Sophia's Freedom

Chapter 9: Dr. Babul Sen

After lunch, I picked up the girls for the hospital, clinging to the desperate hope that Sophia's current condition sparks some sense of remorse in them and changes their behavior towards her. I knew this was by far a long shot but could not let go of my hope.

However, there was something in Aamaya that kept telling me that she is not what she seems to be. Even though she likes to show that she is tough on the outside, but it feels like she cares for Sophia. I might be wrong though, but a part of me wants that I should be right.

Atleast there should be someone from the family who should have a soft corner for Sophia.

We reached the hospital at around 4:00 P.M. The day has been quite restless for me. I haven't slept a wink. Besides, whatever has happened in the past 24 hours, the need for any sleep eluded me.  Sophia was still in Coma. Vikash was already in the hospital by the time we were back to the hospital. I tried to discuss Sophia's condition with him, and he concluded that the police were not going to intervene as she was in no condition to reveal how she got injured.

He also said that when Gopinath daa enquired Aunty about the injury, she kept insisting that Sophia fell off the stairs and hurt her head. I was pretty sure that Aunty was very much capable of keeping up this charade.

I was starting to feel very hopeless and desperately wished Sophia to get better. A part of me still believes that I might be the one responsible for this condition too. We asked the doctors and they are also saying that she was still having difficulties in breathing, and in the absence of any improvement in the next 24 hours, her chances of survival would be grim.

By now, uncle had also reached Purulia. I witnessed uncle's broken and pained look watching Sophia lying on the ICU bed. Uncle took Aunty to a corner of the room, and what seemed like a very angry conversation followed.

As I closed in on them subtly to eavesdrop on their conversation, I could hear Uncle saying "Are you satisfied now? Finally, my sweet Sophia is where you always wanted her to be. What would we tell her dad, if something happens to her," as he pointed his index finger towards Aunty he continued "I will make sure you suffer. No one can save you from my wrath." 

Saying this uncle left the room. I followed uncle outside and felt like consoling him. I saw him entering the Men's room and followed him. When I entered the room, he was crying. I went near him and said "Is everything all right sir. You look sad." 

Uncle looked at me and replied "I am fine. It's just that my niece is lying in a coma, and I am feeling very helpless about it. I regret leaving her in Purulia under the care of my family. She was better off with me." 

I introduced myself, "Don't worry Uncle, Sophia will be fine. We all are praying that she gets well soon. By the way, I am Monika's elder brother, Joe." 

Uncle extended his right hand and acknowledged "It was nice meeting you, son. Monika speaks a lot about you." 

I shook his hand and replied with a smile "Much obliged, sir. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. Don't hesitate. I and my friends will always be there for you till  Sophia gets well." 

Saying this I took his leave and left the place. Dad made sure Monika is not allowed to visit the hospital. I told Vikash, "if only we can manage something to ensure that Sophia remains safe, I could peacefully go back to the school and complete my studies."

Vikash replied, "Remember she addressed me as dada on the day of the basketball match so even if you won't be here, her Vikash dada will take charge and find ways to protect her. You know my stellar reputation of being a dada or should I say DADAS." 

I reprimanded Vikash to stop joking and be serious. I continued, “We needed someone who can visit her every day and keep an eye on the family. Besides Monika is far too young for the job.” 

Suddenly Vikash had an idea, "Remember the other day you told me, Geeta is being home-schooled."

"Yes, what about it?" 

Vikash replied "I think I know what we can do. We can send someone in as her teacher and that way we can keep an eye on her. I remember the other day you told me she is not good at studies. I think it’s time she gets a new tutor. What do you say?"

I was intrigued "Do you have anyone in mind?" 

Vikash replied "I know the best person for this job. As a matter of fact, we both know him."

I recognized his tone and a name popped into my mind. I hope he was not referring to Babul da. Out of respect, we all call him Master Da. I pleaded Vikash, "Please, please tell me, you are not considering him." 

Vikash replied "Yes, I am talking about Master Da. Who could be a better person than our very own Master daa. He is definitely the right person for this."

I countered "Never…” i paused and then continued again “I am not asking Babul da for help. You know his temper very well. Knowing everything about him, how can you even consider him anywhere near Sophia."

Vikash replied "He may have taken some bad decisions in his life, Joe, but we should also consider the fact that he has got a Ph.D. in Psychology. He is one of the few learned people we know. We should also consider the fact that he is a philanthropist and spends most of his time educating young girls from under-developed villages for free. Believe me, Babul da is an excellent choice for this." 

I was not feeling comfortable about this idea, but all I could recall at that moment was my sister's safety, happiness, and her anguished reaction to Geeta's condition.

