CHAPTER 2

             

CALICUT

Same day, 2pm

Azmia: How are things going now? What is his response?

Tejaswi: Well things are heating up for sure. But I’m sure Khaleel Khan is figuring out ways to douche the matter soon. News about his resignation is doing rounds. But I highly doubt it.

Azmia: What do you think he will do?

Tejaswi: He will either try to stall the case till the elections get over. But then that would be a stupid move. Opposition is sure to use your case as their trump card. So solving this is the only solution before him; but how he does that depends on him.

Azmia: Do you think he will try for a compromise?

Tejaswi: There is a chance. Do you want a compromise?

Azmia: What are my other options?

Tejaswi: Fight the case at court. But he will try all means to turn the case in his favour. I must warn you, everything can go completely wrong.

Azmia smiled.

Azmia: I know.

Tejaswi: Look, I hate myself for asking this; path ahead is...I don’t know. Anything can happen, you are gambling with your life. Do you want to go ahead?

Azmia took a full moment before answering.

Azmia: Yes.

Tejaswi: Ok. Then now we have to find a safe accommodation for you. Your family is not an option.

Azmia: Hmm, they are better off without me. And in any case, I don’t expect them to support me. If Abba was there.....things would have been different.

Tejaswi: Ok then I think it’s time to give Aaradhya a call.

Azmia: Aaru? Where is she now?

Tejaswi: Dubai. She is married and settled there; also handling her father’s business.

Azmia: Yeah. He was based in Middle East and Kochi right.

Tejaswi: Yes and they have few charity oriented institutions here. SEVA is a shelter home for women. One unit of SEVA is in Calicut. Let me contact her and see.

Tejaswi dials an international number on her phone. The Viber call connects.

Aaradhya: Hello

Tejaswi: Hi Aaradhya.

Aaradhya: Tej, this is a surprise, how come you remembered me? What’s up?

Tejaswi: Well life has been busy dude. So didn’t actually have time for chit-chat. And now I called because something has come up.

Aaradhya: What happened?

Tejaswi: It’s about Azmia.

Aaradhya: Azmia? Oh God yes. Where is she now? Are you in touch with her?

Tejaswi: Well right now she is sitting in front of me.

Aaradhya: What? She is at your police station? Tej, what is the matter?

Tejaswi looked at Azmia who is staring at her.

Tejaswi: You want to talk?

Azmia nodded.

Tejaswi: Here, talk to her.

Tejaswi handed over the phone to Azmia. The call continued for almost an hour. In between Azmia moved towards the window while Tejaswi went outside. Once she was done, she handed over the phone to Tejaswi who came back to her office.  

Aaradhya: What is the status of the case now?

Tejaswi: Case has just been registered. Khaleel Khan is yet to make his move.

Aaradhya: What help do you want from me?

Tejaswi: Your shelter house, SEVA. I want Azmia to be placed in a safe location.

Aaradhya: Done. I will arrange for it. You can move her tonight itself.

Tejaswi looked at Azmia and then moved to the corridor.

Tejaswi: Good.

Aaradhya: What are her chances at wining?

Tejaswi: 0 percent.

Aaradhya: What? Then why are you letting her go on with this?

Tejaswi: It’s her choice Aaradhya.

Aaradhya: But she has come to you for help. You should direct her in the right manner.

Tejaswi: I have done that. She wants to fight her case.

Aaradhya: Even when she doesn’t stand a chance? I don’t know much about this Khaleel Khan but we all know he is a politician and how the system works there. Then why push her into this mess. Can’t we help her in some other way?

Tejaswi: We can. But I think she should fight first. She wants it dude. And I support her.

Aaradhya: Hmm. Ok for now I will arrange her stay at SEVA. I will be coming down in 20 days. Let’s see how things go. If it’s not working, Tej, don’t go ahead with this. It will do her more harm.

Tejaswi: Hmm we’ll see. I will take her to SEVA tonight.

Aaradhya: I know you didn’t like what I said. But I’m saying this in her best interest.

Tejaswi: I know. But I don’t want to take her choice from her.

Aaradhya: Hmm. If things go out of hand, inform me.

Tejaswi: Ok.

Aaradhya: Bye

Tejaswi cut the call.

                                                *****************

 KOCHI

Same day, 5.30 pm  

Gauri is driving back home on her scooter. She is just 5 minutes away from home when her mother called to ask her to get some vegetables for dinner; hence she got down at the shop nearby home. But it was a bad decision; her neighbor Sujata was also there in the shop. And as soon as she saw Gauri, she started with her fake sympathy.

