Malice Aforethought. Chapter:3

Chapter 3.

Savitri's Disappearance.

 

Savitri was torn.

Her heart ached at the thought of parting from Sathya—the boy she had mothered since the day he was born, the only family she had left. But buried under the ache was a quiet strength… the belief that this was for his better future. After much persuasion, heartfelt conversations, and tears shed in silence, Savitri convinced Sathya to leave the Ashram.

He had resisted. How could he leave his Savitri-di behind?

But eventually, he gave in—because she asked him to.

Ashok Kapadia became his foster father, and soon after, Sathya was sent off to a reputed hostel nestled in the hills. 

It was a new world. 

Timetables. Dorm rooms. Cold mornings. New faces. New rules.

But amidst all the noise, one thing stayed constant—his letters to his Savitri-di. 

He wrote regularly. Sometimes short updates, sometimes long letters filled with questions, jokes, memories, and affection. Her replies came. In the beginning.

Filled with love. Laced with gentle reminders to study well, eat properly, and never forget who he was. Her words wrapped around him like a warm shawl, closing the distance between the hills and the ashram.

But then… the letters started coming less frequently.

And slowly… they stopped.

Worried and restless, Sathya couldn’t take the silence. One evening, he walked down to the local PCO and dialed the number of Umeed Foundation. A caretaker picked up.

“Savitri-di? Can I speak to her?” Sathya asked, his voice edged with nervousness.

There was a pause before the reply came.

“She’s not here anymore, beta. She left the Ashram a while ago. She got a job in the city and said she’d be working while continuing her studies through correspondence.”

Sathya was stunned. “Why didn’t she tell me? In her letters?”

The caretaker hesitated, then said, “It all happened quickly. The company wanted her to join immediately. Maybe she didn’t get a chance to write.”

Something felt off.

“Can I speak to Asha Madam?” he asked next.

“She’s on personal leave right now,” came the reply. “Will be back in a few days.”

The call ended, but Sathya’s anxiety only grew. That night, he called Rishi, his foster brother.

“Something’s not right, Rishi. Why would Savitri-di not tell me anything? She would never do that.”

Rishi tried to soothe him. “I understand your worry, Sathya. But maybe she’s trying to focus on building her new life. Your letters… they might remind her of what she’s left behind. You know how emotionally attached she is to you. Let her be strong on her own now. You focus on your studies, bhai.”

Sathya nodded slowly, but the worry never truly left him.

What he didn’t know… was what really happened that night.

Flashback: 

That Evening at Umeed Foundation

Savitri was glowing. Dressed simply, she was still the brightest star that night. Her friends had gathered around her, offering warm wishes, hugs, and handmade cards. The caretakers blessed her. Asha Madam, proud and emotional, kept glancing at her like a mother seeing her daughter off.

As she picked up her small bag and stepped toward the gate, Asha offered to walk her to the bus stop.

Savitri smiled. “No, Asha Madam. I want to learn to be independent. From the very first step I take away from this Ashram… I want to do it alone.”

She hugged Asha tightly. “Thank you for everything.”

And with that, she walked out.

Her head held high. Her heart full of dreams.

She didn’t know... a storm was waiting at the corner.

That her dreams, her journey, and her freedom were about to be crushed.

Innocent as she was, little did she expect something horrendous was awaiting her.

 

 

To be continued tomorrow...

Chapter 4: The Dreaded Secret.