Seeking redemption excerpt

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee Epilogue Life is so weird, Meera mused as she stood there in the corridor. She looked around and wondered if this is what they meant when they used to say life is like a colour changing chameleon, scary one moment and lovable the next.

Coming to think of it, it sounded so perfectly apt for her life especially in the last one year. Not that life had been a bed of roses all the time, but then what had transpired wasn’t what she could comprehend even in her worst nightmares.

Every belief of hers had been challenged in the last one year. The very base of values on which she stood proudly till now was beginning to crumble under the pressure from all around, threatening to take her along as it fell.

She could actually do a countdown till now the way one by one all her dreams had crashed.

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee In some corner of her heart she still wanted to believe in Him, for He let the damage happen slowly one by one, knowing that if all of it were to come together perhaps she wouldn’t be able to deal with it. Letting go of her dream for a master’s degree, taking up a job, meeting the love of her life and still feeling lost, maybe this is what the maze of life looks like she wondered.

Suddenly her eyes fell on her mother standing at a far corner. She seemed to have aged overnight. Her mom, the never tiring defiant Ahalya Mishra had lived up to her name. She was fearless in every manner be it running the household effortlessly for years together or fighting for her family. But today she looked like a lost warrior, someone who had lost everything despite winning every battle of life.

Her father G K Mishra the man who taught her to stand up for her own rights wasn’t able to stand today on his two legs. Time which is considered to be the best healer

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee in the world was actually the worst inflictor of pains for them. In a way it was good he wasn’t here, she felt. He wouldn’t have been able to see this. After his recent illness he was broken up completely but his heart held the strength to keep him going. But after witnessing what was going to happen today, perhaps the last pieces of his heart and soul would have also given up. She shuddered just at the thought of it.

Just then the police entered the corridor with her brother Raghav in tow. He stared at her with bloodshot eyes. Was it a plea to save him that she read in his eyes or was it vengeance that played havoc in them? There were thousands of questions running in her mind at that moment and there was nothing that she could hold onto as the ultimate truth, the answer to all that she wanted to know at that moment.

In life you come across moments where there is no truth or lie left for what exists at that moment becomes the

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee undeniable truth. This was one such moment in Meera’s life. All these years that she tied rakhi on that strong wrist of Raghav she would have perhaps not imagined a day like today, a day when handcuffs adorned his very wrists and she was responsible for it.

She hadn’t slept at all in the last few days that led to this final moment today. A day that could be written down in history easily as one where a sister will testify against her own brother and ensure he is punished for the crime.

Every time she thought of this her heart skipped a beat and formed a lump in her throat.

She loved Raghav a lot; there was no doubt about it. And all the undivided love and attention he got since childhood for being a male child wasn’t a reason for her to become envious enough to take this revenge. She was trying to convince herself with all these thoughts since the time all this started.

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee In the hearts of her heart she knew she didn’t need to tell herself all this but somehow those whispers around her made her squirm pushing her thoughts in this direction.

Her chain of thoughts was broken when her lawyer walked towards and said, “Madam, the proceedings will start in sometime. I will call for you when you are needed there. Till then you may please wait here in the lobby.”

She nodded meekly and sat down on the nearby bench.

The sunlight that shone through those panes creating illusions on the opposite wall made her feel hopeful and gave her the much strength. Her body began to relax soon as her mind took a walk down the memory lane exactly a year ago when all that she had got to worry was her grades in her final semester, a time when she was neither a victim nor a culprit, but a dreamer who just wanted to chase them.

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee Chapter 1 A year ago Meera

was

getting

ready

for

college;

it

was

the

convocation day rehearsal today, at the college. Her father asked her from the living room, “When is your convocation?”

“Papa, its tomorrow …” She answered from her room.

“I would love to watch the grand occasion, my daughter getting her MBBS degree. I am so proud of you.” His words echoed through the house.

Meera was almost ready for the college. She walked to him with a smile and chirped, “Whatever I am today is all because of you. I love you papa.” His face lit up seeing his daughter. He was thinking that he made the best decision of his life by allowing Meera to pursue medicine.

Meera’s mother walked in from the kitchen where she was busy preparing breakfast and interrupted, “No girl in http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee our family is supposed to study till this age; girls in our family are married off at an early age. You are the first girl who has been allowed to do a professional course.”

