The Avenging Act

Chapter-1

2009-01-04T00:01:00.000+05:30

Shopping was a weekend routine which Abhita Sahni never missed. Today was no different; she had come to Jan path to shop for clothes, accessories and any other things she could lay her hands on. This ritual was basically performed not for need, but to fill gaps in her lonely life. Abhita, 23 years old worked in an export house as a human resource executive. The job was good, satisfying, she had plenty of money to spend then she did in Ludhiana, where her parents lived, and where she had been born and lived most of her life. Education got her out of Ludhiana, and she decided to stay in Delhi after her studies, as she had got this job. Life was lonely here; she lived in a flat with another girl, neha who was originally from Ambala. Now as she looked into the mirror to checkout a pair of glares she reflected on her features. Fair complexioned, she wasn’t very pretty, but was definitely smart. She loved her jet black hair, but her previous beau was very fond of her lips, though he never got a chance to feel them. Her current beau was crazy about her dark black eyes; at least that’s what he claimed.

She bought 3 pair of jeans,6 novels, t-shirts, few night dresses ,formals for her office, and many other miscellaneous items, mostly for biding away her time. She checked her watch, it was around noon. She had come early as most of the day she was going to spend with Nishant; Neha was away in Bangalore for a training camp organized by her company. As she walked by the busy streets of Connaught place, she smiled to acknowledge the fact that she loved this place, here she had come for her first date with Anik, he was a nice guy she was thinking, but but desperate kinds. She looked around, she would walk a little more, to hanuman temple and then bangla sahib gurudwara, another weekly ritual. She would visit these places once a week, for the peace that she achieved in these places of worship. So Connaught place was a weekly routine, for shopping, fun and prayers. By this time she knew that someone was defiantly following her. The first time, it had happened, she was scared to death, even cried the whole night, but now with time, she had learnt to deal with this harsh reality that there were several men on the street with no respect for women. She was now used to prowling eyes, and even had on some occasions slapped the guy who had tried to touch her or pinch her. So she didn’t pay any attention to the two men who were following her, after all this is what they do half the time, don’t they? Either they will hurl verbal abuses or make scathing remarks, or maximum like the incident last month try pinching her bottom.

But she didn’t know that they had more sinister plans for her then she had expected.

Chapter-2

2009-01-03T23:58:00.000+05:30

One man, about 6 feet in height, grabbed her by the shoulder; the other pushed them both into a public toilet, just off the road. Abhita was too startled that she couldn’t react to what happened at that moment. She was nauseated by the stink of the toilet, and shouted for help, but she was pushed down by one of the men, who was kicking her, and hurling abuses at her. The other pulled him back, asked him to guard the door, felt her breasts, then her body, finally reaching his hands to her underwear beneath her long skirt, he tore it off, and entered into her, she cried and howled, but no one came to her rescue. A man came to use the toilet, but was pushed away by the guard standing at the door; he saw what was happening, but said nothing and went away. He didn’t even stop the men from verbally abusing the helpless girl. She tried defending herself, by kicking him hard, as hard as she could, but he was physically more stronger then her, not only resisted her attacks, but when he was over, with his pleasure he punched her hard in the face, he smooched her, muttered more abuses, zipped up his pants, and asked his partner to take his turn. “Le to bi Karle Randi ke sath.”[Go and do with that prostitute] he asked him, while taking up the guard at the door. The second man was more brutal then the first, he first boated her up thoroughly, and then raped her twice. By this time, all her defenses had been paralyzed, and she lay there near the toilet, to be raped again by that man, who then tore off her t-shirt. Feeling her breasts, hurling abuses at her, words she had never listened to before, things which never had anyone done to her. Once he paused. He sat crossed legs on the floor, grabbed her head from behind, forced it to her erect penis, and made her suck it, again and again. His sperm, lacing her pretty, battered face.

The man wouldn’t have stopped had his partner not stopped him. “She will die, you fool.”, and with much persuasion, he tried to stop him, but as they were about to leave, he turned her around and tried to get his penis into her anus. The other man tried to stop him, but he was cursed too, finally somehow he managed to take him away. As they were leaving, the man who had raped her first threw the shopping bags lying near the toilet door at her. “Wear something.”

Abhita wasn’t sure, how much time, she had been lying there, but when she got up, she wore another t-shirt and the skirt, was all battered, blood flowing from various parts of her body. She grabbed up her bags, cleaned herself with her torn t-shirt, and went outside.Across the street, two policemen were standing. She went up towards them, and one of them looked at her skirt, then at her face, and remarked. “Dhang ke kapde pehna karo.”[Wear proper clothes.]She ran away as fast as she could. The policemen made not effort to stop her or run behind her. She knew the area well. She straight away approached to the nearby hospital. She was exhausted and sick. She needed help. She entered the government hospital and was terrified by the rush of patients there. She approached the receptionist, who asked her to wait in line, she was about to persuade her about her case , when a lady in queue snapped her, and asked her curtly to wait , she approached a ward boy, who informed her that no doctor would be available as they all had gone for lunch. She went up to a nurse, who replied very sharply that she was busy.

Frustrated and tired she took an auto, to her flat in janakpuri. In the auto, she removed the pepper spray from her bag, which she had kept for her safety. Throwing it away, she suddenly realized the meaning of what had happened today. She had been raped, and life would never be the same again.

Chapter-3

2009-01-03T23:55:00.000+05:30

It was only when the doorbell had rung for the 5^th time that she woke up. The clock near the bed showed 5 o’clock. It had been only few hours that she had slept. Her head was aching badly. As soon as she had come home, she had called up Nishant, who was very shocked and stammered, that he wouldn’t be able to come down due to some important work that come up at the last moment. The way he had made the excuse she knew that everything between them was over now. She couldn’t call up her parents and disturbing neha was useless. When she came back, she would be informed then. She felt very lonely, sobbed and slept. Now as the door bell rung, she wished that Nishant had really dropped by.

The tall, fair-complexioned, man with a thick beard, hair black and ruffled, eyes of the same color was not Nishant but Anik.She was surprised at seeing him, and he was equally surprised to see her that way. He felt embarrassed as he felt that she was with some other guy that explained her dishelved appearance. “I am sorry,” He muttered, “I had come to return you those cards that you had given me.”

As he turned to go away, she pulled her shirt, and sobbed loudly. He was taken aback at her sudden outburst, and took her inside, closed the door. He heard attentively to what all she was babbling. He was shocked beyond words. He went inside the kitchen, took out a saucepan to make some tea. He hadn’t spoken a single word whilst she was telling him the whole episode, still no letting go of his shirt sleeve.

He poured tea into two cups, handed her one, asked her to drink it, and she sipped it obediently like a small kid. He was feeling outrageous and guilty, that men could fall so low as to do things like these. But what could he do? He thought, and couldn’t find any answers except that he couldn’t leave her alone like this. After tea he took her into the bathroom, turned on the shower, asked her to bath, as he waited outside. He was on the phone, when she came outside, completely naked. His surprise was turned into anger when he saw the bruises; the swellings on the whole body, blood had clotted at various places. He was also in a fix because when they were in a relationship, she had more then once resisted him touching her and now he could do nothing to comfort her, he wanted to hug her, tell her everything would be ok, and tend to the wounds, though he had no knowledge how to fix them. He was a computers hardware engineer, and machines were all he understood well and could solve almost all their problems. He went to the balcony, got a towel, took some clothes from the bags near the bed and handed over to her, standing opposite to her like a fool, and then ran away to the bedroom again to find some undergarments. He couldn’t find any, so he came back to apologize her. She smiled, at his gesture. “Thank you, you are so sweet.” was all she said. She was already dressed in a t-shirt and a pajama she had bought today. He wanted to tell her how guilty he felt for all this, the doorbell rang again.

It was the pizza delivery boy.Anik paid the bill, thanked him, and went to the bedroom, where she was now sitting on the bed, and placed the pizzas in front of her, making a weird face. “Here is your pizza madam; how you Punjabis eat so much cheese I can’t understand.”She smiled; this was what had attracted her towards him. He could make her smile anytime, anywhere and at every situation. “Your dad is a Punjabi, go ask him.” She replied sarcastically, way she always did when he made similar remarks.Unfazed, he continued, “And that garlic bread that you’re eating away was mine.” She stopped eating, looked at him cried, and started crying.” No one will marry me Anik no one.” He wanted to make her laugh, do anything to stop her crying, but he sat idly unable to figure what he should do next. “Look I told you before also, I was brought up by my father and in our house the only women that ever lived was 23 years ago, and when I was born she died.” He stated as if apologies for his inability to handle the situation, “You just tell me what to do; I will do the best I can. Do you want to report to the media?” He asked. “No, mom dad shouldn’t know about all this, and I won’t be able to see my mother crying in front of the camera, you know Na how it is these days.” He nodded, recalling the last time her had seen people crying in front of cameras. He felt it was a disgusting thing to be done, by other wise such a responsible media in the country. It was capitalizing on human emotions.

