FEAR

Scary things happen usually at night, when the orange ball gets below the horizon. Not exactly, because streets of Kathmandu are still filled with glory of lights like Deepawali at the time of this winter. Life itself seems in rush, at that specific time.
Kamal an accountant at Lotus Enterprise was in hurry today. It was already eleven and dark outside, and although he was committed to complete it before ten, he still had a piles of files in his table. He would not at all be in such a rush if yesterday's day had not appeared. Yesterday's incident was the main reason for his rush. If only he had not been to the incident of yesterday, he would not be at this rush, but it was already late and he was still hurrying to complete his work.
***
Yesterday,
It was not that Kamal never used to work late night, but it never was till midnight and it was not his time, but since his boss was on holiday trip, he had to look after the financial tasks as well as administrative portion for next two weeks and it was his first day, out of fourteen. Kamal was appointed for the job since he was considered as the most capable and trustworthy ornament of the company, and there was not much possibilities for him to deny as he deserved handsome salary out of it as well, call it a bonus.


So before closing the files, he made sure that everything was perfect and sent an email to his boss, saying he need not to worry about the company as everything was moving perfectly fine. It was already a minute left for mid night. He was not at all at any sort of hurry because since he already had his dinner in the office, he need not to cook after reaching his room all he had to do was to sleep till eight in the moring. So, by next fifteen minutes he locked up the office and handed the key to sleepy watchman. Maybe he had this sleepy attitude, or it could be that he was trying to sleep early since the real boss was not there. Finally the watchman opened the door and he got out. October should not welcome such cold, but it actually did. Maybe it was the midnight cold or if the winter was appearing in real with this symptom.
'Oh! I seriously need a cap...woollen cap', he said to himself after getting out of the gate.
'Not just cap, maybe a jacket....'
'And how can I forget the sugar? I have no sugar to prepare tea tommorow....not tommorow it is today now, it is already 12.30.' He was talking to himself.
'I wish I could get a micro!' But how would he get it at such a time? He could see taxi drivers around, looking at him with the hope if he would provide theam a job atleast. But he was determinded not to pay them. So he rather prefered walking. New Baneshwor probably appears out to be so buzzy during the day time. It feels like there are thousands of people who need to cross road at the evening time, and at that time.....everything was silent, as if the road was in rest as it was tired entire day. His legs were with the movement gradually ahead and he could see the darkness through the street lamp. There were just few dogs in the name of living creatures who stared at his walk.
'I walk this empty street....' he mumbled within him.


He now reached near the Sankhamul bridge, that separates the two districts-Kathmandu and Lalitpur. Everything was 'peaceful'. He remembered how the very same place would be a bazar during entire day.
'This probably is hell at the day.' He told to himself.
'From vegetable vendors, to busy people, they create the noise here in the day time!'
'Over that they burn....' He stopped as he remembered the early times when he used to see dead people on fire while crossing the bridge. This should not have created fear within him, but the speed of the legs slowed down. The sweet shop nearby did not attract his attention, though there were some lights...that they probably kept at around Deepawali. Was his heart beating fast? He didnt care, all he wanted was to cross the bridge quickly although his legs were moving late. It was not that he didnt seek for the alternatives, but it would take him next complete hour to reach his room returning either from Maitighar or through Balkumari and the idea was stupid in real.


Hearing dogs bark, with all handicapped body, he stepped forward. No, nothing happened.
'Why is this fear within me?' He asked himself.
He could not get the answer, but he always had this belief...'If there exists God, there exists devil' and he was sincere follower of religion. His regular visits to temple signified it.' His second step tried to bring confidence within him. The bridge must be atleast hundred meters, and he probably had not covered even a single percent of it. His third step made him realize that he was walking late, playing a lot of things in mind. So he tried to walk quickly as he can. He now could feel that his heart was now beating fast, very fast. He closed his eyes and walked assuming by the time it will reach twenty, he will cross the bridge.


'One...Two....Three......Four.......Five........Six..........Seven'
'Ah! Seven is my lucky number, and I must open my eyes to see if I crossed the bridge'. Since there were tall walls on both the sides, there were no chances for him to fall down. So, he opened his eyes....and turned back. It was almost the middle of the bridge. On the right side, bit far he saw the spot where they burn dead peoples. There were lamps, but not burning. He was scared, he could hear the sound of Bagmati below. The cold wind awakened him from his imaginative world and he was refreshed. Maybe not enough to remove his fear. Turning back, there was a darkness, the street lamps went off. He ran as fast as he could and he was now to the next district. Lalitpur and the best part was he crossed the bridge! He turned back, nothing beside darkness was there. But he probably saw something white in above his head, a little back....he walked but it was following him, and he could feel it. He could not dare to turn back to see what it really was. Ten more minutes of his walk made him feel as if it was of ten hours.