Meera, unable to ever express her true feelings in front of her mother just managed to mumble, “I understand mummy.” She believed that girls should be married off timely by arranging a good match. In her view, only boys should be allowed to pursue a professional education.

“Raghav is finishing his year 12 and we have to admit him to an engineering course this year. You should settle down by marrying someone ... a good boy, of our choice.

Moreover, forget about post graduation until you get married. After that, it would be your husband’s or in-laws’ decision.” She continued without waiting for any reaction from Meera or her father. Meera had heard this many times before and knew that there was no point reacting to it. She simply nodded her head and proceeded towards the door.

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee Meera, elder of the two children, was an ethereal beauty with an oval face and a sensuous mouth. She had large, black eyes and an endearing smile. She had inherited a fair complexion from her mother and sharp features from her father. Her simplicity and innocence added to her charm and the fact that she was not aware of her beauty made her look even more enchanting.

Meera always had a feeling that her studies put an extra strain on the family’s financial situation. She used to flinch whenever her mother mentioned the word ‘dowry’ and how it was difficult to arrange such a large sum of money, with her father being the sole earning member of the family.

Meera’s father was a teacher; he was earning just enough to manage his family of four so there was no scope for any luxuries of life. They had a small two-bedroom flat, which her father bought twenty years ago with the money he received from his father’s will after his death.

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee The house desperately needed repair as the plaster was chipping off from several places and there was seepage from the cracked roof, each time it rained. Though her mother constantly complained about these things, her father hardly seemed to notice anything. In his eyes, education was the best investment to create a better future. He was following it religiously. He was giving good education to both his children.

Meera’s brother, Raghav, was planning to do engineering after his high school. He was an average student, and in spite of her father’s constant encouragement as well as well-meaning

criticism,

he

could

never

score

exceptionally. However, in her mother’s eyes, he was the best, as good as anyone could possibly be.

Somewhere deep down ever since her childhood days, Meera wanted to be independent. She wanted to have a comfortable life with small luxuries rather than be constantly worrying about finances, like her mother.

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee Though she was not brilliant in studies, she was hard working and her perseverance always paid off.

Leaving her house in a huff Meera ran to catch the bus to her college. Sanjeev Singh and Tapan Chatterjee, her batch mates, also boarded the bus at the next stop. As she saw them board the bus, it bought to her mind the exuberant days of MBBS. Everyday used to be a new experience, which made even such an intensive course so interesting. Meera enjoyed every moment at her college, more than her passion for medicine it was the infectious enthusiasm all around that made it special.

Buoyant atmosphere at the university auditorium was reverberating with students; all of them busy cheering their friends and exchanging pleasantries. Optimism was at its peak. Meera always loved the energy and undying spirit. An announcement was going on for today’s final dress rehearsal program. Students were advised to segregate according to the degree they were receiving.

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee Meera proceeded to join the MBBS batch with her friends Priya and Kiran Mala.

MBBS graduates were asked to stand alphabetically.

Meera was taking her position when she sensed from the corner of her eye that someone was intensely watching her. Before she knew it, a tall and handsome man, with a whitish complexion, sharp chiseled features and deep dark brown eyes, wearing jeans and sky blue t-shirt was approaching her.

“Can I talk to you for a moment?” He asked her. Meera was perturbed by this sudden intrusion.

“Hi! I am Aman ... Dr Aman Sharma, MD Medicine. And I guess you are....” he trailed off.

“I am Meera Mishra; I’ve just finished my MBBS.” Meera finished the sentence.

“I would like to meet you sometime.” Aman said. There were no preliminary talks, not much introduction, it was

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee simply a command. Meera, still unable to get a grip over the situation, replied, “I will see.” He then vanished in the crowd as quickly as he had appeared.

Meera’s eyes tried to follow him in the auditorium while rehearsal was going on. Aman Sharma had a demeanor, which reflected a kind of aloofness. His face had an arrogant look about it and there was an aura of aristocratic upbringing.

Priya, as usual, could sense that something was unsettling Meera and she decided to investigate. Meera, who was always like an open book, instantly narrated the whole incident to her. Kiran Mala also joined her friends when she realized that some interesting exchanges were going on between them, “About whom are you talking about? Is there someone special?”

