Love that heals

Ashutosh:

I was so irritated with Artika's decision. How can she marry a jerk? If he can go to this extent to marry her, in future he may do anything else. What if her decision to marry him haunts her as a regret forever? Will someone of this kind ever change?

"Ashu, cool down. I don't think our interference is necessary here. Artika is a brave girl and she know well what to do. Let her take the decision of her life. We can only suggest but shouldn't force her to do something against her wish," Rudrani said.

"I feel I am also a reason behind this," I said slowly.

"What?"

"Actually Ranjan used to follow Artika everyday. He proposed her and she rejected but still he used to trouble her. I explained him many times but he didn't listen. One day, I had hit him. Do you remember me having a bandage to my hand when you returned from Sanjay's house? My hand got injured in the fight. May be Ranjan's ego was hurt due to my interference. I tried to solve the issue but made it bigger."

"It's okay, Ashu. You are not wrong. You just tried to help Artika. Don't blame yourself. Just stand by her and give her support as a good friend throughout her life. Let's hope for the best," Rudrani said.

Next day, we went to Artika's home. Her parents, Ranjan and his parents were waiting for her.

"Dad, I am ready for this marriage. But I have a condition," Artika said.

"What is it, beta? We will do anything for you," Ranjan's dad said.

"Uncle, I have a wish from a long time. I want my marriage to be live telecasted on a channel. Can you please arrange it?" Artika asked and I understood her plan.

"Sure beta, you are becoming my daughter in law. Definitely your marriage will live telecasted," Ranjan's father said.

After two days, Artika was engaged to Ranjan. As none from their family questioned about Artika's pregnancy though it's visible, we understood that they already knew the issue. We don't know whether they know everything or not, but I am sure they were aware of her pregnancy.

On the fourth day, all arrangements were made for their marriage. Artika went to the mandap and sat beside Ranjan. The pre-wedding rituals were completed and Ranjan was about to tie the knot to her.

"One minute, Mr Ranjan," Artika said and stood up from her place.

"Dear guests, before getting married to Ranjan, I want to tell you something. I am pregnant," Artika said to everyone.

"Artika, what are you doing? Sit i your place," her dad warned her.

"Even Ranjan knew that I am pregnant but still he is ready to marry me. Such a great human!" Artika said sarcastically looking at Ranjan.

"Do you who is the father of this child?" Artika asked.

"No one knows, right? Even I didn't know. I too don't know who is the father of this child," Artika said touching her stomach.

"I know what you people might be thinking about me right now. But, I want to tell you one important thing i. e. I am a virgin. Yes, I am a virgin. I have never got intimated with anyone but still I am a pregnant.

I became a scapegoat for the ego of a man and greediness of a doctor who is nothing but a stain to her profession," Artika said with tears.

Rudrani held her carefully as she is 9 months pregnant and can get labour pains anytime.

"Science is a boon to many but is a curse to few people like me. Man is taking advantage of every invention to suffer the woman. Ultra sound was invented to know the development and health of the foetus but we were using to determine the gender of the baby and foeticide. Surrogacy, IUI, IVF Methods were to help a infertile parents to have a child but in my case, IUI was used to satisfy his male ego and to take his revenge."

"I know I can't punish such people by myself. So, I want your help. Many people are watching this on their Television. Tell me what's the right punishment for these culprits?

Those culprits are before you today. Mr Ranjan and Dr Geetha were the culprits. I wished this marriage to be live telecasted not to marry this idiot. I just want this crime to be known to everyone and I request every girl to be careful before using any medicines. All doctors are not bad but this type of doctors didn't deserve to be called as a doctor. I am submitting the proofs of this crime to the media."

Artika signalled to me and I submitted all the proofs to media. Everything was live telecasted and police arrested both Ranjan and doctor immediately. Now no one can change the proofs and cannot escape the punishment. This case became sensational throughout the nation and such cases were filed in different states.

We brought Artika to our home as her parents felt it's wrong to fight against them. They thought that marrying Ranjan is the best way to solve this issue. Of course, I can't blame them because they want Artika to have a good life with husband and child. But is it possible to have a good life with a person like Ranjan?

After a week, Artika gave birth to a baby boy. Mom and dad returned from their trip. They supported us. Artika started working as a Junior Doctor in our hospital. She refused to do Masters as she need to earn and take care of her baby. I offered help but she refused it softly. She took a flat in an apartment near to my house and moved there with her baby.

Ranjan and Geetha was imprisoned for 5 years and their license to practice medicine were cancelled. Rudrani completed her MBBS and internship. We cleared the entrance and managed to get seat in the US to do Masters in the same university.

We went to inform this to her parents. Rudrani was talking to her mom and sister. Uncle told he wants to talk to me.

"Ashu, I don't think Rudrani doing Masters along with you in US is a good idea," uncle said confusing me.

"I didn't get you, uncle," I said.

"Ashu, what if Rudrani changes after going there? There she may get new friends and her habits may change. This may create differences between you," uncle said.

"Uncle, I don't think Rudrani will change. I am sure that she makes me proud all the time. If you think US can change her, then US may change me too. New friends, negative attractions will be there everywhere. It's we who should choose our path.

Even if Rudrani gets caught in the web of unnecessary attractions, my love towards her will make her walk in the right path. Nothing can separate us ever.

I can understand your fears. You are not doubting your daughter but your love towards your daughter made you scared. You didn't want your daughter's life to get spoiled and to get separated from her husband. I promise you that whatever might happen in life, I will never leave her. Trust me on this, uncle," I said holding uncle's hands to assure him.