Savithri

Kamalamma finished milking her cows for the day; she returned home hoping to listen to her share of classic songs. Savithri, who lived next door, owned an old radio which was in a fine, working condition and became a source of everyday entertainment to both, Savithri and Kamalamma. It was a big surprise no songs were played in Savithri’s home that day; Kamalamma hastily went to check on Savithri.

Savithri’s parents had passed away a couple of years ago having given in to aging health issues. Kamalamma’s four children had left their tiny hamlet in the pursuit of better lives in larger cities. That was twenty years ago. Ever since they had not paid even a single visit. Initially, Kamalamma had believed their host of creatively developed excuses. Little later, she suspected their explanations and confronted them. However, at the ripe age of seventy-eight, she had given up and learnt to make peace with the harsh reality. Since Kamalamma had seen Savithri grow up and the two families had indeed been like one, it was but natural that Savithri and Kamalamma became each other’s source of love, support and strength.

Savithri was a girl with an admirable disposition and so full of curiosity. Having completed her Standard 12 at school, her parents thought it was time to get her married. They saw a good husband in Ravi, who also lived in the same village.  He was a graduate and held a steady job and since his family resided in the same village, the marriage process happened rather smoothly. The event was a grand one and everybody blessed the couple. Savithri’s parents went through unbearable pain seeing their daughter go to a new home; after all, they were a close-knit family.    

As luck would have it, no sooner did Savithri begin her marital life than she resented it. Ravi, who had been seemingly glad on the wedding day, transformed into a completely different person post the marriage. He was away at work and came to visit his parents every two months. Ravi developed a cold stance in Savithri’s case. Except for funding her food and essentials, he totally, rather cruelly ignored her presence. Much later, it came to light that, Ravi had liked a girl from another caste and wished to marry her. Since his parents were against his decision, he chose to marry a girl of their choice and leave her to attend to them. On the other hand, Ravi lived with the woman of his liking for the most part.

Having learnt the truth, Savithri was devastated. She gave up food and sleep and wept helplessly while her aging in-laws tried to console her. She could not blame anyone; instead, she remained guilty, heartbroken and lost. Not until her parents unraveled the facts. Immediately, they brought back Savithri home. Her parents nursed her and lovingly restored back the missing spirits. In less than a year, Savithri was cheerful again, having been pampered in her own sweet little nest.

Kamalamma and Savithri’s parents together ensured Savithri propelled with renewed vigor. Since she loved teaching and being around kids, Savithri’s parents built a small room right next to the house where she could teach kids. She taught science, Math and even languages. What began as a mere "five kids" class, it rose steadily to reach a whopping fifty students. When it was hard to manage all on her own, Savithri’s parents and Kamalamma too assisted her in administration. The numbers of students kept adding up. The number of rooms too had to be increased. Savithri became an inspiration to many.

A few months after Savithri had left their home, Ravi’s parents had come to apologize. Since they were hardly able to even stand, Savithri’s parents did not mind providing shelter in their own home. Anyway, they died in less than a year. Ravi, who had finally gotten rid of both, his parents and his spouse, seemed to never return even when his parents died. Nobody cared about his return either.

Cut to the present

Kamalamma barged into Savithri’s house. She was astonished to see a man sitting on a chair. He looked old and visibly quite unhealthy. When she looked closer, she realized to her own shock that it was, Ravi! Kamalamma refrained from any talk. She waited for Savithri to

Advertisement

come out of the kitchen.

Later in the evening that day, Savithri opened up about Ravi’s sudden appearance at home. Ravi had come back twenty years after he abruptly deserted Savithri for no reason. He pleaded with her to take him back and had asked sorry for all the behavior. He thanked her profusely for taking good care of his parents when they most needed her. He flaunted handsome savings so they could build a great home and live together in the years left.

Savithri did not probe the case of his former lady-love nor did she give him any answer. She gave her deadly silence as the most deserving and appropriate answer. After all, Savithri’s life had taken all the unexpected turns because of his decisions. She had become a sorry victim of his selfish thoughts, cruel plans, and criminal thinking. She could never have a beautiful marriage, kids and a home, like she dreamt of.

Kamalamma wondered what to respond to all this. On the one hand, she wanted Savithri to kick Ravi out of her home. On the other, she paused to reflect on what could happen to Savithri after she died. She would be alone! Well, much better than living with this monster called Ravi, she murmured to herself. Kamalamma patiently heard whatever Savithri told her.

In the next few days, Savithri went about her ways as usual. Ravi could eat and sleep under the roof; nevertheless, Savithri never entertained the sight of him or his words. Kamalamma’s head flooded with a thousand potential consequences.

One fine morning, about two weeks later, Savithri went to Kamalamma’s home. It was only four in the morning. Kamalamma welcomed her home.

“Kamalamma, I am sorry for telling all this in a hurry. But rest assured it is a well-thought decision. One year’s sabbatical has been rejuvenating for me. I believe I must get back to teaching now. In the neighboring town, there is a new school with a great curriculum. The principal wrote to me several times. I even met him a few days ago. He and the teachers there loved my style of interaction with the kids. They are happy to recruit me as a headteacher.”

Kamalamma was emotional and surprised too. She did not see this coming at all.

“Oh dear! I am so glad you made this decision. You deserve it. Please go. You are a talented and determined woman. Grab this opportunity. I will come visit you often because I already miss you. Kamalamma hid her tears lest Savithri reverses her move."

“Oh, Kamalamma! How did you even imagine I will leave you stranded here. You have been like family to me. Ensure you pack all the things. You will move with me. I will fetch you after about two months once everything is settled in the new place. I requested them to keep the accommodation for both of us if I had to relocate. Since our first homes are here, the two of us will come back here as often as we want. ”

Kamalamma hugged her tightly and wouldn’t let Savithri go. Savithri was indeed her daughter now!

“What about Ravi? Is he going to leave?” Kamalamma almost whispered to herself.

“I do not care. I have written a letter to him; he will perhaps read when he is up. I mentioned that he could live in my home for two months or so and then move out to anywhere he wanted. Two months is enough to search for a new home, isn’t it? I stressed that he had to respect the space as this home is my parents’ home which I treasure very much. I did not say anything apart from those lines.”

Kamalamma was proud of Savithri. Savithri had done what a strong and independent woman with self-respect would ideally do.

The next morning, as Kamalamma had already initiated packing, she heard a loud cry.

“Oh Kamalamma! I did not see Savithri this morning.” She was one of the ladies in the village.

“Ahh! My daughter has a job in a new place. She moved to chase her dreams there. Such a talented teacher. I am going to be joining her too.”

“Wow! I thought her husband came back to her. I assumed she is thrilled finally.”

“Ah! Not at all. Did you not know that they broke up twenty years ago? Savithri, the one with a heart of gold, gave him shelter since he did not have any. He will move out soon. “