The Girl In The Autorickshaw - Chapter - 06/11

The Ungrateful Roma

Next day morning Aqeel is waiting at Gobhani bus stand. Roma arrives by bus at 10:30 Am. Aqeel looks at his watch and says “Roma you are half an hour late”

Roma says “I know. What to do? I had to take auto rickshaw till main bazaar and the bus arrived after 30 minutes. I am not a regular visitor. Next time I will leave home 30 minutes earlier.”

Once again, Aqeel failed to notice the taunt in Roma’s remark. Aqeel says “It’s ok”

Then Aqeel calls the property agent, he comes there after some time. The agent takes them along with him and shows several shops, but Roma rejects all of them, due to one reason or the other.

The agent says “Madam, I have one more shop but the owner stays on the 1^st floor above the shop. Would you like to see it?”

Aqeel looks at Roma. She says “Alright, let’s have a look at it too”

Property agent takes them to a shop near the bus stop. The shop is around 10 x 11 square feet carpet area. Just in the corner there is a ladder going upstairs to the 1st floor where the owner is residing.

Roma thinks hard and calculates the possibility of business near the bus stand, in bazaar.

Aqeel watches her and asks “What are you thinking?”

Roma replies “I think this place is ok. I may get customers from nearby villages also. Yes let’s take this shop”

Aqeel takes a deep breath and says “Thank God! I was afraid that you might reject this shop also”

Roma says dryly “You have to be very careful Aqeel, choosing a shop is not like buying onion or potatoes. You have to look at it from all the angles”

Aqeel nods his head and says “You are absolutely right. So may I finalize the deal?”

Roma says “Yes”

Aqeel tells the agent to prepare all the necessary documents. From the very next day Aqeel starts   making furniture for the shop. Here Aqeel uses his skills and experience of fabrication work and makes very attractive looking furniture from his dead stock of fabrication material.

On the third day, Aqeel and Roma are in search for a second hand sewing machine. At the end of the day they find a complete set of sewing machine. On the fourth day they set up the shop. The shop is named Rani Ladies Tailors. Before official opening of the shop, Aqeel suggests that Roma should put a board outside her residence. Roma orders for a board. She receives the board in the evening and hangs it outside her residence.

For all this procedure Aqeel spends Rs. 50,000 but Roma doesn’t even bother to ask how he managed to arrange for all this money, neither did she say even as a formality that she will return the money as soon as her business picks up.

On the 7^th day Roma’s tailoring shop is officially opened for business. Very 1^st day Roma gets an order.

Due to a good location, Roma’s shop takes a good start. There is only one Gents and Ladies shop in Gobhani village. An exclusive shop only for ladies, run by a lady, is a big attraction for the women of the village as they are not comfortable with a man taking their measurements.  The gamble played by Aqeel was successful. Idea of hanging board at Roma’s residence is also worked. Roma is getting customer’s orders at home.

Roma and Aqeel’s friendship grows with Roma’s business. Now they have become good friends, they share their ups and downs with each other whenever they get time to meet. After a few months Roma renovates her house and extends it up to the first floor, which she gives for rent. Her financial condition is much better than it was a few months ago. Soon Roma gets her daughter admitted to a good nursery school.

But after six months the business starts getting slack. Now no new customers are coming to her shop. The reason for this is that this business is seasonal; Roma discovers that the business is good only in festive and marriage season. In the remaining months, business is down and tailors in Gobhani hardly manage to earn money required for rent and other expenses.

Now that Roma has tasted a little success, her needs are increasing and at the same time her hunger for money is also increasing. When the tailoring business becomes slack, Roma contacts her old friend Kiran, who is working in a Catering Service. Roma tells Kiran that she is looking for a part time job. Kiran says “I can fit you in the catering service but the timings are very odd. You have to reach the place at 5 pm sharp but the time of leaving the place is not fixed. It can be anywhere between 11:00 to 02:00 in the night.”

Roma says “Its ok. I will manage somehow”

Kiran says “There is one more disadvantage Roma, this job is seasonal”

With a bitter smile, Roma says “My whole life has become seasonal. Any way I am ready to for any job which helps me make money.

Roma starts working for the catering services as a waitress. She is paid Rupees 500 per day. Now she closes shop at 04:00 Pm and reaches the catering job at 05:00 Pm and works up to 12:30 to 02:00 in the night. She only gets 15 days to work as a waitress. This means that now she is earning Rs. 7,500 extra, as side income, in addition to the income from the tailoring shop. But even this does not satisfy Roma. She is never happy and contended and her greed for money increases with each passing day.     

One day the property agent contacts Roma with an investment proposal in small piece of land near the city. He says she is invited to attend a seminar on purchasing and marketing of land. Roma does not buy the plot at that moment but is very much impressed with the presentation. She becomes interested and offers the company official’s that she would like to market their plot. The company is glad to appoint a lady as their Sales Representative for their plot scheme near the city. The attraction of the scheme was you can buy your own small piece of land at minimal cost. If you don’t have money to pay together you can pay in instalments. For instalments you do not need to contact bank. Company will finance you in 60 easy instalments without any hassles of documentation. The best part of this scheme for Roma was she only has to refer a client to the company and arrange a site visit for prospective client at company’s expense.

Now Roma is earning from tailoring, property and catering services.

Coming late night at home became a regular habit for her. Roma’s father asks “Roma, since last few months, I have noticed that you are coming home late at night. Please tell me truthfully dear, are you involved in some kind of immoral or illegal work?”

Roma says “Father, I assure you that I am not in any illegal or immoral business. I am just working hard to make our lives better.”

Suresh says “That’s good, but please pays attention to your health also. You will only be able to earn when you are healthy, otherwise what’s the use of earning more if you have to give all the money to the doctor?”

Roma says tauntingly “You only know how to talk. Stop worrying about my health. I am quite capable of taking care of my health”. 

Poor Suresh is very much hurt by his daughter’s rude behaviour, her words pierce his heart like an arrow but he is helpless, as Roma and Kashibai are earning and he is sitting at home doing nothing. He decides in his mind that he will have to find a job; otherwise he will have to listen to Roma’s sour comments.

