After wishing them well, Daniel shook hands with Nagaraju, smiled at Akshata, and left the café.
For a few seconds, the family sat in silence.
Then Manu could no longer contain his excitement.
"Akka! You're really going to visit IMG tomorrow!" he exclaimed, his face glowing with excitement. "This is amazing!"
His enthusiasm was impossible to miss. He looked happier than Akshata herself.
Akshata simply smiled at her younger brother.
Across the table, Nagaraju quietly looked at his daughter.
At that very moment, Akshata raised her eyes and met her father's gaze.
Neither of them spoke.
Yet, in that brief exchange, Nagaraju felt something he had sensed ever since his rebirth.
There is something my daughter isn't telling me.
The events that had unfolded since they arrived in New York—the unexpected opportunity, the perfect timing, and the way everything seemed to fall into place—were too extraordinary to dismiss as mere coincidence.
But instead of questioning her, he chose to trust her.
After all, if the universe had granted their family a second chance at life through rebirth, who was he to say that other miracles could not exist?
Perhaps there were forces beyond human understanding. Perhaps his daughter had become connected to one of those miracles.
Whatever the truth was, he decided he did not need to know every secret.
A gentle smile appeared on his face.
If fate has placed something magical in my daughter's life, he thought, then I don't need to control it. I only need to protect her.
He silently made a promise to himself.
"Whatever power, blessing, or mystery surrounds her... I will never exploit it, fear it, or reveal it. I will become its guardian. More importantly, I will become the guardian of my daughter."
Nagaraju's thoughts were interrupted by Manu's cheerful voice.
"So... where are we going now?" he asked with a grin. "We still haven't explored the rest of the mall!"
The serious atmosphere disappeared instantly.
Nagaraju laughed softly.
"You're right. Tomorrow is for IMG. Today is still your day."
Manu jumped up happily.
"I want to see the toy store first!"
"And the bookstore," Akshata added with a smile.
The three of them spent the rest of the afternoon walking through the mall together. They visited different shops, tasted snacks they had never tried before, and laughed over small moments that would remain precious memories for years to come.
As they walked, Akshata quietly heard Kalpa's voice.
"Host."
"Yes, Kalpa?"
"Your father knows."
Akshata's footsteps slowed for a moment.
"Knows... what?"
"He may not know about me or the Space. But he knows something extraordinary surrounds you. He has stopped trying to find answers."
Akshata looked toward her father, who was walking ahead with Manu, listening to his endless excitement.
A warmth filled her heart.
"He isn't curious?"
Kalpa's voice carried an unusual softness.
"He is curious. But his love for you is greater than his curiosity."
"He has made a choice."
"What choice?"
"To become your guardian rather than the seeker of your secrets."
Akshata remained silent.
Her eyes became moist.
In both her previous life and this one, she had rarely seen a parent choose trust over answers.
Kalpa continued.
"Host, there are many people who would chase miracles for power, wealth, or fame. Your father has chosen something far rarer."
"He has chosen to protect the miracle instead."
Akshata smiled gently.
"Then... I won't disappoint him."
That evening, after returning to their hotel, the family shared dinner together.
The conversation revolved around New York, the places they had visited, and Manu's excitement for the next day's adventure.
Not once did Nagaraju pressure Akshata about the mysterious coincidence at the mall.
As the night grew quiet and everyone prepared to sleep, Nagaraju stood alone by the hotel window, looking out at the glittering skyline of New York.
In his heart, he made one final promise.
"Whoever or whatever is helping my daughter... thank you."
"I don't ask to know your name."
"I don't ask for your power."
"I ask only for one thing."
"Keep my daughter safe while I am alive."
Far beyond human sight, in the endless expanse of the mysterious Space, Kalpa heard every word.
For the first time since bonding with Akshata, the ancient being smiled.
"A worthy guardian," Kalpa whispered.
"Host... your father has passed the first test without ever knowing there was one."
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains of their hotel room.
Nagaraju was the first to wake up. He quietly got ready and then knocked gently on the door connecting the rooms.
"Akshu... Manu... Ebru eddidiraa? (Are both of you awake?)"
From inside came a sleepy voice.
"Appa... five minutes..."
Nagaraju laughed.
"You told yesterday that we have to reach on time. Now who's asking for five minutes?"
A few seconds later, the door opened.
Akshata stood there, rubbing her eyes.
"Ayyo Appa... yesterday we walked the whole mall. My legs are still hurting."
Before Nagaraju could reply, Manu's voice came from inside.
"Appa! Don't believe Akka. She was the one who wanted to visit every shop!"
Akshata turned around dramatically.
"Oi! Naanu aa? (Me?) Who was asking to enter every gaming store?"
"That was important research!" Manu replied with a grin.
Nagaraju burst into laughter.
"Enough, enough... Both of you get ready first. We'll have breakfast and then leave."
...
Half an hour later, the three of them were seated in the hotel restaurant.
Manu looked around excitedly.
"Appa... after IMG can we again go around New York?"
Nagaraju smiled.
"If your Akka's work finishes early, why not? We didn't come all the way here to sit only in meetings."
Akshata shook her head.
"Appa... first let's see what happens there. Don't make plans before they even say yes."
Nagaraju looked at her affectionately.
"Akshu..."
"Hmm?"
"You've already won."
She looked confused.
"What do you mean?"
"You had a dream."
"You worked hard."
"You prepared yourself."
"And yesterday, someone noticed you without you asking them to."
He paused for a moment.
"So whether they say yes or no today... you've already proved to yourself that your dream is worth chasing."
Akshata became quiet.
She lowered her head slightly.
"Thanks, Appa."
Nagaraju smiled.
"But one condition."
She looked up.
"If they offer you anything today, don't rush."
"We'll listen carefully."
"We'll ask questions."
"We'll understand everything."
"And only then we'll decide."
Akshata nodded immediately.
"Promise."
Manu suddenly interrupted.
"Appa... can I also ask questions?"
Nagaraju chuckled.
"Of course."
Manu grinned mischievously.
"Then my first question is... will they give free chocolates in IMG office?"
For a second there was complete silence.
Then Akshata started laughing.
Nagaraju laughed so hard he almost spilled his coffee.
"Ayyo, Manu!" he said between laughs. "We're going to a modeling agency, not a chocolate factory!"
Manu shrugged innocently.
"I was just asking..."
The three of them laughed together, drawing a few amused glances from other guests in the restaurant.
As they left the hotel and stepped into the busy streets of New York, Nagaraju looked at both of his children.
"Sari... ready aa?"
"Ready, Appa," Akshata answered confidently.
"Always ready!" Manu declared proudly.
Nagaraju smiled.