SAMUDI/16
Nobody had thought of in Samudi’s caste to break up betrothal. One of the boys had courage to do so nearly three years back in that case his father had been driven him out of the family so that the caste fellows may not think of his boycott. Bride’s father had cut of the boy’s nose. This is the only incident in the history of the caste. Thus none would even think of breakup of betrothal.. That young boy after that horrible incident had left the village. Then Samudi coiuld take initiative for the very first time. Samudi’s father had to bear a lot for this type of venture. Samu’s father had gone to his relatives covering his head with a turban. Incase of such odd setup to avoid head injury. Samudi’s father had to bear down, had to convey lowly, to their future in laws ‘Samudi lagan mate naa padaahh hh….’ (i.e. Samudi’s refuses to marry) On hearing in-law’s anger knew no bounds. In law’s said… in a roaring voice’ ‘aaa hooo boloso inoo koin bhonboonn hh? Bhongbon peenn to nahhi aaya? naat bare mekavoo hh….’ i.e. What do you say? Do you know what you say? Have you come intoxicated? Don’t you know that our caste will boycott your family? Honk kk mukaoo moo nat bar … sodi mata moon badhhoy vetho.’ i.e. O.K. if caste fellows opt for my boycott, I shall bear everything for my girl. On hearing this in-law’s eyes were red? and due to anger he was quite restive. ‘Viva jo tootya pass jeevta neero vevai’ i.e. In case of betrothal break you may not be alive anymore. It was good that Samu’s father kept mum and luckily Jeevlo was not present. It was good that it ended in harsh exchange of words, there was no fight. Then there was meeting of the elders. Samu’s father had to bear with boycott. In addition to this it was decided by the elder’s committee that whosoever would marry Samudi that boy also would get boycott. To have boycott from the elder’s committee means to be away from the very village itself away from one’s normal lifestyle. If someone does, caste people won’t come to offer condolence also. Samudi’s father loved his daughter much compared to caste. But how abnout Teja’s father? Tejo was determined, he could dare to go against his father’s will. Teja’s father drove away his son so that his caste fellows may not boycott. Teja had neither job nor house, where shall he keep Samu if he were to marry her? How would he maintain? The breakup of betrothal incident, created somekind of havoc not only in the village but even in the near by villages. All used to point out Samu and comment. ‘Teja hare painva hatoo nenpantho karela vivah todi nakhiya pan avah hooo! aaam to Tejaneya je mot valoo hoy toj ae painava aava… i.e. To marry Teja she broke up her childhood betrothal. But now. If he ventures to come to marry, he would meet fatal fate…. But Tejo came to tell Samu’s father to lookup for any auspicious day. One day Samudi was returning from the desolate place. With a view to reach little early, she opted for some sort of short cut of narrow lane, but as she went on someone tried to disturb her. That was none but Jeevlo with whom she had broken up her betrothal. He also loved Samudi too much. He was not ready to miss her by any means. As Samudi saw him, she was frightened. She could recall everything at the back of her mind all that had happened while returning from the hillock. But she was very firm. ‘ae vakhate to diyor hathmon koyn hatoo nee.. Pan aali mer to aaa rayoo datedoo. Mane hath aada ee bhego jj vadhi nakhee.’ i.e. At that time I had nothing but this time I have a sickle. I shall cut him off as soon as he tries to touch me… He said loudly ‘Samu, I haven’t come to upset you.’ Then why did you come? Just to warn you. To w…a…r….n.! Samu tried to mimic him, I have seen lot of dandies like you. Tan painva aavhe ee jivte joom barr nee nekle. An joon chevi gomamo aav hh aaey joie lye. Aare hat, joee leje ja…. i.e. Now see whosoever comes to marry you, he won’t be alive to go out of the village. O… damn it. See, what you can do. Samudi pushed him aside and moved ahead. ‘an Samudi’ that fellow shouted, if you don’t know, hear me, I killed Somla and threw in the well, it was me only, none else! Samudi shivered a little inwardly but moved ahead firmly withoutany hesitation. Samu… he was there with a big thick stick. Said slowly. Beware, your Teja also will met the same fate. Samu told all this to Shanta Aunty. Don’t worry, said Shanta Aunty. Harshad’s father has a friend who is police inspector. Jeevla and his friends, had all preparations, to fight with the groom’s procession. All the village people were in Teja’s favour only, a few were trying to