Unexpected encounters......

Today started like any other - a crisp, chilly morning, followed by my usual cycling and yoga routine. But then, out of the blue, I remembered I had to head to Maharani College which is a girls government college in Jaipur. To be honest, it's not my dream college, but I'm making the most of it since I didn't want to waste another year preparing for the CLAT (which I'd already cleared, but that's a whole other story). Anyway, I had some document-related work to take care of, so I decided to head to the college right away...

I have a sister, my bhua's ('aunt' as we affectionately call her in Indian culture) daughter diksha, who studies in the same College. I decided to give her a call, and it turned out she had a one-hour exam that day, and she was okay with me tagging along . I decided to accompany her to the college and wait for her until she finishes her paper. After that, we could look into my documents and figure out what needed to be done.

So, I rushed through breakfast, got dressed in my usual attire - black jeans, grey top, and my hair tied up in a ponytail, looking like a perfect 'Sanskari Kanya'! I paired it with my trusty white and blue sneakers, feeling pretty decent. Just as I was about to head out, I suddenly remembered that I had a ₹500 note in my bag, which I had been carrying around for a week. My sister(diksha) had last seen it when we attended a wedding together. But when I checked my bag, the note was nowhere to be found! I was stressed, wondering if I had forgotten where I put it or if I had accidentally spent it. The worst part is that I had been saving that money for a year, and now it was gone. I couldn't shake off the feeling of anxiety but decided to let go of the worry for the time being and figured I'd ask my sister about the missing note when we'll meet. Before I could think much, she was outside my house, honking the horn of her Activa (scooty) repeatedly and loudly, trying to call me out with a scarf and helmet on her head .......

As we set off on the ride, I asked her about the missing ₹500 note. She told me she had last seen it in my bag, but I was still feeling down about it. I shared my concerns with her, but instead of being sympathetic, she burst out laughing! She's always been a fun-loving person, and today was no exception. For the entire journey from home to college, she teased me mercilessly about the ₹500 note, inserting it into every sentence. It was hilarious! Despite my initial sadness, her jokes had me smiling in no time.

Finally we arrived. My sister quickly grabbed her pouch with pens and rushed off to her class. As i planned i found a spot to wait outside the college building , surrounded by a beautiful area with chairs, although they were all covered in dust. I felt a pang of disappointment seeing them like that. I managed to find a relatively clean spot and sat down, wondering what to do next. Fortunately, I had brought a book with me 'THE GIRL IN ROOM 105' by CHETAN BHAGAT. I'm currently reading his works and finding it quite engaging. I was introduced to his writing after reading one of his earlier novels,'ONE ARRANGED MURDER' , I think it was the first one... or maybe it was 'One Night at the Call Center'? Anyway, I'm enjoying his style so far.I starded reading it....

In no time i became completely absorbed in the book, unaware of my surroundings, including the fact that I was sitting beside the college's inquiry window. Before long, people started approaching me, asking about the window's opening time and other college-related queries. To be precise four or five people asked me, and I grew increasingly irritated. As someone who values quiet time while reading, I found this constant interruption frustrating.

I decided to relocate to a different spot, hoping to find some peace. I spotted a quiet area with a group of ladies, who initially seemed engrossed in their own thoughts. I thought, 'Maybe this will be a good spot let's try my luck anyways!'. However, as expected, the women eventually started chatting amongst themselves. They were Muslim women, dressed in traditional black attire, likely there for their daughters inside writing the exam . In my knowledge, the Muslim community tends to be particularly protective of their daughters' education, safety, and well-being i thought.

Exhausted from constantly changing spots, I decided to hear the ongoing conversation nearby secretly . I've recently developed a habit of observing my surroundings and listening in on conversations. I'm not sure where this habit came from, but it has become a part of me.

