CHAPTER – 4

                                               

With the elections two day ahead, Khaleel Khan was forced to accept Aaradhya’s deal. In exact 12 hours Azmia was out of the mental hospital and no media house even got a hint of it.

Aaradhya took her straight to Kochi. She wanted to take Azmia away from all this, as soon as possible. She had informed Tejaswi of the proceedings and she was indeed glad.

                                             ************

Azmia reached Kochi the same day with Aaradhya and stayed the night with her. Tejaswi came to meet her late evening. She was relieved to see Azmia back in all sense. Even though Tejaswi wouldn’t express it, she had this guilt with her that she supported Azmia to fight; even though she knew there was no chance of winning.

But Azmia still had a smile on her face. Yes she was exhausted and a bit lost after all the treatment she got at the hospital, but nothing could get rid of that smile! Somewhere she knew fighting against Khaleel will bring her to another round of torture; but she was glad it wasn’t under him and now, she is literally free off him.

Yes Khaleel Khan has signed the divorce papers which Aaradhya had ready with her and with some of the string pulling from her side; things would be official in few days time. Khaleel Khan held no more right on her. That thought gave Azmia, the feeling of freedom in all its true sense!

                                               ************

The next day was a Saturday and it opened with new promises for Azmia. When she came out of her room fresh after a bath, the sight that greeted her gave her a feeling of.....belonging, after a long time!

Their whole gang of friends were waiting for her to make an appearance and when she did; there was no stopping them. Anjali ran to her and hugged her fiercely breaking down into tears. Esther also hugged her murmuring complaints to her. Joanna, Gauri and Thara also enveloped her in a group hug smiling ear to ear. Aaradhya and Tejaswi stood in the background watching all the drama with a smile. In that one moment, Azmia felt she belonged; she had someone or rather a lot of people who still cared for her; for whom she mattered. And that brought tears to her eyes after a decade. She broke down and wept.

Aaradhya and Tejaswi was a bit shocked at first, since they had seen her so strong despite all the situations she went through. But then Aaradhya was glad that she finally reacted to her trauma. Neither she nor Tejaswi was the too emotional type and couldn’t give her that comfort and instead had given her space. But Anjali and Esther who were always the emotional ones of the lot did that for her. So in a way it was good that Azmia cried. That was a much needed process before she moves ahead.

                                              *************

Later in the afternoon after a pizza hour with friends, Azmia found them making plans for her future – that is what she should be doing next- work, marriage, complete her education, and go away from India etc. Tejaswi alone didn’t participate in the discussion. Azmia was happy to see the concern and love they were showering on her, but she knew she had to give a reply to them to put them at ease.

“Guys, actually it feels really good to see you all so concerned for my future. But to be honest, I haven’t thought about it yet. The thing is I didn’t get time to process it. I’m just back to life, or rather have a new beginning now and I seriously want to think well before I take any decision.”

“You are right. You sleep over all the options we provided and then tell us what you want to do. We are all ready to support”.

“What are you saying Gauri? You are going to wait for her to decide. Huh, we’ve already seen how she takes decisions. First giving up her life for her family without consulting anyone and then fighting against Khaleel khan! She doesn’t know how to take decisions; so it’s our duty to guide her in the proper direction”.

“Anjali, whatever decision she has taken, it’s her choice. Give her space. She will decide what she wants to do ahead and we will respect her decision”.

“Don’t you dare say anything Tej. She came to you for guidance and what did you do for her? I can’t wash my hands off my friend like that”.

“How dare you say something like that Anjali?”

“I mean what I said; you are the only person among us who is close to the legal system and its corruptions; yet you encouraged her to fight against Khaleel Khan. I may be the least intelligent among us, but even I know not to compete against people so powerful like him. You literally threw her into a lion’s den”.

“I have always been living in a lion’s den Anjali”

Anjali turned towards Azmia who spoke in a soft yet firm voice.

“It was my decision to fight. Tej did warn me of the consequences and the ultimate end we will reach but I decided to go ahead”

“But why, you could have just taken her help to get out of that marriage; out of courts. What if Jo didn’t get that video tape to blackmail Khaleel Khan? What if Aaru couldn’t strike a deal with that man with it? What then? You would never have been able to get out of that cell ever”

“I know Eva. But I wanted to somehow fight against him. 10 years of revenge was burning within me”

“Then you should have selected other methods to take revenge Azmi. To fight, first you need to stand on your own feet. You could have fought him in many other ways”.

