Across The Seven Seas

By Kamlesh Chauhan (Gauri)

"Across The Seven Seas "is short story of three generation in the imagination perception of Kamlesh Chauhan (Gauri). Especially of those who migrated to the USA, UK and Canada. . This is first Novel of which is very thought provoking. Every Immigrant of the world need to read it. Language is very simple and easy to understand. Kamlesh

• Language: English
• Publisher: GoldTouch Press, LLC
• Release date: Jun 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781955347938

Kamlesh Chauhan (Gauri)

Kamlesh Chauhan(Gauri) was born and bright up in a Rajput family in India. After her marriage, She married in India, she migrated to America where she completed her post-graduate education. She also pursued her passion for action Performing in several local Indian several local plays one is very historical play taken place in Mugol History called "Anarkali" "Mirza Sahiba " and some modern play like " Pati Patni and Makanm Silence the Court is in session, Singhasan Khali hai and Particularly enchanting the audience with her role in the musical opera, " Ambi DA Buta " She also played small roles in Hollywood Production like Head of Class, Canadian Movie called " Watno Dur " and produced " TV Serial " Lehren" for which she wrote the title song. At Issue closest to her heart has been always domestic violence which let her open a nonprofit organization called "Jagriti '' (Awakening)This Subject is very close to her heart. She has the first Novel called "Across the seven Seas" Then She wrote her third Novel in two Parts " Seven Stairways Part 1 and Part 2. Which is very popular in India, All these novels are first written in the Hindi language, then Now she is trying to write all her Novels in English.

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ACROSS The Seven Seas

Kamlesh Chauhan (Gauri)

Copyright © 2021 by Kamlesh Chauhan (Gauri).

Edited by: Nidheya Suresh

Re-Edited by: Veena Kallil

Library of Congress Control Number:      2021901907

Paperback:    978-1-955347-92-1

eBook:             978-1-955347-93-8

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Part One

Prologue

Chapter  1

Chapter  2

Chapter  3

Chapter  4

Chapter  5

Chapter  6

Chapter  7

Chapter  8

Chapter  9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Part Two

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Chapter 80

About The Author

Part One

Prologue

Fresh out of the bath, Sundari drank in the image reflected on the tall, voluminous white ivory-framed mirror. Momentarily forgetting her bitter past, she smiled with satisfaction noticing that even at this age, she had an astonishingly well-proportioned, tall body that commanded authority.

Long dark hair draped around her slender neck and fell down her back. A coil of the wet hair fell carelessly down her chest kissing her ample, firm bosom. She glances farther down, scanning her belly button, and lingered on her perfectly shaped thighs, thin legs and small feet. Sundari blushed. She was aware of her beauty in a way that didn’t make her arrogant or haughty.

Yet, despite her modesty, she tended to feel neglected and hurt if she went unnoticed at a gathering.

An intelligent woman in her mid-thirties, Sundari could face the truth. While examining herself, she noticed that her life’s tale was engraved on every square inch of her body like a mosaic by an artist – sad, but beautiful.

She was so absorbed in appreciating herself, that she missed the stray strands of grey hair on her temple. The haunted look in her dark big eyes betrayed a story of sorrows, trials, tribulations, lost dreams and compromises she was obliged to make in her still young life. She sighed, recalling the days when every glance – male or female – turned in her direction whenever she moved.

As the English poet Keats put it, fancy cannot cheat so well. Sundari was abruptly pulled out of her daydream, as if by a cold gun pressing against her temple. As she noticed the bruises on her face, and caressed them with her slender fingers, she was reminded of being at the mercy of her harsh fate. Fingers trembling, she carefully applied make-up on her face, trying to cover up the wounds. A tear welling from deep down inside of her, forced its way down her cheek.

The strands of grey hair on her head bluntly reminded her of the predicament she was in. The sprinkling of silver in her eyebrows and midnight circles beneath her eyes had come knocking at her door much too early. The relentless pursuit by middle-age did not permit her to enjoy her youthful days. The constant suffering had left their permanent imprint on her broad, intelligent forehead.

Sundari’s heart ached to think of how every bit of shine had departed from her, leaving only darkness behind. Brief moments of fleeting happiness had failed to leave any mark on her beautiful face. In a futile attempt, she tried to re-live the rare moments of irretrievable happiness and closed her eyes with the hope of catching a few bits of her tender years, when discrimination was but an unwanted guest.

India

Chapter 1

15 years ago.

