Short story by RANJIT SINHA ROY
(A view in orthodox Indian perspective)

It was early morning. The sun had just risen. Sunitadevi sat in the living room going through the newspaper. It was cold and she wrapped a shawl around. She felt happy. Her only son, Anil's marriage had more or less been fixed. Her efforts to select a suitable girl for him paid result. Last month, for ten days, she had been to her hometown screening about half a dozen prospective brides and finally decided on the one she liked most. Neither Anil nor her husband could come along. Their business would suffer; they left it entirely to her. Sunitadevi brought back the details and photographs of all girls and showed them to her husband and son. Luckily for her, they liked the girl she had selected and it was decided that after a few days, both father and son would go for final selection and negotiations.

Theirs was a business community. They owned a large electrical and electronic appliances shop. Twenty years back, her husband Shyamsundar Gupta, popularly known as Guptaji (Gupta Sir), started a small electrical goods shop. By sheer sweat and struggle, he transformed it into one of the largest in town. The shop was about two kilometers from the house.

Every morning, before the sun rose, Guptaji would walk to the Ram temple, about a kilometer down the road. Returning after an hour he would take bath, perform puja, and go through the business page. He was not interested in other items of news, unless it was of great importance, like budget discussion in parliament.

Meantime, Anil would return from the Gym, after daily push-ups and body building exercises. He was about twenty-six with a well-built structure. He would also take bath after a little rest, have breakfast and then go through the sports page. He was not interested in other areas. Anil was a qualified electrical engineer. Though from an obscure, third rate college, the certificate helped them to get projects approved and bank loans sanctioned.

Around, nine thirty, father and son would leave for shop by car. Exactly at noon Guptaji would come first and return to shop after lunch. Then Anil would come for lunch, be in the house for about one hour and then go back. Either father or son would always be in the shop. Though sincere and trustworthy, normally they would not leave the shop to assistants. They had one car with driver to shuttle between office and shop and for other purposes. The driver was young and good at driving. Though very simple and a little dull, he was sincere and seldom he was absent or late. Every morning, he would come exactly at nine, take the keys, clean the car and be ready to go. Unless asked, he would not unnecessarily come up to the apartment. They all liked Suresh. That was his name.

Then there was Basanti, favorite of all. Eight years ago, when Sunita Devi asked for a helping hand, a distant uncle of hers, who worked in the shop, brought Basanti. She was twelve then and without parents. Uncle had since left, and Basanti did not know anyone else. With no place to go, she permanently stayed along with them. As days passed, Sunitadevi became increasingly dependent on her.

Basanti did the cooking, serving food, ironing clothes, making beds, even combing Sunitadevi’s hair and looking after needs of each. In fact she became the sole caretaker of the house. Everyone depended on her.

Now, Basanti had grown up to be a young girl of twenty. She was of medium height, with moderate complexion and a sweet round face. She was attractive in a simple rustic way.

Now, Sunitadevi was reading the newspaper and Basanti as usual was busy preparing breakfast in kitchen. Sunitadevi could see her from where she sat. Basanti was frying something in a pan.

Then suddenly putting off the stove and putting the dupatta (scarf) end on her mouth Basanti rushed to bathroom. Wondering what could have happened, Sunitadevi followed after a minute. The bathroom door was open and Basanti leaning on the washbasin was trying to vomit. Sunitadevi was genuinely concerned. Why was she having nausea? Did she have stomach upset or had fever last night? Sunitadevi asked,
"What happened Basanti? Are you alright?"

Basanti turned around with fear in eyes. She stared at for few seconds, and then started crying. Instantly Sunitadevi knew what it was and her heart skipped a beat. She hissed,

"Who was it? Last month, I was not here just for ten days and you did all dirty things. Stupid, idiot girl! Now what will happen? Tell me who was it. Was it Suresh, our driver? Who else could it be?”

Basanti shook her head.
"No, no Maaji, it was not Suresh. He does not even come up, except taking the car keys from Anilji in the morning. No, it was not he." Basanti sounded honest.

"Then who was it? You should know."

"No, really I do not know." She started to sob.

