Rima and Sanjukta
By Lokanath Mishra
Rima, a dedicated high school teacher, had been working at a private school for two years, where teachers were grossly underpaid. It was during this time that Sanjukta, a 22-year-old junior teacher, joined their staff. Sanjukta was a ray of sunshine, always fun to be around, but there was an air of mystery surrounding her.
Despite being well-liked by her students, their parents, and colleagues, Sanjukta kept her personal life under wraps. She politely declined invitations to after-school gatherings, lunches, and dinners. However, her exceptional teaching skills, particularly in math and science, made her a favorite among the students. Rima liked Sanjukta very much.
One Sunday, Sanjukta surprised five of her colleagues, including Rima, by inviting them to her home for lunch. While they were thrilled to accept, Sanjukta requested that they arrive separately using public transportation, which raised some eyebrows. At her home, they met Sanjukta’s mother, a talented artist who worked in painting. However, her father was conspicuous by his absence.
The lunch was delicious, and everyone had a wonderful time. However, Sanjukta insisted that they stay until 7 PM for evening tea and then leave one by one. This peculiar request left them feeling a bit perplexed, but they couldn’t help but enjoy the warm hospitality.
A month later, Sanjukta submitted her resignation via post and failed to show up at school. Rima and another colleague attempted to reach her through her mobile, but their efforts were in vain. Concerned, they visited Sanjukta’s home, only to find it locked. Local inquiries revealed that Sanjukta and her mother had left with their luggage, leaving behind only her father.
Rima couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was amiss. Months later, while chatting with a police officer friend, Rima asked him to look into Sanjukta’s case. The officer’s search revealed a shocking truth: Sanjukta and her mother were fleeing an abusive stepfather who had been tormenting them for years.
Rima’s heart went out to Sanjukta and her mother. She understood the need for secrecy and protection. From that day on, Rima prayed for their safety and peace, respecting their decision to start anew, free from the shackles of their troubled past.
Rima’s life was tranquil, living with her parents in their spacious house. They rented out a portion of the house to different families, but one section remained vacant. Her parents were searching for a new family to rent the vacant space.
During the summer vacation, Rima visited her uncle’s house. When she returned, she was surprised to see that her mother had rented the vacant portion to a new family. As she entered the house, she was delighted to see Sanjukta and her mother, whom she had been thinking about often, wondering about their well-being.
Sanjukta, oblivious to the fact that Rima was the owner’s daughter, smiled warmly at Rima. Rima’s heart swelled with happiness, seeing that Sanjukta and her mother had found a safe haven. She learned that Sanjukta had started working as an accountant in a bank, while her mother had joined a local school as an art teacher.
Rima’s parents, noticing her excitement, smiled knowingly. They had intentionally kept the rental arrangement a secret, wanting to surprise Rima. As Rima spent more time with Sanjukta and her mother, she realized that their lives had taken a positive turn. The three women formed a strong bond, and Rima’s home became a sanctuary for Sanjukta and her mother, a place where they could heal and start anew.
One day, Sanjukta mustered the courage to share her heartbreaking story with Rima’s parents. As they listened intently, Sanjukta’s eyes welled up with tears.
She began by telling them about her father’s untimely death when she was just 10 years old. Her grandparents, who had taken them in, forced her mother to marry a contractor who was divorced with four children. Sanjukta was only 14 at the time.
The contractor, who had been wealthy, had lost all his property in a bitter divorce settlement. He became increasingly abusive and alcoholic, often demanding that Sanjukta’s mother bring money from her parents. Sanjukta’s mother, desperate to keep the peace, would often oblige.
However, the contractor’s behavior continued to deteriorate. He started having an affair with a married woman who worked as a peon in an office. Whenever he visited their home, he would torment Sanjukta and her mother.
The day Sanjukta invited Rima and her colleagues for lunch, the contractor had discovered their plans and reprimanded them for wasting money on entertaining guests. That night, he attempted to rape Sanjukta, prompting her and her mother to flee their home the very next morning.
Sanjukta’s mother had sent the contractor divorce papers, threatening to file a police case for attempted rape if he didn’t sign them. Fearing the consequences, the contractor had reluctantly agreed to the divorce.
After leaving their home, Sanjukta and her mother had initially taken refuge with her grandparents. Later, after securing jobs in the town, they had moved to Rima’s house, seeking a fresh start.