The Midsummer Night's Rain

It was too hot outside. Even in the chilled air conditioning room, Riya could feel the intolerable heat. She went to her mother's room and checked if she was alright. Her mother Aarti had taken the painkillers and sleeping pills to control her ageing pains and was sleeping now. Riya could mark the lines of physical pain on her forehead as well as a feel of peace and satisfaction blended in it. She left the place and went on the terrace to inhale a fresh breeze. Even in the month of May, midnight often brings a cool breeze which Riya loves the most. But that day there was no such coolness, rather the atmosphere was filled with heat which was making her more uncomfortable. Riya was disgusted and decided to return back. But her vision was stuck on a Street lamp, and she was completely lost in thoughts.

Riya was hardly six years old when her father passed away. Aarti tried to control her emotions in front of the little girl and consoled Riya. Just after some days of this incident, she took her steps out of her house to earn livelihood. She had never thought so. But time stood with a challenge which was to be met by any cost. She began to do household work for others and managed to meet their daily needs. Riya was very fond of learning. Whenever she had a chance to learn something new or exciting, she never missed a single opportunity. She was listening to everyone carefully and was trying to grab some knowledge from all possible sources. Knowledge knows no boundaries. As Aarti took her to different houses where she was doing the cleaning jobs; Riya got the chance to meet with different people and acquire knowledge from there.

Aarti was working for a family where the grandfather of the family was very fond of Riya. He would let her sit near him and would teach her the alphabets. Looking at her great interest in studies he suggested Aarti to meet the school headmaster and talk with him regarding her admission in school. He provided her the address of the headmaster, Mr. Bhaumik. With folded hands Aarti thanked him and went to meet Mr. Bhaumik.

Mr. Bhaumik was a very strict person. Aarti told him about Riya and requested him to be kind enough to accept her daughter as a student in his school. But she also revealed the fact that her financial condition was not sound to meet her study expenses and requested to exempt the admission fees if any. Mr. Bhaumik was a gentleman, and he could understand her problem. But he was also fastened by his duties. So, he could not allow Riya to join without the admission fees. But then Mrs. Bhaumik came with an idea and that was carried out in no time. She put a condition that Aarti would now do all household works in their house without any remuneration and that will be adjusted in Riya's fees. Aarti could not deny this proposal. She had no other choices. So, she agreed without a single word. 

But she had to leave all other works according to the commitment. Mrs. Bhaumik made arrangements for mother and daughter's meals for free, but the real problem started to meet other daily requirements. Aarti had to work in night to warn some extra money. Riya was carefully watching her mother doing such tedious jobs to make her life better in future. She often noticed the torn part of her mother's saree which she tried to hide with some patch work but always purchased new clothes for the little girl to have an equal feel with other students in that school. Riya studied wholeheartedly. And no doubt she could also score good marks as a result of her dedication.

Time waits for none. Riya soon finished her primary education and joined the upper school. There she had a chance to appear the scholarship exam and she didn't miss the chance. By God's grace she tasted success. She was eligible for getting monthly scholarship for the entire year. The first time she went to the post office with her mother and received money. When she holds the paper notes, her eyes filled with tears, and she embraced her mother tightly after handing over the money to her hands. This was her first income which filled great confidence in her that she can also do something in this big world to earn and make her mother happy.

With time, Riya was also moving forward in her trials. But the situation was changing day by day. Everything was not the same. For instance, Riya had to read more for high schools. They had a lantern in their house. The light was insufficient and the oil for it was also very expensive. So, Riya decided to read under the streetlight. Aarti was also sitting near her till she continued her studies. How can she leave her daughter alone in a lonely street like this? Often her eyes would close due to the heavy day fatigue, and she would sleep unconsciously on the roadside. Riya would then cover her properly in her own saree and would squeeze near her in order to feel safe and let her mother feel safe for being together. She was very afraid of the street dogs and if some came barking at her then she would scream and would call Aarti to wake up and save her. She would read till her eyelids felt like lifting heavy weight and then would return home. Sometimes unnoticing she would read the whole night and would return home only at dawn when the Sun was approaching. After reaching home she would prepare a cup of tea for her mother when Aarti would get ready for her works and after she moves to Mr. Bhaumik's house; Riya would fall asleep. Aarti would look carefully at her face and would start on her duties after kissing her on her forehead. She would pray almighty to save her girl and bless her with all happiness.

