She could not help her eyes to pour. Endless cue of tears make her face crimson. The same color which made Amit fall for her in college. Her Crimson suit, which she still possess. Her journey of life flashed before her eyes like never before. Her evening walks with amit in college campus, mild persuasions to let her go early, sharing plate in canteen always, tennis matches and he cheering her......
After graduating and amit getting a decently paid job they decided to get together forever. Her parents, who always favored, encouraged and respected every decision of their independent daughter raised no question on her choice followed by amit's parents simply nodding for their marriage. "They will never approve at once, i knew this. They are not educated neera, they dont understand our love, for them marriage simply means my auction like every other boy is subjected to in Haryana. But you dont worry, I know u ll make them proud of my choice some day."...said Amit hugging her.
And that some day came soon after her first visit to their home in Akleempur (a village near Gurgaon). Amit's mother smiled after savoring the delicacies she prepared while father was won over by reading out the newspaper aloud. Bhaiya Bhabhi were already impressed by her charm. They came back to gurgaon after their short visit with a promise to come often.
Last year, phone rang early morning and they were summoned to akleempur. Wondering what has happened they both obeyed. On arriving, they saw bhabhi mourning in torn saree at the entrance clenching door. Neera picked her up, wiped her tears while amit went inside. What bhabhi told neera was ghastly. Bhaiya was forced to remarry because bhabhi could not give them a child to run the family further. Soon after bhaiya came out. He held bhabhi's hand to drive her out. She begged and he slapped. Amit watched this mutely while Neera's efforts surrendered before a 6" feet haryanavi.
On way back to Gurgaon, Neera broke the silence by questioning Amit's behaviour to which he justified his family's decision by saying "Aisa he hota h yaha" and neera was stunned...lifeless...Bhabhi gave up to humiliations and insults so left by her choice and bhaiya went on his honeymoon soon after.
Amit's parents always blessed her to beget a Baby boy to which she falsely smiled. Amit has been always been busy with his overseas clients and they gradually moved from rented 1 room flat to their own 3 bedroom flat. It was then they thought of creating a family. Amit hasn't paid attention to their failed copulation but she doubted it after every lovemaking. She finally went for tests and reality strikes her harder. "Anovulatory Infertility" report declared. Her nightmare has come true. A chill went through her nerves and she was dumbstruck. Amit and his family revolved around her eyes.
"Kya isi din k liye laye the tujhe", "Teri buri nazar kisi aur ko na lag jaye" echoed from everywhere....
It was her loss but she mourned more for what awaits her. How will she confront all this. Confident and careless neera has disappeared somewhere. Another victim of Male Dominance is in cue. Her depression gets deeper with every hour going. Amit will come soon. She stood up to come to window. The Gulmohar outside is blossoming with all its might.
I ll leave my Gulmohar soon- she thought. His strong arms will no longer hold me close to him.
Neera ?? You are here. I called you so many times but you didn't respond - Amit come announcing. She turns to face him. Oh he has already picked up the report. Amit read every word of the curse destiny has inflicted upon her. He looked up and come to Neera. She was out of her breath due to continuous crying. Within no time, he hugged her. Just like he did while promising a life long bond to her. Yes, she can tell that it contains the same love, devotion and honesty. She looked up to him, he plants a kiss on her forehead and says "Aj mausam accha h, Chalo kahi Ghumne Chale...aur haan wahi wala suit pehen na..." with a smile.
The Gulmohar see her rejoicing while she notices its budding flowers...
(This is a fiction work inspired by frequent cases of abandoning wives which happens in Haryana usually. I wish the mentality of bringing a DIL and treating her with love and respect, stops being associated with her ability to bear children.)
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