“Anik will you tell me one thing?” She asked slowly. She still looked bad, though she had eaten well, anik even had given her, his share of the pizza, and she didn’t seem to mind at all. He asked to question him whatever she wanted to know. “Is it wrong if I sit silently about all this? You know I can’t go to the media, and after that cop commented, I won’t go to the police, and the hospital was a fiasco so I won’t even knock the courts.” He reflected for a moment and answered, “The police and the court aren’t that bad as you think, through one policeman you can’t judge the whole force, think about it.” She looked into his eyes sadly and said, “You know Shivani, my younger sister, she wants to go to states for higher education, and if there is a court case, the family would be definitely involved, and then papa isn’t going to send her there, and then her marriage is also to be seen. No one will want to marry a sister of rape victim.” She cried, tears had already wet her t-shirt, and helpless Anik spoke from a distance, “I understand, say what should be done.” She looked at him again, he was such a nice guy, she thought, she wouldn’t have allowed anyone to touch her again, but right now she wanted to hug him tightly and cry. He was the only one who was there for her. She made a resolve and said, “I am going to fight back, but silently, I can alone fight, as you just said am a Punjabi, and the spirit of Punjabi has to live on. You think I can do it?”Anik was not surprised at her decision. She was a brave and tough girl. That’s what he always told his dad about her. “Well, had it been your case alone, I would have probably discouraged you, but think of the other girls, who maybe raped tomorrow by the same hooligans. The spirit of Punjabi at always lives on in us. It has nothing to do with here. Think of other who maybe harmed in future, and that will give you your motivation. And one more correction. You not fighting alone.Anik will be your lieutenant.” She was touched by his gesture, but already he had done so much for her. “No, you can’t, this may involve danger. Why do you involve yourself.No?”He stood up, clearing up the plates. “While we separated, you had said that we will remain the best of the friends, and also you just reminded me that my dad is a Punjabi.” He smiled. The reference to her land once gain broke her down, how much gap had come into them both, her birthplace had been so kind and nice with her, and until now her workplace had also given her so much.

Anik, for the first time that day, held her face in his hand, wiped away the tears from another and said, “You keep crying and those demons are planning another crime, enjoying the pleasure of their act. Time to cry will come up later madam, when justice would be achieved. The time now is not to remorse for what has happened, time now is for the Avengeful act.”

Chapter-4

2009-01-03T23:51:00.000+05:30

Anik wanted to take Abhita to a posh restaurant but she didn’t feel like going anywhere. So Anik cooked up some eggs and paranthas for the dinner. Abhita wasn’t crying now, but her sad mind was busy thinking and making plans, so they didn’t talk much for hours. Anik found this quite awkward, and on several occasions he tried to strike a conversation, but she was unusually quite. He couldn’t or never could understand emotions of someone who had been forced, beaten up badly. He tried to figure out what kind of ordeal she must be experiencing and felt quite sad for what had happened to her. Finally after dinner, he knew he had to leave, but couldn’t leave her alone here. He thought of various alternatives, and even consulted his father, who also confirmed that the girl shouldn’t be left alone at night. But he had also advised him against staying himself all night. He asked her, “You know, my school friend, vanshika, about whom I used to tell you about?” She was puzzled, as she replied negatively, he continued, “I am going to call her up; she works in a hotel, somewhere near Karol bagh. I want you to spend a night there.” She was startled, was Anik trying to take advantage or ..?” He didn’t know how to explain her properly. “Look, I can’t see you here all alone, all night, we go there, book a room and you stay there. If you need anything, the staff will take care of it; I will take care of that.” She slowly realized what he was talking about. Her mind wasn’t working properly, her head was aching badly, her body was cramped up, and she wouldn’t be able to walk.” Will you take me to your home?” She asked, not even thinking before what she actually said. Anik was taken aback, but today was a day of unexpected events. He called his father, took his permission, and packed her bag, again confused as to what she may need, so he opened her almirah, asked her to pick some money and clothes, he couldn’t ask her to collect undergarments directly.

With great effort, Abhita locked up the flat, and climbed down the stairs, where Anik was waiting on his motorcycle. She felt more secure with Anik around, as now he was the only one, whom she had told the whole truth. Also there wasn’t anyone else whom she could trust enough. So spending night with Anik seemed a logical idea, also if he had wanted to take advantage of her, he could have taken it long ago, when they were in a relationship, or today, when he was all alone in her flat. Yes he was a gentleman.

Anik lived with his father in a two bedroom; government built flat in Rohini. The neighbors eyed them suspiciously as they went up to the house. Anik’s father was small, round man of 50.Age and time had taken its toll on his wrinkled face and grey hair. He owned a motor garage in the nearby market. He was waiting impatiently for his son, as no women had ever lived in that house since 23 years, and the circumstances left him with no option. He welcomed her warmly, explained to her why the house was unkept, and weird. The house was a total bachelor’s place, where both father and son lived like friends, they fought, and they discussed women, sex, and football, like two men of the same age. Sometimes Anik behaved like an aged man, and sometimes his father turned into a young man of Anik’s age to keep up his company. They understood each other well, as they never had anyone except each other. “You have to sleep in the living room, you can’t enter my room, or in Anik’s, please adhere to this rule well. The maid comes in the morning; the news will travel fast, so I have to ask you this.” He explained her, without mentioning the mess the two rooms were in. He made coffee for everyone, served it with ice cream, and said,” I got these specially for you, my boy says you love chocolate ice cream.” She looked blankly at the father then at the son. She hadn’t spoken a word since she came into the house; the old man got up and went to the balcony.

Anik followed him, “Dad, you angry about me bringing her here?” His father looked at him then at the building opposite to their house, “Son, you did the right thing, you didn’t have any other option, also I have the feeling that you are the only person right now whom she needs and can trust.” Anik wasn’t very convinced with the answer, he put a hand on the man’s shoulder and asked again, “You seem to be upset dad, tell me, I have this feeling that you didn’t like her coming here,” His father smiled, looked into his eyes, “I cant see that girl son, I cant see her, such pretty girl, and look what has happened to her. We men are supposed to be tough, look at her, way she is surviving, every breath that she takes, she must be suffering. Your mother died in lot of pain my son, I can’t see that girl. No I can’t look at her.” He went away; babbling.Anik was moved by his words. He always had seen his father as a strong man, who had single handedly raised up his son, and that was no small task. He had never married again, simply because that would be disrespect to the memory of his mother.Anik was proud of his father. Even today he stood by his resolve to help this girl against all odd.

He went inside, saw his father giving medicine to Abhita, and waited in his room. “Will she sleep tonight?” his father looked at him gravely, “After what all has happened, she wont sleep for next few days, I suppose, but I have given her a pain-killer, and that will have a drowsy effect.Dont worry, take care of her. Good night.” Bidding his father goodnight, Anik went to see Abhita, who was lying quietly in the living room, seeing him, she spoke, and “your father is nice man.” He spread a bed sheet over her, “Have some sleep. We will talk in the morning.” He switched off the lights and went to his room.

Abhita stared into the darkness for hours before she slept.

She was awakened by a noisy maid, and very loud television. Her head still ached, and she felt sick. A cup of tea was at her side, which was cold, by the time she got hold of it. “Am sorry I had kept it an hour ago.”Anik’s father shouted from the kitchen. While having breakfast, Anik asked her, “So what’s our future course of action?” She was about to say something, when his father commented, “You people aren’t going to anything outside law, understood? And no one talks about suicide in my house.” They both nodded at the same time, “Can I stay here for next two weeks, till my flat mate comes?”Abhita asked.Anik was surprised, and he looked at his father who looked calm and composed, as if expecting this question. “Sure, why not? Today is Sunday, I will have vegetable pulao in lunch, and at night prepare something non-vej, you know how to cook chicken?” He asked her in a business like manner. She nodded, and he continued “Good, anything you need,” He paused again, to have the effect he wanted, “Please don’t ask me, and you won’t find anything in the kitchen, so search hard, maybe you get lucky.” He grinned at his shocked son, who couldn’t believe what his father was talking about. Abhita didn’t even smile; her eyes were disinterested and distant.

He went up to his father, as he was tending to the plants outside, “ Dad what is this, you going to make her work, you know her condition, I simply cant understand, what are you doing.” he spoke barely controlling his anger. “Son, stop sympathizing with her, she doesn’t deserve your sympathy, everytime you look at her with pity, and you are making her realize that she has been raped. Already she has been harmed by two men. Don’t take the place of a third position. For God’s sake treat her like a normal person, and let her lead a normal life.” His father literally shouted at him.

Abhita dutifully cooked up the meal, though she wasn’t very good at cooking. It was like she needed them, she didn’t mind doing something for them.Anik’s father was delighted to see her working hard in the kitchen, and he felt that this will distract her thoughts to some extent. He appreciated the meal too; “You get free beer from my side, for this fabulous meal.” He remarked.Anik thought that the rice was better cooked then he had made a week ago. He asked her if her plans were ready, she said, “I want a sketch artist, we don’t know who those people were, but I can’t forget their faces ever,” she shuddered as she said that. “If I get a good sketch artist to make their sketch, we will at least have their picture with us.” Anik couldn’t understand, how that would help, but his father seemed positive, as he said, “There is artist in our market, he paints hoardings and all, and in the evenings goes to tourist places, and draws their sketches. If you want I will contact him tomorrow.”

