10.

Flashback continued-

Everyone was presented in the home as it was holiday, so Vyom decided to talk with his family. He was finding the right time to talk and finally got after lunch.

The atmosphere was silent and little tensed. Suddenly a voice broke the silence.

" Toh kya socha tume? Kab hume humare pote/ poti ka chehra dekhne ko milega? (So, what you decided? When we will get to see the face of our grandchild.)" asked his grandfather.

" Dadaji, Maine apko baar baar yhi kaha  hai aur aaj bhi thi kahunga ki jab tak main 21 saal ka nhi ho jata tab tak main iss bare mein kuch sochna bhi nahi chahta. Aur abhi main to chalo 18 saal ka ho gya hu par Meenakshi ka kya.. vo abi sirf 17 saal k h..( Dadaji, I had told you again and again and today I'm also saying that until I won't be of 21 years, I'm not going to think about this. And even if I'm of 18 years but what about Meenakshi... She is just 17 years old.)" Vyom replied.

"Ye kya bake ja raho tum. Bhulo mat hum sab tumse bade hai aur jyada jante hai, tumse jyada duniya dekhi hai humne. Toh kya hua agar choti Bahu (Meenakshi) 17 saal ki hai, 17 saal ki umar me maa banna koi badi baat nhi hai. Gaon me aur bhi log hai dekho jara unko, sabke Bahu bete 16 saal k umar me hi maa baap ban gye. Aur ek tum ho, jo apna shehri path humko padha rahe ho. 21 saal me sochunga baap banne ka.. kaan khol ke sun lo agar iss ghar me rehna hai to jo hum bolenge vahi karna pdega. (What is this you're blabbering. Don't forget we are elder and knew more than you and saw the world more than you. So what if Choti Bahu ((Meenakshi)) is 17. It's not a big deal to be a mother at the age of 17. There are other people in the village also just see them, everyone's Daughter-in-law & son's became father & mother at 16 years. And here is you, who is teaching that city's knowledge to us. I'll think about to become father at the age of 21. Listen carefully, if you want to live in this house than you have to do whatever we said.)" said Vyom's grandfather in rage.

" thik hai. Fir mai ye ghar chodh ke jaa raha hun Meenakshi ke sath. (Ok. Then I'm leaving this house along with Meenakshi.)  Vyom replied politely and left.

Every family member was fuming in anger. They wanted to scold Vyom and regretting their decision to send Vyom to City's school.

In their room Vyom started packing his stuff while Meenakshi was standing silently.

"Why are you standing there? Start your packing. We are leaving so pack your necessary items and don't forget to pack important ones also." said Vyom when he was trying hard to not show her frustration.

"Is it necessary to leave? Why don't we try something else?" Meenakshi replied as she didn't find it good to leave the house on just mere arguments. Not mention she was internally agreed with grandfather on some points.

"Meenakshi not now. You better know things as Manasi aunty already discussed with you in those sessions. I'm also not going back. Now it's your choice to come or stay." Vyom was saying these lines but they more seemed like snapping.

After listening what Vyom said, Meenakshi started packing. Soon they finished packing and left the house. Noone in their family didn't say anything not even bye.

....................

It's been 15 days since they left the house. Vyom was living in hostel and Meenakshi with Dr. Manasi.

Dr. Manasi talked in some schools about Meenakshi's studies but the results were disappointed as the academic session was already started. So, instead of wasting the year Shikhar suggested to teach her all the  

prior classes books and make her join next session.

They both were working hard. Vyom attended classes in the morning, then went to his part time job, then he helped Meenakshi and lastly sleep. Meenakshi was dedicating all her time to studies and sometimes helped Dr Manasi also in household works.

......

Things were getting harder for both of them. So after a lot of discussion Meenakshi decided to take admission in government school coz they didn't have much money.

When Vyom's 1st year got completed, he rented a room of low price for both of them. The money Vyom earned from job wasn't enough, so Vyom decided to take more jobs. He wasn't saying this to her knowing that she would only get angry.

Here, although Vyom didn't say anything she was seeing him that how much tired he was when he came. She got to know that some of Manasi aunty friends' were in need of cook, so she accepted that.

Although Vyom was angry on her due to this. But was quiet due to his promise.



*****

With the both of their hard work, once again things stated to change. Meenakshi passed her 10th class board with good marks. Vyom also completed his graduation. When he got to know about IAS exam in his 2nd year, he decided to participate in that exam. And after working really hard in those two years, he qualified it in his first attempt. Now he became youngest official at the age 21.

......

Although their lives came on track. But they themselves knew better that there was still a battle that is left, still a problem that was left to solve, a knot which was yet to untied.