“Thara is right Azmi. You can still do it. Fight him by living your life to the fullest; by being successful, by being all that you wanted to be. Now, you are free to do it”.

“Ok guys, now let’s change the topic. It’s Azmia’s life and let her take her decisions. We are here to guide her, but only if she wants it. Ok, so let’s just give her some time. Now who wants some tea? ”.

Aaradhya saw how Jo’s words has affected Azmia’s mind. It has got her thinking. She hoped Azmia will come out of this revenge mode and put all her frustration into building herself a new life which has no shadow of Khaleel Khan and her past. So she diverted others attention to tea giving Azmia the time to sink it all in. After that, all of them were busy catching up with each other’s lives and simply having fun together again.

                                        ****************

Gauri’s mother was noticing her daughter’s happy face. She was reciting her day out with old friends to her father and daughter. After a long time, her face was lit up and she was actually reflecting a little of her old self.

For the last few months, Gauri’s life had become monotonous. After the initial phase of depression she went back to work; but then it was just like falling into a routine to forget other things happening in her life. Colleagues and friends from work who knew about her personal life situation was more into sympathizing and showing extra concern than giving her that necessary break away from it. But today when she met up with her old friends, it was like she has once again come back from college and sharing her day which was full of fun.

Maybe, those kids can help my child come out of this phase and give her that strength and support even we are not able to give! She mused.

She hoped to have a talk with Joanna and ask them to spend more time with her to help her come out of her shell.

                                              ************

Saturday is a working day for Ashok, so Anjali usually take her kids and visit her parents that day until Ashok is back at 5. But today since she went to meet her friends, she was late. They were so involved in their talks that she didn’t see the time. And when she did, she actually panicked and was fretting to go soon. Though they made fun of her fretting, she finally got a lift from Esther. But by the time she was back at their apartment after collecting her kids from her parents’ home, it was past 6. Obviously Ashok burst out as soon as she walked in.

“Oh finally you made an appearance! Why, didn’t you want to spend the night there as well?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t notice the time”

“Yeah, when have you NEVER been careless? And when have you cared for me?

“Please don’t talk like that. Kids are watching”

“Oh so it is okay for you to behave like this, but me commenting on them is the problem. What about the example You are painting before our kids?"

She didn’t say anything and looked down.

“I work day and night for you and kids and when I’m back after a day of tiring work, what do I get? My wife is not there to receive me or give me a cup of tea. Huh, who cares right?”

“Look, I’m really sorry. I will just get the tea”

“No need. I’m going for my shower. I don’t want this fake concern now. Actually I’m the one to be blamed. I shouldn’t have given permission to meet your friends. I loosened up a bit and look what’s the result of it. Hmm”

Anjali’s eyes filled with tears and the kids looked on.

“Now don’t start with those tear works. Go and get me a tea fast”

She nodded and hurried towards the kitchen.

“And make sure the heater is on and towel is kept inside on time”

He went back to the TV shrugging his shoulders. While the tea boiled on the stove, Anjali slowly wiped her tears sighing to herself.

                                             ***************

At 11pm, Aaradhya was in the home theatre watching a movie when Azmia walked in.

“Hi, didn’t sleep yet?”

“No. Which movie are you watching?”

“DDLG”

Azmia smiled and Aaradhya knew why.

“Come-on now, don’t dare to judge me”

“No yaar. Everyone can have their own likes and choices. I’m just surprised that you haven’t changed a bit”

“Absolutely not and why would I when I like how I am”

Azmia smiled at that.

“You might be quite a handful for your husband. How does he manage you?”

“Haww! I don’t know why everyone keeps asking this question. Am I that difficult to live with?!”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you Aaru”

“Hey, I wasn’t serious. Actually he is a pro at handling me as well as our kids! He always says he has 4 children including me”

“He might be a good family man then”

“Yes”

Aaradhya gave a fond smile.

“I actually came to say that....I mean, I thought about what all of you said and maybe it’s time to move on from Khaleel Khan and make my own tomorrow!”

“Very good; so....what do you want to do?”

“I always wanted to be well educated and stand on my own feet. Even today......that is what I want”

“Well in that case, I can suggest few options for you”

“Hmm?”

“You can come with me to Dubai. You can do part time job as well as complete your education. You can rebuild your life there. Living in a different country, a new environment, will refresh you. Also you will be away from prying eyes and it will give you enough time to evolve as a person. And then when you complete your studies you can select the subsequent career and flourish in it.”

Azmia is trying to process it in her mind.

“You don’t need to hurry; take your time and decide”

To it, Azmia gave a nod. But her decision was already made.