So, the first step, towards the avenging act had been set,Anik and Abhita both after taking leave from their respective offices, moved on the for the daunting dask,unafraid,and fearless.

Chapter-5

2009-01-03T23:48:00.000+05:30

The sketch artist was reluctant and confused. Never before he had encountered a request to make sketches of people on the basis of given description, he wondered, why they wanted to get it made, but he knew about the man who had sent those two people to him, owned the garage nearby and had a good reputation in the market. Once he began to make the sketch, he was surprised, how vividly the girl gave her the descriptions of the two men, and the first portrait took three hours and the other only two hours. The girl was very thorough and sure about the description, this pleased the artist and when she satisfactory paid for his work. He couldn’t stop his curiosity and asked,” Who are these men?” She looked at the portraits in her hand and said, “These men raped me. Thank you.” And she went away, Anik at her tow, leaving a red faced artist behind.

At home, she tried to recognize those men, but failed, even Anik searched his memory, but he had never seen or met these men. He asked Abhita, “Now we have the sketches, what next?”

She replied, with determination, “I hear somewhere, people nowadays approach detectives for before getting into matrimonial alliances to check the family background and all.” He could see where she was getting, as he asked her to explain, “If we engage a good detective, he can lead us to these men, and once we know these men well, we can think, what we are supposed to do. “On the basis of these portraits?” He thought aloud. When he saw a disappointing look in her face, he got up, collected old newspapers scattered all over the apartment. For the next one hour they studied various advertisemts in the classified columns pertaining to various detective agencies, and prepared a list of the most suitable and genuine they could think of. Anik called up the first one, the person on the other side of the phone seemed to be drunk. He cut the call, and dialed another, who wanted to discuss money first then the work. He was stuck off the list immediately as they both felt that this person would be less sincere about his job. The third call they made, an authoritative man picked up the call, asked them to meet him at his house, gave them his address and kept the phone. His way of talking impressed them and in the evening went to his office, which was in the garage of his home.

Major (retd.) Anuj kapoor, had retired from the army, due to early demise of his son, which had put a great stress on his wife.However, as time progressed, his wife recovered, and he got bored with his job in a private company. So he started his own, detective agency, and within months it was a great success. Anik and Abhita didn’t find it too difficult to locate the small bungalow, and as they looked around the small office, they were highly impressed, with the photographs and awards that adorned the walls. Mr.Kapoor, made them feel comfortable, offered some tea, and asked them about their concern.Anik spoke first, “we need any and every piece of information on these men.” He pushed envelope containg copies of the sketches they had. They had decided to reveal as little information as possible. The detective observed the sketches, another gang war, he thought. Students’ fighting was a trend that always disturbed him, but when he got blank replies for details of these men, he was suddenly interested. These people didn’t know anything about these men, and they were desperate for their information. He could see the desperateness in their eyes. “See, you also understand that I can’t just search them on the basis of these sketches. Tell me the exact reason, why you want this information, and I will help you.” The detective said, because he wanted to be sure that the effort he had to put should be worth it. Anik got up to go, but Abhita sat up straight, she was sure this man could help her; she had been judging him for the past 15 minutes she had been here. “These men raped me, now how much in detail you want me to narrate you, how they raped me, whether the experience was thrilling or not?” She asked angrily. The detective was taken off guard. In the past three years, this was the first such case. The courageous look on her face reminded him of army, where he had met many brave men, men with a powerful spirit and determination. “I can understand your anger, and I promise you all help, but if I will know more, I can only help you better.” He said in a calm tone. She gave him an overview of what all happened that day. He listened attentively, asked questions, about their clothing height built and all, but this was all so vague. You can’t find someone just by mere description. It was Anik who solved this problem.

“You told me, that they were abusing you, non stop. Right?” he asked, when she nodded a yes, he handed her a notepad and a pen, lying on the table. Write down, slowly, what all you can recall they had said, I and the major are going for a walk. We will be right back.” He asked the major for a walk, and the man understanding the tactic followed him, giving Abhita space and solitary time to reflect, and write.

Once outside, Anik asked the older man. “What is the chance sir? Will we ever find them?” The detective lighted a cigarette and remarked, “In army, many a times these questions are asked by juniors to their seniors, knowing very well that they will accomplish such impossible jobs.” They walked for a distance; the detective used the opportunity well to know about Anik, and about Abhita, and their relationship. When they reached the office, Abhita had drawn up a long list of words, most of them were routine swearing names, used commonly, but Anik pointed to one, name Nisha , and on probing further Abhita admitted that the second man had used it many a times. Another word was property, Abhita couldn’t help much on this one, the detective suggested that they maybe property dealers. The biggest clue was mayapuri flat. The two words were scribbled at the end of the list, but the detective pointed out that this can be the major clue they had till now. Insurance, kids, a big deal, were other words and phrases that were highlighted by Anik and the detective.

The detective, assured them all help, but was vague about what will he charge, except some bribes which he would have to be paid. Abhita assured him that she will pay him, whatever his fees would be, but he replied, “I know what it is to loose something special. I understand that pain.”

As they were leaving, something clicked in Abhita’s Mind. She spoke to Anik, “While the first man was asking the other to leave, she said, Verma, lets leave, we have to catch the 312 number bus.”

Anik ran back as fast he could, to give the detective the most definitive lead, they had.

Chapter-6

2009-01-03T23:40:00.000+05:30

It had been around Fifteen days, since the meeting with the detective. Anik and Abhita were sitting in his apartment, discussing about their day’s work and office. It had come as a great surprise to Anik that the very next after meeting the detective, Abhita had started going to the office. He wanted to stop her, but his father’s words echoed in his ears, that she should lead a normal life. Overall, her attitude hadn’t changed much, since she had come into this apartment. She remained distant and lost most of the times. Even for sleeping, she took pills, otherwise, the nightmares and insomnia could have had adverse effects on her health. Anik’s father had suggested a doctor, but she had refused to see any doctor.

For Anik and his father, it was a painful experience to see the girl in their house. She didn’t cry or weep or complained about what had happened. She hardly talked about anything, but her eyes, the pain those dark black eyes was contagious, and now her roommate had called her to inform that she wont be coming home till next month. Her training had been extended. Anik’s father told her that he would like very much, if she stayed on, but inside he was shaken by the fact that he would have to feel that pain for so long.

The phone rang, Anik answered, it was the detective on line. Anik listened to him carefully, as Abhita looked upon anxiously. “He has called us on Saturday evening. Got some leads he says” Anik replied, as he kept the phone. He thought that this would have a positive effect on her, but she showed no emotions.

They were surprised to see, two very thick envelopes when they reached his office, at the stipulated time. There was a very wide grin on his face when he said, “I have more information about them, then they themselves would have.” What came out of the envelopes was totally amazing. There were photographs, daily routines; professional and personal lives in detail and bio data of those men. First Abhita studied their faces, confirmed, she went on further to increase her knowledge about her predators. Rohit verma and Rajesh saxena were business partners, with a long list of failed businesses behind them. Currently they had insurance agencies on their individual names. Apparently the detective had some good relations in the insurance company and details had poured out easily. They also worked as property agents, and a deal of a flat in mayapuri had gone all wrong, because of Rohit’s wife Nisha’s brother. There was ample of evidence to prove financial problems. But the most shocking knowledge which Abhita gained was that both men were married, with kids, two in case of Rajesh, and Rohit was father of three, two of them girls.

For the next twenty-four hours, Both Anik and Abhita studied the documents they had got from the detective. There were telephone records, a very big crime, the man had said, there were income tax statement copies, Photostat copies of land records, and other similar documents. The detective had done a thorough and a great job.

The office was well furnished, two men were sitting behind the desk, the hoarding outside read in bold, red color words, verma and associates.Anik put a hand on the man sitting in front of those two men. “Sir please excuse us.” The three men were about to protest, when a girl entered into the shop. One of the three men, immediately froze, and requested the third man to see them the next day. It was Rajesh who had recognized her at the first sight, but after few moments even Rohit recognized her. Once sure, that the room was empty except the five of them. Anik pulled a chair and asked Abhita to sit down, giving an authoritative feel to the whole affair. He kept standing behind her as she spoke, “Looks like you people recognize me.” The two men were tongue-tied, they had not expected her to reach them, and had she called the police. Both men were now afraid of her. “No, I haven’t called the police” She said, as if reading their thoughts. “I just came here to inform you that some very bad things are about to happen to you people, you people think that a helpless women, is just a dummy, on whom you can take your frustration out any time, anywhere. I am not your wife,” She paused, looked directly into Rohit’s eyes, and continued. “To whom you can beat up anytime.” His white face proved that the detective’s work was really good. “You inflicted pain, both mental and physical on me, but am going to be considerate, I will only harm you mentally, and that is my promise.” Rohit was next to speak, “what will you do? Call police? Call social activists? And tell them what a great time we three had?” Rajesh too joined in, “You can never prove anything, we will work out a way, and if you could have proven anything, you could have done it till now. You bitch.” He spoke confidently.

