When i woke up both my parents were not at home. i was 11 and doing my sixth standard. With the fear of unknown lurking in my mind i ventured out of the bed room to find none. Saw the front door simply closed and not locked. Gaining little bit mental strength ventured out to see a small crowd in front of a neighbour's house where my father was also standing. On seeing me he came and told me to drink the coffee in the kitchen and wait for mother. I did so and came out again. Thousand thoughts swirling in my mind. Any body died in that house? but to my knowledge no old people were there. And the crying was also not loud but subdued. confused stayed in the porch. After some time a group of non brahmin men and ladies were seen entering that house. I followed them and heard one of the man uttering "sorry Till now we dont know anything and suddenly this thing happened. Please understand our misery and dont curse us. Take it from us we have disowned him and will have no relations with him hereafter. If you want us to take any action, we will take it and bring your daughter to you. Please tell us what to do". There was commotion as every one started talking. After the initial din the girl's father spoke. " Whatever happened had happened and we are not in a position to reverse it. I dont want the girl at my house hereafter. Do whatever you like. I know that you are also grieving because of your only son left you. so no cursing from our part and you also dont curse them. let them live their life. The only thing is we will not be having anything with her hereafter". Then the crowd dispersed. The people there were telling the new comers that the akka at that house eloped with some one not belonging to our caste. Though i heard the words i could not comprehend the meaning. Only thing i can understand that was i will not be able to see that akka hereafter.

Much water flowed under bridge. My father was transferred and as usual we settled in another village with the school and office 2 kms away from home. New friends new school the life went on as usual. One evening after classes i was waiting for my friends to come. But heard some one calling my name. Turned and saw akka. On seeing her, being an old acquintance, i smiled. She saw me smile and came fast and hugged me tight and started crying. Her hubby who was standing beside her, was simply put his hand on her shoulder and let her cry her heart out. After few minutes akka smiled and asked me to come to a hotel with her. Her hubby was smiling at me with the invitation in his eyes. Without any hesitation ( mostly because going to eat in hotel which was a rarity in those days) i simply followed her and had a belly ful. After that she asked me the reason for my being there and other details. i simply answered all her questions. Then she asked me a strange question. " will you ask your father whether we can come an meet him at your house?" Puzzled i said yes. Went home. Mother asked me why i was late and i was under heavy confusion whether i can say to her i met akka or keep silent. then the request of akka came to mind and i blurted out the truth. Mother was taken aback and without answering me she simply left to attend other chores. When father came the matter was discussed in detail between the parents and the told me to tell akka to come. She came with her husband and after initial chit chat put one request to my dad. Please take up the matter with both our families and we want to be with them. Father said i will try but cannot assure you of anything. My father tried but failed. Subsequently we were again transferred and lost contact with akka. Whenever i am going out i am looking for akka in the crowd and want to know from her whether the family got united. ‪#‎rskpolambals‬#