Part 12 FF: Bondita in the teenage phase, sampoorna delivery time
Anirudh standing outside of waiting room for Bonditha in Deenpur station. she came changing clothes. He asked how is she feeling now. She said ok and asked where shall we go now. He replied that we are leaving to Kolkata. She asked ‘Are we doing any wrong by leaving our family and accepting defeat. How can we stay alone leaving all.’ He replied ‘To achieve a great success, we have to accept a simple defeat. This time, no one are in a mood to listen our intentions. Let some time go on. When we reach our goal successfully everyone will understand what we are trying to prove. Rajeswari ji and other villagers will not allow you to study there. Now you are going to join in 10th standard, which is a crucial class and time in education life.
After completing X standard, you will be joining in secondary school, which we don't have college in Tulsipur. So after 1 year you may have to leave our village for higher studies. Now situation has forced us to leave earlier, even I am also getting more cases and should keep on visiting Kolkata. So it is better we shift there,” she sat silently, he took her hand in his hands and asked “Don’t you believe me.” She replied ‘I believe you more than god. I am thinking of you. I got habituated in new place leaving my mother. But how can you adjust leaving your family members. Why everyone are blaming you? Especially Somnath jamayi Babu who used to be very friendly with you. But he has suddenly changed, not at all bothering about you.’
Anirudh replied ‘ everyone are blaming even you also Bonditha. With these difference of opinions, if we stay together hatred will increase if we come away from them, there are chances that hatred may decrease.’ Just then they heard train sound. They boarded the train and left to Kolkata.
In Tulsipur, Trilochan sat near mandir thinking about Anirudh Bonditha. He is in thoughts “Why all these happened. Why did they leave. Can’t they take 2 -3 harsh words from elders? Whatever I say, it is for their safety only. Where did they go now and how can they live alone.
Gowri and shubra behen will be weeping by seeing the house situation. The house is divided and it happened when I am alive. What will our ancestors think of me, that I am incapable to maintain unity in our family.” He kept on weeping.
Binoy came and consoled him, told that you have taken care of my children more than me after shubra’s demise. It is Anirudh’s fault for not listening to elders, he also made his wife like him. Leave it dada. You should be happy that soon you are going to become grandfather. Live happily with your son, daughter-in-law. When they don’t have elders shadow, they will understand what they lost and will be back, repenting for their mistake’. Trilochan nodded.
Sampoorna with mama mami are extremely happy that their daughter is the only malkin of the house. They thought to be more careful and obedient to get the treasure keys.
In Kolkata, they went with luggage to a duplex house having separate portions. Bondita asked 'whose house is this' . Anirudh told that 'I spoke with my friend when you went to change in Deenpur station and he gave this house address. He also spoke with house owner.'
House owner are middle age couple Kashiram and Vishala came and gave welcome to the couple. Vishala stopped them , gave Aarti and told that she have already made servant to clean the house and will send them food.
They introduced about their family told that they have a daughter named Ambika 15 years who got married but her husband Jagadish is an engineer want her to have minimum education. They also have a son named Vishnu of 8 years. He is a mischievous boy and called Bonditha as didi. They are happy with him.
When Bonditha tried to befriend with Ambica, she didn’t care much about her. Anirudh paid them rent. They unpacked all the things, Bondita first arranged his books in order. Later Vishala brought food for them and they thanked her. She became dull thinking if all family members took their food or not, he cheered her up and they both fed each other.
He taught her the route places and directions to provisional stores, clinic in Kolkata, made her remember court phone number. He also took her to court once she is mesmerized by the environment and he reminded her ambition that after finishing barristry she will also come here regularly.
After few days, he managed to get her certificates. Bhatuk also visited once and felt bad that they are ousted from family, entire Tulsipur village. He is completely changed with a little mustache and beard, his voice is also slightly changed. Anirudh Bonditha amazed to see him, Anirudh asked ‘how can you manage to come alone , are you not afraid?’ He laughed and told ‘dada, I am no more a little kid now. I can travel alone to any place. I took ticket, boarded train and came here.’
He expressed his hatred towards kaka, Somnath dada and Sampoorna boudi. He told that he won’t visit them again. Anirudh asked not to develop hatred towards own family members. Misunderstandings will come and go, but we all are a family. He stayed with them for 2 days, played with Vishnu. Like earlier, he is not playing with Bonditha, when Anirudh and Bonditha are talking in room, he is knocking the door and seeking permission to come in, he asked Bonditha to sit with Anirudh while taking food. Directly or indirectly he is teasing them,
Bonditha once asked for these changes. He told that neither you nor I are kids boudi, Gowri kaki once told that when we are growing, she asked me to respect you like sister. In Tulsipur, When you and Dada are talking in study room, I was about to come, kaki immediately told that when husband and wife are in room, other person should knock the door and go. So I am behaving as per her instructions. She felt a strange feeling, want to be happy that she is growing want to be sad that she cannot play like before. While leaving, he asked both to take care of themselves as there are no one left for him. Anirudh embraced him, Asked him to come again whenever he get holidays.