But life always doesn't go on the same smooth path. Sometimes some challenging situations come. Such a situation came when Mr. Bhaumik was transferred to another school. The new schoolteacher who came to the school was a very talented young man. He was Mr. Sourav. Aarti went near him and narrated everything happened till now. He was in a fix because he was watching the girl with remarkable intelligence. But as the previous headmaster he has nothing to take help in his household works. He was a bachelor and had a different life from Mr. Bhaumik. Aarti could understand his problem. She offered to cook for him without any payment and requested to exempt all school fees for Riya. This was a good proposal indeed and Mr. Sourav agreed to it.

Riya was now in high school, and she has to concentrate more and more in her studies. As her mother was busy in cooking for Mr. Sourav and doing other works to earn their livelihood; Riya took time to do her own household works, cleaning, cooking and then was going to school. She continued her studies under the streetlight as before. But when Mr. Sourav marked it; he told her not to take such strain rather to come to his own house to study. As he was alone, Riya had no difficulties in staying there and studying whenever she wanted. Mr. Sourav also was guiding her in solving problems. But in that village a suppressed voice spoke somewhere something was there as an unseen connection which compelled this young school headmaster to help this growing up girl who had often been found in his house. Aarti can bear the pain of starvation but can never bear such offensive words. So, she immediately refused Riya to continue her studies in the master's house. But that was not being accepted by the student who was getting benefits of a good guidance. This made to raise an unwanted misunderstanding between the mother and daughter. Till now they have never uttered any harsh words for each other. But this time the difference in thoughts forced the girl to stay at Mr. Sourav's residence without her mother.

Although Mr. Sourav was a gentleman and Riya was also very cautious; but it is never safe to keep oil with fire too closely. That was the cause which led Aarti to rush immediately. Riya stepped in just with a force of stubborn words but in no time, she felt brokenhearted s she has never spent a moment anywhere without her mother. Immediately she also started to return back. Both mother and daughter met each other and wept a lot after embracing tightly. With this incident Riya realised her mother's affection and concerns and promised never to hurt her again. At the same time Aarti also realised that she has to do something more to meet the expenses. So, she started to work for more and more families which was making her too much fatigued, but she bore this with a smile and never compromised in Riya's studies.

Miracle happens. Mr. Sourav could mark that Aarti and Riya were getting puzzled for the villagers' talks. To bring a good solution to it he declared Riya as his sister in the temple with some rituals and Aarti as his aunt. This made all easy. Now both mother and daughter could stay at the young man's house without any hesitation. Riya was getting no words to thank Almighty to be so kind on her. Everyone was very happy. Aarti wholeheartedly took care of Mr. Sourav as her own child and blessed him from the core of her heart Mr. Sourav was also very happy as Riya was a worthy student of him who was bringing name and praise to him for being her guide. With times Sourav got married to Smriti and she also accepted the mother and daughter. Aarti was performing all household works and she has nothing to be burdened with. This made her quite happy. Riya has completed her school career at that time. But their entanglement with Sourav's family could never be decreased. Smriti proposed for Riya's higher studies. She was the one who had topped the finals. Now she has to go to the town for college education. Aarti was quite reluctant to leave her daughter alone anywhere. But Sourav arranged the hostel facilities for Riya which made her feel relieved. By this time Smriti was also blessed with a baby girl. Aarti could see her daughter in this little child. They all were leading a peaceful life with great attachment for each other. Sourav was a real blessing in their lives. Riya's journey began with this new turning when she packed her baggage to move for college studies.

