Chapter 1 Vikram's Silent Rebellion - Maitri's Innocence

• Banglore, India
• In a lavishly decorated psychologist's room adorned with mahogany furniture and subdued lighting, billionaire Siddharth Varma sat in a leather chair, exuding an air of affluence. Dr. Manu, his friend and confidant, warmly welcomed him, extending a firm handshake. "What a pleasant surprise! If you had phoned me, I would have come to meet you. Anyway, thanks for coming; your presence boosts my image, and you know I got free publicity too," he remarked
• Siddharth's smile carried a tinge of sadness as he began to share his concerns. "It's about Vikram Varma, my only son, a 13-year-old kid who is meant to be the future ruler of my business and the heir to my property."
• Concern etched Dr. Manu's face as he inquired, "What happened to him? Is everything okay?" The tension in the room hung thick, awaiting Siddharth's revelation.
• Taking a thoughtful pause, Siddharth expressed, "I don't know why, but it seems like my son is detached from me. There's an aversion, a distance that has grown between us over the past month. He's not talking to me properly. You know how much I love my son."
• Dr. Manu chuckled reassuringly, "Siddharth, I think you might be overthinking. You're deeply engrossed in your business, and he's probably occupied with school. I've known him since childhood. He's smart, intelligent, and, most importantly, he loves you very much."
• Siddharth continued, concerned deepening, "My mom, Devi, mentioned that these days Vikram is behaving arrogantly. There's even a complaint from the school about his rude behaviour."
• Dr. Manu, after a brief moment of contemplation, offered a reassuring plan, "Today, we'll both go to his school. I'll stay overnight at your home, and gradually, I'll talk to him to understand what's bothering him. Don't worry; we'll get to the bottom of this together." His friendly assurance aimed to comfort Siddharth amid the growing distress about his son's behaviour.
• ★★★
• As the driver navigated the car, Siddharth Varma and Dr. Manu sat in the back seat. Upon arrival, they stepped out and walked into a lively school courtyard, children scattering in the aftermath of the recently dismissed classes.
• Advancing further, Siddharth and Dr. Manu's attention was drawn to a small crowd of children. Exchanging suspicious glances, they approached to investigate.
• Vikram Varma, with a height that surpassed his peers and sharp facial features that blended seriousness with a certain adorable charm, stood amidst the tumult. His eyes burned with anger as he clenched his fists, confronting a classmate. "How dare you touch my things!" he exclaimed, delivering a punch that left the other boy bleeding and sprawled on the ground.
• Fists clenched in anger, Siddharth couldn't contain himself and shouted, "Vikram!"
• Dr. Manu intervened, holding Siddharth's hand to quell the rising anger, signaling for him to remain silent.
• Vikram, with a defiant eye-roll, faced his father, displaying an attitude that spoke volumes. Nonchalantly grabbing his bag, he ignored Siddharth, extending his hand for a casual shake with Dr. Manu, "Hi, Uncle, how are you?"
• Dr. Manu, perceptive to Vikram's demeanor, smiled casually and asked, "How are you?"
• "I am fine," Vikram replied with a smile. Dr. Manu, attempting to diffuse tension, informed him, "Me and your dad came to pick you up to go to the mansion."
• Vikram dismissed the offer, saying, "No thanks, Uncle. I'll take the school bus," and walked away, leaving Siddharth and Dr. Manu with a sense of puzzlement and concern.
• ★★★
• In a quaint little town, Rampuri, a 10-year-old girl with long hair fashioned into two playful ponytails sat at the edge of a boat. She donned a sweet pink gown, her feet dipped in the water as she gently released a paper boat. A serene smile adorned her face, while her big brown eyes added an extra layer of charm, making her undeniably cute.
• As the sailor navigated the boat with effortless grace, the evening unfolded in a canvas of natural beauty. The sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the tranquil waters. The sky painted hues of pink and orange, reflecting in the calm ripples beneath. The air carried a gentle breeze, rustling the leaves and creating a melody of nature's lullaby.
• Amidst this picturesque scene, the little girl's laughter echoed, blending seamlessly with the soothing sounds of the water. It was a moment frozen in time, where innocence met the beauty of nature, creating a heartwarming tableau.
• As the boat reached the edge, she crafted a puppy face, pleading with the sailor, "Uncle, please."
• The old sailor, affectionately called Sailor Babu, responded, "No, baby, enough for today. Look over there; your mom is coming."
• Simultaneously, Maitri heard her mother Priya Choudhary's voice calling her name, "Maitri!"
• Rushing to her mother, Mahima hugged her, exclaiming, "Hi, Mom."
• In a gentle scold laced with affection, Priya addressed her daughter, "How many times do I have to tell you, Maitri? Don't play near the river, and don't forget that you don't swim." She then turned to Sailor Babu, expressing gratitude, "Thank you very much, Babu, for looking after her.
• Sailor Babu humbly replied, "Don't know who you are. Six months ago, you came to this small village, running a small school, teaching freely for the poor. What can we do in return except taking care of your daughter?"
• Priya returned Maitri's smile as they walked together.
• Maitri expressed her fondness for the place, saying, "Mom, I like this place—these people, school friends, everything about the small village Rampuri."
• Priya smiled in acknowledgment.
• Curious, Maitri asked, "Mom, do you ever think about leaving this place?
• Pausing for a moment, Priya responded, "I don't think so." Yet, in the depths of her thoughts, she wished for it to be a safe haven for Maitri. Reflecting inwardly, she mused, "I wish this is the safe place for you. The people in Rampuri are genuine, kind-hearted, and, most importantly, everyone gives respect to me and takes care of you." The heartfelt sentiments showcased the genuine connection Priya felt with the village
• and the people who had become an integral part of their lives.