Unhinged

Chapter 6

When Sharanya and Shashank entered inside the house they saw around 20-25 people sitting on ground. There was a stage made out of plywood where a man was sitting.

"Sir" Vaibhav said looking at that man "These are my friends, Shashank and Sharanya"

They both were busy looking at the place. It was weird yet very fascinating. There was not a single electric bulb. Different kinds of Candles with different size and shape were burning everywhere.

"Hello Shashank and Sharanya" That man said.

Shashank looked at him and said "Hello"
Sharanya was still not paying attention. Shashank nudged her and then she looked at 'Sir'

"Hello" Sharanya said.

"I welcome you on behalf of our family.. My name is Naveen. Everyone calls me Sir" He introduced himself.

Shashank looked at Naveen. He was a man in his late fifties. He was mildly smiling through his beard and moustache. He was wearing a black coloured formal shirt. Shashank was expecting him to look like a therapist with white apron and notepad but he was looking more like a combination of corporate employee and a religious preacher!

Naveen had very calm expressions on his face, a pleasant smile and twinkling yet serene eyes.

"Please have a seat" Naveen said.

Shashank and Sharanya sat down on ground where everyone was sitting.

Sharanya noticed that Naveen had a very tranquil gaze. As if he was the most happy and peaceful person in the world! Only looking at his face made Sharanya feel relaxed.

What brings you here, my children?" Naveen asked.

"My friend Vaibhav told me that he has a group who will help me find answers to my questions. I come here seeking those answers" Shashank said.

Naveen smiled and nodded. Then he looked at Sharanya "And what about you?"

Shashank looked at her. He knew she would hesitate to talk so he decided to answer for her "We both come for same reason.." Shashank was saying when Naveen stopped him.

"Let her talk.. Even if she's hesitating to talk she should know that no one is going to judge her.. She can be free as a bird here.. Everyone should have their own voice" Naveen said as if he read Shashank's mind.

Sharanya cleared her throat.

"Sharanya.. You are home now.. You can conduct yourself however you like.. We are your family.. We are similar people, like minded people" Naveen said.

Sharanya felt really good. She smiled and said "I seek answers too.. I have many questions which don't let me live peacefully.. I seek peace" She told.

Naveen's eyes were oozing with sympathy and love. He looked at Sharanya and said "You are at the right place, child.. You'll get whatever you want.. We are a community, a family who helps each other through thick and thin.. Look around yourself.. You are surrounded by love"

Sharanya looked around. Everyone had similar expressions like Naveen. They were looking at her with love and compassion. A smile came on her lips.

"We were hearing Radha's story before you both came.. We will continue with that.. " Naveen said "Please tell us your story Radha.."

A girl who was sitting next to Vaibhav cleared her throat.

"I was sixteen when I lost my mother.. My father married me off.. My husband was thirty at that time. Typically he was drunkard, used to beat me, rape me and abuse me.. I had lost all the hopes.. When I met sir, I was a woman without life, without hopes.. Sir guided me through it.. Sir made me realise that I was worthy.. That I deserved better.. Sir made me understood a different meaning of spirituality.. " Radha said.