THE SHINING MILESTONES

                                           

                                                            Part-6

Next day, Eiti went to her parent’s place. Her arrival was unexpected by her mother. Prema (Eiti’s mother), hugged Eiti with joy and with teary eyes asked, “Eiti my child, how are you? Come sit here.” Eiti was surprised to see her expressions.

Prema with teary eyes, “My child where have you been? You look good as compared to previous lifestyle. Your clothes, hair, sandal and purse represents a high standard. You worked in some beauty parlour?” 

Eiti smiled, “No, a good women changed my style and before that a brave man made me confident. In simple words, I was in a right place with right people. Meanwhile, my lifestyle changed completely.”   

Prema said, “Great!! You were at the right place and here everything went wrong.” 

Eiti was listening and moving towards kitchen, she saw her childhood shining milestones bottle kept near window. She remembered those lonely nights with her doll and shiv temple was still there. Prema saw Eiti holding shining milestones bottle and asked, “I kept your fidelity safe here.” Eiti looked emotionally at her mother. She couldn’t control herself without asking, “Maa, you really kept it? This is a precious welcome gift for me.” 

Prema replied, “I realised your importance, when Roumil’s truth revealed and he ignored us completely. He got married in US and settled over there. No reply from his side since many years. I am living on your father’s pension and no help from Roumil. In this situation, I expected you and it happened.”

Eiti was listening quietly to her mother’s condition and at last calmly replied, “forget about everything, did you ever tried to contact my grandmother? I hope her words you might remember?”

Prema hesitantly answered, “Oh… actually no clue about her till date.”

Eiti in anger, “No clue because she died and our misfortune that we didn’t get a chance for her last look.”

Prema in remorseful voice, “Yes, you are right. We are punished for that today. As a daughter-in-law, I could not serve her what actually she deserved.”

Eiti and her mother were talking about this and Eiti saw a spice packet kept in kitchen shelve. She remembered her childhood days when she use to sell them.

Eiti asked, “Maa, this spice you still make and use them?”

Prema replied, “Yes and our neighbours also liked them.”

Eiti got an idea and discussed the same with her mother, “Maa, if we can sell them again? What say?”

Prema asked, “Over the streets? No way Eiti.”

Eiti explained her mother the whole plan and executed by supplying home-made spices packets to roadside food stalls in low price. This worked and within one month, the demand of spices and profit increased which resulted in rising up their sales graph. When the demand increased, Eiti thought an idea to start a small factory, where nearby village citizens can also join and this will reduce burden.

Firstly, Eiti and her mother cleaned up the store. It was spacious that atleast six to eight people can work. The spice making ingrediants and materials were already kept in the store room. Now, the problem arised in transport because the demand was from the retailers and big hotels. Till now, Eiti transported spices by travelling in buses. She bought a tempo on rent to make supply easy.

Prema saw Eiti operating and making possibilities to expand spice business, she remembered her mother-in-law’s saying ‘Birth of a daughter is a boon’ and today this appeared in her front.

Prema asked, “Eiti from where did you get such ideas? I didn’t even thought to expand my spice business ever before. A simple home-made spices are known in villages and city today. Just because of your efforts, you performed a son’s duty.”

Eiti started a practical conversation with her mother, “Then assume me as your son and now let’s decide a good name of spices because we sell them in plastic packets and no label or name written on the packets. Please suggest a good name because on invoices also only spice is written. We also have to register our spice sales business and get it licensed.”

Prema asked, “But how will you manage? For registration I know your father’s friend Mr. Raichand, who does registration and licensing process. We still have good family relations with him. But I have one question, without any education, any degree, how you have these much knowledge? Because a good recognition of quantity and business sense, is not possible without any training. ”

Eiti answered with smiled, “I red newspapers and watched TV and in this way wherever I stayed, updated myself for which I don’t need any degree. Actually, this I started from childhood when my studies were stopped and during your absence at home. I also have little bit of computer knowledge but this, I will explain you later. Anyways, but what should be the name? I will carry all the old invoices and sales registers. Let’s decide a Logo name first.”

Prema was listening surprisingly, but sad for her own actions and tortures, that she spoiled Eiti’s childhood. Eiti thought in depth and then suggested a name-‘VIMA SPICES’

Prema asked, “VIMA? Means what?”

Eiti excited replied, “VIshwa+PreMA=VIMA, combination of your name and my late father’s name. Short and easy to pronounce. What say?”

Prema was excited to hear this and next day, Eiti met Mr. Raichand and submitted required documents. She had some money saved that helped to complete registration process. Within two days, Eiti got license and the final step was to motivate nearby village poor women to join the spice manufacturing.