Precap: Radhika’s b’day; will her friends make it special for her?  

CHAPTER – 3

Nedumbasherry Airport, Kochi

Aaradhya walked out of the terminal and saw Tejaswi waiting for her.

“Hi”

“Hi, flight got delayed a bit”

They hugged each other.

“So Tejaswi Ram is now transferred to Kochi”.

“Yup, punishment-transfer with immediate effect”.

“And Azmi?”

                                               ****************

Last one month was a roller coaster ride for Azmia and Tejaswi. The case was filed against Khaleel Khan; opposition used the scoop for their benefit by giving maximum media hype to the case. If they expected Khaleel Khan to hush up the matters; what happened next was just the opposite.

He sped up the process and the trial was called for in days under his influence. Azmia and Tejaswi knew this move from him meant danger and they were not wrong. At trial, he turned the tables against Azmia. He defended his stand by projecting Azmia as mentally challenged which proved her accusations as a psychic patient’s ramblings. He provided evidence of her treatment for the past few years. Also strong witnesses were called forth to the witness box in his favour, which included Azmia’s family members as well. Her mother and brother came to trial to testify against her.

Azmia knew her brother will never care about her. But her mother’s betrayal hurt her. Her mother still had two daughters who should get married; hence could not afford the luxury of Khaleel Khan’s enmity. That was the case in the past as well. Azmia was a bright student and wanted to complete her education and support her family. But her mother and relatives were against educating a girl child. If not for her father, she would not have survived in that house. But after her father’s sudden demise when she was 19, life turned upside down for her.

Her brother had taken a loan from Khaleel Khan’s finance company and was in no position to repay owing to his failed business. The situations led to Azmia becoming the fifth begum of the highly rich and older Khaleel Khan who was also an MLA at that point of time. It was a match that her family could never even dream of. With the alliance, their lives were settled once and for all. Hence they eagerly made her a scapegoat.

It was not like Azmia didn’t fight her fate. She is her Abba’s brave daughter. But in his absence there was little she could do. There was no one to support her stand. Her mother and brothers were hell bent on screwing her life for the better good. She even thought of running away or finding help from her teachers or her friend’s parents - anyone who could help her in that situation. But the fate destined for her will then befall on her 15 year old young sister. She knew her family wouldn’t mind playing with the lives of the daughters’ of the family. If she fled, that means her sister will have to adorn this role. Her sister Mumtaz, is a weakling and will not survive this entire situation. Hence she took this upon her shoulders intending to fight her fate.

But Khaleel Khan was a bigger opponent than she thought of. The physical abuse she could still bear. But the mental torture he put her through was deeper. Her rebellious nature just fanned his ego and he enjoyed torturing her. To add to it, her beauty was an obsession for him. She struggled to break free all these years. But she could not get out of his clutches no matter how hard she tried. If she fled then it meant her family’s doom. She didn’t care about her brothers and mother. But she wanted a safe life for her sisters; a life she never had. But soon she realised how wrong she was. Mumtaz got married to a nice guy from a good family and never turned back to her sister. Her younger sisters knew nothing of the sacrifice Azmia did for them. At one point, it all came back to her that the last decade of her life was utterly meaningless. Getting involved with a psycho man and serving unworthy people was what her life has come down to. That realization urged her to open the gate of her golden cage. And that has led once again to her doom.

The rest of the trial went as Khaleel Khan wanted. His high profile advocate and falsified evidence proved his ‘innocence’ before the law. He appealed for an immediate closure of the case owing to the campaign going on and the law didn’t have any reason to reject his plea. So the verdict came soon after, favouring Khaleel Khan. Azmia was sent to a government mental hospital for special care based on the judgement and Tejaswi Ram was rewarded with a punishment transfer for building a false case against a respected politician ‘without checking the facts’.

                                                    ************

“The order came the same day of the trial and I was moved here. I tried for leave but as expected it was denied”.

“Azmi is still in that place?”

“Hmm”

 “I’ve booked an appointment with Khaleel Khan”.

“What?”

“You heard me”

“Why?”

“Well, apparently our parents were friends. His father was an active member in my father’s NGO works”.

“What are you planning?”

“Let’s just have a talk with him and see”

“Do you think a talk with him will work?”

“I don’t know; nothing wrong in giving a try. What other alternative do we have?”

“Then I think I have the right thing for you”

“Huh?”

“Actually, Azmia got out of that house with the help of his youngest brother. He is very much attached to her. When he saw how his brother defamed her, he is now ready to fight for her. This is his confession”.

