ANIDITA : A Life For Revolution

CHAPTER 4 : Part 5

Bondita's p.o.v

Days went away just like that and before we knew it, I was doing the final packing for my departure... tomorrow. After checking everything properly and instructing Bhari babu to keep my luggages in the motor car, I decided to do the most important thing before going, seeing everyone and bidding adieu. It is going to be tough. I know. But still I have to.

I decided to meet Sasur Ji first, since he has to leave for his work shortly. I went to his room and knocked on his door.

"Bondita!" he gave me a fake smile, obviously understanding why I was here.

I smiled back and bend down to take his blessings.

"Khush raho beti" he said awkwardly, keeping his hands on my head.

"Ap bhi sab ke sath mujhe chodne aayenge na?"

"Haan haan kyun nahi? Hamari bahu London ja rahi hai woh bhi Barristry ki padhai karne..." he hesitated but decided to let go, adjusting his spectacle "Beti bohot garv mehsoos ho raha hai mujhe tumhe dekhkar... Yakeen nahi horaha yeh sab sach mein ho raha hai. Tumhe pata hai Bondita? Zindagi mein pehli baar harte huye bhi khushi mehsoos kar raha hoon. Tum nahi janti lekin mein Anirudh ko ek chunauti diya tha... Yeh sochkar ki woh kabhi uss chunauti jeetega nahi... Lekin ab samajh aa raha hai ki kal jab woh Ship London keliye tumhe lekar jayega, tab Anirudh woh chunauti jeet jayega... Uss raat meine socha tak nahi tha ki hamare zindagi mein itna kuch badlega ki uss chunauti harne mein mujhe khushi milega... Khair! Purani baaton ko bhoolkar ab apne bhavishyu ke bare mein sochte hai"

He patted my head lovingly and continued.

"Khoob padho... khoob samjho... apna aur apne parivar ka naam khoob roshan karo. Hamein poora bharosa hai tumpar Bondita... Tum ham sabka sar uncha kar denge... Kyun?"

I nodded with moist eyes.

"Bohot yaad ayega tumhara" he whispered, squeezed my shoulder and went away adjusting his spectacle.

I let out a loud sigh. Sasur Ji have never talked to me like that before, but I did know he loved me dearly. With a chuckle and a genuine smile, I wiped away the tears and went for the next room.

Kaka Saur Ji! This is going to get really emotional. But I know I'm ready for it. When I peep through the half open door, I can see him sitting on his bed and going through some registers. I cleared my throat and entered inside.

"Bahu? Kya hua kuch chahiye tumhe? Kuch batana hai kya? Ya phir-"

"Oho KSJ batati hoon mein, shant ho jayiye ap"

He frowned and sat erect. I sat opposite him on the bed and slowly started.

"Bhool gaya kya ap? Kal ja rahi hai apki bahu... Baat nahi karni apko?"

His eyebrows raised in sudden realization but he looked down to his register irritated, obviously deciding to sulk.

"Toh? Toh kya ham tumhe sar pe chada de? Jaane ka faisla toh tumhara aur tumhare pati babu ka tha na? Ham kuch kahe ya na kahe tumhe kya?"

I slammed the book shut and made him look at me.

"Kya matlab hai apka? Kya mein anumati nahi liya tha apse?"

"Tumne anumati liya nahi balki anumati dene keliye mujhe majboor kiya tha bahu"

"Maltab ap nahi chahte ki mein Barrister banoon? Ap nahi chahte ki mein London jaun? Theek hai, nahi jaungi mein London. Abhi bata deti hoon Bhari babu ko sab samaan wapas rakhne" I made a face and pretended to walk away.