The Story of Rajesh and Babita : A Lesson in Self-Reflection
By Lokanath Mishra
Rajesh and Babita were a couple living in Bhubaneswar, residing in government quarters. Despite Babita’s extramarital relationship with a group-D employee of the Rajesh’s office, they maintained a facade of happiness in their relationship. Their both the sons were pursuing MBA (after completing graduation in engineering )in Hyderabad, and only daughter is pursuing MCA in Bangalore and all were staying in hostels.
One day, a new neighbor moved into the vacant quarters nearby. During breakfast, Babita gazed out the window and saw her neighbor’s laundry drying in the garden. “Look, their clothes are not clean at all! She probably doesn’t know how to wash clothes properly,” she commented. This became a regular observation, with Babita criticizing her neighbor’s laundry skills every time she saw them.
However, one day, Babita was surprised to see that the neighbor’s laundry was spotless and shiny. “Finally, our neighbor has learned to wash clothes properly!” she exclaimed. Rajesh smiled and said, “No, this morning I cleaned the window through which you look outside!” He then gently added, “We should clear our own eyes before we see the flaws in others, because most of the time the problem is in our own eyes, not in others.”
This moment made Babita pause and reflect on her own behavior. She realized that she had been judging her neighbor unfairly, without considering her own flaws.
Rajesh, a Group-B gazetted government employee, worked diligently to provide for his family. His salary went towards essential expenses like his children’s education, household costs, and supporting his parents in their village. Despite his best efforts, Rajesh struggled to save for the future, including his daughter’s upcoming marriage.
In contrast, Babita’s financial priorities differed significantly. As a government employee herself, she spent her entire salary on her parents, siblings, and surprisingly, her boyfriend. Moreover, she would often request substantial amounts from Rajesh for her personal indulgences, such as expensive clothing, shoes, and makeup.
This stark disparity in financial priorities highlighted the complexities in Rajesh and Babita’s relationship. While Rajesh shouldered the bulk of family responsibilities, Babita’s focus lay elsewhere, sparking questions about their partnership and mutual support.
Beneath the surface, Rajesh couldn’t help but wonder about the dynamics of their relationship. He felt burdened by the financial weight of supporting Babita’s family and her personal expenses, while she seemed more invested in her extramarital affair. This emotional disconnect raised concerns about the foundation of their marriage and the future they were building together.
As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that Rajesh and Babita’s relationship is fraught with challenges, both financial and emotional. Their situation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mutual support, trust, and communication in a partnership.
The difference in how Rajesh and Babita manage their finances highlights potential issues in their relationship. Babita’s extramarital affair and Rajesh’s feelings of burden create tension and raise questions about their marital bond. The lack of open discussion about their issues exacerbates the problems in their relationship .
One day, Rajesh got a promotion to a Group-A post and was posted in Kolkata. As a central government employee, Rajesh had to vacate the central government quarters in Bhubaneswar. Babita, as she was working in a state government office , chose not to move to Kolkata with Rajesh. Instead, she shifted to the quarters of her boyfriend, a Group-D officer in a central government office , who was working under Rajesh.
The boyfriend, who had a wife and five children living in their village, had been having an affair with Babita for some time. Rajesh, aware of the situation, had chosen to ignore it to maintain peace in the family.
As the years passed, Rajesh’s children grew up and secured good jobs in Bangalore. Rajesh arranged their marriages, and they settled down with their spouses in the city. Babita, however, did not attend the wedding ceremonies of her children.
After retirement, Rajesh decided to stay with his children in Bangalore. Babita, on the other hand, chose to stay with her boyfriend in Bhubaneswar.
The story of Rajesh and Babita serves as a reminder that our choices have consequences. While Rajesh prioritized his family’s well-being, Babita’s decisions led her down a different path.
The story raises important questions about relationships, family, and personal responsibility. It highlights the importance of communication, trust, and mutual respect in any relationship.
The story of Rajesh and Babita conveys several important messages.
Rajesh’s dedication to his children’s education and well-being is a testament to the importance of prioritizing family.
Babita’s decisions had significant consequences for her relationships with her family and her future.
The lack of communication and trust in Rajesh and Babita’s relationship led to a rift between them.
Individuals must take responsibility for their actions and choices.
These messages serve as a reminder to prioritize what truly matters in life and to be mindful of the consequences of our choices.