Even though it was half-hearted, but the brother in me took the leap "Ok, let's do it then." 

We left for Babul Da's place. Once we reached there, we found Master da in the garden, taking care of his plants. He saw us approaching the house and stood up to greet us. 

"What are you two doing here? It has been a long time since you remembered that you have a brother who lives here."

Vikash mumbled "No master da, that's not the case. We heard that you have started a school for young children, so we thought you might be extremely busy and did not want to disturb you."

Master da looked at us sternly "You don't have to make excuses. It's ok, I don't mind as I know you guys. In my difficult times, when my people didn't show up to extend their support, you and your friends were the only ones who took care of me, even though you knew very well that I was with the underground and helping me might land you in trouble... You stood by me without any judgment."

 Vikash responded emotionally "You are like our elder brother..." he paused a little and as he grew emotional he continued "you are like a teacher to us, and at your difficult time if we don't stand by you, find excuses to create distance and stay safe we don’t deserve to be a part of today’s civil society.”

Master da inquired to Vikash "Would you mind telling me directly, what is on your mind? I can sense something is not right." 

"What makes you think something is not right master daa?"

"Do you think I was born yesterday? Mind telling me what wrong?" asked Master daa.

Vikash hesitated a little but upon Master daa's persistence, he went on "Actually we need your help with something very difficult for us. We cannot divulge this to anyone and even if we attempt to speak, we know, no one will believe us." 

"Would you mind being clearer?" asked Master da. 

Vikash folded his hands and begged Master Da, "Before I tell you anything, I want you to come to Mother Teresa Lions Hospital, Barakar road, and meet doctor Pramatha Sen and enquire about a patient named Geeta. Please, Master Da."

Master da didn't say much and proceeded to leave with us. When we reached the hospital Vikash told master da, "If you don't mind, we will maintain a distance from you. We don't want the girl's parents to see us together and figure out that we know each other. Once you enter the doctor's chamber, we will enter through the back door." 

Master da didn't say anything and after inquiring at the reception, went directly to Dr. Pramatha Sen's chamber. We entered the chamber a few moments later and introduced Babul Da to the doctor, "Sir, this is Babul Da. He runs an NGO for the protection of child rights. Will you please tell him about your findings on Sophia Banerjee as you detailed us in the morning."

There was a look of excitement when Dr. Sen saw Master da and then said “Who doesn't know master da… your reputation precedes you sir… You know in our village everyone compares you to Master daa Surya Sen...” Dr. Sen paused and forwarded his right hand to shake hands with Master daa and then said “Sir… you could have given me a call… I would have come to meet you myself…”

I saw master da blush a little when the doctor compared him to Master daa Surya Sen and then Dr. Sen started telling Babul da everything in detail.

I could sense that Master Da’s rage was growing as the doctor described his diagnosis in minute detail and the a***e suffered by Sophia. As the doctor finished, He enquired in a repressed tone, if he could see the child.

The doctor replied in an apologetic tone, "I am sorry, right now it would be difficult. I can show you something though." 

He switched on his laptop and showed us a live feed of Geeta in her ICU. Master da replied, "Thank you, doctor, this should be enough." and he left the hospital looking very furious. We followed Babul da outside the hospital premises.

He beckoned us and said, "Both of you, come to my home, I need to talk to you right now." 

I requested him to give me half an hour and asked Vikash to go with him. 

 I went home and asked Monika to get ready, as we needed to go somewhere. 

Monika asked me "Where are we going, Bro?" 

I retorted, "Stop asking questions, I don't have much time, get dressed." 

Monika didn't utter another word. She went to her room and got ready in 15 minutes. We left home and while walking towards Master daa's residence I told her, "Sweety, I am sorry, I shouted at you. I shouldn't have done that. Please forgive me."

She gave her usual enchanting smile and replied "I know bro. You are worried because of what happened to Sophia and you don't know what to do. I understand that." 

I looked at her and said "Wow, Monika, you are very mature and understanding for your age. I am proud of you. Let me tell you something, we are going to someone's place now. He is a friend of mine. I want you to be in your best behaviour." 

Monika replied, "I am going to be the worst girl you can ever imagine me to be..." and saying this she pinched me and continued "When have I not been a good girl bro?" 

I smiled at her, cherishing her childish innocence in these difficult times, and replied "I am just joking sweetie. Let's go." 

After walking for about 15 minutes, we reached Babul Da's place. I found Babul da and Vikash eagerly waiting for my return. I introduced Monika to Babul da. He looked at me and asked "I didn't know you were bringing guests over. I could have brought lots of sweets for this angel." 

