"It's certainly sunny today," was the first thing Neetu said when she opened the windows. "It's warm too,the weather's so beautiful.Won't you like to have a look, Arsh!"Arsh,who was the twelve-year old brother of Neetu just turned around and continued his sleep.He wasn't in favor of watching the environment.He only cared about the weather if it rained,because then it would be impossible to hold the regular football match with his friends,for a good span of time.
"I thought your teacher was going to come today at 10,"Neetu shouted,"it's 9.25 and you are still in bed!If I call mother....."Arsh needed no more telling.He sprang up,out of his blanket,screaming "Didi ,don't do that!Don't call mom.She'll kill me!"Neetu smiled.She knew that her 5 years younger brother was afraid of only one person in the world-Mother.She was like a tigress who wears a human skin.If she calls,and anyone ignores,then there's great danger awaiting.
Neetu went downstairs.She had already brushed her teeth,combed her hair and made the usual thick plait behind her head.Her sari was not done much neatly,since she knew that while working,it will become absolutely crazy-looking.Her mother, seeing her, said,"Put the curry for heating in the microwave.Your father doesn't like it cold.And after breakfast,put the washed clothes to dry.And yes,when Rudra Master comes,make him some tea."
Heat the curry, dry the clothes,make tea for master,Neetu summed up the tasks she was given.She knew this was her life.In fact,it was a bit better than other girls of this place.She knows to read and write and went to the local school till 14 while the other girls don't even know what's written on a rupee-note.They identify notes by their colors-brown for 10 rupees,red for 20 and so on.Some of the girls were even married off.What else could a girl living in a middle-class family in the heart of the Himalayas expect?She didn't even visit Darjeeling,a nearby city for travel purpose.She only went there twice(that was no good in seeing the city because they had a lot of work there),to buy winter clothes,and once she went with her father to his workplace.She saw many people-even girls of her own age .But how different they were.Her father said they were from the city,and mostly were spoilt by "modern" parentage.But Neetu saw it differently.These girls were independent,they were even on their own.Some had a guy with them. Neetu never really understood any part of it.She knew life was different for them,and she was born to work as her mother was,and maybe become the wife and the mother of someone.
But in her heart,Neetu dreamed big.She wanted to break all walls and get freedom, live her life the way she wants-just like those girls in Darjeeling.
She didn't have the slightest idea of the adventure she was going to have ahead very soon.
...to be continued.....