Bindiya.... A small town FBR (Part-4)

She then went on to unwind her past: “We originally belonged to Khurja, a small town in west UP. My father was a daily wage mason and my mother used to work in various home as maid, in short we were quite poor and were barely able to live a contended life. I also had a brother named Tilak who was 4 years elder to me; he was a strong man of nearly 6 feet in height. In spite of poor condition my parents were determined to give us education and make us stand on our feet. I was really fond of studying but Tilak was more interested in all other activities except studies. He some how managed to pass 10th standard, and immediately after passing 10th he joined a diploma course related to machine repairing and management. This somehow turned out to be his area of interest and after 2 years he passed out with good marks. Because of that he was recruited as mechanic in well known factory of our area. His recruitment brought a lot of cheer in our family as he was the first person in our family who started bringing monthly salary to home. Though his salary was not much but it was good enough that we started living comfortably in our current status. I continued then with my studies. With all his hard work and dedication soon he got promoted to the level of floor supervisor. His salary was also hiked, he then made my father stopped working and we even moved to a better one room house on rent. One thing that was peculiar with my brother was his attitude towards me. He never treated me like a girl and any time when mother used to shout at him saying it’s not a girls task, he fought with mom and convinced her that our Bindiya is not like rest. It was because of him only I learned riding cycle at age when other kids used to drive 3 wheeler cycles. After becoming floor supervisor, Tilak purchased a second hand Passion, and right on the day when he brought at home, he took me out in field and asked to learn it as quickly as possible. When I showed some reluctance that it is meant for boys, he went out of his mind and yelled to me that what is so special in it and he has seen in movies and TV that girls do drive bike. I then agreed and he went on teaching me basics for some time. It then became a usual habit for me to learn bike whenever he used to return from his job. Within 10 days of learning I developed confidence to take bike on road. Following Tilak’s direction I took bike on road and seeing first time a girl driving bike, almost entire Khurja had their finger in their mouth. Mom too spotted us and when we came back another round of arguments started. After all, my brother was my brother and it was impossible for anyone to win him is arguments. Finally everyone had to accept the fact that I will be driving bike now onwards. Tilak used to have his weekly off thusrday’s, so when the next Thursday came, he ordered me to go to school on bike rather cycle. My mom knew there was no point arguing with Tilak gave instant permission. I then took my bike for the first time all alone. Every one was simply watching me when I was passing through the streets. When I reached school everyone who saw me almost fainted. It was first time when someone was coming to school on bike and that too a girl. Almost at the same time our principal came on his scooter. Seeing me parking my bike gave me complement and said that I am just like my brother but cautioned me that unlike my brother I should take my studies seriously. I nodded my head in assurance. Days past away fast and with in 2 years I passed my 10th with 82% marks. This was a new record in our town, Tilak almost gone mad; he threw a grand part inviting his close friends and relatives. We all had fun for the entire night. It was then he announced that he will help me to get best of the studies and fulfill my aspiration to become software engineer. He then got me admitted to school relatively far from the current as this school was only up to 10th. I was bit reluctant in going that far, but he assured that he will soon find out a way. He then got his shift adjusted in such a way that in morning we both used to leave together and after dropping him at his factory I used to take bike to my school. On coming back I used to leave bike at his factory and come to home by rickshaw. Even in this school I was the only one coming on bike. My classmates used to get all amused spotting me on bike; they even tried to follow me on their bicycles but of no use. Tilak always used to give me opportunity to drive bike and felt proud in sitting pillion. He always used to say that whatever he missed in life, he will make me do all that and when I will earn handsome amount of money he will sit back at home and relax. One day he took me to karate classes and got me admitted there also. When I asked why, he told that I should be capable of defending my self in odd situations. After 12 months of practice I achieved Black belt and gave him reason to celebrate again. It was approximately during that time, when we were returning a bit late, he asked me to halt near the pan shop for some time; suddenly 2 guys started commenting on me, when he returned back I complained to him. He got furious and instead of saying anything to them started shouting at me that is this what for which I have passed my black belt. He further asked me to go and fight and if any thing happens other way then he will step in between. This gave me enough power and I ran towards them, though they were big but they were no match in front of my skills and within minutes they were biting dust after failing to bear my hard fists, punches and reverse kicks. They then laid