Arohan - The Ascent

Commence The Arohan

Vicky woke up early in the morning next day. The previous evening, when his friends took him home to Narottam's house, he refused to have anything to do with Vicky. "I have nothing to do with you. You are free to go. You don't have to work for me anymore," Narottam had said, as though someone had put the fear of Gad into him, prohibiting him from having anything to do with Vicky. Narottam, even warned the other boys working for him. "If you fools want to keep your lives, stay away from that fellow. He is a purest jinx," he had stated.

They somehow managed to convince Narottam to let Vicky stay in the Haveli for the night and the next day they would find another place for him to go to, they promised. And so Vicky found a temporary shelter. Minku, Sonu and Jai wondered at the change in Vicky's personality. The once outspoken, eccentric, wild dressing, street smart Vicky was no more.

He was instead replaced by a brooding, silent young man, who seemed like he was on some kind of a mission. They only hoped that whatever his mission was, it did not involve the new teacher, as Urvashi had now come to be known in the village.

As soon as he woke up, Vicky finished his morning rituals and got dressed in clean clothes that Jai had loaned him. When he knew it was time, he walked straight to the Padruna Zilla Parishad High School premises.It was just past assembly time and the students slowly walked back into their classrooms in neat files.

All the teachers slowly walked towards the staff rooms too. She was there too, standing in an off white Salwar Kameez, the dupatta of her dress, draped over her chest, over both her shoulders. He remembered how beautiful she was, but on that particular, in that particular dress, she looked more beautiful than ever.. He slowly made his way towards the Teacher's line and when he was within hearing distance, called out to her, "Madam!"

All the teachers looked toward voice and Urvashi recognised him instantly. She froze in her tracks, the unexpected sight of him, standing in front of her, free to do as he pleased, sending a chill down her spine. Why had he come to school, what was he going to do this time? Did he by any chance harbour intentions of pouring acid over her? Her eyes widened in fear.

Pandit Ji noticed him too and immediately called out to the peon to take Vicky out of the Campus. As the peon came over to push Vicky out, he looked from Urvashi towards Pandit Ji.

 "I am not here to cause trouble Sir, I just need to talk to Urvashi madam," he pleaded.

"No, I don't think she wants to talk to you.So please leave," warned Pandit ji.

Vicky turned towards Urvashi then. "You came to rescue me in prison, when no one could help me. Now all I am asking is to speak to you for a few minutes. After that I will go away...Please," he requested.

Urvashi watched him with suspicion unable to believe him, knowing fully well the violence he was capable of. "Check him first," she said to the peon, as the rest of staff stood and watched wile the peon searched through Vicky's body. 

"Nothing mam, he's ok," he confirmed to Urvashi.

She turned to the rest of the staff. "Please go back to your classes. Don't worry. Ratan Lal ji will stay with me, in case he gets any funny ideas," she said, making sure, Vicky heard what she said. "Tell me what you need to speak to me about?" asked him, maintaining her distance from him.Vicky looked at her with sad eyes. "I need your help madam," he said.