Bhatuk gave him typewriter as gift, he insisted that he should not reject this else he will feel bad. Bonditha asked for what occasion you are giving this gift to your brother. Bhatuk replied that his dada’s 23rd birthday is coming in August. Don’t you know that. So I am giving this as an advanced birthday gift. I have saved money to give present. She is surprised and felt guilty for not knowing her Patibabu birthday, decided to celebrate it in a grand way.
She got admitted in same school and class where Ambica is studying. Bonditha is very happy that she got other 3 girls as classmates, have separate washrooms for girls. Anirudh also delighted that she got girls in her class and their neighbor Ambika is her classmate he felt a bit relaxed, involved in his barristry along with working in a company as part time to meet ends. She didn’t understand why Ambica is not talking with her much, she offered her food in lunch time in school and asked the exact reason.
Ambica told that I am not interested in studies or in my husband, but my husband want me to get educated. If I complete X std successfully he will take me to his house. Bonditha asked ‘What is the problem with studies.’ She told that all subjects are very tough and my mind always want to go to dramas. Also my husband is 10 years elder than me, he always talk about education, values, and want me to stand with him equally. He neither give me beautiful gifts like gajra, sarees, jewelry nor talk with me lovingly like shown in dramas. Very boring person.’ The other two girls are Sanghavi and yamini also joined their talk.
Bondita asked 'Love, Your husband is making you educated, he is giving an opportunity to complete your dreams. You need not be scared if anyone stops you from studying. What else you want.’
She laughed at Bonditha and told ‘ Dreams, I only dream to be loved by someone. I am not interested in studies. why are you acting like innocent girl, Bonditha? Don’t you know that husband will love his wife, will your husband not talk lovingly, will he not bring gajra for her. You are staying with him. How can you be unaware of all these things.’
Bonditha didn’t say anything. She felt ambiguous , some kind of feeling is spreading in her not understanding what to say, also at the same time feeling irritated on herself for these illusionary thoughts. she want to be angry on Ambika or belittling studies but cannot be completely angry with her, also want to feel something , but not getting how to react.
Sanghavi also told that her marriage will happen by next year this time. Yamini , 16 years age girl scolded both of them that we got an opportunity to study, asked Bonditha not to come into their words. With much difficulty, we got an opportunity to come to school and read. I am a daughter of freedom fighter. Today our country is considered as slave to Britishers. We should study hard and get good success in life. All these talks are just fantasy. He used to say that We have lot of time for these stuff. Lunch period is finished . It’s biology class. She has a lady teacher Indrani for biology subject in class which she felt very happy and can happily discuss with her.
On Sunday she saw Ambika talking with a guy from distance. She thought may be he is her husband. When Ambika returned back, she asked ‘Why don’t you invite your husband inside home. You could have offered something to eat or drink.’ Ambika felt tensed and stammered, told that ‘He is having an important work, he told that he will come later on.’ Saying so, she left into home. Bonditha felt something fishy.
Anirudh Bonditha are sharing maximum house hold works, he is trying his best not to put any work pressure on Bondita. He arranged for telephone in home. They first called to Tulsipur house, where Trilochan lifted, he happily told that they are in Kolkata tried to give number but Trilochan disconnected.
Bondita told that she has written 4 letters giving the house address but so far they didn't get reply. All the letters written to Tulsipur RC haveli are torn by mama mami.
Other day her biology teacher Indrani warned Ambika, Sanghavi who are unable to give answers. She warned them to focus on studies and not on unnecessary things. In break time, when Ambika tried to speak ill of teacher, Bonditha understood the nature of Ambika, thought that Ambika and Sanghavi are aimless, whereas Yamini wants to achieve something in life. students gossip that Indrani teacher is rebellious, she left her sasural for studies. Due to brahmo samaj influence, Indrani have completed education in between all the taunts and reprimands from own family members.
Bondita observed that Anirudh struggling hard by doing 2 jobs and going on bicycle to court and evening office. Whenever she saw his bicycle she used to cry in heart, remembering how he used to go in car in Tulsipur. She asked him to take rest, but he told that it is necessary to meet ends.
Bonditha asked ‘Why, don’t you have money.’ He replied ‘I have saved money for your school expenses, and any medical emergency. I should also keep separate savings for your Barristry course in London which is very costly. For remaining needs, I am doing another job and soon the company may take me as legal head.’ She felt happy, and told that she will do Barrister course here only. He told that we will decide once you finish 10th, 12 th .
