Farhina Ibrahim

CHAPTER 4: A MOMENT OF VICTORY IN A TIME OF STRUGGLE

Years flew by in the hustle and bustle of Patna Medical College. Aarohi’s journey was marked by a whirlwind of experiences, both academic and personal. The Quit India Movement strikes and protests played a significant role in shaping her perspective as she moved through her medical training. The political upheaval that gripped the country also influenced her, serving as a constant reminder that her path was intertwined with the larger fight for independence.

After years of dedication and hard work, Aarohi finally returned home after her final exams. Two months had passed since that intense period, and she found herself savoring a small reprieve from her rigorous routine.

One morning, Aarohi sat at the kitchen table; her feet curled under her as she devoured her favorite snack—corn, smothered with butter and sprinkled with salt. The familiar, warm aroma of roasted corn filled the room, bringing with it a sense of childhood comfort. It was a simple joy amidst the social and political turmoil surrounding them.

Her father, Mr. Sinha, walked into the kitchen, sharp as always in his suit and tie. He adjusted his collar, glancing at his wristwatch as the subtle scent of his cologne mingled with the air. Grabbing his briefcase from the counter, he caught sight of Aarohi, still playful despite the tension simmering beneath the surface of their lives.

“Well, well,” Aarohi said, setting down her corn. “Baba, that’s quite the cologne you’re wearing today. Off to the office, or are you planning to steal someone’s heart?”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “You caught me,” he teased. “But really, Aarohi, look at you! You’re supposed to be the future Dr. Sinha, and here you are eating corn for breakfast. Is that how a doctor prepares for the day? No fruits, no oats—just buttered corn?”

Aarohi wiped her hands on a napkin, grinning. “What can I say? The corn vendor has a better bedside manner than your oatmeal ever will.”

Mr. Sinha rolled his eyes but smiled. “If you keep eating like this, you’ll scare away your patients before you even see them. What kind of doctor thinks corn is a suitable breakfast?”

Aarohi laughed, taking another exaggerated bite to provoke him.

“The kind who will revolutionize medicine with corn therapy. Just wait!”

Mr. Sinha’s mock disbelief was followed by a softer tone. “You know, sometimes I can’t believe how fast you’ve grown. My little girl, becoming a doctor. It feels like just yesterday…”

The warmth of his words softened Aarohi’s playful grin. “I guess I’m still figuring it all out,” she admitted. “But one thing’s for sure: corn or no corn, I’m going to make you proud.”

Her father came over, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You already do, sweetheart. More than you know.”

Before the moment could turn too sentimental, Sheela Mausi burst into the kitchen, her face flushed with excitement, waving a newspaper frantically in the air.

“Aarohi! Oh my goodness! The results—they’re out! The exam results!”

Aarohi’s heart raced. She dropped her corn and rushed toward Nanny, her hands trembling as she reached for the newspaper. Her father stood beside her, equally anxious.

Sheela Mausi held the paper out, her voice trembling. “Here, child. See for yourself!”

Aarohi’s eyes scanned the print, her breath catching as she searched for her name. The world seemed to blur around her, the letters swimming before her eyes. And then, there it was—her role number, next to the word she had longed for: PASS.

A gasp escaped her lips as her father leaned over, seeing the confirmation for himself. "Is it real?" she whispered.

Her father let out a jubilant cheer, startling both her and Nanny. “It’s real, Aarohi! You did it! You’re a doctor!”

Sheela Mausi, overwhelmed with emotion, clapped her hands together, tears streaming down her face. “I knew you’d do it, my girl. All those late nights—it’s all paid off.”

But even in her joy, Aarohi’s thoughts drifted toward the broader picture. The British Raj’s grip on the country had made every triumph bittersweet. Her success was a personal victory, but it was also a reflection of the hope and resilience her people held onto through every struggle for independence.

“I just wish Maa could be here,” Aarohi whispered, her voice heavy with emotion. “She’d be so proud... I can feel her, but sometimes, I just wish I could hear her say it.”

Mr. Sinha’s joyful expression softened, his eyes filled with tenderness.

He gently placed his hand on her shoulder. “She’s with you, Aarohi. And she’s proud of you, no doubt about it. We both are. You’re going to make her dreams come true.”

With her heart swelling, Aarohi allowed herself to bask in the happiness of the moment. Her joy couldn’t be contained, and with a sudden burst of energy, she dashed out of the kitchen, headed straight for Kiran’s house. Without thinking, she climbed the old tree next to their homes, just like when they were kids, and jumped onto Kiran’s balcony.

Kiran looked up from her book, wide-eyed at the sight of her friend leaping across the railing. “Aarohi! What—”

“I did it!” Aarohi shouted, pulling Kiran into a tight embrace. “I’m a doctor, Kiran! I actually did it!”

Kiran’s face lit up with pride and joy. “I knew it! You did it, Aarohi! I’m so proud of you.”

Kiran’s parents joined the celebration. They congratulated Aarohi and dearly embraced her as if she were their own daughter. It was a moment of shared joy, love, and pride, one that carried the weight of all the challenges and dreams they had endured together. Aarohi’s doubts lingered in the back of her mind, but for now, she chose to live at the moment, savoring the sweetness of her achievement and the unwavering support of those she loved.