The very next day Suresh starts hunting for a job and soon his efforts are rewarded. He gets a job in a housing society as a night watchman.

 Now everyone at Roma’s house is earning but Roma is still not satisfied and happy. Her hunger for money is always ahead of her present income.

Now one year has passed since the opening of the tailoring shop. Aqeel comes to Roma’s place to congratulate her on the first anniversary of the shop but he is disappointed to notice that Roma is not happy. Very politely Aqeel asks the reason of Roma’s depression.

Roma informs Aqeel about all the happenings of the last one year.

Aqeel is surprised as he says “Roma, I can’t understand why you are not satisfied with your present condition. As far as I can see you much better off than you were one year ago. Now even Suresh uncle is working. You have multiple sources of income. I just can’t understand what else you want”

Roma says worriedly “I want to get Rani to study in a better school, for that I need lots of money. Besides that I have to think of her future as well as mine. The tailoring shop is not doing as well as I had expected. And I am sick of doing all the seasonal work. Aqeel, please help me to have a stable income.”

Aqeel thinks for a while, then says “Me and my family are going to New Delhi. If you want you can come with us. I can help you buy some products from New Delhi which you can sell in your shop.”

Roma is happy and agrees to visit New Delhi with Aqeel.

After seven days Aqeel and his family along with Roma leave for New Delhi. This is a 5 days trip. Roma has purchased some sweater, kids garments worth Rupees 30000/-. All these expenses are made by Aqeel.

After returning from New Delhi Roma displays the products brought from Delhi, for sale at her shop. There was not much response. Aqeel’s mother suggests to Roma to sell the products in city bazaar roadside market.

Roma was feeling shy to sell the products on the street. Aqeel’s mother helped her to sell the products on the streets of the city. Roma again never offered to return the investment back to Aqeel.

While selling the products on street market, many of Roma’s neighbours notice her selling the products. Some of them taunt her mother.

Kashibai tells Roma that all the neighbours are taunting them. Roma decides to stop selling products on roadside market.

Now Roma wants to focus on tailoring and property business and whenever she gets time she goes for catering services.

Within a span of next one year, Roma manages to grow in property business. Now she purchases the plot when the price is low and sells when the rates are increased. She has bought two plots for her daughter. Every monthly instalment for plot is Rs. 2000/-, rent for shop is increased to Rs. 2000/-. Roma has also started some small investments.

Her daughter has completed 5 years and it’s time for her admission in a school. After having a long discussion with family and Aqeel, Roma decides to get her admitted in a local hostel, which is affordable to her. She gets her admission done there and pays the fees in advance for one complete year.

One day Aqeel goes to attend his friend’s marriage. He finds Roma working at the marriage hall as a waitress. Some of Aqeel’s friends are passing some offensive remarks about the waitresses. Aqeel feels bad but keeps quiet and doesn’t reveal to his friends that one of the waitresses is his close friend.

Next day Aqeel meets Roma and says “Roma, last night I was really embarrassed to see you working as a waitress in the marriage hall. I request you to leave this job”

Roma says curtly “I am not going to leave this job at any cost. I want to earn as much money as I can and you don’t have to feel embarrassed, I am not your relative”

Aqeel is dumfounded to hear this blunt reply. He just stares at Roma with grief in eyes and goes away without uttering a word.

After few days Aqeel comes to Roma’s house to invite all the family members for his sister’s wedding. Roma and family go to Aqeel’s sister wedding. All the eyes are on Aqeel, especially of those who are in search for a groom for their daughters as Aqeel is an eligible bachelor.

Now that Aqeel’s sister is married off, Aqeel and his mother are the only two members of the family. One day Aqeel’s mother tells him “Son when you go to work, I feel very lonely. Before your sister’s marriage, I had her company but now that she has gone, I really find it very boring”

Aqeel says “Yes mother, I am aware of your problem, but what can be done?”

Aqeel’s mother smiles and says “Dear son, you have the solution to my problem. If you want you can help me get rid of my loneliness.”

Aqeel is sharp enough to understand what his mother is hinting at. He says “Mother I know what you are suggesting, but this is not the right time for me to get married”

His mother says “Look Aqeel, I am your mother and I have your welfare at heart. If you have any girl in mind, tell me”

Aqeel thinks for a while and then says very shyly “Mother you know her”

Mother smiles and asks “Is it Roma?”

Instead of replying, Aqeel just nods indicating yes.

Mother says laughing “I knew that but I wanted to hear it from you. The day you told me to take Roma to Delhi with us, I had a doubt that you are emotionally attached to her. Now my doubt has been confirmed by you. Tell me son, is Roma also interested in you?”

Aqeel says “Frankly I don’t know mother, please guide me what should I do.”

Mother says “Son I think that Roma also likes you. Let’s go to meet her parents and ask her hand for you. I am sure they will not reject you.”

Aqeel agrees and the next day he and his mother visit Roma’s house.

Suresh and Kashibai welcome them. After the usual formal conversation

Suresh tells Aqeel’s mother “We enjoyed a lot at your daughter’s wedding, everything was well arranged. The best thing was you had arranged separate kitchen for vegetarian people like us.”

Aqeel and mother look each other. Aqeel’s mother requests Kashibai and Roma to sit near Suresh.

Roma and Kashibai sit along with Suresh. Aqeel’s mother comes to the main purpose of their visit. She says “You all know after Aqeel’s sister’s marriage I am alone at home whole day. Aqeel is busy with his work. Many people came with marriage proposal but Aqeel refused all the proposals. Yesterday I asked Aqeel if he has any particular girl in mind. Aqeel said he likes Roma and I also like her nature. She has all the qualities I want to see in my daughter-in-law. What do you say?”

Roma is stunned to hear this. There is no expression on her face.

Kashibai has a light smile on her face; it is obvious that she likes the proposal from the bottom of her heart. She is about to say something when Roma holds her hand tightly as if preventing her from saying anything.