Aarti bid her goodbye with watery eyes. First time Riya was going alone. But this has to be taken as a part of life. No way out. Riya has to share her room with a roommate in hostel. With times she has to face challenges like adjusting with a new atmosphere and with higher studies. But by grace of God and with her strong dedication, Riya met all the dreams.

Time was fleeting like anything. Riya was very good in her studies. Two of her friends planned to go with medical studies. But Riya knew her family's financial condition. So, she was thinking to forbid her ambition. But at that time only one of her friend Myna, had a great News for her. Myna's uncle was a doctor. He knew that his niece Myna was crazy about medical studies. But she was not scholar as Riya who could be selected by any entrance examination. He informed her about Ukrainian medical College which was allowing students to continue their dream studies there with less marks as well in a very lower cost in comparison to that of our country. Riya was relaxed to know this. Myna, Riya and Suzi decided to study together in Ukraine thereafter.

Riya has a serious discussion with her mother and Mr. Sourav. They too agreed for this proposal, and she felt as if sailing in the sky with her arms stretched as feathers. Suzi and Myna were very fond of Riya. They three took one room in hostel and a new life started.

Ukraine was a very developed country with very good architectural buildings. The music and dance were something that could seldom be found anywhere else. Food was also very mouthwatering. Climate was also very pleasant. The facilities and students all were very cooperative. In total Riya was very happy for her choice and began to count the remaining days when she could finish her studies and return back to her mother and motherland as a worthy doctor. She was concentrating on all the lectures and was focused on all aspects of medical education.

Sabastian was one of the classmates who was developing a keen affection towards Riya. He was the native of Ukraine. He was an orphan and was being brought up by a charitable institution. He was very cooperative and helpful. He would keep a seat for Riya to sit near him regularly. Myna and Suzi would tease Riya when she would sit there. Sometimes Suzi will sit there intentionally and when Sabastian would get up to another seat, she will laugh like a small child. Sabastian and Riya were enjoying their teasing. They would love to have lunch together and often were doing assignments together. Sabastian was trying to learn local language of Riya which was another interesting part of that time in their lives. Riya regularly kept contact with Mr. Sourav and Aarti. They shared their whole day's experience in night. 

In the meantime, Myna fell in love with Lucifer who was from Russia. Myna and Riya often suggested to Suzi to get her partner so that they will be equally engaged. But Suzi's search seemed to be endless. Myna and Riya would roar into laughter when Suzi sometimes said that she has her mate in India and she won't get him here. 

Sabastian was also accompanying Riya in her shopping. His choice was same to that of her. They both were coming closer day by day. But Riya always had a doubt about their future. Will her family accept her and her love? This thought gradually captured her mind when Lucifer declared about his love and his family accepted Myna wholeheartedly. They even offered them to leave their studies and return to Russia where they will start a life according to their choice. But Myna said to continue her studies and after that to go and be settled with Lucifer's family. Well to this, Lucifer also agreed, and they both stayed continuing education and lived together as a newly wedded couple. They got married in a nearby church where all the friends witnessed this sacred bond.

One day when Sabastian and Riya were enjoying each other's company with nature's pious touch…Sabastian asked about her mother. Riya was very emotional with this question. She could not have a single glimpse of her mother and this thought was piercing somewhere in heart. Sabastian could feel her emotions and suggested her to visit once to her. But Riya knew this was an impossible wish which can never be fulfilled. Her financial condition cannot allow her to spend money on such visits. She has to wait till the end of the session, and she can return only after the completion of the course. Sabastian took her in his arms and soothed her. He persuaded her to promise that once she will return to her family; she will never leave them. Being an orphan, he knows how it hurts to be all alone. Riya often thought she is very lucky to have such a good partner whom she loves a lot. She had great hopes that her mother would also be glad for her choice. She just waited for the day when she will have the fortune to go to her mother. This was the news which she could give only on meeting her. Telephonically this happiness could not be conveyed as per her thoughts.

