Update 141
I didn’t waste much time with patient met the duty doctor and took his opinion. When he saw me he politely admitted that there are no facility for his treatment here, you may better shift him to big hospital then only he can survive other iwise it is hard to say. But as far as I know they don’t have any money and the treatment would cost lot. Are you related to them he asked. Yes I am distant relative of them and I shall see to it that he gets best treatment. So where you would suggest to shift him I asked.
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flash back bhanushree 14.6
He suggested one or two hospital but I was not satisfied so I called my family doctor and explained the situation he suggest another hospital which was bit expensive but very good one. Then I asked duty doctor to shift patient to the specific hospital and asked him to arrange ambulance. With grumbling he did arrange and gave reference letter.
We shifted him and met doctors they after initial checkup they shifted him for x ray and all. I was waiting for result as expected he had multiple fractures and needed immediate surgery. I arranged everything and even deposited money through my atm card. Till then I too was very much tensed, I looked at bhanu and her mom, they were looking at me astonishingly.
She came to me she was looking really worried. Will he be all right she asked, yes aunt no need to worry he will be all right soon. I have spoken to doctors they have assured me that he needs couple of surgeries may need to put rod in his leg, hand should be fine with plaster any time surgeon is expected and today itself he is going to be operated. Don’t worry I tried to console them, I myself was not sure about it. He had problem that much I knew and there was no doubt of survival but about overall condition I too was in dark.
Sir I think this hospital seems to be too costly she doubted about the bill. Don’t worry it will be taken care of. I know your daughter she has seek my help I am here. Let us see what will happen and I shall assure you that I am going to pay for everything. What about repayment sir, we are broke we don’t have any money and these operations are going to cost too much. She expressed her helplessness. We have enough time for thinking about it, first thing is we have to get him all right, once he becomes ok we shall discuss about bill, till then don’t worry about anything. Everything is going to be all right.
While we were talking we got call from doctors I took aunt with me, surgeon explained about the condition of patient and the risks involved in surgery and alter condition. He wanted to discuss about the estimated cost, but I stopped him in middle. Don’t worry about fees I am here I shall take care of everything I assured him.
Doctor looked at me intently, I think i have seen you somewhere he tried to remember me. I gave couple of hints about me then he recognized me and said yes that is what I was thinking. Yu know y9our jiju is my class mate and close friend, are they related to yu he asked pointing at aunt. I asked aunt to go out and later explained him their condition and I assured despite of this I am here to help them and I shall pay for all the bills, but I expect some concessions I pleaded.
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She – sir it is too difficult to tell, at least for mother to speak.
Me – come on aunt you have trust in me?
She – yes sit but it is so dirty that is the reason I am hesitating.
I place my hand o her shoulder see as long as I am with you people there is no need to fear. Just be open and tell me what it is. Just tell it now before your daughter returns.
She – she wiped her tears, sir I have faith in you and I feel that you have come like god to help us in our bad time. She tried to touch my feet. I moved back and made her stand by holding her arms. I caressed her back you can think that I am your son not god but tell me what is all about it.
She – sir I will but I am so frightened to tell it.
Me – has he threatened not to tell
She – yes sir if at all I open my mouth he would not only kill my hubby by giving poisonous injection but ruin my entire family.
Me – why should y worry I know entire department I shall take all the needed care. You don’t have to fear any more.
She – sir to rectify paper problem he has asked for my elder daughter. He wants to use her. She again began crying, I was really shocked to hear it. I knew that officer is crooked one but I didn’t know that he would go to this extent. What he was after was only money and drinks but womanizer that I didn’t know.
Me – my god he asked for your daughter? I will take him to the task. He will have pay for that.
She – if at all I spell it out he further has threatened to sell all of to brothel please save us from that evil, I beg you she stretched her pallu for begging.
Me – don’t worry aunt I shall teach him a lesson that is my promise. Be assured that no one is going to touch you or your family. I will ask senior officers to appoint security also.
One thing you make it clear, now onwards your family is my family, your problem is my problem. I don’t think there are any better words than this.
She – thank yu sir I will never forget this help in my life. Yu have come like god to rescue us. Our entire family will be indebted t you sir.
Me – I am calling you aunty and I have said that your family is my family, so it won’t be good to call me sir, you can call me shree or shree beta. I am not helping you as it is now my family and it is my bounden duty to look after my family.
By then bhanu came running with bottle of water. I asked aunt to wash her face and drink water.
Then I went to officer and asked him to come with me. Already he was frightened as I had spent so much time with aunt. He was reluctant to come with me. Then I too changed my mind as operation was going to take place soon. Surgeon sent a cal for me. He said formalities need to be completed ask his wife to sign papers and we are almost ready for surgery. i want you to be here till it is completed, he went hurriedly to o t . I asked aunt o complete formalities by then bhanu younger sis came running as her dad was shifted to other hospital. Aunt and bhanu introduced her to me and explained what all had happened. She is bhavana she got frightened as her dad needed surgery but I consoled her. When she came to know that I am helping them for everything monetarily as well morally she tried to touch my feet. I took her in my arms don’t cry baby. I have told your mom that your family is my family now onwards and I shall be at your side for rest of the time. She hugged me tight and said thanks bhai, I don’t know what would happen to my dad if you had not helped us. Bhai we all are so thankful to you.
Me –no thanks dear sis, you are calling me bhai and saying thanks those will not match. I am going to take charge of brother and henceforth n thanks and sorry ok, I caressed her cheek and wiped her tears.
Bhavana – you are a god sent brother for us, we don’t have any brother as you know we are only three sisters, I am so glad to have you as my brother. She raised her torso and kissed my cheek.
