Knight Riders

“Have they slept?” Arvind texted, while lying on the bed all alone.

"yeah, they slept just now, and I’m also feeling sleepy. Please don't come" Saumitra replied back from the other room. "I’m tired now and my whole body is aching"

He doesn't want to give up and still wants to know why she is still online. "then, who are you chatting with at this time of the hour?" he asks. "We’ll finish it in 10 minutes"

'If you come here, then I won’t go to work tomorrow,' she sent one last message to him, hoping to avoid him somehow.

"I saw your phone bill today, and it's way too high this time... I'm curious as to what you're up to these days... Tomorrow, I'll go over your call list with you, and I'll also call your parents. Prepare yourself", He came to a conclusion.

As it was 11 p.m and still raining outside, Saumitra had a lot of issues to be sorted out on her mind other than a romantic night with her hubby.

Since Divya and Vidya must pay their school fees by next week, she may apply for a loan against salary since her salary will not arrive for two weeks. Also, the milkman has not paid in two months, as well as the shopkeeper from whom she buys other household items on credit. Arvind kept putting off buying groceries until the month end when her salary is credited though he finds it easy to purchase the ‘protective gear kit’ and a few liquor bottles at any supermarket if he ever ventures out.

With more and more cracks on the road, there is little time to think about all of these issues while riding. She has to travel almost an hour and a half to get to work. If it rains, she will have to leave home a bit early.

"Oh my God, it is already 9:50" she sighed. In fact, she left early today and yet to arrive at the office. She made a quiet entry and sat at her table. The office peon comes to her desk with a message: "Madam, our Sir was enquiring about you. Please meet him." Her body was already shivering from the cool wind, and this message further exacerbated it. Her shivering intensified as she approached her boss's cabin.

"Good morning, Sir. Sorry, I’m a bit late today. There was a puppy lying on the road. My vehicle hit her badly and… I had to take her to a veterinary hospital nearby. I didn’t feel like leaving her on the road unattended as it was raining heavily". Although it wasn't a lie, she nonetheless managed to complete it.

Her boss, Ravi Kiran, wished her back and said, "That's fine Saumitra, good morning."

"By the way, did I ask you why you were late?" He asked.

"I'm aware of your kind nature, and I appreciate your generosity toward that poor creature, but do take care of us too," he giggled.

“Sir, take care of what? I didn’t get you!” Saumitra was curious to know.

"I’ve to attend a conference in Mumbai in a few days, but you must accompany me this time, no excuses." This was more shocking to Saumitra than receiving a reprimand for arriving late to work.

"Sorry Sir, I won’t be able to come", she said, after a little pause "my husband is suspicious by nature, and even if I simply speak to a male colleague or any other guy, including you, he fabricates things. Sir, I am very fed up with his behavior", she came to a halt.

Ravi Kiran's expression altered abruptly. In fact, he had not expected her to respond in this manner. "Then go out and look for a new job." I'm seeking for someone who is willing to make a modest sacrifice in this profile!" she interpreted even before he finished, "Sacrifice? What exactly do you mean? I've already made enough sacrifices in my life, and no, Sir, it's not what you think." she was on the verge of crying. "In that case, Sir," she requested half-heartedly, "please relieve me of my responsibilities today."

Despite the fact that he knows she is a brave person who makes swift decisions, Ravi Kiran was taken away by her response. "Okay, I understand and appreciate your decision. Get your settlement completed, and best of luck in your future endeavors." Even after seeing her in tears, he showed no sympathy.

The ride back home was too difficult for her because she had lost her job unexpectedly and had so many responsibilities on her plate. She could barely concentrate while riding her bike. One biker who was making a quick curve hit her on the left hand, apologized, and then left the scene.

When she returned home, she was astonished to find her parents and an enraged Arvind, the boss at home, waiting for her. "I have all your call records, and now you're calling everyone in front of us," he screamed. "Not right now," she said, "please give me a break… I've lost my job."

"Forget about your job, just phone these people and tell me who they are." He's out of control now. "If that was the case, I wouldn’t have lost my job," she yelled, sobbing heavily.

Someone unexpectedly knocked on the door. When Arvind opened it, a gentleman stood outside, asking, "Is this Sumithra Arvind's house?" "Yes, what are you looking for?" Arvind looked at her parents, "See the proof, my doubts are becoming a reality today," he told her parents, "God knows how many times these individuals came here without my present."

This time, even Saumitra is intrigued about who this person is. "Hello sister, my name is Dr. Parthiv and I work at a local veterinary clinic. This morning you brought a wounded puppy to our hospital. We've been looking for her since yesterday. She is our own pet and my kid adores her. I came here to express my gratitude for rescuing her and to offer you a reward.' 'I got your name and address from the visitor's register,' he added after a little pause. ‘Here's a one-lakh rupee cheque, please accept it and please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional assistance.'

'Doctor, it was my fault and my bike slammed into her... I lost my focus and balance while riding, and so… I don’t require this money!' before Saumitra could say anything else, Arvind grabbed the cheque from Dr. Arvind and handed it to her. 

"Doctor, I apologize for not being able to identify you... if it is not too much trouble, could you please give her with a job in your hospital as she has lost her job today?" Arvind was astute enough to ask this inquiry while hiding his embarrassment. 'Of course, Mr. Arvind, may I ask you a question?' After a brief pause, he said, "Why don't you come work in our hospital?" Arvind was humiliated and bent his head. "Anyway, anyone is welcome to visit my hospital at any time.' Dr. Parthiv returned to his car and sat down after stating this.

Saumitra couldn't believe her eyes when she saw what was occurring. She pricked her palm to be sure she wasn't dreaming, and she felt terrible for not extending hospitality to him. Is there an angel among the knight riders? She raised her eyes to God and thanked Him!