Life was going smoothly; dreams were blooming, and trials were being sown. To their ultimate surprise, Myna gave the good news. She was in carrying stage. Lucifer threw a grand party to all his friends, and everybody were waiting for the auspicious day when Myna will be blessed with an angel. 

Suddenly a crucial turning came on the way, and everything seemed to be scattered all at once. Entire world was stunned to witness the power hankering thirst of Russia when the war broke all of a sudden in Ukraine. Nobody could believe to be a part of this. How all this happened and why nobody could get a clear picture. But the dreams were lost in the sound of bombs and the reminiscences of their future could be seen in the smoke that rouse with all its power from earth surface. This war was a sudden outbreak, and no one were prepared for it. Classes were not at all any matter to be discussed because life itself was on the sharp knife in each moment. Suddenly everything changed. Contacting family members living in other countries became painful. Those who were financially sound thought to leave the place and return. But situation was out of control, and they couldn't do anything other than shedding tears in vain. All watery eyes were looking for some help. Every day in each moment the long desire was for safety only. Things became worse when news came that Russia was planning to attack on trade centers, mobile towers, big buildings and schools, colleges, universities. The nightmare came true when one by one big skyscrapers, mansions collapsed and became one with earth. All of a sudden, the necessity things including food items vanished from market and were out of stock. The beautiful arrangements and availability of luxurious things were beyond imagination and the minimum requirements even seem to be unreachable.

The beautiful mornings which began with new aspirations now began with the dwindling duality of what will happen next. The cheerful music was replaced with war siren which doubled the heartbeat. Keeping relationship with Kiths and kins seemed impossible. The students who were looking for a better future now became uncertain for their present lives. They were advised to leave the hosts and take shelter in bunkers. All friends went as they were guided. The single hope was now the government aid. India government was taking the steps to arrange some safety measures to bring back the stuck citizens to native land with sound health condition. 

Lucifer was getting very much disappointed as he was a native of Russia. His friends were hiding the truth from others because they were afraid that if this fact is revealed then difficulties may arise. Life was seriously miserable day by day. Myna was in the seventh month of pregnancy. She was having difficulties in walking and her mental condition was also very pathetic. Riya and Suzi were continuously trying to make her happy but in vain. Myna and Lucifer were losing hope. Even if the government will take Indians; he won't be taken with them. And that was the situation when he was in a fix. Neither can he take Myna to Russia, nor can he go with her to India. In this mental imbalance he was more worried for his coming child…who is going to have an uncertain future ahead. All the food they had stored was almost finished. Sabastian took some money and went to bring some food items including some medicines for Myna. Lucifer too accompanied him. 

To their utmost surprise and misfortune, the Russian soldiers had a fatal attack on the shopping mall and almost all who were present there met their tragic end. Few only were counting their last heartbeats. Sabastian was one of them who could not fight against fate and were smashed. Lucifer could hardly breathe but was alive. He could only manage to come near the bunker and fell unconscious.

Hearing to the Heart-breaking sound of blast at the mall all those who were inside the bunker were clustered with unspoken terror. Eyes were open and mouth were shut with this terrific scene that they witnessed. When Riya saw Lucifer in this condition; she could seldom control her emotions and dragged him in with many difficulties. He was bleeding severely. Riya took out her stole and tried to wrap his wound. He was in a need of immediate first aid. As they were the medical students; Riya could do the needful. At the same time, she could watch two other persons in same condition and helped them consoling their family with them. Lucifer was back to his senses. But Riya could not gather the courage to intimate all these things to Myna. At that crucial time, she remembered Sabastian was also with Lucifer. When she peeped in Lucifer's eyes; she could understand everything. Sabastian was no more…!! It was impossible to believe. Unbearable was the pain. But nothing can be done now. All the past memories flashed in Riya's eyes. The smile, the love, the care of Sabastian makes her weaker. But the tragedy was more pathetic because she couldn't even, she'd tears for the loss of her love. Myna's condition was not stable. Lucifer was being given manual treatment as no equipment was available there. Myna was unable to bear this pain. In front of her eyes Sabastian met his end and now Lucifer was also trying to survive but in vain. Their lives were also put in the flame of uncertainty. And in this condition, she was also expecting a future generation to come…!!?? 

