FOURTEEN
There was too much commotion at Anipura village of Haryana in protest of a gang rape. Female feticide was still going on. According to the UN estimates, about 50 million girls had been permanently lost in India due to female genital mutilation.
The problem was particularly acute in the northern Indian states. There was no girl available for marriage… and because of that, the cycle of trafficking in women was rampant across the country.
Navya kept the newspaper down from her hands. A lot of memories clouded her mind.
In order to get Mehuli out of her past life, Dr. Trivedi changed her name to Navya as he wanted everything in her life to start anew.
She had settled down at 'Sukun' and had a good time with the kids.
Sanjay came and stood before Navya at 'Sukun' with a request.
"My work pattern requires a lady worker badly and if you agree to join me I will be grateful to you… will you come with me Navya?"
"I have given you my brother's place and so I will be glad to help you... and my life will be blessed. Let me talk to Dr. Trivedi once… "
Both of them reached Dr. Trivedi's chamber to share with the proposal and he was happy to hear about it.
"My best wishes are always with you my dear. Stay blessed, go ahead and touch the sky. Come and see me sometimes."
Navya shifted to Sanjay's flat with him.
Many social service organisations were running under Sanjay's guidance. He said he had used the property left by his father for a good cause.
"I have built an ashram for the destitute and helpless women. Navya, I want you to take the charge as an administrator there as I know you are eligible to run it flourishingly.
We must get a permit for the women's ashram as soon as possible and for that we have to meet a big shot… you know I don't have time, so please look into the matter, will you?"
"Yes brother definitely! I can do anything for you and that too for a good cause." Smiled Navya.
Sanjay texted Jignesh Mehta's phone number and home address to Navya.
Navya found the house beautifully decorated.
Mr. Mehta was waiting for Navya in his drawing room.
Drink bottles and glasses were arranged on the center table. Navya hesitated for a while as soon as her eyes caught the sight.
The bookcase on the wall with a good collection changed her mood immediately and made her happy.
Drinking is in fashion.
Before, people wanted to know "Do you drink alcohol?"
And now people ask "You don't drink alcohol?"
Society was changing but if it was for the betterment!
In between their initial conversation, he poured drink in two glasses, mixed soda and extended one to Navya. Navya was at a loss. She didn’t know, would it be appropriate to say no... he was a reputed person and Sanjay had sent her to him with great hope… what if he refused to issue the permit?
"I am okay with soft drinks… I can't stand alcohol" Navya said with a smile.
On his instructions, the waiter brought a glass of soft drink and some dry fruits in a bowl.
Navya couldn’t remember what happened next.
Navya opened her eyes in Mr. Mehta's guestroom. She collected her scattered clothes from the floor and entered the attached bathroom. No, she didn’t have tears in her eyes… her heart had already turned to stone.
As she walked towards the living room, a familiar voice rang in her ears… who was it?
"Are you satisfied sir? It is very difficult to get fresh pieces nowadays… but I am always at your service sir and whenever you need any, just give me a call.
Will I get the permission sir? I have been waiting for a long time."
"It will be done. You take care of me, I'll take care of whatever you need... actually speaking there wasn’t much fun. I had to drug the lady's drink to have her in bed. Leave... forget it, hope to get a better one next time."
... Sanjay, I have given you my elder brother's place… Navya felt distressed.
There was no way out.
Navya started working for the ashram.
It took time to understand, and by the time she had realised what kind of work she was involved in, Navya was unknowingly trapped to work for women trafficking.
After talking to Sanjay, Navya understood that his hatred towards women had returned and he continued destroying the relationship.
Sanjay's aunt tried to confiscate his property. Uncle Mahatkar had expired by that time and Sanjay couldn't acquire the required property documents till then.
Sanjay's aunt refused to hand over the necessary papers to him though he attained adulthood.
Sanjay had to come down to the footpath in need of money and was ready to do any kind of work. Gradually he got dragged into anti- social activities.
… Sanjay, you pulled me down to the quick sand that you got drowned in. You wanted money, you could have gone to Dr. Trivedi to know about the way of earning your living.
My life was going well at 'Sukun'... you forgot that you have elevated me to the position of your sister but couldn’t honour the relationship. The fire in which I was thrown into, how do you expect me to fling those helpless girls there too?
Navya was weeping silently.
The good qualities in Sanjay were completely lost… and so Navya's tears couldn’t melt his heart… Navya's life was not valuable to him.
He wanted to burn down the whole world to ashes in the fire of his hatred.
