THREE
When Urmil set her foot in that huge city wrapped in a sheet of simplicity of the mountains... She wondered how she would survive alone!
Urmil had grown up in a very protected atmosphere and it was the first time she had come out of the safe zone, the comfort of the orphanage to see the outer world and to test her abilities.
Mother Sebastian was old and she did not support Urmil to respond and set her feet in the tempting trap... to step out in the open world. It was true that she was a grown up girl and must earn her living but that could be done even staying in their very own Himachal... Solan, Shimla… farther… Manali or Dharamsala!
Mother Patricia, the then in charge of the orphanage, a woman of modern ideology, supported Urmil. She had an open talk with Mother Sebastian and was able to explain to her the necessity of Urmil's exposure and encouraged Urmil to leave Solan for a better future.
“Urmil has a bright future. She's disciplined and smart… Mother, she should get acquainted with the outside world. The facilities on the hills are limited. Do you remember Mother, how much you have fought for her and stood by her side?"
Mother Sebastian smiled.
"All those fighting had gone in vain, Patricia. The management had turned a deaf ear… and of course they were right in their reasoning. Urmil is not the only member of Tender Bud, there are other children too who are equally talented and have promising futures. If Urmil is good at tennis, Rodrick is a great shooter, Marilyn's javelin throw is impeccable and it's not fair to be partial and give someone a special chance… am I right?"
Mother Patricia replied sadly "That's true Mother... why would someone agree to spend so much money for an orphan and… the training of tennis needs a personal coach and what a tremendous amount of money is required to have one! But if given a chance, Urmil would definitely have made her country proud of her. India could have a crown on her head again and we might have got another Sania Mirza."
"She had to be sent out of this place for tennis training too… I had also talked to Vijay Ranade in Chandigarh… he came on his own interest to watch Urmil play. Impressed by the talent of the girl, he offered to train her for an incredibly small amount of money but we could not afford that either. If I had money in my personal account, I would have continued with her training but then too, I would feel guilty of being partial. I am the mother... for all." Mother Sebastian looked dejected.
Dreams in her eyes, and the appointment letter in her hand Urmil stepped in the large city of Delhi, the capital of the country.
The only thought that had haunted Urmil was that she was completely alone there… if there was someone to hold her hand. On that sad occasion an invitation to an office party brought her some joyous moments.
A new and unknown world opened up before Urmil.
Men and women were busy sipping alcoholic drinks... smoking cigarettes… dancing and singing together to fulfill their desires.
It was then, when Urmil met Navya and she liked the girl's friendly and easy going behavior at the first sight.
Urmil started visiting Navya.
"You better leave your PG accomodation Urmi and come to stay with me… we will chip in. Can you cook?”
"Oh… don't worry dear, I will learn to... I would love to be there with you."
After settling in with Navya, Urmil was introduced to Sanjay... who used to visit Navya occasionally. Urmil was informed that Sanjay was Navya's cousin.