Fate again deceived. All the three injured persons met their end. But the situation was so heartbreaking that the rest had to just throw the dead bodies out of the bunker. The loss of the beloved ones was dominated by the anticipation of upcoming death anytime. As Sabastian and Lucifer faced the accident; food could not be bought at that time. Hunger and thirst predominantly tortured everyone. Totally six people including these three friends were struggling inside the bunker. Out of them Myna was unable to move…Suzi was sobbing continuously and was hopeless…a young boy with his broken hand was there who was crying for his pain and was being supplied with tranquilizer by Riya to get rid of it. Next there were a married couple who recently lost their child in the bomb attack and were mentally shattered who were lacking the energy even to move.

Among them all only Riya didn't lose her courage to fight till she can. She had recently lost her love. Within few days life has changed completely and slowly seems to forward towards death. But Riya had not lost her hope. The last conversation she had with her mother was before fifteen days. When Aarti heard about the war, she was very much afraid and was trembling while talking with her daughter. She had spent her entire life only for her child and was living with the strength of her return only. On hearing her mother sobbing, Riya told her in consolation…

"Amma…don't worry. I will be back safely…"

Aarti…"Riya…I am alive only for you. They say this war is a never ending one and everything will be smashed beta…"

Riya…" ha ha ha…Amma…nothing will happen. I will be back safely to you. Why you are being so nervous? Have faith on God. He has helped us so far. And he will certainly help in future also." 

Aarti did not reply to anything. Riya could understand that she might have missed some lines also because the telephone connection was delinked. After that they could have no contacts with each other. Riya knew her mother must be desperately waiting for her. She has to return back safely. Her will power was enough to let her fight against all the hazardous situations. She was not losing her strength by any means. She was making herself more and more stout to stand like a huge rock. But on the other hand, Myna was getting weaker day by day.

"Lucifer was so excited for this child. After his demise, I thought at least this child will be my cause for survival. But can I ever hold my baby in my arms…!!??" Myna was weeping after uttering these words. Life was flitting from her hands. Food deficiency was horrible. She was on the stage. But the limited food made her incapable. Day by day she became weaker and unable to walk. Repeatedly she begged her friends to take out the baby out of her womb. Although they were the medical students; but taking out a premature baby without sufficient surgical instruments and treatment was impossible for them. Riya and Suzi managed with very little food. But Myna was struggling hard to live. News was reaching that the government had already taken the step for their rescue and they will be free at any time. But in the meantime, the barbarous beasts who called themselves soldiers suddenly broke the entrance of their bunker and entered inside. Before they could understand anything; they began physical assault on the girls. In front of her eyes Riya saw Suzi Being brutally raped by one of them and was bleeding severely unlike another girl inside that so called safe place. When they were entering; Riya dragged Myna and one more girl to one corner where the dead bodies of people were being thrown. A boy also joined them. They hid themselves under the heap of the corpses. The soldiers could not guess it and returned.

Suzi committed suicide by jumping out and after being shot dead by a Russian bullet. Myna was fighting for each breath. She had a last wish to give birth to her child and to handover to Lucifer's family if possible. They had received the news that government aircrafts were arriving shortly for rescue operation. But as Myna was fighting to be alive; Riya found no other way to do something weird to take out the baby safely. She has to be very cautious to save both the lives. She took the help of two more persons for this. With all her efforts she put her entire knowledge, trick strength and could take the baby girl out of Myna's womb carefully. But unfortunately, Myna was about to meet her tragic end due to severe bleeding. The little one was prematurely born. Without any proper medications it was impossible to save her. Riya could feel the heartbeat of the newborn baby and the need for immediate intense care. And Myna … how can she save both of them…!!??

