《Da Vinci Of Modern Era》 A Cry In The Night Shambhu, a young man in his mid-twenties, felt a shiver run down his spine as a brisk wind swept through, carrying a sharp chill that penetrated deep into his bones. The frosty mist escaping his lips, the glistening dewdrops clinging to the leaves, and his frequent attempts to warm his hands by blowing into them were unmistakable signs that winter had arrived. Standing tall at nearly 6''2" with broad shoulders, he had recently secured a position as a guard at a nearby palace. Embracing the responsibilities of fatherhood made this job even more meaningful to him. After completing his shift at the palace today, he found himself grateful for the comforting warmth of his guard uniform. As he made his way home after a long day at work, a faint cry caught his attention, emanating from a nearby dumpster. Intrigued, he approached cautiously and was taken aback to discover a newborn baby swaddled in a grimy blanket. Without a moment''s hesitation, he hurried the infant to a nearby clinic for immediate assistance. It was a modest private clinic operated by a local physician, but a physician nonetheless. Upon entering the clinic, he found the doctor seated alone, engrossed in a book. ¡°Doctor!!¡± Shambhu called out urgently. The doctor, a man in his early thirties, looked up, surprised to see him. ¡°Oh, Shambhu, what brings you here? Is everything okay?¡± he inquired, clearly recognizing his visitor. ¡°Doctor, I found this,¡± Shambhu said, gesturing to the child in his arms. ¡°baby in a dumpster nearby. Given the chilly weather, I thought it best to bring him to you to ensure he¡¯s alright.¡± The doctor sprang into action upon seeing the child. ¡°You did the right thing, Shambhu. Please, lay the baby on the bed. We¡¯re fortunate to have a generator running right now; otherwise, you know how dire the situation can be in this small town,¡± he said while examining the infant. ¡°I know, I know. We barely get three or four hours of electricity a day; it¡¯s a struggle,¡± Shambhu replied, a hint of bitterness in his tone. ¡°Shambhu, why don¡¯t you head to the police station and inform the authorities while I tend to the baby?¡± the doctor suggested after a moment. Shambhu frowned thoughtfully and replied, ¡°But they¡¯ll just send the baby to an orphanage.¡± ¡°What do you expect the police to do? They won¡¯t keep the baby themselves,¡± the doctor responded with a sigh. He went "We have a responsibility to ensure the child''s safety, even if it means involving the authorities. They may attempt to locate the baby¡¯s family.¡± ¡°What do you mean ''may''? Are you saying you don¡¯t have faith in the police?¡± Shambhu challenged the doctor. ¡°It''s not that I distrust the police, but¡­¡± He hesitated briefly before continuing. ¡°You know how things work in India, especially in the western and northwestern parts. Child abandonment is a serious issue, particularly when it comes to girls, and it poses a significant challenge for society. Some parents are making the heartbreaking choice to abandon their daughters. In the most extreme situations, there are families that even go so far as to take their children''s lives. Despite the recent technological advancements that allow for gender identification before birth, many families don¡¯t stop at having just one child; they keep trying until they finally have a son. I specially worry that this technology will lead to a rise in abortions, especially of female fetuses. There¡¯s this deep-rooted belief that daughters are merely ''someone else''s responsibility'' while sons are seen as vital for supporting parents in their later years.¡±Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. The doctor¡¯s face twisted in revulsion as he contemplated the grim realities of contemporary Indian society. Shambhu listened intently, nodding in understanding. After all, he had witnessed this troubling reality in his own home not long ago. Although he doesn¡¯t share this mindset due to his exposure to diverse cultures and foreign travelers in Rajasthan, his parents hold a different view. It¡¯s fortunate that his firstborn is a boy. The doctor elaborated, ¡°If the firstborn happens to be a girl, families are likely to keep her. However, if the second child is also a girl, there''s a significant chance they might abandon her. While this is tragic, it¡¯s still a lesser evil than outright killing. Consequently, when the police eventually locate the families of these abandoned infants, they often refuse to acknowledge the children. This leads the police to conduct only a cursory investigation before sending the child to an orphanage. In this case, since the child is a boy, the reasons for abandonment could differ, which means there¡¯s a possibility the police might track down his parents. That¡¯s why I used the word ¡®may.