Part 15 : Kalindi made Sumati against Anirudh
When Kalindi introduced herself as Bonditha’s father Peshi
Anirudh started : “So you have come back to krishnanagar after 14 years, am I correct?”
Kalindi: yes,
A: which piligrimages have you visited.
K: we have stayed in kashi, haridwar, prayaga and covered all the piligrimages. Later my grandson earned a job in British officer company, he left me in gaya and went to Britain. Shomik has met me in gaya only.
A: Till then, how did you make your living
K: we have lands in Durgapur, so we sold it and settled in pilgrimages.
A: As per krishnanagar panchayat verdict, your punishment to leave away from village is completed 3-4 years ago only. Then why didn’t you come back.
K: I felt more peaceful in pilgrimages, so I spent my time in doing penance.
A: The one who spent most of the time in penance will be more peaceful, try to find positivity in other’s words. But you are trying to find faults in me. Ok, leave it. How long back did you come here.
K: I came 2 hours before, I listened to all your talks
A: oh, you are listening to our talks secretly. Why , you could have come in our house and listened. But no, you came at a particular time where Sumati ma is offended by my decision and instigating her against us.
K: Have you observed this Sumati, what this zamindar is trying to prove? Am I instigating you. Yes, I have stayed silently behind the mob because it is your family matter, till sometime before my Yogendra daughter is your wife and I am just a relative. So I didn’t involve, but you have insulted my Yogendra daughter in mob by cutting off ties with her. So being an elder relative of her father’s side, isn’t it my responsibility to interfere. You are blaming me that as if I am a culprit. Sumati, bring our Bonditha. We shall leave to our krishnanagar now. Without having relationship, why should our girl stay here. Let us leave now with Bonditha.
These zamindar, whenever they want they will tie with relationships, when they don’t want they will leave in middle. Many years ago, it was happened with me by kailashnath RC, grandfather of ARC. Even now grandson is also walking in his grandfather’s footsteps, by pretending as if he is doing favor for our Bonditha.”
Bonditha told Anirudh “I don't want to go to Krishnanagar by stopping my studies. She is instigating my mother against you”
Anirudh realized the entire fact. Before he is about to say something, Kalindi did her emotional drama, spoke with Bonditha: “Look at me Bonditha, you are thinking wrong about me. I came from piligrimages after 14 years. Your Shomik kaka had seen me few months ago in Gaya and brought here. My health is spoiled completely after my son’s demise. My grandson Chandrachur is struggling for my medical expenses, working hard for his self respect . I came back to your kaka to revive old relationships, I was completely shattered listening about Yogendra and Tupur death and want to be helpful to your kaka, kaki and Maa. But here you are blaming me by the influence of your pati...no no by the influence of this zamindar ARC. Try to understand who are your well wishers and who are backstabbers. This ARC has backstabbed you, spoiled your future at an important phase in your life.
He actually didn’t want to marry you, he only saved you from sati ritual , as requested by your mother.” Bonditha is shocked, looked at Anirudh who is worried by the truth coming up at unexpected time. She saw at her mother, who nodded as it is fact. Sumati told “He may have married you due to my request, but didn’t want you in his life. It is my mistake to give your responsibility to him. Come Bonditha let us leave now.”
Anirudh folded hands in front of Sumati “ Please don’t say these harsh words, never I have considered her as burden in my life. She is the reason for my survival. She is a raw soil, who should study and make her future. ( with low voice) How can you expect me to start family life with her.”
Sumati “Anirudh Babu, if that is the case, you will have the problem with her at any age. I understood that you want to get rid of her burden. So I am fulfilling your wish. You can live your life happily.”
Bonditha came and asked is it true that you married me only because of my mother’s request. He told “I have married you at that time only to save you from burning alive. But now I am annulling this marriage not to get rid of your responsibility, I will always be there to take up your responsibility throughout my life, you are more precious to me, not at all a burden”.(he told looking at Sumati and Kalindi)
Sumati: Enough jamayi..no no Anirudh Babu, you broke all the ties with her. You need not worry about my daughter now. I am still alive. I will take care. Bonditha stood beside Anirudh holding his hand.
