Write India Contest Story 2

Similar to my last post, this story was also written for TOI's Write India Campaign and is the second story (this time it was for author Chetan Bhagat). In my last story, my biggest challenge was to quote women mentioned in Vedic times and their achievements. I had very less knowledge of the same. The information I had, had to be put to utmost use. I felt that although the rest of of the story shaped well, the main point to be stressed lacked meat. Emphasizing on how women had open vistas during Vedic times and the intellectual level they had once reached and the way everything was taken away from them, was missing.  

In my second story, the challenge was not in the highlighting the crux of the story. The challenge was that there were no rules. This meant freedom which would make any author happy since she can be at her creative best.  Alas, I am not a writer. Initially, I created a partial plot and got stuck mid way. I just could not proceed. That is when my husband suggested me to just let go of the "number of words" limit and write what I feel and not get bogged down by the rules. The result was that I was able to embody the characters in my story. I was able to add some dialogue between the husband and wife and this finally led to the complete plot.

However, I had to abide by the rules and the story had really swelled. I had to cut short the story to fit into the rules and it took away some of the charm in it. It became less ordinary. What I have put below is the story I sent to TOI. Similar to last time, please go through the rules to get the context. Hope you like it. Enjoy.

Rules by the Author

The story should be a life lesson. That's the only rule. Rest, use your skills and imagination!

Preface by Chetan Bhagat

She sat in the Starbucks cafe, sipping her coffee and staring out of the window. The blood stained knife lay next to her handbag, covered with her blue silk scarf. ..   

------------------------

The air was filled with loud music as a bunch of teenagers danced away to the latest groovy tracks. The DJ was belting out one hit number after another. Aditi was high; high on life. Like every teenager, she had embarked on a beautiful journey called life. Every moment beckoned and today was especially her day. She had turned all of 16.

This was indeed the best birthday party she ever had. For the first time, the party was not in the house and she was enjoying only with her friends. Her parents Aditya and Shruti understood their daughter. With childhood friend Sushant by her side, they were relaxed and knew Aditi would be taken care of.

Aditi's father was a business man. Although an affluent family of lawyers, he was self made. Shruti, came from a middle class family and was very proud of her middle class values. She was a perfect combination of beauty with brains. She was kind and spoke to everyone with respect but her no nonsense attitude helped her keep men at bay.

Shruti had ensured that Aditi was brought up in the same value system. Aditi was a school going girl till now. She was a good child. Aditi was beautiful like her mom and lately, she had realized this. She had noticed guys staring at her and she enjoyed this attention. Teenage is the best age to be in. Carefree, confident and ready to take on the world. Suddenly the world becomes a beautiful place and your friends, the most important people in your life. However, that was not all. Aditi was ambitious.

“Aditi, its getting quite late. I had promised aunty to drop you home by midnight.” said Sushant.

“Sure. I'll just go by the washroom and we can leave.”

As Aditi exited the washroom, she saw a very handsome guy come out of the Men's room. Tall, fair and handsome. He had sharp features, bright eyes and well groomed hair. He smiled at her and gave a friendly hello. Aditi never acknowledged any greetings from strangers, her mothers rule, but he had a captivating smile. She unknowingly smiled back. He just nodded and disappeared into the crowd. Aditi regained her senses and happily headed home.

Next morning, Aditi was continuously on the phone. It was a gift from her parents. “Stop it Aditi. Your party is over and the gift is with you forever now. Should we talk about your 11^th standard admissions.”, said mom.

“Mom, I am taking up commercial arts and that's final. I am not interested in science. Please don't ask me to reconsider.”

Just then Shruti's phone rang.

Shruti: “Hi. You know I don't enjoy these page3 parties. Can we avoid it?”

Aditya: “I know, dear. I wouldn't have insisted but I am meeting a business tycoon from Singapore.”

“Fine”

Aditi: “Party? I am also coming. When?”

Shruti: “This weekend. It will be boring. ”

Aditi: “Mom, parties aren't boring. I love to dance and meet my friends. I am coming.”

Shruti noticed that her daughter was getting more assertive by the day. She was making her own decisions. Shruti smiled realizing that her daughter had indeed become a teenager.

Aditi was thrilled to be at another party within a weeks time. She saw her friends and headed straight to the dance floor. A group of young guys was sitting on the opposite end, enjoying their drinks. Guys bond best over a smoke and drink. Aditi spotted a familiar face staring at her. The guy gestured a two finger salute to acknowledge that he too had recognized her. It was the same handsome guy.

