As soon as Shrikant, Kabir, and Rohan entered the magnificent bungalow in solitude, their spirits lifted. The elegantly furnished residence had only a few selected staff members visible.
The 94-year-old owner was in his room at the back. Outside, beautiful birds and incredibly rare species of animals were kept in attractive cages surrounding the lawn. A few small creatures were also strolling in the lush garden.
The staff moved around like robots, and a profound silence pervaded the atmosphere.
A young man came into the outer room, respectfully to escort the guests to meet their host. Hesitantly, the three of them got up and followed the young man like mechanical puppets.
After crossing two long corridors, they arrived at a small lawn and, passing through it, reached the well-furnished room where the very elderly gentleman sat comfortably in an armchair. The staff member referred to him as Prince Sir. The three of them bowed respectfully and moved forward to sit on a sofa placed aside at his gesture.
Before the three could take their seats, Prince Sir dramatically pulled back the large curtain from the window behind him, as if he wanted to let some natural light into the room, which was now darkening with the fading evening light. Although it was nearly eight in the evening, the sun had not completely set. However, it had certainly taken a leap into the crashing waves behind.
With this, a bright light filled the room, and all three were left astounded. They stood up from their seats.
Prince Sir had just revealed a life-sized portrait that was glowing behind the curtain he had drawn after the lights came on.
This was the same portrait of the Rajmata Sahib that had a smaller version displayed in the courtyard of their academy in India.
The three of them felt goosebumps, astonished, as they stood gazing at the portrait before which Rohan and Kabir used to pay their respects.
Seeing their amazement, Prince Sir smiled gently, and in that moment, the three understood that the elderly gentleman sitting before them was none other than the founding figure of their academy, who had donated his property to establish it in memory of his mother, the Rajmata.
They had also heard the story of Prince Sir, who had once faced humiliation despite winning an international competition when his award was rescinded. He had endured this humiliation because his long-standing attraction to one of his coaches had turned into a homosexual love affair, which was then considered a crime, leading to the revocation of all his honors.
Years later, it seemed that time had repeated itself. In the academy he had founded, a young athlete was also nurturing a love for his coach, and both had decided to spend their lives together.
Prince Sir welcomed Kabir and Shrikant with a massive bouquet and also blessed Rohan for making a bold decision.
The three were astonished at how and when Prince Sir had come to know their entire story.
Dinner was served, and Prince Sir opened a bottle of champagne to toast the new life of Shrikant and Kabir, wishing them well.
The next morning, they had to return to their country. With joyful hearts and sweet surprise, the three returned late at night.
All the staff in the deserted bungalow were astonished to see the guests touch their owner's feet while leaving, and the owner blessed them in return.