Sumati went to Bondita and told "It is my order Bondita ! will you come with me or not"
Bondita initially refused, but when Sumati gave her promise then she silently came with sumati and kept on looking at Anirudh with tears.
Sampoorna pleaded sumati not to take Bondita away, elders will talk and he will take back his decision. Somnath also requested sumati, for which kalindi replied : " why you both are worried when main person is standing silently. Our girl will come with him if he takes back his decision and accept for all rituals. If he still stand on this marriage annulment, then our girl will not stay with an outsider. People will call with dirty names if a girl stays with a boy without any relationship. I think I need not mention those names."
Anirudh stopped them and told that I have kept silent that doesn't mean either I am wrong in my decision or I will accept your words. I will definitely come to Krishnanagar with all my arrangements. Till then Bondita will be with you.
He spoke with Bonditha by bending near her " Bondita! I promise you that I will comeback. Our relationship is more pious than all these rituals and superstitious customs in this world. You will study and make your own destiny. No one can stop you & I will not allow them. Till then be alert don’t trust any outsiders, always remember the self defence techniques that I taught you (kalindi gave a frowned look)" and he handed over pepper powder packet secretly. She is leaving reluctantly with tears 😭 and Anirudh has also tears in his eyes.
While leaving from main door, some nail has hit her foot and she screamed " Patibabu". He is worried for her, quickly came and about to attend her wound. But kalindi has thrown his hand. Sumati also told that now you have lost this right . She is about to tear her saree and tie it, Somnath came and gave her band-aid, told that he is a doctor and not to ignore her pain irrespective of these circumstances. Sumati reluctantly took it and done the aid. They all left.
Somnath taunted Anirudh that get habituated to see her pain just as an outsider, as you gave up everything for silly reasons. Sampoorna also told with tears that you have always considered her opinions, desires as top priority, but why didn't you observe the pain and love in her eyes today. Because of age gap, will you leave her. How can you underestimate my sister that she will choose other person as her life partner." She left with tears.
Binoy also lashed at Anirudh “you always do whatever you want, you don’t care about elders, RC family prestige in society. Don’t you know that divorce is taken in foreign countries, not in our country,”
but Catherine came after sometime when he is alone appreciated that his intention is genuine, but circumstances will be completely against him. She offered to help him in any situation, also mentioned that she has very good contacts in Calcutta law college as well as in London also. He is in thoughts.
Trilochan didn't come out of room, when Anirudh requested him to open door, he didn't consider telling that "you are habituated to go against elders, you can do whatever you want. Leave me alone."
That night, Anirudh and Bonditha are in deep sorrow and remembering each other. She removed her Suhagan ornaments and turned into simple unmarried girl. Sumati is weeping and bursted that “I didn’t expect that this day will come in my Bonditha’s life. What did that ARC done to my Bonditha.”
At her back, Kalindi is trying to brainwash Bonditha that Anirudh left her at critical age and Phase in life. Tapur came and applying Lep to Bonditha’s leg. Shomik, Rimjhim and Sumati are there listening to Kalindi.
Bonditha recollected tremble in Anirudh’s voice that the ritual they have planned is absolutely wrong, which should not be done by any girl at this age. Also recollected that he wants to file a petition to reconsider girl’s age for marriage. She understood that there is something in this ritual which he is unable to explain properly, or he is scared to explain her. So she felt that she should not come into other’s words and expressed her belief towards Anirudh and told Kalindi the same that “ Her husband is her god, teacher and friend. If he decided to break ties, that means there is a big reason in this. You all only listened to his words, but I listened his unspoken words, saw pain in his eyes, tremble in his voice, I am sure he certainly will not do any wrong to me.” Sumati asked her to come into reality. But Bonditha left silently from there.
2 days later, Trilochan went to farms, making labour to pack fruits. Anirudh came and about to talk. But Trilochan bursted "you never understood my love. Whatever I do is for your welfare. You can only understand my state when your children turns against you."
