Turning Point At Raghavpur

The train was moving at high speed in the night. Most of the passengers were sleeping. A young man and an old man were terribly upset for not getting their reserved berth in a bogie. Their movement was closely observed by a young woman in the middle berth. Both stopped near her berth. 

“Who are you? Why are you standing here,” she asked the young man

“Madam, I am searching for a ticket examiner. Somebody has occupied my berth,” said the young man.

She had occupied his berth. 

The ticket examiner arrived and checked their tickets. He asked for her ticket. The official realized it was a mistake of the Railways. The young man was provided below her berth and the old man was given opposite to him in the lower berth. At 6 am the train halted at Raghavpur, a small station. All the three got down at the station. While walking on the platform, the young man and the young girl saw each other. To their astonishment, both were already known to each other. 

“What a surprise Pravin? If I remember correctly, I think we last met about five years ago in Bengaluru."

“Yes Mayuri you are right. I even remember the occasion. We met in the cinema theatre. It was a matinee show ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'."

 The old man was smiling after seeing the girl. Pravin introduced Mayuri to his father Sadanand. 

She said, "namaste sir."

“Mayuri, five years back, Pravin was studying in BE first year and I think you were in the same class in Siddarth college of engineering, Bengaluru. said Sadanand.

"No, uncle. I passed BE in first class from Mata Rajeshwari college of engineering, Bengaluru and secured a job in Ramana Associates an engineering consultancy services, Raghavpur."

“Mayuri, what a coincidence? I have been working in the same firm for the last one year."

Said Pravin.

"Mayuri, where is your father Mahesh?" asked Sadanand.

"Uncle, you know my dad."

"Yes! He was my co-walker in Sharada park in Bengaluru. You know, retirees get acquainted irrespective of their nature of work. Your dad retired from the education department and I retired from the Police department."

Everybody was in a jolly mood. They came out of the station. All three stopped before the big board. It was her first visit to Raghavpur. She was surprised to read the board.

Welcome to Raghavpur.

Sri Raghav temple 1 KM

Bird sanctuary    5 KM

Fort              3 KM

Government offices, Schools 2 KM

Kumuda river      6 KM

Industrial estate   8 KM

Boats are available at the bank of the river. For assistance please contact 482549.

"Mayuri, don't worry," said Pravin.

They hired an auto rickshaw and reached Pravin's house in five minutes. Mayuri left for her rented house after one hour. Pravin in the heart of heart loved Mayuri. 

Three month before coming to Raghavpur, Mayuri was working in a private company in Bengaluru and married to a colleague Sudhakar. Just one months back, her husband died in a road accident. She revealed this tragedy to Mayur. Father and son felt very much. Sadanand was very kind towards her. 

 She brought her parents after one week. Pravin had sweet dreams of meeting Mayuri in historical spots, hotels, famous parks, temples and museums etc. like a hero and heroine in the movie.

One day, Mayur expressed his desire before his father.

“ Dad, I would like to seek your blessings before making any decision.” 

He asked,

“What is the matter my dear son?"

“Dad, I am seriously thinking how to begin the matter?”

“Don’t worry. You know my nature. After the demise of your mother, I am a lonely person. I will never go against your wishes. Tell me your wish without fear.”

“Dad, I like the nature, attitude and behavior of Mayuri. If you say okay, I would like to marry her.”

Sadanand was silent for a moment.

 Observing his dad’s position, Mayur said, “Dad, any problem?"

“ My dear son, I always think of your welfare. She is the daughter of my friend. I can say she is a gem. My stand is very clear. Before conveying my decision, I would like to tell you about the most important issues connected to her. Firstly, she is a widow. Secondly, she is taller than you. Thirdly, she belongs to a different caste. In Spite of all this, if you want to marry her, I wholeheartedly approve."

“Dad, I know she is a widow. It is not her mistake to become a widow at this young age. She may be taller than me. It is not a problem. I am not particular about caste. Moreover, I am doing great service for marrying a widow."

“I am proud of you, my son. Your thinking is really praise worthy. Widow remarriage is a social reform. I am with you my dear son. Go ahead and start a new life with Mayuri. I bless you and wish you all the best,” said dad.

One day, Mahesh invited friend Sadananda and his son to visit his house on coming Sunday at 9 am. Mahesh purposely kept the reason for the invitation secret. Sadanand thought it was the best occasion to reveal his son’s wish.

On Sunday, dad and son visited Mayuri's house. It was a surprise for them to see another guest. Mahesh introduced Puneet, an orphan and highly educated unemployed youth of Raghavpur as the would be soulmate for Mayuri. Mayuri and Punit already met and agreed to tie the knot. 

Pravin was very much disappointed. 

 ‘Man proposes, but God disposes’ rightly applies to Pravin. But for Mayuri, it was a turning point in her life at Raghavpur.