Asha A Ray Of Hope

 It was a chaotic situation in the evening  for the  people of Pavanpur town due to  heavy rainfall, lightning and thunderstorms. 

Just before the heavy rains, Asha and Chaitanya, final year B E students were sitting on the mini garden bench    inside the compound wall of the Town Municipal Council Office. They were  busy in the  conversations and ignored the caution given by an old man to leave the place immediately. The heavy rains lashed out and the electricity went off. 

There was no shelter for them and didn't have an umbrella or a raincoat. Both were completely wet and shivering.  The heavy rain stopped after three minutes and there was an indication that rain may fall again. 

The thunderstorm and heavy rains created havoc in the town. The day was Amavasya. Chaitanya was too frightened due to nature's outburst.  But Asha was bold and feeling comfortable encouraged him to be bold and be like a soldier. 

 Next moment the power was restored.

Chaitanya was unable to speak for some time.  She took him to the nearest Ashwini Hospital, where his father Dr. Girish was a Psychiatrist and mother Dr. Pallavi was a Gynaecologist. Doctor couples  were too worried seeing the condition of their only son. After a medical checkup, it was found that both were perfectly alright. Due to fear of psychosis, Chaitanya was terribly affected. 

 Asha and Chaitanya  were neighbours and classmates right from the first year B E to final year in Engineering college, Pavanpur. They were just friends till third year. During the final year, they became lovers.

In another incident after a fortnight in the afternoon, Asha and Chaitanya had a round in  the college premises. The construction was in full progress in the southern part of the college. The big board 'entry inside prohibited'  was  displayed. The watchman told them to go back. Asha also warned him not to move further. He ignored warnings of the watchman and Asha and the caution board. He entered inside as if nothing would happen. The building materials like cement bags, steel, sand and stone pieces were lying. He failed to notice the sharp edge of the iron rods and got an injury on his left leg. Chaitanya had terrible pain and blood was coming out. Asha without wasting time took out a bandage and pain killer ointment from her bag and applied it on the wound and wrapped the bandage. Chaitanya was very much impressed and expressed thanks to her. 

On another occasion,  Chaitanya  was asked to present a project  report within seven days and was unable to complete within the stipulated time.  Asha guided him to prepare the report well in time. The project report was considered as one of the best reports. Like this, there were a number of occasions that happened and Asha helped him. 

Whenever Asha was in  trouble particularly with money problems,  Chaitanya helped her.  Both had decided to marry.  There were many obstacles to tie a knot. Asha was an orphan and grew up in the orphanage. At the age of  five, she was able to talk like an intelligent person. Her memory power was sharp.  She was sent  to a good school by the philanthropists and proved to be a bright student.  Asha completed right from SSLC to B E in first class. 

 With the help of Chaitanya, she got a small one bedroom house adjacent to his bungalow.  Chaitanya was the most sensitive and brilliant student in the college.  He obtained several awards from the school and college. He was a very good orator and actor. He took everything serious.  He became nervous, when his parents disapproved  his  marriage with Asha 

One day, suddenly, the parents of Chaitanya entered his room. He was sitting on the chair throwing books and papers on the floor. He was not shaved for so many days. His dress was dirty and put the shirt buttons  improperly. His beard and moustache were grown in a disproportionate manner. It appears he was disgusted with life. His health was deteriorating day by day. 

"Chaitanya, what happened to you? 

I am observing a lot of changes in your behaviour. Tell me your problem?" asked Dr. Girish

"Pappa, you know very well about my problem. Instead of helping me, you are creating problems."

"You love Asha and wish to marry her," asked his mom.

"Yes! mummy and papa."

"My dear Chaitanya, do you know the family background of Asha?" asked dad. 

"I don't need her family background. I loved her and promised to marry her, " said Chaitanya.

"She is an orphan and grew up in the orphanage. Nobody knows about her parents," said papa.

"Pappa, we are living in modern society. Why do you want all the formalities? My only humble request to you is to bless us."

Dr. Girish said,

"Chaitanya, listen to the elder's advice. We always think of your well being."

"Dad, my decision to marry Asha is final."

"It is impossible," said mom.

 Chaitanya had become virtually  a psychic and his health was deteriorating day by day. His father Dr. Girish being a famous Psychiatrist was unable to cure his son. Parents realised that they were responsible for his pitiable condition. 

One day, Dr. Pallavi observed the strange attitude of Chaitanya. She walked into the room and saw Asha with him. She was startled. He was startled.

 "Asha  what are you doing with my son? Don't you know grownup girls should not move  free with grownup boys?"

 "Yes mam, I do agree with you. We love each other and decided to marry."

Dr. Pallavi didn't expect this answer and left. This was not the first such occasion between Dr. Pallavi and Asha. His parents did not want to compromise with dignity and status. Does dignity stand  more than the wishes of  their only son Chaitanya?"

 He liked not her beauty, but her good nature and wonderful knowledge. In addition to this, she came to his rescue  on a number of occasions.  Earlier  Chaitanya and Asha were moving freely for shopping and cinema theatres. Once, the lovers were planning to visit a nearby waterfall and some of the nature spots. It was dropped after realising the problems that may crop up like elopment of Asha by her lover. 

Observing the free movement of the lovers, Dr. Girish put a break to their adventure. There was a news item about Asha and her success story. Number of people posing themselves as a relative of Asha and that they want to adopt her as a daughter. 

Chaitanya's condition became very serious.  He became an alcoholic. His parents could not tolerate the miserable condition of their only son. Asha after knowing the condition of Chaitanya, felt very much. Ultimately, doctor couples realised their mistake for false prestige. Both went to  Asha's house.

Dr. Pallavi requested Asha with folded hands and said,  

"Asha, you are a ray of hope for us to reform for Chaitanya.  We respect your love.  We wholeheartedly support your marriage  with Chaitanya." 

"Aunty, please do not praise me. I will try to reform him."



Dr. Girish said,

"Asha, the task given to you is difficult. I have full confidence in you. I know the nature of disease. I will guide you through the line of treatment. I wish you all the best"

"Thank you sir." replied Asha

Doctor couples left with great hope in her.  The priority before Asha was to free Chaitanya from the bad habit. The  task  was really a challenge to her.

Asha continued her meeting with Chaitanya to see him as a noble person.  As the days passed, Dr. Girish observed improvement of his health.

Asha while giving medicines said,

 "Chaitanya, your parents have given the green signal of our marriage."

 Chaitanya  was  happy and  thought good days had commenced in his life. Asha was successful in the task given to her. Chaitanya was able to become normal and cheerful in just one month. 

Asha proved herself  as a ray of hope for Chaitanya.