Early childhood

Sushi fondly remembered her childhood at Allahabad. Her father and Raju's worked in same office and were next door neighbors. She and Raju would run after butterflies and build castles of sand. They would make paper boats and aeroplanes.  Raju was admitted in Boys' school five KM distant from residence. Sushi was also admitted in Girls' school very near to  Raju's school.  Both would go to school and also return together. One day, Raju came back alone. Sushi looked for Raju but he was nowhere to be seen. She went home crying. Raju was scolded by his mom for coming alone. Thereafter Raju was always very careful and he would be most of time with Shushi.

One day, both children quarreled. Raju pushed Shushi into a manhole. But seeing that she would drown, he gathered all his strength and brought her out.  Shushi's parents were relieved that their daughter was safe. They were also surprised at anger, compassion and courage of Raju.  Raju's father expressed his hope that both children would be good match and so would be married when they get adult.

Raju was weak in studies. But Rajani, Sushi's mother had deep affection for Raju. She encouraghed him by giving him story books and other intersting things. Raju soon improved and excelled. Rajani would fondly say: My Raju will be a judge when he grows up. 

Sushi and Raju part  

When both children were in early teens, Raju's father was transferred to Meerut. Now, Shushi felt very lonely. She was very intelligent. She passed matriculation examination in good first division. She joined college. Shushi passed M.A. in first Division and thereafter obtained PH. D in psychology. She became a lecturer in a degree college. 

She still could not forget Raju. Her childhood memories were still fresh. There were proposals for her marriage. But she was reuctant to consider any. Raju was her only dream hero. 

The lovers meet

One day, Shushi got the news that Raju's father had arrived on transfer to Meerut.  Shushi rushed to Raju's house. She came to know that Raju was a spoiled youth. He had passed  his intermediate exam well. But after that, he came in contact with bad elements. He took to gambling and other unlawful activities.  He had not come to Meerut with his parents as he would not give up the bad society and activities. 

Shushi went to Allahabad with her mother. With some difficulty, they managed to find Raju. Raju was  thrilled to see Sushi.  Shushi showed her anger at his activities and suggested him to accompany her to Meerut and resume his studies.

Bur Raju retorted: what do you mean?  Do you think that only the white collar chaps like lawyers, teachers can earn well. I shall show how I can earn more than you all- my parents, your parents and you. 

Shushi was almost in tears- Where is Raju that I had left behind?. Where is mom's judge son?  where are my dreams? Where is my love?

Raju also got sentimental. He said in choked voice- Shushi. I never forgot you even for a day. But I could not be what you had dreamed. I am now a part of underworld. Here one enters but does not go out. Better forget me.

Shushi said- Raju. Now I am going. But you will always be mine. I shall get you. 

Raju was arrested and sent to jail 

Six months passed. One day, Shushi read in a newspaper:

A big drug racket. Police seized several godowns containing prohibited drugs. Police made many arrests.

Sushi found one name 'Raj Kumar' with photo in the new item. This was Raju's. Sushi fell in tears. She rushed to Allahabad. She met Raju in jail.  Raju said- Shushi. I am a criminal and under trial prisoner. Please do not waste your time on me. Live peacefully and marry a gentleman.  

Sushi said in tears- How you dare talk so. Good or bad, angel or devil. You were mine. You are mine. You will be mine. I shall wait till you are reformed. I may wait till end of my life. 

Sushi said further: May I request you some thing?

Raju: Why request. Just command. 

Sushi told him to face the criminal proceedings and continue his studies.  This he could do even through distant learning. 

The trial in court went on for about a year. Meanwhile, Raju graduated from university through distant learning. He was reformed. He admitted his guilt in court.  He was sentenced to two years imprisonment.

On release from jail, Raju went to Meerut. He joined law. He married Sushi.

Now Raju is an eminent advocate.

One day, Sushi said- I am happy you are so surprisingly reformed.

Raju: This is magic of love. I am reformed lover. As a child, I saved you from manhole. Now you have saved me from the underground gutter. But a criminal is always criminal. Now I am criminal advocate.    

Both had a loud laugh.