Unbinding Tradition

83. Visit to village fair 😃

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Jungkook’s pen scratched against the paper as he finalized the application. He folded the document, slipping it into an envelope. Just as he reached for the seal, the heavy wooden door of his office slammed open with a loud bang.

His jaw clenched, and his sharp eyes flickered up. Standing at the threshold were five of the most powerful men in the district—Thakur Pratap Singh, the wealthiest landowner; Sarpanch Raghunandan, the head of the village council; Lala Kishanchand, a prominent trader; Pandit Mohanlal, the village priest; and Hariom Seth, a moneylender.

They marched inside uninvited, their expressions twisted with anger and authority.

Thakur Pratap Singh, dressed in a crisp white dhoti and angrakha, pointed his thick finger at Jungkook.

“What is this nonsense we are hearing, Collector-sa?” he thundered.

“You plan to build a school on that land?”

Jungkook leaned back in his chair, his face cold and unreadable.

Jk- It is government property now, Thakur-sa. The decision is within my jurisdiction.

Sarpanch Raghunandan scoffed, folding his arms over his protruding belly.

“That land belonged to your ancestors, Jeon-sa. It is only fair that we, the people of this land, decide its fate.”

Lala Kishanchand, with his slicked-back hair and protruding paunch, spat his paan into a brass spittoon before speaking.

“A school? For girls? Have you lost your mind?” (he let out a harsh laugh) “Girls do not need education! They need to learn household work, not fill their heads with foolish ideas.”

Jungkook’s hands curled into fists on the desk, but he remained composed.

Jk- Education is not a privilege; it is a right. If we educate our girls, they will be able to improve their homes, their futures, and their families.

Pandit Mohanlal adjusted his saffron shawl and shook his head in disapproval.

“Collector-sa, you are young, and perhaps you do not understand. Schools will lead to the destruction of our traditions. Educated girls will refuse to marry early, they will argue with their fathers, and soon, they will stop covering their heads before elders. Do you want such disgrace?”

Hariom Seth, the moneylender, narrowed his cunning eyes.

“The land must be used for something beneficial. A school will bring no revenue. Instead, we propose a bridge. It will bring traders, business, and prosperity.”

Jungkook’s gaze darkened.

Jk- A bridge for your personal profits? The school will bring prosperity to the next generation. It will give this village a future beyond farming and debt.

Thakur Pratap slammed his hand onto the desk.

“This is an insult to our traditions! A school where boys and girls study together? It will bring shame to our village! Who will marry a girl who has sat in the same room as a boy?”

Jungkook smirked, his sharp gaze locking onto Pratap Singh’s.

Jk- If education ruins your so-called ‘honor,’ then perhaps that honor is built on a weak foundation.

A wave of murmurs erupted among the men, their faces turning red with anger.

Sarpanch Raghunandan hissed,

“Do not challenge us, Collector-sa. You might be the government’s man, but we are the ones who run this village. No teacher will dare come here. No girl will step into your school. You will fail.”