Without giving any thought, he got inside his blanket and closed his eyes, but how could he sleep so easily?
'What was that fear for?' He began talking to himself.
'Okay, the cut off of the lights can be due to load shedding, but what was there behind me?'
'I wish I was with my dad and mom!'
He tried to focus on the pictures of Gods in his room, but could not focus thereby. He could neither sleep well, nor could he focus on anything. He still was having the feeling that the unknown object has seen his room and would come thereby. He looked at the door from bed, removing the blanket, it was locked. He tried to replace, but how could he? His heart was beating fast. He then remembered the bottle of Red Label, only if he had not completed entire bottle, he could have reduced the level of fear from him.
'I need to keep an emergency bottle.' He thought. He tried to divert his mind by remembering those times he had spent with his friends, but the fear still could not escape from the following fear of unknown object. He tried to close his eyes hard to fall asleep, but could not sleep, he again tried.
***
The door opened of its own. He was sure sometimes back that it was properly locked but how did it open? He seriously had no clue, something was visible from the bed itself. It was the person....white sari..Oh it was a lady! From the bottom he watched leg, no any nail polish, clean nails....just white sari....half blouse...clear hand....neck but no any lockets...and AMAZING!! There was no head...no hairs! Everything changed all of sudden, was the wind blowing? The lights were switched off,but the sparks appeared from where? No, not from sari....maybe from cloud number nine. The temperature turned out to be cold, and things began to react in strange way. Utensils were flying, cloths were dancing, gas burned itself, there was spoon from his table, that was nearby his bed that was dancing and he could hear the lady laughing. She was approaching, near to him.


'Please leave me....please leave me....' He wanted to say, but the voice could not come out. He was trying hard...PLEASEEEEEEE....he made it this time, but there was nothing, everything was normal, and the sunlight was there at his window. It was 6.30 and time for Kantipur Diary. He tried to listen what was on the news, he hurried for the office, but before leaving he found the spoon below the table. It should have fell down. This made him scared and he could not walk that way of Sankhamul bridge. So after almost two seventy degree, he reached to office.
***
Day work was full of tiredness, and he did not remember any portion of yesterday's event. Although he hurried to complete his today's work, it was already late. The time was far from the estimation, and this was the irritating...
'Fuck! Nothing is fine!!' He typed at first, backspaced again and wrote...
'Sir everything is fine, and nothing is wrong. Dont worry anything of here, if any problem arises, I will call you right then.' After typing this he clicked the send button and peeped to the right corner of the screen. The time was showing 12.22am in the morning and within few minutes, he came out to his gate. He could have asked driver to take him, but that would be funny and shameful if he would ask 'Why'. 'Why should I explain him my fear? I could have said, since it is late night, I want the service.'

'But I am already out of gate....I will surely do it tommorow.'

He did not realise that he already was moving in same yesterday's track. The dogs sleeping....and this time he heard of vehicle coming from back that lighted light on the loadshedding night. He looked back, it was police vehicle to Sankkhamul bridge. His legs were walking continiously...and he realised that he was walking in that fearful street only when he reached near Sandar Momo Pasal. He reached the place where they used to sell street foods and everyone used to buzz thereby. But everything was silent.


On the first step to this bridge, his heart bet fast. On his second step, he tried to comfort himself saying he was in illusion and was just a dream, maybe a night mare. On his third step, he heard his heart not satisfied with his answer itself. Fourth step made him feel that he was living in the scientific era that gave a short clip of Einstien and Edison. This made him strong, but again in fifth step he thought of souls that he heard of which used to keep moving around and he peeped to that corner where dead people used to get burned. Sixth step tried to console him explaining that there are gods who takes care of the people in earth, he was relaxed. But on the seventh step, he remembered the event that took place at his neighbour years back.