Anirudh: kaka, did you ever eat fruits when it is raw
Trilochan: no, eating raw fruits is not good for health
Anirudh: then how could you expect an underage girl to start a married life. How could you expect me to start a married life with Bonditha?
Tri: I don't want to argue with you, but at the same time also remember one more thing - Do you really think Bondita will leave you, and chose other person in her life. She loves you to the core.
Ani: That should be expressed by her when the right age comes. Not now.
Tri: Till then, this society will not let her to live happily. She will be called as chodi hui aurat. They will try to blacken her face, character. She can't even take a breath.
Ani: Do you think I will let it happen. Never. I have already done my arrangements. I will convince sumati maa for her secondary education. Today only I am leaving to Krishnanagar.
Tri: Before you leave, I should also tell you about the previous enemity between Tulsipur and Krishnanagar and who is kalindi. He told about the entire circumstances that she is rejected by his father Kailashnath RC when she refused to treat lower caste people, her brother (Bondita's grandfather) is too aggressive in that riots he killed my grandfather and her brother is also killed by our people. For many years 2 villages fought against each other. Only because of your Guruji Surender chatterjee and Bonditha’s father yogendra initiative, the enemity is reduced. Don’t do any such thing that it turns into a big problem.
Anirudh nodded and spoke with reformers, Indrani teacher and all left to krishnanagar.
In krishnanagar, they first met village head, also took him with them and left to Kalindi house. Bonditha is completely devastated, sat silently. Kalindi is brainwashing Sumati that zamindars are not to be believed, they won’t keep their promise. Anirudh made an entry with all the people into Kalindi house and told that “You are absolutely wrong. I will always keep my promise.” Bonditha is delighted to see him , went to him and embraced him with joy. He happily placed his hand on her head. Sumati asked her to leave him and follow manners infront of outsiders. She left him reluctantly and later wished her teacher Indrani. Kalindi is worried to see village head, who is a relative of her husband’s side. Village head Devnath took her blessings and introduced social reformers and Indrani.
Later they all gathered in hall and all explained Sumati that it is for Bonditha’s welfare only. She need to study and make her future. Kalindi and Sumati gave their version that she is abandoned by her husband, if she is in RC house, whatever decision is taken by Anirudh is acceptable but not after breaking their relationship. Girls education will not be allowed by society,..all.
Devnath told that "After you left Krishnanagar, there are lot of changes taken here. Brahmo Samaj people are influencing society that girls should be educated for a better life and my daughter is also pursuing secondary education in her sasural with her husband's support. Now a days groom want bride to get educated. Today it may be a fashion or rebellious , but situations are turning like it will become prime necessity tomorrow"
Indrani stood up and explained “ whatever you think it as fault today, will be correct tomorrow. Education is important for everyone. Educated girls will run their house most efficiently than illiterate house wives. Sumati ji, please remember your life when your husband passed away. Bondita can lead a better life than you in any circumstances. I will take her with me and she will be in my protection. I assure you her safety. Also there are girls hostel in Kolkata. She can also stay there. Please don't stop Bondita and permit her to move ahead in life."
After a lot of heated arguments, finally sumati agreed for bondita's secondary education in Kolkata and also permitted to stay with Indrani or any girl's hostel on condition that Anirudh will not meet her, she should come to Krishnanagar whenever holidays are given.
But Rimjhim raised her objection about expenses in Kolkata city. Anirudh told that he will bear it, but kalindi immediately interrupted and told that being an outsider how will you bear her expenses. She offered that she can bear her expenses in city. Bondita told that she will not take money from anyone either from barrister Babu (she pronounced it straight lay and Anirudh is dejected that Bonditha is moving away from him) or from Thakuma. She told that she will earn her expenses by giving tutions or work in Vishala tailor shop and study. Anirudh is moved by her words. She told with eyes not to raise objection. He kept quiet desparately.
