Whispers Of The Ganges

Chapter 1

ASHA

Standing on the balcony of our ancestral home, I watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the river before me in hues of gold and crimson. The world expected me to conform, to marry, but I yearned for something more-something beyond the confines of tradition.

I wanted to work.

However, it wasn't going to be easy to do so. It is quite difficult for women to even get into colleges, due to both society and our rulers. They weren't much better at treating us women than the men of our country, despite their claims of progress and betterment.

It is true that they have tried to get people to relinquish horrible practices like sati, which was abolished recently, however, it only worsens our condition.

My parents have been very tolerant, but sooner or later, I will be expected to marry and bear sons and cook and clean all day. I can not imagine myself doing that at all.

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I snap out of my thoughts as I hear my mother call me. "Asha? Your father wishes to speak to you."

My heart races. It could only mean one thing. They must have found a suitor for me. I turn to see my mother. She frowns and says, "Look at your hair. It's all flying about. And your sari - it is crumpled. What will they think of you?"

I know who she is talking about, but I ask her anyway. "Who, ma?"

She sighs and says, "The family who will come to see you in some time. Your father wants to talk to you, go get ready." There is a tone of finality in her voice. Anger boils within me, but I do not show it out. After all, there is nothing my mother can, or will do about it. That is the situation of women.

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My father looked up as I entered his study. "Asha... We have found a suitor for you. He is a good looking man.. from a rich family. It will be good for you to get married."

I frowned and said, "Baba, you know I don't want to get married-"

He interrupted me and said, "You must see him before you say anything. I will hear no more."

Tears formed in my eyes, and I replied, "Y- yes, Baba."

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I quickly walked out, tears threatening to spill out. My ambitions would all amount to nothing, if I got married. Already, my father was berated everywhere for letting his daughter study. My in-laws and husband would most definitely not allow me to study and work after marriage. I would be expected to cook for everyone, clean, bear children, and more. I didn't have an aversion to these. The fact that my husband would most likely not know how to take care of himself without a woman to do basic tasks for him, yet will have all the pride and arrogance in the world, scares me a little. My whole life would be ruined, if I got married.

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I woke up, and got ready for another day of studying, at the University of Calcutta. I realised that I buried myself in my studies, to overcome the pressure I feel from my family and society to get married.

Unfortunately, I didn't have much of an option.

I walked to the University through the forest. It is a serene place, and the river flows through it. Many streams also follow through it, and I often sit there when I'm overwhelmed.

When I reached, I quickly walked into the hall. It was quite awkward for me, and I didn't like to stay in the corridors much. There were other women studying too, mostly the daughters of very rich men. My father was quite rich, but more known for his wisdom and good judgement. It did come as a blow to many when he allowed me to study.

As I walked into the hall, I saw my lecturer talking with a strange man. He was British, with fair hair. He turned and looked at me, and I looked back into his piercing eyes. I felt slightly at discomfort, with the way he seemed to be able to read me, as if he knew what was going on in my mind. He raised his eyebrows, and turned away. My discomfort ebbed away, but my cheeks reddened. I quickly turned away, and sat down.