***
After the death of Yogesh's mother, since Yogesh didnt turn out able to keep the tradition of death ceremony, it was believed that the soul of Yogesh's mother was the main reason for the bangs at the terrace. Something unknown factor used to throw stones at his house and trouble him. It always used to happen when it was 8pm, that was the time when Yogesh's family used to have dinner. Since the trouble started getting issue, one night the peoples of the community tried to search if it was some people who was creating the trouble, but the problem never solved. Though people sat around two hundred meters, at every probable places through which stones could be thrown carrying their 'Emergency Lights' but the process went on. The amazing part was that although the stone created the sound, the stone was physical, but it never hurt anyone. After almost forty night they even called police for inspection, but nothing was found. Kamal used to take active participation there to catch the culprit.
Finally accepting the priest advise, when Yogesh donated golden tongue to the priest of the temple nearby and went through huge pooja followed by Saptaha, the problem was over and since then he was living a normal life.
***
'These stuffs seems funny unless one actually has to face it.' He again began talking to himself.
'Truly if there exists gods, there has to be devil.' By this time he had already forgot the number of steps. The lights were off and he was not at the middle of the bridge still.
'I need to do a pooja..'
'These ghosts are such a thing that unless one gets victim of it oneself, they never tend to believe it.' He was talking to himself. He was not in the mood to walk fast either, because the place where he actually feared from yesterday was yet to come.
'Garib lai kehi de deu' (Give something to poor).
The voice almost took him to heart attack. He turned nearby and saw a lady sitting with both her hands as if she was asking something. Kamal looked at her completely terrified, and he had to react soon. Although he thought of escaping from that place, but feared if the messed up lady cursed her. He inserted his right hand in the pocket and there appeared the ten rupees note. He dropped that note in her hand and tried to walk as fast as he could...he heard the lady's word from the back...'Vagwan le raksha garun (May God Bless You).
'What was she doing there? And at this time?'
'Is she a beggar, or the main reason for my fear?' He asked to himself.


'Why do they keep these bulbs in this CFL age?' He asked to himself to divert his mind to something else, but the sound of Bagmati flowing below and the pungent smell again brought to the track that he didnt want to go through, and the 'x' step created new fear again. He had somewhere heard in his early childhood days that fire would keep ghosts away, so he even smoked his last cigarette, but that could not reduce his level of fear either.
He wanted to run, but maybe that could be something to be ashamed of if the woman at the back see it. The appearance of owl in the group with strange sound was the key factor or the major thing that suddenly increased the level of heart beat within him and without giving a thought he ran same like yesterday. As he reached the ending corner of the bridge, he stopped for a short breath. Suddenly, his mind came with the incident of yesterday. That was the main place from where the unknown factor followed him at almost fifty degree from yesterday. He didnt thought of turning fifty degree back to see that fearful object and he had no intention to care for that object today. He did not realize the fact, but his legs were shivering. And unexpectedly, his cell phone dropped down. Luckily, nothing happened to his cell phone, but he unknowingly happened to turn fifty degree back and like yesterday, something was in the air flowing. Did that vision gave a relief? Yes, it actually did, because at some corner of heart he had the feeling that he wanted to see it. Because if there would not have been anything tonight over there, his fear would not be there anymore. But the presence of the same object thereby although gave him relief for that short time, it could not last long as his level of fear crossed the mark and heart beat's increment and speed could not be measured.


'It must be the same object that came in my dream yesterday.' He said to himself.
No longer could he tolerate this fear and he ran like anything. He only realized that he was running like a mad when two dogs ran after him.
'So the ghost is following me converting itself to a dog?' he thought and ran again for two reasons. First to reach room quickly, and second to be safe from the dog with huge hustle he finally entered into his gate and shut it hard. The dogs were barking hard and he could hear dogs barking from his room itself.