Abhita looked up behind to Anik, who stepped forward, picked the water bottle on the desk, and poured it on heads of both the men.

Abhita stood up, “You raped by body, not my soul, I will rape your soul, not your body.”

She said as she moved out of the office.

“Hello, May I talk to Mrs. Nisha please?” “Yes, who is speaking?”

“Meet me at 3’o clock sharp this afternoon, the bakery in the market near your house, don’t even think about informing your husband about this.” Abhita hung up the phone, a similar call had been made to Rajesh’s wife. Since it was just noon yet, there was a high possibility that they won’t say anything to their husbands, and wait till they know the exact matter.

The bakery was a small shop, cum fast food centre. Abhita found two anxious looking ladies; she had recognized form the photographs, sitting on a corner table. So the reports were true that they never hid anything from each other, they were best friends since college, the detective’s report had said.

She took a deep breath, she was a bit nervous; she regretted having asked Anik to stay at home.

As she sat opposite to the two middle aged ladies she said, “Thank you, for coming, what am about to tell you in brief, is something you won’t believe, but I don’t care about it.” Abhita paused for a second, she wont let any of them speak before she had, “Your husbands raped me.” And Abhita explained to the bewildered ladies how she was raped by their husbands, and how she had reached them, using words they had mentioned then. Swati, Rajesh’s wife, spoke first. “Outrageous, you are leveling wrong allegations against my husband; I can drag you to court.” Typical Indian woman, Abhita thought, even if she would have shown from inside that her husband had raped a woman; she would defend him as long as possible. Nisha spoke next, “Forget about it, you don’t have any proofs, why you want to get into this? My guess is that you come here to blackmail us for money.”

“Your husbands don’t even have money to hire prostitutes to satisfy their lust. For what will I blackmail them? I came here to inform you that next time you sleep with that man, you should know that he has shared your space, with many more women, forcedly. How many before me, and after me, I can’t tell you. Also, next time satisfy your husbands enough, so that they don’t have to force others to sex.”

She replied, her sad eyes staring deep into the hearts of the women in front of her, and went away, wiping off tears of her eyes as she came out of the shop.

“I can’t understand, what will be achieved, by informing those ladies. They are Indian women.

Only rare of them, stand up against there husbands.” Anik asked Abhita. They were having tea in his apartment. Before Abhita could reply, his father ignoring his question asked her, “Are you sure, about the last line, you said it exactly as you told us.” She nodded a yes and satisfied the father turned over to his son, “Look at this house Anik, few days ago, it was hell. This girl comes over, the house looks so well maintained, clean and more importantly it looks like a house.” Anik replied to this in a light humor. “You remember that bottle opener we lost few years ago, it was found by Abhita yesterday in the living room.” Both of them grinned, looking at Abhita who too couldn’t hide a smile. The old man continued, “This anik, is a power of women, she can break or make the man’s house, and Abhita today attacked the very basis of their relationship. Trust.” Anik was still not convinced,so his father explained. “Women may support their husbands all the times, but they know from inside, the truth.Abhita didn’t need any evidence to prove them, they will know, and when trust breaks son, no women can provide happiness to the man, and what is man without happiness. Also, she attacked their sexual abilities.Hell, women love to be appreciated, for everything they do, especially by the ones they love, and by questioning their sexual prowess, Abhita has injured their pride, for which their husbands are going to pay.”

Finally Anik understood, “That means, even if they don’t divorce their husbands or get separated, the marriage is now hollow from inside.” He whistled at the thought, that his father could be so wise and at the courage and brains of the girl who thought this up.

“Uncle, now what’s next? We have done it so far, I just can’t think of our next step.” Abhita asked the garage owner, whom she had began to respect as she respected her own father.

“Don’t worry, till date you have managed a good job, next step will come to your mind soon. You weren’t born or trained to fight people like these. Relax for sometime. We can’t afford to commit any mistakes.” She nodded, and he ordered his son for a party, “For our first step towards justice.”

Chapter-7

2009-01-03T23:35:00.000+05:30

A day later, the detective called up Abhita for an interesting scoop he had just got.

A man who was keeping a watch on the both men, had called up to inform that a big hawala deal was getting through Verma and associates office and its was sure that Rohit will be keeping five lakh rupees cash at his house for the next 2-3 days. She quickly swung into action, called up Anik and they went to the detective’s office to make up a scheme to use this opportunity to the fullest.

Ram Prasad was one of the rotten employees of the income tax office New Delhi, this man had met him before also, and they had done lot of deals together. Today he was surprised that he was being offered 25,000 rupees to pass on an important lead on a person amassing wealth beyond his sources of income. A bonus of 10,000 was promised if the lead was pursued the next morning itself. This was a difficult task, but if the catch was big, he would get appreciation from his own department as well as some extra hard cash. How much he hated taking bribes, but the daughter had to be married off and he used it as a pretext to loot people. He pocketed the advance token off 10,000 and went about to earn his bonus.

Station house officer of the kotwali police station, Hira lal, was from a poor background. He always felt jealous of people who found shortcut to success. His father was an idealistic man, taught him that service to the nation will bring in benefits and honors both. Hira Lal no doubt had won many state awards, and gained lot of respect in his department. When a friend, an informer who had worked with him on several cases, informed him of a hawala racket functioning in his areas, his blood boiled, for another man who had chosen shortcut to become Rich. The first thing in the morning would be to teach him a lesson.

Hira lal was late by about an hour. The income tax authorities had got an anonymous packet containing some papers of transactions of cash by one Rohit verma. Then Ram Prasad a trustable employee had provided a lead which they couldn’t ignore at all. Tax evasion was a serious issue these days. When the policemen came in, there was lot of confusion and Hira lal had to go away, because the income tax authorities were conducting an investigation. This pissed him off badly; he cursed Rohit verma, and went away, promising him that one day he will get him. This was more due to the embarrassment he had faced then to any crime he had committed.

The man standing opposite Rohit’s house was giving live details to Abhita, Anik and the detective who were listening satisfactorily to the details as they poured in. Time was to start another chapter to the drama.

A case of hawala was registered against both Rohit and Rajesh, but they got bail and were immediately released. It was 12 a.m. when Rajesh’s phone rang, “You raped a girl, your girl is just 6 years old, imagine one day, if she is raped, how will you feel, I heard Rohit already has eyes on your wife. Ofcourse they will do it with consent, but your daughter is minor, beware.” A heavy man’s voice told Rajesh, to whom all sleep evaded at the moment. Anik made a similar call to Rohit. Next day, a woman called them up, “Hello Mr. Rapist, please don’t rape your mother, she is old and frail,

And don’t rape your sister, you may fail.

Your wife maybe raped by another,

But why do you need to bother.”

Alternately, for the next few days, the phone calls were repeated. Then the phones of the two men were switched off. This was anticipitated by Abhita and Anik before, but the desired effect was casted on both the men.

She dialed their office number the next day, “How is it going?” she asked, once the man identified himself as Rohit. “Who’s this?” Abhita was pleased to hear irritation in that voice. “You don’t recognize the voice that was pleading and shouting you to stop it?” Rohit stirred. “What do you want?” sparks of frustration. Abhita was more pleased. “I wanted you in jail for the crime you committed, but then I sent you to jail with a different excuse, you still got out.” This time Rohit was shocked badly, he hadn’t expected this girl or any woman for that matter to take such a big initiative.

“So what, I am out, I had told you before also, you can’t do anything to us.” He spoke after a long pause.

“Who wants to see you in jail? The plans I have made for you can’t be executed in jail.” Rajesh who was listening to the conversation took the phone from Rohit, “What do you want tell us clearly, we are ready for compromise.” There was reluctance in his voice, which indicated that Rohit had not agreed to this. There was a long pause as phone was kept on hold. Rohit continued the conversation this time, “Come over, and let’s talk.” She knew they would fall for it, and she was ready with a reply. “My representative would meet you at Hindustan coffee shop, Connaught place tomorrow 5’o clock sharp.”

She wanted to say that her friend, would come by but Anik had specifically asked her to use this word.

He wanted a business like feel to the whole affair. She was glad that both the men had agreed to the venue and time, now it was up to Anik to create some magic. “And yes, I forgot to tell you, your wives know about their husband’s brave efforts. Thought should inform you, if they haven’t yet appreciated your efforts.” She said, before hanging up the phone. Now they would reach exactly on time.

Anik had been pleased when Abhita accepted his suggestion that she shouldn’t have a face to face meeting again with those men. She wouldn’t say anything but he realized that it will be very tough for her; already she was suffering silently so much. Now, waiting for those men, in the coffee shop he felt nervous. He had to talk tough to these men, as his father had explained but he wasn’t very experienced in all this. As both men came towards him, he noticed their faces, there wasn’t any regret on Rohit’s face but Rajesh looked bit scared. They ordered coffee, Anik made no effort to start a conversation, So Rajesh spoke, “Tell us, what you want?” Anik stirred the coffee in front of him. No sorries, no apologies, if their mothers would have seen this, they would have killed themselves for producing such sons. “Six lakhs.cash.no negotiations.” Rohit smiled, this was easy, he thought. “Two lakhs. Let’s get over it.”

