Young Love

"Namaste saab" said Prasad to Prakruth.

Prakruth who was sitting in the portico of the house just nodded. It had been 15 days since his baby had died... Prasad hadn't come to job from that day... Prakruth had taken the loss personally too...he was immensely hurt.

"Saab, maid told me that you're not eating properly" said Prasad.

"Prasad it is hard to digest that loss, we had everything in our hands yet we couldn't save that baby. As of now I know this pain as I've witnessed you and your sufferings. On top of that, my father started harassing you for money. How many more have lost their dear ones from unaffordable medical facilities...?" asked Prakruth.

Prasad scratched his head and said "It is our ill fate to be born as poor Saab. What else can we do? We must die like dogs."

Prakruth smiled palely. At that moment, a car came to his farm. He went to receive the foreign person who walked in.

"Hi James, I'm Prakruth" he introduced himself.

"Hi Nice to meet you" said the foreign guy.

"Welcome to our farm house Dr.James.... Come sit..." invited Prakruth. He offered fresh fruit juice and started the discussion.

"Yes Prakruth, tell me about your proposal" said James.

"As I have discussed with you over mail, I am interested to start a free hospital for poor people of ten villages nearby. When I approached many people, I felt we're on the same page, like equal minded. But I wonder being such a great doctor why you decided to settle in a village??" asked Prakruth.

"There's no great doctor, worst doctor... we're just doctors. I've enjoyed city life to the maximum but somehow I'm not satisfied with my life so decided to spend the left over time serving people... I mean literally... "said James.

"That's fantastic, but I'm very sorry to inform you that our hospital is completely charitable under a trust. We're not rich enough to pay even a quarter you used to earn before... How can you make a living with us here ??" asked Prakruth.

James chuckled... "I'm not here to earn. In fact I couldn't inform you earlier... I've brought funds myself to invest in your trust. I needed a platform to help people and you're giving me one"

"That's great news for me...but I'm so sorry.. I can't take financial help from you. I will manage to get funds, you please take care of good treatment to the people" Prakruth politely rejected the monetary help.

"I'm not giving it to you, I'm donating it to the trust. My colleagues will come next week. Even they're bringing some funds to the trust. You are our local partner and co-ordinator" said James.

Prakruth had to agree silently seeing the generosity of James and his friends. Prakruth, Prasad and James visited the place marked for the hospital, Prakruth was ready to donate a acre of his farm land for multi specialty hospital. Planning was done by V&P steels company engineers, James preferred the spot next to the road at the entrance of the farm as he didn't want to disturb the peaceful environment of Prakruth's farm house near the river. Prakruth just nodded happily....the work would start from next week.

Time flew by and the second pre-university results were announced. Prakruth topped the whole state in science combination. His interview was taken by several news channels. Later his CET results were announced, he topped in engineering ranking.

All his farm labors celebrated his results as if he triumphed in a war. Punya brought a cake to celebrate the occasion....

"Congratulations dear" she said.

"Thanks... Is your protector with you today??" he asked.

Punya chuckled... "No I came alone" she said.

"Did he behave rude at you after going home that day??" he asked.

"Let's not speak about it now... Enjoy the moment" she fed him a piece of cake. He reciprocated the same to her.

"James, you've met Mr. Varun right? She's his daughter" explained Prakruth.

"Nice to meet you young lady" he said shaking hands with Punya.

"Pleasure is mine Doctor" replied Punya politely. She blushed when her eyes met with Prakruth's... James observed that and asked

"Is she your girlfriend?" in a whisper.

"No... My better half" said Prakruth. Punya smiled.

"Pretty couple" exclaimed James.

She turned to Prakruth and asked "Is Appa here today?"

"When he's taken responsibility of construction of the hospital, he'll be here right? He's at the construction site. Come we'll go there" said Prakruth.

"Oh Sure" said Punya.

"Rajamma, distribute the cake among all of them and prepare lunch for the building workers.... They'll come by afternoon" he instructed while leaving.

At the construction site, the roofing of ground floor was going on. Varun was standing in shade and monitoring the work carefully. When Punya approached him, he was surprised "Hey what a pleasant surprise, you never visit me to the site... What's so special today? Missed me dear?" he asked excitedly.

"Yeah nowadays you leave home early and come home late... So I miss talking to you" said Punya and it was true.

"Sorry Darling, this site is far from our place. Initially at foundation level, my presence is very important so I'm here at the beginning of the day and till the end too... Moreover it is Prakruth's dream project, I shouldn't compromise right??" he winked.

Punya felt there was some extra preference in his words... She gave a skeptical look..."I meant when he's doing so much for people, joining hands with him is my duty. Pavan uncle would handle all this but he has been on vacation with his son after a very long time. He loves his son more than me. So I am here" explained Varun in a dramatic way.

Punya started laughing....

"Prakruth topped in his PU and CET Appa" said Punya.

"Oh Wow.... Congrats Champ... This calls for a party" said Varun.

"Yeah Yeah... Party" told Dr. James.

"Sure Uncle how about tonight??" asked Prakruth.

"Oh no... Tonight is bit difficult. I've promised a movie to Narmada, can't cancel it" said Varun.

"You're a perfect family man Uncle... You're my inspiration. Ok then Let's keep the party on Saturday evening. Bring your whole family, I'll invite my friends and labors too. After party you all will stay here and leave only on Sunday... Ok??" asked Prakruth.

"That's awesome, Sure will bring them" promised Varun and answered the ringing phone.

Prakruth grabbed the opportunity and winked at Punya.... "It will be a beautiful party Uncle" he said. Punya frowned.

Varun just nodded as he got busy over the call.