The morning light filtered through the thin curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room where Ram awoke with a start. He blinked groggily, taking in his unfamiliar surroundings. The room was small but cozy, decorated with simple furnishings. The window, framed by delicate white lace curtains, offered a view of a lush garden where birds flitted about, their chirping reminiscent of a serene forest. Yet, there was something subtly different about this place.
Ram sat up, confusion etched across his face. "How did I get here?" he murmured, his voice thick with disorientation. He looked around, searching for any clue that might explain his sudden relocation. His thoughts immediately turned to his uncle. "Where is Uncle James?"
Hearing faint noises from the kitchen, Ram's curiosity piqued. He carefully swung his legs over the side of the bed and placed his feet on the cool floor. With deliberate steps, he made his way toward the kitchen, each movement measured and silent as though he were navigating a potential minefield. He approached with the utmost caution, his senses heightened by uncertainty.
As he neared the kitchen, he spotted a woman standing near the counter. She appeared to be in her early forties, with an elegant poise and an aura of calm authority. Her presence was striking, and Ram couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief despite his lingering confusion.
The woman, sensing his approach, turned with a welcoming smile. "Good morning," she said gently. "I'm your aunt. Don't worry, you're safe here."
Ram hesitated, still unsure. "Aunt?" he repeated. "I don't know you. Where's my uncle? What's going on?"
"Your uncle has left you in my care for a short while," she explained, her tone reassuring. "He'll return soon and fill you in on everything. For now, you should rest. We have an important place to visit later, but let's take it one step at a time."
Relief washed over Ram as he took in her calm demeanor. She seemed genuine, her words soothing his frazzled nerves. "I'm sorry," he said, "I didn't catch your name."
"You can call me Aunt Maya," she replied with a warm smile.
"Alright, Aunt Maya," Ram said, feeling slightly more at ease. "I trust you. There's no bad energy coming from you, so I feel comfortable."
Maya's smile broadened. "Thank you for your trust. Go ahead and freshen up. We're going to a very interesting place, and I think you'll enjoy it."
As Ram made his way to the bathroom, he took a moment to study himself in the mirror. His rugged physique and the scars on his body spoke volumes about the challenges he had faced in the jungle. After a refreshing shower, he dressed in the clothes provided and glanced at his reflection. His hair was disheveled, giving him a slightly wild appearance.
Just then, Maya entered the room with a cheerful expression. "You're ready to go! I can see you're curious about our destination. But first, we need to get your hairstyle sorted out. Let's head to the salon."
Ram nodded in agreement, intrigued by the promise of a new experience. Maya led him outside to a military-style jeep that looked both imposing and impressive. Ram's eyes widened in surprise.
"Where did you get this jeep?" he asked, a hint of admiration in his voice.
"It's mine," Maya said with a touch of pride. "Now, let's not waste any more time. We're already running a bit late."
As they drove through the bustling streets, Ram gazed out the window, his thoughts wandering back to his previous life. He missed the familiarity of his old surroundings. Maya noticed his wistful expression and turned to him, her voice gentle.
"Don't worry, Ram," she said soothingly. "Uncle James has important matters to attend to, but he'll be back soon."
Ram gave a small nod, trying to shake off his lingering sense of nostalgia. "Thank you, Aunt Maya. I appreciate your kindness."
Their first stop was a high-end salon. Maya guided Ram inside, where he was greeted by the stylist who immediately began working on his hair. As the stylist snipped and shaped, Ram watched his reflection transform. When the haircut was complete, he looked at himself in the mirror with newfound satisfaction.
Aunt Maya entered the room, her eyes lighting up with admiration. "Ram, you look incredibly handsome!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with a touch of color. "I'm sure you'll make a great impression."
Ram smiled, feeling a boost of confidence. "Thank you, Aunt Maya."
Their next destination was a prestigious college in Mumbai. It was Ram's first glimpse of such a grand institution, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and curiosity. Maya led him through the imposing gates and into the principal's office, where the head of the institution awaited.
The principal, a dignified man with an air of authority, looked up as they entered. Maya's presence seemed to immediately capture his attention.
"Good morning, ma'am," the principal said, his gaze shifting to Ram. "How can I assist you today?"
Maya approached the desk with a confident stride. "I'd like to admit this young man to your college," she said, gesturing to Ram.
The principal's eyebrows furrowed. "I'm sorry, but we require academic certificates for admission. Do you have them?"
Maya's expression remained calm. "Don't worry, you'll soon understand."
At that moment, the principal's phone rang. After a brief, somewhat animated conversation, he turned back to Maya with a more accommodating demeanor. "It seems there's been a misunderstanding," he said. "I didn't realize you were personally acquainted with the director. If that's the case, we can make special arrangements for admission even without the certificates."
Maya's smile was one of gratitude. "Thank you for your understanding."
As they left the office, the principal pondered who Maya could be, given the unexpected call from the director. Outside, Maya turned to Ram with a smile. "You can start at the college tomorrow. But first, we need to buy some clothes for you. Let's go shopping."
As they walked towards the jeep, Ram's gaze lingered on a stunning girl standing at a distance. She was captivating, and for a moment, he was lost in her beauty. The jeep's engine roared to life, pulling him back to the present as they drove away.