Vikram walked into the living room where the girls were gathered. They were slowly adjusting to the tension and reality of the past few hours, their chatter soft and cautious. When they noticed him, the room fell silent, their gazes turning expectantly toward him.
"I've decided to go on a journey," Vikram said, his voice calm yet resolute. "It's a little far, and it may take some time."
The news hit them like a sudden gust of wind. Their faces fell, and sadness lingered in their eyes.
Before anyone could speak, Gowri, still on the video call, broke the silence. "You should meet your mother before leaving," she said with concern.
Vikram's expression turned still. He didn't respond immediately, and the room grew heavy with unspoken emotions.
Breaking the tension, Janaki stood up. "Take Roopa or me with you," she said firmly, her tone more a plea than a suggestion.
"Where are you going?" Mrinalini asked, her voice laced with worry.
"And when will you return?" Charulatha chimed in, her eyes searching his face for answers.
Vikram gave them a soft, reassuring smile. "Stay connected," he said. "I'll come back."
But his words, though comforting, didn't seem to ease their sadness.
As he moved toward the door, Janaki suddenly had a realization. She looked at him, her eyes lighting up with a mix of nostalgia and admiration. "You know," she began, "three years ago, you had this… majestic fashion sense. What happened to you now? You're walking around in a dhoti! Can we at least go shopping before you leave?"
Vikram chuckled, his expression softening. "I'm more comfortable like this," he replied with a small grin.
Janaki huffed but didn't push further. She, like the others, understood that his mind was already set.
He gave them all one last look, his gaze lingering with unspoken gratitude and affection. "Take care of each other," he said, before turning and walking out.
As he stepped into the dimly lit hallway, he paused. From a nearby window, the silhouette of a woman stood watching him. She was clad in the regal attire of a Bengali Zamindarin, her presence commanding and serene. Her eyes, filled with concern and sadness, followed his every move.
Vikram glanced at her briefly, their gazes locking for a fleeting moment. Then, without a word, he walked away into the morning light, leaving behind both worry and hope in the hearts of those who cared for him.