Lively and vibrant with a spring in her gait, and her face shining with youthful vigor, Sundari accompanied her Nani to a wedding. These marriages were always a grand spectacle, attracting all sorts of relatives and friends. All across India, they were occasions for celebrations and festivities.

Sundari’s magnetic personality attracted one and all without exception. Clandestine whispers followed whenever people saw her – fingers pointed to her and exclamations escaped from reluctant lips in appreciation of her beauty.

Oh, she’s like Venus!

By God, it’s like an angel has descended from heaven!

"No, she’s Urvashi, the apsara from King Indra’s heavenly court."

Such acclamations were a routine for Sundari. She felt pleased about them, for she was convinced that she naturally deserved these adulations.

Shanti, you need not lose sleep over finding a match for your angelic daughter. Her scintillating beauty is bound to attract a Prince Charming that will come riding in an expensive car to ask for her hand and take her far away from us. Her mother Shanti was used to such words of praise as well.

These observances, regularly free flowing from her near and dear ones, gradually became of second nature to her, adding to the store of cherished dreams which were to be a tapping well-spring of deep pride later throughout her life. Now, the delightful and enchanting youth was taking over from the childhood, with the dolls and games of those times being swept away in the new found capability of reaching for the world around.

Youth came with laughter, naughtiness, hopes, dreams and carefree days, and Sundari was no stranger to this. Wherever she went, she captured everybody’s fancy, as they were captivated by the incarnation of beauty that she was, and the aura of poise and magic that she possessed.

In subdued tones, Shanti spoke to her mother over the sounds of the wedding celebrations. Shanti pointed to Sundari with a gnarled, bony finger that was worn and aged well before its time.

I am fed up with her attitude of assuming airs. I have six other children to look after. We barely manage to live from hand to mouth. How can I fulfill her expensive and incessant demands for attention?

She will be all right after a brief period of self-discovery, which will come to an end before you know it, Shanti’s mother said in a reassuring manner. Why do you worry so pointlessly?

Shanti pondered over this.

And you must admit, God has bestowed her with a personality so unique, and she is far more beautiful than your other girls, her mother continued.

Her exquisiteness prevents her from developing balanced thoughts, Shanti said, worried. I feel like she has filled her head with mindless delusions.

Shanti’s mother spoke softly, with deliberation and wisdom. Youth comes with a big bang, but fades away in no time. One cannot escape the pain of growing up, but she will gain poise and it will equip her to face hardships and ups and downs in life. For now, allow her to be what she wants to be.

~*~*~*~

The calender of life doesn’t oblige us, and follows its own course. The days flew by, and Sundari finished high school, and was ready to enter college where she would reach the zenith of youth. Unfortunately, her family’s modest income cast a shadow over these prospects, as whatever little they had was earmarked for not one, but the marriage of two of her sisters.

As the wedding dates drew closer, all the activity in their house gained momentum. Relatives and guests started coming to the house, and moved on about performing mysterious errands without bothering about others. In India, most people always seem to be busy without any genuine reason, and it was exactly what was happening in this case.

Sundari sat with her best friend Shiksha, chatting away in the common room of her college. Naturally, the approaching weddings were the topic of their discussion. Shiksha casually made a reference to dowry, infuriating Sundari.

I will not burden my parents by making them pay dowry! Sundari exclaimed indignantly.

How will you manage that? Shiksha asked curiously. I like the system of dowry. We can get some financial help from our parents that would help us set up a new home. There’s no assurance of such a thing from the in-laws.

It is very easy for you to say that, but what about the poor, middle class families? Sundari asked hotly, referring to her own. What about those whose lands have been snatched away from them?

Shiksha wasn’t convinced. She rolled her eyes, and said, Do you realize that sometimes you just blabber on, and I cannot comprehend you? She raised her hand and snapped her fingers, showing her disapproval.

No one can understand me, Sundari said, trying to laugh the matter away.

"Sundari, haven’t you told me that you and your dad are very close? I am sure at least he understands you, and will provide a huge sum of dowry for the marriage of his darling child."

"I am no doubt my father’s little girl, silly. He doesn’t even let my mother scold me. He never lets me clean the dishes, and I am sure I’ll be his pampered little princess forever, and I can discuss anything with him. Even dowry." Sundari took great pride in this.

I agree with you on that. Your father is really great. He’s also a fine-looking man that betrays his royal ancestry. Your last name is derived from aristocratic and noble ancestors. Shiksha observed. "By the way...do you have any idea what happened to your clan? I understand they had mineral mine holdings. How did they lose them?

