"We can each change the world, with genuine acts of kindness."

Sun sank lower in the sky, and the sky transformed into a fusion of fiery hues, casting a soft, golden light upon the land. The birds gracefully returned to their nests, weaving intricate patterns through the air with their flight. The tranquil melody of their evening songs filled the air, blending tunefully with the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Ayushi was returning from her new office towards her PG on the cemented footpath in the dusk, thinking about how smoothly the past three months had passed, filled with absolute freedom and fresh air. She had found herself immersed in the bustling streets of Indore, a city entirely new to her. From the moment she had arrived, she was captivated by its charm. The air was crisp and pure, carrying with it the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. Everywhere she looked, lush green trees provided a soothing contrast to the urban landscape.

Each breath she took in Indore felt like a gulp of freedom, a stark contrast to the suffocation she had often felt back home. Despite the physical distance from her family in Bhopal, every month, she dutifully sent a portion of her hard-earned salary to support them, a gesture of gratitude for the education they had provided to her. As she savoured the newfound independence and opportunities in Indore, she never lost sight of the roots that had nurtured her dreams, ensuring that her journey towards success remained grounded in humility and appreciation.

Just when she was about to take a turn, she noticed an elderly woman stumbling on the footpath, her frail figure swaying dangerously as she struggled to maintain her balance. Without a moment's hesitation, Ayushi rushed to the woman's side, offering her arm for support and gently guiding her to a nearby bench. 

Amidst the crowd of onlookers, Ayushi was the only individual of compassion and action, as everyone else remained mere spectators, unwilling to lend a helping hand to the unconscious old lady.

With concern etched on her face, Ayushi knelt beside the woman and removed the suffocating mask from her face, offering her water and comforting words as she assessed her condition.  Sensing the woman's weakness, Ayushi called a passing rickshaw and helped her into the seat; ensuring she was safely seated, she also sat inside the rickshaw and instructed the driver to take them to the nearest medical facility.

On the way towards the hospital, Ayushi helplessly patted the old woman's cheek. "Aunt? Aunt?" but she didn't get a response from the unconscious lady. 

"Uncle please drive a bit past, I think she's serious," she pleaded beseechingly while trying to put the woman's head on her lap. "Yes, yes child. I am driving as fast as I can," the driver nodded his head and rushed towards the traffic speedily. 

With a sense of urgency, Ayushi accompanied the elderly woman to the hospital, ensuring she was admitted promptly upon arrival. Gratitude filled her heart as she thanked the auto-rickshaw puller for his kindness in helping them reach the hospital swiftly and even inside the hospital premises as the ward boys were a known acquaintance of the auto-rickshaw driver.

Inside the hospital, Ayushi swiftly took charge, coordinating with the medical staff to complete all necessary formalities for the woman's admission. Before reaching the hospital, Ayushi had got the AADHAR-ID of the old woman inside her purse and even a keypad mobile phone. She provided the required information, filling out paperwork with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the woman received the care she urgently needed. 

Understanding the importance of immediate medical attention, Ayushi also made arrangements to cover the costs of any treatment the woman required, offering to pay upfront to ensure that no time was wasted in providing her with the necessary care. 

Ayushi's deep connection with the elderly stemmed from the cherished bond she shared with her maternal grandmother, who had been a light of love and wisdom in her life. Tragically, Ayushi had experienced the heartache of losing her Nani to TB, a loss made even more devastating by the lack of sufficient funds for her treatment. The memory of her grandmother's suffering had left an indelible mark on Ayushi's heart, fueling her determination to help others in similar circumstances. When Ayushi found the unconscious old lady on the footpath, she saw not just a stranger in need, but a reflection of her own Nani's vulnerability. This time, encouraged with the means to make a difference, Ayushi was determined to save the old lady at any cost, refusing to let financial constraints stand in the way of her mission to offer compassion and care to someone in need, just as she wished she could have done for her beloved grandmother.

As Ayushi sat outside the Emergency room, her concern for the unconscious old lady weighing heavily on her mind, she noticed the woman's keypad phone lying nearby. With a sense of resolve, Ayushi picked up the phone and scrolled through the contacts list, searching for a way to reach out for help.

