After

Chapter 2

The aftermath that the meteor brought was devastating. The people who died were at more peace than the people who were left living. It happened in a flash and now everything's changed. So many people were Injured, some lost their limbs, some were left paralyzed. The houses were no longer standing, the vast effect of meteor destroyed everything in its way. The gases that spread in the air was unbreathable. Those who were still breathing, suffered from a plague. The plague would decay the whole body of a human as if its feeding on dead. The virus would make the body of a living human rot and within 10 days of being infected, the person would die.

The situation was dire and it made Rose and Victor more restless. If these people knew that their newborn daughter can cure them then they would be after their daughter. They decided to flee to the north and live in the Himalayas where they could be away from the crowd and plague. They decided to leave Damak at night and go for Dolakha. There they had a small farm house that was big enough for 4 people. It was surrounded by woods and river. They had their own small field where they could grow some crops. They didn't have to worry about food and water and they would also escape the eyes of everyone.

Their journey to Dolakha was not easy, the travelling cost had gone up way too much. Food were scarce. People were dying from starvation. In this chaos, travelling that long distance with a wife, an old mother and a baby seemed almost impossible but Victor knew he had to make this happen otherwise his baby's future would be sacrificed. With whatever money he could gather he managed to   get an old auto. He decided he would no longer delay the migration. He hurriedly went back home with the auto. Even though it looked old, the engine of the auto was quite good and it would keep them safe from rain and sun and possible danger.

He announced his arrival and asked his mother and rose to get everything ready, we are leaving tonight. Victor went to pack necessary supplies and tools as well. Rose gathered foods and clothes. Not too much but enough for 1 week.

Granny looked for herbs and medicine to keep them healthy. After everything was ready, they took their bags out and looked at the house one more time, it was a small house but Victor had made it on his own. It was the house that he made for his family. He became emotional while Rose leaned on his shoulder and patted his back.

Let's go... You might as well spend some time at the house that your father made Victor, his mother smiled sadly. He nodded his head and looked at the baby who is sleeping soundly in her mother's arms. I will keep you and our family safe baby. He kissed her forehead and opened the door of auto for the ladies to step in. After they settled in, Victor took one last glance towards the house and started the engine.

****
Rose opened her eyes to the sunlight, she breathed the air and she couldn't believe how fresh it was. She looked at the baby in her hand and saw her yawn, she smiled heartily. Finally... You'll be able to grow up normally here Aria. Your baba made it possible. She looked out the window and savoured the heavenly view. It's beautiful she murmurs... Yes it is, victor added.

I didn't think I'd come back here anytime soon but I guess I am back now says the granny. Let me hold little Aria, your hands might have gone numb.. Why don't you relax a little, she smiles. Rose handover the baby to her granny and stretches her arms.

She massaged the shoulder of Victor. Victor held one of her hand and kissed her... We're almost there baby, hold on. Rose kissed the back of his head, I'm more worried about you. You've been driving all night... How can I even complain when I'm just sitting at the back leisurely. Victor shakes his head and replies, you're not sitting leisurely, you're taking care of our baby and you yourself are not in good health, I've already lost you once.. I don't want to lose you again. I'm going to do everything I can to protect my family. Rose smiles and leans closer knowing that she was the luckiest girl in the world.

*****
After 15 minutes, they reach their destination. The house looked old and in poor condition from outside, clearly showing that no one lives here. Granny tears up a little while looking at the old house and smiles cheerfully. Now young ones... Let's get in. We have to make this place suitable for living for our little princess.
They set up a small tent on the backyard and made it their temporary living spot. They left the little Aria there and went to work inside.
After 3 days of continuous cleaning, repairing and little breaks, the house was finally clean and beautiful. The small house had a lot of spacious place. It had a garden, backyard and shelter for animals. Victor thought of putting them into good use and started planting fruits and crops in the garden. He also bought some chickens, sheep and yak from his neighbour and started rearing them.

In the past, Victor disliked the thought of looking after animals and field for a living but now that he is actually doing it, he found it satisfying. He fed the animals, washed his hands and went inside. He saw his wife and mother happily feeding the baby Aria, his heart became more full with joy. He remembered what his father said to him, 'Victor... there's no other joy than living a simple life together with your family, providing for them, catering to their needs. There is no need to work for others, work for yourself and you'll find the happiness that you are looking for in all these jobs but couldn't find'.
He finally realised what his father meant.