"This village... this place is not only our birthplace but the root of our lives," Karthi said calmly. "We have spent half our lives here, and we want to carry our culture and traditions forward to future generations."
He looked around at the fields stretching into the distance.
"We have a responsibility to make this society stronger. We stay here not only to develop this place in every possible way but also because this is where we feel warmth, strength, health, and happiness."
Karthi paused for a moment and smiled.
"And most importantly... satisfaction."
SK crossed his arms.
"It's good that you want to live here and have a happy life, but we don't want that."
Karthi remained silent.
"People like us go to cities and create our own world," SK continued. "We find our own happiness there. We support culture and traditions too... but in our world."
Karthi nodded.
"We all live in one world, SK. A world that needs our contribution. We are a part of something bigger than ourselves. It isn't only about creating our own world."
Before SK could reply, his father arrived.
"Hey, Karthi! When did you come here?"
SK answered before Karthi could speak.
"Father, he came to give you some organic honey."
"Why didn't you tell me?" his father asked.
Then looking at Karthi's face, SK added sarcastically,
"I'll arrange something much better for you."
His father looked at him for a moment and then at Karthi.
Walking forward, he placed a hand on Karthi's shoulder.
"SK, do you know whom you're talking to?"
SK shrugged.
"A person who stays in a village with no real work and talks about roots just for satisfaction."
Instead of getting angry, his father smiled.
"You still judge people based on money alone."
SK's expression stiffened.
"Then listen carefully," his father continued. "He is one of the wealthiest people among all the villages in this district. Not only that, he has the authority to resolve disputes across these villages and has also supported Alpha Projects."
He paused.
"Do you even know what Alpha Project means?"
For the first time, SK looked at Karthi with genuine surprise.
An awkward silence followed.
Without another word, SK turned and walked away.
Karthi sighed.
"What was that, Uncle? Why did you say so much? I'm not that great."
K Uncle laughed softly.
"That's exactly why people respect you. You choose to stay connected to your roots instead of running after money."
He smiled warmly.
"And being a part of Alpha... that itself is something to be proud of."
Karthi had no reply.
He simply smiled, handed over the honey, and took his leave.
When K Uncle entered the house, he noticed Shanaya standing near the window.
She had been watching everything.
A smile appeared on her face.
K Uncle raised an eyebrow as if asking, What happened?
She responded with the same playful expression and pointed outside, silently asking about Karthi.
Instead of answering, K Uncle opened the honey bottle.
"First, taste this."
Shanaya dipped a spoon into the honey and tasted it.
Her eyes widened.
"Wow! This is amazing."
K Uncle chuckled.
She hesitated for a moment before asking,
"Dadaji... why did Papa get so angry?"
K Uncle sat down.
"Beta, you're twenty-two years old now, and yet you still haven't fully understood your father's habits."
"What do you mean?"
"He has never liked people who love village life and can influence others through their thoughts. He believes success exists only in cities."
Shanaya nodded slowly.
"Well," K Uncle continued with a smile, "your father is leaving for the city tonight, isn't he?"
"Yes."
"Then that's perfect. This Dada and his granddaughter can enjoy a peaceful village walk."
Shanaya laughed.
"Okay, sure! We'll go after dinner."
"Done."
Both of them smiled, already looking forward to the evening walk.