Anik stared at him. “You switch off you phone at nights, but your wife doesn’t.” Rajesh choked up. The coffee he was drinking seemed to have stuck somewhere. “I will meet you here after three days, same place same time.” Rajesh tried to speak, but was interrupted by Anik, “Thanks for the coffee. I would hate to come home and ask for money in front of your children. They may ask the reason.” He smiled sympathetically, and left the place.

That night, at dinner Anik’s father was outraged. “You want to make this girl look like a whore, and you yourself a pimp.” He shouted at his son. Anik was suddenly terrified; he had never seen his father in such anguish. It was Abhita who finally saved him. “Uncle, those people were bleeding financially, we just lightened them up further.” The man still looked unconvinced, so she explained further, “According to what records we have, Rohit has some investments in shares but Rajesh has only his wife’s jewellery left. The court cases and failed deals are taking their toll on their savings.”

The old man wont budge very easily, “Think of the morality of all this, what picture of you is being painted by all this.” She stared straight into his eyes. “I don’t need their certificate to prove my moral standing.” He looked below on his plate and said, “Your plan is bigger then I see it.” She too looked down, softened her tone and said, “We take money and let them believe that it’s over, then we deliver a deadly punch. Just wait and watch.” Anik thought, he had made a mistake by looking into those eyes. Horror was shining bright into them.

Three days later Anik collected five lakhs from the two rapists. They had argued that they couldn’t pay the full amount, and on consultation with Abhita, he took the money home. While he was leaving, Rajesh called back, “Now, you people won’t bother us anymore that is a fair deal.”

He looked back, feeling confident that cash transaction was now over, “I think people like you, who force a women for sex, should never talk about fair deal.” He said, and went away. Rajesh looked surprised. He wasn’t sure what he meant.

He would have, if he had known what Abhita at that moment was telling his wife over the phone, “Your husband just gave away Rohit some three lakhs rupees. Heard he has been gambling too much these days.” The woman on the other end was stronger then Abhita had expected. “And what business is yours in this whole transaction?” She asked. Abhita couldn’t suppress her laughter, but she controlled it somehow and replied, “Well I just wanted to advice you that you could have got a better value on that gold set your mother gifted you.” She hung up the phone and dialed Rohit’s wife number. “Your husband lost five lakh rupees today in gambling. Teach him some good tricks other wise you will loose the money that you saved for your children’s marriage too. The other savings have already vanished.” She hung up the phone, not even allowing the lady to comment.

The mood was upbeat at the dinner table; Anik’s father was now more supportive of their earlier decision. “Money and family. You hit both with a single stone.” He said delightedly to Abhita.

Abhita was not in mood to merry said, “The detective hasn’t taken a single penny from us. I want your help in giving him one lakh rupees. I think you can persuade him better.” Anik’s father looked at her, the request hadn’t come from his son’s friend, it seemed to have come from his own daughter. In the past few weeks they had bonded really well, but more he drew closer to her, more suffering he could experience and that hurt him like anything. He replied, “I don’t think he will take it, but we will try nevertheless.” She smiled, acknowledging his help, and turned to Anik, “I want you to have half of the rest of the share, that is two lakhs.” He was suddenly very angry at her, “You think, I helping you for money? This is yours; we don’t even want a single rupee.” She remained calm; as his father got up to do some work in the kitchen. “Please try to understand, you have also incurred some expenditure, just think it as a cover up of all those expenses.” She looked at him pleadingly. He would have slapped her, he thought, instead he said, “My father handles all the finances of this house, and as long as he is alive he will only manage them.” He was in shock when he discovered that his father had taken the money with little persuasion.

That night, he went up to Abhita who was lying on the sofa, talking to her parents on the phone. He waited till she kept the phone and said, “I am sorry, I was a bit rude that time.” She looked at him, with child like innocence, and made him sit besides her. “Can I rest my head on your lap?” he was surprised, and embarrassed by her question, but had no alternative except a yes. She kept her head on his lap, looking at the ceiling said, “Anik, I am sick of all this, what I was, and look what I have become. I am sick of all this Anik.” She cried, as Anik watched on helplessly. “My parents think am so happy and satisfied here, my boss feels am so cheerful nowadays. I am all fake Anik. I don’t want to pretend anymore.” Anik, wanted to hug her tightly, kiss her and make her quite, but he knew that could be disastrous. He had to let the emotions inside her flow. He took her handkerchief lying on the side table and wiped off the tears, making it a point not to touch her directly. He didn’t speak anything, letting her continue, “Do you think what all we doing is right Anik, think about the kids, the wives that must be suffering too.” Anik waved his hands across her hair and said, “What they did, I can’t justify that.”

He had hoped that the topic would deviate, but she sticked to it when she replied, “Can we justify what we are doing? Some writer once wrote, an eye for an eye makes the world blind, just think about it, we are becoming, we are behaving as sinister as they were.” She turned her head up and looked straight into Anik’s face, like a child waiting desperately for an answer. “Anik was caught unawares and found it hard to reply. “That line was said by Gandhijie, and yes I agree that we may be doing something that is wrong, but think about this, God can’t do justice, by himself coming down from heaven. We all are his messengers, his servants, the mediums through which he will deliver his justice.” For a moment, he was startled at what all he had just said, whether it was true or not he didn’t know but it had a comforting effect on Abhita, “Anik, you are so sweet, without you, I would have died perhaps.” She said in a week tone. Anik’s heart ached, for he loved this girl, and would never admit it.

“Anik, make me feel sleep please.” She requested him. Anik was again surprised. Never before this had happened to him, the girl who he loved, was lying besides him, her head on his lap, and now he had to make her sleep. He wanted to run far away. Instead he waved his hand over her hair again, “Let me sing you a song. La la la la La.” he began and she laughed. “You are an awful singer, keep talking to me till I sleep.” She told him in a dominative manner. So they talked, for an hour, till she slept.

Anik, spent his night, sitting on the sofa, looking at the sleeping girl, thinking about how much life had changed. She was such a bubbly cheerful girl once, with all her mood swings, she could cheer him up even when he was in the worst of his moods. Now she laid here, that happiness, cheerfulness all evaporated from her face. She looked so lifeless, as if the whole purpose of existence was now missing. The only comforting factor was that she won’t think of suicide. He had read about many girls who commit suicide after such incidents. Abhita was brave. And Anik trusted her courage.

Then he thought about the fact that thousands of girls are raped every day in various parts of the world. Perhaps an equal number of them are exploited and forced into different tasks, drug peddling, prostitution, slavery. So many wives are exploited by their husbands for their personal needs. He shivered at the thoughts of how they must be suffering. It was only at dawn that he got up silently pushing a cushion under her head, and went to sleep, only that his thoughts didn’t allow him to sleep.

Chapter-8

2009-01-03T23:30:00.000+05:30

The following day, on his way back home, Anik saw a new white color wagon R car below his apartment. “Papa, I think chakrabarty uncle got a new wagon R.” He informed his dad, as he entered his home. He noticed that prior to his entrance. There was an argument going on between his father and Abhita. “Uncle bought that car for me as a gift.” She said in an offended mood. His father in no mood to relent, “You only admitted the other day that you are like my daughter, can’t I buy my daughter a car Anik?” He asked him, looking at her. She raised her hands up, “Ok, I give up.”

Give me the keys. She said irritated. Anik saw a spark of excitement on her face, and spoke. “No, dad, unless she gives us a treat, don’t give her the car.” So they all went to have some ice cream at the India gate. Abhita, who had learnt driving from her father, enjoyed the sense of freedom. Freedom of movement in the city where, she was assaulted unawares, in a brutal, cruel manner. They had dinner and then ice cream. This changed and refresh Ned their moods which had been going low day by day.

At night, Anik went to his father’s bedroom. “Thanks dad.” He said in a very low voice so that Abhita couldn’t listen to him. “Oh, its ok son, I was thinking for so many days to have some briyani in a restaurant.” He replied, to acknowledge his son’s gratitude. “No, for the car. I felt bad that you took money from her.” He replied. “Look son, I could have declined the money yesterday but she would have felt bad. I got a second hand car, a year old, she couldn’t refuse. That’s a lesson on diplomacy you should learn too.” His father explained him.

Anik had seen his dad in a new perspective from the past few weeks He felt with, coming of Abhita into their house, a new turn had come into their relationship. His respect for his father had increased manifold, due to the wisdom and strength he had showed.

The day was Saturday. Abhita and Anik waited in the car, with three more young girls as the get together at Rajesh’s house was progressing. The detective had called up on Thursday to inform them that there was a get-together at Rajesh’s house, his sisters, parents and Rohit’s family would be present along with few other friends. The occasion was home coming of his sister from Mumbai and one from the states. Abhita thanked her luck that it was to happen on Saturday. Taking leaves from office was a tough job these days, and she knew it was more difficult for Anik, who was concentrating for his promotion. The girls were undergraduates from a local college; the detective seemed to have good contacts at the college level too. They were told that they had to accompany this girl for a quick survey. A promise of suitable compensation convinced them easily.

