Shalini was returning after a performance in one of the night clubs. She has changed her dress and was in a simple t- shirt and jeans. It was around 1 A.M. The roads were mostly empty. With just a few dogs howling in night. As she crossed an empty lane four men surrounded her.
" Looks like you want company hot piece", said one of them.
She ignored and kept walking. Eve- teasing was not new for her.
" Even her walk is s*xy", said the second.
" Bet we can give you a good time little girl", said the third.
They were following her now. She increased her speed. So did they. She was unable to lose them.
Then one held her waist. It was instinct. She kicked him in nuts.
" You b*tch. Yousl*t", he said.
Shalini smiled deviously.
" Now there you are right about me. I am a sl*t. But an expensive one. Not for the likes of street dwellers like you. So shooo..."
" You wh*re you think you can run, said another moving ahead.
As he came close she attacked him with a pepper spray.
" Who said I am running", she said.
She tackled them for a few minutes and would have tackled them completely but one of them hit her from back and she fell.
" Now we will show you how we men treat wh*res like you", said the leader.
She was held by four men. Shalini just cried. This was her curse her punishment. She surrendered herself to her fate
The men tore her shirt. They were about to assault her when a powerful leg hit them.
" You want to gang r*pe a girl and call yourself men Even enunchs are respectable than you", came a voice.
Then she heard punches , kicks and cries. Soon she was free. She opened her eyes and looked at her saviour. She cried.
Manav Deshmukh.
Earlier
Manav and Sharman were returning from Pune to Mumbai. They dropped Sonia to her father's house. But in the way car faced a problem. So by the time they entered Mumbai it was quite late.
" Aai you and baba sleep. I will stay the night with Sharman", he said from a payphone.
" Okay take care", said his mother.
As they entered Mumbai they were tired.
" Lets take a shortcut", said Sharman.
They took one. They were about to reach when they saw four men running after a girl. The army man Sharman and good Samaritan Manav could not tolerate it. So they followed.
Now
The fight ended swiftly as the newcomers gained ground. The four men flew away.
" Shalini", Manav looked at the crying girl.
Her clothes were torn. He took out his jacket and covered her.
" You know her", asked Sharman.
" Riya's friend. I and Sonia occasionally meet her".
" Ohh come sister", said Sharman.
Shalini was deeply ashamed of herself. Both men were a little injured. She went with them mutely. As they reached the apartment Sharman said,
" I have two bathrooms and bedrooms. You take one. Clean yourselves. I'll provide some clothes".
After freshening up sitting on a couch drinking a coffee Shalini broke down.
" I am exactly what that man told. A Sl*t. An escort. You shed your blood for an impure person like me. You should have left me at my fate."
She started sobbing.
" Even an escort is a citizen", said Sharman. " And our law gave you right to say no. "
" Besides its the men who push girls into this profession sister. So its our kind who should be ashamed not you", said Manav.
" Y.you called me sister", she cried.
" And thats what you are", he said." I promise you I shall pull you out of it if you want", said Manav.
" Thank you to both of you. I have never met men like you", she said.
" Ohh we are less in number", winked Sharman " But we do exist.
They all laughed.
"You fought them so bravely", said Sharman. " You should be in army".
" I wish. I am just godd at clothes and dance", she said.
" Then work on clothes", said Manav.
Shalini shook her head.
" I am just tired".
She was talking about her multiple births as escort again and again. Being sold, mauled and leading a shameless life. She yearned for a father, mother and brothers. A husband and kids. A family. How unlucky she is!!
" Then rest", said Manav. " Each day brings a new hope. "
"God will definitely show the way", said Sharman.
" And you will find a nice man to marry", said Manav .
" And pigs fly", she mocked but broke down again.
They both consoled her.
" I promise one day I shall give your hand in a man's hand worthy for you", said Manav.
He didn't realize how true the statement was!. But this story has to wait.
After two days
" The transfer of property is over", said Alok. " Ms. Shalini please sign here".
" Shalini are you sure? Do you really want to do this? Please think again", said Riya.
" I have decided Riya. This is what I want. And thank you both for being the witness."
She then signed her house and jewels away.
" Witnesses sign here", said Alok.
Riya and Vicky signed as witness.
" Until I die he must not find", she said.
" Manav would never agree to it", said Riya.
" I know", she said. " And so he must not find out".
Next she went to temple to meet Agni.
" Are you sure", asked Agni.
" Yes", replied Shalini." I am sure punditji. I wish to serve the mankind now".
I wish for a better life now..she thought.
And then accepting Agni as her guru she took vows as an ascetic leaving her worldly life back.
She touched his feet.
" May Shiva guides you. Join me in my quest for a way to help Srikant", said Agni.
From next day they disappeared. They travelled in secrecy to various villages, cities, mountains and valleys. And collected valuable information. They would return shortly. For one of the major event of her life...awaits