That Night

Disclaimer: The story here's totally fictional and all the characters are not real. It's been written to inspire, if I may! :)

This story is something that I would never forget. Reality is far surprising than imaginations.

That day was the last of my undergraduate college life. After the last exam got over by 1 in the afternoon, me and my friends went on a selfie spree around our college. Our classrooms and our teachers, our grounds and auditoriums! Most important part – our hangout places. At the end of the day, we were happy and close to tears, at the same time. Then we sat down at our favorite hangout place – the connecting bridge.

Just like that, we settled to a talk about our future. What are we gonna do after this? Where life is going to take us? Honestly, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I don’t know what I’m good at. Four years of college life and we still were unaware of the outside world and our future life. I had this little idea of starting an NGO. But I was unsure if I could do it. I was having second thoughts. As I said, we were a bit naïve.

The evening wore by, and we had to part. Teary eyes and lots of memories, we said our good-byes. It was around 6 in the evening, sky was turning dark blue-ish. I took a deep breath inhaling the fresh breeze. The evening was cold and serene. I walked slowly down the path. The bus stop is just at the end of the street.

I heard someone calling and turned around; there were five guys in their bikes. There was no one else on the street. I had a chill creeping up my spine. They started at me and talking rubbish of me. I tried to run. But they grabbed me and tried to hurt me. I finally managed to break loose for a moment and just started to run madly towards the bus stop. Luckily for me the bus I had to take stopped and I just hopped.

I was in a daze until I found a seat and sat. The emotions came rushing and I couldn’t control my tears. I had never thought of myself in such a situation. I never thought it could happen to me. What did I do? What could’ve happened if I hadn’t escaped? Questions kept circling in my mind and the memory kept playing on loop. I wasn’t even aware of where I was going. (I had my bus pass and the conductor knew me!)

A while later, a lady sat next to me. She said, “Drink this water. You need this” breaking me out of my reverie and thrusting a water bottle in my hands. I felt warmth in her presence but I couldn’t let myself trust anyone. But eventually I got the can and drank. I then realized how much I needed it. I smiled at her weakly.

She said, “Don’t mistake me. What’s your problem? It’s very painful to see a young girl crying like this. I am a mother of a girl and I can understand your problem without judging. I hope you will better after sharing with me. Say if you trust me.” They way she put it, I trusted her and told her what happened.

“Animals”, she said angrily. “Don’t worry dear! It’s just a bad day. Breathe out. It’s both a blessing and a curse to be a woman. There are some animals in this society. Somehow we have to escape from them. Be strong!”

“Yes”, I replied meekly.

“If something happens like this, please don’t hide it. Because, it’s not your mistake. Tell out loud. Let the society know what happens”. As she said that, I realized this incident isn’t final. This could happen to me anytime in future. No girl is safe, including me. I then realized what I should do what I want to be, in future.

“Let’s see”, I said and got up to leave. I didn’t mean to be rude, but I’ve lots going on in my head.

“Getting down?” she asked.

“Yes! Next stop is mine”

“I will leave you at home”

“No problem. I can handle myself”, I replied honestly.

“Are you sure?”

I even smiled at her genuinely this time. God knows that incident shoved me to the edge of my innocence and I’m not that anymore. “YES! I can’t find someone daily to accompany me. After all, it’s my life. So I’ve to take care of myself. Anyways Thank You for your words. It made me feel better”, I said.

“That’s a great spirit! Be this strong always”, she smiled at me.

I smiled and waved back to her. I got down and walked to my house, my head straight and walk upright.

I told my parents that night that I am going to start an NGO for women and child safety. I still wasn’t sure if I can pull this one off. But whatever the life throws at me, I was and am ready to fight.

Fighting,

-Sp-

P.S.:

There's more to the story. Every story has it's perspective: Here!