Doorbell rang. Guptaji must have come back. In a few minutes Anil would also return.

Sunitadevi said,
"Alright, we shall talk about it after they leave. Now you wash your face and eyes and go to kitchen. Today, I shall serve breakfast. You do not come to the table."
Basanti nodded.

Sunitadevi opened the door. Both father and son had returned. Guptaji looked surprised. He asked,
"Why you? Where is Basanti?"

"In the kitchen." Sunitadevi replied " She is late preparing breakfast today."

At nine thirty father and son left for the shop. Then only Sunitadevi and Basanti were alone in the house.

Sunitadevi sat in the sofa and called Basanti. Head bent she came and stood in front.
"Now you tell me, who was it and how it happened."

"I do not know Maaji (Madam). It could be any one."

Sunitadevi could not control herself any more. She got up, gave her a hard slap and hissed,
"What do you mean by 'any one', do you not know the name?"
Suddenly something crossed her mind,
"Was it Anil?" She whispered.

"It could be any of them." Basanti was looking at the floor.

"Any of them!" Now Sunitadevi was genuinely afraid to ask.
"It must be Guptaji then! Was he the other?"


"Yes" Basanti nodded.
She narrated that, last month when Sunitadevi was away for ten days, on the first day after lunch, Guptaji as usual was taking rest in bedroom. He called Basanti for a glass of water and she went in. He put the glass on side table and pulled her to bed and made her lie down. She was much afraid and did not know what to do. Guptaji was head of the family and Basanti knew only to obey him. She surrendered without any resistance. It was quick and over in few minutes. Guptaji dressed up and left for the shop.

After nearly half an hour Anil came home. He had lunch and when Basanti was clearing the table, he quietly held her tight from behind and turning around kissed and caressed allover. It was different from Guptaji's. They walked to his room and were in bed till Anil was fully satisfied.

Everyday, for ten days, except on one Sunday, she succumbed to demands of both father and son, without one knowing of the other.

Basanti was ignorant of taking precautions. She was not aware of any and the males could not care less. Sunitadevi never thought it necessary to teach her about these things. And Basanti had no close friend from whom she could learn.

Dumbfound Sunitadevi stared at her. She was perplexed and confused and went on looking at Basanti, particularly at her mid-portion. What was in the womb, she wondered? Her stepson or grand son? No one could tell. Whatever it was, she had to do something about it, and soon.

Head down, Basanti stood for some time, then asked,
"May I go now Maaji?"

"Yes, you can go."

Sunita Devi sat for long and went on thinking. To be very honest, it was not Basanti’s fault. For years she was used to obeying orders. She did not know to refuse. Moreover, she was young, subconsciously longing for something, which she herself did not know. She succumbed without resistance at the slightest provocation. Only, she did not take any precaution, because she was unaware of any.

Sunitadevi knew that she herself was to be blamed. She should not have left her alone with two male members, whoever they might be. Men were men only. Young or old, one should never trust them.

Sunitadevi could not blame Guptaji either. For few years she was sleeping separately and would not allow Guptaji to touch her. She argued that having a marriageable son they should desist from all physical matters. Guptaji did not insist.

As for Anil, could any young man control himself when a young healthy girl was moving around so close and that also when they were alone in the house? Why blame Anil? Would any young man miss the opportunity?

It was only Sunitadevi, who was to be blamed for whatever happened and now she alone had to find a way out.

For the entire afternoon and evening she thought and thought. She did not even watch TV, her favorite pastime. She instructed Basanti on what to prepare for dinner. Then by nine o'clock she had a glass of milk and went to bed. Guptaji and Anil would return at ten after closing the shop. She asked Basanti to serve them dinner and tell them that she had a headache and was asleep.

In the morning Sunitadevi got up at the usual time. Like on other days Guptaji and Anil had gone out for walk and gym. They came back and enquired about her headache.

She said it was all right and asked for the car around ten o'clock. She had some shopping to do.

Exactly at ten, Suresh came with the car.

Sunitadevi went out asking Basanti to bolt the entrance door.