¡¯¡± ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll head to the police station, but it¡¯s evident you have a strong passion for this issue,¡± Shambhu said with a chuckle to ease the tension in the room. "Actually, I''ve just started collaborating with an NGO dedicated to these issues, and in a matter of months, I''ve come across numerous similar situations. I was feeling incredibly stressed, and without an outlet, it all bubbled over like this. I apologize for that," the doctor said, his expression tight with discomfort. "There''s no need to fret about it. It''s great that you''ve discovered a way to channel your stress," Shambhu replied with a light-hearted laugh. **************************************** After a while, Shambhu made his way back to the clinic, having successfully filed a report with the police. ¡°The police advised me to take the child to a nearby orphanage,¡± Shambhu informed the doctor, his expression clouded with concern. ¡°You''ll need to head to Jaipur then. That''s where the closest orphanage is,¡± the doctor responded. Shambhu fell into a deep silence, lost in thought. The doctor, sensing his unease, inquired, ¡°Is everything alright? What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Startled by the doctor''s question, Shambhu snapped back to reality. ¡°Well¡­¡± he hesitated, gathering his thoughts. ¡°I¡¯m on guard duty at the palace, so I can¡¯t take any time off. I¡¯ll be there from 8 in the morning until 8 at night, and with no one at home¡­¡± His voice trailed off as he avoided the doctor¡¯s gaze. The doctor, fully aware of Shambhu''s distress, chuckled softly to ease the tension. "You really don¡¯t need to feel guilty about this, Shambhu ji. In fact, I¡¯m meeting with some folks from the NGO I work with tomorrow. They run orphanages across India, including one in Jaipur. Since I¡¯m involved with them, I can assure you that the baby will be well cared for. So, there''s no need for you to worry. I¡¯ll handle everything," he said, flashing a reassuring smile to help lift some of Shambhu''s guilt. Upon hearing the doctor''s words, Shambhu let out a deep sigh of relief, visibly shedding the weight he had been carrying. Gratitude was all he could express. ¡°How¡¯s the baby?!¡± Shambhu burst out, suddenly recalling the purpose of his visit. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the baby is doing well. I don¡¯t think he was left alone for too long, which worked in our favor. Right now, he¡¯s sleeping soundly.¡± ¡°Thank goodness!¡± Shambhu said a silent prayer, a smile of relief spreading across his face. Shambhu stayed in clinic for few more minutes before taking his leave. ¡°Then I¡¯ll take my leave, doctor. I truly appreciate your help,¡± Shambhu said as he made his way out of the clinic. The doctor simply smiled back, guiding him toward the exit. Shambhu remained silent, briefly hesitating, stopping at the clinic''s entrance. He looked back towards the doctor. Seeing his hesitation, doctor assured him once more and wished him spend a peaceful night. ¡®Looks like I¡¯ll have to reschedule my get-together with friends,¡¯ the doctor mused to himself, watching Shambhu''s back going back his home, still wearing a smile. Chapter 2: The Unseen Canvas Four years later... Within a spacious house nestled on one of Jaipur''s bustling streets, a lively group of children darted and zigzagged through an indoor garden, surrounded by vibrant plants and fragrant spices. The air was filled with the sound of their high-pitched, gleeful laughter. A four-year-old boy sat quietly, pencil in his left hand, diligently sketching on a blank sheet of paper, completely absorbed in his own world amidst the joyful chaos. This was the usual scene when the matron of the orphanage made an unexpected entrance, shattering the tranquility. "Alright, children! Dinner is served! Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before you eat," called out Sarla, the matron, a woman in her sixties, from the edge of the room. Her voice cut through the game of tag like a bell. A chorus of excited shouts filled the air, prompting Sarla to cover her ears with her fingers. Some children cheered at the thought of food, others begged for just a few more moments of play, while a few gasped for breath before voicing their opinions. Yet, Sarla was well-acquainted with this familiar scene and had navigated it many times before. ¡°Hurry up now! Anyone who dawdles will find themselves cleaning the house with me for a whole week," she declared, her tone firm. This announcement spurred the children into action, rushing to wash their hands. However, the boy who had been drawing remained seated, a look of deep concentration etched on his face. Sensing his distraction, Sarla chose to approach him rather than simply call out. The boy was so engrossed in his work that he didn¡¯t notice her footsteps drawing near. Standing behind him, she leaned in to catch a glimpse of his creation. To her surprise, she found a beautifully detailed sketch of Lord Shiva, the deity depicted on the wall opposite him. "Veer, when did you start drawing this picture of Lord Shiva?" she asked, her voice gentle yet curious. Startled by the sudden sound, the boy paused, his hand freezing mid-stroke. Upon realizing the matron was behind him, he quickly attempted to conceal his artwork. Sarla caught sight of his actions and couldn''t help but smile. "What¡¯s going on? Are you hiding your drawing from me?" she teased. When he noticed her grin, he hesitated before replying, "I¡¯ll show it to you, but only if you promise not to rip it." Sarla was taken aback by his words.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. "Did someone actually tear your drawing?