“Hi. I am Rahul. Naam to suna hi hoga (and laughs). Nah, I am Rohit.”, he winked.

Aditi smiled. Wow, he has a good sense of humour, thought Aditi, unaware that guys keep some pick up lines handy.

“Hi, I am Aditi.”

“I am a wanna-be model cum actor. I do not skip attending page3 parties. That is where you get noticed. I wish to get into the entertainment industry. I have done one ad and a couple of ramp shows. Here take my card”

Just then Reema and her other friends joined and Rohit excused himself.

“Oh! who is that hunk. Aditi, you have a boyfriend, already! You did not introduce him.”

“Come on. I just met him.” Aditi turned, blushing a little.

Just then a photographer asked for a photograph. The evening was getting better and better. A second photographer walked to Aditi and handed over his card.

“You have a nice figure and features too. Call me. You can make it big as a model.” This was the icing on the cake. Aditi was on cloud nine.

Just then an announcement happened. Aditya had struck a big business deal. An applause was heard. More photos followed.

Next day, Aditi was thrilled to see her photos on page3. Her phone kept ringing. Her school friends were calling to compliment her. She could not stop talking about the party. Both parents noticed her extraordinary enthusiasm. There was one photo of Aditi with Rohit. They did not miss the blush on Aditi's face when she mentioned Rohit to them.

“Dad, now you are in the big league. I am so happy for you. This is just the beginning. We will have our photos everywhere. I will also make you proud one day when I become a model and my photos will be seen everywhere.”

Aditya and Shruti were shocked. They looked at each other in disbelief.

Shruti: “What??? Did you just mention modeling. What have you been up to in the past few days. Let me make it very clear Aditi. No modeling for you.”

Aditi: “No mom. I have made up my mind. I have a bright future. Shailesh and Rohit both said I will make it big. Don't pull me back.”

Shruti: “Now who is this Shailesh? Do they know you better or me.”

Aditya signaled his wife to calm down.

Aditya: “Aditi, sit down next to me. Lets be realistic. I have not entered big league. I am a minor partner in this deal. All these parties are just a mirage. I wouldn't have gone there myself but my Singapore counterpart had no other time slot free.”

Aditi: “But dad what is wrong with this profession. I am very sure I want to pursue this. Opportunity does not knock on your door everyday.”

Aditya: “Agreed but every decision has to be well thought of. I am sure my princess is smart enough not to get carried away. We will discuss this again when I am back from Singapore. Okay?”

Aditi nodded but was not convinced. Shruti was still fuming.

Just then Aditi's phone rang. It was Rohit.

“Hi. It's me, Rohit. Hey, you are all over the papers today. Congratulations.”

“Thanks”, she said with a dejected tone.

“What is the matter? You don't sound happy.”

“Nothing.”

“You can tell me unless its too personal.”

“Well, I am being offered an opportunity as a model and I strongly want to pursue it but my parents think otherwise. What is wrong with this career?”

“Nothing wrong. In fact, it is quite lucrative but the career span is short. Did Shailesh approach you?”

“Yes. Do you know him?”

“Hmm, I had been to his office few years back but nothing worked out for me there. Are you going?”

“Yes, of course. At the very first opportunity.”

Aditi had made up her mind. She called up Shailesh's number and took a 6pm appointment. Shailesh asked her to carry some cash. She had already decided about her dress but first she had to get some cash. She loitered around her parents bedroom but she was not getting any opportunity to sneak in. Finally at 5pm, Aditi could wait no more. She went straight to the wardrobe and pulled out some cash, around 10k. Shruti saw this just in time and asked why she needed so much money. Aditi was in no mood for an unpleasant conversation. She retorted “For my portfolio” and stormed out of the house. For Shruti, this was the last straw. She went right behind Aditi. Aditi had jumped into a taxi. Shruti tailed her.

“Hi Aditi. Its Rohit again. You seemed upset in the morning so thought of checking on you. Hope you don't mind”

Aditi smiled. “I'm fine. I am off to Shailesh's place. Just got into the taxi.”

“And your parents?”

“Mom seemed furious. Can I call you later...Bye.”

Aditi got off the taxi oblivious that she was being followed. Shruti spotted Aditi get inside the elevator and get off at 7^th floor. It was her longest wait for the elevator to come down. Her thoughts were racing. The building was in a secluded corner of a shady locality. The place looked unkempt and was stinking. The wait was killing her. The lift was stuck on the 4^th floor. She just started climbing the stairs. Each floor dampened her spirits with the sight of its seemingly uncouth occupants. They stared at the well dressed middle aged lady as if she was an alien. She found it difficult to climb after the 4^th floor. Age was indeed catching up with her but she had no time to think about herself. She had to get Aditi out of this place at once.