Indrani offered that she will take Bondita with her on that day itself. Sumati agreed, Bondita is packing things to leave. She asked Bonditha infront of Anirudh to swear that she will not meet Anirudh in city for which Bondita agreed.
Anirudh is leaving desparately and suddenly he found a paper thrown on him from top, mentioning that “ Birristera Babu, he can write letters than meeting her and he can look at her” for which he felt happy. They used their key to maintain this as lock and key secret.🤐🤫
Indrani gave her address, asked Tapur also to continue her studies. Finally Bondita came to Kolkata gave her interview in secondary school, got admitted. They offered her scholarship due to her merit in x std, and she is happy for it. Suddenly she found Anirudh shadow besides her. She wrote letter and thrown to him that her admission is confirmed.
He has thrown mentioning 'Bravo Bondita and asked about fees. He is ready to pay it. Insisted not to refuse it " she told that she has saved the pocket money he gave her last year and that will be sufficient for this term. He asked her to wait there, told kulfi selling person to go and give her, he thrown a paper and told not to reject this kulfi and don’t offer money in return. She told that her condition is he should also eat with her, he agreed. They cried happily and ate kulfis.
She went to Indrani house, informed about her admission, for which latter is happy. In krishnanagar, Kalindi furiously asked Sumati “Why are you allowing your daughter for this craziness towards education?”
Sumati answered “ARC has left her, if she is educated at least she may get good alliances in future, also mukhiyaji (Devnath) told that now a days grooms are willing to marry educated girls. Hence I have to accept it. I will send Shomik devar ji to have a continuous check on her. If I find anything fishy I will get her back.”
Kalindi is worried how to convince Sumati for Bonditha’s marriage with Chandrachur. She later met Chandrachur who is staying separately in krishnanagar and told everything. He rebuked on his Thakuma for letting Bonditha to move to city for higher studies. She told that Anirudh came with social reformers, and our village head Devnath who is your chacha by relation also supported in Bonditha’s education. He fumed with anger , but asked to give Bonditha’s address. She gave him and asked what is his plan. He told that “Bonditha is alone in city, I can easily manipulate her and make her mine.”
Kalindi rebuked “You should not touch her before marriage. I am fed up with your lifestyle, can’t bear your affairs anymore. I have already faced a lot with your father and you have also created no less trouble. I am no more ready to bear anything. I am getting old, also I have killed my nephew (Bonditha’s father) with my own hands. This guilt is killing me daily. Whenever I go near Durga maa to pray for your welfare, I am unable to meet her eyes. I only want you to genuinely marry Bonditha, start a respectful life. As told by astrologer, the person who marries Bonditha will be long lived, will attain great respect in society. This is the reason I want her as my bahu at any cost. When she married Anirudh I thought she is gone from our hands. But we got another chance, you should change from heart and should become ideal like Anirudh. I also want to spend my remaining life peacefully with Sumati, Shomik, Rimjhim and you. It is very painful to live like orphans when we have our relatives. Try to understand what I am telling you.”
Chandrachur told “ You don’t worry Thakuma, I will introduce myself as the most honorable person to Bonditha and win her trust and love , definitely marry her.” He thought in mind: “I am so disappointed that I am unable to marry her 3 years ago. Now after seeing her photo in news paper I am mesmerized with her beauty. ARC is such an idiot who has left her when she is in teenage phase, the most beautiful stage and phase in life. I will use this chance and this time I will not let her go away.” Chandrachur also left to Kolkata.
In Kolkata, Anirudh took a house besides Indrani house and observing her silently through window. She started giving tuitions to few students along with her teacher and struggling with new life style. Anirudh also started living with the same amount which Bonditha is earning. He started preparing notes for her, as she will be exhausted after school and tuitions. She realized that he is staying near by and felt delighted. Daily, he used to follow her when she leaves for school and then he used to leave for court. He is purchasing books, sarees and sending her through Indrani, for which latter initially rejected but accepted by seeing his concern and the lifestyle he is leading like Bonditha.
Chandrachur reached Kolkata and took a house near Indrani house, started observing Bonditha through binoculars.
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