Rain Over Roses

The rhythm of flipping pages. The scribble of her ballpoint pen. The gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze in her courtyard. These were the sounds that made Seetha feel alive. She sat on the veranda of her family's small, clay-walled home, knees tucked beneath her as she poured over a thick, worn-out biology textbook, its corners frayed from too much usage. The air was still and heavy with the musk of evening earth, but her eyes never left the book. Seetha was studying for her final national higher school examination. Born in the backward village of Mega Malai, where girls were expected to marry early, obey quietly, and never dream, Seetha had always been different. From a young age, she memorized schoolbooks with terrifying speed, stunned teachers with her logic, and earned the reputation of a local genius. But it was a title that came with invisible chains. "Book knowledge won’t cook rice," her father, Jeyachandran would often grunt. "Throw away all your books and learn house chores" her mother, Sivamathi would always scold her. But Seetha didn’t want a kitchen. She wanted a hospital. A stethoscope. A life where her mind meant something, where she could save other lives. She understood her parents thoughts. They'll never spend a cent on her studies. So, her only aim was to enter the best medical university with a full scholarship. Time was the essence. Medicine wasn't just an ambition for Seetha, it was the only hope for a better future beyond her dusty village. Finally her exams were over. But a girl’s dreams don’t last long in places where traditions are sharper than knives. The final exams were over in 3 days. When she returned from the final day exam, the house was decorated and a few pairs of extra slippers greeted her vision. As soon as Anika entered the house, relatives and neighbors greeted her before congratulating her for her engagement. Engagement? Seetha walked inside absentmindedly. Just then, she heard her uncle, Narayanan say, "elder sister, Seetha is back. Hurry up, get her ready. They'll be here in a while." Sivamathi acknowledged him and led Seetha to her room as she expressed their unanimous decision with a beaming smile, "Seetha, you're very lucky. A good proposal came from the next village. A good looking boy with a government job. I heard him say that he saw you at the temple the day before yesterday and liked you. Dad and mom both like the boy. We've already agreed. They're coming to see you today officially. Change your clothes quickly. Remember to wear your gold chain and gold jimikki." Seetha's mind went blank. Though she finished her final exams she was only fifteen years old as she was born in January. Her mother was still enthusiastic about that person. Seetha looked at her overexcited mother and said, "mom, I don't want to get married now!" Her mother scowled in a low voice, "Seetha, what nonsense are you talking about? We can't even search for a good boy with a government job with our family status. It's already your blessing that one's adamant to marry you. What else do you expect? Stop being willful and get ready!" Seetha, who forced herself to remain calm till then, lost her temper and said in a trembling voice, "mom, I want to study! The exam results will be out in 3 months. I'll definitely get the admission for a best medical college with scholarship. Her mother's face darkened as she scolded her, "Study! Study! Study! You're already fifteen years old. Why can't you behave like one? Do you really think that getting a scholarship will be helpful? You should go to the city to attend the college. What then?" "Don't you remember what happened to your friend Vasuki?” her mother continued. "She finally came back with a bastard in her belly before the marriage!" Yes. Vasuki went to the capital city for further studies. But she came back pregnant in just two years. When she went to a birthday party with her friends she was taken advantage of by a stranger while she was drunk. She didn't even know who her child belonged to. “But mom, I will never be like her. Please... mom... I just want to study. I want to become a doctor. Won't you and dad feel proud when I really become a doctor?" Abinaya begged her mother. "Only living a good life with your husband and giving birth to his children will make your dad proud!" Her father came in with a dark face. "Dad, please..." Her voice was softer, even tremor could be heard, "I don’t want to marry now. I want to study. I really want to study. Please, dad, please..." "That's enough, Seetha!" he roared. "Sending you school was only for obligation to government rules, not to daydream. Get ready quickly!" "No!" Her voice was stronger than usual. There was even sharpness. "I don't want to marry! I will never ahh..." A slap heavily landed on her cheek. Her father was merciless as ever. Her skin was bruised with his five fingers Whenever her rebellious nature peeked, he'd discipline her like that. Seetha had no more energy as she stood rooted on the ground. It stung her skin, but what burned worse was the realization that her dreams meant nothing here. Letting her study was only an obligation to government rules. At that moment the door was knocked and her uncle's loud and urgent voice came in from the main hall, "elder sister, brother-in-law, they've come. Come out quickly." Her father glared at her and her mother and said"Mathi, get her ready quickly. Don't let them wait." Then he stormed out of her room to welcome the newcomers. Her mother pointed the new saree on the bed and asked Seetha, "Seetha, will you change into saree or do you want your mom to change into the saree?" Seetha looked at her mother. A woman who's turned into thirteen shouldn't change in front of anyone other than her husband not even in front of her mother, and also wearing shawls compulsory. It was a rule. Even her school uniform had a shawl. Sivamathi didn't say anything as she looked at Seetha took the saree and went into the changing room. Seetha came out soon wearing a saree. Sivamathi fixed her bruised face with powder before leading her to the main hall. She didn't even lift her head to look at her fiancé. The wedding was fixed within a week. Days passed in silence. She refused to eat. Refused to speak. But no one cared. They only talked of wedding saris, auspicious dates, and dowry. The dream was over.