CHAPTER 4:- THE FINAL INSULT
806 Words
A FINAL INSULT
Just then, the arrogant man from before shouted from the upper berth.
Man (angrily): "Hey, fraud! Keep your dirty feet down! They're touching my luggage!"
Rudra sighed and responded calmly.
Rudra: "Uncle, if you're so worried, just keep your belongings on your berth."
The man, already frustrated, snapped.
Man (furious): "You both are nothing but trouble! Filthy saint and his foolish follower!"
The sage remained peaceful and whispered to Rudra.
Sage: "Let it go, my son."
But Rudra clenched his fists.
Rudra (muttering): "Baba, some people only understand the language of force."
The sage remained calm, but then, the man crossed all limits.
He began insulting God.
That was the final straw.
The sage's eyes, once full of peace, darkened with rage. In a flash, he grabbed the man's ankle and pulled him off the berth.
The man crashed onto the floor, stunned. Before he could react, the sage kicked him.
A crowd gathered again. This time, the police arrived.
Rudra, realizing the situation, rushed forward and grabbed the sage.
Rudra (urgently): "Baba, stop!"
The police were about to arrest the sage, but suddenly, a passenger stood up and spoke.
Passenger: "Officer, this is not Baba's fault! This man had been harassing both of them for a long time. They tolerated him, but when he insulted God, Baba lost his patience."
The police turned to the arrogant man, now lying on the floor, stunned and silent.
The tension in the train thickened.
THE TURNING POINT
The police officer looked around, observing the passengers' reactions. Most of them were nodding in agreement with the man who had defended the sage.
Police Officer (sternly): "Is this true? Has this man been harassing them?"
Several passengers spoke up at once.
Passenger 1: "Yes, officer! This man has been causing trouble since the journey began."
Passenger 2: "He pushed the boy, threw his food away, insulted the saint, and then started blaspheming against God!"
The officer turned to the arrogant man, who was now struggling to stand up.
Police Officer: "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
The man hesitated, looking around, realizing he had no supporters. Then, suddenly, he changed his tone and tried to act innocent.
Man (defensively): "Sir, it was just a misunderstanding! They overreacted!"
The officer, unimpressed, signaled two constables.
Police Officer: "Take him away. He's disturbing public peace."
The constables grabbed the man's arms, preparing to escort him out at the next station. Panicking, he struggled.
Man (begging): "Sir! Please, no! I won't do it again! I have a family waiting for me!"
Rudra, who had been watching in silence, suddenly spoke up.
Rudra: "Let him go."
Everyone turned to him, surprised. Even the sage raised an eyebrow.
Police Officer: "Are you sure, son?"
Rudra nodded.
Rudra: "Yes, officer. He made a mistake, but maybe he has learned his lesson."
The officer thought for a moment, then sighed and gestured for the constables to release the man.
Police Officer (warning): "You're lucky, but don't think you'll get away next time. Behave yourself."
The man, still shaken, lowered his head and walked away quietly to his berth. The tension in the compartment eased, and people returned to their seats.
Wisdom from the Sage
The sage turned to Rudra, a knowing smile on his face.
Sage: "You surprised me, Rudra."
Rudra (curious): "Why, Baba?"
Sage: "First, you controlled your anger and avoided a bigger fight. Then, even after everything, you chose to forgive him."
Rudra smiled slightly.
Rudra: "I've been through enough misfortunes in life, Baba. Holding onto anger only makes things worse. Maybe... he deserves another chance."
The sage nodded in approval.
Sage: "That is the true strength of character, my son. The ability to punish but choosing mercy instead."
Rudra pondered those words, letting them sink in.
A MESTERIOUS REVELATION
The journey continued peacefully. As evening approached, the train sped through open fields, the golden light of the setting sun pouring in through the windows.
Rudra turned to the sage, still curious about something.
Rudra: "Baba, earlier, you knew what I was thinking. How?"
The sage chuckled.
Sage: "You still want to know?"
Rudra nodded eagerly.
The sage leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.
Sage: "There is a power beyond what the eyes can see, Rudra. A power that connects minds, hearts, and destinies. Call it intuition, wisdom, or divine knowledge... but it exists."
Rudra felt a strange chill run down his spine.
Rudra (muttering): "Is that... possible?"
The sage simply smiled, his eyes filled with an ancient wisdom.
Sage: "You will understand when the time is right."
Rudra had many more questions, but something told him this was not the time for answers.
As the train moved forward, Rudra stared out the window, his thoughts swirling.
Little did he know, this journey was just the beginning of something much bigger.
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