House Of Lies

Epilogue

Tripura experienced a recurring nightmare, feeling as if her life was in peril. In the dream, Karan threatened her by strangling her, making it hard to breathe. The suffocating sensation became unbearable, prompting her to instinctively clutch her own neck even while asleep. She eventually woke up in her bed, gasping for air, her heart racing from the intensity of the dream.

In the pitch-black room, sweat glistened on Tripura's face, and her clothes clung to her body, drenched in perspiration. She fumbled in the darkness, desperately searching for relief. As her parched throat intensified the discomfort, she reached out in front of her, her hand trembling, until she finally found a glass of water. Thirsty and shaken by her nightmare, she lifted the glass to her lips, grateful for the soothing coolness of the water as it quenched her dry throat.

Startled by the noise from Dhurv's room, at the monitor Tripura hurriedly made her way there. The dim light revealed her son, Dhurv, who had also awakened, his cries echoing through the room. With a mother's instinct, she picked him up gently, cradling him in her arms. She softly rocked him back and forth, tenderly patting his back in a soothing rhythm, trying to calm his distraught cries. In the soft glow of the room, their connection brought a sense of comfort and reassurance to both mother and child.

As Tripura was preparing to leave after dropping Kiara off at school the next morning, a man named Mr. Kaushik approached her, politely getting her attention with,

MK : Excuse me, Mrs. Khanna.

Intrigued, Tripura turned to face him. He introduced himself as Kiara's new homeroom teacher Mr ved kaushik and expressed his desire to have a conversation with her regarding Kiara. Tripura's curiosity was piqued by this unexpected encounter, and she listened attentively, eager to learn more about her daughter's new teacher and what he had to discuss regarding Kiara.

Tripura followed Mr. Kaushik to the teacher's room, where he thoughtfully fetched a chair for her. As she settled into the chair with Dhurv in her arms, Mr. Kaushik turned to her and inquired about Dhurv's age. With a warm smile, Tripura replied,

T : He's four months old.

Mr. Kaushik chuckled and reached out to gently caress Dhurv, his eyes filled with warmth as he admired the baby. Taking his seat across from Tripura, he prepared for their conversation, creating a friendly and comfortable atmosphere for their discussion.

Mr. Kaushik displayed several copies of Kiara's work, revealing that he had been informed by her previous teacher about some recent challenges. He explained that Kiara seemed to be struggling with math and wasn't as attentive in science class, suggesting that she might be losing interest in these subjects. Before delving further into the issue, he kindly advised Tripura to address this matter promptly.

T : (concerned) Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Mr. Kaushik. I've been considering getting a tutor for Kiara since I have limited time due to my office. Do you happen to know anyone who could provide her with extra tuition after school?

Mr. Kaushik: I understand your situation, Mrs. Khanna. I might know of a few capable tutors who could help Kiara catch up with her studies. I'll gather some recommendations and share them with you soon

as Tripura is about to leave

Mr kaushik said

Mr Kaushik : Mrs.Khanna, there's something I should mention. If you'd consider me as a tutor for Kiara, I'd be willing to give it a try."

Tripura: (surprised) "Oh, why didn't you mention this earlier, Mr. Kaushik?"

Mr. Kaushik: I thought about it just now. If my schedule allows, I can certainly come to teach Kiara after school."

T : That sounds like a wonderful idea. Let's give it a try, Mr. Kaushik. Thank you for offering your help.

They both agreed on this arrangement, and Tripura left the room, feeling relieved and grateful for Mr. Kaushik's willingness to support Kiara's education.

After left the school Tripura parked her car in front of the daycare, and it was always a bittersweet moment. She took Dhurv into her arms, holding him close, and walked inside. Just before handing him over to the daycare staff, she kissed his tiny forehead and gently caressed his cheek. Her eyes welled up with tears, as they often did at this heart-wrenching moment. But she knew that, eventually, she had to leave him behind, knowing that he would be cared for and loved until she returned.

As Mr. Kaushik arrived at Tripura's house and entered, he noticed Kiara's curiosity. Kiara, feeling a bit shy, hid behind her mother and asked why he had come. Mr. Kaushik chuckled warmly and replied,

Mr Kaushik : I've come here to spend some time with you, Kiara.

Tripura, sensing Kiara's hesitation, gently encouraged her daughter. She explained that Mr. Kaushik would be her tutor from today and advised her to be obedient and cooperative. With a reassuring nod, Tripura sent them both to Kiara's room, where they would begin their tutoring sessions.

In her room, Tripura was occupied with an online meeting, unaware of her son's crying. Kiara and Ved rushed to Dhurv's side upon hearing his cries. Mr. Kaushik hesitated, unsure of what to do, but Kiara stepped forward confidently. She told Ved that Dhurv needed to be soothed without being picked up.

Kiara gently explained,

K : My little brother cries a lot when someone picks him up. But if we just rock him a little in the crib, he usually stops crying.

With this advice, Ved and Kiara worked together to comfort Dhurv, demonstrating their growing bond and Kiara's caring nature.

As Tripura approached Dhurv's room, she overheard Ved and Kiara comforting their little brother. A heartwarming scene unfolded before her eyes, with Ved soothing Dhurv and Kiara assisting him with a tenderness that touched Tripura's heart deeply.

Witnessing her children bonding and caring for each other in this moment, Tripura felt a mix of emotions. A tear welled up in her eye, a poignant reminder of  past made her heart ached . She quickly wiped away the tear, not wanting to disrupt the touching scene, and then entered the room.

As Ved saw Tripura enter the room and noticed her reaction, he became tense and stammered out an explanation. He quickly clarified that he hadn't caused Dhurv to cry; he had come to Dhurv's room because he was already crying, and he was trying to comfort him.

Tripura smiled warmly at her son's innocence and extended her hand. As she gently took Dhurv into her arms, her touch had an immediate calming effect. Dhurv's cries gradually subsided, and he became quiet and content in his mother's embrace.

As Tripura insisted that Ved join them for dinner that evening, he initially hesitated, perhaps out of politeness or shyness. However, as the days passed and he spent more time with Tripura and her children, an unusual feeling began to draw him towards their family.

It was a sense of belonging, a feeling of warmth and acceptance that made him feel like part of their household. The laughter, the shared moments, and the genuine care he witnessed and experienced gradually eroded his hesitation. Ved realized that he had grown attached to this family, and the prospect of sharing a meal with them felt not only inviting but comforting. It was the beginning of a deeper connection that transcended mere tutoring, and he decided to stay for dinner, eager to be part of their lives a little while longer.