Suresh hesitates a little and says “I respect your feelings, madam. Aqeel is a nice boy. He has done lots of favours to us. We are highly obliged to him but I am very sorry to say that we will not be able to accept your proposal”

Aqeel looks disappointed and asks Suresh “May I know the reason for not accepting me uncle?”

Suresh replies “The reason is quite obvious son; my daughter’s full name is Roma Suresh Pandit, while you’re full name is Aqeel Babban Khan. There are other hurdles too. We are pure vegetarians and Roma is much elder than you. She is a two times divorcee and has an adopted child. These differences just cannot be overlooked. Though I like you as a person but I have to face the society also. Please forgive me for saying this but your marriage with my daughter is not possible.”

Aqeel’s mother says “It’s alright brother, though I am disappointed but I am glad that you spoke so honestly and truthfully. I appreciate your position.”

Suresh says “So very nice of you madam for being so nice to us. Any other woman in your place would have been angry with me for refusing the proposal. But you are so kind. I wish the differences between us had not existed but unfortunately they do exist. However, we will remain friends as before”

Aqeel says “Of course uncle, we understand your difficulties. Your refusal will not affect our friendship. I will help you to find a suitable groom for Roma”

Roma and Kashibai look gratefully at Aqeel. Aqeel and his mother take their leave.

If you want to shine like the Sun, first burn like the Sun.

The Girl In The Autorickshaw - Chapter - 03/11

Flashback to Roma’s Life

My story is not very long but is full of sweat, tears and blood which are so intermingled with each other that it is very difficult to separate one from the other. I am sure thousands of girl’s belonging to the lower class of our society will identify with me and will see many things common with my story

Currently I am 33 years old. I was born in a joint family. My father Mr. Suresh Pandit was a mill worker. He used to spend half of his salary in alcoholic habits. Other relative got separated from us due to my father’s habit of drinking. Every alternate day he used to fight with someone, either on the street or at home. My uncle left the city and settled at Chand Village, 280 kilometres from here. My aunty got married and went to her husband’s house. Me and my mother (Kashibai) were left alone.

My education discontinued because my mother and father did not have money to pay school fees. I used to help my mother with her job as a house maid, which included floor cleaning, vessel cleaning, washing clothes etc.

When my father came over drunk, I and my mother used to hide in a corner of the house because we were terrorised by my father. He used to beat us a lot. This was my routine till I turned 13 years.

At the age of 14 the cloth mill shut down and my father was jobless. He got some retirement fund and the house where we lived was provided by the company. When the company decided to shut down, they also provided the house to their labour where they were living. Thanks to the company otherwise we would have been on the streets without a house.

For next one year my father did not find any work and money was almost over. Other workers with my father were settled. My father wasted everything in alcohol and lazy life. My mother and me were struggling to earn doing housemaid job.

One day a friend of my father came to our house with the proposal of my marriage. My mother said “No my daughter is just 15 years old, there’s lot of time to think about this”.

He tried to convince my father with attraction of money and lots of promises like they will renovate our house and help my father financially. He further said that the boy for marriage proposal has applied for a job in Railways and once he gets the job you will also be benefited.

My father was convinced and he also convinced my mother. My mother thought we already faced problems for survival, maybe my daughter will get a good life after her marriage and agreed to talk further about it.

When the parents and groom (Ajit) came to see me, my mother and more than her, I was shocked because I was just 15 years old and Ajit was 34 years old. My mother opposed the proposal. I also protested but no one heard us and finally I was married to Ajit. In our society women are considered as commodities and not independent individuals with an identity of our own. God alone knows when this sorry state of affairs will end.

A 15 year old bride, who was not matured, neither physically nor mentally, entered a new and strange world, completely ignorant about what was in store for her

I had faced so much of struggle in life that I could not enjoy my childhood and now at an age of 15 I was so young that I did not fully understand the meaning of marriage. I and Ajit were in a room Ajit made physical relation with me from very first day.

At Ajit’s house they all got up at 04:00 AM and I use to sleep till 07:00 Am. After 5 days they brought me to my house and told my parents you have not taught any kind of manners to your daughter to awake up early in the morning. My father and mother scolded me and I was taken back.

After 1 month of my marriage with Ajit, my private part pained very much, due to physical relation made at an early age. Ajit and family took me to a doctor. When doctor checked my health the 1^st thing he tried to do was to call the cops. However the family members managed the issue and the doctor treated me.

This marriage was just like a prepaid housemaid with free sex for Ajit. I was never treated like a daughter- in- law. They never used to take me to any family functions etc. I tried to adjust with Ajit and family for 5 years. Ajit never got a Railways job and started torturing me. So I took divorce from him and stayed with my mother and father.

At the age of 20 – 21 years I was a divorced woman who returned to her parent’s house.

In order to help my mother and father, I searched for a job. I found a job as a trainee nurse in night duty. Simultaneously I got a job in a ladies tailor shop. Next to the place where I was learning stitching work, was a garage, where Munna worked as a mechanic. We both liked each other. One day Munna proposed me for marriage I could not resist myself and said “Yes, I will marry you.”

There are always hurdles in life. God alone knows how many hurdles are pending in my life.

Munna’s family did not agree to our marriage because I was a divorcee and Munna was a bachelor. It took lots of effort for Munna to convince his parents. I also decided I will never let down Munna and his family values. Because my family was not in a position to give the dowry I decided to compensate for the shortcoming with my best behaviour and respect to all as I had married Munna with my choice.

After a few days I was married to Munna. Here a new kind of problem was waiting for me. It seemed that Munna’s parents and other close relatives were still living in the 19^th century instead of 21^st century. I was told to cover my face behind a “Ghunghat” (Veil). It was so cumbersome. I and the other daughter- in- law at home had to cover our faces when any elder’s or male person was at home. We were required to hide our face even while doing daily chores like cleaning the utensils, washing clothes or cooking food. Once I asked why only girls should hide their faces behind a veil while boys were allowed to roam free wearing jeans and t-shirts?

