The unmarried mother

It was almost by chance that they met at the Glass Canteen of Utkal University, Vani Vihar. Kanak Manjari sat at one side, having her breakfast, while Debabrata sat across from her, sipping tea. Kanak Manjari Rout and Debabrata Pradhan were both final-year postgraduate students of Political Science. During their first few encounters, they merely exchanged glances. Days passed with silent looks and unspoken feelings. After breakfast, each would return to their respective hostel. Those brief exchanges of glances were perhaps the first signs of love.They met again in the classroom. Although they hardly exchanged words, their eyes often met. Silently and unnoticed, the days passed by. Gradually, they began trying to come closer to each other. One day, they were found sitting together for a long time in the Paraja Library. It was already time for the library to close. The librarian's call brought them back to reality. They apologised and returned to their respective hostels. Love and youth often know no boundaries. That is why youth is often described as a difficult and turbulent phase of life. Overwhelmed by physical attraction, Kanak Manjari and Debabrata forgot everything else. They did not think seriously about what the consequences might be. But truth cannot remain hidden forever. It eventually comes to light. Soon, their relationship became a subject of discussion throughout Vani Vihar. Yet neither of them seemed to care. Meanwhile, the notification for their final-semester examination was published. One day, at the same Glass Canteen, they made a promise to each other that they would not become involved with one another until their examinations were over. Their frequent meetings gradually came to an end. Earlier, during her studies, Kanak Manjari had appeared for an examination for the post of Assistant under the Home Department of the Odisha Secretariat Service. Nearly a year had passed, but the result had not yet been published. She had never told anyone about it. The semester examination was finally over. It would take several more months for the results to be announced. Kanak Manjari decided that there was no longer any reason to stay in the hostel and spend money unnecessarily. She decided to return to her native village, Subalaya.There were only her parents at home. She had no brother and was their only daughter. She had always been the recipient of their love and affection. Her father was a successful farmer who had invested much of his earnings in his daughter's higher education. Debabrata Pradhan, on the other hand, belonged to Chandol village in Kendrapara district. He was one of seven siblings and was somewhere in the middle of the family. His entire family lived comfortably on the income from their agricultural land. He too decided to return to his village and make plans for his future after the examination results were announced. Once again, they met at the Glass Canteen.They spoke intimately for some time. During the conversation, Kanak Manjari asked him a question that changed everything: “If a child of yours takes shape in my womb, will you be prepared to give that child your identity?” Debabrata was stunned. He remained silent for a long time. Not a single word came out of his mouth. Eventually, he changed the subject and began talking about something else. Before evening, they returned to their respective hostels. The next morning, Kanak Manjari prepared herself and returned to her village. From that day onwards, they neither spoke to each other nor got another opportunity to meet.Three months passed after Kanak Manjari returned home. She began feeling unusually heavy-headed and frequently experienced nausea. Her mother gradually noticed these symptoms. Unable to hide the truth any longer, Kanak Manjari told her mother everything. Her family tried to persuade her to terminate the pregnancy, but she firmly refused. Eventually, her father came to know about the matter. She was their only daughter. They were devastated and did not know whom to turn to. Slowly, the news spread throughout the neighbourhood. Her family contacted Debabrata's family. But his family refused to accept the responsibility. Debabrata himself also turned away from her. In Subalaya village, people began gossiping about Kanak Manjari and mocking her as an “unmarried mother.” Her family endured humiliation and found it increasingly difficult to walk through the village with their heads held high. But time never remains the same. Circumstances can change. One day, a letter arrived at Kanak Manjari's house through the post. Her mother received it from the postman and handed it to her daughter. Her father was also nearby. It was an appointment letter. Kanak Manjari had been selected to join the Home Department of the Secretariat as an Assistant Clerk. The entire family was overjoyed. The news soon spread throughout the village. A few days later, Kanak Manjari and her family moved to Bhubaneswar, leaving their village house in the care of relatives and neighbours. After joining her job, Kanak Manjari's life changed dramatically. Her efficiency, sincerity and dedication earned her the respect and affection of her colleagues. Many people extended their helping hands towards her. Kanak Manjari was now a mother- an unmarried mother and the mother of a son. Yet being an unmarried mother did not prevent her from helping others. She assisted many educated young men and women from her village in pursuing opportunities and seeking employment in various positions in the Secretariat. Whenever anyone from her village came to Bhubaneswar, she stood beside them in their moments of happiness and difficulty. Gradually, the people of the village stopped mocking her. Those who had once ridiculed her began to look at her with respect. Years passed. She named her son Debabrata. The boy was now seven years old. For him, Kanak Manjari played the roles of both mother and father. She devoted her life to raising him and building his future. One day, while having some refreshments at a small eatery near the Secretariat, Kanak Manjari happened to meet Debabrata again. He no longer looked like the man she had once known. He had become weak and thin. The moment he saw Kanak Manjari, tears rolled down his cheeks. He did not have the courage to say even a single word. After a long conversation, Kanak Manjari learned about his life. His parents had passed away. His brothers had divided their father's property and were living separately.Debabrata had married, but he and his wife had no children. He had no regular source of income either. Somehow, they were managing their lives from the income generated from their agricultural land. They spoke for a little longer.Then a call came from Kanak Manjari's office. She had to leave. Before leaving, she looked at Debabrata and said only one thing:- “I am an unmarried mother.” She walked away. They never met again. Debabrata returned home, blaming his fate and himself. But Kanak Manjari did not wait for anyone's sympathy.She had already crossed the barriers of social humiliation and prejudice. She chose to raise her son with dignity and determination, walking forward on her own path. Because a mother's identity does not always need a father's name. Sometimes, a mother's struggle, courage and unconditional love become her greatest identity. ◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️