I have heard that their land was taken away by the British government, Sundari explained. After gaining freedom, the Indian government abolished kingship.

Shiksha looked at her, as if pressing her to go on.

My grandfather was good looking, a spendthrift and a good chess player. But subsequently, he became a hardened gambler. He lost everything to the addictive vice, and his family had to then shift to more modest quarters.

What about your mother? She too is spectacularly beautiful, and every one of her gestures betrays a good upbringing.

My maternal grandfather’s family was rich. When he saw my father, he could not resist his charms and etiquettes and married my mother off to him with the intention of one day making him rich. He gave everything he had as dowry in my parents’ marriage. With his generosity and affection, my father wanted nothing more in the material world.

And then? Shiksha’s curiosity was growing.

My father had a large family. Both my Uncles, sick of my Dadaji’s lifestyle, moved away to Delhi, frustrated after he lost everything due to gambling. Sundari explained. My father, on the other hand, was of a kind and forgiving nature. He never uttered a word to my Dadaji on this regard.

Did your Dadaji also take away from your mom’s dowry? Shiksha asked.

No. He left it and my mother helped my father in marrying off all of his sisters with the money and her jewellery, but then... Sundari’s sad voice trailed off.

Then what? Shiksha asked, pushing her.

My Nanaji’s house was looted by robbers...desperate, evil brigands who...who heartlessly murdered my Nanaji, Sundari managed to say, tearing up.

"My goodness! Your parents are truly great, but have been through a lot. And you...my dearest saheli Sundari, you can put your family back on track by working hard and earning money."

I will do everything I can in this regard, until my very last breath. I will take my family out of this pit of hardship and lead them into a life of abundance that they so richly deserve, as you rightfully pointed out, Sundari claimed in determination. "

Sundari looked at the time. Shiksha, listen! I have to go home now and give my sister a helping hand in the arrangements for her wedding day.

The marriage is taking place only in the coming week, and the relatives have already started coming? Shiksha asked.

Oh yes! My father’s sister and my cousins are already here.

"Would you mind telling me the date and time of the sangeet?"

It is today, dear.

Chapter 2

Marriages are such joyous occasions in India. Although ancient customs and rituals prevailed, fresh and new things were used to deocrate the area: new paint, new furniture, new clothes, etc.

Despite it being a chilly January, Shanti had managed to stage the event on the open verandah. Anybody and everybody who lived in the vicinity had come to join in on the musical celebrations. Sundari danced and sang away, keeping the neighbors enthralled till midnight. All eyes were on her, as they watched her perfect curves, titillating gestures and bewitching eyes, so determined to cast her spell on one and all. In fact, she looked so tempting that night, that even the Almighty patted Himself on the back for His unique creation.

Sundari and Shiksha were busy making flirtatious jokes with the bridegrooms and other young men that had come as a part of the marriage party. Her attractiveness was noticed and praised even by her sisters’ bridegrooms, and the poor brides couldn’t help but envy her.

Finally, the moment of her sisters’ departure to their husbands’ houses arrived, and they left, forever bidding goodbye to their childhood home and family. There was not a single dry eye left in the house, the brides’ eyes betraying some unknown fear they might face in their new homes.

Sundari realized, that for the first time in her life, she was the only one who would be able to help her parents. Her two younger brothers were in grammar school, and her little sister was still a kid.

"Ma, my exams are right around the corner, and I haven’t been able to study," Sundari complained one day.

"Sundari, my darling beti, I understand your situation. You lost considerable time helping around with the marriages, risking your studies. I share your concern." Shanti said.

I have to study hard to make up for lost time, Sundari decided. But I am sure I will succeed. I would then like to apply for a job in a private school to supplement our resources.

"We don’t need you to look for a job. Our society will look down upon us if we let you earn money to pay off the loan we took for your sisters’ weddings and dowry." Her mother sadly observed.

"Ma, don’t be upset. People can say whatever they please. I am determined to help you and father, and let my brothers go to college to pursue their higher education."

May God grant all your prayers, and give you the strength to succeed in your efforts, my dear child, Shanti said, hugging Sundari fiercely.

The winds of change often begin to blow without a warning. The hour of unpredictability came upon on Sundari one day, deceptive in its peaceful slumber, while she was at the park. She happily danced with her friends, and was sure that every bird, bee and butterfly softly touching her and the lesser luminaries – the flowers – were mesmerized by her allure, and were asking for her royal nod in order to stay in her proximity forever.

