Incomplete - 6

The score gradually depleted, Nirmala had four people in the house to give her morale support. Sharada easily sensed Nirmala’s uneasiness as night approached; there were intermittent messages from the Police station, some men would keep her updated on every progress; a team from the village was also out in search of Meera. It was yet not clear if it was “love and run” case; this was an appropriate time for everyone to weave stories and spread rumours around. Some people from media were insisting on photographs; Nirmala would not agree to any of their plea. Aloof and resigned Sharada showed very little interest into the case; unlike of her. Arguments could push some people and lend a virtual support; however, with her these persuasions seemed futile. People change and change a lot; some out of experience, some out of disinterest and some out of sheer adamancy. Sharada could be categorized in one of these boxes yet not completely. She is updated of every law and order situation and dealing with it. It could help Nirmala a lot at least if Meera was innocent or to help a boy who was going to be humiliated, in the name of religion. After a long time grandmother spoke for the first time in the day; she summoned Nirmala and asked for some change over. Grandma had drenched herself badly and had no option but to call her; as Sharada watched Nirmala rushing; and first time after her arrival, Sharada walked up and helped Nirmala and later took over. A sigh of relief, God made woman, good. Sensitivity, emotions, kindness, was core to any action as far as Sharada is concerned or connected to. A trip to Pondicherry with few of her friends is a definite recollection. All young and juvenile; hired a taxi. The driver halted in midway to fetch water, not aware of a speeding motorbike the opened door collided. In fraction of seconds the couple riding the motorbike were on the ground. Sharada kept her nerve, muted her friends and with an act of sheer courage walked up to them. She was the only one who knew six languages amongst her friends and instructed them to conceal all their valuables and cash. As she came closer to the collision site she immediately noticed that the woman wounded was pregnant. Her instincts told her she had case in hand and this is going to be a tough cookie. Taking command of the state of affairs she rushed the lady inside the hired taxi- SUMO. Without much delay they were now at the nearest Pondicherry government hospital. Only one thing kept her mind racing- the safety of the woman and her child. Apparently Sharada could read the husband’s mind and she knew he was not going to let go of any opportunity of squeezing money from Sharada’s friends; who obviously were alien to the place and would shell out money in order to escape any conflicts. She unaware of her mental and physical exhaustion kept her cool and ran around the place to have a clear picture of their wellbeing. In the end, all is well that end well. She managed to speak to the doctor herself though the husband did try his bit to shield information and rescue her friends, driver and ofcourse herself. This was one of the many things that came naturally to her- compassion for injured and defense for friends.
As Sharada got busy with cleaning and getting things fixed with her grandma and kitchen….grandma stretched her hand out and requested Sharada to help Nirmala and the whereabouts of Meera. Sharada stay hesitated.