Kamal could not think any thing for five minutes. 00.58 was the time that he saw on his cell phone. He prepared a lemon tea and had with different things on his mind.
'I am never going to walk that way now!'
'Why was this ghost after me?'
'Why is this fear still in me?'
'Who could that lady be in the middle of the bridge?'
'Beggar? If so, why was she still awake at such late night?'
'Bhoot? If so, why didnt it hurt me?'
If it had no intention to hurt me why was it following me from the end of bridge? He saw again at his cell phone time 1.22. Just an hour back, everything was fine and now, Kamal was not sure if he will wake up tomorrow or not. He got inside his blanket that took a long time to warm although the CFL light was on.
***
After a long walk, he finally came to the point that divided the road on the right side he saw roses on the both sides, jasmines, lily, various fruits all both side of the road and on the left the road had cactus, old deadly trees on the both side of the road. Without giving a thought, he tried walking on the flowery side that was full of smell, but some strange voice kept alerting him saying it a 'WRONG WAY!'.
He still tried walking on the same way, and there again appeared 'WRONG WAY' voice and on his next step the gate appeared and then it got closed. He could no longer walk that way. So he was to the cactusy way that had deadly trees on the side. After walking for a while, there appeared strange sound and the level of darkness increased. His legs were still walking and there was no reason to stop somewhere around. He remembered how good could that way of flower be, but he was forced to walk this way. He was walking continuously, he could feel he was thirsty but there were no points giving the symptom of water. After hours of walk, he finally saw some known places, but in strange manners. He could not believe it, he wasnt now at Sankhamul bridge. Ohhh!! This made him scared, really scared, but he ha to walk. After he crossed the bridge he saw the same object that he had seen in the dram yesterday. A lady probably in a white dress, but without head. As he was searching for the head thereby, he saw the board 'WELCOME TO HELL'. His neck got dry, his breathing ability declined and the sound of lady laughing....she was following him on the right...on the left...back and even at front...She finally caught him, and....
***


KAAMMMMMAAAL!!!!!!!!!!!!
The loud voice with doorbell made his eyes open wide. 'Thank God that was a dream!' He said to himself. He saw his phone ringing and someone knocking the door. It was Abhi who was calling him.....
'Hello!'
'Sala, open the door, I have been out for almost half an hour!'
He opened the door, it was already a morning with sunlight over the window.
Abhi was trying to call him for almost half an hour, he realised this when saw those thirty eight missed calls on his cell hone.
'Hello!' Abhi said waving his hands at Kamal's face when Kamal realised that Abhi was trying to talk to him.
'Hey Kamal, what's wrong with you?' Abhi asked.
'Nothing, I just woke up so...let me wash my face hai.'
'Okay, go and wash your face then...'
He reached wash room and washed his face!
'What was that dream satisfying?'
'Flowery way, probably meant heaven and I was compelled to go to hell!'
'The bridge...something is wrong!'
SPLASH!!
He again washed his face! 'Something is really wrong, but I should not say it to Abhi and create a fun, Only I know it is something serious of and he would certainly not understand!'
SPLASH!!!
He now went into the room where Abhi was sitting
'So you are fresh now? Or still in dream Kumbakarna!!!'
'Yeah, am fresh, actually I slept late yesterday, so.......'
'Now I will never walk that way of Sankhamul! Huh! I'd rather walk longer distance' he was thinking himself.
'I asked you something, didnt you hear that?' Abhi said.
'No! What was that?'
'Uff..This pagal...I need some movies...so give me your laptop today, I will return you by midday.'
'Yeah sure...take it...Password is....'
'I know...PASSWORD...isnt it?'
'No! I changed it yesterday, it is HANUMAN.'
'You need to go office right, get ready, I have to reach New Baneshwor as well, I can give you free lift.'
'Okay'
Kamal got ready and before Abhi could scold more he appeared before Abhi as soon as he could and both went out of gate.
***
Abhi started his bike and Kamal sat on the back. He was still in his imaginary world of his dream, and by the time he got out of it , he realized that Abhi was taking him to his Office through same way of Sankhamul.
'Hey which way are we going?' He surprisingly asked.
'Through Sankhamul buddy....'
'Hey wait! wait!' He then realised that it would be stupid to explain Abhi the entire story, and maybe a topic of fun in next meeting as well. So he made an easy excuse saying something went into his eyes and he closed his eyes. He could feel everything, as soon as slope began he felt that it was just near bridge. All of sudden Abhi stopped his bike!
'Hey what happened?'
'Phone call....just wait.'
Abhi took out cell phone and started talking shopping the bike at one corner. Kamal looked around and within no time he found out that it was same place from where that unknown object followed him. He thought of not seeing above, but could not help when his brain suggested to view up as everyone were around.
Ten degree.....Twenty...Thirty....and his eyes again saw the same object. It was bright....and amazing...
It was a flag thereby!!
He again saw it....it was really a flag, kept at that height with the support of bamboo. He kept on staring at that piece of cloth....Abhi again started the bike and dropped him to his office. He could not concentrate on the jobs though...


