A Girl From Dongri

Abstract

She changed her own future. By her own will, strong determination, and hard work. This is the story of a lady who struggled throughout her life and changed the life of her and of her loved ones. The story of sacrifice, pain, gratitude, love, compassion, and hard work. The time passed but she never lost her hope, she tried hard to make her future better. There was a time when there was no food to eat and there are times where she is feeding the food to those living beings who cannot spell a single word from their month. My love for birds and animals has been immense. She is the greatest devotee of Lord Ganapati, “The Lalbaugcha Raja”. A journey from a middle-class family to the time of surviving and from there the struggles crop up till she succeeds her children to reach a high position. 

The book “A Girl from Dongri” is not just a story of one, but the stories of many Indian women who struggled in their life. Although the story is common, their perseverance or determination to keep on moving in their life is in the hope of light from the darkness. This will enhance their willpower and change their perspective to tackle the struggles in a smart manner. 

Chapter 01: Present Day

Hello, Nirmala aunty. What happened, why do you seem sad? “Aaryan did something again?” “Haha, Simmi, How do you know?” I am aware of him a lot more… don’t worry he will be alright, nowadays children are very much demanding when they know their parents or family members can afford for them anything easily. 

Yes, Simmi, you are right. Many times I tried telling him, but nothing seems to work. [Simmi’s Mom entered the main terrace and she heard all the talks.] Simmi’s Mom, “Nirmala, you always talk about your sacrifice, why don't you tell him your story of hardship.” Simmi, “Story of hardship?” Simmi’s Mom, “Yes, your Nirmala Aunty is one toughest lady who fought hard and changed the whole future of her upcoming generations.”

“Oh my God! Please tell me about it”, Simmi said. 

Haha!, child it's really a long story. [Simmi insisted] Ok! Will tell you about it.

Let’s move back in history to my childhood in 1985. I live with my Mom [Neela], Dad [Anushuman], two elder sisters [Jaya & Usha], and two brothers [Surya & Ramesh]. One day Dad brought Ramesh to us to stay for lifelong, he was the son of Uncle Charu. 

Simmi, “Two Ramesh? Why did Ramesh, the son of Uncle Charu, come to stay for a lifetime.”

Nirmala, “Shh!, let's move back to the past before my birth.”

Chapter 02: Back in History

In the year 1980, Anushuman was recently posted in Dongri Jail as a prison warden. He and his wife got a cottage to live in from the state government near the main jail. After a certain year, Neela, the wife of Anushuman gave birth to three daughters- Jaya, Usha, Nirmala, and two sons Surya & Ramesh. Although Ramesh couldn’t survive for long, he died due to a hole in his heart. Neela, who was in shock for a few months. Anshuman, took leave from his job to have certain weeks to care for his children which were lacking due to Neela's mental health issue. 

The days were passing in difficulties as Anushuman’s salary was decreasing due to his leave. 

In order to see Neela’s health, Neela’s brother- Charu & his wife with their child were on their way to reach Dongri. Suddenly, it started raining like cats & dogs with a lot of thunder. Due to flooding in a few roads because of the structure, the bus driver requested a few passengers to get down who wanted to move towards Dongari and Talasari. Many passengers with Charu’s family got down and tried to hire a rickshaw but were denied by all. The passengers decided to stay at the bus stop till the rain gets lighter. It was around 3 pm and the rain stopped… Everyone started moving ahead towards their destination. Charu and family were going to reach soon but the rain started again. Charu’s wife denied Charu to move ahead and advised him to wait till the rain stops. Charu looked here and there but didn’t feel safe to stay, he suggested moving ahead as it’s just 1km away to reach Neela’s home. 

The child started crying due to hunger, so Charu moved to a Chai Tapri to get some snacks for his child. While crossing the road, a car with a blink of an eye rushed on Charu’s body, Megha- Charu’s wife rushed towards to see him, all the blood was splashed here and there, Charu died on spot. Megha took his son and moved with a shock to call Anushuman and inform him regarding the accident. Anshuman with the police inspector moved towards the incident site. Megha, handover his son to Anushuman and ran in the middle of the road for suicide, got hit by the truck, and died on spot. The police inspector suggested to Anushuman to adopt Megha’s child for the child's better future. Anshuman, the father of four children, got one more child to take care of. As soon as he reached home Neela saw the child and took him to the kitchen to feed him some milk. Till that time Anushuman narrated the whole story to her, but he observed that Neela is in her whole world and very happy and seems normal to him, he realized that Neela is thinking that she got her child Ramesh back. Anshuman who was worried initially was happy that her wife is back and he can join back and earn good money for them. 