Preoccupied by this assured adoration, she didn’t notice that she was being keenly watched by someone standing a bit way, and was trying to look unconcerned by her cheerful preoccupation.

Sundari felt akin to an unassailable iron, helplessly being pulled by the unseen, yet magnificently strong beams of the magnet. She slowly started humming a love tune to attract his attention, and maneuvered herself to be within his field of vision, lest he leave without even acknowledging her presence. But, the young gentleman had diligently managed to show his indifference to her, and left. Sundari watched, seeing his bike taking him away to the unknown.

Sundari stood dazed, this brief encounter having taken a toll on her. This was the first time that someone had ignored her so obviously. Mixed feelings of indignation, humiliation and curiosity to know about the mysterious young man who dared to challenge her presence and beauty tortured her.

Hello! Where are you? Who has caught your attention? One of her friends teased her. Who is this person that has stolen our friend so audaciously, and taken her far far away from us and herself as well?

What are you talking about? Sundari said, disengaging herself from the troop. I was just making the most of the rosebud’s sweet aroma, stupid!

She moved away to the side, once again lost in her thoughts about the proud young man who had dared to ignore her.

Well, if you keep on staring at that rosebud of yours, the sun will go down, and we will be at the mercy of the approaching darkness. And you can be sure that our mothers will ensure that we do not enjoy this liberty in the near future. Shiksha said fretfully.

Sundari spent the night rolling in bed, sleep evading her. The soft glow of the moonlight had transformed her body into an insensitive clod of earth. She couldn’t take her mind off the experience she had in the park even for a moment. She would constantly talk to herself, oblivious of her surroundings. Why didn’t he care to look at me? Did he not feel even feel a bit of my charms? Sundari murmured. But...he must have felt somewhat attracted to me...maybe he was just too shy to act upon it openly.

She had somehow convinced herself that he was a shy gentleman. Logic is seldom useful or helpful when it comes to matters of the heart. Sundari was in the most romantic period of her life.

"How could he turn away from such pure and unsullied beauty as mine?

It hadn’t occurred to her that there was a possibility that they hadn’t seen each other clearly, and her feelings of hurt were due to the fact that he ignored her, rather than love for him. Still, at her age, who has time for such useless logic? Her mind continued like a disobedient and adamant child.

Oh, embodiment of my dreams, where are you? If only I knew your whereabouts...I would fly to you – into your arms!

But alas! Dreams and reality seldom run parallel. At the end of the day, the truth was that she didn’t know where he was, and nobody was the least bothered whether she slept or not.

Sundari called for a rickshaw to take her to college. As she came out of the street, she saw a stranger that reminded her of the mysterious young man that she had seen in the park oh so long ago. In the brief second before Sundari could say anything, the stranger was gone. As she glanced up and down the path, her eyes still glazed, she noticed her older sister Sunaina getting off a bus.

Don’t you have to go to college? What are you looking for? Sunaina asked, noticing the lost look on Sundari’s face.

"Didi, why are you alone? Where’s Jijaji?" Sundari asked, without answering Sunaina. She was happy, yet surprised to see her sister come home without any notice.

Sunanina’s face dropped, and she didn’t say anything.

Why didn’t you call us or send us a telegram to tell us that you were coming? Sundari asked, hugging her sister.

You go and take your exam. We shall talk about it when you come back. Sunanina said, ignoring Sundari’s questions.

After returning from college, Sundari went to Sunaina and asked her about her parents-in-law, and life in general. Then, she once again asked her why she had come home unexpectedly, that too alone. Sunanina reluctantly shared her sadness with her.

Sunaina’s husband had lied about being a graduate, when he was only a high school drop-out. His parents wanted her to get money from her parents in order to repay their business loans, and Sunaina had abandoned her husband’s home due to their demands. She had done so reluctantly, knowing well that this would affect her parents’ happiness.

The demon of dowry had ruined so many lives in India. They had crushed the rosy dreams of many young girls, and in most cases, taken a toll on entire families.

Sundari was shaken to the roots. She saw the naked face of Indian hypocrisy, and her conscience revolted. If she could, she would take revenge on her sister’s in-laws and would definitely think twice before deciding to marry. But at the end of the day, she was as helpless as Sunaina and the rest of her family were.

An embittered Shanti did her best to soothe Sunaina’s pain.

"Why does Jija ji care so much for dowry? Sundari asked her sister one day. It is the 20th century. What time period is he living in?"