This question of mine created havoc in the household. The elders were flabbergasted and screamed at me and ordered me to ask for forgiveness as, according to them, I had committed blasphemy by questioning an age old tradition. I did not agree with them but still apologised as I knew that I alone would never be able to change these out-dated and meaningless traditions. In spite of all this, I was very much happy that Munna respected and took care of my parents. I also helped Munna by earning from my tailoring job. We used to stay in a joint family; the house we stayed in was rented. As Munna was the elder brother of all he had more responsibly and our dream was to buy a suitable home for all. There were times when we had to sleep in an auto rickshaw, by adding small savings we bought a plot and build a small house.

Our marriage had completed 7 years. Munna’s mother and other family members used to taunt me for not having kids. Later in a medical test we came to know that I had some problem in my fallopian tube. Doctor suggested surgery and said that even after surgery, there were only 50% chances that I could conceive. This was the reason my mother- in- law was forcing Munna to marry another girl but Munna always refused.

But strangely enough, a great change occurred in Munna’s behaviour after the surgery. The doctor had advised us not to have any kind of physical relations at least for six months but Munna forced himself on me, not only in the nights but in the days also whenever he came for lunch break. When I refuse to make physical relation he thrashed me like an animal and made physical relations. This disturbed me a lot but there was nothing I could do about it. I could not understand how the person, who took care of me and my family and was so soft in nature, could suddenly turn so bad.

On our 10^th marriage anniversary I made a proposal of adoption of a child. Munna agreed and we searched a few places from where a child could be adopted. Munna’s family members were against adoption. I received a call from a hospital saying that a lady is willing to give her new born baby girl for adoption. I just ran to the hospital. When I met the lady, she just asked me “Will you take good care of my girl?”

I said yes, and then she asked me how many children I have? I replied I did not have any child as I could not conceive. The lady handed over the baby to me and said “I know you can take a good care of my baby.” After all formalities I brought the baby home.  I was not allowed to enter the house with someone else’s child.

I was again at my parents’ home. Munna came and convinced me to come without the baby. I was helpless; the lady who gave birth to my daughter had given false address. Now I could not find her and the small baby was my responsibility. For a few months Munna often came and met me. One day when I went to Munna’s house, I came to know Munna was married to another girl. They all thrashed and tortured me like an animal. Blood was flowing from my nose, my eyes were swollen. They all threw me like garbage into a municipal garbage bin. It took me 1 month to recover from the injuries.

I had not yet recovered from all this when a new problem raised its ugly head, which was how to manage money for household things. As an adult I could stay hungry or eat anything, but I couldn’t keep the baby hungry. I accepted a nursing job in night duty. At day time I took care of my daughter for which my mother was a very much helping hand but she also had to go for her housemaid job, at night I worked as a nurse. We just could manage our bread and butter.

After two years suddenly I lost my nursing job. Now when my daughter had completed 2 years, I had to get her admission in a nursery and I had no money for her admission and uniform etc. I was just thinking how to arrange for money and what kind of work I to do.  Suddenly my father got a major heart attack we admitted him at Government hospital. He is in I.C.U. All the medicine is not provided by the Government, some medicines have to be purchase from outside. I did not have money to purchase medicine, I had to arrange fees for my daughter’s school, and I had lost my job. I was terribly upset, that was the reason I decided to commit suicide but Raju stopped me.

Rest you know. I am still confused about my future.

I did not understand a little thing of life

Wishes are made of glass and the world is made of rock

I had made a wish that I got

A light which brought shadows

Shadows were deep although the lights were not harsher (soft)

The Girl In The Autorickshaw - Chapter - 01/11

The Day In The Auto Rickshaw

Aqeel is a 5’10” tall, Fair, Lean, average looking guy. Current age of Aqeel Babban Khan is 34 years. This story is not a biography of Aqeel. We want to share an event, which happened in Aqeel’s life. Before we start narrating the event we must specify who Aqeel is.

Aqeel’s family comprises of father, mother, elder brother, younger brother and a sweet little sister. Father and Elder brother are labour contractors at a jute bag factory. Younger brother and sister are studying. Aqeel is a college dropout working as labour in a local fabrication shop. Aqeel started working with the fabricator at the age of 15 just to earn some pocket money.

After marriage of his elder brother, Aqeel had a dispute with his family. Aqeel had left his home with his mother and sister and had said that he will prove to his elder brother and also to the world, his ability to achieve a respectful place in the society and to build a better and bigger house than his elder brother’s house.

In order to achieve his goal Aqeel had started a new journey which was full of hurdles and struggle. Nobody helped him. It took 4 years to get stable in his job. Now Aqeel is a freelance contractor for fabrication works. Aqeel has his own company. He has also purchased a bigger house than his brother’s 25 Kilometres away from a developing city. Soon these 25 kilometres will be inside the city.

While progressing in life, Aqeel has not become proud and arrogant, on the contrary he has become a nice and helpful man and he always contributes to noble causes like giving charity to the poor and needy. He sponsors deserving students for further studies. He also helps people to start new business and helps those who have incurred losses in their businesses, to restart them. He also provides medical help to people those who can’t afford costly treatment and grocery to the needy. As a result of all his good deeds, he has gained a great respect among common people.

After separation from his family, Aqeel is settled 25 kilometres away from the city. He uses a bike for daily work. Today Aqeel’s bike is in garage for repair. This is winter season but today is a sunny day. At 4 Pm, Aqeel receives an urgent call to visit his fabrication work site for some measurement of next workload.

Aqeel leaves home, which is situated in a vast expanse of picturesque hilly area, at 4.15 Pm. The sun is yet to set but the horizon is already ablaze with red-orange rays ending one more day. The atmosphere is alive with tweeting and chirping of a thousand species of birds. Aqeel smiles and looks at the horizon and sees a pale sun getting ready to set. He has a gut feeling that something good is going to happen today. He comes walking to the road.

Aqeel is looking for auto rickshaw and finds a share auto till half way. Now after reaching half way he is looking for an auto but no auto stops. Aqeel sees an auto rickshaw parked opposite the lane. As he approaches the auto, he finds Raju sitting in the driver’s seat.

Raju is delighted to see Aqeel. There was a time when Raju had lost all his money in gambling and at that time Aqeel helped him to pay the mortgage loan on auto rickshaw and set the business back.