When at a comparatively less crowded stretch of road, Sunitadevi asked Suresh to park the car on the side. After parking, when Suresh was about to get down and wait outside - that was normally expected of drivers - Sunitadevi asked him to stay inside.

After few seconds she asked Suresh if he ever thought of getting married. Shyly he replied that he would like to, but since his parents were no more, who would try for him.

Sunitadevi said, if it were so, she herself would try to get a good match for him. After a pause she asked,
"How about Basanti. She is of your caste. Do you like her?"

Suresh could not believe what he heard. Surprised he said,
"Basanti! Why should she marry me, an ordinary driver! I am no match for her Maaji. Staying with you, she is now used to live in a spacious house, having good food and nice dresses. I cannot provide even a part of it. No Maaji, she will not agree."

Sunitadevi could make out that Suresh was very happy with the proposal, but apprehensive of Basanti not agreeing. She said,
"Look Suresh, Basanti is now of a marriageable age. Having been with us for so many years, she is now like a member of the family. Since, like you, she also does not have parents or any one, it is our responsibility to see that she is given for marriage to a suitable boy who would make her happy. I thought about you and am sure that you two will make a good match."

"But Maaji, Basanti may not agree." Suresh sounded doubtful.

"You don't worry. Leave it to me. I am more than sure that Basanti will gladly agree. Now be prepared to get married immediately after Anilji's is over and do not worry about expenses. We shall bear everything. After all Basanti is like our daughter. Okay, it is settled now, let us go."

Suresh could not believe his luck. Basanti would be his wife! He was floating in clouds.

Returning home, Sunitadevi called a Maternity Nursing Home. She fixed an appointment at eleven o'clock on Monday.

At night in the dinner table she asked both Anil and Guptaji as to why they were delaying negotiation and finalise the marriage date. Now it being almost month end, sales would
be low and this was the time when they could go. Why not start next Sunday and return by Saturday. Father and son agreed.

Next day Sunitadevi told Basanti of her conversation with Suresh and that he happily accepted the proposal. Now it was for Basanti to agree. Did she accept or not.
Basanti lowered her eyes and said,

"Yes, whatever you say Maaji." She looked up smiling and hurriedly walked away.

Sunday morning both father and son left. Sunitadevi said she did not need the car. Suresh was asked to report for duty on Saturday only.

Monday at eleven o'clock Sunitadevi took Basanti to the Nursing Home in a taxi. She told the doctor that it was a suspected case of unwanted pregnancy and if confirmed it had to be terminated.

Doctor examined, confirmed pregnancy and said it being only one and half months old, could be easily aborted. However, someone was to sign an undertaking. Sunitadevi said she would do that.

It was decided that next day Basanti would be admitted to the nursing home and after everything over could be released the following day. Though it was a simple case and she could go home the same day, still they would prefer to keep her under observation for one more day. Sunitadevi agreed.

Basanti was silent on way back. Sunitadevi thought she was afraid and assured her it would be painless and over in few minutes. There was nothing to worry. Even then she was silent.

Reaching home, Basanti said,
"Maaji, is it really necessary? Can I not keep the child? Suresh is a simple man, he will not suspect any." She looked anxious.

Sunitadevi was annoyed. She said in a stern voice,
"Look Basanti, You may be carrying the child, but in reality it belongs to the respectable Gupta family. I cannot allow a child with our blood to grow up as yours. No Basanti, definitely not. We have every right to do whatever we want and don't you be foolishly sentimental. It is for your good only. You will do whatever I ask."

Basanti silently stood for some time then with tear in eyes went to her room.

Next day Basanti packed few essential things in a small bag and went to the nursing home. She was silent all the way and looked sad.

They sat in doctor's chamber and Sunitadevi completed the formalities. Doctor then called a nurse and asked her to take Basanti to the allotted bed.

Basanti looked at Sunitadevi, her eyes begging for the last time. Consoling, Sunitadevi put a hand on her back and asked not to worry. People here would take care and everything would be all right. She would come next morning and take her home.

Sunitadevi was happy. She did not allow the respectable Gupta family Bloodline to be polluted.

Basanti got up and with tear in eyes followed the nurse.

She was not afraid. She wept for the unborn child.