Chapter 37

"Put me down! You're a bad man! You made my mother cry. I don't like you. Leave me alone!" Kittu cried, thrashing in Vikram's arms. Overwhelmed by the boy's resistance, Vikram gently set him down and knelt to his level.

"Kittu, I'm sorry—so sorry for making Amma cry. You know, I cried a lot too, without you and her. Don't you want a father, just like your friends have? Don't you want your Amma and Daddy to be together in the same house?" Vikram asked, his voice tinged with hope.

Kittu froze, his small face scrunched in thought. Deep down, he longed for a family like his friends had. He wanted his Amma and Daddy to drop him off at school together, to tuck him into bed at night, nestled between them, just like the happy families in his books.

Seeing the boy's hesitation, Vikram softened his tone. "Okay, calm down. I won't take you anywhere. I'll just drop you home in the car, alright?" he asked, locking eyes with Kittu.

The mention of the car piqued Kittu's interest. He stood still, fidgeting with his shirt, before slowly lifting his head and nodding. Vikram smiled at the boy's puppy-like expression and planted a kiss on his cheek. Kittu immediately wiped his cheek, scrunching his nose, which made Vikram chuckle.

Scooping Kittu into his arms, Vikram carried him out of the school building and toward his car. But just as he reached for the car door, he spotted Rashi and Lakshmi approaching. Lakshmi's heart raced when she saw Kittu in Vikram's arms. Fear gripped her—what if he was taking her son away?

Without thinking, she broke into a run, her eyes wide with panic. Vikram straightened, still holding Kittu, as Lakshmi reached them.

"Amma!" Kittu exclaimed, stretching his arms toward her. The moment Lakshmi was close enough, he leaped into her embrace.

Vikram watched the tender reunion, a bittersweet ache swelling in his chest. He had missed so much of this—his son's laughter, his wife's warmth. Tears welled in his eyes, but he quickly blinked them away.

Lakshmi set Kittu down and knelt before him, her voice trembling. "Kittu, why were you with him? You know Rashi Akka was coming to pick you up. You shouldn't go with strangers like that. What if something bad had happened to you?"

Her words struck a nerve. Vikram's jaw tightened, and he stepped forward, grabbing Lakshmi's wrist. "Lakshmi, what are you saying? I'm his father! How could I ever harm him? Stop filling his head with these lies!"

Lakshmi flinched, pulling her wrist free. She didn't respond, instead turning to leave with Kittu's hand firmly in hers. Rashi, who had been silently observing, quickly grabbed Kittu's bag from Vikram and followed.

But Lakshmi stopped abruptly and turned back, her eyes pleading. "Please, don't tell your family about Kittu. I can't run anymore. I've finally found peace here. Don't ruin it for us. I'm begging you," she said, folding her hands in desperation.

Vikram took a step closer, his voice softening. "Lakshmi, why are you talking like this? You have me now. No one will dare harm you or our son. I promise you. Just trust me."

Lakshmi let out a bitter laugh. "You and your promises," she muttered, shaking her head. Without another word, she walked away, Rashi and Kittu in tow.

Vikram stood there, his heart heavy. He took a deep breath, unsure how to bridge the chasm between them. Climbing into his car, he gripped the steering wheel, determined to find a way back into their lives—no matter how long it took.

It was evening, and Vikram was at the mall, carefully selecting clothes for his son. After picking out a variety of outfits, he moved to the toy section, where he bought almost everything in sight. He wanted to spoil Kittu, to make up for all the lost time. As he stood there, his mind wandered to Lakshmi. He remembered her in a worn-out saree and a torn blouse, and his heart ached.

Determined to make amends, he decided to buy her some beautiful sarees and other essentials. He also picked out sarees for Meena and a mobile phone and laptop for Rashi. By the time he finished, his watch showed 7:45 PM.

Taking a deep breath, he braced himself and walked to the parking lot. No matter how much Lakshmi might humiliate him, he was ready to face it. He had caused her enough pain; it was time to endure whatever came his way.

At Lakshmi's house, the evening was calm. Lakshmi was busy cooking dinner, while Rashi helped Kittu with his homework. Rashi's mind was swirling with questions. She wanted to ask Lakshmi about Vikram, but she didn't know how to bring it up, especially with Kittu around.

Assigning Kittu a small task, Rashi approached Lakshmi, who was stirring a pot on the stove.

"Akka, can I ask you something?" Rashi began hesitantly. Lakshmi smiled, noticing Rashi's unusual timidity. Rashi was usually outspoken, so her hesitation was rare.

