The Red Daffodils

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The Red Daffodils

Author:

Rajesh Kumar

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 1

Location – Rashtrapathi Bhavan, New Delhi

The Ceremonial Hall was illuminated with bright antique lights and decorated for an award function. The stage had the Honourable President of India who was seated on the richest chair of the Hall. The eighty five year old President was hearing the speech of an officer.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we welcome you all for the 64th ‘Emerging Indians’ award function on behalf of the President. Just after our independence in 1947, we had to crawl like a new born to improve on our economic growth and also depend on other countries for our basic needs and necessities.

But right now, we have made significant turnaround. We have achieved growth almost in all the sectors similar to that of the developed nations. We were able to achieve this growth because of talented personals who, through their hard work and dedication, have contributed for our nation in different fields. As part of encouraging these talents, the Ministry of Human Resource Development has identified a few exceptionally talented people and decided to honor them with ‘The Pride of the Nation’ award.

‘The Pride of the Nation’ is to be awarded to 14 awardees who have contributed in different fields. The first one to receive the award is Nirupama, from Tamil Nadu, who is just 25 years old. She is also the youngest to receive this award. Nirupama, as part of her human genetic research, had prepared a white paper called ‘Project of Micro Bio’. We are convinced that her project will be the origin of multiple other researches about human body in the future."

The crowd went into applause hearing Nirupama’s name. Nirupama was seated in the 4th row from the front along with her elder brother Sundar and Sister-in-law Banu. Nirupama was young, slim, petite and elegant lady, aged 25, dressed in a fresh new salwar kameez. Her straight hair ran until her shoulders. She was dressed for the occasion in Red. Nirupama slightly bent her head down and whispered to Sundar who was sitting next to her.

Anna?

Sundar, without looking at her, responded, hmm?

I had to pinch myself every 5 minutes…. I can’t believe that this is happening…

Can’t believe what?

The Rashtrapathi Bhavan, award and all these

Banu, who was sitting next to Sundar interrupted the conversation.

Can I have the privilege to pinch you?

Anni… No please…. As a school teacher, I know you are very good at it and can perform better in that. And by the way, you are a reason for completing my project

Me? How?

The count of the tea that you have prepared must have touched thousand. Those tea served to me had helped me stay fresh in the late nights during my project days

Banu threw a half smile hearing her praise and in few seconds her face turned serious.

This award is just a reward for your hard work. Wish your parents were alive. They would have been proud being here

Sundar quickly interrupted her.

Banu… Why are you making her senti by talking all these?

Don’t worry anna… I have crossed that stage

While she was talking, the speaker on the stage called Nirupama’s name. The crowd started applauding again hearing that, A lady helper, dressed in a saree walked to the fourth row to receive Nirupama. Nirupama stood and walked with the helper towards the stage. Just before reaching the steps, she turned around to look at her brother. Nirupama’s eyes suddenly fell on a tall guy seated a few rows behind, who was dressed in black.

As Nirupama’s eyes fell on him, he stood up, pulled out a pistol hidden in his tummy and pointed at her. Nirupama was shell shocked as the pistol was pointed at her and she shouted at him.

Nooooooooooooo

As she shouted, her body jerked and Nirupama rose up from her bed in sweat. She had shrugged off the comforter and it fell from the bed. She looked around and realized that she was in bed. She looked at the clock.

It was 6 AM in the morning. Sundar, who was getting ready for a walk rushed to the bedroom. Banu, who was busy in the kitchen joined him.

Hey Niru… Are you alright?

She looked at Sundar with a weird look.

I think so… It was a good dream… At the same time it was a nightmare too

Sundar returned the weird look and scratched his head. Banu, who was listening, clarified.

Let me guess what the dream was about. It could be a romantic dream with the guest-for-today and the To-be groom Vaikunth. Is that right?

Nirupama denied it immediately.

No .. No way. This is something else.. A different one altogether

Banu continued as her curiousity raised, Different as in?

Nirupama with a smile looked at the ceiling, I was getting an award for my ‘Micro Bio’ from the President.