Aditi met Shailesh in his dingy office. She was shocked at the transformation. The smartly dressed photographer, had turned into a gutkha chewing fellow. Clad in an ordinary shirt and trouser, he seemed happy to see Aditi.

“We have three packages. I recommend a professional package of 32 photographs with a professional make up artist and a hairdresser with different looks. The cost of first two...”

“Don't worry. I will take the professional package. How much would it cost?”

Shailesh was impressed. He had a twinkle in his eye. He could see how determined this girl was.

“That would be 10,000.”

Aditi felt as if this person could count the notes in her purse. She paid the full amount.

“Okay. So lets get started”, said Aditi.

“Madam, the shoot will be held tomorrow. Remember we need the make up artist and hairdresser.

Aditi's face fell. She was too eager to get this done . Coming to this place again would be very difficult. Shailesh was reading her face.

“Don't worry madam. We will click a few snaps anyway. The black skater dress looks really good on you. You have nice long legs. Let us try a few poses.”

Saying this Shailesh put his arm around her shoulder and signaled to go to the next room. The room was barely lit. He made her comfortable on the sofa while he set up his equipment.

“Relax as if you are the princess and the maid is here massaging your feet.”

Aditi was feeling uncomfortable but she tried following orders. Shailesh clicked one snap.

“Beautiful. Now lets try something different. Wait, let me take your hair on one shoulder. I think you should have an off shoulder dress.” Saying this pulled onto her sleeve, to show off her shoulder. Aditi was startled. In sudden response, she tried to get up. Shailesh pushed her back with a strong grip but with a smile he said, “Relax, I am just making you look more sensuous. Tilt your head a bit. Take your leg up on the sofa.” Saying this he held her leg below the knee and moved it up the sofa, his hand sliding down her thigh. Aditi tried to get up. She realized she had made a mistake by coming here but Shailesh refused to let her go.

“You have to please many people before you can get to the top. This is all part of the game. No point being shy. This attitude wont help you.” Saying this Shailesh tried to kiss her. Aditi gave him a big push with all her strength but her efforts did not help. She started shouting for help. Shruti was on the sixth floor when she heard Aditi scream for help. She was panting but still she increased her speed. Aditi gave another push and like a miracle Shailesh was thrown away. What she saw next made her freeze. In a fast movement, Rohit had thrown him onto the floor and shoved something sharp into his stomach. There was a shriek and a huge silence.

Shruti reached the room and saw a man in a pool of blood and Rohit with a knife in his hand. Aditi was in a state of shock. Shruti reached for Aditi. Her mothers touch brought her back to sense and she started weeping inconsolably. Aditi's eyes could not meet her moms. She only managed to say “I'm sorry mom. I never knew this world is so bad. I will never ever go against your advise.” Aditi had learnt her lesson albeit in a hard way. Shruti held her daughter very close to her heart.

“Mom, If Rohit would not have reached on time, I.....I.....” she again started sobbing.

“Aunty, Aditi told me she was coming here. A friend overheard our conversation and told me Shailesh's truth and so I rushed here”, said Rohit.

“Thanks Rohit. I will be forever indebted to you but first give me that knife. Has anyone seen you two in this building.”

“I don't think anyone saw me. Is there one more entrance? I came from here” said Rohit pointing behind his back.

“Mom, there was one person in my elevator.”, said Aditi

“Lets get out this place before anyone comes. If we are found now or later, it is me who killed this monster. Is that very clear”, said Shruti removing her scarf from her bag. She put the scarf on the knife and wrapped it.

“But mom....”

“Shh, lets get out first.”

They drove straight home. “Without a word, I want you inside.”

Aditi: “And you?”

Shruti: “I have some work to do. I will join you later.”

She sat in the Starbucks cafe, sipping her coffee and staring out of the window. The blood stained knife lay next to her handbag, covered with her blue silk scarf. She was waiting for her best friend Nisha, a senior lawyer and her confidante. Suddenly, a thought struck her. Where did Rohit find a specialized Deba bocho knife in Shailesh's room?

At Rohit's home-

“Thanks Aditi for the perfect opportunity. I waited for 2 years. That bastard sold me off to his gay friends for a night in the name of a modeling assignment. Now rot in hell.” Rohit laughed as he looked at his packed luggage [but little did he know that his finger prints were still on the knife].