Since, childhood news reading habits and business news updates helped to add good business sense and ideas. She succeed in that and Prema taught spice recipe to them. To be told simply, Prema’s house turned completely into a small factory as the gathering extended upto 20 village women. These women were those who are suffering from their dysfunctional husband’s tortures, widowed women, economic crunch. Later she also solved transportation problems through gathering village loafer boys as they transported spices by tempo and those boys can help better in marketing and supplying them. Eiti wrote VIMA SPICES with her shining milestones on a medium size wooden board and put up that board outside the house.

Everything was going well but one day, village women requested of not continuing spice making job because they been threatened to step out of the house and work. Even some of the village men gathered to protest against Eiti and Prema. They tried to ruin their spice business and forcefully entered inside Eiti’s small factory to scatter all spice materials. They warned Eiti and Prema to discontinue this business or else they will set fire to their house.

Prema cried a lot, “Eiti, now what to do? All materials are spoiled and we have to deliver spice orders.”

Eiti replied, “Don’t worry maa, I have an idea.”

With a mysterious smile, Eiti left without informing Prema.

Prema shouted, “Listen Eiti, where are you going now? Wait Eiti!! Wait!!! wait!!!

Eiti walked with joy and reached at the city telephone office. There she remembered that at aunty’s house she tried operating computer and before that she also learned in Ranjit uncle’s Farm house from Kumar about computer icons. More on that, in newspapers she read about women empowerment. The telephone office had fax machines and computers. On a simple request, a senior executive Mohan sir helped her.

Eiti asked, “Mohan sir, you helped me in issuing my VIMA spice pamphlets idea but now I want little more help.” 

 Mohan sir replied, “Offcourse Eiti!! I have pamphlets printing business, you want more pamphlets?”

Eiti smiled and asked, “Sir, you must be aware about women empowerment? I want you to print a message on pamphlets for women’s bright future of big poster size and stick them on nearby village walls and also on roadside footpath walls of the city.”

Mohan sir worried about price, “But Eiti, poster size pamphlets I can print and also add your spice logo, but rate will be more per poster.”

Eiti stopped him while talking, “Don’t worry about rates, I trust your work and I want this within 3-4 days. Because its urgent for us to finish our orders.”

Mohan sir assures Eiti for pamphlets and she further discussed about women empowerment support. Mohan sir had some contacts with newspaper publications and media too. It was easy for him to find women empowerment organisation which helps poor and helpless women.

After 3 days, posters were ready as per Eiti’s demand. Posters displayed on walls, captured crowd’s attention and some NGOs also showed interests to support VIMA spice mission. Women empowerment organisation met Eiti and she convinced them very nicely. Her dedications and determination forced them to support her mission for helping poor and widow women.

After this, Eiti with women empowerment team members went at nearby villages and city’s every street and nook to introduce VIMA spices and their contributions.

Eiti’s own village citizens disagreed with her. She gathered women crowd outside her home. Some men were peeping from behind the trees and listening to her speech.

Eiti with NGO members and women empowerment leader gave a convincing speech. Holding mike and in loud energetic voice, “A strong women don’t allow someone else’s opinion to affect their self-worth. They alone determine how they feel about themselves, and they have healthy coping skills that help them bounce back when others try to bring them down.”

One poor lady asked her, “But Eiti, we are controlled by our husbands and some of us are helpless and widow. We have habit of working in farms or stitching clothes, how can we co-operate you?”

 Eiti stopped her in between, “the money you earn in farming and stitching is very less and your husband ruins it in spending on alcohol. If you oppose, then you become the victim of domestic violence. Nothing is hidden.”

Other ladies in chores asked, “How to deal with it? Because our elders didn’t fought against this, so we also suffer now.”

Eiti cleverly answered, “A Mentally strong women do things differently because they live by a different set of core beliefs that guide their decisions and daily habits. Men who grew up with controlled women in their households now see women seeking greater freedom, as their contemporaries. Women’s lack of self -protection skills. But this Women empowerment helps in providing seed funds, extensive technical support services, including training and extension assistance, to create micro enterprises.”

The women crowd was fulfilled with enthusiasm and many of them joined her in manufacturing spices. Some village men plotted a trap against Eiti. One day, she was crossing a way and those 4-5 village men surrounded her. They threatened her to stop involving their wives and rest of the village women into spice manufacturing. She refused and they tried to scramble her. She used her self-defense skills in return and they piled up in front of a teenager.

Eiti commented on their condition, “If a girl is interested in regaining control of her life then it’s really important to break the mechanism of over-protection. Learning self-defence is the only way to do this. Spice making hands can also teach spicy lessons to goons. Understood!!!!”