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. He nodded solemnly. "Who did it?" she pressed, her expression shifting to one of concern. The question left him momentarily speechless. Seeing him go quiet, Sarla sensed the weight of the situation. With a sigh, she reassured him, "I won¡¯t get them in trouble, I promise. Now, please tell me." After a moment of hesitation, Veer finally admitted, "It was Lakmi didi." "Oh, Lakshmi," Sarla murmured softly. Just then, Veer¡¯s gentle voice broke through her thoughts. "You promised." "I know," she replied, a mix of exasperation and affection in her tone. He presented his painting to her, a sense of accomplishment washing over him as he believed the issue was settled. "It''s not finished," he added quickly. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of his unfinished artwork. It was far from the scribbles of an average four-year-old who had just begun to wield a pencil. She asked again, "Is this really your sketch?" He nodded in affirmation. "It''s based on the picture of Lord Shiva over there," he explained, gesturing toward the painting on the wall across from them. As she processed his words, a realization struck her. "Wait a minute, can you see that painting from here?" she asked, her voice tinged with some doubt. He shook his head, indicating he could not. "Then how did you manage to draw that picture while sitting here?" she pressed, her arms crossed defiantly. He regarded her with a look that suggested she was missing something obvious. Rising, he approached the photo, studied it for a few moments, then returned to his spot, mimicking the act of drawing. With a childlike sincerity, he looked up at Sarla and said, "This is how I was drawing." Sarla''s mind momentarily short-circuited at his words, leaving her momentarily blank. The question she had intended to ask slipped away like sand through her fingers. "Shouldn''t you go back and check it out? You can''t possibly remember every little detail just from a glance," she teased lightly. He simply shook his head, a confident smile on his face. "Nope, one look is all I need." Sarla locked her gaze with his, searching for any hint of deception, but found nothing. With a sigh of confusion, she closed her eyes, unaware of the deeper meaning behind the four-year-old''s straightforward remark. "Alright then. Whatever you say. Even if the lines are a bit wobbly, you''ve made an amazing drawing. You should feel proud. Do you like doing this?" "Yes, a lot!" Veer replied, his laughter bubbling up. "But don¡¯t you want to play with your siblings?" Sarla asked, playfully tousling his hair. "I do," he said, his face scrunching up in a cute pout, "but they always make me be ''it'' in tag. And even in hide-and-seek, they insist I find everyone first." Sarla couldn''t help but chuckle at his playful behavior. "Hey, your Rani didi has prepared lunch for everyone. Aren''t you feeling hungry?" she asked, still grinning from her earlier amusement. The mention of lunch sparked a sudden urgency in him, and he sprang into action, grumbling, "Why didn''t you mention it earlier? The others will gobble up my share!" As he hurried to wash his hands, Sarla trailed behind him, a smile lighting up her face. The once chaotic indoor lawn was now filled with a sense of calm once more. Chapter 3: The Sound Of Discovery Veer stood on the lawn, his face scrunched up in a determined pout. ¡°Why am I always the one who has to be ''it'' in hide-and-seek? Not today! I refuse to be the first ''it''!¡± he declared, his voice ringing out to the group. Lakshmi, a spirited six-year-old, shot back with a mischievous grin, ¡°Oh, you know you will! You¡¯re the youngest, and everyone knows the rule: ''Younger ones must listen to their elders.'' So, you have to listen to us!¡± Veer¡¯s frustration bubbled over. ¡°That¡¯s a dumb rule! I¡¯m not following it! I¡¯m out of here!¡± He spun on his heel and stormed off, leaving the others giggling behind him. Lakshmi trailed after him for a moment but turned back when she saw him duck into a cycle repair shop across the street. ¡°He¡¯s just at Uncle Raju¡¯s shop,¡± she announced to the group, her tone light. Rani, the oldest of the group at fifteen, sighed, ¡°That¡¯s fine, but you really shouldn¡¯t tease our little brother like that.¡± Lakshmi crossed her arms, pouting. ¡°But it¡¯s so much fun! And I¡¯m not the only one doing it, you know!¡± Rani raised an eyebrow, her voice firm. ¡°As long as it¡¯s all in good fun, that¡¯s fine. But don¡¯t take it too far, or you¡¯ll face consequences from me too, not just from Sarla ma.¡± Meanwhile, Veer had reached the old cycle repair shop, where Raju, the owner in his thirties, greeted him with a smirk. ¡°Hey there, kid! What¡¯s got you looking like you just saw a ghost? Did you catch a glimpse of your matron¡¯s saggy...?¡± He lowered his voice, chuckling to himself. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Veer asked, confusion etched on his face. ¡°Forget I said anything! Just erase that from your mind!¡± Raju replied hastily, panic rising at the thought of Matron Sarla¡¯s wrath. Veer shrugged, his tone lacking enthusiasm. Noticing the frown etched on his face, Raju enquired, ¡°What¡¯s bothering you?¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Veer shot back, his anger bubbling to the surface. ¡°They always pick me to be ''it''; I¡¯m done playing with them.