Rupali, the Beautiful Girl ( part-2)
By Lokanath Mishra
Shankar’s world was turned upside down when the municipal authorities demolished his lodging house, citing that it was constructed on government land. The financial blow was severe, and Shankar struggled to cope with the loss. His family’s livelihood now depended solely on the income from Rupali Restaurant, which barely managed to make ends meet.
Rupali, a 22-year-old postgraduate student of psychology, was a bright and beautiful young woman. Her parents, determined to see her settled, arranged a marriage for her with Rahul, a government engineer. What seemed like a perfect match was further cemented by Rahul’s agreement to marry without dowry, impressed by Rupali’s beauty and education.
However, fate had other plans. Just five days before the wedding, Rahul’s father demanded a hefty dowry, which Shankar couldn’t afford. The marriage was abruptly canceled, leaving the family in despair. Rupali was devastated, but she tried to focus on continuing her education, despite the emotional turmoil and financial struggles that had beset her family. With determination and resilience, she attempted to navigate the challenges ahead, holding on to her dreams and aspirations.
In 1999, when Hari was 26 years old, the super cyclone that hit the coast brought devastation on an unimaginable scale. The restaurant where he worked was washed away by the powerful sea waves, leaving nothing but ruins behind. His humble mud house, where he lived with his mother, was demolished, and in the chaos of the storm, his mother lost her life.
The loss was overwhelming, and Hari’s world was shattered. He became abnormal, struggling to cope with the trauma and grief. With the help of his sisters and relatives, he somehow managed to perform the dasah and dwadash, the last rituals for his mother, as per their traditions.
After completing the rituals, Hari’s state of mind deteriorated further. He began to live in the open air, unable to find solace or shelter in a world that had been turned upside down by the cyclone. His life, once marked by struggles and hardships, had now become a desperate fight to hold on to his sanity amidst the overwhelming loss.
Hari’s journey took a new turn when he arrived in Bhubaneswar and met Shankar. The reunion brought joy to Shankar and his family, but their happiness was short-lived as Hari shared the tragic story of his life after the super cyclone. Moved by his plight, they offered Hari a place to stay and a chance to work at Rupali Restaurant.
Grateful for their kindness, Hari accepted their offer and began working at the restaurant. As time passed, he regained his footing and started to rebuild his life. Encouraged by his progress, Hari decided to venture out on his own and opened a new restaurant in Bapuji Nagar. His culinary skills, hard work, and dedication quickly made the restaurant a popular destination, and a thriving business gradually took shape.
With his newfound success, Hari’s life began to look up, and he found a sense of purpose and belonging in Bhubaneswar, thanks to the support and kindness of Shankar and his family. Little did he know that this new chapter in his life would also bring him closer to someone special.
As Hari settled into his new life in Bhubaneswar, he and Rupali grew closer, and their mutual admiration blossomed into a deep love. Rupali, smitten by Hari’s kindness and determination, found herself falling more and more in love with him. Hari, too, had long harbored feelings for Rupali, and now, with their daily interactions, his love for her only intensified.
However, their social differences and Hari’s limited education posed a challenge. Shankar, Rupali’s father, initially disapproved of their relationship, hoping for a more “suitable” match for his daughter. But Rupali’s determination and happiness were hard to ignore. She stood firm in her decision to marry Hari, and eventually, her parents saw the love and commitment between the two and agreed to their union.
The wedding was a grand ceremony, filled with joy and celebration. Family and friends gathered to witness the union of Rupali and Hari, who exchanged vows with love and devotion. As they embarked on their new life together, they knew that their love would overcome any obstacle, and they looked forward to building a future filled with happiness and prosperity.
