Kalyan

Ravinder was surprised to see Kalyan. He was engrossed in thoughts of the past happenings.

“Kalyan I love you so much. But I am afraid of my father who is so orthodox and would never allow me to marry a guy outside my caste,” said Radha.

“I will talk to your father Radha. Don’t worry. I have my civil services main examination tomorrow. After my exam I will come to your home and talk to your father. Don’t worry dear” said Kalyan.

“Never, I can never accept anything of this kind. My daughter !! getting married to some guy who does not belong to my caste. I can never agree for this marriage, never. Please get out of my house, on no account think of my daughter again.”

“But …sir.. may be I am not from your caste. But what is in caste? They are just the imaginary boundaries made by man. I am well educated and come from a good family background. Soon I am sure I will be selected for Indian Administrative services. Moreover, I don’t have any bad lifestyle that would ruin anyone’s life. What else is needed ? I can assure you that I can take good care of Radha. Please , accept to this marriage.”

“Ah!! I am least bothered about these things. For me everything is caste. It’s in my blood. If my daughter marries you how will I face my relatives? What will this society think of my family? I can never accept this.” said Ravinder in an angry tone.

Radha’s eyes filled with tears. She could not do anything against the wish of her father. Kalyan threw a sad look at her and went out.

“Radha, I have no other way. You trust me right? then please accept to this. I have made all the arrangements for our marriage. You need to come at 10 AM tomorrow to registrar office . If you feel that you are doing something wrong then you need not come.” Kalyan cut the phone.

Next day Radha and Kalyan were married at Registrar office with support of few of their friends.

“Kalyan, I am frightened to face my father. Will he accept us?”

“Don’t worry dear. Come let’s go to your home”

As they entered the home they could see Ravinder performing last rites for Radha. On seeing this Radha and Kalyan were speechless. Kalyan embraced Radha and took her to his home.

After five years, today Kalyan is an IAS officer and Ravinder came to meet him regarding an issue in his locality.

“Sir, coffee” Ravinder came out of his thoughts.

“Yes sir ,what can I do for you?”asked Kalyan.

Ravinder explained about the water problem in his locality and how 200 families suffer without proper water facility.

“Ok, I will see to that action is take immediately. Hope, now caste is not a barrier for me to solve this problem.” asked Kalyan.

Ravinder gave a quiet look at Kalyan but then he broke the silence and burst out and hugged Kalyan asking for his pardon. He told he had understood caste had nothing to do but character of a person is important.

Kalyan dialed to Radha’s mobile to convey her this happy news.