When Ram Raushan came for dinner, Kamala was made to serve him for the night. She didn't like it one bit. The looks that the man was giving her, made her skin crawl with disgust.
After dinner Ram Raushan, her father, and her grandfather sat on the courtyard smoking.
"So, Raushan, you like the girl?", Kamala's grandfather asked.
The Sarpanch blew a ring of smoke and replied in affirmative.
"We are the bride's family", began her father, "You are taking our girl so kindly. It's our duty to fulfill all your demands."
"Five lakhs in cash", replied Ram Raushan. "You are my old friend, that's why I'm not demanding anything more."
Kamala's father's and grandfather's face paled.
"Five lakhs? Why don't we agree upon three?", her grandfather said, a fake smiled plastered to his face.
Ram Raushan's face darkened.
"No", he said. "Five lakhs or you keep your granddaughter."
Kamala's father or grandfather didn't have anything to say after this.
Kamala's grandfather had to sell two of their fields to pay the dowry. Only after the money was paid, Ram allowed the date of the marriage to be fixed.
On the special day,the groom came with a huge procession of relatives and a band party playing the tune of the latest film. A lot of money had been spent to make the night memorable.
Kamala was dressed in a red silk saree, her forehead decorated with fresh sandalwood paste and her face covered by a golden veil. When the priest asked the groom to put the garland around the bride's neck, the veil from the bride's face was lifted. Ram Raushan's eyes roamed her face greedily, he couldn't wait for the ceremony to end.
The couple exchanged garlands, the groom put the vermilion on the bride's forehead and they circled the sacred fire seven times. When the ceremony was finally concluded, the rooster was crowing. It was dawn.
The newlyweds accompanied by the sleepy procession and the band party headed homeward. Kamala was silent through the whole journey, her heart remained with her mother back home.
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Is It A Sin To Be A Girl?
General FictionKamala is unwanted. She was unwelcome in the house the moment she was born. Because, she was born a girl. She is a burden to her family. Physically and mentally abused, married before she was an adult, and a victim of domestic violence. Will she e...
