I'd be happy to continue.
The family spent the morning exploring the countless stores inside Dubai Mall.
The younger cousins were fascinated by the toy shops, while the elders admired the architecture and elegant interiors.
After browsing through several clothing stores, everyone began shopping.
Akshata's mother selected a few dresses, while the younger and elder aunts found comfortable shoes they liked.
There was laughter as everyone gave opinions on colors and styles.
"That one suits you better," the younger aunt said, holding up another dress for Akshata's mother.
"I think you're right," she replied with a smile.
The shopping bags slowly began to pile up.
---
As they continued walking, they reached one of the jewellery stores participating in the Dubai Shopping Festival promotions.
Beautiful gold ornaments glittered beneath the bright lights.
Akshata's mother admired a delicate bracelet displayed in the showcase.
"It's beautiful," she said softly.
The elder and younger aunts also found a few designs they liked.
Nagaraju noticed his wife's expression.
He smiled.
"Go ahead and try it."
She looked at him.
"Are you sure?"
He nodded.
"You rarely buy jewellery for yourself."
"This one suits you."
The salesman carefully brought out the bracelet for her to try.
Meanwhile, Nagaraju turned toward another display.
He picked up a graceful gold bracelet designed for a young girl.
He looked at Akshata.
"This would look nice on you."
Akshata smiled.
"You don't have to buy me anything, Appa."
"I know."
"But I want to."
After a little more discussion, Nagaraju purchased the bracelet for his wife and another for Akshata.
Together, the two bracelets weighed around fifteen grams.
Once the billing was completed, the salesman smiled.
"Congratulations, sir."
"Your purchase qualifies for the Dubai Shopping Festival promotion."
He reached beneath the counter and handed Nagaraju three raffle coupons.
"Please fill these in and drop them into the official raffle box."
"If you're lucky, you could win one of the festival prizes."
The younger cousins became excited immediately.
"Really?"
"People actually win these?"
The salesman nodded with a smile.
"Many winners have already been announced during the festival."
"Every eligible coupon has a chance."
Manu looked at the coupons with wide eyes.
"Appa, imagine if we won!"
Everyone laughed.
"It would certainly make the holiday unforgettable," Nagaraju replied.
Akshata quietly accepted one of the coupons and looked at it for a brief moment.
Inside her mind, she entered the endless white space.
"Kalpa."
The familiar voice answered.
"I am here, Host."
Akshata looked at the glowing coupon in her hand.
"If it is within the limits of what is possible..."
"I want one of our family's raffle coupons to receive the grand prize."
The white space shimmered gently.
After a moment, Kalpa replied,
"I can attempt to nudge events only within very narrow limits."
"I cannot rewrite reality."
"I cannot guarantee the outcome of a random drawing."
"There is no certainty."
Akshata folded her arms.
"You always tell me about limits."
"If you can't even try to help with something this small..."
"...then what is the benefit of having a magical space at all?"
For the first time, Kalpa remained silent for several moments.
Then the voice finally answered,
"I will do what I can."
"But remember, Host..."
"A possibility is not a promise."
The white space faded.
Akshata returned to the jewellery store just as Nagaraju finished filling in the details on the coupons.
At that very moment, the elder aunt and the younger aunt also decided to purchase a few gold ornaments they had admired earlier.
Their purchases also qualified for the Dubai Shopping Festival promotion.
The sales staff handed each family their own raffle coupons.
The three families carefully filled in their details before walking together toward the large transparent raffle box placed near the entrance.
One by one...
The coupons disappeared into the box.
Now, all that remained was to wait.
After spending the entire day exploring Dubai Mall, the family finally made their way back toward the hotel.
Everyone carried shopping bags.
The younger cousins were still excitedly discussing the aquarium and the enormous mall.
"I wish we could come here again tomorrow," Manu said with a grin.
The others laughed.
On the way back, Nagaraju asked the driver to stop at a nearby ENOC fuel station.
"I'll just get some snacks for tonight," he said.
Akshata stepped out with him.
She picked up a few packets of chips, bottled water, fruit juice, and some chocolates for everyone.
After reaching the counter, Nagaraju paid the bill.
The cashier smiled as he printed the receipt.
"Congratulations, sir."
"Your purchase qualifies for our Dubai Shopping Festival promotion."
He reached below the counter and handed over a few raffle coupons.
"Please fill in your name and contact details."
"If your coupon is selected, you could win one of the festival prizes."
Manu's eyes widened once again.
"Again?"
"Another raffle?"
The cashier laughed.
"Yes."
"The festival has promotions at participating outlets, including ENOC service stations."
Nagaraju filled in his name, hotel contact details, and mobile number on the coupons.
The completed coupons were then dropped into the official raffle collection box near the entrance.
Akshata quietly watched them disappear inside.
Once again, she closed her eyes for a brief moment.
The endless white space appeared.
"Kalpa..."
The familiar voice answered.
"I am here, Host."
Akshata smiled.
"Looks like fate has given us another opportunity."
Kalpa replied calmly.
"The additional coupons increase the number of valid entries."
"But every entry remains part of a random draw."
"I understand," Akshata said.
"If there is any small influence you can exert within your limits..."
"...please let one of Appa's coupons be chosen."
The white space shimmered softly.
"I shall try."
"No more can be promised."
Akshata opened her eyes.
She accepted the answer without arguing this time.
Even a small possibility was better than none.
---
That evening, the family returned to the hotel tired but happy.
The children compared their purchases while the elders enjoyed tea before retiring for the night.
A few days later, as the Dubai Shopping Festival neared its final celebrations, the raffle entries from participating stores and fuel stations were collected.
The organizers conducted the official draw in the presence of representatives and observers.
Like every year, the winning numbers would be announced publicly, and the winners would also be contacted using the phone numbers provided on their entry forms.
For the grand prizes, the winners would later be invited to an official prize presentation ceremony to receive their awards.
Back in the hotel room, none of the family members knew whether any of their coupons had been selected.
To them, it had simply been a bit of fun during their holiday.
Only Akshata silently looked toward the night sky.
Somewhere...
Among thousands upon thousands of raffle coupons...
She hoped one carried her father's name.