We were waiting outside the o t for more than three hours, I was feeling hungry but could not move away. I knew if I move away they will feel unsecured so I sent bhavana to get some snacks for all of us. Then only aunt realized that I am hungry, she asked me to go have food.
I can’t leave my aunt alone, we all will have some snacks and it is all right for me. By then a nurse came asking for blood as they didn’t have that group blood and they wanted fresh blood. I took the slip and coincidentally it matched with mine. I volunteered to give blood. Aunt began crying again when she saw me ready to give blood. I didn’t waste much time and moved with nurse. It didn’t take more time to give blood. By the time I returned I saw aunt was still crying silently and her children kept watching her crying mom and they too were crying along with her.
I sat beside them and asked for the snacks to change their mood. You must be feeling hungrier after donating blood she asked innocently. No aunt it is not first time I am donating blood. I compulsorily donate blood on two occasion’s every year. Once on my birthday and other time on Independence Day. I have never had any occasion to give blood to known person; today I am so lucky that I could share my blood to our family member to have more binding between families.
That shows kindness to the society aunty appreciated. Slowly I changed their mood by explaining how useful it is to donate blood all healthy people can donate their blood three to four times a year. I do it whenever I receive call for my blood. I don’t know whether I have helped any one directly at least by donating blood I can have satisfaction of saving someone’s life. Girls involved in talk by changed mood and their mom kept listening to our talks forgetting the tension. I made them eat some snacks and after couple of hours surgeon came out and said operations are successful and there is nothing to worry, he will be all right in few days. All of us were happy to hear these words, doctor gave instructions and specially encouraged aunt and gave her moral support of well being of patient.
We were allotted a special room and I brought all the necessary medicines after almost four hours he was shifted to room. By now he was almost in conscious state. He called me and thanksed me holding my hands, he was looking worried about the fees and expenses. I assured him that I shall take care of him and expanses there are no need to worry. About repayment he is not supposed to bother we shall think of it later, lot of time is there to think about all those silly things. I asked him to take rest.
I had ordered food for them by then her eldest daughter also joined us. Aunt had kept her away because of that security officer officer mooche. On my assurance aunt called bhagya was her name. she is also equally beautiful like her younger sisters and her mom. Though she was in shabby clothes still looked very beautiful. I waited till everything settled. Then aunt only asked me to go home when she was sure of their security and a security officer constable was appointed for their security on my request. I left them saying I would visit again on next morning, and instructed them to call me if there is any necessary.
It was late in the night I didn’t bother that security officer officer that time. When he had come to know that aunt is my relative he had shut his ass and had moved away from hospital.
Next day I visited them before going for work and felt satisfied that everything was fine. I gave them some money for medicines and other expenses. On the way back I called that officer and took him to my place and took him to task.
He confessed that what aunt had told was right and he had done it on others words and pressure. He was not ready to open his mouth but on threatening him he told that it was on pressure of the culprit who had made accident. Sir you know how old I am. I am about to retire how can I ask for girl of my daughters age. It is due to that fellow he wanted to have grip over the family by using the girl as weapon. Later he gave details of the person who is behind all this. When he told I came to know him, he is brother of an M L A he is a waste person doing all nonsense things spoiling his brother’s name. Total drunkard and gambler does all sorts of bad thing in one word he is a bad element. Without wasting time I went to M L A whom I knew him personally and explained everything to him. He felt very bad on hearing all the things including asking for girl. But still blood is blood he requested me to keep all the things secret and he is ready to bear half the expanses. You can claim insurance and it will be all yours. Please share half the expenses and I shall bear rest he said which I accepted with a condition that he has to manage papers of the taxi which does not have valid papers and insurance. He said he shall manipulate and see that bhanu dad is not in trouble. It was good that he accepted to manage it, otherwise it was my headache. In return he said that he would change drivers name who made accident to safeguard his brother though he is not at all happy about him but still un avoidable to save own name. As he had agreed to help us by looking after taxi papers I had to agree for that condition. M L A called his brother over phone and fired him like anything and warned him to keep away from them, otherwise he will have to face trouble from other party as well from him also. So he silently accepted to keep away.
Monetarily also he had assured to share my burden. Was happy for all the things took place, I had asked that officer to be transferred away from the place. Though it was not he doing all tortures on own but he was part of it so he too deserved some punishment. I took him to aunt and made him beg sorry for his misdeeds and he assured that there won’t be any more trouble from his or his department side.
Aunt felt relieved by this confession and assurance. I sent him back and spent some more time with them. Bhanu was so happy till previous day she was feeling alone to face battle now with me beside her she was having feeling of secured. Aunt also thanked me profusely.
Days were passing and things went as per our talk with M L A he readily paid bills and his bro never appeared there. I kept visiting them almost twice a day.
One day I visited them bhanu dad had recovered well he would be discharged soon I thought. His injuries were healing but plaster had remained now he was made walk with help of walker and the progress was good. Every time he saw me his eyes became moist. Sir you are taking so much trouble for this poor taxi driver, I don’t know how to pay back this help. Sir I won’t forget this help for life time. Even if I had son he would not be doing so much service and show concern to me. Your parents are so lucky to have such a noble son, he went on praising. I got up to leave, all of them asked what happened why you get up asked in unison.
See he is putting me to shame, unnecessarily he is praising too much. I don’t feel right to be praised. I have repeatedly told that you are my family members then where does the question of help comes? If you praise like this I will never visit you people I said in anger.
Sorry baba from now onwards I will not express anything but you cant change the feelings what we have in our heart, what do you say he looked at aunt, she just nod her head she didn’t have courage to express. At last she said that is there, if he does not like our real feelings we can’t express, but once I want to meet you parents she said. You can meet them any time, but they don’t live here, they are in my native I replied. Then with whom yu live here she asked, I told them that I live with jiju family and in be if I told them how I came here.