¡± Raju simply chuckled at his sharp retort, accustomed to these exchanges by now. It had become routine for Veer to retreat to this bench whenever trouble brewed at the orphanage or when he felt down, watching Raju busy himself with various tasks. ¡°Wanna listen to some radio?¡± Raju suggested, noticing Veer¡¯s bored expression. Veer, intrigued yet confused, asked, ¡°What¡¯s a radio?¡± Raju¡¯s eyes lit up with realization. ¡°You¡¯ve never heard of a radio?¡± he exclaimed, excitement bubbling over. Veer shook his head, a clear sign of his unfamiliarity. ¡°Well, you¡¯re in for a surprise, my friend,¡± Raju said, a playful sparkle in his gaze. He stood up, retrieved an old radio, and set it down beside Veer. Adjusting the antenna, he stretched it skyward. ¡°Wow!¡± Veer gasped, watching in awe. Raju pressed a few buttons, and the radio crackled to life. Veer leaped from his seat, his face alight with wonder and curiosity. ¡°How does it make a voice?¡± he asked, eyes wide with amazement. Raju, noticing his excitement, replied with a hint of pride, ¡°Just wait a moment.¡± He turned the dial, which resisted with age, each twist accompanied by a shower of sparks. The atmosphere suddenly buzzed with the enchanting melody of a singer''s voice. Veer, his eyes wide with wonder, spun around the radio, searching for the source of the sound. When he found no one, he turned to the shop owner, confusion etched on his face. ¡°Is there someone inside this radio? How can anyone be so tiny?¡± Raju burst into laughter at the boy''s innocent question. ¡®What a whimsical notion!¡¯ He thought to himself, chuckling at the child''s curiosity. ¡°I may not have the answers, but I know someone who does,¡± he replied, a name flashing in his mind. ¡°Who? Who?¡± Veer exclaimed, bouncing on his feet with excitement. ¡°There¡¯s a teacher who lives close by. He can answer all your questions.¡± Without hesitation, Veer grabbed Raju''s hand, eager to set off to the teacher''s home. Noticing the boy''s impatience, Raju chuckled, ¡°Hold your horses, young man; the teacher isn¡¯t going anywhere. First, I need to let your matron Sarla know I¡¯m taking you or else she''ll eat me alive. Trust me, she¡¯s quite the formidable woman.¡± This momentarily dampened Veer¡¯s enthusiasm, but he quickly agreed. ¡°Alright, you go ahead. I¡¯ll keep an eye on the shop.¡± ¡°Good lad,¡± Raju said with a grin. After a short while, he returned with the necessary permission. ¡°I¡¯ve got great news! You¡¯re all set to go, but you must be back at the orphanage by 7 pm. It¡¯s only around 2 or 3 pm now, so you have plenty of time,¡± he said, his tone serious to convey the importance of the matter. Veer swallowed hard but nodded in understanding. ¡°Let¡¯s get going then. It¡¯s not too far. Once you recognize the house, you can visit on your own, but only with your matron¡¯s approval,¡± he added as he began to close up his shop. After securing everything, he led Veer through a quieter, well-constructed neighborhood, with Veer tightly holding onto Raju''s hand as they made their way. Chapter 4: Where Knowledge Blooms The air shimmered with an oppressive heat that felt almost suffocating to Veer. Each minute spent walking in this sweltering environment seemed to stretch into an eternity for him. He repeatedly wiped the sweat from his brow with his hand. In contrast, Raju, accustomed to such relentless temperatures from his childhood, treated it like just another bright day. ¡°How much longer do we have to walk, Uncle Raju?¡± Veer implored, his voice tinged with desperation. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived,¡± Raju replied with a teasing grin. Veer glanced up at the house before them. It was an ordinary two-story structure, painted a cheerful pink, yet the vibrant array of flowers surrounding it lent it a distinctive allure. Raju approached the entrance and knocked three times. After hearing some shuffling from within, he stepped back. As the door swung open, a venerable man in his sixties stepped into view, exuding an air of wisdom. He stood at an average height, his head crowned with a mane of white hair, and his forehead etched with deep lines that spoke of a life well-lived. A neatly groomed beard and moustache framed his face, adding to his scholarly appearance. ¡°Ram Ram Sa, Khan sir,¡± Raju exclaimed, bringing his hands together in a traditional Indian greeting and bowing slightly. The moment inspired Veer to mimic Raju¡¯s respectful gesture. ¡°Wa alaikum assalam, Raju. What brings you to my doorstep in this sweltering heat?¡± Khan inquired, a look of curiosity crossing his face as he returned the greeting in his own manner, recognizing the familiar figure at his entrance. Stolen story; please report. Raju was on the verge of responding when Khan abruptly cut him off. ¡°Oh, my apologies! Where are my manners? Come in, Raju; don¡¯t just linger at the door. Have a glass of water first,¡± Khan exclaimed, stepping into the house to fetch some refreshments. Raju barely had a moment to call out to Khan before he disappeared inside. ¡°Really, you don¡¯t have to, Khan, sir,¡± Raju murmured softly, his voice trailing off as he spoke to the fading figure of Khan. The house''s interior perfectly embodies the essence of a scholar. Books line the shelves, meticulously organized by genre and topic, creating a vibrant tapestry of knowledge. A cozy rocking chair sits invitingly by the window, basking in the warm glow of natural light. Nearby, three large clay pots stand, from which Khan is drawing fresh water. A charming wooden sofa complements the space, accompanied by a sturdy wooden table that anchors the room. The walls are adorned with an array of photographs and framed degrees, showcasing a lifetime of achievements. As Khan entered the living room, he found Raju perched awkwardly on the sofa, while a young boy gazed at the impressive collection of books, his mouth agape in wonder. ¡°Enjoying the view?