DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash “The Award for Outstanding Entrepreneur goes to Ms. Rachna Singh!” The beautiful lady walked to the stage, exquisite in a starched cotton sari, her short curls framing a face that exuded poise and confidence as she stood onstage, her palms folded together in an endearing namaste. The applause was thunderous as the audience gave her a standing ovation. Rachna gazed at the sea of faces. Her husband, Samar and his mother were right in front, eyes aglow with pride as they clapped loudly. She could hardly take in the moment, dreamlike as it seemed. The head of the Awards Committee held out the spectacular Award to her which she accepted with both hands. He handed over an envelope to her as the Master of Ceremonies read out her impressive biodata which brought a gasp to people’s lips. As the applause died away, Rachna looked at Samar, her heart in her eyes. He blew a kiss at her as he sat down. “Where do I begin?” Her soft voice rippled across the packed auditorium. “I need to tell you the story of a young girl.” ******** “Rachna, are you ready? The boy and his family are already here. Hurry up, will you?” Rachna winced at the tone of authority even though she was used to it. Her parents had been domineering all their lives. Her two older sisters had succumbed meekly, leaving her no choice. She could not remember one occasion when they had all sat down as a family, laughing or joking with one another. Life had been like a police camp – all orders and no banter. The only person their father was afraid of was his wife. The woman who had sailed into his life like a battleship and continued to behave like one ever after. Hence, the girls had grown up, cowering in corners, trying not to rock the boat in any way. Academically, they were all good, but no teacher remembered them after they left school and college. Rachna’s sisters had got married to boys well vetted by their parents – boys from affluent backgrounds. It was Rachna’s turn to tie the knot. Even though she was keen to study further, she dared not voice her opinion because she knew that her request would be turned down. Samar and his mother gazed curiously at the pretty young girl who sat next to her imposing mother, her large eyes fearful as the conversation went on about her. Samar’s father had passed away some years ago and it was his uncle and aunt who had come along with them. As Rachna sat, shrouded in silence, Samar was puzzled. Why was she so hesitant to speak, and why did she constantly look at her mother for approval? His heart went out to her, and he knew that he would accept her as his spouse, mainly because he wanted to see her beautiful but lack-lustre eyes light up. He sensed that there was much beneath her veneer, much that she was hiding from the world. Rachna’s mother made a remark and guffawed, and he saw the girl wince, eyes lowered. The wedding was a grand one with friends and family members participating in full gusto. The ceremonies were conducted with precision. Each time Samar saw Rachna, his heart rejoiced for she seemed to grow more beautiful. There was a glow about her and when she looked at him, her eyes seemed to sparkle a tiny bit. A week later, Rachna was cutting vegetables in the kitchen when Kokila, her mother-in-law who was a doctor, called out to her. She was at home because it was a public holiday. On other days, she would go to her clinic and come back only in time for lunch. “Yes, Ma?” Rachna came rushing in as she was prone to do when her mother summoned her. “Slow down, child! There is no tearing hurry, you know?” Kokila smiled at her. “Sorry, Ma, I was cutting vegetables…!” “I know. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Cutting vegetables is very well. However, what are you going to do with yourself?” The girl looked at her, startled. However, she had been trained not to speak unless required. “Rachna, don’t you want to go into the world and prove your mettle? I know that you were a good student.” Rachna nodded, wondering where this was leading. The older lady continued, “I want to you study further and land your dream job. Samar told me that you were keen to do your MBA. So, that is what you will do.” Rachna was tongue-tied, but her eyes shone. A whole new world seemed to be beckoning. The next moment, her face fell. “Ma, how can I leave home and go out? What about the household chores and the cooking. My mother gave me strict instructions on everything before I left home.” “Your mother may have given you strict instructions, but now your home is here, with us. Samar is our son. We know what is on his mind. He does not want you to be tied down at home. You need to soar, my girl. You are more educated than many others… let’s put that education to use.” She smiled at the younger girl. The first day of her MBA was an eye-opener to Rachna. There were so many young people, especially girls, who had fire in their bellies. Some were married, others were on a scholarship, still others were working part time to pay for their education. As she slowly got into the demanding routine, she realized that it was like climbing a mountain. Once she got the hang of it, she enjoyed herself as she had never done before. Her inhibitions disappeared and she found herself conversing with her mentors and her peers with ease. Her parents were not happy with the change they saw in their daughter. Gone was the meek little girl whom they had married off! Rachna’s sisters were extremely proud of their little sister who had had the courage to make something of herself. Rachna’s mother came over one day. She was talking to Kokila when Rachna walked in after a long day. “Ma, so good to see you!” she smiled, moving towards her to hug her. Her mother gave her a cursory hug, and then remarked, “Is this any time to come home, Rachna? Don’t you have any housework to do?” Rachna froze for a moment and looked at Kokila. She had forgotten how caustic her mother could be. Kokila smiled at her and held her hand out. Holding Rachna’s hand, she turned to the other lady. “Meenakshi, you have given us a gem. Rachna is so talented and hard working. She has a few months to go before she gets her MBA degree. After that, the sky is the limit. We are extremely proud of her.” Rachna’s eyes filled with tears at the understanding words. She stood up and faced her mother. “Ma, I am happy in myself, in what I am doing. It is all thanks to Ma here and to Samar, who gave me the right impetus to blossom.” Her mother’s face darkened, as she retorted, “All very well! A girl’s first duty is to her home after marriage, and not to go traipsing around after degrees. I don’t know what your father will say to all this.” Kokila was about to jump to Rachna’s defence, when the girl put a gentle hand on her arm. Her eyes had turned stormy and she knew that the time to speak had come. “Ma, I have never disobeyed you or Baba in any way. All my life, I meekly followed all that you said, even getting married at a time when I would have preferred to study further.” She looked at Kokila with a smile, her eyes aglow with love. “I think that was the best decision that you and Baba made for me in life. Today, I am no longer the timid girl that I was when I left home. Samar and Ma took me in and treated me like their own. I owe them so much and I thank you for having got me Samar in my life.” Her mother was thunderstruck. Never had she heard Rachna speak in such forthright manner. Her eyes snapped in anger as she looked at this new avatar of her daughter. “I am not sure I like the way you’re speaking to me, Rachna! How dare you…?” Kokila cut in gently. “Meenakshi, there is a time when our children grow beyond us. They have their own decisions, and we need to respect them, don’t we?” She turned to Rachna. “Go and freshen up, child. I have made your favorite samosas for you.” Rachna smiled at her as she made her way to her room. ********** Rachna stopped speaking. Arms outstretched, she gazed at Samar and Kokila, as she said softly, “Thank you for giving me the freedom to fly!” 1500 words  "This post is a part of Her Journey Blog Hop hosted by Sukaina Majeed and Manali Desai."

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