C8 Chapter 7

Manju's POV

I was devastated after I heard the news about the death of my mother from the doctor. Sucking in the remaining tears I moved to my father's bed. Holding his feeble hands in mine I spoke solemn. "Dad, I lost my mom but I am not letting you go. Things may go out of my control at times, but I promise I will stay the course and get you back from the clutches of death." Bringing his hand to my lips I kiss softly and cried the hell out.

Next day morning I woke up with sun rays beaming from the window. My eyes were red and puffy with excessive crying and my feet wouldn't allow me to stand as my body was cramped everywhere sitting motionless beside the bed of my father but with a willpower of a soldier and a determination in my mind I rose to the occasion to meet the doctor who treats my dad. I asked him the details of cost of treatment and the surgery of my father. The police came and asked for my statement to register an FIR for imposition of charges on drunk and drive treaty.

A couple of hours later I got a call from Dr Trivedi. The man who was responsible for my parent's accident seems to be from an influential family. Dr Trivedi told me, the family was ready to offer support and any amount of finances my dad would require for his treatment if I would take back my case.

Going home I told my brother about everything making a heart of steel. I hugged him tightly and allowed him to cry till his tears dried out but did not let a drop of water fall from my orbs. I need to be brave for my family and I will become the pillar that they badly require to hold on. Going to my room I drop myself to a corner with my legs held up to my chest and weep out closing my eyes.

After some time I dried my tears and evaluated the pros and cons of my actions.

Was I going to set free the family who is responsible for my family's breakdown and all the turmoil in my life for the sake of money?

or

Should I fight for the justice of my family, the person because of who I lost my mom and my father who is fighting the battle of his life?

An hour later I was clear with all my apprehensions. I went to the police station and filed my case. A person's action is the causatum of his parent's upheaval. What kind of parents are they who cannot teach their son the basic principles of life? I lost my mom and my father is in life and death situation because of a daredevil's recklessness and I believe his family should suffer the same for nurturing an unscrupulous person into this world.

After filing the FIR, I went to the bank to have a detailed statement about the amount of liquid funds, assets our family holds and how far they will be able to reach for my dad's medical and surgical procedures. After analyzing our financial position, I could comprehend, all our fixed and liquid funds would be written off complying my dad's treatment including the house we own and the only way to keep our heads out of water is to work my butt off telling goodbye to my studies.

The situation was hell frightening but I was resolute to explore light from shallows of darkness.

I opened the daily newspaper which held vacancy positions available in the city. One of which that caught my attention was the post of an accountant in Chaturvedi group of Industries. It is a top class firm in India, the leaders in cotton textile and consumer products who have also diversified their resources to pubs and hotel industry.

I dressed myself in bright blue salwar kameez, a little bit of mascara, eye shadow to highlight my grey eyes and proceeded to my first step of the challenging adventure. Throughout the journey I thought of my chances to grab the job. Not many...

I wasn’t even qualified for the post. The firm requires a post graduate with a minimum of ten years experience and I wouldn't fulfil either of the requirements. My possibility of achieving success are grim but if I am lucky and relying the sources if the CEO is a kind hearted human and a liberal pay master, with no doubt I would be able to pull off our family expenses and also be able to complete my graduation.

Half an hour later, I was in front of a stylish looking skyscraper with a big board on top hung in pride, The Chaturvedi group of Industries. Pushing away all my anxiousness I moved towards the receptionist to tell her the reason, why I was here.

She asked me to take a lift and go to 17th floor and meet Ms Rita. Very soon I came face to face with the CEO of the company Mr Shivansh Chaturvedi. He is charismatic, smart and handsome. An Adonis dressed to kill, his aura radiated dominance, might and power. "You are not even qualified for an interview here." His strong voice penetrated my soul like shards of glass making me pensive in a matter of seconds but I wasn't here to accept a defeat.

I revitalize my courage and face him bold. "Sir, you can ask me any number of questions and I am confident, I will be able to answer them well." I finished the task given to me by the company within no time and reach the hospital to take a note of my dad's health.

Going home I prepare dinner for me and my brother and keep my fingers crossed praying God to help me with the job. Next day afternoon at around 2:00pm, I get a call from an unknown number. "Am I speaking to Ms Manju Bhatnagar?" Fiddling with the pen in my hands where I was working my dad's medical bills, I give a feeble affirmative. "Madam, you have been selected for the post of accountant in Chaturvedi group of Industries. Please be in the head office reception tomorrow morning by 8:30am sharp."

"Yippee!" I hug my brother tight doing a happy dance and finally breathe an air of happiness.