The morning sun crept through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the living room. The house was quieter than it had been in weeks. The final paper had been submitted, and the weight of relentless preparation had finally lifted. Aryan sat by the window, sipping tea, as Timmy perched silently on the railing just outside, basking in the sunlight.
Smith groaned as he shuffled into the room, his hair disheveled from sleep. "I think I slept for twelve hours straight," he mumbled, collapsing onto the couch. "And it still doesn't feel like enough."
Aryan chuckled. "After everything we've been through, I'm surprised you didn't sleep for a whole day."
Smith grabbed a cushion and buried his face into it. "I'm not moving from here."
Aditi appeared from the kitchen, holding a tray of steaming coffee. "No rest for the weary," she teased, setting the tray down. "You two can finally relax, but I doubt you'll stay still for long. You're not wired that way."
Aryan's mother emerged from the hallway, adjusting the bag slung over her shoulder. "I'm heading back to Kottayam this afternoon. Are you sure you don't want to come along, Arya?"
Aryan shook his head. "I'll visit Grandpa for a while. I need some time away from the city."
His mother smiled gently, her eyes full of understanding. "He'll be happy to see you. It's been a while since you visited Meenangadi. Maybe some fresh air will help you unwind."
"I could use the break," Aryan admitted.
Smith stretched, yawning as he sat up. "That doesn't sound like a bad idea. I think I'll visit my parents for a bit. Haven't seen them in months."
Aditi nodded approvingly. "It's good to reconnect. Go. Rest. You deserve it."
---
The following day, Aryan's mother decided to accompany him to Meenangadi. "I haven't seen your grandfather in months," she said as they packed their bags. "It'll be good for both of us."
Smith shuffled beside them as they waited at the station. "I'll join you in a week," he said. "Need to check in on my parents first."
Aryan smiled. "Tell them I said hello."
The train ride was peaceful, with Jimmy resting his head on Aryan's lap while Timmy soared above, following the train's path. His mother sat across from him, knitting quietly as the countryside slipped past. The sight of misty hills and lush greenery felt like a welcome change.
By the time they arrived at Meenangadi station, the late afternoon sun hung low, casting long shadows. Govindan Menon stood waiting with his cane in hand and a bright smile across his weathered face.
"Arya, it's good to see you," he said, pulling Aryan into a tight hug. His gaze shifted to Aryan's mother. "And you too, Anitha. I wasn't expecting you."
She smiled warmly. "I thought I'd visit for a few days. It's been too long."
Govindan nodded approvingly. "You're always welcome here."
---
Life in Meenangadi moved at a different pace. Aryan found himself slipping back into the routines of his childhood—helping his grandfather with small repairs around the house, feeding the cattle, and gathering firewood. Timmy often circled overhead, while Jimmy roamed freely through the fields.
One morning, as Aryan practiced his martial arts in the courtyard, his mother sat nearby, watching him with a mix of pride and nostalgia. "You remind me so much of your father," she said softly. "He used to train like this when we were younger."
Aryan paused, wiping sweat from his brow. "I wish he could see me now."
"He'd be proud, Arya. He always believed you were destined for great things."
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of familiar voices approaching. Deepa and Ravi appeared at the gate, waving enthusiastically.
"Look who's back!" Deepa called out, smiling widely.
Aryan grinned. "I can't hide from you two, can I?"
Ravi laughed. "Not a chance. We heard from Grandpa that you'd be around."
Neha followed closely behind, carrying a basket of fresh mangoes. "I figured you'd be starving. I brought these from home."
Aryan's eyes lit up. "You always know how to make an entrance."
They gathered under the large mango tree in the courtyard, sharing stories and catching up. Aryan's mother joined them, her laughter mixing with theirs as the afternoon stretched on. Later, she insisted on preparing dinner for everyone, filling the house with the warm aroma of spices and freshly cooked food.
---
A few days later, Smith arrived at the house, dragging his travel bag behind him. "I thought I'd miss the quiet, but my parents filled the silence just fine," he joked, dropping his bag with a thud.
Aryan grinned. "Glad you made it. Grandpa's been spoiling me with stories."
Smith slumped into a chair. "Anything beats the chaos of the city."
The days passed lazily. Aryan and Smith often wandered the village, greeted warmly by neighbors and old friends. The villagers marveled at Timmy's size and beauty, whispering in awe as he soared above the rooftops. Deepa and Ravi frequently joined them for evening walks, sharing memories from their school days.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Aryan and Smith sat on the front porch with Aryan's mother, watching the stars emerge one by one. The quiet hum of the village at night was comforting, grounding Aryan in a way the city never could.
"You know," Smith began, "I almost don't want to go back. This place feels like home."
Aryan smiled. "It is home. For both of us."
---
As the days passed, Aryan and Smith began to prepare for their return to Trivandrum. Aryan's mother decided to return with them, feeling rejuvenated by the visit. The results of the Mains exam were approaching, and a sense of quiet anticipation settled over them.
One morning, as Aryan packed his bag, his grandfather stepped into the room. "Whatever happens with the results, Arya, you've already made us proud," Govindan said.
Aryan nodded, grateful for the unwavering support. "Thank you, Grandpa."
Smith hoisted his bag over his shoulder. "Trivandrum awaits."
With Timmy soaring ahead and Jimmy trotting by their side, they boarded the train alongside Aryan's mother, the future awaiting them just beyond the horizon.