Years after years, it was very visible that Neela is in love with her only son Ramesh aka Charu’s child, as she showers extra love to him and not the rest, yet other children were so understanding that they never fought with each other for love but started loving each other. 

Anshuman was a proud father who taught all his daughters and sons with a good education. 

Chapter 03: Marriage of Children’s

Who knows about the future, it changes forever. If you are seated in the car of life it's certain that you will get hurdles, ups, and downs in your life. The struggle doesn’t mean to end life, but to face it and see the bright sky. 

After the education of all the children, Anushuman decided to look for partners for his children to get them married and let them settle in their life. 

A few months later, Jaya was married to a Gujarati businessman, Usha was married to a Government servant, Nirmala was married to the owner of Household Services, although the sons were struggling for a job.

Surya somehow started with some food servicing business and Ramesh [Charu’s son] was still younger and was completing his MBA from a renowned university due to his sharp brain and great efforts. 

After a year Ramesh [Charu’s son] completed his MBA and got a job from a renowned company. There he fell in love with his teammate Rebecca. They decided to get married. Although Rebecca's parents were against her decision as Ramesh was from a different religion. 

With full of energy, Ramesh went to his parents, talked with them regarding his love. Anshuman, “If you want to get married to Rebecca, we have no barrier for you, it's your life and we love you a lot.” Neela was a bit sad that Ramesh married someone who is not from our caste. Neela [went inside her room as soon as Ramesh informed]. Ramesh, who was aware that his decision is not creating any happy face, went out for a while. Buzz buzz [Ramesh’s phone was ringing, it was Rebecca who messaged, “my parents have forcefully married me with Jonathan, who belongs to our Christain community. I am sorry, Ramesh. Hope you will forget me.”] Ramesh was broken from inside. He ran towards Neela, his mother… “I am ready to marry within our caste.” A month later, Ramesh was married to Anika. Anika was a working woman. With time, Ramesh & Anika developed a good bond with each other.

Chapter 04: Pilgrimage

Anshuman & Neela were getting older and decided to go on pilgrimage as they felt only days of their life were felt. Who was aware that their instinct would come true… They reached Kedarnath on 15 June… They decided to give a visit on 16 June… 

It was a bright day with light rainfall, as the temple was far away they used a tanga [horse carriage].

Nirmala to Simmi, “I remember, my mom, she called us and said, they have reached the temple properly and have taken the blessings of God for all of us. I wished they would take the blessing for them too. 

Later, we weren’t able to contact them. The news channel also showed the names of Anushuman & Neela who died with many others. Yes, it was 2013 the worst flood India observed. At that time we all lost our hopes in God. But, then we pacified ourselves and moved ahead and yes, I still believe in Lalbaugcha Raja, no doubt about that.”

We never knew that life can change drastically in a second. Further life felt miserable and felt no way to live ahead.

Simmi, “I am sorry for your loss Nirmala Aunty.” [Nirmala, sobbing in the sorrow for the death of her parents].

Chapter 05: Lalbaugcha Raja 

Simmi to Nirmala, “Aunty, why are you so devoted to Lalbaugcha Raja, Lord Ganapati?”

Nirmala, “Simmi, it's from the day I got my first job just after my graduation, I remember, my interview was scheduled on 11th July 2006. I was waiting for my Virar train at Mira road station, the train was almost at the station … suddenly someone touched me on my shoulder. I turned back and saw a poor woman holding her 6-month-old baby… she asked me for some money so that she could buy something to eat … later she had to feed her milk to her baby. 

I was a very emotional person at that time. As soon as I heard her I removed Rs 20 from my bag and gave it to her, she smiled and prayed for my life and said, “Lalbaugcha Raja, will now look after all your problems.” I smiled and was boarding the train. Suddenly I heard the voice of that lady. I returned back and she was running to give me a postcard in which a Lord Ganapati portrait was there. I told her, “Hey! That’s alright.” She said, “No! You have to take it, Sister.” I got down from the train because that baby might get hurt if she fell. 

She told me “Thank you'' and handed the postcard in my hand. 

I was a bit angry because she made me miss my train for my job interview and the next train is after 30 mins. I decided to go in a shared taxi and somehow reached the place. As soon as I reached all the staff was watching the news channel as the train I missed caught fire and it was found that it was a serial blast in all the western line trains. I was shocked and prayed to God and that poor lady who handed me the postcard. 