Bhanu stood up what this family history you have begun mom, he has come to visit us and you ar boring them she said. Bhai can we go somewhere I am feeling nausea sitting all the time in hospital, please let me have some fresh air, if you can spare some time for me she added. Why not dear, when you are calling me bhai no need to be so formal. Bhavana also looked at me as if I would invite her, but as I had come by bike I didn’t call her and I didn’t know where we were going.
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Both of us came out she was holding my hand with hers. Where to ask she shrugged her shoulder. I took her to a restaurant as I didn’t have breakfast. She looked around as if it was her first visit to a good restaurant. We took a corner seat she sat opposite to me. She kept looking at me and I looked at her, she looked most beautiful in the entire restaurant if she was not in her shabby attire all the people present would be looking at her. Unfortunately she was in her cheap and old dress still she looked most beautiful and innocent. Bearer handed menu I slide it to her. She looked at and then at me as if asking what is this. I opened page and asked her to select anything she wishes to eat. She pushed back are you joking or teasing bhai she asked. Why what is joke in this I asked bewildered.
She – bhai this is the first time in my life entering hotel forget this kind I have not peeked in ordinary hotels, then how come I know what kind of food is served here.
Me – so what you might have heard names of the dishes
She – bhai you are insulting me, I have never visited hotels and had never made friendship with the girls who visit. So better chose anything on your own.
I felt pity for her, it was my mistake I should have thought of it before hand. Then I ordered some sweets and dosa, after waiter moved what is so special today she asked. Nothing, I replied, then why are you ordering sweets she asked again. I was about to laugh but something inside me stopped from laughing.
It means they prepare sweets only on special occasions like festivals I thought. That means they must be in very bad shape, I was a fool I never asked about her and her family in past so many days with them. I became serious she was bit worried and asked me did I say anything wrong bhai. No not at all I replied it is not because of you, I remembered something I changed topic and pretend like calling sho p and giving instructions to them.
She – everything is all right, are you in trouble because of us. If you have urgent work you can go after finishing breakfast.
Me – no, I had forgotten to give instructions so I gave, now I don’t need to go to shop for hours. I will be with you and I will take you for a ride.
She – that is so fun you know I have hardly ride bike, only time was with you, but I was so tensed that time. If you are free you can take me for a ride.
I could see her eyes brightened on hearing that I will take her for a ride on my bike. Pulsar 200 cc, it was thrill for her. By then our sweets arrived she looked at quizzically at it then she hesitantly she asked what is name of the sweet. It was some Bengali sweet I told her the name. then I remembered bhavana looked at me, the way she had looked at me she wanted to accompany with us, I felt bad for not bringing her with us, she too could enjoy a bit in cozy restaurant. Ok let it be some time I should bring all three sisters I thought.
The way she was eating bit by bit , it was very much evident that she was having such a sweet for the first time in her life. I kept looking at her eating. When our eyes met I began eating. Before she finished I had ordered another sweet, she looked at me. I didn’t show any sign I continued eating. At last she asked why one more, they prepare very good sweets whenever I visit here always I eat more sweets I replied without giving any clue. Then dosa and other sweets arrived, we finished food without much talks. She was eating silently I could see her reactions though she ws enjoying the food but still her face had mixed feelings. I could understand she was not really enjoying not for the food was bad but she must be feeling bad to eat alone without her family who are sitting in hospital and she alone is enjoying delicious food in cozy restaurant. Before the bill arrived I stuffed 500 rs note in waiters hand so that she should not know how much bill was.
We left the hotel and I took her for a jolly ride while my mind was thinking something else. But I kept her mood jolly and then I decide to take her to our guest house. When we reached guest house she looked at me. Without speaking anything I gave her my cell and asked her to call her mom and tell that she will be late and she is with me nothing to worry if she gets late. But her mom was bit worried. I took the cell and informed that I was caught up with some urgent work so it takes some time to return and not to worry as her daughter is safe with me, with these words she must have felt bad I could hear a sob. Sir please don’t speak like that with me, I know we are all safe with you sir. Then don’t worry it will take some time to return, I bid bye and cut call.
Bhanu- bhai why did you tell that you are caught up with urgent work and what is that.
I could read her face, she was bit tensed. When she had come ready to offer herself she didn’t have any question of safety, now the things have changed now she is worried to be alone with me. You cant predict how women think different at different times.
Me – nothing dear I feel like I am tired since morning restless work. So I wanted to relax for some time, if you are feeling easy I shall drop you back and then take rest I replied sarcastically.
She was scared the way I replied no bhai I didn’t mean it .
Come on sit down and relax, will you mind if I smoke I asked her. Better not she replied politely, I feel nauseating with the smoke and smell. Then you sit here I shall go out and smoke I was feeling like smoking badly, so many things were running in mind. I finished smoking and washed my mouth and returned to room. I sat in reclining chair she was sitting opposite to me, when I sat away she felt better. I began speaking casually to bring her mod back to normal. It didn’t take much time with joyous talks and some jokes. Now her tension was relived.
Me – now tell me about you and your family.
She – what is there to tell bhai. You have seen all of us.
Me – tell about your family back ground if you don’t have any problem I added.
She – there is nothing to hide bhai. Ours is a sad story we are poor as you know.
Me – start from beginning from where you are and where are your grandparents.
She – bhai it is very sad story, if you here it you won’t feel good better don’t ask for the details.
Me – I am interested to know for 9our good cause, if you don’t want to tell then no need to tell.
