Chapter 7 A Stranger's Helping Hand In Rampuri"

• Vikram, you are a kid. You'd probably enjoy places like kindergarten, Ocean Park, and Animation World, maybe even Disney World. We can all go there to have fun. But my taste is old-fashioned," Granny expresses with a twinkle in her eye. "I want to live close to nature, where there's no traffic, pollution, or the hustle of city life. Maybe a place near a temple. So, it's better to plan accordingly, considering your preferences," she says, addressing the family.
• Dad, Mom, I think we should go according to Granny's choice, to a small village where there's no traffic, just like Granny said," Vikram suggests with enthusiasm.
• Siddharth glances at his wife Priya, who smiles in agreement. "Let's go to Arunachalam to visit," she proposes. "First, we can take a flight there, and later, we'll explore the scenic road path by car. Our first stop will be the temple, and then we can spend our vacation in a cosy resort."
• ★★★
• After a visit to the Arunachal temple, Siddharth and his family were en route to the city outskirts for their booked resort stay. Siddharth had arranged a luxurious caravan for the journey. However, during the drive, the caravan unexpectedly encountered trouble.
• Concerned, Siddharth inquired, "What happened?"
• The driver, equally puzzled, responded, "Don't know, sir. We should find a mechanic."
• Siddharth, feeling a bit frustrated, remarked, " you should have been more careful."
• The driver, realising the situation, sincerely apologised, saying, "I am sorry."
• Vikram stepped out of the caravan and inquired, "What happened, Dad?"
• Siddharth explained the caravan trouble, expressing his frustration, "Damn it, the signals are not working properly either."
• Vikram took a moment to absorb the situation, then turned his attention to the surroundings. In Rampuri, the village showcased its natural beauty with expansive farms, a serene river, boats gently rocking on the water, and birds soaring through the sky. The scene was completed by the enchanting sight of floating lotus flowers adorning the water, creating a picturesque setting that captured the essence of rural charm. Despite the temporary setback, the family found themselves in a tranquil and visually stunning corner of Rampuri village.
• Vikram, captivated by the scenic beauty, started capturing photos and exclaimed, "It's beautiful, Dad. What's this place called?"
• Passing by, Kalyan Patel, on his way home from school, chimed in, "This is Rampuri."
• Siddharth, in need of assistance, asked Kalyan, "Is there any mechanic here?"
• Kalyan shook his head, "No, you can't find one here. You'll have to go to town."
• Aruna and Devi, growing worried, contemplated their options. Siddharth, seeking accommodation, inquired, "Are there any hotels to stay at?"
• Kalyan offered a solution, "You won't find hotels, but there's a 2BHK flat, a guest house with basic amenities. It belongs to the school owner, Priya Choudhary, who is also the principal. Don't worry, I'm headed to town; I'll bring a mechanic."
• Siddharth expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you very much."
• He introduced himself, "By the way, my name is Siddharth Varma, and this is my son Vikram. We're on vacation, but it turned into a bit of an unexpected trouble because of the Caravan.
• As they walked towards the school, they found most children had already left. Kalyan guided them to the principal's office and explained their situation to Priya Choudhary.
• Priya reassured them, "You don't need to worry. You can stay in the school guest house. I'll arrange for someone to cook and manage the housekeeping."
• While expressing this, her eyes fell upon Vikram, who was curiously observing his surroundings. When their eyes met, Vikram smiled, creating a warm connection.
• Turning to Kalyan, Priya instructed, "Kalyan, please look after them. They are our guests."
• Kalyan respectfully replied, "Yes, Madam."
• With that, Kalyan led Siddharth's family to the nearby school guest house, ensuring they were comfortably settled for their unexpected stay in Rampuri.
• ★★★
• Maitri arrived from school on her bicycle, greeted Zuzu with a cheerful "Hi, Zuzu," and then proceeded to unlock the door. After a quick freshening up, she changed into a violet gown.
• Ever considerate, Maitri prepared herbal tea for her mother, pouring it into a flask. She also attended to Zuzu's needs, offering food and a carefully prepared almond milk.
• With a warm smile, she remarked to her mother, "Mom, you're late today." Her mother shared the reason as they both sat down. Maitri, being an attentive listener, sipped almond milk like a good girl.
• Once her mother finished explaining, Maitri, showing understanding, said, "Okay, Mom, I'm going out to play. I've made herbal tea for you; enjoy!"
• Her mother, appreciating Maitri's thoughtfulness, inquired, "Maitri, is it necessary to go?"
• Maitri, with eyes sparkling with excitement, added, "It's very special today. It's a new moon. Don't worry, Mom; I'll take care of myself. Bye!" She blew a flying kiss to her mother and pedalled away on her bicycle. Within a minute, Zuzu, the playful puppy, dashed after her.
• Watching her daughter's energetic departure, her mother couldn't help but give a disbelieving look and mused, "This girl is like a bunny, always keeps running".
• ★★★
• Maitri halted her bicycle, strolled towards the river where the old sailor, Babu, was pulling his boat ashore. The edge of the river was adorned with white lotus flowers, tied neatly to the muddy area.
• "Uncle," she greeted, parking her cycle and holding Zuzu in her arms, "Meet my friend, Zuzu."
• Babu smiled, extending his hand for a handshake with the playful puppy. "Hi, Zuzu."
• Opening her handbag, Maitri handed him a cake box, saying, "Mom's birthday cake."
• Grateful, Babu smiled and responded, "Thank you very much. Okay, I'll make a special fish cuisine for you. You keep playing here, and like every time, I'll drop you home."
• She smiled in agreement, and with that, Babu walked to his small hut, which was conveniently close. From there, he could keep a watchful eye on Maitri as she continued to enjoy her time by the river.
• She is playing with her loyal companion, Zuzu, on the riverbank under the enchanting moonlight, creating a magical and serene atmosphere in the quiet village of Rampuri. The soft moonbeams illuminated their playful moments, making it a delightful scene in the tranquil night by the flowing