Where There Is A Will There Is A Way

It was like a dormant volcano ; ready to be activated and erupt any time, at the slightest provocation. I am referring to the atmosphere in the home, mood of individuals within the home, lastly the mood of the individuals themselves. 

That was the residence of Mr. Ravi Sharma, called by every one around as Sharmaji and his wife Kamala. A small independent house , more than 50 years old and purchased by Sharmaji with proceeds of a small ancestral home in the village supplemented by his savings. That was a very long time ago and he himself vaguely remembered the details. It was because of this house that he could maintain his family’s dignity though he was a mere post man and now retired.

His wife had been supportive and frugal so that they could meet the ends. Today there is a threat to the unity of this close knit family and it appeared as if the divide is certain and Mr. and Mrs. Sharma were sad and at the slightest word they could erupt, cannot say if it will be outburst of anger or agony and sadness.

Sharma’s had two son’s krishna Sharma and Ram Sharma. The elder one was a post graduate and a lecturer in government college. He chose this profession so that he could support his father as early as possible and also take care of his younger brother’s education. Ram Sharma was brilliant and it was noticed by everyone. So the family happily decided to support his higher education. Soon after completing his Management studies from a reputed institute, it so happened that he landed up getting a good job in the same city where they all lived. The happiness of the family had no bounds. ’Papa I will get you a big screen TV so that mama and you can enjoy and have a good time. Our old TV needs to be replaced. Then we will have to renovate our house. It’s ages since we painted it.” He went on and on with excitement. With his first salary, he bought some gold for his mother and Bhabhi. He was very close to his Bhabhi and shared a special bond with her. She was like an elder sister with whom he could share everything and she cared for him like a mother. 

The whole problem started soon after Ram Kumar ‘s wedding to Sadhana. She was the only daughter of a wealthy father and pampered child. For her, family started and ended with Ramkumar and all other members were incidental and did not mean much to her. She had many complaints, about the house, its members and the list could be endless. The two children of Krishna Kumar whom, Ram Kumar adored and loved, were considered a nuisance by her as they garnered her husband’s attention. Slowly the differences with the entire family which started as a smoke, reached gigantic proportions of a dormant volcano ready to erupt any time. It was shocking that the entry of one person had turned their paradise into hell.

‘Kamala, though I never expected that this could happen, looks like our sons have to start separate living. May be, we should help the in the process, so that things don’t deteriorate further.” The matter was discussed and division of the family was decided. Sadhana and Ram Kumar were to shift into a big rented bungalow till they purchased their own home. She even brought the topic of their share in the existing property, to which she was told to keep away. Sadhana happily started the preparations. "Whether it is the partition of the family or of a nation. The pain and turmoil that the affected people undergo is same and it is unbearable.” Thought Ram Kumar. It hurt him to no end to see his Bhabhi, children and parents withdrawn into a shell and sad. He decided that enough was enough and the family need not go though this turmoil. He thought about it very seriously and finally one evening he called Sadhana and said,” what ever I am today is because of my parents and my brother and Bhabhi. If I have to choose between my family and you, without a second thought I would choose my family. It is very cowardly of me to let things go out of hands. Better to be late than never. I don’t want to let go of my family. You also can make a choice and let me know."

Sadhana got a shock of her life and from what ever she understood about her husband, she knew that he meant what he was saying. She agreed to continue to live together like before. Ram Kumar on his part realized that this divisive proposal of Sadhana can resurface any time in future. Things can get complicated if he and Sadhana had children. Taking all possibilities into account Ram Kumar came up with a proposal keeping in view the financial security of his brother’s family and his parents happily agreed to it. According to the proposal of Ram Kumar, they found two identical buildings next to each other, in an upmarket area of the town. The old house where they were living was sold out and with additional payment of small amount from Krishna Kumar’s savings , a house was bought for him. Ramkumar bought the house for himself on complete loan. He realized that breaking up the family was easiest thing to do, while it needed lot of courage and determination to keep it intact. He was willing to take the risk of loosing his marriage and it worked. He was happy that his education in management came useful in saving his family and marriage.