She – she cleared her throat and began her story. My grandparents are from some town away from here. Our mom and dad marriage is a love marriage. They were neighbors and of same age. In college days itself they were loving each other from child hood days as they grew their love increase. As they were neighbors and both families had very good understanding. They lived like single family though community was different. When it came to question of marriage there was big fight between both families. M grand mom was against marriage as my dad community was lower than theirs. So after they came to know that both are in love they restricted mom from meeting any of the dad family members. They tried maximum to avoid meeting and they thought of marrying my mom to other at that young age.
But mom and dad ran away when they were studying 11 th standard and got married in a temple. Before they ran away they had taken some cash and jewellaries with them. They didn’t have any problem till money and jewels were sold. Later they became aware that living without any earning was not at all possible. But by then it was too late my mom was carrying, she was pregnant.
Both f them discussed and decide to get back to home. They tried it but neither of the families accepted them and they threw them out saying they had brought bad name to the family. Then they thought of renting some a room in same town and start hunting for some job, but later someone informed mom that my grand dad is planning to kill my dad for eloping my mom, so they again ran away and reached this place. Since then they are struggling for lively hood.
At that young age it was not easy task for searching a job. They didn’t have any experience of working as both of the families were well of so they had never worked and even my mom didn’t know cooking too. So they went on doing all sorts of errands at other houses.
Luckily my dad knew driving as they had car in their house. So he tried to search driving job but looking at his age no body were ready to take risk and he didn’t have license also. But somehow he managed to get job of cleaner in lorry and later he was promoted as driver.
By then my elder sis was born means more expanses. Somehow they dragged life mom began working as housemaid carrying her two months baby with her. They struggled a lot to make living, the ones who spent life like queen in her native had to work as a house maid in others houses, the boy who roamed in his brand new costly car had to work as a driver in some lorry asking money from passengers to make living for himself. They had not committed crime they had loved each other not lust but pure love for that they had to lead such a life. They never repent on loving but they felt bad for their parents not realizing their pure love. They never discussed or expressed each other that they were put in lots of trouble because of loving from other community but they took it as challenge and were always took care of each other. They are really made for each other. The ones who ate royal food in their house were put to starving and struggle for single meal they could manage and they didn’t grumble when house owners gave them stale food which had remained in their house, they took it as Prasad of god.
They continued living and trying to make their living. Mentally they were strong and love never diminished. Though physically they worked and struggled but mentally they lived like queen and king in their heart. In mean while they had two more children and it was becoming difficult for them to manage five stomachs still they did go along with the tide. They were so happy to have all three girls as they could not afford to have one more though they were craving for male child they got family planning operation.
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As a driver of lorry those days his income increased and they could save some money. With all the savings dad was thinking of buying his own taxi so that he could make better earning. Mom was against it as she was always scared of raising loan. She had brought a sewing machine was doing stitching in spare time so her income also was increasing but filling five stomachs was still challenge. Dad was bent up on buying a taxi on hire purchase at last mom had to surrender and they did buy one new taxi.
Then their real problem started, few months he did well with new taxi but he fell ill due to over working for extra hours in effort of paying installments as early as possible. But their ill fate deceived them again like love marriage. He fell ill for long time and for lack of nutritious food he was suffering from T B and he was bedridden for long time. All the savings was spent for his medical bills and paying rent and food. He could not run his taxi so installments were getting overdue and even rent of his house was also overdue. One fateful day financer seized his taxi and on coming to know that he won’t be able to pay rent as he had lost his taxi owner of the house also threw him out.
Those were the worst most days my parents spent. While saying this bhanu began crying remembering how her parents spent those crucial days with three little girls and ailing father. How mush her mom must have struggled. I moved towards bhanu and pacified her. With lots f effort she stopped crying she lean on me placed her head on my shoulder. Hearing her story my eyes also became wet with tears.
When she saw me wiping my tears she wiped my tears and said I had asked not ot hear my story, see yu also are crying. Love you bhai you have woman’s heart you can’t hear others suffering, she hugged me tight. We kept silent after some time it was getting late s I asked her to washer face I too got fresh and with heavy heart I dropped her back to hospital.
That is the time I decide to help their family and try to make them live in better position. But how, was not known to me also. Another two days passed I kept thinking constantly about bhanu family.
Next day I took bhanu out I wanted to know about their present condition and was curious to know how they are managing college fees and all.
That time bhanu was reluctant to tell anything about her family. She knew I feel very bad when I hear their story and I too break in tears. But I was reluctant to ask. With lots of persuasion she continued her story.
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When they were thrown out of their house they moved to slum. They got a shed on cheap rent, though locality was not at all good and not worth to live there. But they had no option but to make a living. After few more days rest dad began working as he was not physically fit even after recovering from illness, he was forced to work. It was becoming hard to search for job for mom as she could not go far away from their living place leaving three little girls back in home.
When she tried to get work from nearby houses they were hesitating to give work as she lived in slum. That bad rapport of slum people was another challenge for her. Somehow she got her children feed and now the time had come to send her children to college.
Her parents worked hard to make both ends meet; still word poverty was riding their back. Somehow time passed and children were growing and making the expenses increase. The things kept moving along with their problems.
Here I wont go in more details but I need to give their present condition. I think this part of the story is going to bore you all, as there is no fun and entertainment I this part. I thought of dropping here itself but if I do it details of bhanu and family would be missing. Further their reappearance time it may be bit odd, so let me complete it here itself before proceeding to next part, please bear with me.
Now bhagya was studying B. Com bhanu had completed her tenth and her younger sis is still in high college. Bhagya and bhanu were worried to whether to continue their education or start working so as to help their parents. But both girls were brilliant their mom wanted them to continue education, though she knew she would not be able to give complete education but relying on god she persuade her children to study.
