Hello and welcome to my blog.
I am participating in the #writebravely #writetribeproblogger October 2017 challenge. The story I am attempting to write is not about just one ‘Asha’, but many like her in our society. The trauma and heartbreak her parents go through has been experienced by many more such helpless parents. It is time to put an end to the killing of innocents in the name of tradition, culture and societal norms. Today’s post is part two of the story.
Part Two #2 – Friday, October 6 NOSTALGIC
“Uma Aunty! Aunty! Come quick”
“What happened? Why are you yelling so much, Raja?”
“Aunty, Asha fell off her bike and hurt her leg.”
Asha’s mother ran outside to see what Raja, the neighbor’s 5 year old, was talking about.
She saw the pink cycle fallen on the ground with its wheels spinning in the breeze. Asha sat crying by the side of the road holding on to her leg. Asha’s mother, Uma Sharma, knelt in front of her crying baby and tried to pry her hands off the injured leg to see the damage.
“Mumma, it hurts. Please make it stop.”
“I know, baby. Mumma will make it all alright. I will never let anything hurt you, I promise.”
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Mr and Mrs Sharma sit silently in front of their daughter’s picture; a heavy garland of yellow marigolds framing her smiling face. Asha, the name means hope. They had taken their 3 months old baby to the doctor for a persistent cough. The pediatrician had examined her and prescribed some medicines for her.
“What is your little angel’s name?”
“We are still searching for a nice name for her. Until then we make do with baby.”
“You people should be punished. Every child needs to have a name; it is her/his identity. How can you not find one name out of thousands? I will see you after a week and this baby better have a proper name by then.”
The doctor’s anger had them frantically reaching for the book of baby names. They had pondered over the book for days before mutually agreeing on the beautiful name, Asha.
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It felt like only yesterday they had sent their daughter away to her new home with her husband.
“Mummy, I don’t think these people can be trusted; their demands are never-ending. What if they continue asking for more money and gifts after marriage?”
“Asha, let us worry about that. Giving gifts to daughters during marriage is normal. Everybody gives their daughters things for her new house at the time of her wedding. It is the parents’ wish.”
“But Mumma, what about their demands? They are asking for a car and a 3-door refrigerator, among other things. You should give what you want and only how much you can afford , not fulfill their wishes.”
“Asha, we are your parents and know what is best for you. Let papa and me handle everything. Today is your wedding, enjoy your day. I know that you will be very happy in your new home and will have a long and happy married life. All will be well, I promise…”
I promise…
I am taking part in The Write Tribe Problogger October 2017 Blogging Challenge
By Sulekha Rawat
Sulekha, loving this series. These are topics to be highlighted. With the in-laws, role of parents too should be highlighted in cases of dowry deaths.
Lata, well meaning gestures end up causing more harm than good sometimes. Parents need to be more vigilant when looking for a groom for their child.They should also have more confidence in their daughter’s ability to live a happy life as an unmarried, successful professional.
Hmmmm sad and sadder still even in stories. But its such a big part of our society and life that its shocking too! We do this often and in the name of doing whats best for our child!
Loving the way you are tackling the prompts for the challenge Su!
Shalini, hopefully the mindsets are changing. We should applaud the women who are happy to stay single and pursue their careers than get married to dowry seeking individuals. Thank you for following my story.
We all know that these are the clues that should alert parents about the attitude of their daughter’s new in-laws. And yet we fall prey to them, hoping against hope that once all the demands are catered to things shall be well. How ironic that her name was Asha.
Tulika, we hope things will be better after marriage. A cure for all ills 🙁
It’s heartbreaking to hear about these realities of our society. The customs, the traditions are all thanks to the society, and ones which have to be followed, lest people tarnish one’s image.
Exactly, Shilpa.
That doctor was so mean for judging the parents who hadn’t named their baby yet.
Alice, I think he made a valid point :)thanks for the visit and your comment.
So, so true. Without realising their seriousness, how many times do we not ise these words – I promise – but we forget that we cannot even promise the outcome of our own behavior, let alone others’. I am loving this seroes Sulekha. These are important matters that need to be spoken about .
Rashmi, I promise to do that through out this challenge and hope something comes out of it. My heart goes out and families who’ve witnessed such tragedies. It’s time to say, No more!
I hear same dialogues from every parent during marriage. How can a practical and sensitive girl enjoy her wedding if in laws demand more gifts and doesn’t show love? Iam enjoying the series Sulekha.
Ramya, thanks for the lovely comment.
It never ends well when there are so many ‘gifts’ to give. I like the little snippets into Asha’s life as a child.
Sanch, the gift giving goes on for life in some cases, ensuring their daughter’s happy life. Thanks.
I loved how you told this story. A bit of past, present and future. These issues are still prevalent in our society and it’s hurting when parents don’t realize what are they getting their girl into.
A wonderful job, Sulekha!
Parul, your words made my day. Thanks. I wanted to show how loved she was and cherished by her parents but not treated the same way in her new house. It happens so often in many cases in real life.
Why do people think that it’s okay to ask “gifts” and why do people think that they should oblige? I have came across some real life stories like this where the girl finally ended up dead. Parents can never forgive themselves when such cruelties happen. I loved the way you have expressed the story, Sulekha. These fragmented memories make it much harsh.
Vinitha, thanks a ton for your lovely comment on my story. Gifts should be given willingly and not demanded.
You post made me cry. Its high time that this stops. Our society needs to open their eyes now.
Anchal, sorry for making you cry but Asha needs our tears along with our determination to help her and others like her.Thank you.
Rightly said! There are so many Ashas and so many parents of Ashas who try to do everything possible to keep their daughters happy or so they think, but in the end its all tears because of some horrible people!
Reema, what makes them so horrible? We need to remove that gene from their DNA. Seriously, why are some people so cruel?
When I commented on your first post, I didn’t know it was a series. I wish Asha’s parents had refused to give in to the demands of the boy’s side. But I know that practice of dowry is still prevalent in some communities.
Prasanna, dowry is a dirty word now so people don’t use it openly but still ask for things from the girl’s parents in the guise of loans and kind.
I am greedy… want full novel now…
Coming soon 🙂 Thanks
Continuing the story across your posts is innovative. The flashbacks are nostalgia personified.
Thanks, Nupur. Your comment made my day.
The worst part is the girls’ parents too who unwittingly perpetuate the evil of dowry thinking it’s their duty.
The parents think they are doomed if they don’t give dowry without realizing that they are doomed even if they give.