I had first met Sandhya in the lobby of my college. She had big, beautiful eyes, a slim frame, slightly dusky complexion and glowing skin all in a very charming persona. She stood calmly leaning on the side of the reception desk, dressed in a well-draped, simple, yet elegant, printed saree with small blue-and-yellow flowers. I stopped near her before entering my cabin, which was close by, and asked her, "Who do you want to meet?" Very confidently, she replied, "Sir, I work here."
I gave her a gentle smile and headed towards my cabin. Later in the day, I learnt that she had, during my recent absence from the college, been employed by the Principal as a peon. I was pleased with the Principal's choice.
Sandhya was a conscientious worker. She performed all her duties diligently, such as cleaning the admin block, attending the office bells of the Principal and the director, preparing students' folders etc. As soon as the college clock struck eleven in the morning, she merrily appeared in the staff room carrying a tray full of glass tumblers containing steaming-hot chai, which she made in typical Marathi style, with all ingredients mixed proportionally.. Whenever she had free time, she sat quietly in her seat behind the reception desk reading something or the other, even a Marathi newspaper.
One day, very modestly she told me that she had passed her matriculation with distinction and would have loved to study further if not for her alcoholic father, who for his self-interest and blinded by the sheen of a local farmer's wealth, married her off to the latter's good-for-nothing, spoiled brat of a son, who happened to have developed a liking for her in their childhood.
Bu hikaye Woman's Era dergisinin January 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Woman's Era dergisinin January 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
How Can You Save Your Marriage
The mind is not a vessel to be filled but fire to be kindled.
Words Have Wings
Words have the profound power to uplift or wound.
Hold Onto Your Stetsons
Navigate the wild west of workplace racism with humour, resilience, and a dash of wit.
E-WAY OR ME WAY?
The trade-offs between human connection and digital efficiency.
RISING Above Setbacks
Every obstacle can become an opportunity for growth and success.
The Innovative Re-Constructed Sweets
A playful mix of sweets, snacks, and savoury creations.
Flirting With Disaster?
Are your coping mechanisms helping or hurting?
Election Tourism
An opportunity to understand how the world's largest democracy works.
The Unheard Voices
In a relationship, men have a voice and women have a body.
EMBRACE YOUR REFLECTION
The power of body positivity and Self-acceptance.