🌿 Return to the Roots
When Friendship Never Fades-16-The cool breeze of Madikeri gently welcomed Satyaprakash. As they traveled for about fifteen minutes from Madikeri, a nameboard reading Sampigekatte appeared, instantly capturing his heart. And then, just two minutes ahead, when he saw the board that read “Sampigekatte Tea Estate” at the entrance, his eyes filled with tears.
He slowly looked around the tea estate. Meanwhile, old memories began passing one after another right before his eyes.
“Mohan, the estate looks exactly the same as it did before… nothing has changed at all, right?” Satyaprakash said happily.
“It’s not just the estate, Satya. Siddharth’s dreams and aspirations… even today, they are being followed,” Mohan replied.
“Really…? Hearing that makes me so happy.”
“Yes, Satya. Everything he wished for is still alive. All the people working here were once homeless and helpless… and even today, they are working here. Along with that, I have given three parts of Siddharth’s house to an old-age home and an orphanage. Hundreds of people have found shelter there.”
🏡 A Home That Holds Memories
Just then, the car stopped in front of the house. The moment Satyaprakash saw it, his eyes became moist. All the hard work that went into building that house came rushing back to his mind.
Meanwhile, Meera stepped out of the car and stood still, gazing at the white-colored house before her. Memories of her childhood came flooding back… crawling as a baby, running around, her mother feeding her while showing the moon, her father carrying her on his shoulders and showing her the world.
Even though she didn’t remember their faces clearly, the love they gave her still lived within her.
At a time when she didn’t even know who she was, this place silently told her — this is your world… come inside.
“Come, Meera… why are you standing like that? This is the house where you grew up. It is still the same as before. Go, take a look inside,” Kusuma said gently.
As Meera stepped forward, it felt as if the earth itself was clearing the dust beneath her feet. The gentle breeze played with her hair like ocean waves.
📸 Echoes of Childhood
As she pushed the large, beautifully carved door, it opened with a creaking sound, inviting her inside. Crossing the threshold, she stepped in.
“Oh…!!”
The entire house was filled with pictures of her smiling face. That innocent smile had the power to erase any pain. It brought life to the walls.
Photos of her playing with Chiru… photos of her being angry after a fight… photos of everyone together… seeing all of them, Meera’s eyes filled with tears.
Then, as she climbed upstairs, she saw a large photograph of Siddharth and Sumathi holding her lovingly. Slowly, she touched their faces in the photo. Tears began flowing uncontrollably.
Finally, she opened a nearby room. Inside, colorful toys touched her feet at every step. She picked them up, hugged them, and kissed them.
In the corner, she noticed a cradle among the toys. She gently caressed it.
That house, which served her a feast of memories, left her completely speechless.
💞 Love Breaks the Silence
Meanwhile, after learning the truth from Nidhi, Nakul broke his silence and felt overjoyed.
At the same time, Satyaprakash, Mohan, and Kusuma were standing outside talking, waiting to see Meera.
Suddenly, they were shocked to see Nakul, who had been silent for days, now jumping with happiness. Seeing Nidhi beside him, they understood that she must have told him everything.
“What happened, my son? For a whole week, you wouldn’t even speak… and now you’re talking nonstop! What’s the matter?” Kusuma asked.
Nakul, blushing slightly, said, “Amma… nothing like that… Where is Meera?”
“Ohhh, now we understand why you’re so excited!” Mohan teased. “She’s inside… go!”
Nakul rushed inside searching for Meera.
He found her standing near a window, lost in childhood memories. Quietly, he hugged her from behind and rested his cheek on her shoulder.
Meera instantly knew it was him. But still, pretending to be angry, she pushed him away.
“Excuse me, who are you? Why are you hugging me without permission?” she said angrily, her eyes turning red.
Shocked, Nakul said, “Don’t you really know who I am, you monkey?” and playfully tapped her head.
That made her even angrier. She turned away, folded her hands, and said, “I don’t know you. Don’t talk to me.”
“Meera… please listen to me once,” he said softly.
But she remained silent.
After a pause, Nakul said, “Won’t you talk to me?”
“No. I won’t talk to strangers.”
“I can’t live without talking to you, Meera.”
“Oh really? Then how did you stay silent for a whole week?”
“I was scared… scared that you might go away from me,” he admitted.
“I suffered like hell for a week… If Nidhi hadn’t come today, I would have died,” she said emotionally.
“Please don’t say that… I can’t bear it.”
“I can’t stay without you either,” she said, running into his arms and hugging him tightly.
❤️ Playful Love & Reunion
“Will you always stay like this with me?” she asked softly.
“Always? That’s too much… maybe ten years,” he teased.
“You idiot! If you leave me, I’ll come back as a ghost and trouble you!”
“You’re already a ghost!” he laughed.
“Hey!” she shouted and ran behind him.
He stopped, lifted her, and spun her around. Both of them burst into laughter.
🌼 Closure and New Beginnings
Meanwhile, Mohan asked Nidhi to bring them.
Soon, everyone gathered near Siddharth and Sumathi’s graves. Meera became emotional. Satyaprakash comforted her.
She offered flowers and bowed respectfully.
Later, they walked around the estate together. The evening made everything look even more beautiful.
As they reached the Veeranjaneya temple, strange memories disturbed Meera. She suddenly felt as if the accident of her parents was happening before her eyes.
Frightened, she hugged Satyaprakash tightly.
“Uncle… I’m remembering my parents so much… please take me away from here.”
“Meera… your aunt and uncle struggled so much to bring you back here. This is your home… your place… you must stay here happily,” he said gently.
She hesitated but finally agreed.
Later, she visited the old-age home and orphanage, received blessings from elders, and played with children… becoming a child once again.
When Friendship Never Fades-16 continued
You can also read this story “When Friendship Never Fades-16” in Kannada.
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When Friendship Never Fades-16
