Jaimin took over the wheel now. But before he could say anything; Rupali, out of curiosity and desperation, interfered asking what was the problem in marrying a girl he loved if everything was pitch perfect. To this, Jaimin asked Rupali to slow down and let him speak.
Rupali still wondered that if she and Hetal happen to have almost similar family backgrounds, Hetal was rather a step ahead in terms of studies and profession; then why her and not Hetal for Jaimin. While she was into her thoughts, Jaimin knocked on the table to bring her back to reality. Jaimin said that everything was going well till about a year since he and Hetal met. Before a year, there was a day then when both felt that it was time for revelation of their relationship to their families. Hetal took the initiative and spoke to her mother about Jaimin. Her mother was convinced but with reluctance, for a specific reason. But when Jaimin disclosed his bonding with Hetal to his parents, there was some impractical interrogation as to Hetal’s religion and caste. This hit Jaimin very badly, and he lost all the respect for his family. It was then when Jaimin realised how backward and close-minded the social system still was and may be this was the reason why Hetal’s mother was hesitant initially to accept their affinity.
Jaimin tried to convince his parents although it wasn’t his forte. He was always less talkative, hated arguments, kept things to himself; all in all not an extrovert and somebody who wasn’t confident enough to face the fears. However, he left no stone unturned to convince his parents for Hetal; but his parents were adamant and absolutely clear on their rejection, with a plateful of conservative reasons. That very day, there was serious argument between Jaimin and his father, things unspoken till date were brought out and a chaotic silence was felt between the two. This resulted into a knot in the father-son bonding. It is since then that both Jaimin and his father do not exchange good terms with each other except social gatherings, which Jaimin tries to avoid because he’s not someone who likes exposure or attention. However, even after what all happened between him and his parents that day, he held on tight with Hetal and their love has only flourished since then. Nobody wanted to hurt the feelings of the elderly, so with all due respect, they came to a mutual decision to move one step at a time, and once the time is right, they’ll again gather some strength to convince Jaimin’s parents.
Listening to this tragedy, Rupali broke down in tears. Hetal also couldn’t help herself and started sobbing. Jaimin then offered water to both the lovely, strong and brave ladies and asked them to calm down. At this juncture, Rupali wiped her tears and declared that she will try and make their wedding happen. She promised Hetal that no matter how low or least her caste is, she will help her get all the happiness and love she deserves. It was then when Jaimin realised how brave, confident, strong and kind Rupali was. She’s going out of her way, ignoring herself and her mother, to help a couple of strangers who are unable to help themselves. Rupali’s kindness and courage impressed Jaimin so much that he agreed to participate equally in her plan.
As the evening got darker, three people who were very different from each other have now turned out to be somewhat alike and are just a step away from becoming good friends.
Knowing about the still-existent casteism and the religious barriers, I felt ashamed of myself. Why can’t educated people like me and many others out there try and put more efforts in improvising the social stigma. New thoughts, advanced living, education and many such social characters can make a difference in this society and can give equal chance to every person to have their share of happiness. Why does the orthodox mindset of a small bunch of so-called religious heads not change with time and generation? Why do they have to burden the coming generations with unnecessary and unrightful beliefs? Why do women still need to prove themselves equal to men by doing something that they are not supposed to? Who gives others the right to decide that love or humanity are inferior to caste and culture and that our religion is the utmost and should be strictly followed? Hetal studied hard to become a surgeon. She is a doctor and doctors are called angels of God. Then why Hetal has to face this hatred. In every way, she’s far more superior than anybody else in both families. She is the life saver and the life giver. She was the one who operated Jaimin’s shoulder. Then why should she be judged on the basis of religion or caste and not her profession or skills. Heavy heart and painful soul, nothing more can I say.
Will Rupali be able to keep her promise? The Runaway Groom 7 follows soon…
Rise and shine.
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