Aqeel crosses the road and asks Raju if he can drop him to his destination. Raju replies “Sir, this is your rickshaw, just order and I will take you to where ever you wish to go”. Aqeel notices that a girl is already sitting in auto rickshaw. Aqeel says “But Raju, you already have a passenger” Raju replies “She is not a passenger Sir, she is friend like you, please be comfortable.”

Raju introduces Aqeel to the girl sitting in the auto. Raju says “Roma, this is Mr. Aqeel. He is a very helpful person, this rickshaw was financed by him and he did not charge any interest on his investment. In short he is the owner of this rickshaw. He also has good fabrication business”

Roma smiles and says “Pleased to meet you Mr. Aqeel.” now Raju introduces Roma and says “Aqeel Sir, this is Roma, She is wife of Munna the mechanic. Munna married another girl and left her with a small daughter, now Roma is looking for a job”

Aqeel says “Nice to meet you Madam, hope you will find a good job soon.”

Roma says “Thank you Sir”

Raju asks Aqeel “Sir, where is your bike?”

Aqeel replies “It is in the garage. Raju I request you not to suggest Roma madam any unfair or immoral job.”

  Raju says “Brother Aqeel there is no shortcut to make money. Today is her first day and I am looking for some people who can enjoy with her and pay her for their enjoyment. She needs money badly as her father is in hospital.”

Aqeel is shocked, now he looks at the girl properly. Roma is short in height, sweet looking, slim body, a killing smile on her face hiding the pain that’s in her heart. Aqeel thinks this girl is so pretty and she is yet not spoilt, just because of some money problem she is ready to become a prostitute. I should help her and take her out of this mind-set and if not at least I can save her for few days or months.

As Aqeel is thinking all this, the auto rickshaw reaches his destination. Raju says “Brother Aqeel now you have arrived at your destination, can I leave you and go ahead?

 Aqeel says “No please don’t go. You wait here with Roma madam. I will come back in a few minutes.

While Aqeel is gone for his work Raju says “Roma. Aqeel is a gem of a person, he is a self-made man and helpful to people. If a person like him has told you to wait it means he must have thought something for you. This can be your luckiest day. It is a co-incidence that his bike is in the garage and he was looking for an auto, otherwise he wouldn’t have met you”

Roma says “Yes Raju, I also have the same feeling, but why did you say that he is the owner of this auto.”

Raju says “Roma, as I have already told you, he financed this auto, therefore he is the owner.  I had many bad habits but, Aqeel Sir helped me without expectations of returns. My life was transformed due to him.”

While Raju and Roma are talking, Aqeel is taking the measurements for fabrication at the work site and giving work order to his labour for next day. After 25 minutes Aqeel returns and asks Raju to take them to Silent Beach.

Silent beach is not a kind of beach you can see at any sea in fact this city has no direct connectivity to sea. There is a river flowing from this city called NAG River. Sand of this river is similar to sea sand that’s the reason over the time a few places near this river bank were developed into tourist spots visited by local residents and tourists during weekend this place never remained silent.

Raju drives the auto towards Silent Beach while in auto Aqeel is looking at the girl. The killing smile is missing on her face and her legs are tightened, sweating in this winter season. She is afraid of what’s going to happen next. Aqeel senses her tension and assures her that she should not worry as he doesn’t have any intention of harming her.

Meanwhile auto rickshaw reaches Silent Beach. Raju parks the auto rickshaw on one side. Aqeel steps down from the auto and says “Roma please come with me, I want to talk to you. Roma is afraid to step down from the rickshaw and says “Raju you will come with us?” Raju replies “Yes” and then only she manages to step down from the auto rickshaw. Raju makes a move to come with both of them but Aqeel stops him, saying “Raju you wait here, I want to talk to Roma separately.”

Raju says “As you wish Sir” he goes back to the auto and sits in it.

Roma looks scared. Raju smiles and says “Don’t worry Roma; Aqeel Sir is a thorough gentleman. He just wants to help you”

Roma is re-assured and goes with Aqeel.  Roma and Aqeel walk to a big stone and sit on it

Aqeel says “Tell me Roma, what, do you think I am going to talk about?”

Roma is silent. Aqeel says “This silence will not work for you Roma. Reply to my question. What do you think I am going to talk with you?”

Roma replies “I feel you will offer to have some kind of relationship with me”.

Aqeel says “That’s true. I am asking you to become my friend.”

On hearing this, Roma’s face re-gains the lost smile.”

Aqeel says “It is good to see you smile, now tell me Roma, what compelled you to take this extreme step to sell yourself for money? How did you come in contact with Raju? Tell me about your family members”.

Roma’s eyes are moist. She starts narrating her woeful story. She says “Sir, today morning I had decided to end my miserable life by jumping into a well. As I was about to jump, Raju saw me and stopped me. Raju was my husband’s friend and used to visit him frequently. When he came to know how desperately I needed money he suggested that the easiest and quickest way to earn money is to sell myself. His intention was to get 20% commission from the clients he will bring to me.” 

Roma wipes her tears. Aqeel watches her with sympathy. After a while, she starts speaking again.  “I have mother, father, and a little two years old daughter with me. My father has retired from a cloth mill. Due to shut down of the mill my father is jobless. Right now my father is admitted to government hospital because of a major heart attack. I needed to buy medicine for him. My mother is working as house maid. I have to pay nursery school fee for my daughter.”

Aqeel is sad to hear Roma’s story. Now there is deep silence only the noise of water flowing is heard. Aqeel is in deep thought how to help Roma that she shall never ever think of suicide and her financial problem will be solved. She has all the right to live a respectful life. Roma needed instant solution. Roma is watching Aqeel with respect and hope.

After a long deep thought Aqeel breaks the silence and asks “Roma, what is the cost of the medicine that you need for your father.”

Roma replies “Currently I need to buy medicine worth Rupees. 2600/-”.

Aqeel pull outs a wallet from his back pocket of his jeans and gives Rupees. 5000/- to Roma and says “Keep this for today; meet me tomorrow at 02:00 Pm at my working site where I had gone today.”