One of the girls rang the bell. Swati opened the door, “Hello mam, we are here for a quick survey on rising crimes against women, and we will take just five minutes of your time.” She spoke the well rehearsed lines with ease .A visibly upset Swati asked her to come some other time, and started closing the door, when Abhita pushed the door hard, “Come girls lets get over with it fast.” Swati recognized her instantly and was so shocked that couldn’t even hold on to the door. She was suddenly afraid, especially of that man that followed the girls. He was dressed all black. And his thick beard scared her.

Eight pairs of eyes looked on anxiously and nervously at the group, who was interviewing other females and men some very uneasy questions. The girl who had rang the bell asked a middle aged lady, with an American accent, “Do you think Delhi is unsafe for women?” The lady replied excitedly, “Let’s see, before marriage I used to live her, it was not that bad, now I heard that the situation is getting worse day by day. Having said that, the phrase Delhi is unsafe for women is a wrong one. In New York, rape rate is very high. If there is such a rate I mean. So is in rest of the world and this country. Singling out Delhi you are trying to pass the blame, but for what.” She stopped looked around for applause, but had to be satisfied with an approval from all corners of the room. Swati rose up and went into the kitchen. As the girl was busy jotting down the answer, another girl turned up to Rajesh’s another sister, “Tell us, madam, what are your views on defending one from such hooligans who assault women?” This lady was quite person and preferred to speak as less as possible. “Keep a licensed pistol in you purse at all times, shoot those bastards as soon as they touch you.” She replied, amidst cheers by her sister. Rohit and Rajesh, feeling embarrassed, got up to leave the room, but were stopped by Anik, who was standing at the doorway, “The fun has just begun.” He muttered to them and then called up to one of the volunteers accompanying them, “You people always blame men, let’s hear the views of these gentlemen, as there should be a balanced opinion.” Rajesh’s excited sister, not knowing how much of gentleman he was pulled his hand and made him sit besides her.

Rohit also had no option but to sit and answer some tough questions.

Abhita turned over to Rajesh and asked, “Nowadays people of your sex are indulging in such heinous crimes, like rape, eve-teasing, can you think of a reason as to why men would commit such horrid acts?” Rajesh felt short of breath, and answered meekly, “Don’t know.”

She turned to Rohit, “Sir, girls see every other man as a potential rapists, he looks at you and the first image a girl has of his is that of a eve-teaser. Is it fair to brand all men wrong, do you think that men are being unfairly targeted?” He looked blankly at her, and after much thinking just managed to say a word, “yes.” Others looked at him, waiting for an explanation. But he had none.

Several other similar questions were asked and answers were noted in detail. Lastly Abhita, spoke to the partly delighted audience who had taken good interest in the whole conversation till now, “Thank you everyone, now just one last question before we leave, what’s the most deserving punishment you would recommend for these rapists?”

“Hang them.” Replied the oldest lady in the group

“Electric shock death.” Another lady responded.

“Hang them…..life imprisonment …..Hard punishment” etc other replies poured in.

“Lock them in a tank full of cockroaches.” This was a suggestion by a 15 year old girl, the American lady’s daughter. Abhita noticed that, while other children were herded out of the room, this gal participated actively in the whole conversation and her mother also looked upon her proudly. She wished that Indian mothers should be a bit more open about these issues. Abhita looked over to Nisha and Swati the only ladies who hadn’t spoke as yet. Everyone asked them to speak and reluctantly they answered,

“They should be thrown down a tall building.” Swati spoke, staring hard at her husband, showing how frustrated she was with all that was happening.

Next, everyone pestered Nisha for an honest and unique opinion, “Cut their legs and hands maybe.” She said indifferently.

Abhita looked at Anik and signaled for leave. The bid goodbyes and thanked everyone for their co-operation. The final phase of the avenging act was over. Now the time was for Verdict.

Chapter-9

2009-01-02T20:11:00.000+05:30

Anik got up late, the next morning. Abhita had gone to her flat, as her flat mate was now back home but was again going on a leave to her home this time. Abhita had told him that she would be spending the day with her. Anik went straight to the living room, where his father was watching football match between Jct football club and Mahindra united on the television. Both father and son were ardent followers of the game and watching football was their favorite pastime. One of the mysteries In Anik’s life was that he could never understand the logic of his father in supporting Jct football club. “Son that team is from Punjab.” He would explain him. How can a man who hasn’t even seen Punjab perhaps think like that? Ultimately Anik cooked up anew theory. He started cheering for Mahindra United, and explained to his disappointed dad, “Mahindra makes the tractors that farmer in Punjab use.” Now this was a common joke between them.
Today Anik wasn’t in mood of humor. He took out two bottles of beer from the refrigerator handed one to his father and took a seat besides him. “Dad, I had been thinking, this whole thing, Abhita is doing, I am doing, where will it lead us. What is ultimately the result of all this? I am co nfused dad.” His father lowered the volume of the television, took a long sip from his bottle, and said, “If Gandhijie would have thought a simple tour of the country will give him what, he wouldn’t have done such a great work for the country.” Anik replied disappointingly, “I prefer Bhagat Singh Dad.”
His father sighed, “Bhagat Singh threw bombs in the parliament. Why? Did he believe that throwing a bomb can make the Britishers run away instantly? They played their role to free their mother land. If they had sat down to analyze the consequences of their actions on their personal ambitions, I don’t think they would have succeeded much.” Anik looked up. His father was no expert at history and he himself didn’t look too sure at what he had said, but Anik tried to absorb the essence of what he was trying to convey. “Thanks dad” He muttered. The father, his eyes fixed on the television responded, “No problems son, anything else bothering you?” Anik, took a long slip from his bottle, not sure how to put before his father, the thing that had nagging him. “Chakrabarty uncle was asking how many more days Abhita would be staying here.” His father looked at him; he himself was bothered by the neighbors’ comments on a girl living in their house. He tried to downplay his son’s thoughts. “Don’t worry; let him say anything he wishes.” Anik wasn’t put off so easily. “Sharma aunty on the ground floor asked me a million questions about her the other day.” This caused a wrinkle of concern on his father’s forehead. Mr. Sharma was the association’s president, and his wife a nasty lady. “Was she wearing that red saree? She looks so hot in red.” He replied in a lighter vein. They both shared a laugh and Anik continued, “Dad, look at your age, at least, running after married women doesn’t suit you.” He grinned, his father replied. “What do you think of marriage son?” He switched off the television, Jct had won. “Dad, she is married, and married to the association’s president.” His father got up for another bottle of beer. This seemed strange to Anik as it was a general rule in their house just one bottle a day, more then that was never allowed. His father was very strict on such issues. Today it seemed they both needed some more.
“I am talking about you and Abhita, son.” He said gravely, placing a bottle in front of him. “No dad, that’s not possible.” Anik replied, finishing off his first bottle. “Because she has been raped? She is not pure?” His father questioned, looking straight into his eyes. Anik replied uneasily, “Well that’s an issue but not a very big one. When we both were in relationship, she never allowed me to touch her, and after all this, will she ever allow anyone to touch her? Do you think she will agree to this alliance? This alliance as it is wont work; also you forgot she went away with that rich guy Nishant. I have doubts over your plans dad.” His father was pleased to hear an honest reply from his son. “That Nishant was a bastard son; he never ever called her, after she told him the truth. Men like these are as guilty as those rapists I feel. You just can’t disappear because your love interest has been sexually assaulted. The word humanity is so missing these days.” Anik nodded, “Still dad, this dream of yours can’t materialize.” His father replied with a grin, “It will son, you never told me that you don’t love her.”
It was early in the evening when Abhita came back, dropping her friend at the station. Anik and his father were watching news. She kept her bag down, and coincidently a report appeared on the screen about a minor girl raped and murdered near a village. Embarrassed Anik looked for the remote to change the channel but the damage had been done. Tears floated Abhita’s eyes as she saw the report. Anik made her sit down, and went to bring in some water for her. “Why do men rape women, uncle?” She asked Anik’s dad, who had just switched off the television.
Anik’s father, himself in a philosophical mood, explained. “Women are to be blamed for this, my girl, what we become, and what we are is because of the environment in which we grow up. If someone likes a small kid, we say his parents are so nice, taught him such good manners, but if that kid rapes a girl people say what the fault of the family is? Mothers are instrumental in formation of a person’s personality. As a father and mother myself, I have learned one thing in life. If I want to make my son a good man, a respectable citizen of this society, I will have to mould him into one. He won’t magically turn into what I desire .Mothers are responsible in a big way. I tell you” He paused, rubbed his eyes, as Anik continued, “But dad, you don’t have a mother, neither do I? Yet that doesn’t mean we molest girls on the streets.” His father smiled, as Abhita looked on curiously, she had stopped crying and was listening with great interest. “True, you don’t have a mother, but going away, in her absence she has made you realizes the importance of woman in a man’s life. You saw your father, lonely and sad, you saw yourself without a sister or a mother to pamper you more then I could do, you saw this house and realized the importance of women and what all she can achieve. In her absence too, she taught you to respect women, that’s also an amazing power of a woman, even when she is not there she can do such great things.” The old man was in tears as he said that. Before Anik could go near him to comfort him, Abhita put across her arm around his father, and wiped his tears off. Anik’s mind visualized whether his father was right in selecting her as his potential daughter-in-law. He was about to say something when his phone rang up.
“Dad, Abhita, the detective called, Rajesh jumped off from third floor of his house, today early morning .he is in hospital struggling between life and death. Today was Sunday, and his man wasn’t keeping a watch so details aren’t known yet. It was just by chance that one of his men noticed Rohit outside a hospital, and he inquired further.”

