tradition of family

Rajeev couldn't help but be mesmerized by Gowthami's beauty as she delicately handled the herbal plants, her focus and grace captivating him. The lush greenery of the jungle seemed to fade away, leaving only the vision of her standing there, a picture of serenity and strength. He watched as she examined the plants, her brow furrowed in concentration, and felt a warmth spread through his chest.

His mind drifted back to his childhood, to a memory of his mother, Vedhika, sitting beside him and speaking with a gentle smile. "Rajeev, I've chosen a name for your future wife," she had said, her voice filled with affection. "When you get married, I will call your bride Gowthami. It's a tradition in our family to give a new name to the new bride, a name that carries our hopes and blessings."

The realization struck him with a jolt—on that day when he had found her, he had unknowingly named her Gowthami, the very name his mother had chosen. A name meant to signify a deep connection and a new beginning within their family. Was it merely coincidence, or was there something more at play? He couldn't be sure, and the uncertainty gnawed at him. He knew he couldn't share these feelings with Gowthami, not until he understood more about her past and how she fit into the puzzle of his life.

Lost in his thoughts, he was startled when Gowthami's voice broke through his reverie. "Rajeev, what's this plant called?" she asked, holding up a delicate herb with deep green leaves and tiny white flowers.

He blinked, snapping back to the present. "Oh, that's Brahmi," he answered, stepping closer to examine the plant with her. "It's known for its memory-enhancing properties and is often used in traditional medicine to support cognitive function."

Gowthami nodded thoughtfully, her eyes scanning the plant with renewed interest. "It's fascinating how nature holds so many remedies," she mused. "I feel like I'm learning so much here."

Rajeev smiled, his earlier distraction now replaced with admiration for her curiosity and eagerness to learn. "Yes, nature has a way of providing us with exactly what we need," he said, his tone warm. "And you have a natural talent for understanding these herbs."

As they continued to collect plants, Rajeev kept his thoughts about the name Gowthami to himself, feeling the weight of his emotions but determined to respect the mystery of her past. He would wait until the right time to share his feelings, ensuring that he understood her history before making any declarations.

For now, he was content to be by her side, guiding her through the world of herbal medicine and enjoying the moments they spent together. The jungle, with its vibrant life and hidden secrets, seemed like the perfect backdrop for their unfolding story—a story of healing, discovery, and the deepening bond between them.

The day passed peacefully, filled with the shared purpose of their work and the quiet companionship that had grown between them. And as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the jungle, Rajeev found himself more certain than ever that Gowthami was meant to be a part of his life. He just needed to be patient, letting the mysteries of her past unfold in their own time.

Suddenly, Rajeev heard a rustling sound, the unmistakable whisper of leaves moving nearby. His heart skipped a beat as he scanned the jungle floor, his eyes locking onto a sleek, sinuous form weaving through the underbrush. It was a dangerous snake, its scales glistening menacingly in the dappled sunlight. The creature was known for its speed and deadly venom, a silent predator of the jungle.

"Gowthami, watch out!" Rajeev shouted, his voice tinged with urgency.

But it was too late. The snake coiled and struck with lightning speed, its fangs bared and aimed directly at Gowthami. Rajeev's warning reached her ears just as the serpent launched itself towards her. Gowthami turned, eyes wide with fear, but the snake was already airborne, closing the distance in a heartbeat.

Time seemed to slow as Rajeev leaped forward, his mind racing. He saw the snake's trajectory and knew he had only seconds to act. With a surge of adrenaline, he swung his arm, trying to intercept the snake before it could reach Gowthami.