Dhami was her name. There is no literary meaning to it, nor did happen any elaborate discussion when she was named. Someone just said it and others followed. Carelessness is life in villages, and it can be deceptive at times as well.
It was one of those regular days when Dhami had put the night lamp on the front of the house, and was preparing for cooking when she saw a packet kept on the wooden box. She rushed to check and it contained a dress for her, the same yellow churidar which she has been asking for last 2 years.
“Bapu(Father), did you bring this for me” she asked Sukhiram, her father, sitting outside.
“Yes Beti (Daughter), wear it” replied he and started collecting buckets and ghara (earthen pot) to bring water from the well.
“Naah...I will wear it on Deewali, not today” she replied.
He gave her a terse look and said, “You have been asking for it for last 2 years and you don’t wear it when I have brought. Go…get ready and I will accompany you to well today.
They walked towards the well. It was a very small path through the fields which were ready for harvest. They walked along, Dhami ahead and Sukhiram following her. It was a winter evening and had already gone dark. Villagers get habitual of their path and routine; and the habits get so engraved in them that they lose need for any physical support. They reached the well in moon light and Dhani started filling in buckets. One…….two…three…….but Sukhiram stood still. He had been silent all the way.
She was wearing the yellow dress which he had brought. Dhami was his first child. He still remembered the thrill when he had seen her for the first time. He had raised her in arm and proudly said ‘meri bitiya’ to the assembled relatives. Later on she turned into a dutiful daughter and he was a doting father. He would put her on shoulders and go to field, to market. She was very talkative and would keep asking him numerous questions. Some Sukhi would answer, some he would let pass. And today…..she is 25 years old, a marriageable age. He had been looking for prospective grooms for last 2 years…….but not able to fulfill their demands.
Sukhil came out of his thoughts; Dhani has picked the fourth bucket and was bringing the water up. This is the moment Sukhi, He thought. Just don’t think……..go forward………..it’s all dark………..nobody is here…….sukhi……….sukhi……….go ahead.
“Then why are you telling all this today” asked Mayank, the Dr. Mayank sitting beside Sukhiram in Hospital.
“I have lived with this truth for 30 years, doctor. I won’t live long…….want to go in peace. Tell my wife tomorrow that Dhami didn’t slip in well” said Sukhiram. His eyes were dark and body frail. Mayank was holding his hand. Sukhi took a deep breath and was gone. Mayank put off the light and closed the door.