Eiti and Prema purchased an warehouse which was sufficient for spice manufacturing. Eiti opened an office, and let her mother (Prema) sit on office chair. The number of women increased upto 200 and this boosted their speed to meet the targets. Slowly and gradually, VIMA spices achieved a position in food production market in which they were counted in the list of top 10 food production companies. VIMA spices got good publicity in magazines, newspapers, television and radio advertisements.

One day, Kumar and Lata met Eiti at her office. That unexpected meet solved a problem of staff. Eiti required a computer operator to maintain purchase and sales records. Kumar knew to operate computer and Lata was expert in maintaining records of approximate quantity of any commodity or food ingredients.

Lata appreciated Eiti, “I really don’t believe this Eiti, I am proud of you that you selected me as your staff. It will be an honour to work in an office. But within 2-3 years you reached at the level which is difficult for a minor.” 

Eiti happily answered, “Years passed away Lata and today I am 18 years old.”

Kumar said, “Really Eiti, in newspapers saw your achievements because of which my chest widened with pride. If you need more staff members, then I can gather some of my friends looking for job.”  

Next day, Kumar came with his three men to get the job done and staff will increase. Eiti was happy with Kumar’s co-operation and appointed those men for transportation supervisor work because spice delivery record maintainence was lacking work potential. On the other side, Lata also bought some ladies from her side and this helped VIMA spices in completing their targets.

As people joined, the hype grew and with regarding, women empowerment organised a felicitation programme for VIMA spices. It was conducted on a ground which media, some political leaders and MLA was invited as chief guest by women empowerment. Eiti didn’t expected this but was happy to remember her past when she first time saw a leader giving speech on stage and today she is at that position. This programme was telecasted on Doordarshan and even Abhay saw this.

One of the women empowerment member, Sharda madam introduced VIMA spices success and contributions to the society on stage and called Prema on the stage to speak about her journey on mike.

Prema entered the stage with nervousness, “I am the owner of VIMA spices but real support and initiatives booster is my daughter Eiti. I only knew how to make spices but my talent’s true indentification was promoted by Eiti. People treat daughter as an unwanted child but unaware about their importance. At the age of 15 years, Eiti sensibly handled my spice production. With no degree or education, it really shocking to expect from a minor to build business ideas with creative improvisation. Even though it’s my photo on VIMA spice packets but the credit behind goes to Eiti.”   

There was applaud in the crowd and main thing bothered the crowd was Eiti’s minority explorations setting an example in society. Its an eye opener to society’s contractors whose ties fetters on women’s feet and imprisoning in the four walls of the house.

Eiti came on stage, “I only used my logic and experience which I got from reading newspapers and TV. My education was stopped at the age of 8 years. After that I got right support from right people and right place. I added my journey experience into building VIMA spices. Based on this, I wanted to encourage those helpless women to stand on their feet. Also my old friends Kumar and Lata contributed to increase workers. Last but not the least, Mohan sir helped me to reach women empowerment and NGOs which resulted as a great support which is visible in front of you all today. Just like that, people joined us and our business expanded.”

Hearing her voice and journey, people passing around the way, joined one by one and especially women crowd gathering increased. Her impressive words inspired them and at the end of the programme, they showed interest to join VIMA spices.  

One day, Abhay came at Eiti’s office and saw VIMA spices board and some photos of her felicitation. Abhay and Eiti met cheerfully but his main focus was on a board on which VIMA spices was written with shining milestones by sticking them on plain wooden board.

Abhay asked Eiti, “Eiti, your logo board is displayed outside at the top, then at your office entrance door why these milestones inlaid wooden board?”

Eiti happily answered, “Abhay sir, these shining milestones are a sign of my childhood memories. You know its significance? They shine like firefly at night. In my childhood, found them at the door outside of my late grandmother’s house. Since then, they are with me.”

Abhay was curious to know about Eiti’s success, “From the day I know you and today, there’s a lot of difference. What’ s the story behind your journey? VIMA spices big banners are displayed on paths and big size posters also newspapers headlines describes your access. This much knowledge and capability to execute business needs a huge determination and courage. In your case, I am filled up with questions. Please explain me”

Eiti started describing her details, “Abhay sir, you already know that I was a minor when I met you first time. Fluent English already I learnt by reading newspapers and also business news as my education was stopped. Being a 

sharp minded person, I learn things quickly and this helped me to gather information in every subject. When education is stopped, there are many other ways to move on.”

Abhay said, “Oh yes!!! Kumar and Lata were impressed with your skills and this forced me to help you. This is why, I wanted you to settle in Ranjit uncle’s farm house and my late aunty’s house. You took a right decision to support your mother. In today’s date, you proved to be son. Actually I am inspired from you and at the teen age, you are a youth icon for those who suffer the same situation.” 