“Brilliant, how did you manage this?”

“Joanna. She is in town. It’s an exclusive she got for her channel; but she thought its best to sent this to me”

“And you are not taking it to your ‘law and justice’?”

“Hmm, I think this will gain us Azmia’s freedom outside the court more than inside it”

Aaradhya smiled seeing her friend giving up her rigid idealism for the sake of her friend.

“I think convincing Khaleel Khan is going to be easier now!”

“You bet!”

They shared a half smile despite the situations surrounding them.

                                                **************

                                                                                

The election was just two days later. The official campaign was over; yet Khaleel Khan was pulling all strings to make sure he will win this election. He was just back home from a party meeting when he was told Aaradhya Abhiram is waiting for him. 

Aaradhya reached Calicut by the late night train from Kochi and headed straight to Khaleel’s house. She had taken an appointment in advance to make sure she gets his time. She was here for almost an hour and his family especially his mother was courteous enough since they knew her from childhood. Khaleel walked in and the whole house went silent.

“Hello Aaradhya, long time. How are you?”

“I’m fine sir. How are you?”

“Well, elections are around the corner, so pretty busy. I’m sorry that I couldn’t give you a better time for an appointment”.

“No it’s ok sir”

“We’ll go to my study and talk. Amma, take her to my study. I will be there in 5 minutes”.

Aaradhya nodded and he left smiling. She was led to the front office room and as said he walked in 5 minutes later.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting. Election is just 2 days ahead and there is a lot to be done".

“I know sir. You needn’t explain. By the way how did the campaign go?”

“Well let’s just say you are talking to the next home minster”.

He laughed when he saw Aaradhya’s raised eyebrows at his over confidence.

“I hope I’m allowed to be honest than modest with people close to me”.

Aaradhya gave a stiff smile to his response and broached the matter without delay.

“I’m here to talk about Azmia”

Suddenly there was a silence, a small break in their talk which Khaleel broke with a smile again.

“Which Azmia?”

Aaradhya didn’t let his conniving smile get to her.

“Your wife, who threatened your standing in society”

He sighed. Aaradhya was a social activist and he concluded that she is here to get Azmia to SEVA where she can flourish back to life. But he will not let that happen.

“So you heard about the controversy. It had been a little embarrassing; with the media hype and opposition using it as their trump card. But truth always wins and so I proved my innocence”.

He smiled in the most deceptive way and tried to divert the topic.

“How is your business and NGO work going? I’ve been hearing pretty good things about your recent services. I must say you have kept your father’s name”

 “Azmia is my best friend; we went to the same college” she stated ignoring his attempts to divert their conversation giving him the clear hint she is here to talk.

His smile faded and he wiped his face with one hand before resting it on the table.

“So?”

“Let me come straight to the point. By now you might have guessed I know the truth and I’m here for her. So why don’t we get down to business?”

“How is Aunty? Does she still have her arthritis complaint?”

Aaradhya understood he is not going to make this easy.

“Sir please, let’s talk”

“There is nothing to talk about. I’m tired. I think we can wind up”

He got up and the smile was back on his face.

“Sir listen...”

“Convey my regards to Aunty. I will meet her next time I’m in Dubai. Goodnight Aaradhya” saying so he walked towards the door only to be stopped by the confident firm voice of Aaradhya.

“Mr. Khaleel Khan I will not leave until we sit down and talk”.

He turned towards her with his hands folded before him.

“I’m not here to threaten you; but if you will understand only that language then I will be forced to do it”

“And what do you have to threaten me with” he asked with the smile intact.

But his smile went rigid when he saw Aaradhya smile.

“Now we are talking”    

She swiped the screen of her phone and showed the screen to Khaleel.

“Your brother Ajmal is very close to Azmia right?”

“What are you saying?”

“All your questions will be answered after watching this video”

She extended her phone to him. She saw his face showing true feelings for the first time. Anger was eating him up. Tejaswi had told her that he loved his brothers a lot and this act of his brother will hurt him.

“I don’t want to hurt you or your reputation. All I want is my friend’s freedom from you; Once...... and for all”.

“I heard it right........you have become a pro at deal making like your father”.

Aaradhya had a confident smile on her face.

“So do we have a deal here then?”

                                               

Note: I know this is a very short update. I’m quite busy these days and no matter how hard I try I’m not getting time to complete this update.

Now I will be gone for vacation for more than one month. So I wanted to update at least this much before I leave. If not it will be a huge gap. I will complete this update once I’m back from vacation and have real time and mood.

