Arohan - The Ascent

Road To Redemption -Part 2

"It's becoming impossible to hold him back. It's been over 15 days, but he still insists on going to see her. I am going mad here," said Minku, scratching his head in confusion.

"This is not love, this is madness. He is as adamant as a stubborn donkey and completely pig headed. I mean what part of, 'we don't want you to get into trouble', does he not understand? This fellow is going down I am telling you guys now," warned Sonu.

"SO?" demanded Jai, furiously. "SO, WHAT?" he screamed. "He is going through a rough patch. But just because he is going through a lean phase, should we abandon him huh? What sort of friends are you. And this is how love is. If everything went to plan and if everything was smooth sailing, how the hell could it be love. So, the next time you get funny ideas, DON'T feel free to share them or say them out loud, do you understand?" he screamed, in defense of his best buddy.

As the three boys bickered over Vicky, they heard the unmistakable sound of a motor bike coming to life. And there was only one motor bike in entire Padrauna, that sounded like that. Vicky's. Minku, Sonu & Jai exchanged uncomfortable glances as Sonu, slowly walked out of the house and saw Vicky's fading silhouette in the distance. His hands rose up to clasp his head."S%$#.... man B!@# S&%$. He's running away. Minku and Jai, bring out the Jeep. This lunatic is about to commit suicide," screamed Sonu.

Hansraj Memorial Hospital – Khushi Nagar – Padrauna District Headquarters

Urvashi's recovery was slow and painful. She had been confined to bed mostly in the last 15 days due to the nature of her injuries. And due to constant lying down, she had got bed sore. Still she herself was surprised that she had survived the fall. "It's probably not my time to go yet," she had said jokingly to Pandit ji, as she lay on the bed barely able to speak. It was more air, than sound coming from her mouth, when she did try to speak.

It would take a further 15 days, for the doctor to try and see if the cast around her rib cage could be removed or perhaps more even. Urvashi could not wait to be free from the hospital as well as go back home. Over the last few days, everyday one teacher from the staff at PZP School (Padrauna Zilla Parishad) had volunteered to be her companion in the hospital, till she was fit enough to return home. Today, one of the primary school teachers, Ms. Tulsi Srivatsav was there to take care of her. The young girl had moved to Padrauna, after her marriage to the friendly and decent Rahul Srivatsav, from a neighboring village. And unable to sit idle at home, she decided to put her education to effective use. And so, 23-year-old Tulsi became a Primary class teacher.She sat in the chair put next to Urvashi's bed and was feeding her some orange, when an unrecognised male form walked into the room.

Tulsi stopped immediately and stood up. "Excuse me? Just where do you think you are going. Please move out or I'll call the hospital staff," warned Tulsi, in a stern, rough voice.

"Please..." said the voice, folding his palm in a namaste. "I am not here to cause any trouble. I just need to speak to Urvashi madam. I am just here to check if she's fine on behalf of Narottam ji.... Please," he said, his face all serious. Tulsi looked from Vicky towards Urvashi., who kept glaring at the man, as if he was the most poisonous snake in the world.

Slowly, while still watching Vicky from the corner of her eyes, she beckoned to Tulsi and seemed to whisper something in her ears. Tulsi looked incredulously from Urvashi towards Vicky.Then she repeated what Urvashi said to her. "Don't come close, stand where you are. Say what you need to quickly and leave. Our madam doesn't want to even see your face for an extra minute," she explained, swallowing hard.