Eiti and Abhay continued their discussions and later Abhay used his contacts to help VIMA spices to get involved into import-export. Eiti excepted Abhay’s offer and VIMA spices reached to a step forward and exported for the first out of Himachal Pradesh. Now the quality, materials, latest spice mixing and grinding machines, ingredients and everything that was needed for spice production was improvised. This resulted into growth opportunities like job vacancies for poor and needy people that created a progress curve in the graph of VIMA spices. Personally Eiti and Prema made their status like having luxury car, servants, mobile phones and all other luxuries. Eiti joined many such organizations which were involved into awareness programs that have resulted in a powerful response to new industrial initiatives in Himachal Pradesh. With this, Eiti accessed a small NGO for orphaned destitute people and a free education centre for poor children in which government contributed a lot.

Lata and Kumar together thanked Eiti, “We are thankful that you find us capable to manage NGO responsibilities. You made our life otherwise we could have still worked as a servant till date. It was you who think based on our capabilities we deserve this platform. Today being at the top position you are still down to earth.”

Eiti replied, “I saw you both have the potential to perform well and managed our VIMA spices jobs perfectly. Now I delegate my NGO responsibilities to you both as new generation youth should also get chance to make future.”

Lata and Kumar agreed and took initiative to manage NGO responsibilities. Seeing her contributions towards social changes and women rights awareness, Eiti was given social impact award by the government. Eiti always handovers her all awards to her mother and represents her as a victory to the world.

One day, a foreigner lady visits Mandi and specially that old street where Eiti use to sell her spices. She was none other than Sandra to whom Eiti sold spices in childhood. Sandra while walking over the street, remembers that sweet little Eiti selling spices.

Sandra asked some street hawkers, “Excuse me, there was a little girl some years back selling spices at this street, so where is she now? She shifted somewhere else? Because, I miss that taste of spices.”

One of the hawker replied, “Madam, her business is famous everywhere with the name of VIMA spices. You can easily know about her success as it is mentioned in every newspapers and magazines.”   

Sandra’s happiness increased her curiosity to meet Eiti and thinking in her mind, “That’s unbelievable. I knew that this girl is special and have the passion to become something in life. As this I already observed in her childhood.”

Sandra was just thinking about Eiti and then she saw a magazine shop. There she find a magazine cover page on which VIMA spices name was highlighted. Sandra went through that magazine and learned about Eiti’s success and her contributions towards women rights and NGO. This forced her to meet Eiti and very next day she reached VIMA spices office. Eiti was busy working and an executive asked her to wait Eiti’s office. Eiti saw that for the first time a foreigner lady visits VIMA spices. So, she moved towards Sandra.

Eiti greeted her, “Hello mam, how can I help you?” 

Eiti offered her a welcome drink and Sandra appreciated, “Thank you!!! did you recognised me? I am Sandra, we met at that street where you use to sell spices. Your age was 8 years and I was found of your spices at that time.”

Eiti focused on mind and remembered those days when Sandra gave her extra money. She cheerfully replied, “Oh yes!! Sandra mam. But how did you reached here? I am glad that you still remember me.”

Sandra appreciated her, “Believe me Eiti, you are still beautiful and intelligent already plus successful. I read in magazines about you and from where did you get idea of expansion and logic behind VIMA? VIMA from where did you get this name?”

Eiti smiled, “Why you didn’t like this name? VIMA is lucky for our business and easily known to people.”

Sandra asked, “Yes true but how VIMA is related to you?”

Eiti happily explained the logic of VIMA and after listening, Sandra was surprised on her efforts. She was speechless and said, “I am proud of you. Since, childhood you were smart enough to answer and at such a young age, it’s a magic that happens with blessed one only.”

Eiti was unaware that Sandra is a journalist. She recorded all her statements regarding her business journey and its tastes. Sandra introduced VIMA spices through her contacts in US. Within few days, Eiti got a fax that mentioned the demand of VIMA spices in US. This is because Sandra took some sample spices from Eiti which she introduced at US based Indian restaurants and some spice shops.

Eiti thanked Sandra, “Now VIMA spices reached at international level just because of you. I have no words to thank you.” 

Sandra replied, “Oh come on Eiti, you have that spunk. After all, your success is not hidden. There’s only one name on everyone’s tongue in today’s date- VIMA spices.”