She also started working in free time in tailor shop of kashiram. Vishala is also a tailor who used to stitch ladies sarees, blouses in that area. Bonditha also helped her by designing blouses, and started saving her earned amount in savings box to buy a birthday present for Anirudh.
Initially he asked why are you doing other works than studying. She told that she is doing other works only after studying. Anirudh also understood that Ambika focus is not on studies and worried that if Bonditha will be affected by Ambika. Once he asked her all the questions in all subjects, when she gave all answers he felt satisfactory and praised ‘Bravo Bonditha’. She assured him that she will not let his hardwork go in vain. He asked her to take rest after she completes her studies, he will manage everything.
With her new designs, kashiram, Vishala has gained popularity in that area, they gained more amount and paid to Bonditha her share. With the help of kashiram, she made a coat for him as birthday present.
Anirudh’s birthday: On his birthday, she kept flowers and greeting card in his room, decorated the house with flowers. When he woke up he is amazed to see this. She came and wished him. He is delighted, also embarrassed and asked ‘what is necessary for all these arrangements Bonditha?’ She asked ‘Did I ask when you make anything for me. Then why are you asking me. Please get ready and come fast. This is your birthday present.’ She has shown him the present.
He is surprised but at the same time asked her suspiciously 'From where did you get money.' she felt tensed and told ' the money which you are giving daily while going to school , I used to save it.' he told ' Although you have saved it, but this is very costly your pocket money will not be sufficient..tell me you have done something more to get this expensive coat...how can you manage to get this.."
she got angered and told 'I didn't rob money or cheated anyone. With my hardwork I have got this.' he recollected how kashiram once with trick took his measurements, how she used to stitch clothes but not wearing the clothes she have stitched.. shouted on her 'So you have worked for our house owners to buy this coat. Am I right?"
She kept silent, he continued.."why are you deviating from your ambition? Do you know how will I feel that you are working hard to get a present for me. You will be going to school, working hard there, you also do household work and in addition you are doing part-time job. Why Bondita why? Why are you stressing your self? Did I ask you to do this? All these extra works will make you deviate from your studies, ambition. Your health will also be spoiled.”
Just then Kashiram, vishala came with sweets and kashiram scolded him after Bondita silently left with tears. "she is your wife. Will she not have responsibility, affection on you. I observed that you are shouting like anything. She has not deviated from studies, infact she is doing all these works along with her studies. She is not wasting money on unnecessary things like my daughter and started saving only for you. If a wife doesn't think of her husband, for whom she will think. Anirudh babu, she is a growing girl. You are not supposed to shout on her like a kid. Grown up girls should be treated delicately. She used to shed tears whenever you go to court on cycle. Even she also feel sad when you are doing double jobs to meet the ends. Don't be harsh with your wife.”
Vishala gave sweets and asked him to pacify his wife. He got ready, with new coat which Bondita got stitched. She sat dull( Muh phulake.) He thanked her for the precious gift. She asked 'do you like it' he said 'yes' and apologized for shouting on her. He caught hold of ears and tears rolled from eyes . She wiped his tears. He praised that coat is really nice. She felt happy.
Next month, while Anirudh Bonditha are in market, they saw some mob gathering at a place and went to see what happened. They saw mayhem going on and in that process a person is hit. When they both went near him, they are Somnath and Sampoorna with last trimester pregnancy , immediately Anirudh Bondita came running. They were surprised but quickly took him to near by hospital, got aid for his wounds.
Sampoorna with tears told that he want me to join in hospital for delivery & he got an offer to work in hospital, as my father looted patients in Somnath hospital, took alcohol and fought with British officer, kept in jail, with much difficulty sasurji (Trilochan) got him released. when confronted they both stole my jewelry and ran away, Somnath name is spoiled in Tulsipur and nearby villages. He got job here, so we came, mayhem is going on and a British police is about to hit another person, it accidentally fell on Patibabu (Somnath)head. Bonditha assured that he will be fine .
Just then Somnath gained consciousness, thanked Anirudh and felt guilty unable to face him, folded hands infront of Anirudh Bondita, about to touch feet, but stopped by them.
‘When life has given another chance to both of us, instead of showing broad mindedness we became selfish.From ages, our’s is a joint family, always stayed united and because of my selfish reasons, we are separated. I have not seen how much you both have cried, I made you both feel as orphans in our own home. Being a doctor, I told a girl who have periods for the first time as inauspicious for my pregnant wife. Even I also supported blind beliefs. I am unforgivable..’Somnath bursted into the tears and sat on kneels, Anirudh consoled him and told that ‘If we want to forgive you, you both should come to our house without any other word.’
At the same time ruckus have started near by and they quickly left the place and reached home.
They introduced Somnath Sampoorna to kashiram Vishala couple and took them to upside. Sampoorna bursted Into tears that due to me, you brothers have dispute, and you came here adjusting in a small house. They told that it is not like that, May be by next year due to my Career and Bonditha’s college education we may shift here, due to these disturbances we came early, Bonditha served food to all.