Chapter-10

2009-01-01T18:29:00.000+05:30

It was all over the newspapers, albeit on second or third pages, a small column which read out something like this,

“Rajesh Saxena, 35, a property dealer by profession and a resident of Sahayak Colony committed suicide, by jumping off from third floor of his house. He was taken to the nearby government hospital, early morning yesterday, where he struggled for nearly 15 hours before being declared dead. The deceased didn’t leave a suicide note but financial and family problems are suspected to be the main reasons. Police have registered a case and are carrying on investigations. The deceased is survived by a wife, a son and a daughter.”

There was jubilation on Anik’s face, when he read all this, but when he went home from office, he found Abhita, gloomy and upset. “Hey, party time. We got half the justice we wanted, that guy suffered well.” He called out to her. When she didn’t responded, he asked, “What’s the matter? You all right?” She looked up blankly at him, “I was thinking about Swati. Her two children. We all need fathers Anik, however they are.” The excitement disappeared from his face. He sat down besides her, “They didn’t deserve this.” He said, holding her hand. “Anik, you will go over to their house, to offer condolence.” Anik was startled; he began to protest, when she held her another hand on his, “For me.” Her eyes were wet and pleading, Anik couldn’t refuse her.

So Saturday afternoon, he went to see Mrs. Saxena, fearing that the people there would recognize him, but surprisingly no one spoke a word, except Swati, who asked him to wait for her in the balcony. Few minutes later, she came, a glass of water in her hand, “Sorry, there were others to be attended too.” She said as she took a chair in front of him. He didn’t know what to say, just wished his father would have been here, he could have handled the situation so well.

“We are sorry for what all that happened.” He began, but was cut short by the lady in front of him. “My husband got what he deserved. Don’t keep any guilt in your heart. Apologize to that girl on my behalf.” She spoke as she got up and went away. Anik remained seated for another few minutes, thinking about what Swati had just said. When he finally got up to leave, he saw Rohit seated in a far corner in the living room. His face was distraught; there were dark bags under his red eyes, indicating lack of sleep and heavy influence of liquor. The tough guy was cracking it seemed.

Anik felt depressed and stressed out, so called up Abhita to inform her about the meeting and went to meet his friend who lived nearby. It was late in the evening when he came back; the main door was open so he went straight in. From the living room he saw Abhita and his father engrossed in deep conversation, oblivious of the fact that he was home.

“Tell me, why did you break up with Anik?” His father was asking her. She stared at the curry she was preparing and said. “He acted too desperate sometimes. You know, trying to get physical kinds.” She replied with upright honesty. His father tasted the curry, gave a thumb up and continued, “He ever tried to force you or something, and you know what I mean.” She looked up at him, “that’s the most admirable thing I feel about Anik. He creates space for himself and a greater one for you. He always respected those boundaries.” She smiled at the man, whom she now saw as a pal, even better then Anik. The smile was reciprocated, “Why don’t you marry my son, Abhita?” Anik was surprised and shocked at his father’s sudden approach of the topic.

“Dad is just saying this because he wants someone to clean his room everyday.” He called out in an attempt to deviate the conversation. Both the people in the kitchen, looked behind, to find Anik grinning, a wicked grin to convey that he had overheard the conversation. His father, replied in the same wit, “Your room is a greater mess then mine. So keep quite.” Abhita closed down the gas, put a lid on the curry she was making and all three of them, sat down in the living room. Anik’s father had waited this moment for so many weeks now.

“Look children, one man is dead here, I don’t care about the other, as Anik had told me on the phone, he may die with that amount of liquor any day. Stop all that you were trying till now, and tie the knot.” He said an excitement in his eyes. Abhita looked at Anik then at his father. “

Uncle why would anyone marry me? No, No one can marry me.” She sobbed as she said that. Anik knew now it was his call. He had thought about the consequences of marrying Abhita. Without a physical relationship or even say a normal touch, the marriage will never survive, he had concluded. But there were instances in the past week, where she had hugged him, slept on his lap, somethings which she had never allowed to happen when they were seeing each other. There was hope for him.

Then he thought about Abhita. She was right. She won’t be able to marry anyone, especially after what Nishant had done to her, she needed someone and till date she was living in this house as his responsibility. His thoughts also went for his father. The one man that would be the happiest person to see this couple getting married. The going would be tough, but he was a brave man, like his father was, when he raised a motherless child all alone.

He placed his both hands on Abhita’s either cheeks, his eyes piercing into those pained black eyes. “I don’t have prepared any lines for this special occasion. Still will ask you. Will you marry me Abhita?” He said, not at all prepared for this moment. She smiled, brushed off her tears, and replied. “That was a kind effort, still my answer would be no.” Fresh tears rolled on to her eyes as she said that. He didn’t let go her face, “Just tell me that you declining because of me. Just say once that Anik; you aren’t the one for me.” He said, emotions choking up his throat. “Anik, try to understand, this wont work, I will be leaving this city, will go somewhere, not Ludhiana, they will marry me off. Mumbai, Bangalore, anywhere. I won’t let you share my pain with you any longer; already I have used you enough.” She didn’t stop crying as she said that. Anik released her, not making any effort to stop those tears. “Abhita, I know am not that good, but I trust you as a brave strong woman. I know it’s easy to say this, but you can’t always cling on your past. We both have fought so far, we will make our marriage work. I trust you, don’t your trust me?” His hands found hers, and held them tight. His eyes pleading to hers, but she seemed stubborn on her point. His father, who had silently been observing this conversation, stood up. “Today is Saturday, next Saturday, same time, Abhita will give you her final answer, think you can wait till that time?” he asked Anik, his eyes looking at Abhita’s for approval. Anik wasn’t ready to wait for a full week, but Abhita’s situation was such, no opinion should be pressed upon her, neither should she feel any pressure.

“Done. If Abhita wants she can have a full week to chart out her future plans, and tell us if we feature anywhere in her future.” Anik smiled as he said that and seeing Abhita nod her head, in approval, he continued, “Now, I am feeling hungry. If you don’t marry me, I am going to employ you as my cook Abhita.” The three of them shared a laugh. It was difficult for Abhita but she had joined in instantly.

Chapter-11

2008-12-31T22:19:00.000+05:30

Abhita thought about how to refuse Anik without hurting him, the whole week. Meanwhile, Anik’s father on Abhita’s insistence invited Detective Anuj over lunch for next Saturday. Abhita not only thought about Anik and his father but also about herself. What next for her? The anger she had felt for those men was subsiding, one of them was dead, and the other may rot in hell. She thought about going back to Ludhiana, but matrimony would be a major issue there. Her parents were already scouting for a suitable groom; her presence will only increase the search scale. Delhi was a beautiful place, she had spent many years here, and this city had given her exposure, education, money, independence, freedom and even pain. The pain part reminded her that she won’t be able to stay here too long. She was lonely here; there was emptiness all around. Haridwar was a possible option. She had been there when she was in her teens. That place had spirituality, which could do some good to her. Neha had told her that Bangalore had many oppurtunities.She could go there, but loneliness may follow her there too, and what if she is harmed again? Going to states with Shivani would have been the best idea, but her parents will rake up the marriage issue and never agree to this. This home where she was living now was the safest place she could think of, but she could never live here forever especially now that Anik had proposed her.

Thus, the days passed, anxiety, tension, sleepless night not only restricted to Abhita but also were affecting Anik and his father. Anik particularly was drowned in deep fear of loosing Abhita. This made him realize how much he loved her, how much he wanted her. One night, He went up to his father, “Dad, even if she says yes, will he parents agree? I was thinking about it.” His father unable to hide his nervousness, responded, “With that overgrown beard and a bad haircut no one will marry his daughter to you.” Disappointed Anik got up to leave, “Listen here son, let the girl agree first. If she agrees I will convince her parents. Don’t worry.” His father called out to him.

The week passed by, silently and quietly. The members of the house, seldom talked and when talked only few sentences at a time. One evening, Abhita found Anik in the middle of the night, in the balcony his legs resting on the railings, his head, gazing up the stars that sparkled bright in the sky.

“Coffee Anyone?” She called out. Startled, he looked behind him, then again looked up at the sky,

“Tea, is a better idea, make it strong please.” She looked at the person, her closet friend perhaps, how sad and distraught that face looked. “I couldn’t sleep; I thought you will make some coffee for me.” She said naughtily to cheer him up. Instead, he looked at her blankly, got up and went inside, to make coffee for her. She protested, but he didn’t budge, explaining her to keep her voice low as his father was sleeping. She tried again, but Anik was unusually stubborn, he pushed her out of the kitchen, and bolted the door.

