Ram remained in an unusually good mood throughout the entire journey.
Ever since he had overheard his parents mention that Pawan Kalyan was waiting at home, he had been unable to calm himself down.
In his previous life, he had watched countless interviews, movie clips, and fan celebrations surrounding the future Power Star.
To him, Pawan Kalyan had always been one of the biggest names in Telugu cinema.
Now he was actually going to meet him in person.
Even after being reborn into the Konidela family, the thought still felt surreal.
Outside the car window, the scenery continued to change.
The busy streets of Chennai slowly gave way to quieter neighborhoods.
The heavy traffic gradually disappeared, replaced by tree-lined roads and spacious residential areas.
The atmosphere became calmer, making it obvious that they were approaching a peaceful locality.
After another few minutes of driving, the car finally slowed before coming to a gentle stop.
“We’re here,” Chiranjeevi said with a small smile as he looked outside.
The driver immediately stepped out and opened the door.
Ram’s curiosity instantly peaked.
As much as his tiny body allowed, he stretched his neck to look toward the entrance.
A moment later, Chiranjeevi carefully lifted him into his arms.
With his free hand, he held Sushmita’s tiny hand while Surekha followed closely behind.
Together, the family walked toward their new residence.
The moment they stepped through the entrance, Ram couldn’t help looking around with interest.
The house was enormous.
Compared to the small rented apartment he had lived in during his previous life, this place looked almost like a mansion.
Rather than following a modern architectural style, the house possessed a traditional elegance.
Large carved wooden doors welcomed visitors inside.
Wide corridors connected different sections of the house.
Beautiful pillars supported the spacious verandas, while an open courtyard allowed sunlight to flood the interior.
Nothing appeared unnecessarily luxurious, yet every corner reflected warmth, history, and family tradition.
Ram nodded inwardly.
This place really suits the Konidela family.
Before he could continue observing the surroundings—
A loud voice echoed throughout the house.
“Anna!
Anna!”
“Where’s my nephew?”
“Hurry!
Show him to me!”
The excited voice belonged to a teenager.
His enthusiasm was impossible to hide.
Before Ram could even react, he suddenly felt himself being lifted from his father’s arms.
The movement was quick, but surprisingly gentle.
A moment later, he found himself face-to-face with a young man whose appearance was instantly familiar.
Pawan Kalyan.
Ram simply stared.
The future Power Star looked far younger than the image stored in his memories.
His face still carried traces of youthful innocence, while his eyes sparkled with excitement and curiosity.
There wasn’t even a hint of the calm, charismatic personality the world would one day know.
Right now…
He simply looked like an overjoyed young uncle.
“So this is my nephew?”
Pawan asked with an enormous grin.
His happiness wasn’t forced in the slightest.
It was genuine.
The simple joy of meeting a newborn member of the family.
He gently poked Ram’s cheek.
Then he poked it again.
A second later, he began making the funniest expressions imaginable, trying to make the baby react.
Ram’s expression gradually became stranger.
Seriously…?
This is the future Power Star?
The man who would one day command millions of fans was currently making silly faces at a newborn.
The contrast was so unexpected that Ram almost laughed internally.
Before Pawan could continue entertaining himself, another voice interrupted him.
“Hey!”
“Why are you keeping the baby all to yourself?”
“Give him here.”
Pawan immediately frowned.
“No.”
“I got him first.”
“Then I’ll hold him second.”
Another voice answered without hesitation.
Ram turned toward the newcomers.
Three people walked into the hall from the living room.
The first was a familiar middle-aged man whom Ram immediately recognized.
Nagendra Babu.
His father’s elder brother.
Standing beside him were two cheerful women, both smiling warmly as they looked toward the newest member of the family.
The excitement in their eyes was obvious.
“Ayyo…”
“He’s so adorable.”
One of them hurried over with a delighted smile.
Before Ram even realized what was happening, he was transferred into yet another pair of loving arms.
Then another.
Then another.
Every family member wanted a chance to hold him.
Unfortunately…
They all shared one dangerous habit.
Kissing.
His cheeks.
His forehead.
Even the top of his tiny head wasn’t spared.
Ram felt completely helpless.
The moment one of his aunts planted yet another kiss on his cheek, he instinctively raised his tiny hand and carefully wiped the spot clean.
The action happened so naturally that he didn’t even think about it.
The room fell silent.
For exactly one second.
Then—
“Hahaha!”
The entire house erupted with laughter.
“Did you see that?”
“He wiped your kiss away!”
“Ayyo, this little fellow already has attitude!”
Even Nagendra Babu couldn’t stop laughing.
