As I stood in front of the mirror, getting ready for the new beginning of our village's transformation into a district, I couldn't help but wonder what the new collector would be like. I hoped he wouldn't be someone grumpy. Just then, I heard Dadi's gentle voice behind me. "gudiya, it's time to go. We need to welcome the collector saab."
I nodded and replied, "Ji, Dadi saa." As I stepped out of the house, I was greeted by the warm smiles of my loved ones, who were all gathered to welcome me. Nandini's eyes sparkled with joy, overwhelmed by the love and affection showered upon her.
As I settled into the car, the driver, who was alone with me, took an unexpected turn. "Bhaiya, where are we going?" I asked, confusion etched on my face. "This route will get us there faster," he replied calmly. I didn't think much of it, but as the minutes ticked by, I realized we were headed into the jungle. My instincts screamed warning signals as the driver stopped the car and dragged me out, his intentions were clear.
Panic set in as he tore my clothes and jewellery. But I refused to give up. With a surge of adrenaline, I grabbed a nearby stone and knocked him off, making a run for my life. "Please help!" I cried out, my voice echoing through the trees. Just as all hope seemed lost, I heard the sound of a car approaching. The man gave chase, but a guy emerged from the shadows.
A young man, probably in his mid-twenties, grabbed the attacker and pummeled him. He called the police, and as they arrived, he tended to my wounds with kindness. As my family rushed to the hospital, their faces etched with worry, the stranger's actions spoke volumes about his character. Though he vanished before I could thank him, his selfless act left an indelible mark on my heart. Who was this mysterious savior, and would our paths cross again?
As I composed myself and dressed properly, I headed to the function, which was already in full swing. The anchor welcomed me onto the stage, and I delivered a warm speech as the head of our village, now transformed into a district. At the end of my speech, I was handed a paper announcing the arrival of the new collector.
With a smile, I concluded my speech and announced the collector's arrival, inviting him to take the stage. As I scanned the audience, my eyes widened in shock when the door opened and he walked in – the same stranger who had saved me from the attacker. He strode confidently onto the stage, thanking me for the warm welcome.
"Namaste, myself Vyom Shekhar, the new collector," he began. "I'm grateful for the heartwarming welcome. I'm passionate about my work and my country, and I hope to build a strong bond with all of you. I'll do my best to fulfill your demands and address your concerns."
As he finished his speech, I found my voice and thanked him, my words laced with gratitude. "Thank you for saving me, sir." His response was brief: "You're welcome." The tone was polite but reserved, and I couldn't help but feel a hint of grumpiness. Unintentionally, I pouted, wondering what to make of this complex man.
As the collector's eyes met my mother's warm smile, she inquired if he had explored the vibrant mela. His response was a gentle, "Not yet, but I'd love to." Mom's eyes twinkled as she turned to me, "take him around".
I nodded, and we set off into the colorful chaos of the mela. His eyes sparkled as he sampled each delicacy, his face lighting up with delight. The sweet aroma of jalebi and the crunch of papdi chaat filled the air, and we laughed together as he accidentally spilled ice cream on his shirt. His embarrassment was endearing, and his smile, oh, his smile was captivating.
As we strolled, the sounds of the mela created a symphony of joy around us. Our second meeting was unfolding like a dream, and I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us.
Perhaps, just perhaps, this chance encounter would blossom into something more. As we continued our stroll, the mela's vibrant colors and lively atmosphere seemed to fade into the background.