Blogchatter A2Z: Discrimination

A small village called Pangot, famous for birding, has the essence of belonging for the residents and various species of birds. Mr and Mrs Shukla lived with their two kids, Ramesh and Rashi.

Shukla's family did not have enough money to educate both kids. So Mr. Shukla decided to send Ramesh to school and tend to Rashi at home to indulge her in household chores, considering her liability and his son as an asset. Mrs. Shukla was against this decision. She chose to teach Rashi at home, hiding from Mr. Shukla.

Every morning, Mr. Shukla would take Ramesh with him while going to work to drop him at school and ask Rashi to help her mother in the kitchen. For a few days, Rashi and her mother followed this lead. When Rashi complained to Mrs. Shukla about injustice, she consoled and told her about her plan. Rashi felt elated and hugged her mother.

According to their plan, Rashi and her mother would spend time together with books. They were cautious not to let Mr. Shukla know about it. So, they would start once Mr. Shukla left home, and Rashi would continue till Ramesh returned after school to ensure their secret stayed with them.

Everything was going smoothly. Rashi studied from Ramesh's books, and Mrs. Shukla realized Rashi was more intelligent and determined about education than her son Ramesh. One day, while Rashi was studying, she found Mrs. Shukla lost in thoughts, looking at Rashi lovingly. Rashi shook her shoulder, bringing her back to reality, and asked what she was thinking, looking at her. Mrs. Shukla smiled and told her I was watching my princess working dedicatedly. She told Rashi, "You will make me proud one day, and your father will accept your education."

Rashi came up with a grave question, "Maa, what if Papa would know about our secret?" Mrs. Shukla's eyes welled up, and she took Rashi in her arms and told her that she would not let that happen. 

One day, Ramesh returned from school early with Mr. Shukla. Mrs. Shukla and Rashi were surprised to see them as Rashi was studying. Before Mr. Shukla could say anything, he questioned Rashi's mother about the books around Rashi. Mrs. Shukla murmured but could not speak, and Rashi hid behind her.

Mr. Shukla, in anger, yelled, "You all do what you want. I do not matter for you." Mrs. Shukla tried to calm him, but he kept shouting. Once his anger was out, he told Mrs. Shukla that Ramesh failed in all subjects, and his teacher called him to school to collect his report card. The teacher complained about his carelessness and rash behavior with other kids. 

Mrs. Shukla did not believe it and told Mr. Shukla there might be a misunderstanding. Ramesh could not do it. But Mr. Shukla, who came embarrassed from school, was infuriated as he met with a kid whom Ramesh hit badly two days back. Ramesh put his head down and did not utter a word. But Mr. Shukla did not stop yet. He went on cribbing Mrs. Shukla for her upbringing of both kids.

Ramesh and Rashi watched each other and decided to join their mother because it was their mistake, not her mother's. It was the first time that they took a stand for themselves. Ramesh claimed that he did not wish to study but wanted to learn [preparing cuisines, and Rashi boldly told her father that she wished to become a doctor one day.

Mr. Shukla sat on the chair with his face in his palm, asking Almighty about his mistake to have Rashi and Ramesh, who did not listen to him. At this, Mrs. Shukla came forward and caressed Mr. Shukla, asking him to let their children decide what they wished to do and not typecast them based on their gender. He got up from his place and told Mrs. Shukla that if the kids were happy, let them do what they wished. I would not restrict them.

They hugged together, crying happy tears.

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