Write India Contest Story 1

This story was written by me for the Write India Campaign by Time of India and is based on the preface provided by author Amish and rules laid down by him. Hence the story has to be read with that context.

Rules by the Author

1) The story has to be set in the 17th century, not in Ancient Vedic India.
2) Remember, India had changed a lot from its ancient mores by the 17th century. But some still remembered the ancient days, when women were respected.
3) The story must be set in reality and not have fantastical or mythical angles to it.
4) I want the story to be written using the historical information available now about 17th century Paithan. But use your imagination to fill in any holes in the research. Just don't resort to fantasy, keep it plausible.
5) The heroine of the story will be Ilaa - a woman who lived in 17th century Paithan (in what is modern Maharashtra), and who remembered the ancient Vedic days (when women were respected in India) and demanded equal rights as any man.
6) A story which, while entertaining and fun, must deliver a message on women's rights. Something that many of us in Modern India could learn from.

PREFACE BY AMISH

Close to the city of Paithan, in a small village called Sauviragram, which lay along the banks of the great river Godavari, lived a woman named Ilaa. Being cotton farmers, her family was well to do, but not among the richest in their area. It was the harvest season, and cotton had to be picked from the plants. The wholesalers and traders from Paithan would be arriving in just a few weeks, carrying gold and goods for barter. They would exchange what they carried for the cotton that the farmers grew. The bales of cotton had to be ready in time! Work was at its peak!

But Ilaa was not to be found in the fields. She wasn't working. Instead, she was sitting by the banks of the great river Godavari.

'I am sick of this!' she grunted loudly.

--------------------------------------

Close to the city of Paithan, in a small village called Sauviragram, which lay along the banks of the great

river Godavari, lived a woman named Ilaa. Being cotton farmers, her family was well to do, but not

among the richest in their area. It was the harvest season, and cotton had to be picked from the plants.

The wholesalers and traders from Paithan would be arriving in just a few weeks, carrying gold and

goods for barter. They would exchange what they carried for the cotton that the farmers grew. The bales

of cotton had to be ready in time! Work was at its peak!

But Ilaa was not to be found in the fields. She wasn't working. Instead, she was sitting by the banks of

the great river Godavari.

'I am sick of this!' she grunted loudly

Ilaa found the calm breeze and the cool shade of the tree very relaxing. Ilaa's life had become

monotonous. She was not able to keep her finger on what exactly was troubling her. She was sick of

being treated as another 'free' labourer, who toiled day in and day out in the house and on the fields.

She felt that the role of a caretaker was being taken too far with little regard for her well being. What Ilaa

sought was a little understanding and compassion for the women in the household. She wanted to be

recognized as an individual.

Her day began even before sunrise. Her day started by cleaning the house followed by smearing the

courtyard with cow dung. She would draw water from the well. After a bath, the daily chores included

drawing a rangoli in the main door, watering the plants and milking the cow. Being a Brahmin, she went

about the house chanting stotras as she worked and cooked.

The nyahari (breakfast) usually was same as lunch. Pithla, jowar bhakri and garlic chutney,

accompanied by raw onion, cracked open by pounding the fist on it in one stroke. Sometimes she did

not even find time to have her own breakfast. Ilaa fed her two kids Kashi (7) and Ganu (5). She would

have had many more kids but for the miscarriages. She packed lunch for all and headed to the fields.

Post lunch she would head to the river to wash clothes. Her daily chores seemed endless. After

returning home, her duties as the lady of the house and mother would take over. Kashi would help her

in minor tasks. Ganu being a boy was pampered. A male child was always preferred over a girl child.

17th century India was seeing winds of change. The social and political scenario was still very scary.

Author: Anagha Bhagwat

TOI Story Writing Contest - 1

The Mughal invasion in India had changed the way in which Indians lived their life. The rampant looting

and crime against women had terrorized the locals. Paithan being a trade center of international repute

had not missed the eyes of the Mughals and they had claimed it at the first opportunity. The area was

most famous for its silk and other textiles. The Paithani saree was a prized possession. The place was

very sacred to Jains, Buddhists and Hindus alike but the advent of Mughals had left a lasting imprint on

the culture. Fed up of the barbaric rule, Shivaji Bhosale, who went on to be a very successful Maratha

king challenged the Mughals and the winds of change started sweeping throughout Maharashtra. After a

long wait, the people could finally look up to a leader who would save them from the oppression and

give them Swaraj. However, it meant a continuous conflict between the Maratha and Mughal armies.

