A Complex Family Dynamic
By Lokanath Mishra
Pabitra Gochayat, a 52-year-old widower, worked as a peon in a central government office in Bhubaneswar. He lived with his three unmarried children: his elder son Kabi, an electrician; his third daughter, Lovely, who was in college; and his youngest son Santosh was in school.His two married daughters lived with their in-laws, happy with their own families.
Lovely’s friend Ruby, a beautiful young woman, frequently visited the Gochayat home. However, Ruby was entangled in a complicated relationship with Madhu, a married lecturer who also visited the house often. Kabi, Pabitra’s eldest son, had developed feelings for Ruby, but she was already committed to Madhu.
As a scheduled caste member, Pabitra faced social challenges. His dark complexion and modest means made life difficult. Despite these struggles, his children were determined to make a better life for themselves. The family’s story was one of resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity.
Ruby’s life took a dramatic turn when she became pregnant with Madhu’s child. Madhu, a married father of two, wanted Ruby to have an abortion, but she refused. He pleaded with her to reconsider, desperate to protect his family. However, Ruby was determined to have her child. Ruby agreed to marry a man who would accept her in her pregnant state. The Gochayat family, caught off guard, pressured Kabi to marry Ruby, but he declined. In a surprising move, Pabitra, the 52-year-old widower, stepped forward to take responsibility. Despite his advanced age and social challenges as a scheduled caste member, Pabitra married Ruby, offering her stability and security. This unexpected decision would alter the lives of everyone involved, leading to a complex and uncertain future.
The story highlights the struggles of a woman who faced societal pressures, family complexities, and personal challenges, ultimately leading to a difficult decision that raises questions about social norms and expectations.
Pabitra and Ruby married and lived happily together. Ruby had a baby girl. Kabi got married and moved to his in-laws’ house. The third daughter also got married and left home. Tragically, Pabitra passed away suddenly. Ruby got a job due to compensation benefits. She lived with her daughter and minor stepson, namely Santosh and they were all happy together.
Ruby worked as a clerk, while Santosh pursued his college education. During this time, a cousin ( a distance relative) of Santosh named Kumar came to live with them. Kumar was an exceptional student and completed his postgraduate education while staying with the family. Santosh received family pension until he turned 24, after which he landed a clerical job in a private company in a nearby town and moved away. Meanwhile, Kumar was selected for the state administrative service and joined after completing his training. He was known for his kind nature.
Kumar was concerned about Ruby’s well-being, feeling that she was too young to live alone. He decided to propose to her, and they got married with mutual consent. After their wedding, they lived happily together with Ruby’s daughter.