Since the day of the tragic ceremony, Rajeev harbored a quiet hope in his heart, waiting each day for his father's return. Every evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, he would stand by the window, gazing out at the path leading to their home, longing for Rudra to appear. But days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, with no sign of his father. The waiting was a heavy burden, but Rajeev carried it with a quiet resolve, a testament to the strength that ran in his family.
In the absence of his son and daughter-in-law, Jai Shankar found solace in sharing his knowledge with Rajeev. He began teaching Rajeev the fundamentals of medical practice, passing down skills that had been in their family for generations. It was a way to keep his mind occupied and to ensure that Rajeev had a purpose beyond his grief.
Rajeev proved to be a quick learner. Despite his young age, he absorbed the lessons eagerly, his keen mind grasping complex concepts with ease. Jai Shankar marveled at his grandson's intelligence and dedication. Whether it was learning to identify medicinal herbs or understanding the basics of human anatomy, Rajeev approached each lesson with a blend of curiosity and determination.
Alongside his medical training, Rajeev excelled in his regular studies. He was a diligent student, often staying up late to read and study by the dim light of a lantern. His teachers at school praised his intellect and commitment, recognizing a bright future ahead of him. Yet, despite his academic achievements, Rajeev's heart remained heavy with the absence of his father.
At Jai Shankar's clinic, Rajeev became an invaluable assistant. He helped with simple tasks at first—fetching supplies, organizing medicines, and tending to minor injuries. But as time passed, his responsibilities grew. He assisted in treating patients, learning to stitch wounds and apply poultices with steady hands. The villagers, initially skeptical of the young boy's abilities, soon came to trust him, admiring his skill and compassion.
"Rajeev has a gift," they would say, marveling at his ability to ease pain and comfort the suffering. "Just like his grandfather."
Through his work in the clinic, Rajeev found a sense of purpose. It was a way to honor his father's memory, to contribute to the well-being of his community, and to channel his restless energy into something positive. He found that helping others provided a measure of comfort, a way to cope with his own grief.
Jai Shankar watched his grandson with a mixture of pride and sadness. He saw in Rajeev the best qualities of Rudra and Ambika—their intelligence, their resilience, their compassion. But he also saw the weight of their absence, the shadow of loss that never quite left Rajeev's eyes.
"You're doing well, Rajeev," Jai Shankar would often tell him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Your parents would be so proud of you."
Rajeev would nod, a determined look in his eyes. "I'll keep trying, Grandpa," he would say. "For them. For all of us."