Swept by this wave of patriotism, many youth had joined the Maratha army. Ilaa's village was also

abreast of the changes sweeping through the country. Evenings would often be spent exchanging news

with villagers regarding the wars. Sometimes, news of a war bereavement of some local person would

take the village by storm.

Ilaa often wondered how life would have been if these barbarians had not entered India. The security of

a girl child had become the biggest challenge for families. Young girls would often be kidnapped and

raped by the Mughal soldiers. Ilaa was always concerned about Kashi. Once Ilaa spoke her mind to her

husband Krishna. “I am always concerned for Kashi's safety”, said Ilaa. “I have to take her with me

everywhere I go, be it the temple, or the local market. I cannot leave her alone at home but taking her to

the market with me is equally dangerous. You never know when a roving eye will catch the sight of the

young girl.”

“I understand. I was thinking of finding her a suitable match”, said Krishna.

“Marriage! She is just a little girl.”

“7 is not little. You too were married to me at this age and anyway this is the best arrangement. What do

we do if our village comes under another attack from the Mughals. Where will we run and with a young

girl in tow, we will surely be targeted.”

“But...”

“No if's and but's. Kashi's best friend, Radha, is already engaged. I have decided that this is the best for

Author: Anagha Bhagwat

TOI Story Writing Contest - 1

her. I am her father, not her enemy. Radha's father was right in his assessment. Radha's groom comes

from a nearby village which is off the main road to Paithan. It is sort off a dead end. That is a safe place

to leave our daughter in case of an attack. Once Kashi is married, she can live officially in her new

household at any time. We can rush further towards the sparsely populated waadi's (hamlets) and seek

refuge. Radha's groom has a younger brother. He said he can speak to them for Kashi's alliance. They

have a big farm and many cattle. The groom's father is well respected as a priest in our community.

Kashi will live happily.” Krishna was convinced that this was indeed a good proposition.

Ilaa herself was a young bride. She was married and had children even before she understood what

love meant. Child marriages had become a norm after the advent of the Mughals. Bharat (India) had a

patriarchal society from time immemorial but women were still respected as mothers, as wives, as

sisters. The eldest man in the family used to be revered not just for his age but for his wisdom. Although

the responsibilities were distributed amongst the male and female members, the distribution was logical.

Men were supposed to toil hard and be the providers for the family. Women folk were protected and

were taught to be caretakers of the household and perform the role of mothers. Women were imparted

knowledge so that they could bring up their children with good morals and family values. Children

learned to respect their religion, culture, women and elders primarily from their mothers.

Ilaa looked at Kashi who was playing outside the house. 'Even if we send her to her husband's place

after she comes of age, even then she is just a child.' Ilaa's thoughts were interrupted by little Kashi who

came running happily to give her some news. Kashi said “Aai, we have decided to get my doll, Bayabai,

married to Radha's doll, Dagdu. All my friends are coming. Will you help me put her a new saree. My

friends said that since it is her wedding, she should wear a saree and not the parkar polka. Parkar polka

is for kids. All preparations will be similar to Radha's wedding preparations.”

Krishna had just overheard this conversation. He said, “See, Kashi is slowly gearing up for her own

wedding and you were thinking she is just a child. I have conveyed to Radha's father that we are

interested in meeting the people. He will let us know soon.”

Ilaa: “How old is the boy?”

Krishna: “Radha's groom is 30 years old so his younger brother could be 25 or 28. How does it matter.

Kashi is better looking than Radha so we are lucky to get a young boy.”

Author: Anagha Bhagwat

TOI Story Writing Contest - 1

The words stung Ilaa like a bee. 25? Did she hear it right? Kashi will get married to a boy who is the age

of her father. No, she can't let this happen. What is it that she could do. Something or may be nothing.

Ilaa tried to hide her tears.

Ilaa rushed to her neighbour, Shanta. Shanta was her best friend. Ever since both got married and

became neighbours, both the ladies had found a true friend in each other. Shanta's husband was ill for

the past one month. A small thing as cold and cough had taken an ugly turn and the vaidya's (ayurvedic

doctor) medicine did not seem to offer much relief. Shanta smiled on seeing Ilaa.

“How is your yajman (husband) doing?” asked Ilaa.

“No respite from his cough and high fever.” Saying this Shanta broke down.

“What is the matter? Stop crying, please. Tell me, what did the vaidya say?”

