Chapter 3

• Rudrani:
• I went to college the next day. I stepped into my college. I remembered my old days where my friends used to surround me as soon as I stepped into college. After all I was so good at studies, that I have good number of friends.
• But, today no one noticed me. Sorry, may be everyone noticed me and yet ignored my presence. Friends who were so close to me avoided me seeing my scarfed face. I hate to tie this scarf but I have to so I can avoid looks of people.
• With such thoughts, I went to my class. Lecturer came to class and looked at me.
• "Rudrani, how are you? When did you get discharged?"
• "Few days back Madam. I am fine now" I said
• "Good, meet me after the class, I will give you the notes you missed. I am happy that you are back to college courageously rather than giving up on your dreams"
• "Thank you madam" I said and focused on class ignoring pity and disgusting looks. I hate when anyone guves me such sympathetic looks.
• I collected notes from my lecturer and was going to the canteen for lunch. But, I was surrounded by media all of a sudden from nowhere.
• "Excuse madam, we are from press" they said.
• Before I say anything they continued their questionnaire.
• "Ms Rudrani, you came to college after many months. What is your feeling?"
• "Rudrani, is it true that you had affair with the one who attacked you with acid?"
• "Is it true that you have many affairs?"
• "How can you come back to college after all this?"
• "He said he is ready to marry you now. Do you accept his proposal?"
• My head was spinning with the questions. What is this? Why are they so much interested in my opinion even after they have broadcasted to the whole nation the false news!! For a second I felt like running away crying. But, No. Why should I run away from this when I have done nothing wrong? I am going to stand strong. And I will answer all their questions without blinking an eye.
• "Ok. I will answer all your questions but please calm down and ask me one at time." I said in a gentle tone.
• "Ms Rudrani, you came to college after many months. What is your feeling?"
• " Feeling? I am feeling great that I am blessed with the courage God gave to me to face even the worst in my life. I am coming to college to study and will excel in it at any cost. God give problems only to those who had capacity to face it. This problem came to me because God knew I can handle it in my own way and chase my dreams with more dedication" I replied with a strong feeling of determination.
• The reporters stopped for a second and just looked at me thinking if I was from this planet or not. Am happy I made that impact on them.
• One reporter cleared his voice and asked,"Rudrani, is it true that you had affair with the one who attacked you with acid?"
• "Is it true that you have many affairs?" Another person asked. And this was enough to flair up my anger towards this false propaganda.
• "May I ask you who gave this information? How can you just tell such things without even confirming? You people give so many speeches on Women Empowerment, then why did you not think once atleast that this information was correct or wrong. I can't believe the press in 21st century is still lacking the discerning quality.! NO I have no affairs with the person who caused harm to my face or with anyone. As media, you have a very responsible role in society. Please enquiry and gather the facts before you telecast something. Don't telecast rumours on girls and the scenes how they are abused or raped for many times saying EXCLUSIVE to increase your TRP ratings"
• I found a guilty conscious in their eyes which stays only for few seconds.
• Immediately one reporter asked,"He said he is ready to marry you now. Do you accept his proposal?
• "What Nonsense is that? When I refused his proposal to marry he attacked me so much grievously! How do you expect me to marry such a person? I will file a case against him. Please convey this message to him too. As you people love to be mediators between unknown persons. I will definitely fight for punishing him" I said looking into his eyes and smirked internally looking at the effect of my words on his face.
• "How can you come back to college after all this?" asked a female reporter.
• "Why can't I? I didn't do anything wrong. Why should I hide at home where the culprit is roaming freely? I am a girl of my dreams. I have many goals to achieve in my life. I can't just sit and wait for someone else to fulfill them just because of some incident caused by some insane person for a no mistake of mine. I am here to make my dreams come true. And I would like you to promote that no matter how you are and what happened, we need to follow our dreams. No thing or person can stop me. Not even you. Please excuse me I have a class to attend."
• I left the crowd keeping my head high. I have nothing to be ashamed off. I removed my scarf and wiped away a lone tear, and went to my class ignoring the looks that I received from the students there. I know It's a long journey I am about to take and I have to come across lots of such looks in the future but I need to be strong and unshaken. For me and my dreams.
• I took a deep breathe and went to class. I am ready to face this world. I am capable of reaching my goal. Yes, I Can. I am not going to ask why me? I am gonna show what I am.