Finding the most recent call in the log, Ayushi took a deep breath and dialled the number, hoping to connect with someone who could provide valuable information about the woman's condition and perhaps even shed light on her identity. With each ring, Ayushi's heart raced with anticipation, knowing that this simple act of reaching out could make all the difference in ensuring the woman received the care and support she needed from her family.

Ayushi's fingers trembled slightly as she dialled Dhiraj's number, her heart pounding with worry for his relative's well-being. As the call connected, she wasted no time in conveying the urgent news.

"Hello, is this Dhiraj?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Dhiraj's tone was tense as he responded, "Yes, speaking. Who's this?"

"It's Ayushi," she replied quickly. "I found your relative unconscious on the footpath earlier, and I've taken her to Max Hospital near Shiv Mandir. You need to come here as soon as possible."

There was a moment of stunned silence on the other end of the line before Dhiraj's voice cracked with alarm. "What! Is Maa okay? What happened?"

"I'm not sure," Ayushi admitted, her voice wavering slightly. "But the doctors are attending to her now. Please, come to the hospital as fast as you can. She needs you."

Dhiraj's response was immediate. "Thank you so much for letting me know, Ayushi. I'll head to the hospital right away."

Ayushi felt a rush of relief as she heard his promise to come. "Please hurry," she begged, her voice pleading. "I'll make sure they take good care of her, but she needs her son by her side."

With a promise to do so, Dhiraj hung up, leaving Ayushi to pray for the old lady's recovery and hope that Dhiraj would arrive in time to offer her the comfort and support she desperately needed. Then an alarming thought disturbed her mind thinking about the repercussions she had to face at the hands of her PG Warden if she didn't reach her PG on time. 

Sighing in urgency, Ayushi dialled her PG roommate's number, her mind racing with the need to explain the tricky situation unfolding at the hospital. 

As her roommate answered the call, Ayushi quickly relayed the details, "Hey, it's Ayushi," she began, her voice laced with urgency. "I'm at the hospital right now. I found an old lady who needed help, and I had to bring her here. Can you please inform our warden about this? If she decides to close the doors, she might become strict about it. I don't want any trouble for us."

Her roommate's voice conveyed understanding as she assured Ayushi that she would handle the situation. "Don't worry, Ayushi. I'll take care of it. Just focus on helping the old lady. Let me know if you need anything else."

With a grateful sigh, Ayushi thanked her roommate before ending the call, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders knowing that the situation at the PG would be taken care of. Now she could fully devote herself to ensuring that the old lady received the care and attention she needed at the hospital. 

After a pregnant pause of an hour, the doctor eventually came out from the ER and Ayushi sped towards him.

"Doctor! How is she now?" as she approached the doctor outside the emergency room, her heart racing with worry, she quickly inquired about the old lady's condition. 

The doctor with a look of concern on his face, gently explained, "Mrs. Rathod's condition was caused by low blood pressure, likely due to not taking her medications on time." Before she could respond, however, the doctor, perhaps misinterpreting Ayushi's involvement, assumed, "You must be Mrs. Rathod's granddaughter. You must ensure she takes her medications regularly. Neglecting her health could have serious consequences."

Caught off guard by the assumption, Ayushi quickly clarified, "I'm not her granddaughter, Doctor. I found her on the footpath and brought her here. I just wanted to help."

Realizing his mistake, the doctor's expression softened, and he nodded in understanding. "I see. Well, thank you for bringing her in. Fortunately, you were there to help. Well, have you called her family?"

"Yes doctor, they must be coming anytime now," Ayushi informed earnestly and thanked him.  The doctor nodded his head and smiling gently, he informed, "She wants to meet her Saviour".  

Ayushi's heart fluttered nervously as the doctor delivered the unexpected news that the unconscious lady, Mrs. Rathod, was now awake and requesting to meet her. With a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, Ayushi felt her palms grow clammy as she contemplated the significance of this moment. Uncertain of what to expect, Ayushi braced herself for the encounter, her mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions.

