In A Blink...

Chapter 1

                ••••••Flashback••••••
We come down the steps of the government office and breathe a sigh of relief. Finally they have sanctioned our request for a plot, one needed to complete our project.

Akku and I have been working on our dream project for almost 4 years.We have come up with the plan of starting "The Indian Village". As the first step of the plan, we needed a good plot, so that our housing projects can be put into action. Since we get to do a lot of social service(one of the best parts about our college) , we get to see a lot of places and are exposed to various kinds of people and their conditions.

It's during one such free medical check-up camp that we found our ideal plot. Our professors, who are senior doctors, accompany us to these services.

It was a little village that was extremely overcrowded, often mistook for a slum.

Tables, chairs and beds for the camp were in tents in a small playground nearby. We jump into action as soon as we arrive. One after the other, people moved in and out the tents. Having gotten used to rush, we worked fast yet gave care to each patient. There were people of all ages, who came in with something as small as a runny nose to something as grave as tumor. Serious cases were quickly rushed to medical college while we dealt with the other cases.

Even in the hustle and bustle, there was something about that place that didn't make me want to leave.

By 6:00 p.m, the last patient had moved out. "Akku..." I whispered while washing my hands. " is there something about this place ? "

" I was thinking about the same thing!”

It was from that moment we started our fight for the village.

It took us 2 whole months. We spoke to our senior professors , who advised us to take it slow but to advance bravely, and then to the villagers.

At first , there was a huge rejection but then we put our idea in front of them, to give them homes, facilities and education. They thought that we were going to use them for money from the government and play with their lives, like some rich businessman and politicians had done.

Some even threatened to kill us. But we stood strong, in prayer and might and walked from home to home, to talk to families about  their  issues and how we can help. Eventually, after a month of hard work , they gave in.

Later, we realise that government officers harder to convince. A trek  was one we dreaded but now we are finally done with it.

We drive to a nearby cafe.

" I am so happy it's  done! Whew!" Akku relaxes into a chair.

" Yeah ... And to think that it took so long... Finally our plan is coming into action... But..." I wait till the waiter, who brought our shakes, leaves.

" But what? "Akku sips her drink.

" But we need money which means we have to hunt for sponsors, philanthropists... "I rest my chin in my hand, tired.

"Hmm, don't worry. We've  come this far .There is a time for everything... all we can do is wait in prayer.... " Akku smiles reassuringly.

After reaching our flat, we freshen up and go for a nap.
In the evening, I call up Avu. She is constantly updated about our plans and progress.
Right now, she is excited. " This is amazing! " she squeals.

" I know. Hey! Do you know anyone who would fund or sponsor us? " I ask.

" Let's see... " I hear her mumbling as though she is trying to recollect something.

" Ah, yes! My boss! " She exclaims after a thought.

"Huh? Your boss? " I'm perplexed.

"Yes! I know he's into fundraisers and all that... I heard him talk about it the other day.. Why don't you give it a shot? "

" You think he'll help? "

" Hell yeah! He's a multibillionaire!! "

"Oh, such a big guy huh?.... How can we meet him?"

"Umm... I can try to get an appointment with him, if you want. "

"That would be great. "
I hear the front door being unlocked.

"See of it can be arranged fast. The sooner, the better. "

" Ok! Got to go. Talk to you later. Bye!!" She cuts the call.

Al comes in tired and throws the keys onto the nearby table. "Hey!" I call out.

"Hey... " comes the reply as he moves towards his room.

"Guess what? "

"What?"

"We got the plot! They sanctioned our request!!"

"What??!?? Are you serious?? "He gives me a tight hug.

" Wow!"He exclaims, happiness knowing no bounds.

"I know right! "I smile.

Hearing the commotion, Akku walks out of our room, rubbing her eyes, half asleep.

" You've come back... "she yawns. " Ash! Coffee, please! "

"One for me too. " Al moves to his room. "By the way, this calls for a celebration! "

The rich aroma of coffee fills our flat as I place the mugs on the table.

"So... what next?" Al asks taking a seat, "We need cash, a proper plan..."

I stir the black liquid, it's steam caressing my face. "Hmm... "

"How was your day? " Akku pipes in.

"Ok I guess. I completed the group assignment as my teammates finally showed up at the college with their parts of the assignment. Next time, I'm gonna request to be put along with you guys. Those dorks don't even care about what they are doing... "

We chuckle.

"So, dinner's on you guys? "

" Isn't it always on us? " I point out.

"Tonight, dinner's on you! " Akku adds.

"Ok then. Pizza it is! " He gives us a wide smile.