Forcing myself to write is not working; that’s why. Hope you guys understand. 

CHAPTER - 2

             

CALICUT

Same day, 2pm

Azmia: How are things going now? What is his response?

Tejaswi: Well things are heating up for sure. But I’m sure Khaleel Khan is figuring out ways to douche the matter soon. News about his resignation is doing rounds. But I highly doubt it.

Azmia: What do you think he will do?

Tejaswi: He will either try to stall the case till the elections get over. But then that would be a stupid move. Opposition is sure to use your case as their trump card. So solving this is the only solution before him; but how he does that depends on him.

Azmia: Do you think he will try for a compromise?

Tejaswi: There is a chance. Do you want a compromise?

Azmia: What are my other options?

Tejaswi: Fight the case at court. But he will try all means to turn the case in his favour. I must warn you, everything can go completely wrong.

Azmia smiled.

Azmia: I know.

Tejaswi: Look, I hate myself for asking this; path ahead is...I don’t know. Anything can happen, you are gambling with your life. Do you want to go ahead?

Azmia took a full moment before answering.

Azmia: Yes.

Tejaswi: Ok. Then now we have to find a safe accommodation for you. Your family is not an option.

Azmia: Hmm, they are better off without me. And in any case, I don’t expect them to support me. If Abba was there.....things would have been different.

Tejaswi: Ok then I think it’s time to give Aaradhya a call.

Azmia: Aaru? Where is she now?

Tejaswi: Dubai. She is married and settled there; also handling her father’s business.

Azmia: Yeah. He was based in Middle East and Kochi right.

Tejaswi: Yes and they have few charity oriented institutions here. SEVA is a shelter home for women. One unit of SEVA is in Calicut. Let me contact her and see.

Tejaswi dials an international number on her phone. The Viber call connects.

Aaradhya: Hello

Tejaswi: Hi Aaradhya.

Aaradhya: Tej, this is a surprise, how come you remembered me? What’s up?

Tejaswi: Well life has been busy dude. So didn’t actually have time for chit-chat. And now I called because something has come up.

Aaradhya: What happened?

Tejaswi: It’s about Azmia.

Aaradhya: Azmia? Oh God yes. Where is she now? Are you in touch with her?

Tejaswi: Well right now she is sitting in front of me.

Aaradhya: What? She is at your police station? Tej, what is the matter?

Tejaswi looked at Azmia who is staring at her.

Tejaswi: You want to talk?

Azmia nodded.

Tejaswi: Here, talk to her.

Tejaswi handed over the phone to Azmia. The call continued for almost an hour. In between Azmia moved towards the window while Tejaswi went outside. Once she was done, she handed over the phone to Tejaswi who came back to her office.  

Aaradhya: What is the status of the case now?

Tejaswi: Case has just been registered. Khaleel Khan is yet to make his move.

Aaradhya: What help do you want from me?

Tejaswi: Your shelter house, SEVA. I want Azmia to be placed in a safe location.

Aaradhya: Done. I will arrange for it. You can move her tonight itself.

Tejaswi looked at Azmia and then moved to the corridor.

Tejaswi: Good.

Aaradhya: What are her chances at wining?

Tejaswi: 0 percent.

Aaradhya: What? Then why are you letting her go on with this?

Tejaswi: It’s her choice Aaradhya.

Aaradhya: But she has come to you for help. You should direct her in the right manner.

Tejaswi: I have done that. She wants to fight her case.

Aaradhya: Even when she doesn’t stand a chance? I don’t know much about this Khaleel Khan but we all know he is a politician and how the system works there. Then why push her into this mess. Can’t we help her in some other way?

Tejaswi: We can. But I think she should fight first. She wants it dude. And I support her.

Aaradhya: Hmm. Ok for now I will arrange her stay at SEVA. I will be coming down in 20 days. Let’s see how things go. If it’s not working, Tej, don’t go ahead with this. It will do her more harm.

Tejaswi: Hmm we’ll see. I will take her to SEVA tonight.

Aaradhya: I know you didn’t like what I said. But I’m saying this in her best interest.

Tejaswi: I know. But I don’t want to take her choice from her.

Aaradhya: Hmm. If things go out of hand, inform me.

Tejaswi: Ok.

Aaradhya: Bye

Tejaswi cut the call.

                                                *****************

 KOCHI

Same day, 5.30 pm  

Gauri is driving back home on her scooter. She is just 5 minutes away from home when her mother called to ask her to get some vegetables for dinner; hence she got down at the shop nearby home. But it was a bad decision; her neighbor Sujata was also there in the shop. And as soon as she saw Gauri, she started with her fake sympathy.