Eiti got a big order of international export and with this, VIMA spices taste reached US. Again VIMA spices was successful to make a place in their heart. With this, VIMA spices earned a huge profit and reached at international market level. Now, the orders increased and working staff increased. Many other small-scale food industries in India wanted to tie-up with VIMA spices. Based on this, government of India decided to reward VIMA spices.

Prema proudly said, “Eiti my child, fortunately our doors of the fate opens and we reached to a level which was unexpected. This is because of your efforts and initiatives that VIMA spices is famous in abroad. I wish your father was alive today. He could have understood your value and dedications towards me. Roumil failed to perform his duties towards us.”

Eiti encouragingly replied, “Relax maa, now we don’t need Roumil and have to focus on our company’s honour ceremony organised by government. After two days, we have to go to Delhi to receive this award. Let’s invite all our well wishers.”  

Prema said, “Yes, don’t forget to invite Sandra also. After all she helped VIMA spices to reach US.” 

Finally, the day of felicitation arrived. The program was organised in a huge hall and the stage was decorated with flowers, total 6 chairs were kept with long table and mikes were placed in front of each chair. Eiti and her mother Prema were sitting on two chairs and rest of the chairs were occupied by Chief Minister, MLA and other political leaders. The stage was hosted by a media professional lady, Mrs. Lalita. She introduced Chief Minister and VIMA spices on stage. The hall was full of people and front row was occupied by Sandra, Abhay, Kumar, Lata and other well-wishers of VIMA spices. Mrs. Lalita called Chief Minister to speak something on mike.

Chief Minister appreciated VIMA spices success that India has again made a mark in abroad. He said, “Spices grown in hill regions have more acceptance in the market owing to the better quality of production and their cultivation is the need of the hour increase farmer’s income. Around many different spices production from all over Himachal Pradesh, VIMA spices were recommended for release at the national and state level. This bought economic transformation and based on this we should also notice that spices demand is increasing more and more people rush to strengthen immunity. He continued the value of spices and called Prema to speak few words on mike.”

People applauded on his speech. Then Prema moved towards the stage mike and said,“Every food industry such as hotels, restaurants, catering and many others uses these powders daily. It saves time and physical effort in preparing different delicious cuisines. We started spice manufacturing with a very small investment of ₹5,000. Under wholesale market prices, we got sufficient spice ingredients. Today we have machines but earlier we started making spices on Silvattaa (grinding stones). From manufacturing to exporting, VIMA spices has experienced many ups and downs….. ”

Prema continued her journey speech and while speaking she gave whole credit of success to Eiti. She called Eiti to speak on mike and Eiti gave a short and simple introduction about her experience and success journey. Everyone was surprised to know about her challenges at minor age. People applauded and Chief Minister gave them both a best achievement award and a gold medal for big thinking at a young age. He announced Eiti as a youth icon. This programme went on-air on many news channels and this news was published on every newspaper. 

After the programme was over, Prema returned back home from Delhi but Eiti didn’t joined her by giving a work excuse during programme.

Eiti said, “Maa, I have some work over here and you can return back home with Lata and Kumar. Don’t worry I will be fine.”

Prema inists her, “Now here what kind of work you have. Take rest for today. Do it some other day. It’s time to celebrate today.”

Eiti forced again, “Please maa, this work is also important. Go home and relax.”

Prema waited for many hours and tried calling Eiti. There was no response from her and later Prema goes to office to find Eiti. She was absent over there too. Then she saw a letter on Eiti’s table after reading it Prema suddenly called Lata and Kumar in office. Sandra left for US immediately after the programme.

Prema in crying voice, “Lata please see letter, my Eiti………”   

Eiti wrote, “Dear Maa, today I could see many Eitis suffering like me, as if they need me. I have done my duties of being a daughter. Lata and Kumar are the trust worthy people on whom you can believe. That’s why I am not worried about you. Now your arms are strong and don’t need Roumil too. Now the whole business empire is your’s and power of attorney too. I am going to start a new journey to collect new milestones and show its shine to the world. Take care of yourself.” 

Kumar asked the driver, “listen did you saw Eiti? means after Delhi programme?”

Driver replied, “Yes, I saw her in a bus, inspite of car she took a bus and I shouted Eiti madam a lot but she left.”

After this, she went home and tried to find the main reason of her leaving. She finds a letter in which the past hidden truth revealed. Prema learned that Eiti was not her real daughter as her second baby boy was dead. With a sudden upwelling of reverence, Prema fell into her knees. For a moment, she thought she heard a voice those forgotten words of Eiti’s late grandmother, echoed that, “Having daughter is a boon for every parents.”

Now at last, she understood the true value of daughter and lessons of life. Raising her eyes to heaven, holding Eiti’s empty shining milestones bottle, she gazed upwards through the window to star filled night.