Sundari, he has been brainwashed by his parents, and is hardly capable of making his own decisions. He even beat me occasionally, and once, his mother tried to kill me. Sunaina was in tears.

"Didi, I will never tolerate such behavior...I will hit back if my husband ever raised his hand at me!" Sundari exclaimed angrily.

I am expecting. A few days ago, I wrote him a letter and he didn’t bother to reply to me. Sunaina couldn’t stop crying.

Sundari couldn’t comprehend how a man could beat his pretty and educated wife. Sunaina was the one who had always encouraged Sundari to finish college and start providing tuitions at home. Sundari was close to her older sister, so she asked her without thinking-

"Didi, your beauty and intelligence alone should have been a reward enough for a good husband. Your husband is a normal human being, not Superman. You could have won him over with tact and love."

I hope your share this wisdom with your own husband when the time comes, Sunaina retorted, annoyed by the advice from her much younger sister. She was choked with tears.

Sundari realized that she had made a mistake making this observation. She should have known better. Just a year ago, her cousin had faced the same predicament. This cousin too had deserted her husband and his family, and was now envious of Sundari. She was always telling her mother how arrogant and hot-headed Sundari was.

"Ma, I have been offered a position as a stewardess by Air India," Sundari remembered telling her mother, with trepidation, readying herself for a negative or explosive response.

But it came swiftly not from her mother, but from her cousin. Ugh! I am sure you know that the job is no bigger than a waitress’s or dishwashers or a food/drink bearer’s. I wonder why Aunt Shanti would allow you to apply for such a menial job which will end up earning a bad name for our family. The cousin unsuccessfully tried to conceal her jealousy.

Yes, I see no reason why I should let you go to work outside the house. You need to help Sunaina with tuition work right here at home. Shanti said.

"But Ma, tuitions alone won’t do. We need sufficient money to run a home and meet other essentials. I will earn more as a stewardess than a mere tutor, slogging away with unreceptive kids. Besides, I hope to earn enough so that you will not have to worry about arranging for my dowry. I am sure I will save enough, if at any stage I feel inclined to get married."

Sundari, you seem to be a denizen of Utopia, Sunaina said. "Why don’t you see that when your jija’s family asked for me to bring money from my parents, I left them? I had asked them to allow me to go look for a job, but they didn’t agree. But here, the situation is not that bad. Why are you insisting on going to such extremes for no reason to all? There is no compulsion for you to do that job!"

"Didi, I am proud that you didn’t bow to the unjust demands by your in-laws that were borderline blackmail! How long can a woman drag on with such an unsavory existence? As for me...though I said I would save for my dowry, I was half lying. In fact, I don’t want to marry at all. I see no logic in expecting girls to have to marry." Sundari argued.

Are you implying that you are never getting married and will live your whole life as a spinster? Sunaina asked. You blockhead! Girls should marry when they can still flaunt their assests and advertise themselves, spreading fragrance and an aura that no young son of Adam could pass by without noticing.

Do you know that to a young man, the ripe body of a beautiful woman is like a juicy fruit that must be relished at every bite? Sunaina continued. Even an average looking young woman sends signals to a man, inviting him for the things she would like him to do to her. Such is the chemistry of youth and the clever plan of nature. The bees hover over juicy flowers only as long as there is juice to offer. But the flower is not going to stay around forever. It must fade, and the bees will move away to more fertile grounds. Without this scheme, the divine project of prolonging the species would come crashing down.

Who are you to defy this? Sunaina asked, without letting Sundari talk. Can you imagine a world without men or women...a single sex world? It would be a world of absolute boredom, one hardly worth living in. The creator must have been a clever player, for he made sex the most pleasurable experience of all organisms, including the intellectual giant, man. Like a momentary gust of wind, youth is here one day, and gone the next. If you allow it to go simply, it will leave behind a heap of regrets and fading dreams. So...you will be well advised to make your kill when there is still time.

My fate is an exception to the general rule, and not everybody shares it. Don’t be discouraged to do what has to be done at the right time. The saying goes, ‘make hay while the sun shines.’ Keep our eyes open, and when the right type of man comes your way, don’t lose your chance. Besides...our father is well respected in the elite society, and it will bring him great shame if you were to end up an old spinster....it is a great embarassment and humiliation for Indian parents if their daughter remains unmarried.

Sunaina finally took a deep breath, finishing her long discourse, much to the chagrin of Sundari.

Yes, I agree with Sunaina. Getting married at the right time is advisable, dear, her mother observed.

