As the night drew in, the Menon household was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter. Gayathri, still reeling from the events of the day, was trying to come to terms with her new surroundings. Vaiga, on the other hand, was having the time of her life, playing with her grandmother Lakshmi and exploring the new house.
Just as they were settling in for the night, the sound of the front door opening signaled the arrival of Narayana Menon, Vivek's father and the state home minister. He walked into the living room, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Gayathri.
"Gayathri, my child," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I'm so sorry for what my son has done to you. I can only imagine the pain and suffering he has caused you."
Gayathri's eyes welled up with tears as Narayana Menon approached her. He took her hands in his and looked into her eyes.
"I want to thank you, Gayathri," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "Thank you for not aborting the baby. Thank you for giving me the chance to see my granddaughter, Vaiga."
Gayathri's tears spilled over as Narayana Menon pulled her into a warm hug. Lakshmi and Vaiga watched, concern etched on their faces, as Gayathri cried.
Vivek, who had been watching from the sidelines, felt a pang of guilt and shame. He knew he had hurt Gayathri deeply, and he didn't blame her for not forgiving him.
Just then, Narayana Menon turned to Vivek, his eyes blazing with anger.
"Vivek, my son," he said, his voice stern. "What you have done is unforgivable. You have cheated a girl, giving her a baby and abandoned her, and you have hurt her deeply. I am ashamed of you."
Vivek looked down, shamefaced, as his father's words cut deep.
Lakshmi intervened, placing a calming hand on her husband's arm.
"Narayana, please," she said. "Let us not fight now. We need to focus on healing and moving forward."
Narayana Menon nodded, taking a deep breath. He turned to Vaiga, who was watching the scene with wide eyes.
"And now, my little girl," he said, his voice filled with love. "Come to your grandfather. I've missed you so much."
Vaiga ran to her grandfather, who swept her up in a warm hug. Gayathri watched, tears in her eyes, as Narayana Menon cuddled Vaiga with all his love.
As the night drew to a close, the Menon household was filled with a sense of hope and healing. Gayathri knew she still had a long way to go, but with Narayana Menon's apology and love, she felt a sense of peace wash over her.
But Vivek was consumed by guilt. He was the only son of his parents, and it was the first time in his life his father had spoken to him like this. He felt a deep sense of shame and regret, knowing he had let his family down.
Later that night, they all sat down together for dinner. Their housemaid, Geetha, served the food with a warm smile.
As they ate, Narayana Menon turned to Vivek with a serious expression.
"Vivek, I want you to shift back to Thiruvananthapuram," he said. "I can arrange for your posting as Commissioner here."
But Vivek shook his head.
"I'm in the middle of a big case, Appa," he said. "A drug racket in Cochin. I need to see it through."
Narayana Menon's face fell, but he nodded understandingly.
"Then at least leave Vaiga and Gayathri here with Lakshmi," he suggested. "They can enjoy each other's company, and Lakshmi can take care of them."
But Vivek rejected the idea.
"I need them with me, Appa," he said. "I promise we will come to visit every month."
Narayana Menon nodded, though he looked unconvinced.
"I hope you keep your promise, Vivek," he said.
Vivek thought for a moment before speaking.
"Appa, can I request something?" he asked.
"Of course, son," Narayana Menon replied.
"I'll finish this case in Cochin, and then I'll come back to Thiruvananthapuram," Vivek said. "Can you arrange for my transfer here after a year?"
Narayana Menon nodded, a small smile on his face.
"I'll make the arrangements, Vivek," he said.