Chapter 8 — The Daughter Lakshmi Devi Never Had
Lakshmi Devi had never had children of her own. She had spent her life serving Devapuram, often placing the village's needs before her personal happiness.
Sujan's recovery brought a new warmth into her home.
One evening, she sat beside him on the veranda. The sky was painted orange, and the sound of temple bells drifted through the village.
"I have always wanted a child to call my own," she said. "If you wish, this home can be yours."
Sujan was stunned.
He had spent his entire life without a family. The thought of being accepted without conditions overwhelmed him.
"Amma," he whispered.
Lakshmi Devi's eyes filled with tears.
From that day, Sujan became part of her household. The villagers welcomed him, and he slowly began to feel that Devapuram was no longer merely the place of his investigation.
It was home.
As he recovered, he continued exploring his identity. Lakshmi Devi listened when he spoke about his feelings and never treated them as something shameful.
She told him, "Whatever name you choose, whatever life you build, you will always be my child."
Those words gave him the courage to take the next step.
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