He slept in the office for next two weeks unless his boss came. He found out the reasons for his fear that was really not so worthy of. He even went for a research and concluded with the fact that dreams are the outcome of subconscious mind. Things that get stored in subconscious mind can appear out at dream, and one hardly knows what remains at subconscious mind. He even went for his house and stayed for week there.


***
It has been months, but still he fears and hesitates walking that way, and still his heart shievers when someone talks of 'Sankhamul Bridge'.

Marrying Intercaste

Marrying Intercaste
What do you say marriage? How do you explain marriage? Is marriage a compulsion? Should marriage be social?
I seriously have no idea how you describe it, how you answer these questions. I am not yet married to explain you the entire thing either. Take it for an assumption, you are Hindu, and then would you dare to marry Christian? Would you even dare to love Muslim? You know this that there has to be relation within the two souls, and there has to be proper understanding as well. But still at some point or the other, our some portion or mind or heart I don t know seeks for the spouse belonging to our own caste. This is the story of an inter caste marriage, just inter caste not inter religion and the troubling thing.
--
Priya and Shrawan fell in love when they were studying bachelors together. Nothing abnormal, like Sugam sings in one of his songs Kapi Satda Satdai Man Satiyeko pattai vayena (Didn t knew when heart got exchanged while exchanging notebooks). They became couple within a year of their college, and the relation went strong. No one knew if they have had internal conflicts then, but from the vision of any third person the relation was perfectly fine, and there used to flow sayings like 'made for each other' from various mouths. Although, Priya was from Indian Marwari Community, and Shrawan was from Nepali Brahmin community, their love was never troubled by their caste, and the relation went on blooming with the passage of time. Dates, movies, travels were taking a speed. Commitments, sacrifices, planning were moving ahead. And the relation was moving as a whole.
Bachelor degree's love gift continued till their master's level as well. Master's studies made them serious regarding their future. It was during one of the date, Shrawan found Priya kind of serious; he could easily predict her seriousness from the face as he was used to it.
'Hey what happened? Why are you serious today?' He asked.
'I know it's something stupid to lie you, but I am thinking of something ' She said.
'Should I ask what are you thinking of?'
'No but I really love you, and don t want to leave you .but '
'But what? Continue '
'Do you think our family will be accepting us? What have you planned for our future?'
'Yeah, they will, they have to ' He said.
'Don't worry, just trust upon me, nothing wrong will happen to us and now smile please '
Priya's smile made the day okay, but her voice kept on running on Shrwan's mind.
'Do you think our family will be accepting us? What have you planned for our future?'
The question within his mind again replayed. Again went on, this time it went on with split
'Do you think our family will be accepting us?'
This reminded him of some family incidents where caste played a role.
--
It was year's back, when his uncle was getting married. Uncle's marriage is the nearby relation, so being brother; his father had to make several arrangements thereby. His mother was invited from week ahead for the preparations. While his father was busy at activities like distribution of cards, hospitality to guests his mother used to be busy in kitchen, helping grandmother and other aunts. His big father's families were there as well. Again he could see peoples from in laws as well, and the gossips was on at kitchen, and peoples around were busy with their own talks. His uncle, through bride, was busy with the arrangements as well.
He then found new peoples as well there by, and they were helping there somehow or the other. He didn t bother to care who he or she was, but was busy flirting some new girls of his ages around. His cousins were helping him in this by teasing him, and it was kind of fun. He could not join fathers in cards, so brought all cousins together and played cards at some time. Mean while, he found a married lady entering into the gate, and it was obvious to see her as the lady was beautiful, though married. He wanted to know who she was, but had no one to ask for it. He asked cousins but they didn t know them either. Lady got into the kitchen, and began helping women's group. Since he and his cousins were getting hungry, he went into the kitchen to bring them some food. The kitchen was divided into two parts, on the very first entrance it was marbled floor, and open place, fridge at the corner with television at the top of fridge. Long mat was spread in the floor where some were busy mixing something, some busy cutting vegetables, some engaged in preparing salad, some in what and some in what. He could also see the newly married lady there by busy at some task. He predicted the room as dining room, because the cooking room was inside it, where his mother actually was cooking something. Before anyone of them saw them, he heard his big mother saying ' but she is from Chhetri society.' He did not hear her full sentence though, and grandmother told ' Take her out anyway; she should not touch anything there.' He had no idea who they were actually talking of, and signaled his mother to come out for a while. He asked for some food, and asked who the new lady was, and she told him that she was the wife of Biplav, Pramod uncle's elder son. She even told him that she was from Chhetri community and was creating trouble to all, now they could not drag her out making her ashamed, so were in confusion regarding how to take her out. He did not bother to act hero with the anti caste thing, because he knew they would rather curse him, and went back to cousins.
Later, almost after an hour, he saw her out of the kitchen sitting all alone and watching others work. He first thought maybe she was going through her periods and was not allowed to enter into kitchen, but when he saw her face, it made him clear. Not to let her be alone, he went to her
'Namaste! I am Shrawan, son of Bikram and Pramila' He said.
'Namaste, I am '
'I know you are wife of Biplav dai haina? He comes to our house every Dashain, and I am sure this he will bring his newly married wife as well.'
'Okay, what do you do?'
'I am studying Bachelors at Mahendra Morang Campus.'
'Why are you not there working?' He again asked.
'Because I don t know how to cut vegetables for such grand things, I can do it only when I am in home cooking for few' she then said.
He now understood the real story, as they were already planning to kick her out, they made an excuse that she didn t know how to cut and threw her out. 'Is cutting vegetables for four and for forty done in different style?' He wanted to ask, but shut his mouth. Mean while, his cousins came and said to continue with the card thing; and he first introduced her to his cousins and then took her as well to play the cards.
--
