Translated from the Original Hindi by
Kanwar Dinesh Singh
Taking a sip of tea, Papa said, “Neha, which discipline have you decided for the ninth class? Science or commerce?”
After pondering for a while, Neha said, “Dad, no science at all. It cannot see those dissections and blood. I’ll take commerce only. At least tomorrow, I’ll be able to become an officer in the bank with chic.”
Her mother and grandmother sitting close to her laughed.
Affectionately, smiling and patting Neha’s shoulder, Papa said, “Okay dear, you should take what interests you most. What else will be new from ninth grade?”
Quickly raising her eyebrows, she said, “Papa, there is music in the ninth grade and NCC too. You can choose one of those. Many of my friends are taking NCC; I also want to take it. Should I?”
Before Dad could say something, Grandmother said, “What will you learn by taking NCC? Walking stiff and gunning, that’s it. When does this suit the girls? Learn music; it will be of some use in life. It’s always good for a woman to be decent and docile. If she walks with her eyelids and shoulders slightly bowed, all relationships and domestic life remain in tune for a lifetime; understand that.”
Dad did not want to disobey Mother, so without saying anything, he got up and left. Neha looked up to her mother with deep eyes, and the helpless mother also explained that it would not be possible.
Distressed, Neha went to her room.
Neha started working in a bank after completing her studies. She also became a householder. As she passed the age of forty, she was so burdened with work that her waist started aching.
Due to the unbearable pain, she consulted a doctor. The doctor said to her, “There is some gap in your spinal cord. And each of the bones has also slipped a bit from its place. To get rid of pain quickly, you must do some physical exercise in the morning and evening and walk a little. Bending is fatal to the spine.”
-0-Dr Kanwar Dinesh Singh