Girl in the Burka

All Boys Are Not The Same

"राम राम सत्य है राम राम सत्य है।" - People chanting,while picking up the last rites of  Rama.
Afreen stood there, like a statue. One person who was the biggest witness was now dead.
In this deepest sorrow, nothing was going in her favour. The Awashtis spread such fear in the town that if they'll speak up for Afreen, they'll not find themselves in the witness box but in a cemetery.
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Next morning in the courtroom.

" Death of the listed witness which took place last night makes me postpone the next hearing. I  ask  the police department to investigate Witness' death. The court is Adjourned." The judge said.
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"I am still not over the fact that death will be the result if anyone will speak for you."Ahar said.
"It's like my fight for justice will cost life of people like Rama ji."
"You don't have to lose courage. This is not the end. Those rich people are trying to break us but they don't know that after this, we're gonna come up with more strength than before."
Farah overheard their talks and intervened " Afreen. I know you own half of this house but atleast don't break the protocols of this house."
"What is it?" Afreen said.
"No young boys are allowed here."
"He's my friend. That rule doesn't apply on him."
"It's okay, Afreen. Maybe I should leave and moreover I have some work at the construction site." Ahar said.
"Look it's not like that. You can stay."
"If he wants to go then why are you forcing him to stay." Farah said.
"I'll see you later, Afreen." As Ahar left, Farah came up to Afreen.
"Is he the next guy you're deciding to run away with?"
"Why don't you wash your mouth before you speak?  You need that." Afreen went straight to her room with extreme anger.
Farah, meanwhile, took her phone and dialled some unknown man.
"Hello! What is it?" The man on other side, said.
"That boy, Ahar, is getting on my nerves. He's provoking Afreen to fight back for justice and all. Beat him up. Do it today."
"Alright. Think it's done."
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"I didn't know you're still into this place?" Ahar came to the same place he once offered Afreen to live.
"Oh, Hey." Afreen was busy staring at the people from the balcony at Ahar's place.
"I just wanted to enjoy this beautiful sight."
"The people?" Ahar asked.
"No. Just imagining a world which could be a better place to live  for girls like me."
"Your imagination is gonna come true very soon." Ahar looked at Afreen and said. " After you left, this place has again become dull as it was. Maybe you can come back and stay here."
"I wish to but you know I can't leave my uncle with that uncouth lady. Hope you understand?"
"Yeah Ofcourse I do.  It's just that I wanted tenants and maybe you and Riya can shift back here."
"I see you have a crush on Riya, isn't it?" Afreen chuckles.
"What no?"
"You have. You surely have."
"Seriously,no."
"You do."
"Afreen, I am gonna.."  And in this playful conversation, Ahar unknowingly touched Afreen which made her abruptly take off his hand as if it was on fire.
"Don't touch." Afreen screamed on Ahar.
"I didn't mean to.."
"Just leave, please."
"Afreen?"
"Leave."
"Okay. Alright."
Ahar left the place leaving Afreen in thought of what did she just do.
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"Rama ji's death has caused a stir in the village." Afreen said.
"But somehow they have claimed that she committed suicide." Naisha said.
"We all know, what kind of people the Awashtis are. We just need the proof that it was a planned murder."
"We're gonna find it." Naisha gave a downcast glance.
"What is it, Naisha?"
"I can't handle the proceedings anymore. On the first day itself, I lost all my confidence. I can't get through all of this all over again."
"Look, this is gonna be difficult for you. You'll have to hear more insults than me. But what you gotta do is, ignore. That'll be your weapon."
"I am trying my best."
"I know that. You are a lionhearted woman. They cannot shove their opinions down your throat. Okay?"
"Thank you for lifting my spirits. I was feeling so down.So what are we gonna do?"
"Do you have any thing which proves that you were raped or maybe that you resigned from prostitution? Any thing?"
"Yeah. I.. I do have a proof."
"What is it?"
"I video called my boss before giving the final resignation letter, in which I clearly stated that I have to leave the job. And I have the call recording."
"Woah! That's all we need. Show it to me."
"Yeah. Have a look."
"The date was 17 February and I sent the resignation letter on 20 February but the letter didn't reach her for some issues and on 23 February Bhavin did that with me."
"That's just a day after I was raped at the river side. Astaghfiruallah! He is a monster. So we have a proof now for your case. Mail me the video." said Afreen.
*Afreen's phone buzzes*
Afreen opened up the message and went into a zone of shock after reading it.
"I must go." Afreen said.
"What is it?"
"Ahar needs me. Bye. I'll see you later."
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Afreen entered the godown where Ahar asked her to reach. On seeing Ahar, drenched with blood, Afreen ran towards him.
"Allah! What happened? Who did this to you? Wait I'll call the ambulance."
"No need,Afreen. Just give me water."
"Are you mad? There's blood all over you. I am calling the ambulance."
While Afreen dialled the ambulance, she gave Ahar some water. And next she sat near him and tried to ease his wound with some water.
"The ambulance will be here soon. But who did this to you?"
"Some men. I was walking home when they suddenly started beating me up and then I ended up here."
"Why would anyone do this?"
"It seemed as if they hold some grudge against me maybe for helping you out."
"Ahh!! Who else it could be?"
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Afreen returned from the hospital and was too steamed up after knowing what Farah did to Ahar.
"How are you feeling?" Afreen asked to Farah just as she entered the hall.
"What?"
"After successfully doing what you wanted to."
"What the hell. What did I do?"
"You've always tried to make me unhappy. Right? And so now when I am on the verge to be happy again, you wouldn't let it happen, right?"
"What is wrong with you? High on something?"
"It is too hard for a rape victim to build trust on a boy.  Because all she sees in every boy is a monster. But Ahar, he is different, he wants to see me smile. He does not want my body or anything else. And he is the only boy who I trust the most but what did you do? You hired some men to beat him up. Wow Kudos to you. Why didn't you hire those 'not so strong by heart' men to beat those monsters, Bhavin or Dhruv. Why didn't you?"
"You're speaking rubbish. You need a psychiatrist."
"Yeah. I do need a psychiatrist. Because living with you has made me mad.I miss my mom. If she would be here she would have ripped your bones apart."
Afreen with tears in her eyes  ran into her room and locked her in.
Not only the world outside her house, but also the world inside her house, has been hard on her.  They say girls biggest triumph card are tears. And why wouldn't they be when world didn't want to see them smile but cry.
Afreen just a few minutes later came out of her room all decked up and dialled Naisha
"Hello Naisha! Meet me at the hospital. I have got something." Afreen said on call.
"Now where the hell are you going with that prostitute?" Farah said.
"Just one unwanted word from your mouth, and I'll forget that you're my uncle's wife. So Beware." Afreen said this and left with extreme vexation.
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At the hospital.