He came out with two steaming cups of coffee. Abhita felt angry but was too tired to fight. She took a cup and went with him outside. “You needed tea, then why did you made coffee?” She asked him.

“Because you wanted to have coffee.” He replied, again his eyes looked for stars.

“It’s all these stars Anik. This was my destiny. I was raped. Can you imagine? Raped. Two men raped me, Anik. You see this,” She spoke, indicating her breasts with her eyes red, tears dropping in her cup of coffee, creating a distinct sound, “ They wanted this, and they wanted this.” She pointed to her crotch, “I never harmed anyone, Anik, I swear, the only heart I have ever broken is yours.” She sobbed, as Anik, shifted his eyes from the sky to her face. “Its all destiny, Abhita, I was never capable of you. I failed to capture your heart the first time. Destiny gave me another chance, I failed again. Perhaps I am not made for any women. Destiny Abhita.” He lifted her cup to her lips and made her drink the hot liquid and continued, “It was your destiny that you were forced, but it made you a stronger person. You were hurt, angered and beaten. But destiny showed you a part of yourself you never knew. That is to fight, and fight with a zeal and spirit that many would just enviously see from the sides. No one would volunteer for such courage as you have shown. Its destiny Abhita, these stars, they are trying to convey a message. Interpreting is your domain, you may interpret it as you like.”

He wiped out tears of his eyes, with the back of his hand, and drank the coffee that was now cold.

“Why you helped me Anik, you had told me it is for all those rape victims and crap but today you will tell me the truth.” She said, making no attempt to stop the tears flowing of her eyes. He looked away, to the road beneath. “I love you Abhita, I did it for you. I never believed much in your plans or actions, but I trusted you. So I assisted you. But can we ignore the fact that many women in this world are facing such fate, maybe someone is being raped just now as we talk. I sometimes wished I could do something for them. But you, you were my own, for you I couldn’t just wish, or think, I had to do something and I did whatever I could. I tried my level best Abhita.” He looked at her with pleading, tearful eyes. Eyes deprived of love. “You don’t need to tell me how much you love me, and you didn’t have to act like a bollywood actor, to start bashing up people for me. When you just sit besides me, hear all this shit I talk about, make this awful coffee, or those pjs they are more then enough. It reminds me that when this entire world will forget and ignore this rape victim, this one soul will be always there for me. I won’t ever be alone. What more I can ask for by destiny.” She spoke, smiling, her red eyes, now looking up to the stars, as if looking for answers unknown. “I am a selfish person, Abhita; I will always take care of you, because, in this lonely world of mine, I also need a person, whom I can call my own, true friend.” He replied, returning the smile.

“Anik, you will promise me one thing?” She asked

“Say, what my princess needs, of her servant” He replied, looking at her

“This world has many Abhitas but all those Abhitas don’t have Anik’s by their side, to avenge for what has happened to them. Promise me, you will fight for them, like you fought for me. I may leave you, but this promise you will have to honor, Anik. I could have done it, myself, but my strength, my power was my best friend. I want many more to benefit from it.” She asked for him

“And my strength is my love for a woman, so strong and firm that no amount of hurdles and problems could alter it. Its time tested.” He spoke with a determination that Abhita about to speak something, held back, as he went inside, to spend another sleepless night on his bed.

It was Friday night, Anik’s father, was lying restlessly on his bed, when there was a knock at the door.

“May I come in uncle?” Abhita called out from the door.

The man, switched on the light, surprised. “Come in, girl.” It was the first time perhaps she had come into his room.

“Sorry, disturbed you in the middle of the night.” She said, looking down on the floor.

“No worries, I wasn’t able to sleep anyways. Nice of you to come. Sit down.” He made her sit, near the foot of the bed.

“Uncle, I am going tomorrow. After lunch perhaps. Will stay at my flat for few days, and then move to some other city, I still not sure, where.” There were tears in her eyes, as she said that.

“So you won’t marry Anik?” Anik’s father was in tears too, unable to face the reality.

“He deserves someone better uncle, at least u try to understand. He won’t be able to tolerate me for long” She tried to clear her eyes.

“He isn’t a schoolboy, Abhita; he can judge the consequences of his actions.” The father defended his son.

“What if he regrets it later, what if this marriage is a disaster? Uncle, he is a nice guy, he will get many more girls, better then me and also purer then me.” She broke into tears again, as she hugged the father

Tightly. Finally when she let him go, he said, “You are very much pure my daughter, people tried to harm you, I know, but they couldn’t beat you, purity should be of the heart not the body. That’s what I wanted for my son, that’s what he wanted for himself.” He tried to console not only to her, but to himself as well.

“You know, the girl who would marry Anik, would be lucky not only to have such a doting husband, but also because of the loving father she will get.” She replied smilingly. He wiped off the tears of her eyes, as she continued, “You know uncle, who a girl needs the most in such crisis?” She asked. He nodded his head negatively so she answered, “It’s the mother and her father. The mother the most. How much I missed them when it all happened. But you with all the love and care, tried to fill in that place. I gave you lot of sadness, a lot of grief, please forgive me.” She sobbed, and once again, Anik’s father wiped off the tears, “Daughters don’t ask for forgiveness from their fathers. Do they?” He asked. She leaped over him, hugged him again and cried loudly. He patted her head, and said, “If you can’t be my daughter in law, please don’t snatch from me the pleasure of being your father at least.”

They both cried in each others arms, knowing very well that days of their togetherness were now numbered.

Chapter-12

2008-12-31T21:12:00.008+05:30

Saturday came again and Abhita had not yet reached a decision. Though Anik was now seen in a new cut and clean shaved avatar.
The detective was expected to arrive around two in the afternoon but came at 4. No one asked him why was he so late, and the table was laid for a lavish lunch. Masala chicken, paranthas, buttermilk, pickle, rice. The Punjabi touch was evident and they all would have enjoyed it a lot but the detective dropped the news. “Well I was late because I had gone to see a doctor, an old friend of mine.” He began, catching everyone’s attention. “Rohit had an accident yesterday. He was coming from his office in the evening, and hit a divider. He was drunk; there are no doubts about it.” Everyone was suddenly very interested about this piece of news. “His spinal cord was badly damaged. The doctor an old pal, confined to me and I have read his reports. It’s a case of Quadriplegia, c-3 most probably.” Anik was the first to ask, “What’s quadriplegia?” The detective took another parantha, appreciated Abhita’s cooking and replied. “He has lost mobility of all his four limbs. He is paralyzed for life. , and his senses can be affected too. C-3 is a high degree of quadriplegia, and unfortunately cure is very remotely possible and if that ever happens it’s going to take hell lotta of time. Also he can’t do anything himself. He has to have constant care.” The detective spoke, without any emotions in his voice. Abhita, who hadn’t spoken a word, rose to get the sweet dish, soojie ka halwa, prepared by Anik’s father for her. How ironical she thought, that the time for sweet dish had coincided with this news. There were tears in her eyes as she served the others on the table. Detective certainly void of emotions at that particular time, “Don’t worry girl, that bastard got what he deserved. The doctor told me. His sexual functions have been permanently impaired.” He grinned with contempt for that man whom se so loathed.
It was evening when tea was served as they sat down in the living room. No one talked further about rohit. The detective and Anik’s father chatted comfortably about the world. It only had been few hours since they had met but already were good friends. Suddenly Abhita got up and ran away downstairs saying that she had to ask her parents something. “Why was she smiling when she went away?” the detective asked Anik’s father. The puzzled man replied, “I don’t know. She usually talks to her parents standing in the balcony; she seldom goes down for anything. Except when going out.” Anik watched the clock, concerned about what decision she will announce tonight. A whole chapter of his life would end tonight. His father approached the sensitive topic. “Sir, please accept this small amount, the children wish to give you.” He requested the detective, handing him a polythene bag, containing a thousand notes of one hundred each. The offended detective replied, “What I did was as a human being and as a father, my daughter could have suffered the same fate too. I wouldn’t have asked money from her. No sir, you insult me by offering compensation.” He spoke angrily. Anik’s father smiled, “I know sir, and I am really grateful to you, but I am not offering you a compensation, this is a just a mark of respect, the girl wants to express her gratitude. As for me, I think we shouldn’t let her down by showing sympathy of any sorts. She has shown unbelievable spirit and courage; keep it for the sake of it.” The detective, now calm, took the polythene from Anik’s father. “For the courageous girl Abhita.” He replied smilingly.
The detective was about to leave when Abhita came up, all pink and smiling. “Little girl, I never had any daughter, but if I had one, I would have wanted a courageous and brave girl like you. I just wish that we could have spread your story far and wide, to inspire many who are victimized.” It dawned to the detective that he may never see her again. “When will I see you again?” He asked, a tear trickling down his eyes, his hand on his head. She hugged him tightly, “Very soon.” She said as she looked into his eyes and then into Anik’s father’s eyes. She pulled Anik by his shoulder “I need all my three fathers at our wedding.”