There was a tear drop still clinging on to the eye lashes of the six year old girl, Reena. She was bewildered at the sudden thrash she received from her grandma. The reason was she had demanded two more sweets from the packet which was offered to their house God. She was irresistibly fond of gulab jamun and could not control herself, asking two more pieces which were kept for her brother. Her brother didn’t like much sweets still those two sweets were not given to her. On the other hand she was reprimanded for being greedy, in future she would have to go to in laws where people would mock and insult her for having such poor manners.
She ran to her mother who stood tongue tied as she never dared to say anything against her grandma. Inspite of knowing the choice of her daughter she too scolded her and advised to be polite and submissive. Not knowing from whom she would get justice ,with a scowling face she went to her room and started playing with her doll. Somewhere there was a bitter feeling in her mind…. greediness is so natural. How can she control that, she wept alone . By this age she has realised few members in the family supported her likings. So much of moral lessons for her to imbibe. Being a girl she can’t go out alone, shout and laugh out loud, make friends with boys of her locality. There was always a fear of punishment working sub consciously. She could never open up, be her ownself and do whatever she desired. She had to be obedient, an ideal ,exemplary girl in the family.
She despised being a girl… so much of inhibitions clipped her wings. She loved playing cricket and football ,fighting and yelling like Bilu, Bultu and Laltu, climbing up mango trees in the neighborhood. She envied boys! How boys enjoyed their lives, freedom their birth right. Angrily she got up and dashed her favorite doll on the floor. She stood in front of the mirror and took out her tongue like Goddess Kali, lifted one hand up and said to herself I shall change this world oneday. She picked up the doll and warned don’t cry even if you get hurt. Be strong and fight for yourself. Oneday the world will realise your strength and respect you.
By evening her dad had come back from office and heard the entire incident. She knew her dad was outwardly stern but at heart he was sympathetic to her feelings. He patted her back and said I will take you on Sunday to Gourango sweet shop and will let you have as many gulab jamun you want. Reena felt her throat getting chocked. No she doesn’t want to have gulab jamun anymore. She wanted love and kindness from her grandma. How could she be so rude to her? She could have told her gently but then at that moment those sweets were so tempting.
Meanwhile her mom has entered the study room and offered tea to her dad and had brought two gulab jamun on a plate. Her dad refused to have the sweets and called Reena to have them. But they are for my brother Reena retorted. Why should I have these sweets after being beaten up? Both dad and mum were silent…. Reena saw their sad faces and understood their sufferings. She ran to their lap and taking one sweet put it into her dad’s mouth and the other one to her mom’s mouth and said I am so happy now. You are much sweeter than those sweets and I was a nut to cry over such silly matter.
Her parents were pleasantly surprised. Yes, my child you have realised the biggest truth in life , no one can disrespect you if you are truly happy by doing deeds of respect and love… !
