Seven Vows Part 3 -Part 259 Page 147 - Page 52

Chapter 204- The Power

Ankush sat in his room. In front of him were old photographs of his sister, Dheeraj and Dharini as kids. Then photographs of him as student chairperson of his college. News paper cuttings of his vigorous campaign for Shobha's justice. He closed his eyes as memories flowed.

He was in the room of the old lodge reading the daily newspaper. His ideals didn't match with his father and when fights became constant he left the house and started staying in that lodge where many bachelors like him stayed. He was jack of all trades and did odd jobs to support himself as he ran the campaign for CBI enquiry into Shobha's death. It has been two weeks since his sister Arathy had died because of an accidental fall from the terrace. He couldn't go for the funeral as he knew his father didn't like to see him. She was the only one he was attached to in his family. None of his brothers liked him as they all followed his father's footsteps. He felt a void because of his sister's death. It was then he heard a knock on the door. He opened the door. Prakash stood in front of him.

" Prakash come inside. How is Manjima bhabi and little Vaishnav" asked Ankush.

" Both of them are doing good Ankush. Manjima send you this laddoo" told Prakash. It was Manjima's habit of sending him sweets now and then whenever Prakash visited him telling there is no one to make good food for Ankush. But today Ankush felt something was amiss in Prakash's smile.

" What happened Prakash. Why are you fidgeting " asked Ankush.

" That Ankush..." Prakash looked at him hesitating whether to tell him or not.

" Tell me Prakash. Now I am tensed" told Ankush.

Prakash got up from the seat went near the window and without looking at him began to talk.

" Ankush you will have to hear me patiently. You are not going to break anything here. It is regarding Arathy didi's death" told Prakash.

" What happened to didi. Prakash don't tell me it was not an accident" told Ankush.

" It was not an accident Ankush. Your didi was killed. I had to go there that night because Bhaiyya wanted some files from Arathy didi's husband. But when I reached there I didn't find anyone in the hall. The security told they were all in out house. But when I went I ended up seeing accidently your didi is given as a prostitute to the guests who have come there. I saw atleast 5 or 6 people going to the room and having relation with her. Couple of them were foreign nationals.

I stood outside not sure what to do. Then the guests went. Your sister and her husband had a big argument post that. Her husband wanted to make your niece also serve the same purpose. It seems some of the foreign nationals had an eye on her. Arathy was telling she was doing it from the time she was married to that house, but she wont allow him to do that to her daughter. Her husband slapped her hard, she fell and her head hit the sharp edge of the table. I guess she died on that impact. After that they took her body and put it down from the terrace claiming it to be accident. I came back without meeting them. I was thinking whether to tell you. But then I couldn't help. Because if you don't act now maybe your niece Dharini is in danger"

Ankush sat heavily on the chair. He was trying to change the world. He was questioning the world while his sister for past fourteen years has been a married prostitute. That marriage was a farce. He thanked Prakash for giving him the information.

Ankush opened his eyes. What followed was a bitter battle with his father and Arathy's in laws asking for the custody of children. They were not willing to give. But then his campaign for Shobha was on the verge of success. He knew if CBI enquiry happened even his brother in law was in trouble. Finally a condition was agreed upon. Custody of kids will be given. But Ankush will go from Jaipur leaving the campaign. They will decide what to do with enquiry. He had to agree. He took the children Dharani 12 and Dheeraj 10 leaving the campaign and came to Ujjain. He joined a school as a teacher. With their power his father and brother in law killed the CBI enquiry, while he bought up his niece and nephew. He had not wanted to get married, but Suchitra happened. Then while they were happy with Dharini and Dheeraj as their kids, Satya came into their life.

He once again looked at the photos. But this time he was not looking at the old photographs, but the newspaper cutting of the Dignity of widow campaign. It had the photo of Poornima along with Vaishnav and Sreedhar. His hand caressed Vaishnav. After coming to Ujjain he had many times thought about the story Prakash told. As he thought more he found more loop holes in it. How could security guard send Prakash to the out house. How could Prakash see everything in out house. Why did Prakash wait till he saw Arathy's body disposed off. Prakash death two months down the lane only increased his suspicion.

What was Prakash doing there. Did him mentioning the name of Prakash to his father had something to do with his death, which forced his wife to commit suicide and this boy growing up almost as an orphan.

As he looked at the photo the decision came to his mind. Yes he will fight the battle this time. But it wont be just outside, it will be inside also. The transformation in families has to happen in line with his campaign. That part he will have to get the support of Tilak if he has to implement what he has in mind. But he knew he has to do it. He has to know the truth of Prakash's death, he owed that to Vaishnav. His niece is doing good today because of Prakash. He had to fight it. Fight not only for his sister, but for his friend who gave the information to protect his niece.

Once he opened the door he saw his family eagerly waiting. He looked at Suchitra.

Originally posted by: shruthiravi

@Ria Tilak had his own guilt, he was lost in a different world after what happened to Anu. And Vaishu was with his grand father. Coming to Arathy those days women never told such things outside. They suffered mutely. Because if they raised voiced they were bumped off and no one asked questions.