Ragini's 12th exams were over. Now waiting for the result.
In the house, grandparents, parents, uncles, everyone wanted that this time Ragini's hands should be made yellow "Hand yellow" means to get married.
Ragini wanted to study further, wanted to do something to give purpose to life and pride and honor to her parents.
But she was not able to express her pain to anyone. She didn't want to get married yet.
Relationships were being observed, somewhere the boy didn't suit, and somewhere there was no coordination of the clan.
Well the days were passing by.
Today, got a call from Delhi's aunt, She was talking to Ragini's mother.
'Sister-in-law, there is a boy, just a few days ago he has been selected for the post of teacher, he is from a wealthy family, fifty kilometers away from home.' Aunt Shalini told Savitri (Ragini's mother).
' It will be fine sister, I am giving the phone to Rachit's father, tell him the address, he will take time out to see and if everything is fine, he will also talk about the relationship.' Savitri said.
Vijayakanth picked up the phone, the formal conversation went on for a while.
Here Ragini's heart was going to sit.
She was not that she had someone else in mind, till today she was moving ahead with her dignity and values.
She had not done any such work, due to which the head of the mother and father bowed down.
She was topper in studies and used to pass with good marks.
The teachers of school and college also used to say that this girl will do something big in life.
But when the girl becomes young, the parents get worried about marriage, and the poor girl becomes like a wooden puppet.
Aunt gave the boy's address to father.
Now the marriage plans started being discussed between parents.
Ragini was feeling broken inside.
Time was spinning smoothly on its axis.
The day of Ragini's intermediate examination was getting closer, but Ragini was more worried about the imposed decision of the family members than the result.
She (Ragini) was not opposing the marriage, she was just thinking that she should do something better and get married and enter life, but who wanted to listen to her.
Could not go against father, mother was that instead of understanding him, and she (Mother) was loudly discussing marriage plan, budget, dowry.
Today his result was going to come.
Papa laughed and said - 'My dear daughter, don't hang your mouth, I am sure you will get good marks.'
'Yes Papa'., Ragini had said only this softly.
' Now learn to do household chores and cook food, so that after marriage no one complains to your father.' Vijayakanth told his beloved daughter Ragini.
When the results came, Ragini got the first position.
Papa was happily distributing sweets, Grandfather was reciting ballads of Ragini's praise in his circle.
Mother was swinging with happiness, Rachit was also happy with the success of his sister, he was also good in studies.
Papa came near and happily put a piece of kalakand in Ragini's mouth and said - 'I am very proud of my daughter.'
Don't know why tears came to Ragini's eyes while chewing a piece of sweet.
Papa laughed when he saw, 'Hey don't cry crazy'
Hugging her chest and patting her back lovingly while saying - If she is crying right now then from where will she bring tears at the time of marriage farewell.
But instead of stopping, she flinched, thick tears burst from her eyes.
Everyone was surprised.
'What happened Ragini ... speak it right.. did someone say something.' Papa asked.
But Ragini could not say anything.
After scratching a lot, she said - 'Papa, I don't want to get married now'.
There was an explosion.
Everyone in the house was shocked. Papa went out in anger.
Everyone got busy with their work.
Ragini also went to the room, she was just crying.
It was evening.
Papa was taking tea with grandparents and mother in the courtyard.
Everyone was sitting seriously.
'Had Ragini eaten the food', Vijayakanth asked Savitri.
'No, since then she is in the room, crying. Savitri told.
'Go call him and get him tea too.'
'Yes'. Saying Savitri moved towards Ragini's room.
Ragini came to her father after washing her face in a while.
Eyes were swollen from crying.
'Papa, forgive me, I hurt you.' Ragini said bowing her head.
'Hey daughter, no problem, let's have tea then let's talk.'
Tea is over.
All the members of the house were present.
Tell me daughter why won't you get married? papa asked.
Ragini said in a muted voice, 'Papa, I will get married, you can see the relationship.
' No daughter, tell me what is the matter, don't be afraid, speak openly, marriage will happen later, do you like someone?'
'no dad'
'Then'
Papa, I want to study and prepare.
Vijayakanth remained silent for a while, thinking something.
'Now you have become so big that you are fighting with your father', said the mother in bitter words.
'No mommy...'
'Savitri you shut up, my daughter has not done any mistake nor has she replied, the truth is that she will be married and we did not even know her opinion, if she wants to do something then what is the harm, I got angry for a moment but When I thought, I felt that I should talk to him, I should know his opinion.'
Ragini was not able to understand, what father wanted to say.
'Okay son, gave you four years but after that you will obey us.'
Ragini happily nodded in yes.
Everyone in the house was no longer surprised but satisfied.
Ragini was also happy with the opportunity, so there was also a burden that she has to prove herself in this time.
Ragini continued her studies further.
Time kept passing, along with graduation, she started preparing for UPSC with all her heart.
In the final year of graduation, he appeared in the UPSC exam but did not get success.
Papa inspired him not to be discouraged.
And the next year she tried again, and this time she was successful.
The day after the final result, he was selected as the District Magistrate of Rae Bareilly, not only his father or family members, but the whole village and area was celebrating.
She did it, Ragini had made her dreams come true with hard work.
She had become an inspiration to many girls like herself.
She was the first girl from the area to get selected in this UPSC.
The whole family was present on the day he was to take charge.
When father touched mother's feet and started seeking blessings, she said to father - 'Papa, now you marry me.'
Papa smiled and said, ' Son, I am proud of you, now I give you three years as bonus, after all you have touched the sky of success with your hard work and gave us a chance to proudly say that the District Magistrate is Madam's father.'
Saying this, parents laughed.
Now everyone was happy.
✍🏼 Sandeep Singh (Eshoo)