After carefully listening , i learned they were discussing about a shop near their home, in a market called 'KATLA' which is a famous market of Jaipur specially for ladies. Suddenly , one of the women received a call from her little daughter seemed by the voice on the phone , who asked in a sweet Muslim accent, 'Ammi, where are you are you at bhua's house ?' The mother reassured her, 'No, I'm not trust me baccha.' Meanwhile, a three or four-year-old girl, presumably the woman's younger daughter, stood beside her, listening quietly. It was clear that the daughter on the phone was an older sibling.

That girl standing beside her mother was munching on a pack of Kurkure, a popular Indian snack. In my opinion, Kurkure isn't the healthiest option, given its high processed content and potential health consequences. However, I acknowledge that this is just my perspective, shaped by my upbringing. My father has always emphasized the drawbacks of packaged foods, so I'm inclined to view them skeptically.Of course, I wouldn't blame the little girl for her snacking choice - she's far too young to consider the potential health implications. Anyway, back to the conversation... Suddenly, the younger daughter jumped up and ...

she said in her broken tone .. voice trembling like a tiny baby's, 'Video call karo!' (Make a video call!). She was asking her mother to video call her elder sister, so she could see that they weren't at their 'Bhua's' home. (Bhua, by the way, means 'father's sister' or 'aunt' in Hindi, not 'ant'!). My mind began to wander, and I found myself reminiscing about my childhood. I realized that I didn't even know what a cellphone was when I was just a baby like her . Fast-forward to today, and I'm 20 years old, living in a world where technology has advanced beyond recognition. I recall not even knowing how to feed myself with a spoon or recognizing written words.

And yet, that adorable little girl, who couldn't have been more than four years old, was asking her mother to make a video call! She already understood the concept of technology and its applications. I was amazed, and a mix of emotions swirled in my mind. I thought to myself how far we've come...

As i was engrossed in my thoughts, a young lady approached me. She looked pale and dull, but her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. Despite her appearance, she seemed eager to strike up a conversation. I'm naturally an introverted person, but lately, I've found myself enjoying interactions with others. I've discovered that engaging with different people and hearing their unique perspectives can be truly fascinating ....

As I write this, I'm struck by how much I've changed over the past year. I've become more enthusiastic and confident in my interactions with others. My mother always told me that I have the ability to connect with anyone, and I think she was right. I've discovered that I'm a good listener, and I'm curious about the people I meet. I love striking up conversations with strangers and learning more about them. I ask questions that spark interesting discussions, and I'm genuinely interested in hearing their thoughts. Maybe that's why people enjoy talking to me – I've developed a skill for being engaging and empathetic.

The young lady who approached me began by asking where I was from and why I was there. I explained that I was waiting for my sister, and she shared that she was there to pick up her daughter after the exam. When I mentioned that I live in Khatipura, she surprised me by saying that she had been involved in a flat deal near Khatipura the previous day.

My initial reaction was skepticism – I didn't think it was possible to find a flat in Khatipura, given how developed and crowded the area is. However, I quickly realized that Khatipura is a large and diverse area, and I couldn't rule out the possibility of available flats. The lady went on to explain that she had ultimately cancelled the deal and wasn't able to secure the flat.

As the conversation unfolded, the lady began to share her past memories , stories about what Khatipura was like in 2010. She described it as a rural area with only 12-15 houses, i acted as if it amazed me (i'm good at faking it). Because it was not the first time , I had heard similar stories from my grandmother, who used to tell me about how our area was largely filled with agricultural fields and farms when she first arrived in the 2000s.

But after a minute or two ,I found myself engaging deeply with the conversation, drawing parallels between her experiences and my own knowledge of the area's history. I started sharing about my own colony, Jaswant Nagar, which is known for its vibrant market selling Rajputi jewelry and Sherwanis. I told her about the 20-30 shops that line the streets, attracting visitors from all over Jaipur .

As we delved deeper into our conversation, she asked about my community, and I proudly shared that I'm a Rajput , i'm filled with excitement when i talk about my community culture and traditions ....honestly i love them... Her response was one of surprise and delight. When I asked about her community, she revealed that she's a Jain. I admit that I don't know much about the Jain religion, despite having studied it in school. I've always been curious about their customs and rituals, such as the practice of eating before 5 pm, which my father's friend observes.