'When the caste discrimination is found in my family itself, how can I ignore it?' He then thought. He knew there would be discrimination even if he married to Chhetri, and he was thinking of a girl from Marwari community. Thoughts like 'At least we both are Hindu, we both pray to Gods' came into his mind to create hindrance to his previous thought, but could not win. Marriage should be socially acceptable as well. But he could not ignore his love, he could not leave her either, and then thinking of her question, ' Do you think our family will be accepting us? What have you planned for our future?' again came into the mind. Answer to the first question would not be satisfactory, he knew it, because it was not within his hand, but he atleast had to be responsible for the second answer, he should at least have some plan.
'If my family accepts us .'
'If my family does not accept us .'
Well, even if his family would accept the marriage, they will have to go through other's discrimination. He could not sleep well despite of various turnings on his bed that night.
'Don t worry; our love will get its destiny, just focus on your studies now!' He said to Priya next day when they met. With the strong determination, Priya tried to console him as well.
Two years and from then, both got jobs as well. Standard Chartered Bank was the place where Shrawan got job, and Nepal SBI Bank was the place where Priya got engaged into. Although both tried to get into the same bank, but discovered that they will be sending out to one, at least they could live in the same city and meet when so ever they want, thinking of this they worked in two different banks in the same city.
'Son, I am alone, even your cousins are married, don t you think it is time for you as well?' Shrawan's mom once told him while providing him lunch before office.
'Mom I can understand, but '
'It is okay if you have a girl, but I think you should see you now even earn of your own.'
'No mom, that is not the problem '
'What is it then? Tell it to me!'
'Some other day I am in rush now' he said and made an easy escape.
Saturday would be free for them, so this time after a real long time, they went to Dharan, nearby city, forty kilometers away from theirs and sat down at a temple.
'Priya, have you talked about me with your family?' he asked.
'No, but I have gave a symptom telling Shrawan is my best friend.'
'And what was their response?'
'Not theirs, I know they are not satisfied, but my mom can't be negative towards me, but I seriously don t think my father will be..'
'So?'
'Actually, my mom even told you to bring in house.'
'But why didn t you call me?'
'I don t want my dad to be rude to you so. I think my mom can at least predict that I am in relation with you, she just guesses I guess.'
'My mother told me it's now time for marriage, but I had no clue how to say about you.'
'Well, I think it's time for both of us to be bold enough and my mom wants to meet you, seriously.'
'But how?'
'I think we should make arrangement somewhere out, and it would be better even if you try to bring your mom, so that both can at least talk and make out some predictions.'
--
It was Rath Yatra, the next day of Krishna Janmastami, and our parent's meeting day as well. They had no clue, but everything was as per the plan. Since his mother and her mother, both would go to the temple, they arranged time and went. SMS was acting as the means of communication.
'Where are you? Come near the bell, bring your mom, we are standing here' he sent SMS to her, and hence she brought her mother thereby.
'Hi Priya!' He said.
'Hi!'
'Meet my mom, mom she is Priya, and Priya, this is my mom!'
'Namaste Aunty!' she said, trying to be as formal as she could.
'Namaste, and aunty this is my mom mom this is my friend, I have told you about him..Shrawan Shrawan, this is my mom!'
'Namaste Aunty' he even said trying to be as formal as he could.
'So you both study together isn t it beta?' She said, 'Beta' showed her marwari tone thereby.
'It is too crowded, the rath is about to move, I don t think I can move a bit.' Shrawan's mom said.
'Even I think so, I don t know why, but every year it is getting more crowded.' Priya's mom and then said.
'You come here every day?'
Both began to talk, and at the same time Shrawan and Priya got away letting their mothers to talk for a while.
'I guess it is working, see they are talking.' Priya said.
'Yes! Let's hope it will be positive!'
They then went back to home, and they had to be to office from the very next day.
Two days later,
'Is Priya what you wanted to talk?' Shrawan's mom asked him while serving him breakfast before office.
'Mom she '
'She is a nice girl, her family seems good, and where does she work?'
'Nepal SBI bank.'
'Well I talked about her to your dad as well, he is positive!'
'You want to get married?'
'Yes mom '
'Since your father is positive, I don t want to be something as hindrance, but you should have at least cared for the caste thing.'
'Mom, she is Hindu '
'I know, but even if we accept her, do you think her family will accept you? See, Marwaris are so rich.'
'I don t know that mom!'
'Does her family know it?'
'Her mom, she has some idea, but is not sure of it.'
'Okay, even if they accept you, do you think your uncles and aunts will accept you?'
'But, why should everyone accept her? I just need blessings from you two!'
'I know, but at any social gatherings she will be ignored, can you tolerate that?'
He knew his parents will now not say no to her, but they were not satisfied from their inner heart as well. He even Thanked God, for not letting the situation of 'Family vs Love' trouble them. He knew his mom was more dissatisfied than his father for his choice as well.
'Mom! I have to leave, talk to you later bye.'
He again made an easy excuse thereby and went. He was happy at least his family was aware of Priya by then.
--
'I don t think my dad and mom will say no to you, however they are dissatisfied with my choice, and I know it.' He said to her on their next date.
'Thank God, they at least would accept us!'
'Did you talk with your parents? What was the progress?'
'My mom is supporting me completely, but my dad '
'What did he say?'
'He does not want to bring anyone except his caste, and he is determined!'
'So what do you think should we do?'
'I don t know, I need to talk to my mom seriously.'
'You haven t still?'
'I have she even asked if I could leave you, and when I was determined, she takes my support, maybe she fears if I do anything wrong!'
'Forget it take this I have a gift for you! It is from my first salary ' Shrawan then gifted her key ring!
'Buddhu what is this?'
'Keyring '
'For?'
'Right now for your personal use and later for our household use!'
'Ooohhh .thats so sweet '
'Umm .at least you should have kissed!'
'No Nothing before marriage!' She said turning her face bold.
'Uff .seems like everything will get old by then!'
She laughed!
--
Things with confusion and troubles were moving ahead, and the time was taking a speed as well. It had already been three years and his family had no symptom to get satisfied over his decision. Again her father did not show any changes in mood too.
'Hey Shrawan, I need to talk to you where are you?' Late evening at nine, Priya called.
'I am at home why? What happened?'
'You probably are with your family members, I will call you after five minutes get out of your house or go to your roof top where no one can hear you talking.'
'What is the thing? Tell me '
'It is serious, first find a safe place I will call you after five minutes!' She said and cut her phone off.