flat on ground holding my feet and begging for life. Tilak enjoyed the whole scene and was clapping and whistling in appreciation. Others too spotted this scene and clapped for me in appreciation. Since Khurja was a small time, this news spread like fire and also reached my school, I believe none of the boys in my school even dared to misbehave with me. One or two even volunteered to apologize for teasing me by calling ladder, etc because of my height. Time kept on passing and I soon passed by 12th class with 78% marks. Tilak was again happy and threw a party in appreciation. Then came the most challenging task of pursuing the degree course. Engineering being expensive course was out of our reach. In fact we were not aware that government provides education loan, otherwise I could have tried for that course also. After lot of research Tilak came to know that there is one degree college in our town where BSc computer science course is available. I took admission in that course. There I came to know about B level course of DOEACC society which is equivalent to MCA. I then applied for foundation course of O level and hence started my journey. Since this college was also far, Tilak worked out the same arrangement as earlier so that I could concentrate on studies. When it came to practical’s, it brought a new problem, our college was not in good condition and computers were too old to teach some thing updated. Tilak even came out with a solution for that problem, he successfully convinced his manager to let me use his PC after office hours. Every day I used to visit his factory after office hours and learn areas of my interest. All of us were hopeful that better days are not far and when from zero we have achieved so much then rest is not far. Everything was going fine till one day when I went to Tilak’s factory for daily exercise, It was the day when my semester results were out, I got the highest marks in my college. Overriding with joy on my achievement I drived my bike at the highest speed possible and rushed to Tilak’s factory. But when I reached there the situation was not like the other days, emergency alarm was raised and while parking I saw an ambulance rushing from factory to hospital. Fearing the worst I ran towards his floor and enquired to one of workers there about has happened. He told me that a big part of machine fall down accidentally hurting 3 workers out of them Tilak is also one who got badly injured. On hearing I broke down and felt like entire surrounding has been filled with darkness. His manager then consoled me and asked me rush to the hospital. I then run to parking, took my bike and drove down at even higher speed to my home, with heavy breath I cracked the news to my parents and asked to rush to the hospital. I then took both of them to the hospital on same bike. If this would have any other circumstance then my parent would have certainly not opted to sit behind me, but this was the crises hour and reaching hospital at the earliest was priority. When we reached there Tilak was already in the operation theatre for surgery. After 4 heavy hours doctor came out, our eyes brightened seeing him. At that point of time he was like god to us, when we enquired about Tilak he told in heavy voice, Tilak wore the heaviest impact in order to save fellow workers, though his life is saved but the impact was so hard that his lower half of body has been paralyzed, this may or may not get corrected with time. Mon and Dad almost fainted on hearing his words, I also wanted to cry as hard as possible but seeing their condition only option left with me was to support them. I could very clearly foresee all my ambition getting shattered like glass. Tilak was discharged from hospital after 15 days, his company paid the entire expenses and also gave some compensation since it was not possible for him to work now. It is was during these days that my O level result was declared and as expected I secured distinction in that also, but all that was good for nothing now. With the help of compensation that Tilak got we tried showing him to some good doctors but situation didn’t improved. When the compensation money drained out meeting his medical expense, it was the turn of his savings which he saved for my higher studies. Though he resisted a lot but we all decided otherwise. We even tried in nearby big cities but situation remained unchanged. Finally we sold off his bike also. It was of no use for us since my parents didn’t allowed to go out on bike fearing worst for me also. I also agreed to their demands as that was not the right time to fight for rights. One day when the situation came that we didn’t even have money to meet daily expenses, mom started working in homes as maid like before, while dad took a job as a watchman as he was not that much physically fit. On seeing all this Tilak gradually went into deep depression and under that stroke he silently consumed poison one night and passed away with out make a single noise. On his suicide note he clearly mentioned that he is not able to see the disastrous condition of his family and he is more of burden now so it’s better to get rid of life and reduce burden. He also instructed me to complete my studies by whatever means and it is last wish that I become software engineer one day and perhaps that only his soul will rest in peace. But there was no way that could have helped in fulfilling his last wish. By that time I had passed my first year securing highest marks again but couldn’t arrange for second year fees in time. I also thought that it would be too selfish on my part to carry out my studies when parents are struggling