The Campaign Part 8

Without any further delay Trisha got ready for the press conference. She had no idea of what she was going to say. Meanwhile, Geetanjali prepared a speech that Trisha could use.

‘It’s not great but…’ Geetanjali said

‘It’s the best Geetanjali. Thank you so much! Where the hell is Abhay?’ Trisha said in an irritated tone

‘I think he is with the party people, you do know this is party strategy’

‘I know but he should have informed me a day before not at the last minute’

After a while all the party officials including Yogendra ji, the party secretary and Abhay assembled at the Rao residence’s front porch. A few chairs and tables were aligned; reporters and media personal were already seated. Yogendra ji started the press conference by stating the reprehensible act of the opposition party.

‘How can such a thing be tolerated, attacking a fellow candidate? Is this the nature of our politics?’

‘But Sir, how can you accuse the opposition for this attack?’ asked one of the reporter. Trisha thought for an answer but she wasn’t sure if her attacker was from the opposition or it was someone from her own party.

‘Who else do you think it could be Miss? As you all are aware of Miss Rao has become a strong candidate from Murukpur constituency’ the secretary answered.

‘But why will she be a threat to the opposition?’ asked another reporter

The party secretary sat quiet, he couldn’t answer that either, just then Trisha stood to speak up

‘Very good morning to all of you, I am pleased that you all are here to show your support for the Raj Mandal Party. This press conference is not for addressing the opposition or anyone; it is for people to know that their leader, Trishala Rao is absolutely fine. We don’t know who was behind that attack, we can only assume the culprits but I assure you that nothing, not even this life threatening accident could stop me from contesting as your leader. So if my attackers are watching this, their competition hasn’t died instead it has just begun’ Trisha concluded and sat back.

‘Raj Mandal Party Zindabaad!’ yelled the party supporters in unison.

‘Those were some strong words Trishala’ said an unfamiliar voice; it was a new face too. He looked anywhere around his late forties and early fifties. He wore specs and sported a French beard.

‘Thank You! I am sorry but who are you?’ Trisha asked

‘Allow me Trisha’ Abhay stepped into their conversation

‘Trisha this is Mr Deepank Sarkar, Raj Mandal party’s strategist and analyst’

‘Oh! So nice to meet you’

‘You too Miss Rao’

‘You know your father and I have known each other for long, in fact this campaign was also an opportunity to meet him, where is the old man anyway?’

‘He must be inside, I will escort you’ Trisha offered

‘Don’t bother. Besides you should be happy I can predict a good outcome for your election’ Mr Sarkar said and left Trisha with Abhay.

‘You were amazing today’ Abhay remarked

‘Really? It came naturally. By the way who invited Mr Sarkar?’

‘I did, he is good at numbers. According to him by this press conference we can expect a 35% higher voter turnout in your favour’

‘Wow! That’s encouraging’

‘Where were your parents?’

‘Oh, they said that they did not want to show their involvement. Basically they do not support it fully and why didn’t you tell me that you had told them?’ Trisha asked

‘I forgot’ Abhay replied

‘This is the worst excuse that you could give me’

‘Well then take it, I need not say anymore’

                                                                                   ***

The press conference ended with a satisfying result, Trisha’s news was covered in all leading newspapers. In the following week, Trisha went to every house to ask for support one last time, she gave repeated speeches at Kibla and other villages, Abhay and Geetajali accompanied her everywhere. One of her meet clashed with the opposition. At the end of the week the election commission announced the date of results; it was three days after the polling.

2 DAYS BEFORE THE POLLING

‘It’s going to be great!’ Geetanjali said to Trisha, who had been suffering from anxiety pans.

‘Calm down Trisha’ Abhay advised

‘I don’t know it’s too much to handle’ Trisha groaned

‘Look, I need to go. Call me if you need me’ Abhay said

‘Yeah, how’s Dadi?’ Trisha asked

‘Not good, the doctor says that she hasn’t got much time’

‘What nonsense? Dadi is going to be alright, can I come along?’

‘Yeah why not’

‘Maa, I am going to Abhay’s place, please pack our dinner!’

*The Campaign to be concluded in the next two parts!