Night Jasmine

Untitled Part 123

"Before we disperse for the night I have an announcement. In the last week of December our family shall get together at the Rajbari in Kolkata to celebrate the sacred thread ceremony of Aman and the wedding of Vishakha, my cousin's granddaughter. Shaila and I planned both occasions together for convenience, since we are playing hosts. We cordially invite all present, including Sanyukta, to attend. Renuka, I am sure Harsh and you can rearrange your schedule, because Randhir and Vidushi have consented to come!" Nobin da's words took Renuka and Sanyukta by surprise. Renuka knew Vishakha was due to marry that year but the date had not been set. 

"Sanyukta, we will not take no for an answer, we insist on your presence! You are close to Aman and have also been Vidushi's childhood friend. You shall arrive and leave together with Shaila and Aman." Nobin declared, before Sanyukta could respond. "Yes!!! We can share my room at the Rajbari!" Vidushi told Sanyukta excitedly. 

"Thank you for inviting me, I am looking forward to being there!" Sanyukta had a contented smile on her face. So this was the grand plan to get Randhir and her together under the same roof, and with a valid reason too! Her presence at the Rajbari would not raise eyebrows as everyone knew she had been invited formally.

"I am sleeping over with Sanyukta, we girls really need to catch up!" Vidushi declared and went to collect her things to carry upstairs. While Shaila put Aman to bed Renuka and Nobin chatted for some time until Nobin excused himself to go to bed. Renuka asked Sanyukta about her college and life in Mumbai. While Sanyukta answered she also told her about the offer to work with a major hotel chain.

"It has been a long leap for you, Sanyukta! Forgive me for asking, but have you managed to reconcile with your parents yet?" Sanyukta had been expecting the question, it was natural for Renuka to ask her. They had been neighbours and Randhir's parents had known Sanyukta since her school days.

"I am in touch with my mother, though without my father's knowledge. He has not responded favourably to my effort to reconcile. It is not easy for him to accept my choice. I shall continue to do my best to convince him but chances are slim. I have to be realistic, considering it was a rather bold step for me to leave home!" Sanyukta sighed.

"I understand that you had strong reasons for walking out. As a teen even I rebelled against my father. But now as a parent I see that my father simply had my welfare in mind when he opposed my choice of a life partner. If Harsh had not been supportive my life as a Rajput bahu would have been intolerable. I asserted myself because I am strong-willed, but I feel a girl should think twice before stepping out of her comfort zone. Being accepted by the spouse's family is important. Our parents know that from experience and prefer to match us with partners coming from a similar background to make the transition easier. Perhaps your father felt the same when he wanted to marry you off!" Renuka never had such a conversation with Sanyukta before. She paused to see the girl's reaction.

"Of course I understand that! Had I been any other Marwari girl with the same background I would have accepted my father's decision as my fate. But since childhood you have been my ideal. I have always admired you for being an independent woman who broke through the glass ceiling to prove your point convincingly. All I wanted is a chance to prove my worth, if I had gotten married to the man my father chose I could never have it. May be I was wrong but at least I tried. Stereotypes are comfortable but I believe free will is more valuable." Sanyukta's voice was earnest. She wondered if Renuka was convinced.

"I may have been your role model but you don't know how tough things get when you decide to follow your dreams. I faced problems I cannot discuss, I  made compromises that I am not very proud of. The world only notices that I prevailed, nobody knows of the struggle. I am not trying to dissuade you, just cautioning you that rejection and failure walks with you even when you are at the pinnacle. To achieve something you have to let go of certain things too! Anyway, it is late, we should sleep now!" Renuka stood up to go.