Sujata: Oh dear, how are you?

Gauri: I’m fine, thank you Aunty. Brother, get me these vegetables please.

She tried to avoid Sujata by giving attention to the shopkeeper. Sujata did get the hint that Gauri doesn’t want to talk; but some people find joy in making others’ life their business.

Sujata: Actually it’s good you are going for work. At least you will get a little relief. Sitting at home will only welcome disturbing thoughts. How are the court proceedings going?

Gauri sighed. Divorce is not an easy decision; but people around you make it more difficult.

Gauri: I will be divorced in few months time Aunty; if that’s what you are asking.

Sujata: Oh child, don’t get me wrong. I was just worried for you.

Gauri: I understand. Thanks for your concern. Bye.

She left the shop with the vegetables and drove home. The gate was open for her. She closed the gate and rang the door bell. Her mother opened the door.

Mother: Got the vegetables?

Gauri: Yes and also got to met Sujata Aunty.

She walked towards the fridge to get some water. Her mother sighed knowing very well what that meant. Her daughter was again harassed, for no fault of hers.

Mother: Don’t give ears to them. People will never back out from commenting on others’ crisis.

Gauri (gulping down water): I don’t care Amma. I’m used to it by now.

Mother: Till when Gauri? This is not the end yet. You have a life ahead of you.

Gauri: Amma please. Don’t start again. I’m fed up of all this. I think this transfer to Kochi couldn’t have had a worst timing.

She walked towards the TV room upstairs where her daughter was playing and her father engrossed in news.

Guari: Chikku, Mamma’s home.

Her daughter smiled and jumped into her mamma’s arms.

Chikku: Chikku missed you Mamma.

She kissed her Mamma’s cheek who smiled.

Father: You are late today.

Gauri: Yes, had to get some vegetables.

Her father nodded and went back to the news. Gauri was about to leave with her daughter in her arms when she swiftly turned back to the TV screen. The face she saw there was familiar though a lot different now.

“Azmi”!!!

                                *************************

KOCHI

Same day, 8 pm

A family of four - Esther, her husband Lois and two kids are on their knees with closed eyes and lips moving in prayer. It is their pray time. As soon as it ended, the house was filled with noises and laughter. Esther has the best family on earth. She has a loving and level headed husband who loves and cherishes her; two kids who are as naughty and as cute as they could get. Her home represents the image of a happy family to everyone who looks through their window. Tonight is no different. As the pray time is over the kids started screaming for dinner. Esther went to lay out the table while Lois helped her with the dishes. Once settled at the table, Lois is as usual scrolling through news channels when Esther and kids screamed out for a movie or cartoon channel.

Esther: Come on Lois. Its dinner time and no news channels please.

Lois: Just a minute Eva. I’m just checking the headlines.

Kids: Daddy, please change.

Lois: One minute, just the headlines, please just the headlines.

The kids moaned in despair while Esther sighed.

Esther: Then put CVC channel.

Lois: Oh because your friend is the news reporter there?

Esther: Yes please. It’s long since we’ve all seen each other. At least I can see her face like this.

Lois: Hmm here you go.

But the face that flashed over all the news channels that night, belonged to another friend.

All channels were either providing bits on Khaleel Khan and his past adventures; both good and bad or showing off the best shots from Azmia Khaleel Khan’s press conference. The matter was gaining momentum and speculations were being made about Khaleel Khan’s resignation. But all that didn’t matter to 5 women out there – who watched this news, because it involved a kin – their Azmi! News that held no importance in the morning, has gained value now.

Life can change in one day’s time!

“Though speculations are being made about Minister Khaleel Khan’s resignation, nothing has been confirmed yet. On the other hand, MAF party is maintaining their silence over the issue. But the public support is weighing scales for both Mr. And Mrs. Khaleel Khan equally. People who have allegiance to MAF party and Minister Khaleel Khan is organising protests against Azmia Khaleel Khan; but public through social media is offering support to Azmia Khaleel Khan. Women’s’ Rights Activists and Human Rights’ activists have taken the matters into their hands and is taking Azmia Khaleel Khan’s protection very seriously considering the life threats against her. Next at 9 pm, Mr. Lokesh Iyer is joining you with ‘This or That’ debate programme, on the same topic with activists, public and members from the party on league. Tune in for more news to our Website. This is Joanna Joyce signing of, thank you and Goodnight.”