After a while, Sampoorna started feeling pain and moaned lightly as labor pains have started. At the same time, ruckus have spread in entire city against britishers. People are unable to go out. Somnath is hell worried about Sampoorna. Bonditha asked Anirudh what is going to happen. He replied that baby will come after a while. She recollected her subject and in thoughts.
Sampoorna started screaming, Bonditha asked Anirudh then why my sister is screaming,he asked Somnath to take her into bedroom. Just then Vishala came up listening to the screams offered them help. She asked Bonditha to get some more ladies in opposite house, hot water.
Somnath and Vishala are with Sampoorna. Anirudh worried for sampoorna , also if this affects Bonditha. However Somnath asks her to stay outside. 2 more old women came for help but hesitated infront of Somnath, about to leave.
Anirudh, Somnath folded hands and told “we are like your sons. Will a Mother feel ashamed infront of sons. Please help us in this difficult situation ‘
She asked Anirudh 'why my sister is screaming, will it be painful.' he replied ' stomachache will come for sometime and gradually the pain will be reduced.we will Go and pray Durga maa to give strength to your sister' they did.
She is worried and want to come inside. Somnath who saw this and requested her to get old clothes or sarees. She went on work. Anirudh felt relief that if Bonditha sees this delivery she may have lot of questions in mind.
Somnath wants to buy some injections, Anirudh told that he will get it from near by clinic and left. Bonditha gathered all the sarees , she saw Somnath pacifying Sampoorna ‘ Nothing will happen. Look into my eyes. Think about our happy moments. Your fear will become less.’ Sampoorna does the same by catching his hand, (women felt it ackward) and she endured the pain.
After a while, Bonditha heard 2 babies crying. It’s a boy and a girl for Somnath. Vishala took the babies to clean them, later neatly wrapped them in cloth. Somnath is extremely happy and Anirudh also expressed his happiness.
Bonditha sat beside Sampoorna and babies only. Anirudh just came with injections, heard the news and embraced Somnath in happiness. They all thanked Vishala and other women for the help. Somnath called Tulsipur haveli and informed the news. He informed everything and told that they are in Anirudh’s house and with their help only, I, sampoorna And my 2 kids are safe.
Trilochan cried deeply, went near Durga maa and apologized for his cruelty towards Anirudh and Bonditha . He announced his happiness to Bihari, koyli. Somnath again called and asked him to come to Kolkata only. They will do naming ceremony in Anirudh Bonditha presence for which Trilochan agreed.
Bondita sat with Sampoorna and asked ‘Are you feeling much pain.’ Sampoorna replied ‘I am feeling better now. When my Patibabu caught my hand and assured nothing will happen, I gained courage and got strength to endure this pain. After seeing my children, my pain is vanished.’
Bonditha asked ‘How is the pain. Will it be more than pain that occur during menstrual cycle.’ Sampoorna replied ‘we should not see how much pain we are suffering. We should only see how much courage our loved ones are giving us. If my mother is present here also, I would not be courageous, but it is only because of my husband, I have endured this pain.’They smiled and Bonditha is in thoughts.
Sampoorna is recovered, Trilochan came after 4 days and they both took his blessings. He expressed his guilt for not understanding them, they asked him to go and see kids.
In that night they gave their bedrooms to Trilochan, Somnath, sampoorna and both of them with bihari koyli slept in hall. Trilochan realized that they are living in separate rooms, he expressed his displeasure infront of Somnath. Latter adviced that we should not force anything on anybody. Relationships may affect. With much difficult we won their affection, and should not lose it. I have observed that they are concerned about eachother than before. If we leave them to their condition, they will come closer naturally. Somnath left to sleep and Trilochan is looking at them
On naming ceremony day, Bonditha decorated house with flowers, Anirudh called for pandit, kashiram couple with their children came as guests to attend function.
Ambika, Vishala , Bihari, koyli helped Bonditha in arrangements, Sampoorna returned Bonditha’s jewelry and told: ‘I have forcefully snatched your jewelry, god has punished me through my parents snatching my jewelry.’ But Bonditha made her to wear most of the ornaments and told that my real jewelry is my education, when sampoorna insisted and sweared on her, I will take some ornaments for your satisfaction.
Trilochan made a call to Binoy and asked him to attend function. Binoy is in tension , thinking how to inform this thing to my family members. Naming ceremony is started and Somnath, Sampoorna asked Anirudh Bondita to name kids. At first they rejected but everyone insisted. They kept names as Satish, Saswati. All are happy and blessed the kids.
A widow, Gauri met her long lost friend Omkara in a family function, who still ...
Life Journey of two people poles apart in career, status and style. One is the ...
Drabbles for Shrimad Ramayana Contest
Comments (0)
View all