¡± Khan teased the boy, balancing a tray laden with refreshments. Veer nodded enthusiastically, a bright smile lighting up his face. ¡°What a genuine lad,¡± Khan chuckled, his laughter echoing as he playfully tousled Veer¡¯s hair. He then settled down across from Raju, gesturing toward the tray of snacks. ¡°Now, Raju, how can I assist you today?¡± Khan inquired, his expression warm and inviting. ¡°I¡¯m not here for my own sake, Khan sir. My focus is on this young fellow,¡± Raju replied, pointing at Veer, who seemed completely absorbed in his own thoughts, gazing intently at the impressive collection of books before him. Khan looked at Raju, his brow furrowed in genuine perplexity. ¡°How can I assist the boy?¡± he inquired. Raju smiled and replied, ¡°Let him ask you directly.¡± He then called out to Veer. ¡°You had some questions, didn¡¯t you? The person right in front of you can answer them all. Go ahead, ask away,¡± Raju encouraged, motioning for Veer to approach Khan. As Raju spoke, a realization washed over Veer, reminding him of the purpose of his visit. Without hesitation, he launched into a flurry of inquiries. ¡°What is a radio? I heard a voice coming from it. How can there be a person inside? How can someone be so tiny? And why do you have so many books? Have you read every single one? Why can¡¯t I understand any of this?¡± Khan smiled warmly and motioned for Veer to take a seat. ¡°Come over here and make yourself at home,¡± he said softly, indicating the inviting sofa. Veer settled down next to Raju without hesitation. ¡°Let¡¯s start with your name. What do you go by?¡± Khan inquired, his tone calm and encouraging. ¡°Veer,¡± the boy answered promptly. ¡°Veer, what a wonderful name!¡± Khan exclaimed. ¡°Do you know what it signifies?¡± he continued, his curiosity piqued. ¡°It means courageous. My name means courageous, sir,¡± Veer responded confidently, his eyes shining with pride. Chapter 5: The Gift Of Knowledge From that moment on, it became a regular ritual for Veer to find himself nestled in the cozy confines of Mr. Khan''s library, eager to soak up knowledge and pose his endless questions. It didn''t take long for Mr. Khan to recognize the brilliance and insatiable curiosity of this young boy, prompting him to teach with genuine enthusiasm. Early in their sessions, Mr. Khan discovered that Veer possessed an exceptional memory. FLASHBACK... The vibrant alphabet chart sparkled in the warm afternoon light that poured through the living room window. Mr. Khan, a kind-hearted man with a playful glint in his eye, gestured toward the letter "A." Four-year-old Veer, perched on a tiny red chair, gazed at the chart with wide-eyed wonder. "Veer," Mr. Khan said softly, "this is the letter ''A.'' Can you say it with me?" With his usual exuberance, Veer echoed, "A!" He then pointed excitedly at the apple illustration beside the letter. "Apple!" he shouted, his face lighting up with joy. Mr. Khan beamed back at him. "Exactly! A for apple. And what color is the apple, Veer?" "Red!" Veer exclaimed, enthusiastically poking at the picture. Mr. Khan moved his finger to the next letter. "B. This is ''B.''" "Bee!" Veer chirped, and without missing a beat, he pointed to the image of a ball. "Ball! B for ball!" Mr. Khan was taken aback; he hadn¡¯t even mentioned the word "ball." He shifted to "C." Before he could utter a word, Veer chimed in, "Cat! C for cat!" He then burst into giggles, adding, "Meow!" Mr. Khan chuckled, impressed. "That''s incredible, Veer! You''re picking this up so fast." He pointed to the letter "D." "Dog!" Veer shouted, his eyes scanning the room. "Where''s Doggy?" he asked, referring to the stuffed dog Mr. Khan had gifted him, now forgotten in a corner. Mr. Khan was amazed. It wasn''t just the letters; Veer was effortlessly absorbing the words and images that accompanied them. Curious to see how far Veer''s knowledge extended, he flipped back to "A." "What¡¯s this, Veer?" "Apple!" Veer answered without hesitation.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Mr. Khan then pointed to "E." "Elephant!" ¡°F.¡° ¡°Fish.¡° ¡°G.¡° ¡°Giraffe.¡° ¡°T.¡° ¡°Tomato.¡° ¡°Are you familiar with numbers?¡± Khan inquired once more. ¡°Numbers? You mean like 1, 2, and 3?¡± Veer responded, a hint of confusion in his voice. Khan nodded affirmatively. ¡°I know those!¡± Veer exclaimed, launching into a counting spree. Mr. Khan pressed on with more questions, and Veer answered swiftly, eager to demonstrate his knowledge. ¡°Veer, where did you pick up all this information?