Chapter 10: The Token of the Past and the Return to Roots
"Kaaki! This rinng... where did you find this ring?" Radha excleaimed, her eyes fixed on the woman's hand. It was the silver ring that belonged to Amar's late mother—the very one he had given her as a parting mamento.
Over come with joy, Radha pleaded, "I searched everywhere for this before leaving for London. Please, Kaki, I need it back!"
Instead of answering, the woman turned and began to run in a panic. Radha chased after her, calling out, "Kaki, wait! Why are you running? Please, just give me my ring!" Finally, having no other choice, the woman stoped and broke into tears.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying like this?" Radha asked gently.
"Radha beti," the woman sobbed, "my son Ankur is very ill. I have no money for his medicine, and we haven't had a proper meal in days. I found this ring while cleaning your house years ago... I was going to sell it to save my son."
Radha's heart melted. "Kaki, this is just silver. You might only get a hundred or two for it. But to me, its value is beyond millions."
"Even a hundred is enough to buy his medicine," the woman whispered, handing the ring back. "Take it. I will beg for my son instead."
Being kind-hearted, Radha couldn't let her leave like that. "I cannot give you the ring, but I can help you." She opened her bag and handed over 5,000 rupees. When the woman hesitated, Radha insisted, "I'm not giving this for free. Consider it the price for keeping my most precious possession safe all these years. Thank you for returning it to me." After a tearful embrace, Radha hurried away, the ring finally back where it belonged.
Memories of Bangalore
As the flight touched down in Bangalore, a strange, familiar sensation washed over Radha. The air felt exactly as it did the day she first met Amar. Taking a taxi to the farmhouse, her mind was a whirlwind of questions. Will everything still be the same? Will Amar be there, waiting for me just as I have waited for him? She took a deep breath, a shy smile gracing her lips. How will my Amar look after all these years?
At the farmhouse, she saw an elderly man watering the plants. It was the same gardener (Maali Kaka), though he looked much older and tired now. Radha approached him and touched his feet. "How are you, Kaka?"
The gardener looked at her closely. "I am well, Radha beti."
Radha was stunned. "Your memory is amazing, Kaka! You recognized me after five years?"
He chuckled warmly. "How could I not? You used to play here as a child. You were more attached to me than your own parents back then! You were such a chatterbox." They shared a heartfelt laugh.
As she entered the house, memories of her childhood came rushing back. She saw her father, Mr. Khanna, engrossed in his laptop. Creeping up behind him, she covered his eyes. "Guess who?"
Mr. Khanna smiled, knowing instantly it was his daughter. He played along, "Excuse me, young lady, who are you and how did you get into my house?"
"Papa! You didn't even recognize your own daughter?" Radha huffed in mock anger. Her father burst into laughter and pulled her into a warm hug.
They sat and talked for hours, but Radha's attention was elsewhere. Her eyes kept darting toward the garden, searching for a glimpse of Amar. She was still unaware that her father had evicted him five years ago. The gardener stood nearby, watching her silently. He knew exactly who she was looking for, yet he remained quiet.
Why is the gardener keeping silent? Will he tell Radha the truth about that fateful rainy night, or is he afraid of Mr. Khanna's wrath?