STORY-MY COUSINS

I  have two cousin brothers –one is fair and handsome, but backward in studies, the other is brilliant, almost a genius, but extremely poor. I loved both of them, unable to decide which one is more desirable.

The poor guy Unni was coming to my house, I could see him enter the gate and slowly approach the door, from the balcony upstairs. After some minutes, when I did not hear the buzzer, I came down and opened the door:”Unni, why are you hesitating? Is not me, your fan? You can demand my life and I cannot refuse.”

“Really it is nothing serious; I needed money. For the exams, I have to pay some money in the office. “

“But today is Sunday. Let me ask father.”  I went to see him. “Our Unni wants money for his exam fees. Can you give him money?” He remained silent for some time. “Gaury, some people are born to suffer.  Poor Itnicha is unlucky. Her husband squandered the money he got, after partition of property.” He opened his almirah and took out five hundred rupees. He himself came out and gave it to Unni. Unni was about to touch his feet, but he lifted him:”You are like a son to me. I wish my own son took more interest in studies .” When he left, Unni began:”I thought he is very haughty; no, he is only taciturn. Will he approve of your marriage with your lover?” ”Who is that guy?  Are sure you are not my lover?”

I accompanied him to the road. “You need not be so apologetic. I am afraid father may not agree . Once you achieve a good position, I will speak to him”. I stretched my hand and he shook it with vigour.

My other cousin, Keshu came on his bike. He did not observe any formality.  “Gaury, you have to decide immediately. I cannot wait any longer. “ “At least, you complete your B.Sc. What you will do after marriage? You must work for a living. I do not like to offend my father. Do not pester me like this.”

I had to attend an interview at Madras. Father told Keshu, to escort me and gave him sufficient money. He had no idea about his craze for me and blindly trusted him. In the first class compartment of the train, he did not misbehave with me.

After the interview, instead of returning the same day, he booked a room in a hotel and raped me. I did not resist, but at heart, I cursed him. “How different  my other cousin is!” I cursed myself for the indignity I had to suffer.

Reaching home, I told father what happened at Madras. He could not believe it, but immediately, our marriage as arranged by father himself.