“No one in particular, I just happened to collide with one of our seniors.” Priya tried to be evasive. “He is sitting in the

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee fifth row where students who are getting their MD and MS degrees are seated.”

Kiran knew quite a lot about him. “Aman’s father was a Supreme Court judge who had to resign from his job at the peak of his career. His grandfather was a well-known economist who served at various prestigious government posts. He has been one of the brilliant students of the college. In fact he is a gold medalist.”

Meera was trying to gain the normalcy that existed before Aman’s arrival in her heart and mind. She wasn’t able to manage to erase his intense eyes from her thoughts. She was trying hard to let it go but it seemed as if nothing was the same again.

The day’s rehearsal ended at five in the evening. All the students left the auditorium in an upbeat mood, chatting and joking amongst themselves, preparing for the big day tomorrow. Convocation was a grand affair. Meera was delighted that her parents could attend the ceremony. http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee Aman Sharma was also present, looking regal in his convocation dress. His eyes were searching for Meera. He just wanted to see her once, to assure himself that she indeed existed, not in his dreams but in reality.

Kiran was there with her boyfriend Sanjay Hari who was also getting his post graduation degree with Aman Sharma. She looked as cheerful and contended as always. One of their other seniors, Sameer Saxena was also attending the ceremony as he was receiving a postgraduate degree in Medicine. He was trying hard to avoid any eye contact with Meera. However, Priya Agarwal, Sanjeev Singh and Tapan Chatterjee, who were finishing their MBBS degrees as well, were having a great time.

The commencement address was delivered by the chief guest, the Prime Minister of India “Medical School and Universities is a temple of learning, a place of highest reverence where future generations are built and every

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee student is provided with armamentarium to achieve the highest potential of their existence. Every student should have equal opportunities and should be treated equally irrespective of race, color, caste, religion or any other bias.”

The group of students and teachers clapped cheerfully.

“It’s very hard to rise in life, very easy to fall, so be aware of every step you chose to take in life. You should always aim high and try to excel in whichever area you choose to specialize

in.

Congratulations

for

acquiring

coveted

degrees and my best wishes for your future endeavors.”

The

dean,

Dr

Rajaram’s

speech

was

focused

on

commitment of doctors to patient care and for the equal opportunities in the medical field and affirmative action in medical education.

“The injustice done to past

generations should be reversed and everyone should get a chance to prove their potential and talent.”Convocation was over in around three hours. Everyone was invited to

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee attend high tea that followed the ceremony. Meera and her friends gathered in one corner to celebrate.

They talked nostalgically about their early days at college. Priya said, “I can’t believe we finally got our degrees today. Remember the first day when we joined the course? I can’t forget those days of ragging when we were forced to wear those awful cloths and apply copious amounts of oil in our hair.”

All three of them laughed in unison. Kiran said, “It was horrible. Remember we were cursing our fate and wondering why we decided to join medical college, at all.”

Meera added, “And do you remember why exactly we were regretting?”

And amidst laughter, she answered herself, “It was the first day of the anatomy practical and we had to attend dissection hall where cadavers (dead human bodies) were laid on tables. And we were asked to sit in front of them to get acclimatized to them.” http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee Priya continued, “We were so scared and to make matters worse, seniors were shouting. They were actually trying to rag us.”

Kiran Mala said, “And in the evening at the hostel, all of us were thinking of quitting the course!”

Meera holding the degree in her hand, happily shouted, “But finally, we did managed to ace it!” Priya also cheered in unison.

Ω Meera was mostly at home after her convocation day, as she had to prepare for her upcoming exams. She was due to appear for her postgraduate medical entrance exams soon as she wanted to pursue her career in pediatrics.

One day after having breakfast in the morning, she was studying in her room when her mother came in and announced, “Dr Pandey would be coming with his family

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee to meet us this evening. He owns a private medical practice in Kanpur. His son is a surgeon.”

“Alright mummy.” she replied.

“I want you to get married and settle down first and after that you can plan your post graduation.” Her mother added and left the room without waiting to hear Meera’s response.She was still in deep thought about her unfinished dream and her uncertain future when her cell phone rang.

“May I talk to Meera Mishra?” Meera could hear a deep mail voice on the phone. She instantly knew who he was.

It was Aman. He got her phone number through Kiran.