As only a few were able to reach, the interview panel selected all of us as they were in urgent need of employees. For me the day was a bit different, I was happy that my life was saved and I got a job but on the other side the serial bomb blast has destroyed many lives and families.

Nirmala, “Simmi, from this day I started following the paths of Lord Ganesha, Lalbaugcha Raja. 

Simmi’s Mom to Simmi, “Dear, your Nirmala aunty is very generous when it comes to helping the needy or to anyone. She has even given some amount to her friends secretly who didn’t get a job but to show their parents that they are earning otherwise they would forcefully marry them with a man who is 10-12 years elder to them. Nirmala has done it till her friends haven’t settled in their career.”

Simmi, “Oh my God!, in this whole world I haven’t seen such a generous person, love you, Nirmala aunty.”

Nirmala, “Haha, Simmi those days were never stable. Parents forced all of us to marry at such a young age and in-laws were very strict that no women would go out for work. Due to which all my sisters have to leave their job and have to settle in life as a housewife.”

Chapter 06: This too shall pass

Bad times come soon and leave scars on us but in the end, we wait for some happy ending. Here the happy ending was not that soon. The crisis and struggles were on.

Nirmala was married to Aman, the owner of household services. Initially, his business was good but used to enjoy the togetherness, later Aman started drinking in order to show others that he is now in a high-class society and started neglecting his customers for a while to give them services for fixing the problems, this reduces his status in the market. The fixed customers stopped accepting his services. 

Due to lack of profit, he started getting depressed due to which he started drinking and smoking. 

As time passed he wasn’t having enough to give rent to his shop and to provide luxury items to his three children [eldest one Rahul- 5-year-old, elder one Punit- 2-year-old and the youngest one Tara- 2-day newborn baby].

Nirmala was upset to see the condition of her family, so she took a step ahead and started working with a production of papadam where she needed to make it and deposit papadam in the van of the company, which arrives after two weeks at her home. Somehow both of them earn the amount for survival. 

But things weren’t happening that easily. Rahul, who was understanding the situation, was trying his best to make his brother and sister happy. Nirmala, who observed the sacrifice of Rahul not demanding chocolates & toys even by seeing other children enjoying their toys and showing off to other peers. 

Nirmala, who wanted to give pleasure to her children yet wasn’t able to give one.

Nirmala, who knew that after two months Rahul is going to be 6 years… thought to buy a new dress for him, both Rahul & Nirmala went shopping but the cost was so high that she couldn’t. Rahul who got to know the situation said to his mom, “Mom! I have many dresses at home, we don't need to buy any.” [Nirmala, who felt proud of her son and his thinking, smiled at him and went back home]. Nirmala decided to sew a dress for Rahul on her own.

Finally, before his birthday, the dress was ready, Rahul was happy to see his mother’s love for him. Aman brought the chocolate for Rahul to celebrate his birthday. As soon as Aman handed it to Rahul… Rahul made 5 divisions of it and gave it to all. 

Nirmala and Aman looked at each other with tears of smiles.

 

Chapter 07: Dabbawala

The burden increased, Rahul grew and wanted to receive an education. Nirmala and Aman admission him to a government school as the fee here would be low that of private English schools. Rahul was a bright student, but his grade in computer was very low as other students practiced before the exam through personal computers. 

During one of the parent-teacher meetings, Ms. Shalini (Computer teacher of Rahul) requested Nirmala and Aman to get at least a 2nd hand computer for him because if he didn't understand the basics, he would lag behind just because of one subject. 

Nirmala told the situation of their house to Ms. Shalini (Shalini Ma’am was upset because Rahul is one of the bright students of her class). 

Ms. Shalini, “Mrs. Nirmala, what if you start with some Dabba services, nowadays we as teachers/government services/private employees are too busy that we don’t get the time to cook for us or even for our family, we just roughly make some rice and daal or sometimes we just bring salad in our Dabba. My husband has opted for some dabbawala service where they reach the food at his office desk, doesn’t it amazing to start with to earn money? Have a think, Mrs. Nirmala. I will assure you that all teachers of this school will definitely opt for tiffin from you if you do it well with hygiene.”

Nirmala conveyed the idea to Aman. Aman was surprised that this idea didn't come to us, and through it within a few months, we can get a 2nd hand computer for Rahul. 

Aman promised Nirmala that he would never touch alcohol or cigarettes from now on. [Nirmala smiled]. 

Aman used to go to Sabzi Mandi at night to get discounted vegetables in large amounts. 

