Time passed quickly.
Akshata immersed herself in her studies as the midterm examinations approached.
For the next few weeks, game development, fashion assignments, and business discussions took a back seat.
Her entire focus was on preparing for her exams.
When the last paper ended, she walked out of the examination hall feeling relieved.
For the first time in several weeks, she could finally relax.
That evening, Nagaraju gathered the family at home.
"I've been thinking," he began.
"We've all been so busy with work and studies."
"I think it's time we take a proper family holiday."
Everyone looked at him with interest.
"I was planning for us to visit Dubai during the Dubai Shopping Festival."
Akshata quietly smiled to herself but said nothing.
Her plan was beginning to unfold naturally.
Nagaraju continued,
"Since Amma has never travelled abroad, we'll first arrange her passport and visa."
His mother looked surprised.
"At this age? Do I really need a passport?"
Nagaraju laughed.
"Of course."
"You'll be travelling with all of us."
Within the next few days, the necessary documents were prepared.
Her passport application was completed.
The visa process was started.
Everyone in the immediate family became excited about their first holiday together outside India.
---
One afternoon, while speaking casually with her other two sons over tea, Nagaraju's mother happily mentioned the upcoming Dubai trip.
"Nagaraju is planning to take all of us to Dubai after Akshata's exams."
"It will be our first holiday abroad together."
She didn't think much of it.
It was simply a mother sharing happy news with her family.
The two brothers exchanged a glance.
The younger brother smiled.
"Why don't we all go together?"
His wife immediately agreed.
"That's actually a wonderful idea."
She continued gently,
"Just because we've divided our households and our business doesn't mean we've stopped being a family."
"We may live separately."
"We may work separately."
"But we're still brothers."
"We should spend some quality time together."
The younger uncle nodded.
"Our children rarely get the chance to be together anymore."
"This would be a good opportunity."
For a few moments, everyone remained silent.
The suggestion felt natural.
There had been disagreements in business.
There had been differences in opinion.
But none of that erased the years they had spent growing up together.
Their mother smiled warmly.
"I'll tell Nagaraju."
"I think he'll be happy to hear this."
---
Later that evening, she called Nagaraju.
After listening to the suggestion, he remained thoughtful for a moment.
Then he smiled.
"I don't mind."
"If everyone wants to come, they're welcome."
That evening, Nagaraju sat with his mother after dinner.
She smiled warmly.
"I spoke to your brothers."
"They were very happy to hear about the Dubai trip."
"They said all of us should travel together."
Nagaraju listened quietly before replying.
"I don't have any objection, Amma."
"If they genuinely want to spend quality time together as a family, I would be happy."
His mother smiled.
"I knew you would say that."
"But..." Nagaraju added.
His mother looked at him.
"There is one condition."
"What is it?"
Nagaraju spoke gently, making sure his words did not sound harsh.
"Dubai is an expensive holiday."
"Flights, hotels, food, local travel—it all adds up."
"If your other sons and their families want to join us, I welcome them."
"But their expenses should be borne by them."
"I hope they don't expect me to pay for everyone's holiday."
His mother remained silent, listening carefully.
Nagaraju continued,
"I'm not saying this because I don't want them to come."
"I'm saying it because I don't want money to become an issue later."
"This trip is meant to bring everyone together."
"I don't want misunderstandings over expenses to spoil it."
His mother nodded slowly.
"That is fair."
"I understand."
Nagaraju smiled.
"If you feel they should come, then please speak to them."
"Make it clear before any bookings are made."
"Everyone should know that each family will bear its own expenses."
"That way, there won't be any awkwardness later."
His mother appreciated her son's straightforwardness.
"You've spoken wisely."
"I'll explain it to them exactly as you've said."
The next afternoon, she visited her other two sons.
After exchanging the usual greetings, she brought up the Dubai trip.
"Nagaraju is happy if all of you come."
The brothers smiled.
"But," she continued, "he has one request."
"Since this is an international holiday and the expenses are quite high, each family should pay for its own flights, hotel, and personal expenses."
"There should be no expectation that one family will bear the cost for everyone."
The younger uncle smiled immediately.
"That is completely reasonable."
"We never expected him to pay for us."
His wife nodded.
"We wanted to spend time together as a family, not burden anyone financially."
The elder uncle also agreed.
"Everyone paying for their own family is the fairest arrangement."
Their mother smiled with relief.
"I'm glad all of you think the same way."
For the first time in many years, the conversation between the brothers' families was free from arguments about money or business.
This wasn't about profits.
It wasn't about property.
It was simply about spending a few happy days together as one family.
And that, their mother thought, was worth far more than any amount of money.
That evening, after returning home, Nagaraju's mother sat alone in the courtyard.
The conversations of the day replayed in her mind.
She loved all three of her sons.
Yet, like many mothers, she knew that over the years she had unconsciously favored her youngest son a little more.
It wasn't something she admitted openly.
But in her heart, she knew it.
She sighed softly.
"All three of my sons are earning well now," she thought.
"They are capable of paying for their own families."
"Then why should I expect one son to bear everyone's expenses?"
The thought lingered.
For a brief moment, another voice inside her whispered,
"Nagaraju is doing exceptionally well."
"He has successful television serials, films, and other investments."
"He can afford it."
But almost immediately, she dismissed that thought.
"No..."
"That wouldn't be fair."
She remembered the pain Nagaraju had gone through in past.
He had been hurt deeply.
Not because of money alone...
But because of the emotional distance that had grown between the brothers and brothers betrayal.
Despite everything, he had never stopped respecting her.
He had never spoken harshly to her.
He had welcomed everyone to join the trip without hesitation.
His only request was that each family pay for its own expenses.
The more she thought about it, the more she realized how reasonable that request was.
If she now insisted that Nagaraju should bear everyone's expenses simply because he was wealthier...
What message would that send?
She lowered her head.
"It would only hurt him."
"And if I hurt him again..."
"...he may not argue."
"He may not complain."
"But he may quietly distance himself from me."
That thought frightened her more than anything else.
As she feared her yelder son because of his drinking habit and anger she doesn't want to live with him as for younger one hie is selfish he will not keep her and this son of her he is the best choice.
She had already watched the bond between her sons become weaker after the business split.
She didn't want to lose the affection of the son who still cared for her, and included her in every important moment of his life.
A mother's heart could endure many things.
But the silent distance of a child was one of the hardest.
She folded her hands and whispered a small prayer.
"Let this journey heal our family."
"Not create new misunderstandings."
With that thought, she decided she would never again bring up the matter of expenses.
Each family would travel on its own means.
And if the holiday helped the brothers laugh together again, she would consider it the greatest blessing of all.