“Yes Meera speaking.” Meera was feeling as if her private world was suddenly being invaded by a stranger.

“Do you remember me? I am Aman Sharma.” he said in his imposing voice.

“I remember meeting you.” Meera replied hesitatingly.

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee “And your promise...?” Aman asked.

“Actually I have my entrance exams due in a couple of months and I have to prepare for that. Is there anything urgent that you want to talk about?”

“But you did say that you will try...” Aman persisted.

“I did, but I didn’t realize that I would get busy with exams.”

“It’s okay, but it would be great if we could meet sometime.” Aman was not going to insist any more. He would have never called her, if he could help it.

“I will try.” Meera could have simply ignored him and not entertained his call but there was some invisible force that didn’t let her do that. However, she knew that her priorities were different at this time. And she decided that though she liked Aman, she could not afford any distraction at this point.

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee Aman felt irritated. “What’s wrong with this girl? Why does she avoid me?” Her behavior left him fuming all the time and his ego didn’t allow him to push things beyond a point. All he wanted was to spend some time with her and she kept behaving as if he was asking her to run away with him. Aman laughed out loud on his thoughts and disconnected the call with a smile on his face.

The evening date with Dr Pandey and his family was an anticlimax, as her mother did not like the family and the prospective groom herself. Meera silently thanked god for his small mercies. She and her father exchanged a quick glance of relief as soon as the guests departed.

Ω Sameer Saxena had an appointment with Prof. Rajaram at the dean’s office. He reached at 11 o’ clock sharp in the morning for the appointment. However, Prof. Rajaram was busy with group of delegates from Europe, who were http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee visiting the college for discussing future collaboration on tuberculosis, always a good chance for Prof. Rajaram to show his contribution towards the cause of humanity and the alleviation of suffering. Sameer Saxena had to wait for the meeting to be over. He was called once the visitors left the office.

“How are things with you Dr Saxena?” Prof. Rajaram inquired.

“Sir, I am good. I have a request for you. I am applying for fellowship at the department of medicine. I am sure that with your blessings, I would also be able to become a faculty here.”

Sameer Saxena did his dissertation under Prof. Rajaram during his post graduation, MD. Their association was not only limited to professional areas but it also extended to other areas as well. Being the most trusted aide of Prof. Rajaram, Dr Saxena was the designated person for

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee the dealings where Prof. Rajaram did not want to be seen; Dr Saxena acted on his behalf.

“I believe you are using the heart stents for the angioplasty from the company that I suggested to you last time?” the dean asked.

“Yes sir! And I have conveyed your wish to others in the department as well. I have told them that these are the best ones as demonstrated in your research publication.”

Sameer replied.

“Good, the company is arranging air tickets and hotel stay for me and my family in Mauritius, at the end of the month. Please ensure that they get maximum business.”

“No problems sir! Your wish is my command.” Sameer never left any opportunity of adulation.

“One thing more, I forgot to mention it to you. Please instruct all the staff on my behalf that quality of patient management should not be compromised. The faulty

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee medical equipments should be replaced with the new ones and not to be sent for the repairs. We have enough funds for buying new equipments.” Prof. Rajaram told Sameer, without

mentioning

that

kickbacks

received

from

purchasing new equipments is far more lucrative option for him than to save the overburdened government resources

by

getting

repair

work

done

on

these

equipments.

“I understand sir, I will convey to everyone concerned.” He replied, feeling happy that he won’t miss on making money, even if he had decided to join the government hospital instead of private hospital.

“So, what’s happening at the resident doctor’s association front?” Prof. Rajaram probed. He wanted to have control over junior doctors. It would be worthwhile to have prior information about any important development at that front.

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee “Nothing important sir rather nothing that should bother us.” Sameer reassured the dean.

“All the best for your application, I will ensure that you get this post.”

“Thank you, sir!” Sameer said. Ω

“Hello Meera, can we meet in the afternoon today?” Aman called again in the morning when she was engrossed in her studies.

“It wouldn’t be possible for me. I have to finish all my practice questions today.” Meera said.

“How is your application for fellowship coming along?”

She tried to divert the conversation. Aman was applying for fellowship in of medicine department, a pre-requisite for a faculty position at the college. It was a three-year program which followed post graduation degree. http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee “It’s okay, nothing very special.” Aman replied, in no mood to get diverted.