As Ayushi entered Mrs. Rathod's room in the emergency ward, she was greeted by a warm and grateful smile from the now-conscious woman, Mrs. Rathod. With a gentle tone filled with gratitude, Mrs. Rathod expressed her heartfelt thanks to Ayushi for bringing her to the hospital at the right time. "I don't know what I would have done without your timely help, Beta" she said, her voice gentle with emotion.

Moved by Mrs. Rathod's words, Ayushi felt a swell of warmth in her chest. She approached Mrs. Rathod's bedside, and with a respectful Namaste, she expressed her relief at seeing Mrs. Rathod awake and feeling better. "I'm just glad I could be there to help you, Aunty. By Lord Shiva's grace, you are now absolutely fine. Just take your medicines timely," Ayushi replied and added the last sentence with a small giggle because she knew how tenacious senior citizens could be when it comes to taking medicines.

"Please take a seat," the old lady urged warmly, patting the space on the bed beside her. Ayushi obliged, feeling a sense of connection with the old lady. As they sat together in that small hospital room, amidst the beeping of monitors and the scent of antiseptic, a bond of kindness and compassion blossomed between Ayushi and Mrs. Rathod, bridging the gap between stranger and saviour with a shared sense of humanity.

The old woman gushed, "Beta, I must say, not only are you beautiful on the outside, but your kindness and compassion make you just as beautiful on the inside. It's rare to find someone with such a warm heart and genuine concern for others. Thank you for being there for me today," and caressed the cheeks of Ayushi who crimsoned at the sudden motherly affection oozing from the woman. 

Ayushi could feel the love and warmth of a grandmother in her just like how her Nani (Maternal Grandma) used to be.

"Again I forgot. May I ask your name beta?". The old woman asked, her old yet experienced eyes seeing through the soul of Ayushi as if dissecting right through her spirit. 

"Of course, Aunty. My name is Ayushi." she replied and further added, "It's Ayushi Rawat but I like myself to be called Ayushi only". 

The old lady chuckled at the thought and added, "Yes. I can see that. By the way, you can call me Grandma too. I won't mind. I am too old to be called an 'Aunty', beta". Both shared a hearty laugh at the women and aunty joke, finding solace in the lighthearted moment. Just then Ayushi remembered something and after excusing herself, she got outside the ER and then again entered within a moment. She returned the phone and the old lady's purse she had found when the lady had fainted.

"Thank you so much, Child. Before I again forget, do you have any family here? A sweetheart, perhaps?" with a teasing glee, Mrs. Rathod asked.

Blushing, Ayushi replied, "No, no sweetheart. I live here in a PG, Grandma. My family lives in Bhopal". 

"Well, they must be very proud of you, Ayushi. You're an amazing young woman, and I'm sure you'll go far in life. It's very hard to find a good heart nowadays who cares about others but you are a Samaritan," the old woman whispered taking Ayushi's hands in hers. 

Ayushi replied to the lady, expressing her belief, "Grandma, kindness and humanity are the essence of a happy life. So no worries".

"Indeed. Humanity is the one thing because of which this world is still a better place to live," the old lady smiled in understanding but then an unexpected sound of the clock hitting nine disturbed their moment. "Ayushi, my dear, it's getting late. You should head home now," the old woman, concerned for Ayushi's safety as it grew late in the night, earnestly expressed her wishes for Ayushi to go back home. 

"Oh, it's alright, Grandma. I don't mind staying a bit longer. I want to make sure your family arrives before I leave," Ayushi reassured the old lady with a confident smile, however, inwardly, she couldn't shake off her apprehensions, feeling a pang of fear as she realized the challenge of finding transportation in the late hours of the night.

The old woman sighed and requested, "You've done more than enough for me already. Besides, it's not safe for you to be out alone at this hour. Go home, please".

"I appreciate your concern Grandma but I don't want to leave until I know your family is here with you." The grit was well noticed by the old lady and she shook her head at the young girl's resolute care for her. 

"Ayushi, listen to me. My son and daughter-in-law will be here soon. They'll want to thank you themselves. And besides, I'll feel much better knowing you're safe at home. Well, they are already here," Mrs. Rathod's face lit up with joy and relief as she spotted her son entering, ready to take her back to the comfort and safety of their home. Ayushi too glanced at the new face and a sense of relief fell over her beautiful features. Finally!

