Below you shall find one of my initial efforts of writing something concrete.Its inspired from a real life incident told to me by my grandfather, although most of it is still a work of fiction.
"Paripona" the dakiya said as he greeted Biji. She handed her a “paisa" which had become so customary whenever he had got her a letter. But dakiya chacha wasn’t so pleased today, he wore a dissatisfied look as he put the paisa in his pocket and peddled away for the other deliveries. At earlier occasions he had received hugs and blessings along with the customary 'paisa', but this time Biji seem to have been pre occupied with her thoughts and had hardly noticed him. It was quite understandable as the special day was nearing. The day she had been waiting for so long.
There is a thing about small towns. Petty events can become celebrations. Especially in those days, before the partition when family affairs would become community affairs. So it had been in our town, the whole town was rejoicing for the homecoming of our beloved Shyam. "Sha Ji" as we often called him had been the hero of our small town. The whole town had been preparing for his arrival. There were shamiana's being laid out, water being sprinkled on the mud streets and stage being set. "Sha Ji” & his accomplishments were the talk of the town. The men folk at the choupal had their own respective views about how Shyam had made it big. The sarpanch thought it was sheer luck while others felt that it was the boy’s hard work and determination. And we the kids kept arguing about who amongst us was his favourite.
In town like our’s with a small population, small achievements could get you a lot of merit and recognition. And what Shyam had achieved was no small feat. What he had done not only got him lot of recognition but even brought our small town to the notice of the entire country.
Shyam was the only kid in the town to have gone for higher education to the university and stood first in the entire state. Life gives you a chance that completely changes life from there on. This chance for Shyam came when he was awarded a scholarship at Oxford for a doctorate in physics. Albeit it wasn't the easiest of decision for Shyam to take. Going to Oxford meant leaving his widowed mother alone for another couple of years. Shyam had thought of dropping his scholarship but it was only due to strong persuasion of her mother that he eventually went on with it.
Biji was the mother of Shyam and I being their fortunate neighbour. I had a special connection with Shyam bhaiya. He was not only my hero but also my ideal. I so remember the days when I would go to his terrace to get my arithmetic problems solved and he would go on to explain me the wonders of physics. Though I had very little interaction with Biji earlier but since Sha Ji left my interaction with Biji had gradually increased. It was then I realised that from where Shyam got all his inspiration. Biji herself was not educated but she was a truly gifted person and realised the importance of education and knowledge in one's life. She didn't leave any stone unturned to make sure his son gets the best of education.
Today when she called me I knew that it would probably be the last time that she was calling me with that eagerness and excitement. I knew that the dakiya chacha had just given her a letter from "Sha Ji" and most probably for the last time since her son was returning home to her arms in a matter of days. I opened the letter with the same enthusiasm as I have always done almost tearing it while opening. As I opened it I could immediately notice that it wasn't Sha Ji's handwriting and as rolled my eyes down I saw that it was signed off by the Principal of Oxford. And then I read the letter to her.
Respected Shakuntla Devi,
With utmost difficulty and sadness I would like to bring to your notice the sad demise of your son Shyam Ahuja. Shyam along with his four friends had met with an unfortunate car accident in which they lost their lives. Shyam was one of the finest students at the Oxford University and will always remain alive in our hearts. The board of trustees have decided to announce a Shyam Ahuja Scholarship in Physics in remembrance of the bright student Shyam was and is also sending you a Cheque of RS 10000.00 for his immense contribution to the field of Physics that he researched through his Doctorate at the university. I along with the entire university pray that may God give you the strength to bear such an immense loss and bless Shyam's soul.
Biji passed away even a month before since we got the news.
©Kshitij Ghai