So first bhagya joined part time work as slaes girl and next year bhanu joined same shop where I met them. Bhanu has extra sense of customer handling and helping to choose and even persuade to buy more clothes without actually letting customer know that she is dumping more than they require. Owner of shop was happy to have her as his staff, but due to her limited period working he could not afford to pay more.
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flash back bhanushree 14.6
He suggested one or two hospital but I was not satisfied so I called my family doctor and explained the situation he suggest another hospital which was bit expensive but very good one. Then I asked duty doctor to shift patient to the specific hospital and asked him to arrange ambulance. With grumbling he did arrange and gave reference letter.
We shifted him and met doctors they after initial checkup they shifted him for x ray and all. I was waiting for result as expected he had multiple fractures and needed immediate surgery. I arranged everything and even deposited money through my atm card. Till then I too was very much tensed, I looked at bhanu and her mom, they were looking at me astonishingly.
She came to me she was looking really worried. Will he be all right she asked, yes aunt no need to worry he will be all right soon. I have spoken to doctors they have assured me that he needs couple of surgeries may need to put rod in his leg, hand should be fine with plaster any time surgeon is expected and today itself he is going to be operated. Don’t worry I tried to console them, I myself was not sure about it. He had problem that much I knew and there was no doubt of survival but about overall condition I too was in dark.
Sir I think this hospital seems to be too costly she doubted about the bill. Don’t worry it will be taken care of. I know your daughter she has seek my help I am here. Let us see what will happen and I shall assure you that I am going to pay for everything. What about repayment sir, we are broke we don’t have any money and these operations are going to cost too much. She expressed her helplessness. We have enough time for thinking about it, first thing is we have to get him all right, once he becomes ok we shall discuss about bill, till then don’t worry about anything. Everything is going to be all right.
While we were talking we got call from doctors I took aunt with me, surgeon explained about the condition of patient and the risks involved in surgery and alter condition. He wanted to discuss about the estimated cost, but I stopped him in middle. Don’t worry about fees I am here I shall take care of everything I assured him.
Doctor looked at me intently, I think i have seen you somewhere he tried to remember me. I gave couple of hints about me then he recognized me and said yes that is what I was thinking. Yu know y9our jiju is my class mate and close friend, are they related to yu he asked pointing at aunt. I asked aunt to go out and later explained him their condition and I assured despite of this I am here to help them and I shall pay for all the bills, but I expect some concessions I pleaded.
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She – sir it is too difficult to tell, at least for mother to speak.
Me – come on aunt you have trust in me?
She – yes sit but it is so dirty that is the reason I am hesitating.
I place my hand o her shoulder see as long as I am with you people there is no need to fear. Just be open and tell me what it is. Just tell it now before your daughter returns.
She – she wiped her tears, sir I have faith in you and I feel that you have come like god to help us in our bad time. She tried to touch my feet. I moved back and made her stand by holding her arms. I caressed her back you can think that I am your son not god but tell me what is all about it.
She – sir I will but I am so frightened to tell it.
Me – has he threatened not to tell
She – yes sir if at all I open my mouth he would not only kill my hubby by giving poisonous injection but ruin my entire family.
Me – why should y worry I know entire department I shall take all the needed care. You don’t have to fear any more.
She – sir to rectify paper problem he has asked for my elder daughter. He wants to use her. She again began crying, I was really shocked to hear it. I knew that officer is crooked one but I didn’t know that he would go to this extent. What he was after was only money and drinks but womanizer that I didn’t know.
Me – my god he asked for your daughter? I will take him to the task. He will have pay for that.
She – if at all I spell it out he further has threatened to sell all of to brothel please save us from that evil, I beg you she stretched her pallu for begging.
Me – don’t worry aunt I shall teach him a lesson that is my promise. Be assured that no one is going to touch you or your family. I will ask senior officers to appoint security also.
One thing you make it clear, now onwards your family is my family, your problem is my problem. I don’t think there are any better words than this.
She – thank yu sir I will never forget this help in my life. Yu have come like god to rescue us. Our entire family will be indebted t you sir.
Me – I am calling you aunty and I have said that your family is my family, so it won’t be good to call me sir, you can call me shree or shree beta. I am not helping you as it is now my family and it is my bounden duty to look after my family.
By then bhanu came running with bottle of water. I asked aunt to wash her face and drink water.
Then I went to officer and asked him to come with me. Already he was frightened as I had spent so much time with aunt. He was reluctant to come with me. Then I too changed my mind as operation was going to take place soon. Surgeon sent a cal for me. He said formalities need to be completed ask his wife to sign papers and we are almost ready for surgery. i want you to be here till it is completed, he went hurriedly to o t . I asked aunt o complete formalities by then bhanu younger sis came running as her dad was shifted to other hospital. Aunt and bhanu introduced her to me and explained what all had happened. She is bhavana she got frightened as her dad needed surgery but I consoled her. When she came to know that I am helping them for everything monetarily as well morally she tried to touch my feet. I took her in my arms don’t cry baby. I have told your mom that your family is my family now onwards and I shall be at your side for rest of the time. She hugged me tight and said thanks bhai, I don’t know what would happen to my dad if you had not helped us. Bhai we all are so thankful to you.
Me –no thanks dear sis, you are calling me bhai and saying thanks those will not match. I am going to take charge of brother and henceforth n thanks and sorry ok, I caressed her cheek and wiped her tears.
Bhavana – you are a god sent brother for us, we don’t have any brother as you know we are only three sisters, I am so glad to have you as my brother. She raised her torso and kissed my cheek.
We were waiting outside the o t for more than three hours, I was feeling hungry but could not move away. I knew if I move away they will feel unsecured so I sent bhavana to get some snacks for all of us. Then only aunt realized that I am hungry, she asked me to go have food.
