Shattered Dreams

Hania lived in a small village with her family. They were poor and found it hard to make ends meet. Being the eldest daughter in the family Hania, worked at home and in the fields to help her parents to keep the home fires burning. She was 18 years old.

Her education was cut short because of poverty. But she knew to read and write and was a voracious reader. After work, on her way back home, she would rush to the bus stand, railway station, and other public places with the hope that someone had left some books behind that she could bring home and read.

Her neighbor Malati was well off. Malati and Hania were childhood friends. Malati would bring her books. One day Malati’s relative Sharda came to visit. Sharada had seFen Hania at the railway station looking at the books in the bookstall. Sharda herself loved to read, and she could relate to Hania’s passion for books. 

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As Sharda and her family were chatting with Malati and her mom, Sharda saw Hania returning from work. Sharda asked Malati about Hania. Malati told Sharda all about Hania. Her desire to help the poor child grew within her. When Malati ran out of the house to greet Hania, Sharda expressed her wishes to Surekha, Malati’s mother. Surekha had great compassion for Hania and her family and readily agreed to help.  

Sharda and Surekha both went to their neighbor’s house. Lajo, Hania’s mother, opened the door for her. She was happy to see Surekha at her door. She gave them a warm welcome and invited them in.

Surekha spoke to Lajo, “This is my cousin from the city,” she said. She saw how hard-working your Hania is. She also knows about Hania’s love for books.” Surekha beamed with pride. “My daughter Hania is my right hand. She never hesitates to help me with my work. I don’t know what I would do without her.” Surekha hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “Lajo didi, Sharda would like to take Hania with her to the city. Sharda has a lot of books in her house that she can read. She can also help work in her house and earn much more than she does here. That will be a huge help for you. She will also send the money to you every month. What do you say? Are you willing to send Hania with Sharda to the city?”

Lajos’s smile froze. She appeared to be shocked. She didn’t utter a word. Surekha and Shardha did not know what to do. After a long pause, Surekha spoke up again. “Lajo didi the decision is yours. If you say no we will not have any hard feelings.” Lajo had tears in her eyes. She said, “Hania always wanted to go to the city. For her its a dream come true.” She then walked to Surekha and took her hand, and said, “You have helped me once again, how can I ever thank you for this.”

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Soon after Hania, left for the city with Sharda. As soon as Sharda and Hania entered Sharda’s house, Hania caught sight of a shelf with a huge display of books. Sharda watched as Hania ran to the bookshelf and clasped her hands with joy. Sharda stood at a distance and watched her. After she had scanned the contents, Hania came rushing to Sharda’s side and pleaded, “Didi will you allow me to read these books,” before Sharada could say a word, Hania continued to say, I will only read after finishing all my work—” “—Hania,” Sharda said as she laughed. “Yes, you can!” she completed.

Hania worked at Sharda’s place for two years. One day Sharda seemed upset. Hania came to her and asked her, “Didi what happened, why are you upset?” “Hania, my children want me to go and settle with them in the US. I tried hard to say no. But they want me there. I must go. I don’t know what to do with you.” Hania did not say a word. She only kept looking at Sharda’s face. Sharda walked to Hania and gathered her in an embrace. Hania loved the woman. She knew she had to go home— tears filled her eyes. Sharda wiped Hania’s tears and said, “Hania you are like my child, I won’t send you back. There is a friend of mine who stays 10 minutes from here. You know her. She is our Beena. She would love to have you stay with her. Would you like to go?” Hania looked at her with trust in her eyes and said, “whatever you say didi. I will do that.” Soon Sharda sent Hania to Beena’s house and left for the US. 

Hania began staying at Beena’s place and worked for her. Beena had a driver Sumesh. Hania was a beautiful girl. He fell in love with her and tried to talk to her. Over the months, Hania too started talking to him.  

They seemed to get along well. Sumesh knew Hania loved to read. She had also confided in him that she wanted to marry a literate man. Sumesh kept bringing her books to read, and soon their friendship blossomed into love. They would discuss the story of the books with each other. They planned to get married, and Beena was happy with the alliance. 

Her parents traveled from the village to be with Hania on her big day. There she stood looking beautiful in her bright red saree. They stood together smiling at each other ready to sign the marriage register.

That’s when Hania received a massive blow of her life. Sumesh did not sign. He had to use his thumbprint to solemnize the marriage. The happiest day in her life turned out to be a big disappointment.

Hania had only one dream— to marry an educated man. Sumesh got the book read by a friend and spoke about the book to Hania to give her the impression that he was literate. 

I have heard the saying that all is fair in love and war. But is it? Sumesh loved Hania but wasn’t it selfish to hide the truth from her?

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