Rupali, the beautiful girl : ( part -1)
By Lokanath Mishra
Hari Mishra’s life took a drastic turn when he was just 14 years old and in class 8th. His father, a priest in the revered Prabhu Shri Jagannath temple complex in Puri, passed away, leaving behind a family struggling to make ends meet. The loss was devastating, and the family’s financial situation became even more precarious.
Hari’s sisters were already married and living with their in-laws, leaving him and his widow mother to fend for themselves. They resided in a humble mud and thatched house, barely able to afford two meals a day. The struggle was real, and Hari’s education seemed like a luxury they could no longer afford.
To support his mother and himself, Hari discontinued his studies and took up his father’s role as a priest in the temple. Although the income was meager, it was a means to survive. They managed to have one meal a day, and sometimes Hari would receive Maha Prasad, a blessed offering from devotees, which would serve as his dinner.
Despite the hardships, Hari found solace in his work at the temple. He continued to serve the deity and the community, finding purpose in his role. His mother, though struggling to cope with the loss of her husband, found strength in her son’s dedication. Together, they faced the challenges of their difficult life, holding on to their faith and the hope for a better future.
As the years passed, Hari continued to work as a priest, but he knew he needed a better-paying job to improve his family’s life. One day, he decided to take up a new opportunity as a helper at a restaurant located on the beautiful Puri sea beach. The work was demanding, but it paid more than his priestly duties.
Hari’s culinary skills and dedication didn’t go unnoticed, and soon he was promoted to the position of cook at the restaurant. This marked a significant turning point in their lives. With his new role, Hari’s income increased, and he was finally able to provide his mother with a more stable and comfortable life.
Their days of struggling to afford even one meal became a thing of the past. Now, both Hari and his mother could enjoy two meals a day, and their overall well-being began to improve. The change was not just in their diet but also in their outlook towards life. They felt more hopeful and secure, thanks to Hari’s hard work and determination.
As Hari’s career in the restaurant flourished, he never forgot his humble beginnings and the lessons he learned from his time as a priest. He remained grounded and continued to work with dedication, ensuring that his mother lived a life she deserved.
One day, a Bengali family, consisting of Shankar, his wife Gayatri, and their young daughter Rupali, arrived in Puri for a visit. They stayed at a hotel and rose early to enjoy the serene sea. The beach was mostly empty, with only a few tourists scattered about. As they bathed in the waves, disaster struck – Rupali was swept away by a strong current, and her father Shankar, in a desperate bid to save her, was pulled in as well.
Hari, who worked at a nearby restaurant, witnessed the distressing scene unfold. Without hesitation, he rushed into the water and bravely rescued both Rupali and her father. The family was overwhelmed with gratitude as Hari brought them safely back to shore.
Shankar and Gayatri were deeply indebted to Hari for saving the lives of their loved ones. They thanked him profusely, and their gratitude was palpable. Rupali, shaken but safe, clung to her parents, her eyes wide with fear and relief. The family knew they would never forget Hari’s selfless act of bravery.
After the family refreshed themselves at their hotel, they visited Hari’s restaurant for breakfast. Following a hearty meal, they paid the bill and called Hari over. In a gesture of gratitude, Shankar offered Hari a cash reward for saving his daughter and himself from the sea. However, Hari humbly declined the offer, citing that it was his duty to help those in need.
Undeterred, Shankar proposed an alternative – he offered Hari a job at his own restaurant with a higher wage and the position of manager. Yet again, Hari politely refused, feeling content with his current situation.
Shankar then introduced himself as the owner of Gayatri Lodge in Kalpana Square, Bhubaneswar, and Rupali Restaurant, located in front of Ramadevi Women’s College. He extended an open invitation to Hari, requesting him to consider working with him in Bhubaneswar if the opportunity ever arose. Shankar’s sincerity and genuine appreciation for Hari’s bravery left a lasting impression, and Hari couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude toward the kind-hearted family.
Rupali, with a bright smile, told Hari that she was studying at Ramadevi Women’s College and would be delighted if he joined her father’s restaurant, aptly named Rupali Restaurant after her. Despite her charming request, Hari politely declined the offer.
However, the way Rupali approached him, her gentle words, and her radiant smile, left a lasting impression on Hari’s heart. He couldn’t help but feel drawn to her beauty, kindness, and intelligence. Though he didn’t express his feelings to anyone, Hari found himself developing strong emotions for Rupali, quietly harboring them deep within.
After declining the job offer, Hari accompanied the Rupali family to Shri Jagannath Temple, fulfilling their request. Following their darshan of Prabhu Shri Jagannath, the family bid farewell to Puri and returned to Bhubaneswar.
Rupali resumed her studies at Ramadevi Women’s College, diligently pursuing her education. As she progressed from intermediate to graduation, her father’s thoughts turned to finding a suitable groom for her. However, Rupali’s mind often wandered, and she found herself thinking about Hari, the kind-hearted young man who had saved her life.
Meanwhile, Hari, too, hadn’t forgotten Rupali’s beautiful face and gentle words. Though he didn’t express his feelings to others, the memory of their encounter lingered in his heart. As time passed, Rupali’s father searched for potential suitors, unaware of his daughter’s quiet admiration for the young man who had rescued her. ( to be continued)