“Vaidya has given him only a few days.”

Shanta was inconsolable. Ilaa tried her best to pacify her. Finally, Shanta became quite, as if her mind

was made. With a deep intense gaze into nowhere, she said, “If he goes, I go with him too.”

Ilaa felt as if she was hit by a bullet. Speechless, she stared at Shanta. She tried to gather herself and

finally managed to speak.

“He will be alright. Don't give up.”

“No, I have seen it in his eyes.”

“You must be mistaken. You are just too concerned. It is just fever, it will subside. Has your mamanji

(father-in-law) thought of taking him to Paithan to a senior vaidya. Can you suggest that to him.”

“Yes there was a discussion and I heard two sentences from the kitchen. Our vaidya feels that the trip to

Paithan could prove costly. He does not have much time. If he goes, I go with him too.”

“Please don’t say that. I am here to help you.”

“ Ilaa, a woman’s life is cursed and a widows life is hell. I do not want to live a life of a widow. I cannot

see myself with my head tonsured and wearing the red alwan (saree). Only dry food to eat but that is the

least of my worries. Haven’t you heard about the reputation of my husbands brother. He will be the first

to put his hand on me. I will anyway have to court the well, in my backyard, out of shame. I might as well

die with my honour intact.” It was Ilaa's turn to break down. She came home and went straight to the

kitchen. She wiped away her tears but Krishna's aaji (grand mother) had seen them.

“Whats the matter, Ilaa?”

Author: Anagha Bhagwat

TOI Story Writing Contest - 1

“Nothing”

“Where had you been?”

“To Shanta's house”

“How is her husband now?”

Ilaa's face changed.

“How many days does he have?”

Ilaa broke down and told Aaji about Shanta's decision. “Aaji, tell me why? Why does Shanta need to go

after her husband. Why can't Shanta speak her mind. She wants to save her husband. If he cannot go

to Paithan, why cant she get the senior vaidya here. Why isn't a woman’s opinion ever asked. Shanta

says her husband is a good man. No one cares to tell her the real condition of her husband. She needs

to eavesdrop. In that house, Shanta cannot decide for her husband and in our house, I cannot decide for

my children and my poor Kashi too will never be able to choose her husband and future life.”

“Calm down Ilaa”, said Aaji.

“We are Hindus, aaji, what happened to those swayamvar's. Was this a privilege given to only to Sita

and Draupadi? I know they were beautiful rajkumaris and so the choice was ample but I am sure the

rest of the girls too got to exercise their limited choice. Aaji, for a girl to exercise her right to choose, let

her at least understand the meaning of marriage.” Ilaa paused for a bit as if trying to regain her senses

but it was difficult. She could not bear the thought of Kashi and Shanta both going away from her.

Kashi was a loving and sharp kid. Talkative by nature, she used to ask multiple questions. She was very

inquisitive about every ritual that took place in the house. Kashi used to ask “Aai, why do we make a

circle of water around the prasad thali” or “Baba, will Satya Narayan Maharaj come to our house when

we do this pooja?” or “Aaji, did Sant Tukaram Maharaj really make his books float on water!” Kashi

would love listening to stories from elders and ask many questions. She was so inspired by Jijabai that

she aspired to be one. Everyone had laughed, when one day she innocently said “Even I will teach my

son to be like Shivaji, a great king.”

Ilaa said, “Aaji, remember one day you told me a story of a woman called Gargi. She was a

Bramhavadini. She had challenged Yajnavalka in a philosophy congress and he was speechless. She

was a scholar and propagated education. She chose to remain single and dedicated her life to

preaching. Our religion gave equal rights to men and women. I will not quote the various goddesses

here since they were “Gods” but Gargi, Maitreyi and Lopamudra were ordinary women who proved that

Author: Anagha Bhagwat

TOI Story Writing Contest - 1

girls can contribute extraordinarily in every field. They have contributed to Rigveda and the Upanishads.

So tell me Aaji why is every woman suffering today?”

Aaji had tears in her eyes and only managed to feebly say “Ghor kaliyug aala pori, ghor kaliyug.”

“No Aaji, my daughter will not suffer. My Kashi is a bright kid. I know how many questions she asks our

vaidya kaka whenever he comes over. Kashi always offers to help him to make a paste of his medicine

or grind any of his jadi booti and vaidya kaka happily lets her take the lead. Kashi knows so many

names of herbs. I will not let Kashi go to her marital house till she is 15. She still has 8 years. I will let

her learn medicine and no one can stop me.”