To her greatest surprise; within seconds of the incident; the aircraft arrived, and a team of doctors came out as angels. They immediately took the new life in their custody and began treatment. They also took measures to save Myna, but her body did not response and she went to a coma stage. The team of doctors saved more people who were fighting with death and could save some of them. The rest were carefully air lifted to India with proper safety. 

After a long struggle, Riya heaved a deep breath inside the aeroplane after being served with food and water with some painkillers. All passengers were now trying to realise that they were alive. It was certainly a very different feeling that can be understood by them who had gone through it.

When they landed; life seemed to be alive. Some of the passengers kissed the soil of motherland. The relatives of the passengers came to receive them, and the meeting was completely memorable. Tears were coming out. With satisfaction everyone was embracing each other. Riya had a satisfactory look at all these and slowly proceeded towards the special light box where Myna's baby girl was kept safely. Riya recently lost her love and her friends. Her mental weakness was more than the physical weakness. The baby was handed over to her and she was advised to tke proper care of her.

Riya came out of the aircraft and was searching for anyone whom she knew among the mob. She could clearly see Myna's family and Suzi's family standing there with hopeful eyes to meet their lost children. But when they came to know about them; there was an outburst of heart tearing cries. Myna's mother asked about Lucifer and after knowing about his departed soul, she lamented a lot. She stretched her hands towards Riya to take the last memory of her daughter, her child. But…

When Riya was lifting the baby away from her bosom where she has kept her carefully; the little girl began to cry loudly. Her faded voice seemed to deny being apart from Riya. Looking at this beautiful sight Riya requested them to allow her to keep the child with her. They too agreed. Suzi's parents were completely heart broken. Riya tried to console them. They looked around and could feel that many young students could not return back. Their families have to be with bare hands. This war ruined all their hopes, ambitions and future dreams. But they promised themselves not to lose their patience and to return back with an oath to guide youngsters to stay and make their career here only instead of going abroad for the same. They decided to open a medical college where all the poor intelligent able students will continue their medical studies. Myna's parents also promised to contribute wholeheartedly for this noble cause.

After all, left the airport; Riya stood there for sometime. She knew her mother would be very glad to see her. But till now she couldn't contact her. For a fraction of second she wished that if Aarti's financial condition would have been equal to that of others; then she would have been there to receive her. But…

To her utmost surprise, Aarti was standing in front of her. She could not believe her own eyes. She thought it to be her hallucinations. But when Aarti came near and embraced her tightly; she came into senses realising that her mother is with her.

Riya…"aama…how can you come here?"

Aarti…"with my legs…" and smiled.

Just then Sourav came smiling and narrated how Aarti persuaded him to be there to receive her. He exposed the fact how Aarti spent her entire life's savings to come there and denied Sourav to contribute a single paisa for her. She said that receiving her daughter safely is more important than anything in this world.

Riya's eyes filled with tears for her mother's affection. She was feeling very proud to be Aarti's daughter. She explained everything that happened there and showed the little child who is now her responsibility. Aarti took the child in her arms with a smile, and they all returned to their village.

Time went on its own course and Riya with other medical students who left their studies like this due to war were allowed to continue their studies online. Riya, being the studious one; could easily cover all the lessons and got a chance to join the top hospital in Mumbai. She was allotted with quarter where she kept her mother and the little angel of Lucifer and Myna. Named her "Lucina". 

Breaking her thoughts with chill droplets suddenly rain came and made her wet. Riya could feel more heat now. All struggles and their heat seemed to be chilled with this rain. She smelt the smell of the new mud and breathing deeply tried to enjoy life now as a successful doctor. Now she has only one dream …to take care of her mother who is her strength and make Lucina a proper successor of the unfortunate couple who were the victims of the worthless brutal war. The rain was taking its full speed and Riya with her open arms enjoyed the midsummer night's rain. She felt as if Sabastian was embracing her from the heavens …

For her...Peace prevailed permanently now…!!