The Ring

The mother's last wish -

"Come here Ritu," my friend's mother called me to her bedside. "I could not go out and find such a student as Sandosham would have wanted. As you are involved in Social service with village students, you'll be in a position to find a suitable one as he would have liked." Thus saying she placed a small box in my hand and closed her eyes. Her daughter Jackie had just gone abroad after the delivery of her second child and wouldn't be able to come back immediately for  her mother's funeral. So I   humbly free digital photos..net 
 accepted the mother's last wish.

Ten years ago -
I can still see it in my mind's eye. The front door is opened and I step in. The curtain is open and in the inner room is a young man. My friend's mom gives him a small jewellery box.
"Gowri left for her husband's village in a hurry. So she couldn't give it to you herself - told me to give it to you."
He opens it and starts sobbing. The scene looks somewhat private, something emotional. So I think of coming later and try to excuse myself. But my friend and her mother stop me. "Stay," they say. "We are unable to comfort him. See if you can help."

"This is Sandosham, our old neighbour,"  Jackie, my classmate says. "He was an Engineering student. Brilliant. All rounder : if he imagined something, he'd do it. On his farm or at home with his mother. If he thought a gadget would help to make things easier, he'd think about it and within two or three days he'd create one in full working condition. This is the only time he's failed to get what he wanted.

It started when another neighbour's kitten fell into their well. It's owner, a girl cried for help. Sandosh who was passing that way jumped in and rescued the little one.The girl, Gowri was awed by the fact that such a brilliant guy could be so humble and helpful, not hesitant to dirty his clothes or even risk his life.

                                                                                                                             free digital photos..net  
When she finished her +2 she consulted him regarding what course she should choose later. And after opting for BSc Physics she'd  ask him for ideas relating to project work and exhibition. Then she did her BEd but in the midst of it her father fell ill and had to be admitted in hospital. With money needed there, she was not able to pay her fees. She stayed at home, looking after her dad. Meanwhile Sandosh heard of it and arranged for the money.

Give and take -
"Pay me back whenever you're able to, if you're so particular," he said.
Once when some rowdies were chasing  Kousalya his younger sister one evening, Gowri picked up a thick stick and gave one of them such a whack that the others ran away. Then Sandosh suddenly lay down with jaundice. Gowri knew just which herbs could bring about a fast recovery. This way with give and take from both sides, the bond between these two grew.

Then Gowri's father got well and came back from the hospital. He disapproved of the relationship right away as Sandosham was of a lower caste. All Sandosh's good qualities did not matter in his eyes. He called a worthless relative of his, arranged for some garlands and asked Gowri to marry him at a nearby temple immediately. When she refused, he picked up his gun and turned towards the door. She hurriedly did as she was told. (In those days children didn't go to police stations and complaints against parents weren't entertained).

The next day she hurriedly told Sandosh what had happened. "My father would do what he had threatened to do,"she said. "How could I let anyone die?" and bursting  into tears, she turned and went away.

" She was referring to me. I've never seen such a noble human as Gowri," Sandosham said, neither among men or among women.
Promise me one thing, Auntie,"he said suddenly to Jackie's mother, wiping his tears.
"Of course son," she said.
"Keep this ring for me and use it to help any needy student, please. I can't bear to see it any more" he said.

That was ten years ago. And this was the ring that was passed on to me now. It seemed heavy because of the responsibility, the sacrifices involved. I sighed, prayed for wisdom and turned  towards my house.