Instead, he asked another question.
"What if they say no?"
Akshatha smiled.
"Then I'll improve."
"And I'll try again."
"If they reject me because I'm not ready..."
"I'll become ready."
"But I don't want to spend years wondering what would've happened if I had never tried."
Those words stayed with him.
He looked at his daughter with quiet admiration.
This wasn't arrogance.
She wasn't saying she deserved acceptance.
She was saying she wanted the opportunity to earn it.
Finally, Nagaraju spoke.
"Do you know what it means?"
She nodded.
"Leaving home for assignments."
"Constant travel."
"Competition."
"Rejection."
"Long working hours."
"No guarantees."
"I know."
"And you're prepared?"
"I am."
He smiled.
"You've answered every question before I even asked it."
She grinned.
"I know you too well, Appa."
He laughed.
"I suppose you do."
The room fell silent again.
Nagaraju thought for a long moment.
His first instinct as a father was to keep her close.
New York felt unimaginably far away.
A different country.
A different culture.
An industry he barely understood.
But another thought slowly replaced that instinct.
Only minutes earlier, he had told her to choose her own path.
If he truly believed those words...
This was the moment to prove it.
He walked back to the sofa and sat down.
"All right."
Akshatha looked at him expectantly.
"We'll find out exactly what's required."
"No rushing."
"No assumptions."
"We'll prepare properly."
The following week, the father and daughter planned a trip to New York City. Once again, the topic of Akshata's dream of becoming a model became the center of discussion at home. This time, however, her father was not just listening—he was walking beside her, determined to help her take the first steps toward her dream.
When Akshata's elder uncle and his family learned about her decision to pursue modeling, they had their own opinions. But her father remained firm in his belief. In this new life after his rebirth, he had made a promise to himself: if one day his children discovered a passion they truly wanted to pursue, he would stand beside them with unwavering support. He would never allow fear, doubt, or the opinions of others to keep them from chasing their dreams.
For him, it was never about choosing the path for his children; it was about giving them the confidence and the freedom to choose their own. As he and Akshata prepared for their journey to New York City, they were not simply traveling to another place—they were taking the first step toward a future they had dared to believe in. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, as father and daughter.
The day had finally arrived. The father, Akshata, and her younger brother boarded their flight and arrived in New York City together. As a father, he had one simple thought in his heart. If his daughter was going to experience a new country while pursuing her dream, then his son deserved the same opportunity. He wanted both of his children to create unforgettable memories together, so he brought his son along on the journey.
By the time the three of them arrived in New York City, the sun had already begun to set. The city glowed beneath the evening sky, its streets alive with bright lights, towering skyscrapers, and the constant movement of people from every corner of the world. It was Akshata's first glimpse of the city she had dreamed about, and she stood in silent awe as she took it all in.
Her father smiled as he watched both of his children looking around with excitement. For him, this trip was about much more than modeling—it was about giving his children the chance to see the world, dream without limits, and believe that their future could be as vast as the city standing before them.
The next morning, Akshata's father was ready to leave early. His plan was simple—to go straight to the headquarters of IMG and take the first step toward making his daughter's dream a reality.
Just as they were about to leave, Akshata gently stopped him.
"Appa," she said with a smile, "I know we came to New York because of my dream, but let's not forget my brother. This is his first time in a new country too. I don't want this trip to be only about me."
Her father looked at her curiously.
"I've heard people say the best way to understand a new city is to explore it first," she continued. "Let's visit some of the famous tourist spots and a few of the popular malls. We'll get a general feel for the city, enjoy the experience together, and make memories as a family. We can visit IMG after that."
Her younger brother's face immediately lit up with excitement.
Their father smiled with quiet pride. In that moment, he realized that while Akshata was determined to chase her dream, she had not forgotten the people who had come to support her. She wanted her brother to enjoy the journey just as much as she did.
"You're right," he replied. "Dreams are important, but so is family. Let's explore New York together first."
With that, the three of them set out to discover the city—walking through its bustling streets, visiting famous landmarks, and wandering through some of New York's most popular shopping malls.
While they were exploring one of New York City's large shopping malls, Akshata quietly slipped away from the crowd for a few moments. Standing near a glass window overlooking the city, she closed her eyes and reached out to the mysterious space that only she could access.
"Kalpa," she whispered.
She had chosen the name Kalpa because, to everyone else, its existence was unimaginable. No one could ever believe that such a magical realm existed beyond human understanding.
A calm, familiar voice echoed in her mind.
"Yes, Host. How may I help you?"
Akshata smiled softly.
"You told me you would help me through the scouting process. People take it more seriously when a model is discovered by one of IMG's own scouts. I think... I should let you help me now."
Kalpa's warm voice answered immediately.
"Do not worry, Host. As I promised, I will assist you through the scouting process. There is no need to be anxious."
After a brief pause, Kalpa continued.
"In truth, my work has already begun. Because I am connected to you, and because you have been consuming the magical nourishment from my space for the past six months, your body has gradually become healthier, stronger, and more radiant. Your posture, complexion, and overall presence have naturally improved."
"The energy linking us also creates a subtle charm around you. It does not control anyone's mind or take away their free will. Instead, it allows people to notice your confidence and presence more easily. Those who meet you simply find themselves drawn to your natural charisma."