"What is it, Rashi?" Lakshmi asked, her voice gentle.

"Akka, that man... he's Kittu's father, isn't he?" Rashi ventured.

Lakshmi froze, her hand pausing mid-stir. She nodded silently, her expression unreadable.

"Akka, he seems like a good person. There must have been some misunderstanding. Why don't you talk to him and clear things up? If he really wanted to hurt you, why would he come all this way for you and Kittu? A man like him—handsome, wealthy—could have anyone he wants. But he's here, chasing after you and Kittu. Doesn't that seem suspicious? Please, Akka, give him a chance to explain. If not for yourself, then for Kittu. Think about it," Rashi pleaded.

Lakshmi stood still, absorbing Rashi's words. What Rashi said made sense. What did she have that Vikram couldn't find elsewhere? Was he truly sincere? Should she give him a chance to explain? Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

Frowning, Lakshmi wiped her hands on her saree pallu and went to answer it. Kittu, still holding his notebook, stood up curiously. Rashi followed, her eyes widening when she saw Vikram at the doorstep, his arms laden with bags.

Kittu's eyes immediately locked onto the bags, his curiosity piqued. Vikram, sensing Lakshmi's reluctance to invite him in, stepped inside without waiting. He placed the bags on the floor and began unpacking Kittu's toys one by one. Kittu's eyes sparkled with excitement, but he hesitated, glancing at Lakshmi for permission.

"Kittu, come here. These toys are for you," Vikram called, waving him over. But Kittu stayed rooted, his innocent eyes seeking Lakshmi's approval.

Vikram looked at Lakshmi. "Don't scare him with your looks, Lakshmi. He's just a child. Let him enjoy his gifts."

Lakshmi glared at him but said nothing, turning her face away. Vikram turned back to Kittu. "Come, Kittu. Amma won't scold you. Daddy's here, right? I'll take care of it."

Kittu took small, tentative steps toward Vikram, who sat on the floor and pulled the boy onto his lap. He showed Kittu each toy, explaining how to play with them. Lakshmi shook her head and returned to the stove, trying to focus on finishing dinner.

Despite his excitement, Kittu's attention kept drifting to the other bags. Unable to contain his curiosity, he whispered, "um... "What's in those bags?" pointing shyly at the remaining packages.

Vikram smiled. "Those are for your Amma and Rashi Akka."

Rashi, who had been quietly observing Vikram from a corner, frowned at his words. Vikram stood up, grabbed one of the bags, and pulled out a sleek mobile phone and a laptop. He walked over to Rashi and held them out to her.

"These are for you," he said.

Rashi shook her head. "Why?, No, I can't accept these. They're too expensive."

"Please don't refuse. You're family to me, like a sister. Take them," Vikram insisted, his voice soft but firm.

"I can't," Rashi protested. "I don't want them."

"I'm not the man you think I am. I'm not perfect, but I'm not evil either. You can trust me. Please, accept these," he urged.

Rashi glanced at Lakshmi, who had just returned. Not wanting to prolong the interaction, Lakshmi said, "Kittu, it's time for dinner. Go wash your hands. Rashi, you too. It's getting late." Her tone was a clear hint for Vikram to leave.

Rashi hesitated, then said, "Anna, please don't take this the wrong way. I can't accept these gifts. Please take them back."

Vikram sighed. "If you don't want them for yourself, at least take them for Kittu. Use them to play videos and rhymes for him. You know how to use them, right?"

Rashi couldn't refuse that. Reluctantly, she took the phone and laptop and placed them on the table.

Vikram turned to Lakshmi. He knew if he handed her the sarees now, she would reject them outright. Instead, he decided to leave them behind, hoping she would find them after he left. He knelt before Kittu, ruffling his hair.

"Okay, Kittu, I'll leave now. See you tomorrow," he said, planting kisses all over the boy's face. As he stood to leave, Kittu grabbed his hand.

"Amma, Daddy bought all these gifts for us. Can't we let him stay for dinner?" Kittu pleaded, his voice soft but earnest.

Vikram's eyes welled up. His stomach had been growling with hunger, but he had no one to care for him—just like in the past. The aroma of Lakshmi's cooking brought back memories of happier times, times that had been far too brief.

"Amma, please," Kittu begged again.

Rashi chimed in, "Akka, let him stay. Just for dinner."

Lakshmi hesitated, her heart torn. Rashi's words echoed in her mind. Maybe, just maybe, Vikram wasn't the man she thought he was. Perhaps it was time to listen, to understand. For Kittu's sake, if not for her own.

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