Meanwhile, Ram felt completely wronged.
He wasn’t being rude.
He simply valued his personal space.
Apparently, nobody else shared that opinion.
Before the teasing could continue, another familiar voice rang out.
“No!”
Everyone turned simultaneously.
Sushmita stood nearby with both hands on her hips.
Her cheeks were puffed up, and her expression clearly showed her dissatisfaction.
She pointed dramatically toward one of her aunts.
“Pinni!”
“Give my brother back!”
The aunt blinked in confusion.
“Why?”
Sushmita answered with complete seriousness.
“Because you’ll spoil his face!”
Silence filled the room once more.
Then another wave of laughter exploded throughout the house.
Even Chiranjeevi nearly burst into tears from laughing so hard.
Sushmita, however, remained completely serious.
She genuinely believed she was protecting her precious little brother.
Eventually, after much playful persuasion, Ram was finally returned to his sister.
Only then did she smile proudly.
She hugged him carefully, looking exactly like a victorious warrior who had successfully rescued an important treasure.
Watching her expression, the adults could only smile helplessly.
Meanwhile, Ram silently accepted reality.
Life as a baby apparently meant becoming the center of everyone’s attention.
Being passed from one person to another.
Receiving endless kisses.
Listening to adults argue over who got to hold him next.
There was absolutely nothing he could do about it.
Still…
As he looked around the lively house filled with cheerful laughter, affectionate conversations, and smiling family members, a gentle warmth spread through his heart.
For the first time since his rebirth…
He truly felt like he belonged.
Not because of his famous surname.
Not because of his future.
But because this house was filled with people who genuinely welcomed him as one of their own.
The lively atmosphere inside the house continued for quite some time.
Only after everyone had finally spent enough time admiring the newest member of the family did the excitement gradually settle down.
One by one, the family members made their way toward the dining area, chatting and laughing as they walked.
The dining hall reflected the same traditional elegance as the rest of the house.
A long wooden dining table occupied the center of the room, polished to a warm shine after years of careful use.
The aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air, making the house feel even more welcoming.
Even Ram, whose entire diet currently consisted of milk, found the delicious smell surprisingly pleasant.
Soon, everyone gathered around the table.
Nagendra Babu sat beside Chiranjeevi, while Pawan Kalyan occupied the chair opposite them.
Chiranjeevi’s sisters, Vijaya Durga and Madhavi Rao, happily chatted with Surekha as they helped arrange the dishes.
Meanwhile, Sushmita sat proudly with Ram resting in her lap, refusing to let anyone else hold him.
Several adults offered repeatedly.
Each time, she shook her head without hesitation.
“No.”
“I’m taking care of him.”
The determined little girl protected her brother as though she had been officially appointed his bodyguard.
The adults couldn’t help smiling.
Lunch soon began.
The conversations naturally flowed from one topic to another.
Most of them revolved around ordinary family matters—film schedules, relatives, household arrangements, upcoming travel, and stories about recent events.
Nothing particularly important.
Yet the relaxed atmosphere made the meal feel warm and comforting.
Laughter frequently echoed around the dining table.
At one point, Chiranjeevi turned toward his younger brother.
“Pawan.”
The teenager immediately looked up.
“Hmm?”
“How are your studies going?”
The question sounded casual.
Yet everyone at the table instinctively became interested.
Pawan straightened his posture before answering.
“They’re going well.”
His reply came a little too quickly.
Nagendra Babu immediately burst into laughter.
“Going well?”
He looked at Pawan with a teasing grin.
“Should I tell Chiru what happened last week?”
Pawan instantly sensed danger.
His expression stiffened.
Unfortunately for him, Nagendra Babu had already decided to expose the story.
“Our dear Pawan skipped classes.”
The room suddenly became quiet.
Pawan slowly closed his eyes.
He already knew where this conversation was heading.
Nagendra Babu pointed dramatically toward Chiranjeevi.
“He skipped college just to watch your movie shooting.”
The entire dining hall erupted into laughter.
Even Surekha covered her mouth to hide her smile.
Pawan’s face immediately turned bright red.
“Anna!”
“Why are you telling everyone?”
Unfortunately, nobody showed him any mercy.
His sisters laughed.
His brothers laughed.
Even Sushmita joined in despite having no idea what everyone found so funny.
The only person trying to remain serious was Chiranjeevi.
Trying.
Not succeeding.
Eventually, he let out a helpless chuckle before looking at his younger brother.
“Pawan.”
The teenager immediately straightened again.
This time, Chiranjeevi’s voice carried a gentle seriousness.
“I know you love cinema.”
“I know you’re interested in films.”
