The Ascend

The next day went in a frenzy for Sushant. His usual routine was constantly hampered by the sublime tension regarding the test results. His inner senses were going bonkers and an unknown fear kept on tickling all possible negative thoughts. Baseless, yet powerful thoughts.

He was too afraid of this minister Chowdhury and over and again he went back to the dreaded day he made the decision of seeking the party candidature.

FLASHBACK:TEN MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS DAY

It was the day Sushant received his YUVA PURASKAR, a literary award bestowed upon by the Government for the young authors. For Sushant receiving an award was a known sensation since he was 19, but, this was special. It was a state recognition and he was craving for it for almost five years. As the night ripened, he sat idly, alone amongst a busy party arranged by Nishant. He never liked gatherings, not even for celebrating his own cause.

He was almost ready to leave for his room when the rodent like man suddenly approached him. Sushant knew him. He had seen that man ample number of times on newspapers and television. He was a renowned politician from INPP. Sushant was literally frustrated seeing him. The last thing he wanted that day was to socialize with the rodent. But then again, who wants to upset powerful people?

" Congratulations Mr.Saxena, it was an honour to get an invite to this star studded intellectual gathering "

"SIR, ITS MY HONOUR TO HAVE YOU HERE, GLORIFYING THE HUMBLE CELEBRATION BY YOUR PRESENCE "

"Oh no boy, you young blood are the future of the Nation. And someone so young and talented can do much more than just entertaining people. If you are generous about sharing that writing talent of yours for the cause of INPP, I can lead you to the JYANPITH"

The man was shrewed, bold and straight regarding his offer. Which budding author wont want to receive the highest literary award of the country? Sushant was but a human.

" BUT NOTHING COMES FREE SIRJEE, WHATS THE CATCH?"

" Well.... believe it or not boy, there is no catch. We, INPP people would like your presence in some distinct party functions and may be if you feel positive about us, you can write a few speeches for our Respected Chief Minister Sir. I hope you dont find such activities objectionable?"

"NOT YET, BUT I AM WAITING FOR YOU TO REACH THE OBJECTIONABLE PART SIR"

The rodent gave an ugly grin.

"Are you declining me and trying to insult me or you are just acting smart?"

Sushant was about to shoo him off but right at that moment Nishant walked in and from that point onwards everything went down hill for Sushant. Since then he wrote speeches , attended functions, became a youth ambassador for INPP and ended up seeking candidature for the forthcoming State elections. It was all because of his greed of increasing his TRP as an author and Nishant, his advisor ensured that he did what was needed to be done.

He became a known name in INPP upper circle and the speeches he wrote were hugely favored by the Chief Minister. The rodent was good in keeping promises after all.

PRESENT DAY:

Nishant's voice drove Sushant out from his trip down the memory lane.

" Bro, we have bad news."

Sushant felt his fear returning.

If he had not chosen the shortcut to career progression by mingling with these people, this incident would be nothing mentionable. But with his fast advancement in the INPP circle, upsetting the Home Minister would mean end of his career.

"W... WHAAAT NEWS?", he asked in a shaky voice.

" The report.... well.... let's go... "

Nishant was abnormally quiet and Sushant dared not ask him more.

And with that their car sped towards Chowdhury's house, taking them towards a pivotal point of Sushant's life.