Five minutes was as if five hours for him, and finally the phone came out after five sharp minutes.
'What happened? I was with my family.' He said.
'Yes! I took you out, and I am going to take you out from today itself.'
'Kidding? Tell the matter!'
'My father went Delhi for a week.'
'So ?'
'Let me complete my sentence I talked to my mom, and she wants me to elope!'
'What? Are you mad?'
'No, see think it seriously, female needs to get married soon, I know it is not a rush for you, but for me it is....and the other members don t want me to get married to you!'
'But all of sudden? How would I manage? And how can I bring you home in such a rush?'
'No I am not coming to your home '
'And??'
'We both need to run away from this place! See, they can easily find out if I sit in your home, and above all, your family members would not be satisfied from inner core as well.'
'And?'
'My mother has suggested me to go Darjeeling, and settle there.'
'Where in Darjeeling?'
'We need to take a bus tomorrow early morning, and then we will be there by evening! And that night we have to stay in lodge '
'I don t mind if it is a single room' she again said in shy tone!
'Hey don t get mad!'
'I am not mad! It is do or die, we won't get chance like this '
'Money?'
'You have around three lakhs currently, and I have five! It is not possible to take all of them out through ATM, so you take out forty five thousand and I have already taken out forty five thousands! Remaining, we can do it later!'
He used to spend amounts useless for drinks time and again so his bank balance was low when compared to her.
'So are we leaving our jobs?'
'Yeah duffer! Are you going to work like servant for ever? It was you who used to say, I am going to create job, not seek job. Forgot? At the time of impressing me?' He actually said it.
'And what should I say to my parents?'
'Oh! You are a guy, you have complete freedom! Tell them that your friend has come from US and he is at Kakarvitta, and by the time we cross border, say them we are out to Darjeeling for short trip!'
'And?'
'And what?'
'About us?'
'They won't let you go I guess if you say truth, so first tell it, and when we reach there, we will invite them there itself, and I promise I am going to marry you infront of your parents!'
'And yours?'
'They won't come and am damn sure!'
'Uff '
'I have packed my things you first go and tell your dad and mom a lie, and pack your thing! Tomorrow sharp at five, bus station is where we will be meeting!
She kept the phone!
Everything was like a dream, an earthquake for him! He could not even imagine how his mind moved from the television which he was watching earlier to this stage! He laid his parents, packed his stuffs and reached station at five.

