A STORY OF COURAGE

“How did it go?” asked Gita to her husband Manohar.

“We gave him a warning. Next time if he beats her, I shall directly call the police,” said Manohar.

“But Manu, what if she doesn’t support you. She is married to that insensitive guy”.

“I don’t think that will apply when the police see her condition”, he said.

“Our maid was telling me that Shailaja has stopped going out. I still remember the earlier days when these two had just moved in. She was so full of life”, said Gita

“Hmmm. I wanted a peaceful life after retirement, but now this. Her screams and the sound of the payal on her legs. They speak volumes every time she runs from him. Uff! They are heart wrenching, Gita”.

*

“Gita, get up. He is beating her again. I am calling the police”.

*

The doorbell rang and Gita went to see who it was.

“Shailaja!” Gita was shocked to see the girl standing in front of her just a week after Manohar had complained to the police.

“Is Uncle there?” Shailaja asked. She still had black and blue marks on her.

“Yes, of course. I am so sorry, do come in”, said Gita. She took the girl into the house and went to fetch Manohar.

“Shailaja, my dear child. Such a surprise to see you here. Is everything alright?” asked Manohar.

Shailaja looked hesitant. So Gita asked her, “What will you have? Tea? Coffee?”

“Tea” Shailaja said.

*

Gita and Manohar were still having their tea with all three of them sitting around the dining table in the hall. “Rajesh is my distant cousin. My family thought he was family so everything was arranged quickly. I didn’t get to know him well,” confessed Shailaja suddenly and then stopped. Talking about everything was difficult. Sensing it Gita said, “You don’t have to talk about him, if you don’t want to.”

Shailaja looked at her empty cup; slowly her fingers circled its rim, still looking at it, she continued, “In the beginning, when we came here, he was nice and considerate. At times, I saw glimpses of his anger, but he was always in control. Then…,” she drew a deep breath and went on, “The first time he hit me, I was devastated. Ashamed at not being able to protect myself. I couldn’t tell anything to anyone, not even to my parents.”

Gita looked at Manohar. Shailaja realised that Gita had a question. “I know what you are thinking. But from where I come, once a girl gets married she doesn’t return to her father’s home. It is no longer hers,” said Shailaja.

“Sorry! When you mentioned your parents, my thoughts immediately went to my daughter. I wonder if anything like this ever happens to her, God forbid, would she tell it to us?” Gita questioned.

“I think she would. I don’t know her, but I know that you are great people, Mrs. Deshpande. Uncle has saved my life. I was a broken woman in a dark place. But Uncle’s call got the police involved. Rajesh was asked to move out and to stay away from me. He calls often apologizing for everything,” said Shailaja.

“What do you plan to do?” asked Manohar.

“I still have to work out many things. But one thing is for sure, I am not going to take Rajesh back into my life”.

Shailaja got up. She had a purse on her from which she took out a packet and gave it to Gita.

“This is something for you both. A celebration to my freedom. I also wanted to tell you that I spoke to my parents and I am returning back to them,” said Shailaja.

“And, what about your this house?” asked Gita

“This house was never mine. The only thing I take from here is the hope for a better future and your blessings, if I may have them,” said Shailaja and bent forward to touch Gita’s and Manohar’s feet.