Sujata: Oh dear, how are you?

Gauri: I’m fine, thank you Aunty. Brother, get me these vegetables please.

She tried to avoid Sujata by giving attention to the shopkeeper. Sujata did get the hint that Gauri doesn’t want to talk; but some people find joy in making others’ life their business.

Sujata: Actually it’s good you are going for work. At least you will get a little relief. Sitting at home will only welcome disturbing thoughts. How are the court proceedings going?

Gauri sighed. Divorce is not an easy decision; but people around you make it more difficult.

Gauri: I will be divorced in few months time Aunty; if that’s what you are asking.

Sujata: Oh child, don’t get me wrong. I was just worried for you.

Gauri: I understand. Thanks for your concern. Bye.

She left the shop with the vegetables and drove home. The gate was open for her. She closed the gate and rang the door bell. Her mother opened the door.

Mother: Got the vegetables?

Gauri: Yes and also got to met Sujata Aunty.

She walked towards the fridge to get some water. Her mother sighed knowing very well what that meant. Her daughter was again harassed, for no fault of hers.

Mother: Don’t give ears to them. People will never back out from commenting on others’ crisis.

Gauri (gulping down water): I don’t care Amma. I’m used to it by now.

Mother: Till when Gauri? This is not the end yet. You have a life ahead of you.

Gauri: Amma please. Don’t start again. I’m fed up of all this. I think this transfer to Kochi couldn’t have had a worst timing.

She walked towards the TV room upstairs where her daughter was playing and her father engrossed in news.

Guari: Chikku, Mamma’s home.

Her daughter smiled and jumped into her mamma’s arms.

Chikku: Chikku missed you Mamma.

She kissed her Mamma’s cheek who smiled.

Father: You are late today.

Gauri: Yes, had to get some vegetables.

Her father nodded and went back to the news. Gauri was about to leave with her daughter in her arms when she swiftly turned back to the TV screen. The face she saw there was familiar though a lot different now.

“Azmi”!!!

                                *************************

KOCHI

Same day, 8 pm

A family of four - Esther, her husband Lois and two kids are on their knees with closed eyes and lips moving in prayer. It is their pray time. As soon as it ended, the house was filled with noises and laughter. Esther has the best family on earth. She has a loving and level headed husband who loves and cherishes her; two kids who are as naughty and as cute as they could get. Her home represents the image of a happy family to everyone who looks through their window. Tonight is no different. As the pray time is over the kids started screaming for dinner. Esther went to lay out the table while Lois helped her with the dishes. Once settled at the table, Lois is as usual scrolling through news channels when Esther and kids screamed out for a movie or cartoon channel.

Esther: Come on Lois. Its dinner time and no news channels please. 

Lois: Just a minute Eva. I’m just checking the headlines.

Kids: Daddy, please change.

Lois: One minute, just the headlines, please just the headlines.

The kids moaned in despair while Esther sighed.

Esther: Then put CVC channel.

Lois: Oh because your friend is the news reporter there?

Esther: Yes please. It’s long since we’ve all seen each other. At least I can see her face like this.

Lois: Hmm here you go.

But the face that flashed over all the news channels that night, belonged to another friend.

All channels were either providing bits on Khaleel Khan and his past adventures; both good and bad or showing off the best shots from Azmia Khaleel Khan’s press conference. The matter was gaining momentum and speculations were being made about Khaleel Khan’s resignation. But all that didn’t matter to 5 women out there – who watched this news, because it involved a kin – their Azmi! News that held no importance in the morning, has gained value now.

Life can change in one day’s time!

“Though speculations are being made about Minister Khaleel Khan’s resignation, nothing has been confirmed yet. On the other hand, MAF party is maintaining their silence over the issue. But the public support is weighing scales for both Mr. And Mrs. Khaleel Khan equally. People who have allegiance to MAF party and Minister Khaleel Khan is organising protests against Azmia Khaleel Khan; but public through social media is offering support to Azmia Khaleel Khan. Women’s’ Rights Activists and Human Rights’ activists have taken the matters into their hands and is taking Azmia Khaleel Khan’s protection very seriously considering the life threats against her. Next at 9 pm, Mr. Lokesh Iyer is joining you with ‘This or That’ debate programme, on the same topic with activists, public and members from the party on league. Tune in for more news to our Website. This is Joanna Joyce signing of, thank you and Goodnight.”