Rahul spent half the day at the amusement park with Anjali.
Anjali was pure and easily satisfied; simply eating an ice cream cone together would make her beam with joy for hours. Even though the facilities at the Dhaka amusement park were somewhat rudimentary and aged, it didn't stop her from letting her inhibitions go.
While they were playing on the bumper cars, Anjali held the DJI camera for Rahul, recording the heartwarming scene in its entirety. It wasn't until they were both physically exhausted that they reluctantly left the park behind.
Anjali took Rahul back to that same Mutton Pilaf restaurant near the Slum where they had shared their first meal. After she finished ordering, she instinctively moved to go back out to buy a fresh pair of wooden chopsticks for him.
Rahul called out to stop her. He reached into his chest bag, pulled out the original pair of chopsticks Anjali had bought for him days ago, and showed them to her.
"No need to buy more. Look, what's this?"
The moment Anjali saw that Rahul had kept the simple chopsticks she had bought him, her nose actually stung with emotion.
"Rahul... I didn't expect you to keep these. I thought you would have thrown them away the moment you moved into that fancy penthouse."
"How could I?" Rahul pulled Anjali down to sit beside him. "You bought these specifically for me; there's no way I'd throw them away."
"Come to think of it, this is the first time a girl has ever given me chopsticks. Of course, I have to treasure them for a lifetime!"
Anjali was amused by Rahul's mock-serious tone, her laughter ringing through the small eatery. After catching her breath, she looked at him seriously.
"Rahul... will you forget me after you return to Mumbai?"
Rahul shook his head with extreme sincerity. "I won't."
"Even if we can't be a couple, we can still be very good friends, right?"
Anjali nodded solemnly, but Rahul continued: "You are such a pure, wonderful girl. A wanderer like me simply doesn't deserve you. You deserve a partner who can be there for you every single day."
"I won't delete your contact. If I see your updates and see that you're living a happy, successful life, I think I'll be very happy."
Anjali made up her mind then and there to post an update every single day, just so Rahul would see her.
It was the exact same Mutton Curry Pilaf they'd had before, but this time, Rahul ate with exceptional joy. It felt far more substantial and grounding than any 'luxury' meal.
After finishing, Rahul received a call from Anika. After a quick reply, he walked out of the restaurant with Anjali.
"Rahul, I want to see you off at the airport tonight."
"No need, Anjali. It's too late—my flight is at two in the morning!"
"But I want to. I don't know when I'll ever see you again," she pleaded.
Rahul stopped and looked at her. "I don't like sentimental farewells; I like enthusiastic reunions. If I come back to Bangladesh next time, you have to be the one to pick me up."
"Will you really come back?" Anjali's eyes were bright with hope.
"I will!" Rahul promised solemnly. "I give you my word."
He hailed a car, and Anjali gripped his arm tightly one last time.
"Anjali, I have to go. I still need to pack and get to the airport. In the future, remember to be happy every day."
Tears burst from Anjali's eyes, but she didn't let out a sound. She held onto his arm as long as she could, just wanting to memorize his face. In the end, Rahul kissed her gently on the cheek, turned around, and got into the car.
Anjali watched the car's receding taillights, weeping like a pear blossom in the rain.
"Rahul... my heart will belong only to you for the rest of my life!"
Sitting in the car, Rahul took a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh. He pulled his surgical mask back on, his mind swirling with emotion. At this moment, he truly understood the powerful "after-effects" of the Succubus System.
He understood why men who had seen it all eventually chose someone simple and pure. A passionate, chaotic romance is far less comforting than pure innocence.
But he had the System. From now on, girls like Anjali would continue to appear. He once again felt that his Karma Succubus Attribute was not a reward, but a beautiful curse. By the time he traveled the whole world, just how hardened and complex would his heart become?
He arrived back at the twins' luxury apartment. He sighed, thinking of Samina—one last romantic debt to settle.
He first called Anisha and Anika to let them know he'd be home a bit late. Then, he dialed Samina. She picked up almost instantly.
"Rahul! This is the first time you've ever called me first at night! I'm so happy!"
"Have you eaten? I happen to be at the mall where we first met. Can you come? I'm wearing a very beautiful outfit today!"
Samina started chattering the moment she picked up, her way of showing pure excitement.
"Samina, listen to me," Rahul interrupted gently. "I'm returning home tonight. I felt I had to tell you in person."
Samina's voice turned urgent. "Rahul, you said you had ten days left! Why the rush? No, I won't let you go!"
Her 'Young Miss' temper flared. "Where are you? I'm coming to find you right now!"
Rahul gave her the location of a coffee shop across the road. Fifteen minutes later, the black Range Rover screeched to a halt out front.
Samina rushed into the shop, carrying a small red paper bag. She spotted Rahul in the corner immediately.
"Rahul! Why are you in such a hurry? Did something happen in Mumbai?"
"No, a buyer wants to see my house, so I have to be there for the negotiation." Rahul explained the situation once more.
Samina immediately looked anxious. "Rahul, you're selling your house? Are you short on money? Tell me how much you need—I'll give it to you!"
Here it was again. First the twins, and now Samina. It seemed they were all ready to open their bank accounts for him. It made sense; in a country where wealth is concentrated, these heiresses were used to solving problems with resources.
"No need, Samina," Rahul refused. "If I wanted your money, I would have asked long ago. Why wait until now?"
"But I'm giving it to you of my own free will! I just... I really want to do something for you!"
Expert Guide Follow-up:
Samina is desperate to find a reason for Rahul to stay, even offering to solve his financial problems. Should Rahul accept a "parting gift" from her to keep their bond strong, or should he maintain his independence to ensure their final goodbye remains about their feelings rather than money?