Aman used to cut vegetables, Nirmala used to make her own secret dry masala for vegetables, she used to make the dough at night. Rest work was done early in the morning i.e. preparing all the dabbas with fresh food. 

With time the whole teachers of the school started opting for the tiffins of Nirmala. The taste of Nirmala’s food went to the Principal's cabin too. 

Later, the people nearby of Nirmala house started opting for the services of Nirmala’s tiffin. 

With this Aman & Nirmala could buy the 2nd hand computer through Ms. Shalini. 

The food service was running at full speed so Aman and Nirmala decided to continue it. 

Continuous cooking made Nirmala ill, which led to stop the services for a week, which reduced customers. As Nirmala got a week of bed rest due to weakness, Aman decided to cook some Chinese Hakka noodles in tiffins. The Customers loved his noodles and requested him to serve at least twice a week some Indian Chinese. Nirmala who was observing all this was proud of her husband, and Rahul who was taking care of his young ones. 

With this energy, Nirmala was cured and Rahul decided to help his Dad to deliver the tiffins to nearby places. With this Punit also understood the situation and promised his mom that he will take care of his little sister, Tara with lots of love. 

Chapter 08: Impact of Education & Love

Simmi, “Nirmala aunty, is that the struggle was on or the tiffin service was going on because now I don’t see any of your family members are continuing this service?”

Nirmala to Simmi, “Simmi, education has that capacity to change one’s status, if you have that knowledge you will definitely glow high in the sky.”

Simmi’s Mom, “Absolutely right, Nirmala.”

Simmi, “Aunty, then what happened, how everything got changed?”

Nirmala to Simmi, …. I and Aman continued the tiffin services till they got their job. Rahul completed his graduation in the year 2030, got an on-campus job from his college, … After 3-4 years Punit got a job from his college. Both of them used to go to main Mumbai near Colaba for their job. Till that time Tara was completing her graduation. 

Simmi, “Aunty, is there a time when your children started spending money lavishly on them?”

Nirmala to Simmi, … Rahul & Punit never did that as they have seen my struggles. I remember when Rahul got his job he strictly made me and Aman stop providing tiffin services. Yet, only Rahul's money was not enough to make our family function well so Aman formed his own part-time catering services where they take big orders for picnic students or family road trips… Although years later Punit got the job, Punit requested his Dad to stop working and now it's time for them to make money for their Mom & Dad. Yet, Tara hasn't remembered any struggles since she was very small to understand. Haha, I remember, Tara used to ask her brothers for pocket money after every two weeks. Both Rahul and Punit were confused why Tara needed so much money as she never buys books or any study material… and one day Tara said to us she is going to her friend Sneha’s house for studies and she will come by evening. Rahul and Punit decided to follow her as it was Sunday and Tara never showed in her marks that she has a great interest in studies. Punit was already in doubt that Tara is hiding something from them. When they followed her they found that she met a boy [named Kunal, junior of Punit in his college time] at Paradox film center for a movie. Both of them [Rahul & Punit] waited for Kunal & Tara to come out. After, few hours when they didn’t come out they went in and saw them moving hand-in-hand towards the food court. Rahul was in high temper and called us to tell us what's really happening…We told both of them to come back, we will talk to Tara about it. Yet, Rahul & Punit couldn't tolerate this as soon as Tara moved towards home. They followed Kunal to his home and beat Kunal a lot and informed him if we ever see you again with our sister we will make sure that you won't be able to stand again on your own feet. Kunal somehow saved his life and informed Tara about it. Tara, as soon as reached home, asked “Where are my brave brothers?” “Fighting somewhere with my boyfriend in the street?” We shouted at Tara, as she would have informed us and gone with her boyfriend but why hide? Punit [Laughed while entering], now there's no need to hide we have beaten him, he will never see Tara again. Tara [cried and went to the terrace]. 

Rahul, “let her cry she will realize her mistake that money is not made easily, that she will roam easily watch movies and eat in food courts.” 

Simmi, “Aunty, this is too much, I guess you would have made her understand easily instead of beating Kunal.”

Nirmala, “Even I was against it, but this was her brother’s love in order to protect their sister from bad guys, what if Kunal was a wrong guy?”

Simmi, “True! Aunty, but Kunal Jiju is a good person right?”