As Dhiraj caught sight of his mother lying in the hospital bed, his heart skipped a beat, and without a second thought, he dashed towards her, his footsteps echoing in the emergency room. With a mixture of concern and affection, he enveloped her frail form in a gentle embrace, his eyes brimming with unspoken emotions.

Eventually, he bombarded his mother with a flurry of queries about her health and medications, eager to know the ifs, why and how's of her current state. His mother, despite her weakened state, couldn't help but chuckle at her son's spontaneous display of affection and then the invincible interrogations that he was mastered at. Even at the age of 55, with a family of his own, Dhiraj's childlike concern and enthusiasm never failed to touch her heart. As she watched him fussing over her with a mixture of amusement and love, she couldn't stop herself and said, "I am alive! I am alive!".

"You sure are! How many times I have told you to keep gua..." before her son could have reprimanded her for her clumsiness and ignorance towards bodyguards, Mrs. Rathod held his hand and turned his attention towards her saviour. 

It was then that Dhiraj noticed his mother's saviour who had helped his mother at the right time, seeing her as nothing less than a divine figure for saving his mother's life that very day. He enquired, "Ayushi? Right?". 

Ayushi nodded her head, smiling faintly in acknowledgement.

"Thank you so much, dear. You saved my Mother. I'm indebted to you," he pronounced thankfully, keeping his hand on her head, in a blessing way. 

"Uncle, please don't thank me. I just did my part as a human. Humanity comes first before anything else," Ayushi spoke, feeling overwhelmed at the number of 'thanks' these people had showered on her.  She rose from the bedside where the old lady lay, and bid them farewell, "Namaste", explaining that it was getting late for her and she needed to return to her PG accommodation.  

"Ayushi, wait!" Mrs. Rathod suddenly cried out halting Ayushi's steps. "Beta, take this money as you paid for my treatment. I don't want to burden you anymore, you have already done a lot," Mrs. Rathod insisted on giving Ayushi some money, expressing her desire to repay her kindness, as the latter had selflessly submitted the money at the hospital reception for the former's treatment.

"Grandma! No! I don't want this money. As a human, I helped you. And for doing some humanity, we aren't paid. Please. I cannot take this. Please take care," Ayushi politely but firmly declined the offer of money from the old woman.

"At least let Dhiraj drop you at your PG. It's already late, child," Mrs. Rathod tried once more but Ayushi was determined and politely yet again declined the offer. She bid farewell to the old woman and her son before exiting the emergency room, her thoughts lingering on the encounter as she made her way towards her PG accommodation, hoping to find transportation for the journey home.

As Ayushi departed, Dhiraj couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for her kind and benevolent nature, grateful for the chance encounter that had reminded him of the goodness in humanity, "Maa! Isn't she the kind of Princess we used to hear in your stories? She's kind, beautiful, compassionate". 

"I think, yes," his mother smiled.

Mrs. Rathod couldn't shake the profound impact Ayushi had made on her mind. She recounted to her son the heartwarming tale of Ayushi, a stranger who had come to her aid in her time of need. With admiration in her voice, she described Ayushi as an epitome of kindness, emphasizing how her selflessness had touched her deeply. Despite being a total stranger, she offered her assistance without hesitation, restoring the old lady's faith in the inherent goodness of humanity. 

As Dhiraj and his mother conversed quietly in the room, their voices carrying a tone of concern and reassurance, the atmosphere suddenly shifted as Dhruv, Payal, and their mother Parineeti burst into the emergency room. Worry was etched on their faces, casting a shadow over the previously tranquil space. Dhiraj and his mother exchanged a knowing glance, ready to share the compassionate tale of how a young girl saved their grandmother today, the same grandmother who had managed to ditch her bodyguards because of her "Freebird" nature. 

Initially, a dull mood enveloped the emergency room as everyone expressed their concern for their beloved's well-being. However, as the tension began to ease, Dhruv's remark elicited chuckles from everyone in the room, lightening the mood and reminding them of their grandmother's spirited nature that they all cherished, "Mrs. Rathod, I think only the greatest late Mr. Rathod could safeguard you or will you bully his ghost too?" 