Without any hesitation Roma takes the money and keeps it in her purse. Roma is smiling and can’t express her happiness in words.

Aqeel says “Roma one thing you have to promise me that you will never ever think of suicide or any kind of immoral activities for you and your family.” Roma nods her head saying yes.

Aqeel and Roma walk towards the auto rickshaw. Aqeel asks Raju to drop Roma at her home first. Both Roma and Aqeel sit’s in auto rickshaw. Raju is happy to see Roma happy and says “Brother Aqeel you are a great person, you brought a big smile on her face.”

Aqeel says “Raju can you promise me one thing?”

 Raju says bowing his head “You just order my Lord.”

 Aqeel says “Promise me you will never ever suggest this kind of immoral business to any girl either in trouble or not.”

Raju says “Brother next time I will bring the person in trouble to you. One thing I know is you will definitely solve the problem”. Aqeel says “I am just a normal human being, now start the auto rickshaw and first drop the lady at her home.”

Raju starts the auto rickshaw. In the way Aqeel asks Raju to do one thing tomorrow, that is to pick up Roma and bring her to Aqeel’s work site at 02 pm. Raju agrees to do this. He stops auto rickshaw a little far from Roma’s house. Raju asks Roma “From where shall I pick you tomorrow?” 

Roma replies “I will be at the Government Hospital, I will meet you there.”

Aqeel wishes Roma good luck. Roma thanks him and says goodbye. Raju starts the auto rickshaw and drops Aqeel to his home. When Aqeel steps down, he asks “Raju please tell how much fare should I pay for the auto rickshaw service?”

Raju says “I salute you brother. You are a man with a golden heart. You are helping the girl and this auto rickshaw is all yours, no fare”

Nobody understands the circumstances

Nobody understands the emotions

This is a matter of one’s own understanding

Someone can read a blank paper

Someone can’t read even a para from the entire book

The Girl In The Autorickshaw - Chapter - 05/11

The Savoir

Next day sharp at 04:00 Pm Aqeel reaches hospital. Roma and Kashibai are sitting in the waiting lounge. Kashibai welcomes Aqeel. Kashibai says “Aqeel Sir, you are our saviour at this critical moment, you helped us so much.”

Roma also supports the words of Kashibai and offers a seat to Aqeel. Aqeel greets Kashibai and says “You look tired. Kashibai replies “Yes brother, the person who looks after the patient admitted in the hospital, themselves fall ill and tired due to daily ups and downs.”

Aqeel says sadly “That’s true, how is uncle now?”

 Kashibai replies “Doctor said your uncle’s condition is stable and tomorrow he will be shifted to the General Ward.”

After few minutes, Aqeel asks Roma “How about going to your home for a cup of tea?”

 Roma replies “Yes no problem, I will take leave from my mother and then we can go.”

Roma informs her mother “Mummy, Aqeel wants to visit our house; I will take him there and will come back after some time.” Kashibai says “Ok.”

Aqeel and Roma come out of the hospital. Aqeel starts his bike parked at parking area. Roma sits on the back seat. They proceed to Roma’s house.

Roma’s house is a typical tenement provided by the mill. There is not much renovation made. Other neighbours have extended their house to ground + first floor. Only good thing about Roma’s house is that everything is well arranged.

Aqeel and Roma enter the house. Roma says “This is my palace, Aqeel, please be seated I will call my daughter from the neighbourhood. Meanwhile Aqeel is looking at the house carefully. There not much furniture in Roma’s house, just a “14” inch television, a bed, two plastic chairs, in the kitchen there are a few vessels. Anyone who sees the house can understand the poor financial condition of the owner of the house.

Roma comes with her daughter and introduces her to Aqeel. “This is my daughter Rani”

 Aqeel says smiling “Hello Rani”

Rani smiles shyly.  Roma says “Say hello to uncle”

Rani says “Hello uncle”

Roma tells Aqeel “Since nobody is at home due to my father being in hospital, we leave her at the neighbour’s house.”

Roma asks Rani to sit on the chair and tells to Aqeel “I will make tea for you”.  In few minutes Roma comes with tea and some biscuits and offers them to Aqeel. While having tea Aqeel says “Roma I have been thinking about you, I am not a very rich man. I can’t afford to give you a big sum every month. But as a friend I can help to setup a tailoring business for you so that you can live a respectful life.”

Roma smiles and says “Thank you so much Aqeel, but a very large amount is required to set up the tailoring business, you know how high is the deposit and rent for a shop in this city?”

Sipping the tea, Aqeel says “You are absolutely right, we won’t be able to hire a shop in the main city, but it is possible to do so at the outskirts of the city as the amount of deposit and rent will be much less and competition will also will be less there, you will have to work very hard, but I am sure your business will flourish within a few months”

Roma thinks for a while then says “Your idea is good Aqeel, but what if the business doesn’t run smoothly. What if something goes wrong?”

Aqeel smiles and says “Has anything in your life gone wrong since you met me three days ago Roma?”

Roma lowers her head and says “No. on the contrary everything has gone right”

Aqeel says “Exactly. Now stop thinking negatively Roma. Three days ago you were on the verge of committing suicide and when you were stopped you even considered selling yourself. But see how God changed the situation so fast that now you have been offered to set up your own business.”

Roma says “You are right Aqeel. I am really grateful for all that you have done for me and my family. I am just not sure whether I will be able to take care of my business and my household at the same time.”

Aqeel says in a re-assuring tone “Roma, first of all have faith in God, and then only will you be able to keep faith in yourself. Please think positively. Destiny worked in your favour when my bike broke down and we met unexpectedly. It was God who brought us together and He alone will help you in the future. Tell me Roma, Do you believe in my words?”

Roma replies emotionally “Yes Aqeel, your words are as helpful to me as the cash you have given me up to now”

Aqeel says “Then please do as I tell you to do. Now you go to the grocery shop and order your daily needs for 2 months”. Saying this Aqeel gives Roma ten thousand rupees and asks “Will this be enough”

Roma looks at Aqeel gratefully and says “Yes, it will be more than enough, really Aqeel; I can’t explain how grateful am I for all you are doing for me.”

