Unbinding Tradition

2. Voices and Choices 😥

Very few views in the last chapter. I am disappointed 😢. Where my old readers went?

Anyways, do read the chapter and vote and comment if you feel like.

In the heart of Rajasthan, the Kim household came to life with the first rays of the sun.

The family gathered in the courtyard for breakfast, the aroma of crispy fried kachoris with tangy kadhi mingling with the morning air. The women wore colourful ghagras and odhni, their jewellery clinking softly as they moved, while the men wore traditional dhotis and turbans.

Mrs Kim and Tae's aunt Jigna served the meal, their graceful movements reflecting years of practice.

Mr Kim, his face marked with lines of concern, sat at the head of the table, sipping his chai. The conversation turned to local news as he spoke.

Mr Kim- I heard that a new district collector has joined. He will be visiting our area today, especially the site where the bridge construction has been halted for months. No action has been taken yet.

Kamlesh- That's good. The bridge has been a major issue. The villagers have been struggling with the lack of proper infrastructure.

Tae, who had been quietly enjoying her meal, couldn't help but join in the conversation.

Tae- Bapusa (father), this time the collector must consider the public's grievances. We need proper roads and infrastructure. The previous collector was so irresponsible, he didn't even bother to fill the huge potholes everywhere. It's such a struggle for everyone, especially during the monsoon.

Kamlesh, who had been quietly listening, suddenly slammed his hand on the table, causing the utensils to shake.

Kamlesh- Tae! How dare you interrupt when the elders are talking? You must act like a girl and know your limits. Just because you've had some education doesn't give you the right to speak out of turn.

Tae, taken aback but not willing to back down, opened her mouth to respond.

Tae- Kaka-sa (uncle), I was just trying to-

Kamlesh's wife, Jigna, who had been watching silently, chimed in with a sharp voice.

Jigna- Tae, you are stepping out of line. It is not your place to discuss such matters. A girl should be modest and respectful, not outspoken and bold. You should remember that your education is a privilege, not a right to speak out of turn.

Tae, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment, tried to answer back, maintaining her soft and calm tone.

Tae- But Kaki-sa (aunt), I was only voicing-

Before she could finish, Mrs Kim quickly stepped in, placing a calming hand on Tae's shoulder.

Mrs Kim- Tae, beti (daughter) please, let's focus on our meal. There's no need to argue. Kamlesh Bhai-sa, Jigna, please calm down. We are just having a family discussion.

Kamlesh, still angry, mumbled to himself, but the tension started to fade as everyone focused on their food again.

The colourful bangles on Mrs. Kim's wrists clinked softly as she served more food, trying to restore a sense of normalcy.

~~~

After breakfast, the Kim household settled into their morning routines. Tae, ever eager to share her love for learning, sat with her cousin, Sumi in the shaded veranda. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming jasmine and the sounds of the bustling household.

Tae spread out a slate and chalk, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Sumi, with her braided hair adorned with colourful ribbons, watched intently, her brows furrowed in concentration.