I can’t leave my aunt alone, we all will have some snacks and it is all right for me. By then a nurse came asking for blood as they didn’t have that group blood and they wanted fresh blood. I took the slip and coincidentally it matched with mine. I volunteered to give blood. Aunt began crying again when she saw me ready to give blood. I didn’t waste much time and moved with nurse. It didn’t take more time to give blood. By the time I returned I saw aunt was still crying silently and her children kept watching her crying mom and they too were crying along with her.
I sat beside them and asked for the snacks to change their mood. You must be feeling hungrier after donating blood she asked innocently. No aunt it is not first time I am donating blood. I compulsorily donate blood on two occasion’s every year. Once on my birthday and other time on Independence Day. I have never had any occasion to give blood to known person; today I am so lucky that I could share my blood to our family member to have more binding between families.
That shows kindness to the society aunty appreciated. Slowly I changed their mood by explaining how useful it is to donate blood all healthy people can donate their blood three to four times a year. I do it whenever I receive call for my blood. I don’t know whether I have helped any one directly at least by donating blood I can have satisfaction of saving someone’s life. Girls involved in talk by changed mood and their mom kept listening to our talks forgetting the tension. I made them eat some snacks and after couple of hours surgeon came out and said operations are successful and there is nothing to worry, he will be all right in few days. All of us were happy to hear these words, doctor gave instructions and specially encouraged aunt and gave her moral support of well being of patient.
We were allotted a special room and I brought all the necessary medicines after almost four hours he was shifted to room. By now he was almost in conscious state. He called me and thanksed me holding my hands, he was looking worried about the fees and expenses. I assured him that I shall take care of him and expanses there are no need to worry. About repayment he is not supposed to bother we shall think of it later, lot of time is there to think about all those silly things. I asked him to take rest.
I had ordered food for them by then her eldest daughter also joined us. Aunt had kept her away because of that security officer officer mooche. On my assurance aunt called bhagya was her name. she is also equally beautiful like her younger sisters and her mom. Though she was in shabby clothes still looked very beautiful. I waited till everything settled. Then aunt only asked me to go home when she was sure of their security and a security officer constable was appointed for their security on my request. I left them saying I would visit again on next morning, and instructed them to call me if there is any necessary.
It was late in the night I didn’t bother that security officer officer that time. When he had come to know that aunt is my relative he had shut his ass and had moved away from hospital.
Next day I visited them before going for work and felt satisfied that everything was fine. I gave them some money for medicines and other expenses. On the way back I called that officer and took him to my place and took him to task.
He confessed that what aunt had told was right and he had done it on others words and pressure. He was not ready to open his mouth but on threatening him he told that it was on pressure of the culprit who had made accident. Sir you know how old I am. I am about to retire how can I ask for girl of my daughters age. It is due to that fellow he wanted to have grip over the family by using the girl as weapon. Later he gave details of the person who is behind all this. When he told I came to know him, he is brother of an M L A he is a waste person doing all nonsense things spoiling his brother’s name. Total drunkard and gambler does all sorts of bad thing in one word he is a bad element. Without wasting time I went to M L A whom I knew him personally and explained everything to him. He felt very bad on hearing all the things including asking for girl. But still blood is blood he requested me to keep all the things secret and he is ready to bear half the expanses. You can claim insurance and it will be all yours. Please share half the expenses and I shall bear rest he said which I accepted with a condition that he has to manage papers of the taxi which does not have valid papers and insurance. He said he shall manipulate and see that bhanu dad is not in trouble. It was good that he accepted to manage it, otherwise it was my headache. In return he said that he would change drivers name who made accident to safeguard his brother though he is not at all happy about him but still un avoidable to save own name. As he had agreed to help us by looking after taxi papers I had to agree for that condition. M L A called his brother over phone and fired him like anything and warned him to keep away from them, otherwise he will have to face trouble from other party as well from him also. So he silently accepted to keep away.
Monetarily also he had assured to share my burden. Was happy for all the things took place, I had asked that officer to be transferred away from the place. Though it was not he doing all tortures on own but he was part of it so he too deserved some punishment. I took him to aunt and made him beg sorry for his misdeeds and he assured that there won’t be any more trouble from his or his department side.
Aunt felt relieved by this confession and assurance. I sent him back and spent some more time with them. Bhanu was so happy till previous day she was feeling alone to face battle now with me beside her she was having feeling of secured. Aunt also thanked me profusely.
Days were passing and things went as per our talk with M L A he readily paid bills and his bro never appeared there. I kept visiting them almost twice a day.
One day I visited them bhanu dad had recovered well he would be discharged soon I thought. His injuries were healing but plaster had remained now he was made walk with help of walker and the progress was good. Every time he saw me his eyes became moist. Sir you are taking so much trouble for this poor taxi driver, I don’t know how to pay back this help. Sir I won’t forget this help for life time. Even if I had son he would not be doing so much service and show concern to me. Your parents are so lucky to have such a noble son, he went on praising. I got up to leave, all of them asked what happened why you get up asked in unison.
See he is putting me to shame, unnecessarily he is praising too much. I don’t feel right to be praised. I have repeatedly told that you are my family members then where does the question of help comes? If you praise like this I will never visit you people I said in anger.
Sorry baba from now onwards I will not express anything but you cant change the feelings what we have in our heart, what do you say he looked at aunt, she just nod her head she didn’t have courage to express. At last she said that is there, if he does not like our real feelings we can’t express, but once I want to meet you parents she said. You can meet them any time, but they don’t live here, they are in my native I replied. Then with whom yu live here she asked, I told them that I live with jiju family and in be if I told them how I came here.
