Her Salvation

Chapter 1

The clock struck 6pm to announce that Aditya was getting late for the function. He hurried to the washroom and changed into a cream colour suit. He ran down the stairs to get into the car and drove off. He was heading to a college’s annual fest. Aditya was the chief guest there. Being an IPS officer he had to attend several programmes on a regular basis. But he loved going there. 

By the time he reached the venue, the principal along with the GS of the students’ council was already waiting eagerly to welcome him. He was humbly welcomed with a bouquet. Aditya along with the staff members headed towards the stage. He took his seat at the very front along with the principal and other dignitaries. And thus, the fest began. 

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen.” came a feminine voice. Aditya was meanwhile busy on his mobile but listening to the voice he jerked up his head to see a young girl all clad in a dark blue chiffon saree gracefully standing upon the stage with a mic in her hand. She was looking phenomenal. She had a powerful voice, a voice that said she was really a strong woman. Aditya couldn't move his gaze from her face. 

The principal’s voice broke his trance. He accompanied the principal up on the stage. He was being greeted by the professors, while she kept on telling about all his accomplishments. Aditya felt a certain bliss on hearing about his success stories in her voice. Eventually, the fest began. But his concentration was only on her. 

After the fest ended, when he was on the way to the principal’s office, a group of students rushed towards him requesting him for a photo session. Unhesitatingly, he accepted their request and went with them. As they were busy clicking, he saw the same girl, who was on the stage, standing near. Before he could say or do something, college students called her to join them. She, very reluctantly, came and stood in the group. Since the entire group wasn’t fitting within the frame, the photographer asked her to stand beside Aditya. She nervously came and stood beside him. Aditya felt a bit of happiness on feeling her left hand brushing with his right side once. She shifted more towards the right. 

“Let me have a groupie with you guys. Come!” , Aditya said smiling at them. They were overwhelmed. Aditya brought out his iPhone from his suit, and clicked. 

Meanwhile, the Principal came and Aditya left after bidding them bye. Since it was late, he formally told the Principal that it wouldn't be possible for him to stay longer. He then formally bade goodbye not before congratulating him for the grand celebration. 

By the time he returned it was 10.30pm. He asked his maid to arrange his dinner. He freshened up, had his food and went to bed not before seeing the picture on his phone, where she was standing just beside him with a beautiful smile playing on her lips. 

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On the other hand, Uma was tremendously nervous. Afterall it was the first time that she will be an anchor. It was her dream to be an anchor. She couldn't believe that situations were on her support. Since the age of 5, she has been taking classes on Indian classical music and Bengali Folk music but she had this fondness towards anchoring and recitation. So, when the Head of her department asked her, she agreed without even giving it a second thought. But after a while, she started to fear whether her Maa would allow her to. But much to her astonishment, she happily agreed and even helped her with her dress for the fest. 

Taking a breath, she walked up the stage and started of with her work. And surprisingly, she did a flawless job. She singlehandedly hosted the entire fest brilliantly. After the fest ended, the professors, students congratulated her. The Head of her department (English) blessed her wholeheartedly. She was very happy. But, something was unusual today; she felt a continuous heated gaze upon her as if someone was looking into her soul. However, she shrugged and moved her thoughts. 

As she was going towards the green-room to meet her friend, Dhriti, she was called upon by others to join their photo session with the Chief Guest, Mr. Aditya Sen. He was an IPS officer. 

“Half of my script had this human’s praises. Who butters this much?! Huh!`` she muttered to herself, but joined them. 

Thanks to the photographer, she had to stand beside him (mark the sarcasm). 

She was nervous to stand beside him. He was 6’1” and she was 5’2”. 

“E ki manush na danob!” she thought to herself. 

("Is he a man or a giant!"). 

After the photo session ended. She was relieved. But before she could run out, she heard him asking them to take a groupie with him. She felt her classmate, Siya tug her. She turned to face the camera and smiled. After he went out, Uma hurried back to Dhriti who had already changed & was waiting for her. They approached their parents, who’re waiting for them and went towards home. She was very happy because her father could make it today, as he was posted somewhere else. 

"A day spent well." She mumbled as sleep engulfed her.