THE TORCH BEARER

The twinkling tiny bulb strands swaying on the freshly plastered walls of Shishir’s house brightened up the celebrative spirit. The occasion was Shishir’s wedding. The small sleepy village of Srirampur was in full fervour to participate in the marriage ceremony. Jazzing music of the DJ drew groups of youngsters and children to dance to the tune of latest Bollywood songs. Blue and green streamers canopied the open area in front of the house. Women dressed up in bright hues were making their way hurriedly to Shishir’s place to participate in the marriage rituals. Several ceremonies were going on in the courtyard of the house with priests chanting undeciphered mantras loudly. Shishir participated in the ceremonies wholeheartedly. There was a special glow on his face. He was the hero of the entire extravaganza. No matter whether he was unemployed or had barely a matriculate degree, today he appeared like a prince in the groom’s attire. The ladies of the family were hastily making arrangements to send off the baraat while the men were coordinating the travel arrangements as hundreds of baraatis were to be taken to the bride’s place in buses. It was a two hours long journey from Srirampur.

The baraat returned back to Srirampur the following day with the bride- Kalyani. The coy bride draped in red saree and a translucent veil covering her face sat bundled up beside Shishir in the hired car. Kalyani suddenly felt the jerk as the car drew to a halt at the doorstep of Shishir’s house. Children jostled in the car to peep through her veil. Ladies gathered around her for performing ceremonies of welcoming the bride. Kalyani was embarrassed by so many people trying to catch a glimpse of her. Shishir sat proudly beside her as they were the center of attraction. The two descended the car with a lot of fanfare and then they were led to the pooja room of the house. The elderly ladies guided them to pay their obeisance to the kul devi– the family deity. The ritual of exchanging yogurt with jaggery between the new couple was cheered by the crowd vying with each other to be featured in the videography going on.

Kalyani was taken to another room as the young girls of the family rushed at the room’s doorstep to humour the newly-weds as the women in the house sang folk songs. Kalyani’s veil was lifted and she was introduced to the kith and kin. People came with gifts and compliments too. Amidst the hustle and bustle Kalyani could hear some murmurings. “Look how lucky is Shishir to be married to a graduate degree holder while he is merely a matriculate”. Although Kalyani was barely familiar with Shishir but she was hurt at this disdainful remark.

Kalyani was now the newest member of the family. She had to be a dutiful daughter-in-law, a caring wife and create her own respectable position for her independent individuality, all at the same time. It was undoubtedly a tough challenge. In the family, there was a financial crunch too. The family was supported by her father-in-law’s pension and a very meager amount that was earned from agricultural activities. Kalyani decided to take up a job. It was not at all an easy task to seek the permission of the elders of the family. One day she mustered up her courage to speak to her mother-in-law. She asked her very humbly if she could apply to the job advertised in the local newspaper. Her mother-in-law retorted curtly, “Shishir never required any job, what is the need for you to step out of the house”. Kalyani felt defeated for a moment. But her strong conviction kept her at bay. Luckily, Shishir entered the house when the discussion was going on. He intervened judiciously, “Kalyani will certainly apply for the post applied in the newspaper. If she qualifies it will be an honour for all of us”. There was an immediate opposition from Shishir’s father. “Oh, it will be very difficult for a lady to traverse the distance to the district office every day”. Shishir replied with utmost respect to his father, “Her job will give me employment too. I will take her to and fro to her workplace”. There was silence. This silence had different meanings. For Kalyani, it was a message of hope but for elders, it was defiance. For Shishir, it was satisfaction. He was completely at peace with himself. May be due to lack of education or proper guidance he had missed the opportunity of having a successful career. But today he stood up with his wife against all odds to pave the way not only for her bright future but for ‘their’ bright future. Kalyani qualified in the written examination as well as in the interview. She was selected as an assistant in the registrar’s office in the civil court. The coy bride Kalyani became a source of inspiration for all the young girls of the village. But in her deep conscious, Kalyani was deeply indebted to Shishir who was her torch bearer.