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

Just as Ayushi reached her PG, exhausted and languid, she received an unexpected call from her stepmother. Her heart skipped a beat as she listened to the news of a marriage alliance being fixed for her, and she was to meet the prospective groom the next day at an opulent restaurant. 

Just when she thought that she had gained independence, her family had to shove this 'marriage thing' on her face, threatening her freedom and tranquillity.  She was not ready for marriage and whispered, "I appreciate the gesture, Mother," she began, her tone firm yet respectful, "but marriage is not something I can rush into, especially with someone I barely know."

"Indore me rehke par nikal gaye hain tumhare? Do you think your choice matters? Your father has met the family and it's his decision. I am ordering you to meet the guy because it's his wish to meet you in person, otherwise, I'd have made sure you meet your would-be husband directly on your wedding day," her stepmother countered, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration. 

(You've got wings while living there in Indore?)

Ayushi's heart sank as her mother's words cut through the air like a sharp vane. "You will meet this guy and say yes to him," her mother demanded, her tone lined with unkindness. "Do you understand? He's willing to marry you without any dowry, and we can't let this opportunity slip away." 

Feeling trapped and suffocated by the weight of her mother's expectations, Ayushi struggled to find her voice amidst the turmoil. But before she could protest, her stepmother added another layer of coercion to the already tense situation.

"You know the sacrifices we've made for you," her stepmother interjected, her voice dripping with manipulation. "Think about your younger sister and the burden we'll have to bear if you refuse. Don't be selfish, Ayushi. This is about the well-being of our family." 

And here goes the cassette of the same old emotional and melodramatic blackmailing. 

Trapped between her own wishes and the relentless pressure from her family, Ayushi felt as though she was being robbed of her autonomy and freedom. With tears welling in her eyes, she just hummed at her mother's manipulative orders. 

No matter how far Ayushi ventured from home, the strings of her life remained firmly in the grasp of her stepmother's manipulative hands.

"Make sure to dress elegantly but modestly. You have that Magenta coloured salwar suit, no? Wear that," her mother advised and Ayushi again hummed at her mother's orders. 

"Maintain proper posture and speak properly, but with humility. Remember to reply to his questions and show your interest in asking about his interests and aspirations too, and above all, be respectful and courteous." Ayushi nodded silently, her mind swirling with a whirlwind of emotions as she contemplated the path that lay ahead. With a deep breath, she resolved to face the meeting with grace and dignity, knowing that her future hung in the balance.

With a mixture of apprehension and resignation, Ayushi absorbed the instructions her mother provided, outlining the do's and don'ts for the upcoming meeting and she just listened to everything with a jaded expression, unexpectedly remembering the beautiful but brutal lines on the fate of a girl she had read a long time back in a Wattpad Novel. 

"Be quiet & shy, because you're a girl.

Talk only when asked, because you're a girl.

Eyes down on the floor, because you're a girl.

Serve them tea & some snacks, because you're a girl.

Do everything they ask you to do because you're a girl.

And say 'Yes' to this proposal, you are not given any choices but our orders,

because you're a girl".

After the call ended, Ayushi lay down on her bed and closed her eyes. The day had been fatiguing but after her mother's relentless coaxing about marriage, her day had ended on a very unnerving note.

With a heavy heart, she prepared herself for the meeting with the prospective groom the next day, clinging to the faint hope that perhaps this man would be different. Maybe, just maybe, he would see her for who she truly was – a woman deserving of love, respect, and independence. In the depths of her despair, Ayushi held onto the possibility that this meeting could mark the beginning of a new chapter, one where she could find the happiness and fulfilment she so desperately longed for. 

But it was a blunder that Ayushi dared to dream of a future where love and respect awaited her.

•┈••✦ ❤ ✦••┈•

How's it?

If possible, do check out my other ongoing novels too, pretty please! I'm in dire need of genuine readers for my ongoing novel "A DESIRE TO WIN HER". (Lost many readers due to inconsistent updates, but hey, I am BACK)

Love you a lot!