright and regal, her gaze focused and intense. The gentleness she had shown earlier was still there, but it was now accompanied by an undeniable strength, a power that radiated from her as naturally as light from the sun.
Rajeev and Ram watched in awe, their hearts pounding with a mixture of wonder and reverence. Gowthami, once a familiar friend and companion, now appeared almost otherworldly, as though she had stepped into a role that transcended the ordinary. Atop the mighty Vyaaghra, she seemed less like a mere human and more like a figure out of ancient legend—a fierce protector, a guardian of the wild.
The tiger, sensing the shift in her, stood tall and proud, his head held high as if to proclaim his loyalty and respect for the woman who had saved him so long ago. The bond between them was unmistakable, an unbreakable connection forged in the wild and tempered by years of trust and shared experience.
As Gowthami and Vyaaghra stood together, they formed a striking silhouette against the backdrop of the cave, a vision of unity between human and beast that left Rajeev and Ram speechless. It was as if time itself had paused to honor this moment, to recognize the profound relationship that existed between them.
In that instant, Gowthami was no longer just a companion on their journey; she was a powerful force, a living embodiment of the untamed wilderness, with Vyaaghra as her loyal guardian. The two were not just connected by the past—they were bound by a deep, unspoken understanding that seemed to transcend the world they knew.
'This Gowthami, my goodness, is something else entirely. I am unfamiliar with a girl like this in my entire existence. She simply mounted a massive tiger as if she were riding a horse. The tiger itself is the biggest one I have ever encountered, and Gowthami adopted it as her pet'. Ram pondered in his mind.
The sight was awe-inspiring. Gowthami's slender yet strong form poised atop Vyaaghra exuded a regal and commanding aura. The tiger's sleek, muscular body moved with a fluid grace beneath her, each step echoing the silent promise of protection and guidance.
Ram, usually so full of words and jest, found himself speechless. His mouth hung slightly open, his usual bravado completely overshadowed by the sheer majesty of the scene before him. He glanced at Rajeev, whose eyes were filled with a mixture of admiration and wonder
"She looks like a goddess," Ram finally whispered, his voice barely audible.
Rajeev nodded slowly, unable to tear his gaze away from Gowthami. "She does," he agreed, his voice filled with reverence. "Goddess Durga herself."
Gowthami glanced back at them, her expression serene and resolute. "Let's go," she said softly, her voice carrying a quiet strength that reassured them both.
Rajeev said, "I anticipate Gowthami used to go around with Vyaaghra in this manner at all times you venture out?" after viewing how Gowthami handled and climbed on Vyaaghra.
Gowthami responded, "Yes, we do," as she gave Vyaaghra a hug.
She recalled a few experiences she had with her Vyaaghra. Gowthami would go on trips with Vyaaghra while climbing on it, and they would spend a lot of time in the forest. She also recalled a few instances in which she assisted Vyaaghra; they had a strong link. She also recalled how they accustomed foraging for the jungle's wildlife.
Vyaaghra is overjoyed to have discovered her at last, and it implies she no longer wants to be apart from Gowthami.
Gazing at Gowthami perched on a tiger, Ram said, "Sister in law, you resemble a goddess Durga in a bizarre way."
Rajeev concurred with Ram's remarks, saying that she certainly resembles the goddess Durga.
Rajeev remarked, "Yes, Gowthami, you gaze magnificent."
Gowthami was bashful when Rajeev complimented her. Every girl loves hearing from her loved ones, so when Rajeev said something to her, Gowthami was overjoyed and even a little nervous.
When Vyaaghra was prepared to leave the location with Gowthami, they took a few more steps, and Gowthami saw Rajeev and Ram staring at her from their separate spots.
"Press on for an additional moment, Vyaaghra. "
Gowthami responded, "What are you peering for? Please hop on," as soon as she saw Rajeev and Ram.
" What? Are you urging us to get on? Will Vyaaghra be able to haul the three of us?", Ram was a little taken aback by Gowthami's comments.
Rajeev expressed concern for Vyaaghra, saying, "No, Gowthami, I am not convinced it is an excellent plan since it won't fit a trio of us." He assumed it would be difficult to carry a group of three for Vyaaghra.
Vyaaghra is an enormous tiger compared to other tigers; being 11 feet tall and weighing 800 pounds, it is capable of dragging them.
In Gowthami's universe, Vyaaghra approached Ram and Rajeev and bowed slightly to allow them to mount on it.
However, Rajeev responded, "No Gowthami, you simply demonstrate to us the manner in which heading front and me and Ram will accompany you back," indicating that he doesn't want to put Vyaaghra under undue pressure.
Vyaaghra's behavior abruptly changed to one of rage, which she expressed with a snarl. She may have also adopted a stalker's stance while staring at the cave's entrance.