Priya was already there, and even her mother was. Both of them came in their private car, mom probably knew how to rotate the steering wheels.
'Beta ' she said, and kept her hands on my hands!
'I could not give anything in dowry, but take this ' she took out her gold locket from her neck and handed to me. He had no clue, what to do.
He kept the ring in Priya's neck and said 'Don t worry I will keep her happy!'
'She keeps on irritating but don t get irritated!' she again said me.
'Hya mom! I won't! Don t worry about me, handle the situation in home!' she said like Eminem sings his song!
We got into the bus, and left city. She was happy, even he was, but he was getting responsible with every rotation of wheels.
He could not lie his parents after reaching Kakarvitta, and said everything to his mom! His mom tried to explain at least he should have let them know, but how could he?
'Don't worry mom! I think I should be responsible enough now!' He said when he felt his eyes wet.
'And please handle the situation in home you have to come in our marriage!'
'Where are you going to marry?'
'I don t know mom, but where so ever we are, we will let you know it is her parent's whom we have to run away with!'
'But all of sudden .how did you?'
'I will explain you later, and don t worry about us; we have enough money with us!'
'Bye mom and please handle the situation in home!'
--
They crossed border and reached Darjeeling as per the scheduled time. Booked two rooms, and stayed there.
'Why did you book two rooms?' Priya asked.
'When we managed for years, why should we lie to our souls at this moment?'
'Ahem Ahem so someone getting with macho attitude?'
'Shut up!'
'Tomorrow we are going to search room .Oops! Sorry! Rooms for rent tomorrow!' she said.
'Yeah, but let us rest today!'
Next day, they went for room hunt task, they could not get any. After three days, they finally managed to get two rooms with the help of hotel's staff, and they got in. They managed basic things for staying there, no beds, but bed sheets, they slept on floor purchased gas and just things required!
Week later, they came Kakarvitta again to take out their money! Through cheque, they took out their entire amounts. Gave resignation and both called their home. Shrawan's family wanted to help, they suggested to go to some aunty's home in Darjeeling, and was seeking the best way to help them. Priya's mom handled the situation, but his father didn t want to hear about her since then. After being back, they first opened grocery shop, and then married at the temple where they used to date in Dharan. Priya's mom came making an excuse that she will go to her friend's house, and Shrawan's parents were present there. To make it legal, they even had court marriage. Legal and social husband and wife got biological and hence they went back to their rent.
Shrawan's parents wanted them to be in the home itself, but they were determined. Their grocery shop expanded, and was in satisfactory condition. Priya again got job in bank in Darjeeling itself, and Shrawan used to get busy with grocery thing.
It had been three years now, and Shrawan's mom was cooking food for Priya and her grandson. Shrawan was at the shop, and Shrawan's dad was helping his son in the shop. He managed to create job for dozen of new peoples in his shop. Shrawan had the plan to open caf in the market area. They were happy. Society could not discriminate them, as they were in their self created society. Society could not ignore them, because they ignored the society. And the best part of entire story is Shrawan, Priya and their son; of three months are invited by Priya's family on this Deepawali!