Bhanu stood up what this family history you have begun mom, he has come to visit us and you ar boring them she said. Bhai can we go somewhere I am feeling nausea sitting all the time in hospital, please let me have some fresh air, if you can spare some time for me she added. Why not dear, when you are calling me bhai no need to be so formal. Bhavana also looked at me as if I would invite her, but as I had come by bike I didn’t call her and I didn’t know where we were going.
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Both of us came out she was holding my hand with hers. Where to ask she shrugged her shoulder. I took her to a restaurant as I didn’t have breakfast. She looked around as if it was her first visit to a good restaurant. We took a corner seat she sat opposite to me. She kept looking at me and I looked at her, she looked most beautiful in the entire restaurant if she was not in her shabby attire all the people present would be looking at her. Unfortunately she was in her cheap and old dress still she looked most beautiful and innocent. Bearer handed menu I slide it to her. She looked at and then at me as if asking what is this. I opened page and asked her to select anything she wishes to eat. She pushed back are you joking or teasing bhai she asked. Why what is joke in this I asked bewildered.
She – bhai this is the first time in my life entering hotel forget this kind I have not peeked in ordinary hotels, then how come I know what kind of food is served here.
Me – so what you might have heard names of the dishes
She – bhai you are insulting me, I have never visited hotels and had never made friendship with the girls who visit. So better chose anything on your own.
I felt pity for her, it was my mistake I should have thought of it before hand. Then I ordered some sweets and dosa, after waiter moved what is so special today she asked. Nothing, I replied, then why are you ordering sweets she asked again. I was about to laugh but something inside me stopped from laughing.
It means they prepare sweets only on special occasions like festivals I thought. That means they must be in very bad shape, I was a fool I never asked about her and her family in past so many days with them. I became serious she was bit worried and asked me did I say anything wrong bhai. No not at all I replied it is not because of you, I remembered something I changed topic and pretend like calling sho p and giving instructions to them.
She – everything is all right, are you in trouble because of us. If you have urgent work you can go after finishing breakfast.
Me – no, I had forgotten to give instructions so I gave, now I don’t need to go to shop for hours. I will be with you and I will take you for a ride.
She – that is so fun you know I have hardly ride bike, only time was with you, but I was so tensed that time. If you are free you can take me for a ride.
I could see her eyes brightened on hearing that I will take her for a ride on my bike. Pulsar 200 cc, it was thrill for her. By then our sweets arrived she looked at quizzically at it then she hesitantly she asked what is name of the sweet. It was some Bengali sweet I told her the name. then I remembered bhavana looked at me, the way she had looked at me she wanted to accompany with us, I felt bad for not bringing her with us, she too could enjoy a bit in cozy restaurant. Ok let it be some time I should bring all three sisters I thought.
The way she was eating bit by bit , it was very much evident that she was having such a sweet for the first time in her life. I kept looking at her eating. When our eyes met I began eating. Before she finished I had ordered another sweet, she looked at me. I didn’t show any sign I continued eating. At last she asked why one more, they prepare very good sweets whenever I visit here always I eat more sweets I replied without giving any clue. Then dosa and other sweets arrived, we finished food without much talks. She was eating silently I could see her reactions though she ws enjoying the food but still her face had mixed feelings. I could understand she was not really enjoying not for the food was bad but she must be feeling bad to eat alone without her family who are sitting in hospital and she alone is enjoying delicious food in cozy restaurant. Before the bill arrived I stuffed 500 rs note in waiters hand so that she should not know how much bill was.
We left the hotel and I took her for a jolly ride while my mind was thinking something else. But I kept her mood jolly and then I decide to take her to our guest house. When we reached guest house she looked at me. Without speaking anything I gave her my cell and asked her to call her mom and tell that she will be late and she is with me nothing to worry if she gets late. But her mom was bit worried. I took the cell and informed that I was caught up with some urgent work so it takes some time to return and not to worry as her daughter is safe with me, with these words she must have felt bad I could hear a sob. Sir please don’t speak like that with me, I know we are all safe with you sir. Then don’t worry it will take some time to return, I bid bye and cut call.
Bhanu- bhai why did you tell that you are caught up with urgent work and what is that.
I could read her face, she was bit tensed. When she had come ready to offer herself she didn’t have any question of safety, now the things have changed now she is worried to be alone with me. You cant predict how women think different at different times.
Me – nothing dear I feel like I am tired since morning restless work. So I wanted to relax for some time, if you are feeling easy I shall drop you back and then take rest I replied sarcastically.
She was scared the way I replied no bhai I didn’t mean it .
Come on sit down and relax, will you mind if I smoke I asked her. Better not she replied politely, I feel nauseating with the smoke and smell. Then you sit here I shall go out and smoke I was feeling like smoking badly, so many things were running in mind. I finished smoking and washed my mouth and returned to room. I sat in reclining chair she was sitting opposite to me, when I sat away she felt better. I began speaking casually to bring her mod back to normal. It didn’t take much time with joyous talks and some jokes. Now her tension was relived.
Me – now tell me about you and your family.
She – what is there to tell bhai. You have seen all of us.
Me – tell about your family back ground if you don’t have any problem I added.
She – there is nothing to hide bhai. Ours is a sad story we are poor as you know.
Me – start from beginning from where you are and where are your grandparents.
She – bhai it is very sad story, if you here it you won’t feel good better don’t ask for the details.
Me – I am interested to know for 9our good cause, if you don’t want to tell then no need to tell.
She – she cleared her throat and began her story. My grandparents are from some town away from here. Our mom and dad marriage is a love marriage. They were neighbors and of same age. In college days itself they were loving each other from child hood days as they grew their love increase. As they were neighbors and both families had very good understanding. They lived like single family though community was different. When it came to question of marriage there was big fight between both families. M grand mom was against marriage as my dad community was lower than theirs. So after they came to know that both are in love they restricted mom from meeting any of the dad family members. They tried maximum to avoid meeting and they thought of marrying my mom to other at that young age.