“Can I come to meet you?” he asked.

“Why...I

mean,

for

what?”

she

asked,

instead

of

answering his question.

“I just wanted to see you.” He said earnestly.

“Then you have to wait till finish my exams.” she said in a mock teasing tone with a laughter that tinkled.

“All the best, for your exams!”Aman had to give up but he couldn’t forget her enchanting laugh.

Once again she had managed to evade the meeting. He wondered if she didn’t want to meet him in the first place, but if that was so she wouldn’t have been speaking to him as well right. He tried to reason things to himself, all of which felt worthless.

As of now he had no other option but to wait for her to meet him, atleast once. He sighed and got back to what http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee he was doing before the storm called Meera had played havoc in his life even if it was momentary. â„Ś Another day, the three girls decided to meet up in college.

Priya and Kiran were waiting for Meera at the local college canteen, which served the most delectable samosas with delicious chutney. The feast used to be complete with hot chai.

Everyone

from

first

year

students

to

final

year

postgraduates frequented the place and jostled with each other to find a seat in that very cramped space. And most of the time, that seat used to be a broken chair with its arm missing or its leg being loose. Even then, it was a coveted place and no one was willing to compromise.

It held a special place in the heart of all the students and junior doctors and that sense of belonging was cemented by the ever-smiling face of the owner of the place, Raju Chacha. He knew most of them by their first names and http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee was privy to most jokes cracked there amongst the students. “Why don’t you sit and order something doctor sahib?” Raju Chacha asked two of them.

“We are waiting for our friend to join us,” Priya said smilingly. “And then you have to treat us.” As soon as she finished, Meera was on the door of the canteen. She joined the two friends and all three smiled and cheered.

“Raju Chacha, I am famished, can you quickly serve us hot samosas?” Meera quipped.

“Of course doctor sahib, in just few minutes.” Raju Chacha replied.

“Dear friends, what are the plans for the future as we have finished our graduation?” Priya addressed others mockingly.

“I wish we could just relax now but do we have a choice?”

Kiran Mala was at her usual chirpy self.

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee “I will certainly try and give it my best shot, my mother’s pressure

notwithstanding.”

Meera

had

a

look

of

determination on her face. Priya instinctively knew that Meera was not going to give up. Though Meera didn’t look so resolute from her appearance but she used to find her way slowly through the problems by working around them.

Sanjeev Singh and Tapan Chatterjee also joined them when they saw them at the canteen. They were finding it hard to start studying again for postgraduate entrance exams as they were just done with their MBBS. Sanjeev laughed and said, “Hey guys! When these studies are going to leave us? Haven’t we already spent the best years of our lives doing this?”

Tapan joined and reminded him of his best years, “Don’t you remember how we managed to pass our professional exams when it simply seemed impossible?”

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee Priya laughed and continued, “When Sanjeev and I were allotted the ENT case in our clinical posting, neither of us had faintest idea about the ear examination and could never understand, what was going inside the ear. And when it was time to present our case, we were standing in front of Professor Verma with dumb faces. And suddenly I started giggling when Tapan looked at me with the weirdest expression I had ever imagined, from the front row.”

“All hell broke loose when everyone present started laughing and that’s when Professor Verma lost his cool and shouted at us.” Meera added with a chuckle and continued, “Best days of our lives!”

“And those bones they made us study in Anatomy class?

How could we manage to learn all 206 of them?” Kiran commented, joining the discussion.

“I still remember that,” Sanjeev said and continued, “And you know what happened once? I was studying the skull http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee in the hostel at night, sitting outside in the corridor, as it was very hot inside the room. Moreover, one of the student’s relatives, who were visiting him for the first time, saw me and freaked out. He was shocked to see someone sitting with a human skull and concentrating so deeply on its structure.” he said laughingly.

“But Sanjeev ... you are missing the best part of the story.”

Tapan said and both of them laughed so hard that everyone in the canteen turned their heads to look at them.

“And what was that?” Meera asked.

Tapan, unable to control his laughter said, with an effort, “That relative was reassured by our attendant the young boy named Guddu. He told him to not to worry as doctors are crazy people and they tend to indulge in such madness at night.”

All of them roared with laughter, the nostalgia of good old MBBS days never leaving them. http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee They kept chatting there for another hour or so and then left for their homes after wishing luck to one another.

