THE STORY OF LIFE | A 21ST CENTURY RAMAYANA

SHOWDOWN

Sushen completed 3 more rounds of doses and only then was Lakshman allowed to consume any food; they had to ensure his body was strong enough to take in the degrading quality of food.

"Hes a miracle," Sushen said," Im saying this for the umpteenth time I know, but I, being a doctor, have never seen someone of such strength or calibre. He is just beyond my scientific comprehension."

Ram patted Lakshman on the back and smiled.

"He's always been so." But he noticed, that Lakshman was not his usual self. Yes, there was a physical exertion, but his eyes too were blank and tired, something very uncommon in him.

"What happened Lakshman?" Ram asked.

Lakshman looked down and fidgeted with the sand.

"Siya Bhabi and Urmila.. I guess they have been told that I am dead. What will go over them?"

Ram sighed .

"I believe they know better."

-------------

The last three days had been tumultuous for Urmila. She and Siya had learnt of Lakshman. But their hearts, refused to believe a tinge of it, atleast when the heard it.

And when Indraniel showed her the piece of his shirt, she was shook, no doubt. But still, she had faith on her love.

But of late, her heart had sunk. Every day, Neil would barge into her room, drunk most of the time, and say things which she knew were too explicit to be true. But the fact was, even Siya could not give her the moral support this time she hoped to receive. The other day, as they talked beyond the walls,

"Siya di, Lakshman will be alright na?"

"Uh..I.." *sobs*

"Di, are you crying?"

"Urmi, dont get me wrong. I know deep in my heart that nothing can touch Lakshman when Ram is around him, but the thing is I know of this too, that Ram himself is not in a good condition. Physically, mentally and emotionally, they have been tortured by time. So, a part of them is bound to break.."

"Di please! Please you dont say this !"

"Urmi, dont lose heart. They will not be harmed, but yes, when they come to take us, you cant expect them to stand in front of you spotless. Its the harsh truth dear, and we must accept it."

As Urmila sobbed, Siya raised her voice a little louder and consoled her,

"Urmi, stay strong. Remember what Dad used to teach us always? He always told us not to shatter even when we hit the ground, so let alone break. Don't break down. Lakshman will be fine. Have faith in your love."

She was sitting in her room presently, eyes closed and in prayer when she heard screams outside. The voices of a man and her attendant.

"I dont want her out on any account! She will not move till this isn't over!" The man yelled.

The attendant came inside after a few minutes, and Urmila kept silent, though curious.

"Theres good news for you," The attendant said.

"Good news?" Urmila asked startled.

"Hm. Good or bad I cant say, but do you want to know?"