Continued from – Saakshi – Part – I
Ratna was standing at the door staring towards the way Saakshi just left. Surya called her out and asked, “what are you thinking? Come, sit down, let’s have something”. Everyone else started to focus on the menu and ordering. Ratna said, “I do not want anything, I just stayed to spend some time with you folks”. Shivaram said, “Ratna, I know you want to share something with us but you are trying to hide it, please tell us, what’s that bothering you so much?”.
“No, nothing”, said Ratna. “When you want to hide something, it clearly shows on your facial expression Ratna, tell us what’s bothering you?”. “I don’t know where to start from? I am worried about Saakshi”. “Oh, what’s wrong with Saakshi? She seems to be alright?”, said Surya. “Yeah, she seems alright in front of everybody, but sometimes her behavior is very strange. Sometimes she talks so much and all of a sudden turns completely silent. If I ask her about it she yells at me and avoids me. I don’t know what’s going on in her mind! If you have any solution in your psychology, please tell me Surya!”. “We may have solution, but first of all, we need to understand what’s the real problem. And you know that, it’s not possible by me as Saakshi does not like me at all”. “Hmm.. I know but see if any of your friends can help”. “Aunty, don’t worry, I will take care of it, you just finish off the ice-cream and leave the rest to me”. “I don’t know dear, please do whatever you can”. Everyone focused on eating talking about other topics. While returning home, Ratna’s mind drew back to the past again.
**************************
Saakshi was very good at studies as well as in extra-curricular activities. She was a very active child like her father. After Ram passed away, Ratna continued the agriculture that Ram had left. Ratna tried different options like, organic farming, mixed-farming, cashew nut etc. There was no challenge on their daily needs and routine due to these and life was going on good. But, Ratna had to listen to the society’s comments on her new experiments on farming that, “what does she think of herself? Simply spoiling the land that Ram has earned with difficulty. Wasting time and energy. These are not going to help her out, she will definitely suffer etc.” Ratna did not care but just moved on.
After her 12th, Saakshi suddenly changed her mind to study further on agriculture rather than her initial goal of joining a bank after finishing her B.Com. and Bank exams together! She did not listen to anyone’s advice in this matter and completed her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in agriculture. Now she is pursuing her Ph.D. in agricultural research and working as a professor at Government college.
**************************
Whoever spoke behind Ratna are now admiring her talent and started to adopt their techniques in their agriculture as well. “Ratna is very brave and did not hesitate to experiment and grow. We should too try out such things and appreciate. It’s good that even Saakshi chose the same field and continued this”, they spoke.
While working, Saakshi implemented several other changes and modern utilities and facilities started occupying the farm and house more and more. Ratna never said a word to her daughter and was relieved herself of the responsibilities. She focused more on well-being, yoga and meditation.
Saakshi came to know about a farmhouse and some land for sale nearby and planned to buy it. Surya had come home to talk to Ratna casually. Learning about the Saakshi’s idea, he just said, “is this not enough for you guys? Why are you simply taking too much stress? Aunty, please advise your daughter, she is behind every land these days”,… Saakshi cut Surya off while he was still about to continue what he was saying and said, “Surya, this is our personal and internal matter. You need not interfere in this case. Please leave right away, before I say something more”. Ratna was about to say something. Surya stopped her and left Ratnagiri.
**************************
Even from the very beginning, Saakshi did not like Surya much. After they grew up, she maintained a certain distance between their relationship. Though the elders in the family noticed this; they did not bother much.
After this incident, the companionship between Saakshi and Surya completely stopped. However, Ratna could not stop herself from visiting her brother. She continued and every time she used to beg, “please come home, I beg your pardon for whatever Saakshi has done with you Surya. Please excuse us. Do visit us regularly like before”. Calmly Surya consoled her every time, “please give some time to Saakshi. Let’s see what’s in her mind. Give us some time. Time will heal everything. We all will definitely visit again. Let’s hope for the best and the right time comes sooner”. Ratna used to leave their house being proud of her nephew, who is working as a psychiatrist., who grew up playing in front of Ratna as a lovely child.
To be Continued…