instigate constantly. If Teja comes to marry cut off his ears and nose. Someone used to say, ‘See that if Tejo comes to marry he shouldn’t go back alive at all. It is a question of fore-father’s prestige. Apparently Samu used to pretend to be fairly commanding but inwardly her heart throbbed as if some thing bad might happen. She had fear. Of course, she was fearless but fairlity thy name is woman! She had taken a vow of (Meladi) deity to pass through marriage ceremony safely. Tejo also on the otherside was quite a matching measure for measure. He was equally determined to have either Samudi or death toll! Teja had number of young friends! There were many to stand by! Samu’s father on a bride side… that was enough! Samu’s elder sister kali… but her father-in-law’s did not permit to be with Samu. Samu’s few friends were likely to be with her. But Samu’s father had been lucky enough to have a support of Harshad’s father, few others of the caste fellows were to join them. If Harshad’s father had not supported then it would have been hardly possible to organize Samu’s marriage. It would have been too tough. But Harshad’s father’s friend could make worthy police arrangements. Tejo, Samu and their friend circle had safe farewell. Even the police left the place. None could harm to Samu or Teja. But people killed Samu’s father as soon as the police had left the place. Harshad had seen the dead body of Samu’s father. It was mercilessly crushed. Harshad used to perspire as and when he used to recall the very horrific scene. It was the very first time Harshad had to go to cremation area when Samu’s father died. It was all Harshad’s father’s liabilities soon after post-mortem. Samu and Teja were totally unaware of the incident as they had already left for Mumbai. Who would inform Samu about his father’s death in a city like Bombay. There was Samudi’s one letter but address was not mentioned. Then there was no letter at all. There were some news when Teja’s brother had come from Mumbai. It was he who had taught Teja polishing diamonds, and Tejo used to polish diamonds. Then he got a job in a mill and in spare time he used to polish diamonds. Samudi used to get knitting and embroidery work, preparing Sari border making bags from jute fibres as well as ‘Papad Vadi’ (i.e. Spicy Eatables). She had learnt sewing also from some neighbour’s guidance. She had a sewing machine at home. She used to knit sweaters, socks, caps during winter season. Thus she could earn fairly well. She didn’t find anytime from such work at all. Therefore she had kept a girl who used to rinse her utensils and wash clothes also. Both of them lived merrily as Tejo used to take care of her. Once Teja’s brother had asked her if she wanted to convey any message to Shanta Aunty. On hearing such a question, she had tearful eyes, wiping her eyes and nose, she gently said: say Samudi is all well’. Once again she had tearful eyes. It is said that Samudi knew about her father’s very tale. But she didn’t come to that village. It was quite meaningless to go to that village. Of course, those who had killed her father, all of them were behind the bars, she had no fear at all. What she should go to village for any property’s sake. No, she didn’t mind if her elder sister Kali was to take. Truly, Kali’s father-in-law had taken away everything. Samu’s father was considered to be out caste fellow. Therefore nobody bothered even about his funeral. But how long his property would be ignored by caste fellows? As and when Harshad was back from the hostel, he used to enquire Shanta Aunty… Is there any letter from Samudi! No, there was only one letter, since then there is no news from her. Harshad used to worry till Teja’s brother had brought some news. What sort of agony Samudi might have passed through on hearing about his father’s death! How might be her married life! What sort of treat might be to sensitive Samudi! Would he be careful to nourish her sentiments! Let us hope that he doesn’t ill treat her? Teja had taken Samu to Mumbai though he was quite jobless, how did he maintain himself! Is it possible there to pick up mangoes? How Samudi lives in a big city like Mumbai without the village orchard, Tikam Maharaj’s jujube tree, a banyan tree at the outskirts, a pond, a hillock, a nimtree, Shantafaiba, her house, terrace. Harshad became graduate. Samudi used to jump and clap on hearing Harshad’s passing examination as a school boy! Harshad used to make applications for the job. But Harshad’s main worry was to seek breakup with Nayna, not service. Samudi had no difficulty in seeking break up compared to Harshad!