¡± Khan asked, a look of astonishment on his face. ¡°At the orphanage, I would sit next to others while they did their homework, and I just learned like that,¡± he clarified. Khan realized that Veer was like a sponge, eagerly soaking up every bit of information presented to him. While Mr. Khan had met many bright students, Veer¡¯s ability to connect letters with images and words at such a rapid pace was truly extraordinary. His mind felt like an untouched canvas, each new piece of knowledge splashed onto it with vibrant precision. "Veer," Mr. Khan remarked, awe lacing his tone, "your mind is truly extraordinary." Veer, unaware of the significance of his gift, beamed with delight, his eyes shimmering with enthusiasm. The world captivated him, and every fresh word, every new picture, was an exhilarating revelation. For Veer, learning was not merely a task; it was a thrilling expedition, and he was eager to uncover every hidden treasure it held. FLASHBACK END... Eight months have passed since Khan first crossed paths with Veer and began imparting his knowledge. Initially, matron Sarla felt a twinge of concern about Veer visiting a stranger''s home on a regular basis. Taking matters into her own hands, she decided to meet Mr. Khan personally to gauge his character. After discovering that Veer was indeed learning under his guidance, she relaxed her worries and even encouraged him to dedicate himself to his studies. As time went on, Veer began assisting his siblings with their homework, and their astonished faces fueled his desire to learn even more. Being the youngest, with his older siblings occupied in school from morning until afternoon, he found himself with no playmates. Consequently, he spent most of his days at Mr. Khan''s house, forging a bond so strong that he affectionately began to call him Grandfather. This delighted Mr. Khan immensely. He also learned more about his mentor, including his full name, Ahmed Ali Khan, and that he had graduated from a prestigious university called Oxford, located outside of India. How impressive is that! After graduating, he came back to India after its independence and started working at a place called HAL. Then he joined ISRO. He just retired recently and started living here alone. *********************************** Veer''s day unfolded like any other. He woke up at 7 a.m., completed his morning routine, and made his way to Khan''s house. There, he was presented with a set of algebraic expression questions, which he breezed through in just 20 minutes. ¡°Grandpa, why do you insist on giving me such simple problems? I can solve all of these already,¡± Veer said, a hint of frustration in his voice. Khan replied gently, ¡°There¡¯s no rush to finish the entire school syllabus. Take your time. Life has so much to offer, and you won¡¯t get another chance at childhood. While these subjects matter, they don¡¯t teach you to think critically, creatively, or freely. Remember, a healthy body is just as important as a sharp mind.¡± Veer sighed, ¡°Okay, but it¡¯s getting dull. You won¡¯t even let me explore all those books,¡± he pointed at the shelves. ¡°The books I¡¯ve chosen for you are more than enough,¡± Khan responded, noticing Veer¡¯s sulky expression. Setting aside his book, Khan retrieved a wooden box from a storeroom. He sat across from Veer and opened it, revealing a chessboard with alternating black and white squares. Veer¡¯s eyes sparkled with curiosity. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± he asked eagerly. ¡°This is chess, one of my favorite games. You¡¯re starting school next month, right?¡± Khan inquired cheerfully. Veer nodded, still captivated by the board. ¡°If you can beat me at this game before your school adventure begins, you can choose any book from my personal library,¡± Khan teased with a grin. ¡°Deal!¡± Veer exclaimed without hesitation. And that was how Veer was introduced to the world of chess for the very first time. Chapter 6. The Kings Gambit Khan: You know this is your last chance to beat me in chess before you will start your schooling from tomorrow, so play your best. Veer: I know, that''s why I am telling you to stop trash talking. I need to concentrate. Khan smirked at his comment. Khan: It will be a five minute rapid with no time increment. Veer nodded in understanding, eyeing his white coloured chess pieces. Khan just pressed the button on the timer. Veer opened with an e4! e4-c5 Nc3-Nc6 d3-d6 e3-e5 g3-Nf6 h3-Be7 Khan: So, how was your day? Any interesting development? Veer: Nah! Nothing special but I did watch a film with Raju uncle. Khan: Oh! What was the film''s name? Veer: Satte Pe Satta! Bg2- Khan: Oh! Then tell me about your experience. Who was the main Hero? Bg2-0-0 Veer: Well, the experience was good, though when the main Hero, Amitabh Bachchan came on to the screen, everyone in the cinema hall cheered loudly, nearly breaking my ear drums. Some were shouting while others whistlings, it was quite chaotic for a while. The heroine was Hema Malini. Though the cheering for her was not as enthusiastic as the main hero. f4- Khan(chuckling): I am not surprised in the least. Cinema is one of the major forms of entertainment in this country. And celebrity worshiping is a key component in this form of entertainment. Since Amitabh Bachchan is in rage nowadays, after his film Zanjeer, it is quite common to see people worshipping him. I won''t be surprised if his fans create a temple for him in the future. f4-Nd4 Veer(in confusion): But why would anyone do that? Why would a human worship another human? I don''t understand this!This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Ne2- Khan: Well, those fans create a parasocial relationship with their favourite star and some even reach to the level of obsession. Ne2-b5 Veer: What''s a parasocial relationship? And why does this happen with so many people? Khan: These are one sided relationships where one party is unaware of the other''s existence while the other party is emotionally invested in that relationship. Now you are smart enough to guess who''s the first party and who is the second. As for the answer to your second question, there can be multiple reasons but I think this is especially true for people with low self esteem or people who are seeking a sense of belongingness from somewhere. 