But mom and dad ran away when they were studying 11 th standard and got married in a temple. Before they ran away they had taken some cash and jewellaries with them. They didn’t have any problem till money and jewels were sold. Later they became aware that living without any earning was not at all possible. But by then it was too late my mom was carrying, she was pregnant.
Both f them discussed and decide to get back to home. They tried it but neither of the families accepted them and they threw them out saying they had brought bad name to the family. Then they thought of renting some a room in same town and start hunting for some job, but later someone informed mom that my grand dad is planning to kill my dad for eloping my mom, so they again ran away and reached this place. Since then they are struggling for lively hood.
At that young age it was not easy task for searching a job. They didn’t have any experience of working as both of the families were well of so they had never worked and even my mom didn’t know cooking too. So they went on doing all sorts of errands at other houses.
Luckily my dad knew driving as they had car in their house. So he tried to search driving job but looking at his age no body were ready to take risk and he didn’t have license also. But somehow he managed to get job of cleaner in lorry and later he was promoted as driver.
By then my elder sis was born means more expanses. Somehow they dragged life mom began working as housemaid carrying her two months baby with her. They struggled a lot to make living, the ones who spent life like queen in her native had to work as a house maid in others houses, the boy who roamed in his brand new costly car had to work as a driver in some lorry asking money from passengers to make living for himself. They had not committed crime they had loved each other not lust but pure love for that they had to lead such a life. They never repent on loving but they felt bad for their parents not realizing their pure love. They never discussed or expressed each other that they were put in lots of trouble because of loving from other community but they took it as challenge and were always took care of each other. They are really made for each other. The ones who ate royal food in their house were put to starving and struggle for single meal they could manage and they didn’t grumble when house owners gave them stale food which had remained in their house, they took it as Prasad of god.
They continued living and trying to make their living. Mentally they were strong and love never diminished. Though physically they worked and struggled but mentally they lived like queen and king in their heart. In mean while they had two more children and it was becoming difficult for them to manage five stomachs still they did go along with the tide. They were so happy to have all three girls as they could not afford to have one more though they were craving for male child they got family planning operation.
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As a driver of lorry those days his income increased and they could save some money. With all the savings dad was thinking of buying his own taxi so that he could make better earning. Mom was against it as she was always scared of raising loan. She had brought a sewing machine was doing stitching in spare time so her income also was increasing but filling five stomachs was still challenge. Dad was bent up on buying a taxi on hire purchase at last mom had to surrender and they did buy one new taxi.
Then their real problem started, few months he did well with new taxi but he fell ill due to over working for extra hours in effort of paying installments as early as possible. But their ill fate deceived them again like love marriage. He fell ill for long time and for lack of nutritious food he was suffering from T B and he was bedridden for long time. All the savings was spent for his medical bills and paying rent and food. He could not run his taxi so installments were getting overdue and even rent of his house was also overdue. One fateful day financer seized his taxi and on coming to know that he won’t be able to pay rent as he had lost his taxi owner of the house also threw him out.
Those were the worst most days my parents spent. While saying this bhanu began crying remembering how her parents spent those crucial days with three little girls and ailing father. How mush her mom must have struggled. I moved towards bhanu and pacified her. With lots f effort she stopped crying she lean on me placed her head on my shoulder. Hearing her story my eyes also became wet with tears.
When she saw me wiping my tears she wiped my tears and said I had asked not ot hear my story, see yu also are crying. Love you bhai you have woman’s heart you can’t hear others suffering, she hugged me tight. We kept silent after some time it was getting late s I asked her to washer face I too got fresh and with heavy heart I dropped her back to hospital.
That is the time I decide to help their family and try to make them live in better position. But how, was not known to me also. Another two days passed I kept thinking constantly about bhanu family.
Next day I took bhanu out I wanted to know about their present condition and was curious to know how they are managing college fees and all.
That time bhanu was reluctant to tell anything about her family. She knew I feel very bad when I hear their story and I too break in tears. But I was reluctant to ask. With lots of persuasion she continued her story.
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When they were thrown out of their house they moved to slum. They got a shed on cheap rent, though locality was not at all good and not worth to live there. But they had no option but to make a living. After few more days rest dad began working as he was not physically fit even after recovering from illness, he was forced to work. It was becoming hard to search for job for mom as she could not go far away from their living place leaving three little girls back in home.
When she tried to get work from nearby houses they were hesitating to give work as she lived in slum. That bad rapport of slum people was another challenge for her. Somehow she got her children feed and now the time had come to send her children to college.
Her parents worked hard to make both ends meet; still word poverty was riding their back. Somehow time passed and children were growing and making the expenses increase. The things kept moving along with their problems.
Here I wont go in more details but I need to give their present condition. I think this part of the story is going to bore you all, as there is no fun and entertainment I this part. I thought of dropping here itself but if I do it details of bhanu and family would be missing. Further their reappearance time it may be bit odd, so let me complete it here itself before proceeding to next part, please bear with me.
Now bhagya was studying B. Com bhanu had completed her tenth and her younger sis is still in high college. Bhagya and bhanu were worried to whether to continue their education or start working so as to help their parents. But both girls were brilliant their mom wanted them to continue education, though she knew she would not be able to give complete education but relying on god she persuade her children to study.
So first bhagya joined part time work as slaes girl and next year bhanu joined same shop where I met them. Bhanu has extra sense of customer handling and helping to choose and even persuade to buy more clothes without actually letting customer know that she is dumping more than they require. Owner of shop was happy to have her as his staff, but due to her limited period working he could not afford to pay more.