Aqeel says “Don’t be grateful to me, be grateful to The Almighty and you can repay me when your tailoring business picks up, now go and order for the grocery. In the meantime I will have a little chat with your sweet little daughter”

When Roma comes after ordering for the groceries, Aqeel takes her leave, giving a pack of chocolate to Rani

Next day Aqeel calls an estate agent and asks him to find a good suitable, low budget, shop suitable for ladies tailoring business at the outskirts of the city

After 7 days Roma’s father gets discharged from the hospital. Roma’s father, Suresh Pandit was been strictly advised by the doctors to change his life style, be more active, stop consumption of tobacco, alcohol and other addictive things. Suresh Pandit himself is feeling like he has got a new life. He has decided that he will change his life style and behaviour towards family, friends and life. Now he is looking at everything positively. After he was discharged and came home his first question was how Roma and Kashibai managed to spend money on his illness.

Kashibai replies “I will tell you the truth, an angel in disguise of a man called Aqeel, helped us, he gave us financial help as well as moral support.”

Suresh asks “Who is this gentleman, how you came in contact with him?”

Now it is Roma’s turn to reply. She tells him about the incidents of the past three days.”

Suresh is pleasantly surprised. At the same time he is a little repentant. He says “My dear daughter please sit near me. I am very much sorry for my attitude towards you. I never thought being a girl, how you managed for all the money for my illness as well as daily expenses, while being a healthy male I was sitting at home and taunting you.”

Roma replies “It’s alright father, let us forget all the unpleasant things of our past life and make a fresh start. But promise me one thing father”

Suresh asks “What is it dear?”

“Please don’t start drinking again. If you do so, you will not be not be ruining your health alone, but also the lives of all of us”

Suresh says with tears in his eyes “I swear upon God, I shall never touch liquor and cigarettes. Now dear I have a small request I would like to meet the person who stood for us in such critical time and helped us.”

Roma replies “Father his name is Aqeel Baban Khan. He is having fabrication business and stays 25 kilometres away from the city. He also wants to meet you. I will arrange a meeting for you. My 50% job is done now; I only have to inform Aqeel. Tomorrow morning I will call him and fix the time of the meeting”.

Next day Roma calls Aqeel and informs him that her father has been discharged from the hospital and also tells him about the change in her father’s nature and also about his eagerness to meet Aqeel.

Aqeel says “I am really glad to hear this good news, I want to meet your father too but currently due to some official work I am out of the city. I will be back after 2 – 3 days. When I come back I will contact you and meet your father.”

After 2 – 3 days Aqeel is back. He contacts Roma and says “Tomorrow 04:00 Pm I will come and meet your father.” Roma passes the message to her parents.

Next day 04:00 Pm sharp Aqeel enters Roma’s house and greets everybody at home. Roma offers a chair to Aqeel and introduces him to her father.”

Aqeel says “Hello uncle, how are you feeling now?”

Suresh replies “I am feeling alright young man. I was really looking forward to meet you. Roma has told me everything about you. My wife told me that you are an angel in a man’s disguise and I agree with her whole heartedly.”

Aqeel says modestly “That’s not true uncle, I am just an ordinary man, and I just love to help others. I feel happy to make others happy”

Suresh says “If all of us had that quality, this world would have been a paradise”

Aqeel smiles and says “Uncle can I make a little request to you”

Suresh replies “Why sure young man, go ahead”

Aqeel says “I request you to allow Roma to start a business of ladies tailoring. This can be the permanent solution to all your problems. I’ve already spoken to Roma about this. Roma is worried as to who will look after Rani. I suggest that if you take care of Rani, Roma will be able to run her business smoothly. Hope you agree with me”

“Of course I agree with you young man” Suresh says “I will be glad to look after my granddaughter and help Roma to run her business successfully.”

Aqeel says “Thank you uncle, but in order to look after Rani, you will have to look after yourself. You will have to follow doctor’s advice strictly and take all the medicine’s regularly”

Suresh smiles and says “I have already promised Roma I will do just that”

Aqeel says “That’s great” then he turns to Roma and says “Roma I have already spoken to some estate agents and they have short listed some shops. Now all we have to do is to choose the shop which is most suitable for your business.”

 Roma curiously asks “Where the shop is located?”

Aqeel replies “The location is 40 Kilometres away from the city.”

Roma is a bit disappointed and asks “Why so far?

Aqeel says “I explained to you last time. I am not as rich as to get a shop in the proper city. If you take a shop a little far away from the city, it will come cheap and you will also have less competition”

Roma is not very enthusiastic but says “Ok”

Aqeel notices her lack of enthusiasm and says “Roma, I can understand that you will have to travel two hours to reach the shop, but you will have to do it as we can’t afford a shop in the main city”

Roma says “Yes Aqeel I understand. One cannot have everything according to one’s wishes. You have to lose something in order to gain something.”

Aqeel smiles and says “It’s nice to hear that. Meet me at Gobhani bus stop tomorrow at 10 am sharp, and then we will go to see the shops”

Roma says “Ok, I will have to leave from here at 8 am to reach Gobhani at 10 am, but I will manage somehow”

Aqeel does not understand Roma’s taunt as he is happy to help her. He greets everybody and leaves.

After Aqeel is gone Kashibai says “Roma I did not say this in Aqeel’s presence, but I don’t think it is a good idea to take a shop so far from the city. Doing up and down from the shop will be too tiresome and time consuming.”

Suresh interjects “Don’t be so ungrateful Kashibai; don’t forget that Roma was on the verge of becoming a prostitute before meeting Aqeel. I think that taking the trouble of travelling four hours is thousand times better than selling her body.  I fully support this tailoring business.”

Roma does not have a word to say as she is also reluctant to travel so far, but she has no option considering the poor financial condition of her family. She nods her head indicating her confirmation.