to get 2k rupees in a month. I also tried for some job as per my qualification town was too small to get a job. I then took some small time accounting job in a shop which fetched me 500 rupees a month and few tuitions to maths which fetched me another 250 rupees. It was under these circumstances we stretched our lives for 2 years before I got proposal from Prem for marriage. My parents agreed immediately and so did I, this is how I landed up at your house”. When she stopped it was already 10 in the night, tears were flowing like river from the eyes of both. Rahul wanted to ask to few more questions but Bindiya reminded him to move towards home showing watch and assured him that she will answer all questions today itself. They then raced towards home, Rahul while going back was obviously very sad and in that mood he silently kept his head on her shoulder and waited for home to come. She then parked the bike and both of them marched to Rahul’s bedroom. Both of them took their respective places and Rahul further carried “Well I didn’t understood one thing that when you were black belt then you could have worked as Karate trainer as well”, “Well I tried that option as well but being a small town, school was very small and another trainer or assistant was not required, I could have easily got the job in nearby city but my parents after that mishap didn’t even allowed to step out of home, I only sat back and learned household activities. Since physical work reduced a lot, I put up weight as well, infact you can not imagine how much physically fit I was at that time” she replied explaining more than required. “What about your decision to marry Prem, what exactly lead you to that, as I believe he is not at all a match for you” Rahul further enquired. “Prem first spotted me in one of the marriage. Prem was very much keen to marry a pretty girl. In our community it is not possible to find a better looking girl than me. When he saw me, he first enquired about our family background. When he cam to know that our financial condition is pathetic, he immediately send the marriage proposal, without even enquiring about the past, even till day he doesn’t know my complete history. My parents could not have expected a better groom considering our condition. I tried to resist since his height was considerably lesser than mine, but my parents insisted me to go on, a biggest factor that contributed in this decision was his job in Gurgaon. I took it as an opportunity to explore my further studying options and fulfill dreams that Tilak saw for me, but I doubt I will be able to do all that since Prem’s attitude is highly negative”, she completed her explained her stand and raised her shoulders exhibiting hopeless situation. Rahul then further went on various other things her approach and future plans and finally announced bringing a loud cheer in this on his face “you will achieve what ever you have missed. I have framed a foolproof plan so chill out babes”.

Though Bindiya was skeptical on what was going on in Rahul’s mind. She feared that it might not be that easy the way Rahul is planning. She asked Rahul what he has planned. Rahul then unveiled his plans “Well I have not planned much, but a simple give and take type of relation. God has given you everything in abundance apart from money and I though I have money in am not perfect in most of the things. So I will help you by raising your awareness level so that you can select the right and shortest course, getting fund raised for supporting education etc and what you have to do for me is to help me studies since you are brilliant in that, help me in learning bike since you are a vivid driver and help me in getting stronger and fitter as you already committed that you possess black belt”. “Is this possible?” she again got skeptical. “Well yes, but oweness lies on you, remember if you want to achieve your goal, then be prepared to manage everything, I mean right from this home to your home, Prem, me, your studies and might be another part time job which may be required to get more cash”, he replied. “What about Prem, how he will agree”, Bindiya fired next question, “Well as I told you yesterday, he will realize your importance with time. He is perfect at household activities and you want to create your position in outside world, in other words you both complement each other, once he will realize this fact you both will be a happy couple” Rahul gave another convincing reply. After thinking thoroughly for some time she nodded her head in acceptance with a faint smile. Rahul can easily read the determination which has hiding behind her smile. Rahul looked at his watch and it was 2 a.m., he then asked Bindiya to go for sleep and told her to report at 6 a.m. because she has to take bike teaching class at that time. Bindiya resisted for such early rising that too even after sleeping late, Rahul then tried to motivate her saying “This is what I said, when I said to be determined, mind it I am your manager now and you have to comply with each and every order of mine, is that clear”. Bindiya’s eyes brightened on listening to these words, she then gave a gentle hug to Bindiya and left for her room. That night Rahul couldn’t sleep, time and again he remembered tragic story of Bindiya and many other girls having story to similar to her who sacrifice their life, their ambitions, their everything for others, he was also enthusiastic for the challenge that is going to start from tomorrow. All these missed feeling of joy and sorrow couldn’t let him sleep and suddenly alarm went on breaking the silence and asking him to start his new lesson.

To be contd...