The Valley of Storms - A Love Story

Introduction

Sagarika was the daughter of Indu Pratap and Samar Pratap. Indu was a powerful social worker who always accompanied her husband, Samar, a powerful politician. Indu and Samar had a big influence on the life of the people of their area. They lived their lives for the population and their status. They were constantly busy trying to safeguard their position, at all cost.

When they met, they were having constant fights and disagreements. Circumstances made them to get married. Indu’s father was a man from the people and Samar would have got no better opportunity to get accepted within the common people. Slowly, Indu learned to love Samar. They two started liking each other’s company. While fulfilling their responsibilities towards the public, they forgot that they had a child.

Small, they left her many times alone to take care of herself. She grew up with her dog, James, as her best friend. It was the only companion she had throughout her life. She did not complain. She got to grow up faster than other children were. She was more responsible and mature.

She was fine with everything the world told her. She loved her parents. She knew and understood that they were busy. She never like to have a maid to look after her, hence they never kept one. She did not like her surrounding to criticize her parents. They were perfect as they were, for her.

At the age of twenty four, however, there was some change that happened in her life. Sagarika was henceforth in-charged of Samar’s marketing team. She was responsible of the rallies, strategies and steps to be taken throughout.

The election was near. The opposing team was statistically stronger than them. Sagarika was to meet her father to discuss the situation and find solutions. That night when she did go to meet him, he was accompanied by Balbir. The latter was to help them in the campaign. He was changing team, from their main opponent camp, so as to help Samar. Sagarika doubted his intentions. She accepted his help readily though, and asked to talk to Samar in private after the new boy left.

What happened princess?

Dad, I miss you. We hardly meet these days. I want to spend time with my father, not boss.

Can’t we mix both of them?

You know I do not like to do this. I have to keep it professional to be 100% efficient. No feelings on ground! You always said it!

I did, baby. I did. But now I miss you a lot.

And mamma, you do miss her?

I spend more time with her than you. We do have appearances and dinner together.

I work Dad. You have to win this election. You are the best person.

Thank you! Sagarika, why don’t you have dinner with us tonight? Indu will be shocked to see you home on time. Work is done today, isn’t it?

There is that boy, Balbir. I need to think about the responsibilities to entrust him.

We’ll think about that together, while eating. Let’s go! I’ll call Indu and let her know…

No! Don’t! Let it be a true surprise!

As you wish, boss!

They went in Samar’s car, while Sagarika’s followed. In the car, the girl shared her anxieties about the new boy to her father.

Dad you sure that Balbir is right?

What do you mean?

Balbir has done many unethical things in politics for Chandra. And he is the childhood friend of Prithviraj. Or you do not trust me? You think I am not worth it and cannot make you win?

Sagarika, this is purely political strategies. I know that Balbir is good. He is efficient. Rest I leave on the head of Marketing. That is my job.

You are handing over more jobs to me! You are so mean! Had you not been my father…

I take every advantage I can because of this detail. Prithviraj and you are friends?

We do talk when we come across each other.

He is older than you, much older.

Dad! I meet thousands of people. I know that we are not of the same age group. Right now I have to make you win anyway.

Hardly had they entered the house that they hear the breaking news on television: Samar Pratap has raped a party worker, Shruti, and promised her a ticket. She has joined Sakseria camp and has filed a case against him.

Mamma!

Sagarika! Is everything good? Is this true?

Calm down! Drink something! Where is Veer? Veer, please get some water for Mamma.

What nonsense is this? You both know I am not like this. I have been in this field for so many years...

But they are showing these on TV. It will affect your campaign, Sagarika?

Dad, go to your room and wait for me! Do not get excited! Mom, relax!

I will …

Not do anything! Go freshen up! Now! I'll handle this, my way!

What do you think is going to happen next? Your views are important :)