My sister looked at me and said: "It’s ok Sir, the next time I come to your place, I will give you a call in advance, and let you know what chocolates I like." 

Master Da could not help but laugh at my sister's witty reply, and said "Sure my child, anything for you."

 I was a little bit embarrassed and said "Sorry about this Da." 

He replied "It's ok Joe. She is a kid. Lighten up a little." 

Vikash interrupted and brought our focus back on the matter at hand, "Can we discuss Sophia's situation?" 

Master da was hesitant to talk about it in front of Monika, I assured him "It's ok Master da, she needs to know about our discussion. She has been friends with the family for the past 7 years and has been trying to help Sophia in her own way."

Master da was shocked to hear my comment, He looked at Monika and said to her "You are really a very brave child, my dear. Can you tell me more about your friend Sophia?" 

Monika was a bit hesitant as she began to speak, "All these years I have been trying to tell people about what is being done to Sophia and no one would believe me, now that she is hurt very badly, you people are worrying." 

Master da looked at Monika and replied "My child, all these days, you have been telling about your friend to good but God-fearing people, who only care about themselves. Today you are going to tell your concerns to someone who I can assure you is not a good person. The god of hell has also reserved a special place for me after my death. Besides, I met your friend Sophia's doctor and I came to know a lot about her and what she has gone through."

Monika must have felt a ray of hope listening to Master Da's words, and slowly started narrating every incident and detail, she felt we should know. I couldn't believe my little sister has experienced so much at such a tender age.

All of a sudden, she revealed something, which cleared Master Da's doubts and made sense of the traces of TESTOPEL found in the child's body. What we heard from Monika today, was enough to give me nightmares for the rest of my life. I never could imagine someone as young as Sophia going through such an ordeal. Listening to Monika's story shook me to my very core.

Master Da interjected, "Child, you have said enough." 

He saw tears rolling down her eyes, picked Monika in his arms, and said "You are one of the bravest young women I have met in my life. You are like Rani Rudrama Devi, a hero and heroes don't cry. Heroes always smile and protect."

Monika stopped weeping and said, "Sir, I am not a young woman and you called me an angel, remember." 

Master da gave a smile and responded, "You are a true angel my child." 

Then Monika asked Master Da, "Sir, will you please help my friend. Please."  as she placed both the palm of her hands together and requested.

Master da gently let go of Monika and said: "I will help your friend, but only if you address me as your uncle and not Sir." 

Monika smiled and agreed "Sure Uncle."

Babul da asked if we had any plans. I replied, "We are not in any way related to her, to question her upbringing in the family and at this moment there is no alternative support system to provide her with the good life she deserves." I paused a little and continued again "So right now I just want her to complete her studies and want you to be her tutor and educate her to the best of your capability and keep an eye on her. If you are there, at least I can be sure that she would be safe from those wicked cousins of hers. Besides, Monika would also be there most of the time to make sure she is treated right." 

Master da replied "I have never done babysitting before, but I think I can manage this. There is only one thing which concerns me"

I asked Master da "What is it?"

"I want you guys to make sure, that we never meet each other. I do not want the Banerjee household to make out any connection between us, that includes Monika too. I will introduce myself to you and Monika, once again in front of the Banerjee family. Remember it should seem like we are meeting for the first time."

Vikash could not resist asking, "Well this is settled, but do you guys know where Sophia's current teacher lives and how she will be convinced to quit her current job." 

Monika promptly replied, "I know where she lives." She picked up the notebook lying on one of the garden chairs and wrote down an address on it.

Master da replied, "Leave the convincing part to me. I can persuade her not to continue. You guys know very well, how much of an expert I am at coercion."

As our planning concluded, it was time for us to leave. Master da asked us to wait for some time. He went inside his house, and after 10 minutes he came out.

Master da had some sort of a medallion in his hand. He called Monika, bent down, and pinned the medallion on Monika's shirt. On a closer look, it appeared to be made of copper, and engraved on it was the outline of a hand with the inscription “Jeevan Raksha"  below it. Jeevan Raksha in literal terminology means Life Saviour. He put the medal on her, stood up, and said, "I was awarded this medal by president Dr. S. D. Sharma for saving the life of 7 children from a burning building. Today I am presenting you this medal because you are the one who, I think, truly deserves this medal."

I never knew that Master Da was a recipient of the Jeevan Raksha medal. I shook Master Da’s hand and said "Thank you dada, on behalf of Monika, for this kind favor. I really have no words to express my gratitude."

Now I am sure that with Master Da around, Sophia and Monika will be safe and protected from the Banerjee family. Once Sophia regains consciousness, I can peacefully go to school and continue my studies without any worries.

                                                                 TO BE CONTINUED…

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