Chapter 2

After freshening up, Lakshmi got up and went into the house. The staff's out-house was located at the back of the property, in the garden. The kitchen had an entrance connected to the garden for the staff's convenience, so they didn't have to cross the living room to enter. As Lakshmi entered, she saw Latha cutting vegetables for a salad.

Lakshmi stood there and asked, "What should I do?"

Latha, engrossed in her work, looked up and smiled. "Call me aunty, okay? Now the food is ready, and I've transferred it into the bowls. From tomorrow, it'll be your job to do this. For now, go ahead and place the dishes on the dining table. Lunch has to be served exactly at 1 PM. Hurry up," she urged.

Lakshmi nodded and began setting the table, placing the dishes one by one. She couldn't help but marvel at the dining area. She had never seen a dining table before—not even in movies. The only movie she'd ever watched was Baahubali, and on television, only the wealthier people in her village had dining tables. She had never seen anyone in her community sit at one, as most meals were eaten on the floor or outside. She had never watched any dramas either; her life had been focused on school and farm work. After discontinuing her studies, she worked full-time with her father, helping with farming. During wedding seasons or other celebrations, she helped her mother with catering work.

Everything in the house, the city, and the mansion looked so different to her. She looked at everything with wide-eyed wonder.

When she finished setting the table, Rekha and Vikram's father, along with Vinay and Vinitha, entered and settled at the table. Vikram's father glanced at his watch—it was already 1:10 PM. He looked up the stairs in the direction of Vikram's room. He seemed like he wasn't coming anytime soon. Rekha noticed his concern and said, "When did he join us for lunch? There's no point waiting for him anymore. Let's eat, it's already late."

"It's Sunday today," Vikram's father grumbled. "Why can't he join us, at least on holidays?" Then he turned his gaze to Lakshmi and frowned. "Who is this?"

Rekha quickly explained, "She's the new maid."

Vikram's father nodded but still seemed a bit confused. "Hey, girl, what's your name?"

Lakshmi flinched at his stern voice but replied softly, "Lakshmi."

"Alright, Lakshmi," he said, "go upstairs and call Vikram for lunch. Tell him that everyone is waiting for him."

Lakshmi nodded, then hesitated, unsure of where his room was. She looked over at Rekha, who, understanding her uncertainty, pointed toward the stairs. Lakshmi nodded again and climbed the steps. Reaching the top, she stood in front of a door, unsure whether it was his. She knocked softly.

On the other side of the door, Vikram, sitting in front of his laptop, tried to focus on his work. However, thoughts of Lakshmi kept invading his mind. He whispered her name, "Lakshmi," and smiled to himself. He had never felt this way about anyone before. Many girls had thrown themselves at him during college, but he never so much as glanced at them. His circle was small, limited to a few close friends. Since studying abroad, he hadn't made many friends in India, except for one—Adharv, his school and college mate. They were like blood brothers, their thoughts always in sync. They even planned to start a business together and were working on it.

But Lakshmi... her thoughts never left him. Usually, he didn't join his family for lunch or dinner, but today he felt an odd pull. He glanced at his watch—it was 1:10 PM. He knew that if he went downstairs now, he would have to face his family, so he decided to wait a bit longer. He sighed and closed his laptop, unable to concentrate any longer.

Just as he was about to get up, he heard a knock on the door. He stood and opened it. His eyes widened as he saw Lakshmi standing there. His heart skipped a beat.

She looked directly into his eyes, and with a soft, melodious voice, she said, "Anna, everyone is waiting for you downstairs and asked me to call you."

Vikram's face flushed with a mix of surprise and embarrassment at being called "brother." He raised his voice, "Who's your brother? Don't ever call me that again. Just call me Vikram, understood?"

Lakshmi, startled by his outburst, flinched and lowered her gaze to the floor, trembling. She nodded quickly.

Seeing how frightened she was, Vikram cursed himself for shouting. He realized how delicate she was. However, he couldn't tolerate being called "brother" by her. It couldn't be encouraged. He took a deep breath and, trying to soften his tone, said, "Don't be scared. You can go down now. I'll be there in a moment."

Lakshmi nodded and turned to leave, but Vikram stopped her by calling out, "Lakshmi, wait."

She turned back, wondering how he knew her name. He studied her face for a moment before saying, "Never mind. You can go now."

Lakshmi frowned, but then she turned and walked away. Vikram watched her retreating figure until she was out of his sight, then smiled to himself.

A few minutes later, Vikram went downstairs to join the family for lunch. By the time he sat at the table, his family had almost finished eating. His father glared at him and said, "Why are you like this? You can't even spend some time with your family."

Vikram ignored him and smirked to himself, thinking, Look who's talking about spending time with family. For him, his second wife and their children are the only family. And yet, he has the audacity to question me. Vikram remained unfazed by his father's comment.

His father stood there for a few moments, waiting for a response. When he didn't get one, he stormed off in anger.

Rekha smiled to herself, noticing the tense but familiar bond between the father and son. Vinay and Vinitha smiled excitedly at Vikram. Vikram smiled back at them. As they were about to leave, they came over to Vikram and kissed him on the cheek before heading to their rooms. Despite everything, he loved his younger brother and sister dearly, even though he hated their mother.

Just then, Lakshmi arrived and placed a plate in front of him. She began serving food for him. Vikram looked up and was pleased to see her standing next to him, serving him. He could smell her fragrance, which reminded him of his mother. After serving him, she turned to leave, and Vikram's face dropped with her absence. He feigned a cough, hoping to gain her attention. But, to his disappointment, it was Latha who approached and handed him a glass of water, asking if he was okay.

He nodded, then returned to his meal, his eyes subconsciously drifting toward the kitchen to steal glances at Lakshmi.

He finished his meal and sat at the table, waiting for her. Just as he was lost in his thoughts, Latha came to collect his plate. As she was about to leave, he called out to her, "Aunty, can you send me some hot water in a flask to my room?"

"Yes, dear. You go to your room. I'll send it with Lakshmi," she replied.

He nodded, a sense of excitement growing inside him. He quickly made his way to his room, sat on the bed, and waited eagerly, wondering how he would approach her.

A few minutes later, he heard a knock at the door. He practically rushed to open it, and there she was, standing in front of him with the flask in hand. When he opened the door, she extended the flask toward him, but instead of taking it, he stepped aside and motioned for her to come in.

"Come in," he said, his voice soft but firm.

------------------------

Hey guys!!!

What do you think about Vikram?, comment your thoughts.

Please vote, share and don't forget to follow.

Enjoy reading!!!

Bi Bi!!!