Chapter 21 — Returning to Amma's Village
The bus entered Devapuram just before sunset.
Sowjanya sat beside the window, watching the familiar fields and village roads pass by. Every tree, every shop, and every turn reminded her of the life she had left behind.
When she reached Lakshmi Devi's home, she stood at the doorway for several moments.
Her mother came outside.
"Sowjanya!"
Sowjanya rushed into her arms and began crying.
Lakshmi Devi held her tightly, asking no questions. She simply allowed her daughter to release the pain she had carried for two years.
That evening, Sowjanya wore a deep-green silk saree with a gold border. Her long hair was arranged in a braid. She sat beside her mother on the veranda, listening to the familiar sounds of the village.
She told Lakshmi Devi about the divorce, the humiliation, and the loneliness.
Her mother listened with sorrow.
"You have not failed, my daughter," she said. "You chose to protect yourself."
Sowjanya felt a small sense of peace.
She was home again.
But when she noticed her mother's tired face and the unfinished village files beside her, she realized that Lakshmi Devi was not well.
The next chapter would bring another difficult challenge.
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