0-0-b4 Nb1-Bb7 f5-d5 Nd2-d5xe4 d3xe4-Ba6 The chess match unfolded with relentless intensity as both players remained locked in their strategic battle. As they approached the climax of their endgame, Veer found himself in a precarious position, with a mere 6 seconds ticking away on his timer, while Mr. Khan maintained a comfortable 40 seconds. Veer¡¯s desperation was palpable; his palms were slick with sweat, and a glistening sheen covered his forehead, causing his pieces to scatter chaotically across the board. This chaotic display was a clear testament to his inexperience with the fast-paced demands of speed chess. Kf2-Nf5 Bf3¨CRd2 Ke1-Rb2 Be4-Ng3 Bf3-Rb1 Kd2-Nf1 Kc2-Re1 Kb3-Re3 And the time''s up for Veer!!! ¡°Oh come on! I got lost on time.¡± Veer said, berating himself in frustration. Mr Khan just laughed at his antics. ¡°Of course, I knew you won''t be able to win! No matter how talented you are, without hard work and experience, you won''t reach your full potential. Always remember, no matter how good you are at something, someone even better will come and find you.¡± Khan said with utmost seriousness. Veer looked directly in Khan¡¯s eyes and replied with all the conviction he could muster ¡°I promise to you grandpa, I''ll never stop working hard and will never give up midway!¡± Khan just smiled while ruffling Veer¡¯s hair. ¡°Don¡¯t do that!¡± Veer groaned in protests. ¡°Come on, I''ll take you to your orphanage. It''s getting late. It''s already 8 p.m., you matron Sarla must be getting worried." Khan said after checking in his antique clock. Khan grabbed his house keys and stepped out, with Veer trailing closely behind. After securing the door, he took a moment to ensure it was locked. Content with his check, he clasped Veer¡¯s hand and set off toward their destination. In March of 1982, the night air in Jaipur felt like a warm, dry caress, even as darkness enveloped the city. The intoxicating aroma of jasmine mingled with the sizzling scent of fritters, vying for attention against the backdrop of exhaust from sputtering Ambassador taxis and the occasional overloaded auto-rickshaw. The streets, though quieter than during the day, still thrummed with a lively spirit. String lights draped across shopfronts, illuminating stalls filled with vibrant fabrics and shimmering silver trinkets, casting a soft, flickering glow over the bustling scene. The mentor and his mentee strolled along a lively street, alive with a chorus of sounds. Vendors enthusiastically shouted their offerings in quick Rajasthani, their tones rising and falling in a captivating rhythm. The clanging of utensils from nearby food stalls blended with the lively Hindi film music echoing from open doorways. A group of women, their colorful ghagras swirling, shared laughter as they bargained with a bangle seller. Nearby, a tea vendor, his stall glowing under a hissing kerosene lamp, served steaming cups of sweet, milky tea. Seeing Mr. Khan walking on the street, he greeted him in a loud enthusiastic voice ¡°Ram Ram Sa, Khan sahab. Would you like to have a cup of tea? My treat!!¡± ¡°Right now I am sending Veer to his orphanage but I''ll definitely stop by in my return.¡± Khan responded with same enthusiasm while continuing his journey. On his way, Mr. Khan took a brief pause, carefully navigating around the litter scattered on the ground. The shadows concealed some of the dirt and decay that would be visible in daylight, giving the street a romantic, almost enchanting quality. The cacophony, while vibrant, felt welcoming. It was the sound of life, trade, and community. As both were walking towards their destination, Khan suddenly asked Veer ¡°So, you''ll start your schooling from tomorrow. How are you feeling?¡± ¡°I am feeling very excited. I am finally getting chance to step out of this street. Meeting so many new people, I''ll definitely make many friends.¡± Veer said with an excited grin while stretching his hands outwards. Mr. Khan just responded with a smile. Chapter 7. The Burden of Hope The following morning, as Sarla was busy sweeping the floor, Rani approached her. Noticing Rani''s arrival, Sarla quickly said, ¡°Hey Rani, please go wake up Veer. He wouldn¡¯t want to miss his first day of school.¡± Rani shook her head and replied, ¡°He¡¯s already up! He was so excited about school that he got out of bed around 5 a.m.