The Lottery of Destiny
By Lokanath Mishra
Rabi was the kind of man most parents dream of for their daughters. Intelligent, hardworking, and grounded despite his privileged background, he had carved a name for himself. After completing his B. Tech from the Regional College of Engineering, he pursued an MBA from a reputed business school, graduating with flying colors. His efforts paid off when he was recruited by a leading IT consultancy firm, where he earned a salary that was the envy of many.
But beyond the degrees and the paychecks, Rabi was also a gentle, thoughtful person. He loved reading, enjoyed experimenting with cooking on weekends, and carried himself with a calm dignity that commanded respect. His family, affluent and respected, was proud of him not only for his achievements but also for his character.
Now that he was well-settled, the family thought it was time for him to get married. Proposals had been arriving steadily, but one name kept returning to the conversation—Tina Sen, a bright and beautiful young woman from another highly regarded family.
Tina was no ordinary girl. She had completed her Master’s degree in Psychology in first class, a field that fascinated her deeply. Her dream was to become a lecturer, to stand in a classroom and open young minds to the wonders of human behavior. But her family, ambitious and pragmatic, encouraged her to aim higher. “Why stop at teaching?” her father often said. “With your education and skills, you should become an administrative officer. Apply for the Public Service Commission. That is where real respect lies.”
So Tina applied. She sent out résumés to private colleges while simultaneously preparing for the fiercely competitive civil service exams. Her days were busy, but her heart still longed for the simple joys—dance, music, and conversation.
When Rabi’s family sent the proposal, Tina’s parents readily agreed. The horoscopes matched well, the social standing was similar, and both were educated and modern in their outlook. But as custom demanded, before the engagement could be finalized, Rabi and Tina were allowed to meet for chatting and discussing with each other.
The meeting was arranged in a quiet corner of Tina’s house. A simple room with two chairs, a table with tea and snacks, and a window that let in the late afternoon sun. Both were nervous, but they smiled politely as they sat across from each other.
They began, as most arranged marriage meetings did, with formalities.
“What do you like?” Rabi asked gently.
“I like reading, sometimes cooking, and… well, mostly dancing,” Tina admitted, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Rabi’s eyebrows lifted in pleasant surprise. “Dance? Classical or something else?”
“Not classical,” Tina said with a laugh. “Just Bollywood style. Fun, energetic. It makes me happy.”
“Did you train formally?” he pressed, curious.
“No, nothing like that. Just casual. I always wanted to learn classical though.”
“That’s nice,” Rabi nodded. “Even I like cooking. Sometimes I experiment with new recipes after work.”
Tina gave a half-smile. “Cooking is okay… I don’t love it, but I know in sasural, I’ll have to cook.”
Her honesty startled him, but he admired it too. She wasn’t pretending to be perfect; she was speaking her mind.
After a few more light exchanges, Rabi leaned forward slightly. His tone grew serious.
“Tell me honestly,” he asked, “Do you really want to get married, or is it just your parents’ decision?”
Tina met his eyes, calm and sincere. “No, I want to get married. And… I like you.”
Rabi smiled faintly, but curiosity made him ask, “Why do you like me?”
Tina hesitated, then broke into a mischievous grin. “Because our pandit said if we marry, you’ll win a big lottery one day.”
For a moment, Rabi was speechless. Was she joking? Was she serious? He studied her face, but she seemed genuinely earnest. The simplicity of her answer, almost childlike, both amused and unsettled him. Here sat a highly educated young woman, yet her faith in astrology and destiny seemed stronger than logic.
Still, there was something refreshing about her honesty. Many people pretended, but Tina’s innocence and openness felt genuine. He found himself smiling despite the oddness of her reply.
They continued talking—about careers, family, little likes and dislikes. By the time they left the room, both families could already see the sparks of understanding between them. The proposal was finalized.
The wedding was celebrated in grand style, with all the pomp their families could afford. Music, flowers, relatives in glittering attire—everything marked it as a memorable occasion. Rabi and Tina entered their new life together with blessings showered from all sides.
They moved to Bangalore, where Rabi resumed his job. Tina, meanwhile, sat for her public service exams. She worked hard, but competition was brutal, and she couldn’t make it through. Instead of breaking down, she diverted her energy into two new pursuits: she joined a classical dance school and accepted a lecturer’s position at a private college. The salary was meager, but the work gave her satisfaction.
Yet, a peculiar habit soon grew in her. Every month, with a portion of her earnings, Tina bought lottery tickets—sometimes in her own name, sometimes in Rabi’s. She never forgot the astrologer’s prediction and carried it in her heart like a promise.
For two years, they tried, and every time the results were announced, Tina’s excitement turned to disappointment. Not a single rupee was won.
But fate had its own way of keeping promises.
One morning, Rabi received an email at work. He had been selected for an overseas assignment in a lottery. A rare opportunity—a working visa to the United States of America. For Rabi, it was like winning a jackpot, though not of money but of destiny.
When Tina heard the news, her eyes widened. “See? The pandit was right! You did win a lottery.”
Rabi chuckled but couldn’t deny the truth in her words. They told their families, and soon, the astrologer himself proudly declared his prediction fulfilled. “If they go to America,” he said, “their future will be bright. They will prosper.”
Blessed by their parents and guided by the winds of destiny, Rabi and Tina flew to America to begin a new chapter.
In the United States, Rabi joined in his IT consultancy firm, earning well and gaining respect. Tina, meanwhile, became a homemaker, her days filled with learning new ways of life, exploring the culture, and nurturing their growing bond.
Not long after, Tina discovered she was pregnant. The news filled their home with laughter and anticipation. She danced in joy—no longer just in Bollywood style, but with the graceful movements she had learned in her classical classes.
Rabi, watching her, realized something profound. Yes, education, career, and logic mattered. But innocence, faith, and love brought a different kind of happiness—one that no degree or salary could buy.
Together, in a distant land, Rabi and Tina began weaving their story of love, destiny, and hope. And indeed, they were happy.
