Ba and Bakul visits Brenda at Brooklyn

Brenda had been exceptionally busy with her recent project, which was quite different from the cultural outings she had pursued throughout her career as a journalist. This time, she was focused on serious matters involving high-ranking authorities. Her mother, who lived in a small town near Edinburgh, was increasingly concerned for her safety as Brenda delved deeper into potentially dangerous investigations.

Brenda's mother, a former crime reporter, had sought solace in her quiet cottage after experiencing the corruption and abuses of power in her career. She now spent her time reading, gardening, and fishing, finding peace in her simpler lifestyle. Though she had no regrets about her past, having witnessed the excitement and greed for fame, she chose a more tranquil life for herself.

As a mother, she usually offered guidance without interference, but this time felt different. Brenda's pursuit of these sensitive issues had put her in a position that could lead to trouble at any moment. Brenda was fearless, which only added to her mother's concern and guilt. The guilt arose from not being able to spend enough time with Brenda during her formative years due to her busy schedule. This lack of attention contributed to Brenda's fearless nature. When she decided to pursue a career in lifestyle journalism, her mother felt a sense of relief. However, this sudden career shift had forced her to take more interest in her job, especially because she had an idea of who her daughter was dealing with. 

Brenda had assured her mother that she would handle the situation carefully. However, deep down, she understood her mother's concerns. Brenda had started receiving regular threats to stop her investigation. The situation was serious: a plot of land that had been designated for a children's hospital was now being targeted by one of the local landlord's grandsons. This grandson was notorious for his involvement in land mafia activities and had connections with many authorities. She was seated at her desk when her cell phone began ringing. An unknown number—another threat call. She ignored it, but after repeated calls, she felt forced to pick up. 

" Hey Brenda, Bakul, this side...I am in Brooklyn," said a familiar voice from the other side. Absolutely stunned, Brenda was silent for a moment, and spoke, " That's a surprise, Bakul...where are you now? And where is Ba?" asked a curious Brenda.

" She is with me, wants to meet you," declared an excited Bakul. 

"You don't know how happy I am now. Where are you staying? Pack your bags immediately, and I will pick you up from there. You are coming over to my place to stay with me."

An ecstatic Brenda immediately got up from her desk, yes, all she wanted was this breather...the breather of her life....her Ba and Bakul. The hotel where they were staying was not far from her apartment. Her apartment was small, but she could surely make space for 2 guests. She picked the duo up from their hotel. Ba, in these 6 months, had become more cheerful, Brenda felt, and Bakul? Wearing a pink and blue shirt was his colourful best.

" You both look so good, I have never expected such a surprise!" She said while driving her way to her apartment. " Yes, we wanted to surprise you, but would it not be a trouble for you, if we stay at your place...we could have stayed at the hotel." Ba, who had been silent all the while, suddenly added, " No trouble for her, she needed us." 

" How does she come to know about everything? That's my Ba!" she said out loud, and it came genuinely from her heart. 

Brenda's mind deviated from the dangers she was facing, finding a beautiful and timely distraction that she desperately needed at that moment. They spent the day cooking and chatting. Ba gifted her a lovely Bandhni saree and some stone-studded bangles. As she was playfully toying with the bangles, her phone rang again. It was Raymond, her assistant. 

" Brenda, sorry, I know you are busy with your guests, but this is urgent. They have shot Noa." Shocked, Brenda held the cell phone close to her chest, her eyes closed. Noa? That teenager who had been assisting them with all the necessary documents for the land deal...poor boy! He was only trying to help her, and now he was fighting for his life. Somewhere, she felt responsible for that.

" Brenda, all fine?" Ba's concerned voice woke her up from her static state. She tried to smile and said, " Yes, Ba, it's just something at work." 

Ba held her hand and looked at her, " Tell me, no hiding from Ba. I might help." There was such conviction in her tone that Brenda told her everything, and the grave danger she had put herself in, while risking others' lives too. After listening to everything, Ba said, " What do you think you will do?" Brenda took a pause and said, " I have a gun, and I can defend myself." 

" Brenda, do you think a single gun can protect you and so many other lives connected to you from these dangerous and powerful people? " Bakul spoke now. " When your enemy is mighty, make yourself mighty too, and sometimes all battles cannot be fought alone. You need more people to stand by you. You need more voices to make yourself heard." 

"Who will hear me? They will silence anyone who raises their voice. There will be many more like Noa." Ba had been listening to their conversation and said something to Bakul in Gujarati. "Brenda, Ba and I are with you in this. We understand it’s a difficult situation, but remember, as Einstein said, in the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. Consider this an opportunity for you. They shot an innocent boy today. If you make headlines out of this and lead a protest demanding justice, I’m sure you can garner support from everywhere. This is your time to go out there, march with banners, and let everyone know what noble cause led to Noa being shot by some criminals. It's going to be a big battle ahead, Brenda, and you need power—the power of the people."

Brenda, startled by Bakul's unexpected show of sensitivity, felt she was finally receiving the support she had longed for—someone to stand by her side in her fight and a shoulder to lean on.

The seasoned journalist, Brenda, wasted no time in publishing an article about Noa’s story in her newspaper, emphasizing the noble cause for which he was shot. Her piece also announced a protest to be held at the site, urging everyone to attend and show their support at 8 PM.

At 8 PM, as Ba, Brenda, and Bakul arrived at the location, they were surprised to find thousands of people gathered with banners reading "Justice for Noa." Brenda felt a bit concerned and hesitantly let Ba lead the march. Sensing her unease, Ba said, "No worries, I march; I’m from India—the land of the Mahatma."

This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop