Chapter 203

Nitish Reddy's life in prison was a relentless nightmare. The reality of his new existence hit him hard every day, and the isolation from his former glory felt suffocating. However, the physical and emotional toll would soon worsen as the hostility of his fellow inmates escalated. His fame, rather than earning him respect, made him a target—a lightning rod for jealousy, resentment, and the primal need to establish dominance.

It began with taunts and minor scuffles, but soon the aggression turned into full-fledged violence. One night, while Nitish was returning to his cell after completing his cleaning duties, a group of inmates cornered him in the dimly lit hallway.

"Hey, cricket star," one of them sneered, cracking his knuckles. "Think you're still too good for us?"

Before Nitish could respond, another inmate shoved him hard against the wall, the cold concrete biting into his back. "You're not a hero here, just another convict."

The first punch landed on his ribs, sending waves of pain through his body. The second caught him on the cheek, the metallic taste of blood filling his mouth. They beat him relentlessly, their fists and boots leaving bruises and cuts across his body. Nitish, who had faced countless bouncers and fierce bowlers on the cricket field, found himself utterly defenseless in this brutal arena.

When the guards finally intervened, it was more out of duty than concern. They dragged him back to his cell, ignoring his limp and bloodied state. Despite his visible injuries, Nitish was denied a trip to the hospital. Instead, he was left to endure the pain, his body aching with every breath.

The following morning, an older inmate approached him. Dr. Rajan, an Ayurvedic doctor who had been imprisoned for malpractice, offered to help. "Let me take a look at those bruises," he said, his voice gentle but firm. Nitish, desperate for relief, nodded.

Dr. Rajan examined him in the corner of the cellblock, away from prying eyes. Using herbs and oils smuggled in through connections, he prepared a paste that he applied to Nitish's wounds. "It's not a hospital, but it'll help," he said. "Rest as much as you can."

Nitish learned that Rajan had been imprisoned after a patient misused an Ayurvedic medicine he prescribed, leading to complications. Despite his incarceration, the doctor remained committed to his craft, using his knowledge to help other inmates. Over the next few weeks, Rajan continued to treat Nitish, his remedies easing the pain and helping him heal.

The beatings didn't stop entirely, but Nitish learned to navigate the prison's social hierarchy. He avoided the most volatile inmates, kept his head down, and focused on surviving each day. His routine became a cycle of pain and endurance. He would wake early, perform his assigned chores, exercise in his cell to maintain his strength, and endure the long hours until nightfall.

His only solace came during the weekly visitation hours when his parents and Rohith, his lawyer, would come to see him. Their visits were a lifeline, a reminder that he was not entirely alone in his struggle. His father, despite his own injuries from the protests outside their home, always tried to lift his spirits.

"Stay strong, beta," his father would say, his voice trembling with emotion. "We know you didn't do this. The truth will come out."

Rohith, too, was relentless in his support. Despite the overwhelming odds and public sentiment against Nitish, he continued to fight for his client. "I'm working on gathering more evidence," he said during one visit. "The CCTV footage helps, but we need more to counter Ayesha's narrative. We'll get through this, Nitish. I promise."

Nitish clung to these moments, drawing strength from the love and belief of those who still stood by him. But the reality of his situation remained grim. Every day in prison was a test of his resilience, his willpower, and his ability to keep hope alive.

Through it all, Nitish tried to focus on the future. He thought about the life he had built, the career he had worked so hard for, and the dreams that still lingered despite the darkness surrounding him. He knew that proving his innocence would be an uphill battle, but he resolved to keep fighting, even when the odds seemed insurmountable.

In the depths of his suffering, Nitish found a quiet strength. His body bore the scars of his ordeal, but his spirit refused to break. With each passing day, he held onto the belief that the truth would eventually prevail, and that one day, he would walk out of the prison gates not as a convict but as a man who had reclaimed his dignity and his life.