But, we came running here hearing you screaming… why should you do that in an award ceremony?

Huh… That was because someone shot me with a gun while I was about to get the award

Banu’s eye widened and her face showed her panic.

Then what happened?

Just then I got up and I’m explaining these to you

Sundar came near Nirupama with a serious face, Niru… you will have to step into the next phase of your life. So, I would like to advise you to set aside the ‘Project Micro Bio’. We have the to-be groom Vaikunth visiting us at 10 AM, with his parents. Hope you are already aware that they liked you and wanted to move forward. From now on, concentrate on planning your marriage life and slowly you have to move away from your Academics and research. As per your wish, you have completed your B.Tech in Bio Technology successfully. That doesn’t mean that you have to carry that along throughout your life and keep researching about it.

Nirupama stopped him and began to console her brother

My dear Anna… You need not worry about that hereafter. The ‘Project Bio’ is done and shelved already. But, I can’t do anything if it comes in my dream. And she winked at him.

Banu continued, But there is a belief that the early morning dream can become a reality. If it is so, you might get a President Award in the future

Nirupama replied with her version, If that happens, then definitely I will be killed by a Gun man as well

Sundar interrupted her, Well.. Scientifically there is nothing to prove that the dreams can be a reality. Dreams are the outcome of the thoughts deeply embedded in our brain. The reason for the Gun man to bother you in your dream should be because of the Crime Novels that you have read during your young days. I refer those as ‘Dustbin dreams’

Banu had something to say on that, I hope you will respect what your brother said just now. It is time to say Good bye to those Dustbin dreams and also time to take a shower

Nirupama made a sad face, Shower… Right away? Please anni… I need some more sleep.. At least for another hour

Banu replied her, From now on, you will have to be prepared for a family life. As part of that, you will have to be a morning person and have to be out of bed as early as you can. So, fresh up yourself and get dressed for the occasion right away

Nirupama wasn’t happy hearing the To-do list, Anni.. But we still have four more hours

I don’t deny that. But I need you to help me in the kitchen. I happened to hear that the visitors don’t eat much out. So we don’t have the option of buying snacks and sweets from out. Moreover, we need to showcase your cooking skills to the visitors

Nirupama sat in the bed with her head tilted towards her left and listening to that.

So Niru… Get ready and I will be waiting for you in the kitchen, Banu left Niru’s bedroom to the kitchen.

Nirupama slowly crawled out of the bed. Sundar came near Nirupama and whispered.

Shall I ask you something?

Ya sure anna

Are you sure that you are Ok with this alliance and marriage arrangements?

Nirupama didn’t react much and her reaction was flat, Why are you asking this anna?

I just wanted to make sure that I am not doing anything without your 100% agreement. I knew that you wanted to continue your Bio Technology research. But, I couldn’t say ‘No’ when this alliance materialized. So far, I have got good feedback about the groom-to-be, Vaikunth and his family. He is a Post graduate working in a Multi-national company. And moreover…

Nirupama interrupted, Take breath anna…. Relax… I’m aware of all these… If we had our parents alive, they would have done the same…I’m good to enter the next phase of my life

Nirupama’s answer gave some relief to Sundar and his face turned bright.

Ok then… Get ready now

Location – Kilpauk, Chennai

Time – 9 AM on the same day

Vaikunth was seated on a couch in the Hall of a beautiful villa and was speaking on his mobile. Vaikunth was 6 feet tall, athletic, fair and his T-shirt and jean hugged his body tight.

Sorry Rohit… I will be in office today only post lunch.. Have notified the Director already.

…..

You guessed it right… I have someone to meet… Just trying to get into a committed relationship. Actually my parents are waiting for me outside. They are in the car already. I will have to rush as it takes almost an hour to reach Ashok Nagar. I will talk to you when I’m in office

He disconnected the call in a hurry and came out of the house. The car ignition was on and his parents Sridhar and Lakshmi, who were inside the car, threw an angry look on him.

Sridhar started first, What the hell were you doing inside?

"Sorry dad… I had a call