Calming The Storm🌌 (#wattys2019)√

20. I shall be strong ✔

"The truth is unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward."

-Steve Maraboli
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Abhimanyu's pov:

Sampurnaa had not returned home or contacted us for around two days now. We had come to know last evening about her decision to live in a brothel in disguise as a prostitute.

To say we were horrified would be an understatement.

Baba had been shaken badly. The mere thought about my little sister, his daughter, being in such an unsafe place was indigestible, unfathomable.
Ma had been crying without a break, and even Adrija had broken down.

We appreciated her strength, her determination, and couldn't be prouder of her bravado, but the rash decisions that had pushed her into danger did not sit well with us. Although we were angry with Sampurnaa, our concern and love for her surpassed any amount of anger and frustration we had.

Her colleagues and the lawyer who has been assigned Sridha's case had been in contact with us throughout. They had called us to give updates and inform us about everything being well.
Ma and Baba simply refused to believe anything they said till they saw her alive and in a good condition.

I had been praying too. Neither of the four of us had managed to get any sleep during the night.

Since morning today, there wasn't much the police or the other reporters could tell us.
Our hearts were beating really quick, and Adrija and I had even taken leave as we were both tensed and worked up.

It was around 8 pm now.

The last thing we had come to know was that the police were going to break into the brothel to ensure her safety.

Ma had been praying without a pause. Even Baba had simply refused to eat or drink anything till he saw his princess safe and sound.

We were worried and in anticipation of some news or update when Baba's phone started ringing. It was Sampurnaa's senior.

Baba picked the phone up with shaky hands and the rest of us waited with bated breath hoping that it was good news.

Caller: .....
Baba: Is my daughter safe?
Caller:...
Baba: What? She's been taken to the hospital! Why? What happened?
Caller:...
Baba's phone slipped out of his hands and he fell to his knees as he started crying. Ma went near him while Adrija offered him some water.

I picked up the phone and spoke to the man on the other line, "What has happened to my sister?"

The voice on the other end replied, "I heard that she's been injured, and has been taken to Jaslok Hospital. She isn't very severely injured, but I honestly do not have further details. I suggest you go to the hospital straight away. My team and I will be joining you shortly."

I composed myself, relieved that my little sister was safe. At the same time, I was worried and concerned about her.

What had happened there? How did she get injured?

I gently helped Baba up and asked Adrija to help Ma to get down to the parking zone, while I took out the car for us to proceed.

We finally did start from Chembur towards Peddar Road silently.

This silence was deafening as it held suspense and fear; fear for our Sampurnaa who might have gone through hell.

...