Honour and Killings
Priyanka glowed with happiness as the gentle
cool breeze wafted her dupatta away from her bosom-the wafting dupatta
symbolizing her free, unshackled spirit! Riding pillion with the love
of her life- was until today one of her biggest desires. Thanks to
destiny, this wish was granted. Abhishek rode through the streets,
enjoying every minute with Priyanka- he knew this day was all they had
in their uncertainty-laden lives! They shopped, they explored, and they
went on a tasting spree of delicious food items displayed in the
colorful carts in by-lanes of Indore-the food capital of India.
Priyanka belonged to the most orthodox and
conservative family of Jabalpur, where getting one’s daughters married
off to complete strangers was tradition while their simple
interaction with the opposite sex was taboo. Priyanka secured
admission into a prestigious co-ed college solely on basis of her
merit, and her school teachers insisted she continue. Grudgingly, her
parents agreed. Priyanka and Abhishek fell in love with each other
during the second year of college and have been forced to hide their
feelings ever since for fear of honour-killings, not very uncommon
even in 21st century India. This summer, the college decided to send
selected participants for a 2-day conference in Indore; she couldn’t
thank her stars enough when both Abhishek’s and her name featured in
the coveted list. Miraculously, her parents too gave the required
consent.
So here she was, spending quality time with her
beloved as he contentedly rode through this city on his friend’s bike
after bunking the conference midway. Just as they were about to cross
LalBaag Palace, Priyanka stared in horror as their family friend eyed
her suspiciously on the same traffic signal. She knew the damage was
done; the news would reach her gates much before could. Scared to
death, she reached Jabalpur the very next day. Silence signaling looming
mayhem hung gloomily in the air welcomed her home. Once inside, she
was first greeted with two sharp slaps by her father. Then her mother
stepped forward and thrashed her soundly. In an overwhelmingly furious
tone, she enquired if her daughter was pregnant. Priyanka was aghast
at the accusation, but did not shy away from answering in the
negative. Next came another slap and accompanying demand for a proof
by her own mother. She whispered to her that she is having her
periods, what bigger proof than that! And then came the final blow.
She demanded to see her stained sanitary napkin! In front of her
father!
Priyanka stood there, speechless. The recent
news of same-sex marriage approved by the US Supreme Court crossed her
mind. Also the recent wedding of her childhood friend with her French
lover sailed in her memories. When globally the boundaries of love
are pushing hitherto realms, even loving a boy from the same caste and
gotra is prohibited in her old-fashioned household. Such a stark
contrast, her heart lamented as she braced herself for the impending
public humiliation and a tragic death!
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