Nirmala, “That is today’s situation, Simmi, we can’t judge anyone like this. But you know Simmi, he troubled us again when Tara recently disappeared for 1 day… You have seen our situation, how terrible it was, his brothers were so afraid and Aman went to the Police station to report about Tara and what we found is that they took the protection of the police from us that we will kill them? How is it possible a brother, a father, or a mother will beat or kill their own sister or daughter? Just because she and her boyfriend want to marry each other and they have the right to marry as adults? What kind of law is this where a daughter needs someone else's protection to marry her boyfriend, just because we were against this marriage? We are shields of her life who have protected her from all the situations till today and she needs protection today as her family is just against her decision. Tell me Simmi, here we were dying, what if something would have happened to our daughter and there she was celebrating her marriage with Kunal, she nor even thought to call us for her marriage? If she would have told us that she wants to marry him we would have done it with lots of revelries. But she didn’t even get a single thought of us… if she disappears for a single day what will happen to her family? 

Simmi’s Mom [Pacifying Nirmala].

Nirmala, “I am happy that my daughter Tara is happy with her marriage. Although she has a lovely mother-in-law who loves her more than me probably.”

Simmi, “No, Aunty, no one in the world can love a person selflessly accept his/her mother. Mothers are the only ones who devote all their love selflessly towards their children with no discrimination.”

Nirmala, “Simmi, I am proud that I know such an understanding child, who understands very well the situation of others maturely.”

Simmi’s Mom, [Laughing slowly] “Simmi just talks maturely but she doesn't help me.”

Simmi, “Mumma!”

Nirmala, “Haha, alright, I got it.”

Chapter 09: Secret House

Everyone has a dream house which they want to build in, and live in with their lovely family. 

With the same hopes Rahul too had his dream home, he started saving money, collected penny, stopped using public transport, started walking from home to station, shifted his train pass from first-class [less crowded compartment] to general class [overcrowded compartment] in order to save money he stopped having tea outside the office. 

After years, he decided to survey the cheapest home. A few months later, he found a land where the construction was on and within 1 year the building was going to be ready. He went for a loan, deposited the money and booked his favorite flat, and constructed it according to him with the help of a concerned builder. 

A few months later the flat was ready, he visited it and was happy to see it.

Rahul informed us that he has to show us something very important. We thought he wanted to marry someone. That's why he is taking us to a certain place. Later we thought he thinking to buy land here, but that can’t be possible because we don't have any savings, then Aman told me is that Rahul started part-time agent work? We all were confused. 

He showed us a beautiful flat. We were stunned by its beauty. We said people who will be living here would be very happy. 

Rahul replied, “Yes, and that family is us who is going to stay here.”

Punit, “Brother, it's awesome!” 

“Dear Rahul, did you take any heavy loan for it?” asked Aman.

Rahul, “Dad, it's all my savings and a little loan of 10 lakhs which will be deducted from my income every month Rs.10 thousand.”

Aman, “Wonderful job, Rahul, today I am so proud.”

We all shifted after a month, it was a much bigger house than earlier.

Simmi, “Aunty, is it the current one where we all are living?”

Nirmala, “Yes! Simmi, Then we met you all.”

Simmi, “Yes, then Rahul Sir got married to Anisha, then a year later Aaryan was born. Then Punit Sir bought his own house then he got married to Riya then a year later Vivek was born. Later, Kunal Jiju & Tara also bought a house and were blessed with three children Gargi, Aishwarya, and Sunny.”

Nirmal, “Yes, Simmi. Everyone got settled in their life.”

Simmi’s Mom, “Simmi, did you observe the struggles Nirmala aunty did which changed the life of Aaryan, Vivek, Gargi, Aishwarya, and Sunny, they won’t be able to get any struggles … They are observing the lavish life as their parents are successfully working and earning good so that their children get all those happiness which they missed in their childhood, all the toys, chocolate, and picnic with family, they will get all the happiness in their life which their parents lost.”

Nirmala, “So true! I hope Aaryan would have got it.”

[A sound of sobbing comes near the entrance] Simmi, “Who is there?”

Aaryan, “It's me Aaryan,... Simmi Didi. I heard everything, I am so sorry grandma. I couldn’t be a good grandson.”

Nirmala, “No, my child you should get what you deserve. I am proud of you and I love you a lot.”

[Aaryan hugged his grandma.] Seeing this Simmi hugs her Mom. 

Aaryan, “Grandma, you are my unsung hero, who maintained the unity of the family, who always believed in her lord Ganesha, the culture of togetherness, love, comparison for each other; you have struggled for our freedom to enjoy our childhood, I love you, Grandma.”

[Touching his grandma’s feet for blessing].