As Rajeev ventured into the jungle, Ram continued to sleep, his body still recovering from the events of the previous night. The cave was silent save for the gentle sounds of his breathing and the occasional rustle of leaves from outside. Gowthami watched over him, her thoughts a mix of concern and gratitude for the safety they had found in the cave.
When Ram finally stirred and opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was the absence of Rajeev.
When he initially opened his pupils, he was scanning about for Rajeev but all he could see was Gowthami, who was seated on a little rock and toying with a short twig.
He said, "Good morning, sister-in-law."
She rolled over him, noting his voice, and said, "How are you working on, Ram? Does your wound hurt?"
He struggled to sit up, his shoulder aching but the pain bearable. "Where's Rajeev?" he asked, his voice still groggy from sleep.
Gowthami moved closer, offering him support. "How are you feeling?" she inquired, her eyes filled with concern.
Ram shook his head slightly, his focus on their missing friend. "I'm fine, but where's Rajeev?" he repeated, a note of anxiety creeping into his voice.
Gowthami gave him a reassuring smile. "He walked to pick up some fruit with Vyaaghra. He'll be back soon, don't worry."
As they continued their conversation, a soft rustling sound reached their ears, signaling someone's approach. Gowthami turned towards the cave entrance, her face lighting up as she recognized the familiar figures. Ram followed her gaze, and his eyes widened in relief and surpriseRam was in awe as he saw his buddy killing on tiger.
Rajeev's physique gave him a regal appearance. He had studied the vedic tale of monarchs riding tigers in the past and now he was seeing it himself..
Emerging from the lush foliage, Rajeev appeared, riding atop Vyaaghra with the effortless grace of one who had done this many times before. The tiger moved with a fluidity that belied its size, its powerful muscles rippling beneath its sleek, striped coat. Rajeev dismounted smoothly, a pouch of fruit slung over his shoulder, his expression one of quiet triumph.
"Look who's back," Gowthami said, her voice filled with relief and warmth. "And he brought breakfast."
Rajeev entered the cave and found Ram awake, his eyes clearer, the color returning to his cheeks. The sight brought a sense of relief to Rajeev, who had been anxious about his friend's recovery. He approached Ram, his gaze scanning for any signs of lingering pain or discomfort.
"How are you feeling?" Rajeev asked, his voice calm but laced with concern.
Ram's face broke into a wide grin, his earlier anxiety melting away in the warmth of Rajeev's presence. "I'm feeling righteous, Rajeev. I didn't experience any discomfort through the night," he replied, his tone light and easy. Then, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he added, "But you looked amazing when you were seated on Vyaaghra."
Rajeev interrupted him immediately, waving off the compliment with a slight frown. "Abolish it," he said, his tone firm but not unkind. He wasn't one for praise, especially in a situation where survival, not vanity, was at stake. "It's good to hear you're okay. Once we get back home, you should administer some penicillin, just to be safe."
"Yes, my elder brother," Ram responded with a mock salute, understanding Rajeev's aversion to unnecessary remarks. The playful banter was a sign that Ram was truly on the mend, his spirits as well as his body healing from the ordeal.
Ram's smile faded slightly as he continued, his voice softening with sincerity. "Rajeev, I was really worried about you," he admitted, the earlier fear still lingering in his tone. "When I saw you fighting those wolves... I thought..."
Rajeev's eyes twinkled with amusement, and he interrupted Ram with a reassuring smile. "You should know by now, Ram, I can take care of myself," he said, his voice lightening the mood as he handed a pouch of fruit to Gowthami. "I found a grove of fruit trees not far from here. We should have enough to last us a while."
Gowthami accepted the pouch with a grateful nod, her fingers brushing against Rajeev's hand as she took it. "Thank you, Rajeev," she said softly, her eyes meeting his. "You always know what to do."
There was something comforting in the way he always seemed to have a solution, a way to ease the strain of their journey.
Ram leaned back against the rock, the tension easing from his body as he listened to Rajeev. "You're right," he said with a chuckle. "I should've known better than to worry. You've always been the steady one."
Rajeev didn't reply, but the small smile playing at the corners of his mouth showed he appreciated Ram's words. He glanced at Gowthami, who was carefully sorting the fruit, her focus intent as if the simple task was the most important thing in the world.
Rajeev shrugged modestly, though his eyes softened at her praise. "We need to keep our strength up. Ram, how are you feeling?"
Ram shifted slightly, wincing as he adjusted his position. "Better, thanks to Vyaaghra," he replied, glancing at the tiger with newfound respect. "And to you, Rajeev. I owe you both."
Rajeev knelt beside him, inspecting the wound with a practiced eye. "We'll need to keep an eye on it, but I think you'll be fine," he said, his tone reassuring. "Just take it easy for a while."
The news that Ram is doing well made Gowthami pleased as well.
The cave, which had once felt like a place of danger and uncertainty, now seemed almost like a sanctuary. The earlier fear and tension had dissipated, replaced by a quiet sense of camaraderie and mutual care. Rajeev, Ram, and Gowthami were a team, each one contributing in their way, each one looking out for the others.
As they settled in for another day in the jungle, the looming threats outside felt a little less daunting. They had survived the night, and together, they would face whatever came next.
"So" , she said, "should we go back home now?"
"Not yet, we need to immediately seek for loved ones" , said Ram.
" Ram is accurate" , Rajeev agreed, "so let's go to your residence first before returning to our town."
Gowthami agreed with them, nevertheless she was also keen to obtain information regarding her background.
She turned to face Vyaaghra and said, "Can you inhabit the place where I used to live?"
Vyaaghra advances and gestures for them to adhere to her.