ETERNAL COMPANIONS

Bela is excited

Knock! Knock!

“Your letter has arrived, please open the door,” the postman calls from outside the house.

“Don’t bang the door, there’s no one in the house. I’m the one who lives here,” a man says from behind.

The postman turns around.

“Oh! Shamsherji, you’re behind me then—and of course, I know you live here,” says the postman.

“So, Hathlaji, you’re there? Sorry, I couldn’t see your face from behind, I thought you were someone else,” laughs Shamsher.

“Huh? What are you talking about? Who else will be here? I’ve been delivering postcards for 50 years in Purakhpur—since I was a kid,” says Hathlaji.

“Yes, yes! How can we Purakhpur wasi (people who live in Purakhpur) ever forget you? I was a kid when you used to come to our house and leave letters near our doorstep. I still remember.”

They both share a laugh.

“Anyway, what brings you here today? As far as I remember, nobody has written to me in the past five years,” asks Shamsher.

“It seems to be a very special letter, Shamsherji. It’s from very far—the address says Jammu & Kashmir,” explains Hathlaji.

“Seriously! A letter from Kashmir? Show me,” exclaims Shamsher.

Shamsher sees the letter and his eyes fill with tears.

“What happened? Who’s it from?” asks Hathlaji.

“It’s from my dearest friend, Pratap. He’s my childhood friend. He was very good in studies, so after studying here for a while, he and his family shifted to Kashmir—and now he’s one of the richest men in India,” says Shamsher happily.

“Are you talking about the Chauhan family? Wow! You’re fortunate to have a billionaire friend,” says Hathlaji, patting Shamsher’s shoulder.

“By the way, where is Bela?”

“She’s in the Durgeshwari temple for Maha Pooja preparations,” informs Shamsher.

Durgeshwari Temple is located at the peak of Purakhpur. Every morning and evening, an aarti is carried out. Once every month, a Maha Pooja is held where food is also served free to all the villagers.

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There’s hubbub in the temple. Many women and men, along with young girls, are running here and there for preparations.

But there’s only one girl in the Pakshala (kitchen) who is looking after the food.

“Hey Bela didi, when will you be done and come to play luka chuppi (hide and seek) with us?” a small boy asks, waiting at the door of the kitchen.

Bela has beautiful black eyes, long brown hair down to her waist, pink glass bangles on both hands, and golden jhumkis in her ears. She’s wearing a pink and golden lehenga choli and looks beautiful.

“In the evening, I promise, Atharva—but not now. I have loads of work. By that time, you can play with your friends Lalu and Chinky,” Bela turns around and answers the kid. The boy agrees and runs off to play.

“Bela, did you start making the Rajgira ladoos?” Bela’s mother asks as she comes to help. She’s wearing a blue saree draped in Rajasthani style with a ghunghat over her head and a big bindi on her forehead.

“Not yet, Maa, but I will now,” answers Bela.

“Quick! Quick! We have to hurry. Hope the Pujariji comes soon this time, or else Maharaj will again be angry with us,” she says, a little tense.

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• Swar’s Room:

“What the heck!” Swar exclaims as he falls off the bed.

“Why, God? Why me every time? You can’t even see that I’m living my life happily? Whatever you’ve written in my destiny, only you know—but at least give me good sleep,” he says irritably.

He comes out of his room and sees everyone at the dinner table.

“So, y’all are having dinner without me? Am I not that important to you people now—that you didn’t even inform me?” Swar is angry at everyone.

“No, it’s not like that, beta. You were sleeping, so we thought it would be awful to wake you up. Anyway, come now,” explains Pratap.

“Please, Papa! Don’t try to explain anything to me. I’m not mature enough according to you, right? That’s why you’re getting me married. So why are you trying to make me understand things? I know I’m not a good son like others—but are you a good father? You’re pushing your son into something he doesn’t want. And yes, I am pissed off by your decision!” Swar bursts out, unable to hold his emotions.

“Stop it, Swar! You can’t talk to your father like that,” shouts Lata.

“Really, Mummy? I can. If he doesn’t respect my feelings, then I don’t respect his.”

Swar storms back to his room without eating dinner. He slams the door shut. Everyone at the table looks at each other. Pratap is hurt by Swar’s words. Lata calms him down and says, “He’s just tense, nothing else. He’ll be fine by morning. It’s all new for him. You all please eat.”

Sunaina and Vishambhar exchange glances and nod.

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• Purakhpur:

The Maha Pooja is over. The villagers are returning to their homes. The temple servants are cleaning the floors—it’s late at night. Bela and her friends are also heading home. On the way, the kid Atharva asks Bela to play again tomorrow. She smiles and tells him to go home and sleep, promising to play with him next time.

Bela reaches home, finds the letter kept on the table, and starts reading it. She realizes it’s addressed to her father—but the proposal mentioned inside must be for her. She rushes to her father, who is busy checking the Maharaj’s accounts.

“Bapu, who is Pratap Vishambhar Chauhan?” she asks anxiously.

“So, you found out! Well, Pratap is my friend from our village—but now he’s settled in Kashmir. The letter is actually for you; my name is just on it for formality,” says Shamsher.

“He’s asking for my marriage, right?” Bela asks.

“Child, you read the letter, didn’t you?” Shamsher teases.

“Yes, Bapu, I did,” she replies quickly.

“Then you’re right. My friend Pratap wants his son, Swar, to marry you. Pratap likes you,” explains Shamsher Panchal.

“Are they the same Chauhan family they show on television—the richest Indians?” she asks eagerly.

“Yes, dear,” replies Shamsher.

“I’ve seen their son Swar! He’s the most handsome man ever. I didn’t know they were your friends. Oh my God, Bapu, Swar is so handsome, you can’t imagine! I saw him on TV at Diya’s house in an interview with his dad. He’s such a great guy, I’ll tell you!” says Bela happily, dancing around.

“Yes! I can tell how handsome he is from your expression. Looks like you liked him from before, didn’t you?” Shamsher teases, raising an eyebrow.

Bela blushes. Her cheeks turn red, and she feels on top of the world. “I’ve always dreamt of him, Bapu,” she admits.

“So, should I reply to them, saying you’re ready to marry their son?” Shamsher asks.

“Of course! Don’t wait, and even tell them that I already love their son and am dreaming to marry him since years.,” Bela bursts out in joy.

Shamsher Panchal and his family are overjoyed. They dance and sing together. Bela runs off to tell her friends that she’s getting married into one of the richest families in India.