¡± After a moment of hesitation, she added, ¡°But Sarla ma, are we really able to afford sending Veer to school? I was even considering dropping out myself so he could have the chance to study. Plus, you recently bought new uniforms for everyone and hired a private van for the school commute. Can I ask where this money is coming from? I¡¯m worried because I don¡¯t think the NGO can provide that much support when they¡¯re struggling themselves.¡± Sarla took a moment before responding, letting out a soft sigh. ¡°It came from an anonymous donor who wishes to remain unknown. Initially, this person considered adopting a child, but later decided against it. Instead, they chose to donate to the orphanage so that all the children could benefit, rather than just one.¡± Rani pressed on, ¡°But you don¡¯t have to spend the money this way. I¡¯m sure everyone is fine with their old uniforms. They may be a bit worn, but they¡¯re still in good shape. How much is the donation that you¡¯re using for this?¡± With a spark of enthusiasm, Sarla answered, ¡°The donation is about 5 lakh rupees for the orphanage and 10 lakh for the NGO.¡± ¡°What! Really?!¡± Rani gasped in disbelief. Sarla quickly hushed her, nodding slightly. "Shhh, keep it down. Don''t let everyone know." Rani immediately felt the need to apologize. "I''m sorry, but 10 lakh is an enormous amount." "I know, right? I was taken aback when I heard the figure too. But there are a few stipulations," Sarla said softly. Rani''s expression shifted to concern. "What kind of stipulations?"The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. "There''s just one. The money must be used solely for the children''s welfare," Sarla explained. Rani let out a breath she didn''t realize she was holding. "That''s it! I don''t see an issue with that." Sarla averted her gaze, responding quietly, "Well, I was hoping to set aside some for your dowry.¡± Rani exclaimed, ¡°What! I¡¯ve already told you I don¡¯t want to get married!¡± Her voice was raised in defiance. Sarla responded firmly, ¡°And I¡¯ve already mentioned that you will have to marry someday.¡± ¡°I refuse to! You never got married, so why are you pushing me into it?¡± Rani shot back, clearly frustrated. Sarla urged her, ¡°I¡¯ve never been married myself, and that¡¯s why I want every girl I care for to find a partner. I understand how challenging it can be to go through life alone. Society often looks down on single women. If you want to find happiness, marriage is essential.¡± Rani countered firmly, ¡°That¡¯s not the whole truth. Many women are unhappy even after marriage. Their in-laws can make their lives unbearable. I don¡¯t want to experience that.¡± Sarla responded, her voice rising with frustration, ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m working so hard to save money for your dowry, so you can avoid that kind of life.¡± ¡°Dowry alone does not guarantee happiness in a marriage. Do you remember Kamla, my best friend from school?¡± Sarla nodded, looking puzzled, so she went on ¡°Her parents stopped her education after the 8th grade, pulling her out of school to marry her off that same year. They also provided a dowry to the groom''s family. Initially, everything seemed fine, and she even became pregnant. But then her in-laws began to demand more money. When they didn¡¯t get what they wanted, they started to abuse her. The torment was so severe that she lost her baby. Instead of compassion, they only increased their violence, blaming her for the loss. Overwhelmed by the pain, she took her own life. So, is this the kind of existence you wish for me?¡± Rani asked, tears welling in her eyes. ¡°I would never wish such a fate on anyone, not even my worst enemy. But you must realize that these situations are not the norm. Not every girl faces this kind of horror,¡± Sarla replied with a heavy heart, trying to convey her understanding. Rani wiped her tears and said, ¡°I understand, but I really don¡¯t want to get married. Instead, let¡¯s use this money to help Veer and the other girls attend a better school. The one we¡¯re in is a government school, and it¡¯s not good at all. There aren¡¯t even separate restrooms for boys and girls. The lights and fans barely work, and the benches creak loudly whenever someone sits down. As for the teachers, it¡¯s even worse. There was this one time I forgot my book, and the teacher got so furious that she yanked my hair, slapped me a few times, and kicked me out of class. Plus, there¡¯s a male teacher who sometimes looks at me and the older girls in a really uncomfortable way.¡± Sarla held her shoulders tightly and exclaimed, ¡°What? Why didn¡¯t you tell me about this earlier? Have you reported it to your principal? If you haven¡¯t, I¡¯ll take it upon myself to speak to him.¡± Rani spoke with a tone filled with frustration, ¡°We did voice our concerns! Yet, nothing changed, and he only grew more audacious. I suspect that the teacher has ties to a local politician, which is why no action has been taken against him. Even if you report him to the police, I doubt anything will come of it.¡± It took a moment for Rani to help Sarla regain her composure. Sarla responded with a sense of defeat, ¡°Alright, but if anything happens, please let me know. Don¡¯t keep it to yourself, okay?¡± Rani nodded in agreement, providing her reassurance. ¡°Now, go wake everyone up and start getting breakfast ready with Radha while I take care of the sweeping,¡± Sarla instructed after a brief pause. Rani nodded and went on her way.