"It was the final will which your father had made. I can't make any alterations to it, Aastha. You should feel happy that your father has left you so many things behind so that you can survive in his absence. Why do you want to transfer all your shares to someone else?," asked the lawyer. "I don't want anything. Whatever is mine, please give it to my siblings," pleaded Aastha. "I still can't do anything. You are not permitted to give your shares to your siblings or stepmother. However, you can give your shares to your spouse and biological children," replied the lawyer. "Yea, I understand. What else can I do? I need your advice," said Aastha. "Don't think much. Just accept whatever you've got. Mr Singh always talked about you to everyone. He used to be so proud of you. I advise you to go for further studies. Why not you apply for a master's degree? The Australian scholarship is open. I know about an organization which gives scholarship to students by providing funds. Its called "Kaur's Scholar". Apply nah! ," the lawyer insisted. "Yea, I know about Australia scholarship but I haven't tried it anytime. The "Kaur's Scholar" I've never heard about it, Mr Chandra," said Aastha. "Yea, it came into the market just an year ago and one of my friends got funded by it. Okay, I'll call you tomorrow and give you more infor about it. But I insist, go for higher education. Mr Singh always wanted to see you succeeding. Although his not with us anymore, but all his teaching and morals has been left behind in you like a mirror image," said the lawyer. "Thankyou so much, Mr Chandra. I'll give a try and see how it goes. I'll take my leave now. See you soon," said Aastha. She kept thinking whether to apply for the scholarship or not. Whenever she thought of not applying for it, her father's picture used to come in her mind. This time, she had to fight a battle on her own. She missed her father's gentle voice, humble heart, soft hands and magnificent eyes which could mesmerize people. She missed his warm hugs and quality time spent with him everyday in balcony, and fighting over a chess game. She missed ironing his clothes, handkerchief and polishing shoes. His eye glasses remained closed in his case which would never open again. People used to envy his handwriting. It was as if, a typewriter had done it so well. "Why did you leave me and went so soon, Pa?," Aastha sobbed.
Kabir had been busy with his work lately. He began missing his meals nowadays. Work was his first priority and he gave his 100% commitment it. He received a call from Mr Chandra and planned for a cup of coffee the following day.
"I'm so glad that you came here. I understand that you are busy but I need your help," said Kabir. "So am I, Kabir. I'm always here to help you. First and foremost, I've tried my best to insist your friend, Aastha to go for higher education. She still looked undecided to me but let's see. She's been missing her father lately," replied the lawyer. "Yea, he passed away suddenly and Aastha was quite attached to him. I hope you did not revealed anything to her about "Kaur's Scholar " otherwise I'll go in a loss," said Kabir. "No, no! I haven't. She looked abit interested into it. What's our second step, Kabir?," asked the lawyer. "Mr Chandra, I need you to call Aastha and give abit of information about "Kaur's Scholar ". I mean, the criteria, procedure, paperwork and etc. Say something which makes her absorb it. Once she says yes, it won't take long for me to process it. She's on the verge to give her shares to her siblings so what if she gives it? She won't have funds for going into higher education. So I just want to fund her from my side. Don't worry about the fees. I'll bear the cost," said Kabir. "Okay, I get it. Why am I getting that feeling that you love her? I don't think she's just your friend!," exclaimed the lawyer. "Well! No lies to you but I do love her but unfortunately she doesn't. Sometimes love takes different dimensions. You never know which dimension you fall into, aye?," laughed Kabir.
At the following night, Aastha set in her and began packing her clothes in advance. She looked at a locket which had her father's picture on one side and her picture on the other side. It was the only memory she had. She closed it nicely and wrapped it in a soft cloth. The phone rang out of sudden. It was Mr Singh's lawyer. "Hey, how's it going?," the lawyer asked. "Nothing much, just setting up my room," said Aastha. The lawyer smiled and said, "oh okay. You seem to be tired, these days. Anyway, I called you to let you know more about the "Kaur's Scholar ". Its a fully funded organization which gives opportunity to people who wish to pursue studies anyone in the world. Age is not a barrier! They'll provide you with allowances every semester or whatever mode you follow. All you need to do is, fill in a form like all your personal details and so forth, with a good expression of interest. Your expression of interest matters the most. You'll have to provide at least two valid ID of yours, birth certificate and rent agreement if you are renting. In your case, I want you to attach all your transcripts and if possible, get a good letter from your lecturer, if you are in touch. If you'll provide something extra, the more chances you'll have to get hold of that scholarship."
Aastha took a breath and replied, "I don't know whether I should apply for it or no." "Come on Aastha! It's not a rocket-science!," exclaimed the lawyer. After so many hesitations and confusions, Aastha finally agreed to it. Mr Chandra emailed her the form and asked her to fill it and email him back.
On the other side, Kabir was elated to get a positive news from Mr Chandra. Little did Aastha know but, the world was about to take a different dimension with bundles of joy and surprises.