Meera was just outside the college campus waiting for an auto rickshaw when she saw Aman on the other side of the road. She tried to avoid him but as soon as he saw her, he advanced towards her and within a few moments, he was there. She was looking resplendent in her jeans and white shirt. Her outfit was quite ordinary but it was as if her body did not belong to those clothes. Her face was devoid of make up; her pristine look was enough to make Aman go beside oneself.

“Hello, Dr. Meera! What brings you here today?” he asked.

“Hi! I had some work in college.” She said, not wanting to elaborate further.

“Oh! What a pleasant surprise! It’s my good fortune. I thought I would never be able to see you again ... I mean just the way in which you were refusing to meet.” he said with an impish grin. http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee “Actually I am getting late, can we meet some other time?”

Meera asked impatiently.

“Yes, of course! I am not asking you on a date.” He laughed again, this time more heartily, making him look even more charming. He continued, “But can we just talk for a few minutes?”

She couldn’t refuse him; rather she didn’t want to refuse him. He asked her to join him at the cafeteria near the college campus. The cafeteria was crowded but they found a table in one corner. Aman offered her a seat and then pulled one for him and sat directly facing her.

“Thanks for coming Meera. I have been thinking about you since the day I saw you in auditorium.” He said, catching her gaze and holding on to it. She didn’t say anything and simply smiled.

“Can we order something?”Aman asked.

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee “I will just have coffee.” Meera said and tried to shift her gaze away from him.

“Two coffees please.” he ordered the waiter.

“You now Meera, It’s not that I saw you for the first time on that day, I have been one of your ardent admirers from the day you joined this college.” He said, his eyes still seeking hers, trying to hold her attention longer than she would have wanted.

“But I have never seen you before.” Meera uttered.

He laughed and said, “It’s my bad luck.”

Meera smiled again, marveling at his finesse.

Aman continued, “It seems the day I saw you for the first time, all I was doing was making my way here to you. A time comes when you realize that you can’t afford to prolong the wait anymore. That time for me is now. And I want to let you know that I love you like no one has ever loved before and you mean world to me.” http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee She was holding on to every word he was saying. And somewhere deep in heart, she had a intuitive feeling that she would not be able to love anyone else except for him but she decided to wait to wait for her heart to tell her that he is the one who will fill her soul with the light which

can

never

be

extinguished

and

bring

the

contentment that she never knew existed.

“I have yet to know you Aman; give me some time to think.” she said stirring her coffee.

“But we should meet more often if you really want to know me.” Aman smiled.

“I am preparing for my PG entrance exam, but I will definitely try to catch up with you as soon as I am done.”

Meera didn’t want to tell him about the impending marriage proposals at home.

They had finished their coffee in peace. In spite of Aman’s insistence on dropping her, she took an auto rickshaw to go home. http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee Just three months were left for her exams and weather was turning hotter; it was getting difficult for Meera to study in the month of June without any air conditioning at home. The old water cooler made more noise than providing cool air. Meera had to cut down on her tuition classes that she used to take at home to earn some money to support her studies as she found it exhausting to go through such a rigorous routine at this time.

Though she was able to thwart her mother’s ambitious marriage plans for the time being, it was always an issue at home, her nagging would never stop. She had to be successful in her first attempt; there was not going to be any second chance for her for appearing in the entrance exam.

Meera

could

sense

an

undercurrent

of

financial

constraints at home and she was determined to change all of that by cracking the entrance exam and eventually being able to earn enough to help her family. She tried

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html

Seeking Redemption by Madhu Vajpayee adding to the meager income by taking tuitions at home but with ongoing summer vacations even that wasn’t possible right now. She had no choice but to surrender to the master planner called destiny before which every plan of hers seemed to fail off late.

She silently echoed her father sentiments that only education could exonerate them from their lower middle class existence and continued working harder on her entrance exams. Her brother Raghav had just finished his year twelve exams and was preparing to appear for engineering entrance exams. He was an average student, but his mother’s blinding love refused to acknowledge that fact. Her father was also forced to believe that Raghav indeed had the potential to scale great heights in his career.

Visit: http://www.writersezine.com/p/seekingredempt.html for the giveaway contest

http://www.writersezine.com/p/seeking-redempt.html