He paused briefly before continuing.
“And maybe…
one day you’ll even become a great actor.”
Everyone around the table nodded in agreement.
Even at a young age, Pawan possessed a natural screen presence that was difficult to ignore.
“But first,” Chiranjeevi continued, “focus on your education.”
“Studies are important.”
“Opportunities in cinema will always come later.”
“A strong foundation will help you throughout life.”
His words weren’t harsh.
Nor did they sound like a lecture.
They were simply the sincere advice of an elder brother who genuinely cared.
Pawan quietly listened.
After a few moments, he nodded.
“I understand, Anna.”
This time, there wasn’t even a hint of playfulness in his voice.
Seeing his response, Chiranjeevi smiled with satisfaction, and the conversation gradually shifted toward other topics.
A little later, Vijaya Durga suddenly looked toward the baby sleeping peacefully in Sushmita’s lap.
A thoughtful expression crossed her face.
“Chiru.”
“Hmm?”
“When are you planning the naming ceremony?”
The question immediately caught everyone’s attention.
Even Surekha looked toward her husband with curiosity.
After all, their son still hadn’t officially received his name.
Chiranjeevi thought for a moment before answering.
“Next week.”
“We’ll organize everything properly.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
In a traditional family, a naming ceremony was an important occasion.
Relatives would gather together.
Blessings would be offered.
The baby’s official name would finally be announced.
The thought alone filled everyone with anticipation.
Meanwhile, Ram silently listened to the discussion.
It felt strangely amusing.
They were making plans for him.
Yet he couldn’t participate in the conversation.
Not unless he wanted to express his opinion through random baby noises.
For now…
Remaining silent seemed like the wiser choice.
As the adults continued chatting, Ram suddenly noticed something interesting.
His body felt noticeably stronger.
Compared to a few days ago, moving his tiny arms no longer required as much effort.
Curious, he slowly lifted one hand.
Then the other.
His movements felt smoother.
More natural.
He opened and closed his tiny fingers several times before smiling inwardly.
Progress.
Slow.
But undeniable.
At least he wasn’t completely helpless anymore.
Nearby, Sushmita continued carrying out what she believed to be her most important responsibility.
Entertaining her little brother.
After lunch, she carried him into the living room and immediately began telling him stories.
Endless stories.
Some were about brave animals.
Others involved princesses.
A few somehow featured tigers, bicycles, coconut trees, and flying parrots—all in the same story.
Ram genuinely had no idea how any of those things connected.
Yet Sushmita narrated each adventure with complete confidence.
Listening to her innocent imagination, he couldn’t help feeling amused.
Children truly saw the world differently.
The peaceful family gathering continued throughout the afternoon.
The adults relaxed while chatting comfortably.
Occasional laughter echoed through the house.
The children remained happily occupied.
Everything felt calm.
Everything felt harmonious.
Then—
Ding Dong.
The sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the house.
Almost instantly, every conversation came to a stop.
Several family members exchanged puzzled looks.
No one had been expecting visitors.
At least, not as far as anyone knew.
Nagendra Babu looked toward Chiranjeevi.
“Are you expecting someone?”
Chiranjeevi frowned slightly before shaking his head.
“Not that I remember.”
Curiosity spread throughout the room.
Even Ram became interested.
A visitor?
Who could it possibly be?
Without wasting any time, Chiranjeevi stood up from his chair.
“I’ll check.”
Everyone quietly watched him walk toward the entrance.
Meanwhile, Ram stretched his neck as much as possible, trying to see the front door.
Unfortunately, Sushmita’s lap didn’t provide the best viewing angle.
His vision remained mostly blocked.
A few moments later, the front door opened.
Silence followed.
Then Chiranjeevi’s surprised voice echoed through the house.
“Anna Garu!”
His tone carried obvious respect.
“You actually came?”
“It’s a great honor.”
“Please…
come inside.”
Everyone inside immediately became stunned.
Judging from Chiranjeevi’s reaction alone, the visitor clearly wasn’t an ordinary guest.
Even the family members exchanged curious glances.
Meanwhile, Ram’s own curiosity skyrocketed.
He desperately tried to catch a glimpse of the newcomer.
Unfortunately…
From his position, all he could see was a shadow standing beyond the doorway.
Nothing more.
Yet somehow…
His instincts told him that the person who had just arrived would play an important role in his future.
As the mysterious guest finally stepped across the entrance—
Ram’s eyes widened.
His tiny heart skipped a beat.
The identity of the visitor was something he had never expected.
And before anyone inside the room could say another word—
The chapter came to an end.
To Be Continued…
Author’s Note:
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