You may be right, but what about Sunaina’s married life? What did anybody gain from letting her get married? Sundari asked hotly. "She is going to have a baby, and her husband has not only abandoned her, but has also not shown any interest in his own baby. If that is how women are to suffer, why should I give a man the right to use my body and then discard me with a flimsy excuse?"

Sundari! Sunaina raised her voice in indignation.

"I am sorry Didi, I really am, Sundari said, hugging her sister in an attempt to mollify her. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings."

With time, Shanti and Sunaina grew increasingly concerned about Sundari’s independent thinking and unusual individuality. Regardless, Sunaina felt proud of her sister’s courage in rejecting the dowry system. She felt convinced that Sundari would not meekly submit to injustice caused by her in-laws, or the society at large. Her sister’s strong words kept Sunaina from bowing before her greedy in-laws. Sundari made Sunaina write strongly worded letters to her in-laws about their callous treatment of her when she was living with them, and the letters they had circulated to Shanti’s family to alienate the family.

Consequently, Sundari didn’t accept the job offer from the airline. She started helping Sunaina in running a private coaching center for students who needed help with their homework. They earned adequately, and soon, the center was thriving.

It was only natural that in such situations, the neighbors burned with envy, and lost no opportunity in making crude remarks.

God! How long will these girls stay with their parents, when they should be with their in-laws? One would say.

Who knows what they are upto? I doubt they do any fruitful work. The other one would observe, within the hearing of Shanti.

For God’s sake, have mercy on us! All of you have daughters. You should feel ashamed in thinking ill of others. Why do you always have an evil eye on my daughters? What if they are working at home? We never come begging at your door, and you don’t have to pay our bills! Shanti contemptuously dismissed her neighbors.

Sundari, on the other hand, didn’t find the neighbors and relatives’ remarks and taunts worth paying attention to, and just ignored them. Her motive was to make the family financially secure, and both the sisters worked hard to achieve this.

Gradually, things started to improve. Both of Sundari’s brothers were in college, and she herself received her Bachelor’s degree in Arts. Luck seemed to favor her as her teachers invited her to apply for a Master’s degree free of cost. Sundari then joined the MA classes, and was very busy. The coaching work at her home, and her hectic schedule kept her from having a social life. She didn’t even time to give herself a short massage.

One day, finding the opportunity, she went to see a film with her friends, without taking permission from her parents.

Chapter 3

The movie hall was almost full. However, the chair beside Sundari’s was vacant, so she left her books there. Next to it, sat someone she didn’t know. So engrossing was the movie, that at the end of it, Sundari hastily collected her books and left, forgetting one behind.

As soon as she reached the college next morning, she was called to the Visitor’s Room. She was puzzled, as she had just arrived. What could have gone wrong in such little time? She hoped everything was okay at home.

Miss. Sundari, there’s someone looking for you, the Principal said, leaving the room.

Sundari.., a young man said, scrutinizing her face. It is a beautiful name. Anyway, I came to return this book you left in the Cinema Hall yesterday. Your name and roll number were written on the cover, you see. Here.

Handing the book to her, the stranger left at once, before she could thank him.

This brief encounter was being watched by Sundari’s friends, standing a little distance away. A handsome young man in the college was certainly news. At once, they surrounded Sundari, giggling.

Why won’t you tell us who the Handsome Prince was, Sundari?

Why didn’t you introduce him to us?

Are we so awful that you are afraid we would steal him from you?

They all tried their best to pull her leg, but Sundari ignored them and went to her class.

Shiksha, Sundari’s best friend was a smart, attractive girl with an intelligent face. She preferred wearing fashionable clothes at all times. She was very close to Sundari, and never kept any secrets from her. When Sundari left, Shiksha felt hurt that she had ignored her too, along with their other friends.

After college when the two of them were cycling back home, Shiksha asked Sundari politely, Who was that Prince, Sundari ji?

What prince are you talking about, Shiksha? Why would a prince come into the lives of poor people? They are an object of contempt for them, right? Their lives have been pawned away. Sundari didn’t want to continue the conversation, and went home, bidding goodbye to Shiksha.

Shiksha, who was expecting more information, was naturally disappointed by Sundari’s curt reply. On her way home, she recalled her first meeting with Mahesh, Sundari’s cousin on the evening of Sundari’s sisters’ marriages.

They had teased and played with each other. Marriages were fun to attend, because the youth got to mingle with each other and no one raised an eyebrow regardless of who