Don’t think so much O Man about the life

He who has given life to you,

Must surely have planned about you

The Girl In The Autorickshaw - Chapter - 04/11

The Other Day in Auto Rickshaw Conclusion

As Roma ends her story, a heavy silence falls between her and Aqeel. Deep in thought, Aqeel keeps throwing stones into the river while Roma watches him curiously. This goes on for some time then Aqeel says “After hearing your story, I have a few questions in my mind. Can you answer me?”

Strangely looking towards Aqeel, Roma replies “You can ask your questions.”

Aqeel says “The incidents happened in your life were not in your control. But one thing I could not understand is why you have not continued with your ladies tailor job? You could have worked as a ladies tailor from your home or you could have also worked for some tailor on salary or commission basis. You would have earned more than nursing salary.”

Roma replies “I did not have money to purchase a sewing machine that was the reason why I did not start stitching work from my house. If I would have worked on salary or commission basis in a tailoring shop I would have earned the same amount as a nurse. Also, I had to take care of my daughter because she is very small in age. My mother works as housemaid in day and my duty as nurse were from 10:00 Pm to 07:00 Am. There is less work load in night duty, I could also take small nips of rest and smoothly continue with my work”.

Aqeel says “My other question is why did your father not do any job even after years of shutdown of the mill and if he was not working he could have taken care of your daughter?”

Roma replies “My father has become a lazy person. He has a habit of drinking alcohol daily. He also tortures me for money and he is not ready to except my daughter. This is the reason he doesn’t care much for my daughter. Whenever he needs money he keeps taunting me about the expense on my daughter and my two divorces.

Aqeel asks “Suppose you get an opportunity to buy a sewing machine and start your tailoring business, will you be able to manage the shop and the home at the same time?”

Roma replies “Yes I can manage, but I have to look after my daughter also.”

After a deep thought Aqeel says “Roma, I understand all your difficulties. To help you get rid of this uncertain situation you need to help yourself by breaking typical mind set barrier. I will help you become self-dependant women, for that I will need help of your family and yourself”.

Roma says “I cannot understand what you are thinking. The only thing I understand is that you are my well-wisher.”

Aqeel replies “If you have faith in me then don’t ask further questions and just do what I say.”

Till now Roma is full of confidence and has built faith in Aqeel. Roma says “As you wish. I believe in your word. What will I need to do?

Aqeel replies “You just take me to the hospital. I need to meet your parents.”

After thinking for a while, Roma says “Ok when you want to come to the hospital?

Aqeel replies “But obviously right now?” Roma reacts, saying “Then we will have to hurry because visiting hours are only up to 08:00 Pm. Aqeel says “You don’t worry about that

Both of them walk towards the auto rickshaw. Aqeel asks Raju to take them to the Government hospital. As usual Raju replies “Ok brother.”

At the hospital, Kashibai is sitting in the waiting lounge. Roma introduces Aqeel to his mother as a friend. Aqeel interrupts Roma in middle and inquires about the health of her husband. Kashibai replies he is stable now. Doctor has said if everything goes right, they may shift him to general ward in one or two days. Aqeel says “If you need anything, you just call me I will be at your service, for now I take your leave.”

Kashibai silently gives a medicine prescription to Roma. Roma tells to Kashibai “Mother, I will just go up to the gate to see off Aqeel. Roma and Aqeel walk towards the hospital gate. At the gate Aqeel asks Roma to give him the medicine prescription.

Roma says surprisingly “How you saw my mother handed me the medical prescription” Aqeel says politely “Please give me the prescription.” Roma gives the prescription to Aqeel.

Aqeel takes the prescription and goes to the medical store with Roma. When Aqeel enters medical store, he is glad to see Rehman Uncle at the counter. Rehman uncle is a very close friend of Aqeel’s father Baban Khan.

Rehman uncle welcomes Aqeel. “Welcome my son, how did you come here? Is everything all right? Aqeel introduces Roma. “Meet my friend Roma her father is admitted in this hospital he had a heart attack a few days ago. I came here to see him. Is this your shop Uncle?”

Rehman uncle replies “Yes this is my shop. I look after the shop near your house and my son handles this shop. Today my son has gone to attend a marriage so I am here. Tell me what I can do for you?

Aqeel gives the prescription to Rehman uncle. Rehman uncle brings all the medicine in the prescription, the total bill is Rupees. 890/-. Aqeel pays the bill and says respectfully “Uncle, can I request you a small favour?” Rehman uncle replies “Please tell me son.”

Aqeel says “Rehman uncle, if my friend Roma or her mother comes to take any medicine they need, please give them the medicine, I will pay the bill to you later.”

Rehman uncle is an experienced person he gives a visiting card of his shop behind which some words are written in Urdu. Rehman uncle says “Any person who will bring this card will get the desired medicines and bill will be in your account. I will make a separate diary for this account.”

Aqeel gives the visiting card to Roma. Roma is so happy that she has no words to express her feelings. Aqeel asks Roma “Are you going to stay at the hospital tonight?” Roma replies “Yes.”

Aqeel requests to Roma to meet him tomorrow at 04:00 Pm. “I would also like to visit your home and have a cup of tea there. Is it possible for you to meet me?”

Roma replies “Yes sure, no problem”. Aqeel says “I will come tomorrow at 04:00 Pm at the hospital. Then we will go to your home.”

Aqeel takes Roma’s leave, goes to the auto rickshaw in the parking area and asks Raju to drop him at his home. Raju replies “Yes brother.”

Aqeel is so tired that he falls asleep in the auto, He wakes up when Raju shouts “Brother wake up, we have reached your home... Aqeel awakes and says “Raju I am so tired that I don’t feel like getting out of the rickshaw”

Raju replies in a humorous manner “Brother if that is the case, you can sleep in the rickshaw. I will go home walking.”

Aqeel also replies humorously “I will do that on one condition, you will have to take extra money as sleeping charges.”

Both of them laugh heartily. Aqeel gives Rupees 600 to Raju.

Raju accepts the money and says “Thank you brother! You think of everybody.”

Well Wishers Are Like Beautiful Street Lamps.

They Cannot Make our Distance Shorter.

But

They Can Lighten Our Paths,

And Make Journey Easier.