Chapter 16

The next day, Vikram's family returned from their trip, and the staff resumed their duties as usual. But for Vikram, life had become hectic with his business, leaving him with little time to spend with Lakshmi. Some days, he would come home late and wouldn't even get a chance to see her. He was missing her terribly. Lakshmi, too, was missing him deeply, as he was the only one she could lean on and call her own. However, whenever he was home, he never came down to eat with the family; instead, he asked Latha to send his meals to his room. That way, he could at least steal a few moments with Lakshmi, share some quiet moments, and steal a kiss here and there. But all of this did not go unnoticed by Rekha.

She had been observing the way Lakshmi became nervous and shy around Vikram, the way he looked at her with affection, and how he kept finding excuses to make her visit his room under the pretext of bringing him food. It was becoming clearer to her that it was not just attraction—it was love. Rekha was furious. She knew that if she didn't act soon, she could lose Vikram to that maid forever.

It was the weekend, and Vikram was busy setting up the office space. Since it was Saturday, he had asked the workers to leave early, hoping to spend some quality time with Lakshmi. He came home earlier than usual and went to his room excitedly, eager to meet her. After dinner, when everyone had settled into their rooms, Vikram opened his wardrobe and took out a jewelry box—the one that contained his mother's jewelry.

When Vikram's father remarried Rekha, his maternal grandparents had taken back all his mother's jewelry and held onto it, and gave it to Vikram after he graduated from college, knowing how his father had remarried just a few months after his mother's death. They had done so because, at that time, they didn't trust his father and his new wife, fearing they might not take good care of Vikram after having their own kids. They wanted the jewelry to serve as financial security for him in case things went wrong.

Vikram opened the box and gazed at the jewelry, his eyes welling with tears. He remembered how his mother would wear these beautiful jewels during festivals and family functions—how she would shine like a goddess. He had always planned to give these treasures to Lakshmi, but now, with his business in need of funds, he had no choice but to pledge them at the bank, except for his mother's mangalsutra. He had decided to keep that as a symbol of his mother's love and legacy.

Vikram carefully took the mangalsutra from the box and tucked it into his pocket. He then placed the box back in its place, ensuring it was secure. Slowly, he snuck out of his room and made his way toward the staff quarters, determined to find Lakshmi and spend whatever time he could with her.

Vikram gently knocked on the door of Lakshmi's room. As soon as she heard the knock, Lakshmi's heart fluttered. She knew it was Vikram and eagerly opened the door with a smile. The moment he saw her, all of his stress seemed to vanish. He stepped inside, pulled her toward him, and made her sit on his lap. He hugged her tightly, resting his head on her chest.

"Hmm... I feel peace," he whispered, closing his eyes and inhaling her scent.

Lakshmi, smiling warmly, hugged him back and gently ran her fingers through his hair. They stayed in that quiet embrace for several moments, savoring the comfort of each other's presence. Slowly, Vikram pulled away and noticed a sweet box sitting on the table. His expression shifted, and he frowned.

"What's this? Who gave you this?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Raghu anna gave it to me. It's his sister's birthday today, so he gave me some sweets," Lakshmi replied with a smile, but her expression faltered when she saw the change in his.

"Lakshmi, I've told you before to stay away from him," Vikram said, his voice tight with anger. He had noticed several times how Lakshmi spoke to Raghu, how Raghu cared for her. He hated the thought of Lakshmi interacting with other men.

Lakshmi flinched, scared, and quickly stood up from his lap, nervously fidgeting with her fingers. Seeing her like this, Vikram let out a deep sigh.

"Lakshmi, I trust you. I know you see him as a brother, but we don't know what intentions he has. It's better to stay away from strangers, okay?" he said, his tone softening.

Lakshmi nodded, feeling a bit reassured. She picked up the sweet box and extended it toward him, saying with a shy smile, "Have some. It tastes nice."

Vikram pushed her hand aside and moved closer, his eyes intense. "I don't want this sweet," he said, his voice low and purposeful. "I want something else."

With that, he captured her lips in a passionate and intense kiss. When he pulled away, he leaned his forehead against hers, his gaze filled with affection.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the mangalsutra and made her wear it around her neck. Lakshmi's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at him, then at the mangalsutra.

"Lakshmi, this is my mother's," he said softly. "I want you to have it."

Confused, Lakshmi looked at him, her voice hesitant. "But... how can I wear it?"

"For now, just keep it with you," Vikram replied. "Whenever you miss me, wear it. soon, you'll wear it all the time. Just like I'll always keep you by my side."

He kissed her forehead gently, and Lakshmi, overwhelmed with emotion, smiled contentedly. She took the mangalsutra and held it close to her heart, a promise of the love they shared.

They spent some quality time together, and before leaving, Vikram told her, "Lakshmi, I'm going to China tomorrow to buy some machinery for our company. Adharv is coming with me too, so be careful, okay?" He kissed her forehead as he spoke.

Lakshmi felt a pang of sadness and asked, "When will you come back?" Her voice was filled with emotion.

"I'll be back in a week or ten days," he replied.

Lakshmi's face fell at his words. Vikram could sense her sadness and, though he, too, would miss her terribly, he tried to reassure her. "Lakshmi, it's just for a few days. After that, we'll never be apart again, even if you want to," he said gently.

"Why would I ever want to be away from you? It's you who always leaves me alone," she said, tears brimming in her eyes.

Vikram smiled and pulled her into a comforting hug. "Please understand, Lakshmi. I'm working hard, only for us. So please, don't be sad. If you make me sad, I won't be able to concentrate on my work there." He kissed her forehead softly.

Lakshmi didn't realize how emotional she had become, simply at the thought of him leaving. She lifted her head, gazing into his eyes, and without thinking, she tiptoed up to kiss him. It was the first time she initiated a kiss.

Vikram was taken aback by her action but quickly responded. The kiss was long, deep, and passionate, and when they finally pulled away, they simply looked into each other's eyes for a few moments.

Vikram kissed her forehead and cheek one last time, his heart heavy. "Goodbye, Lakshmi."

She didn't want to let him go, but she knew she had to. Seeing the tears in her eyes, Vikram's too had tears, and he left the room with a heavy heart.

Both of them lay in their own rooms that night, their thoughts consumed with each other, unaware that it would be the last time they would see each other.

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