The conversation flowed effortlessly for about 5-10 minutes, until we eventually shifted to the topic of caste categories in India, specifically the general category. I explained how i feel that , in India, people are divided into categories like scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, economically backward classes, and general category. Most of the time, when someone mentions this system, emotions run high in General category people particularly regarding the unjust system and laws . Most of them (including me) feel that the quota system puts them at a disadvantage, especially when it comes to competing for limited spots in government jobs, colleges, and institutions. They believe that they have to work harder to secure a place, while those with quotas may have an easier time getting admitted.

The lady I was talking to was empathetic, having a daughter who's preparing for the UPSC exam. She understood the challenges that general category students face. I shared my own experience, telling her that I had taken the CLAT exam, a law college entrance test, earlier that year. I explained to her what CLAT is, as she wasn't familiar with it. I didn't feel like going into details about my personal struggles, so I simply said that I could relate to the challenges she was facing.

As she continued talking about her daughter ....she pulled the conversation on the topic of expectations placed on girls, I quickly got a sense of the kind of person she was. Her views seemed traditional and conservative, emphasizing the importance of daughters being responsible and bringing pride to their families. I'm familiar with this mindset, as many women in my family share similar views.

I decided to engage with her, sharing my own thoughts and experiences. I found myself agreeing with her, nodding along as she discussed the importance of girls studying hard and having good manners. I mentioned that my parents are supportive of me and that I've been taught to have good manners.I could sense her relief as she realized that I wasn't the kind of girl she might have been worried about. In my community, there are certain expectations around how girls should behave, and she seemed reassured that I wasn't going to compromise my family's values. I got the sense that she might have been prepared to offer some advice or guidance if she had thought I was that kind of girl, but fortunately, that wasn't necessary.

And honestly i wasn't pretending to be someone I'm not; I genuinely don't engage in certain behaviors. I've never been interested in partying, hanging out, or doing things that might compromise my values. What I do enjoy is connecting with people on a meaningful level, sharing my thoughts, and listening to theirs. That's what I find fulfilling, and it's what I was happy to do with this lady I met.

Our conversation was flowing smoothly, like a high-speed train, when her daughter approached us , and i saw a glimpse of my sister too...definitely they were done with their respective papers.... I felt a tinge of sadness, as I was thoroughly enjoying our chat and didn't want it to end. But, of course, she had to leave to take her daughter home and likely prepare a warm meal for her. I was grateful for the unexpected yet delightful conversation we shared so i bid farewell to the lady with a warm SMILE, which happens to be the meaning of my name in Hindi. I said goodbye and thanked her for the lovely conversation, to which she responded with a delightful smile of her own and a gentle 'okay, beta.' As we parted ways, I was suddenly back in the real world, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of Maharani College. Which i definetely hated!!

The government college has a distinct feel to it, reminiscent of old government offices from the 90s . Papers are stacked haphazardly, old furniture creaks, and the atmosphere feels decidedly retro. I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment, wishing I could have lingered in the warm and engaging conversation with the lady. Alas, I had to refocus on the tasks at hand....

The document work took around one and a half hours to complete, and it was exhausting. Dealing with some of the older staff members, mostly men in their sixties and seventies, was challenging. Their attitudes and behavior were sometimes arrogant and prideful, reflecting the patriarchal norms that are still prevalent in India.Not all teachers were like that, though. Some were genuinely helpful and supportive. However, the ones with condescending attitudes made the experience more difficult. As a young woman, I felt powerless in that situation, but I'm determined to earn a position of authority in the future.

Finally, after what felt like an decade, my sister and I completed the document work and left the college. I felt a huge sense of relief wash over me as we stepped out of the building, grateful that the tedious task was behind us....

As we hopped on our Activa and started moving, my sister and I fell into our usual rhythm of chatting and laughing together. We share a strong and friendly bond, despite our occasional fights. She's a naturally jovial person who loves to laugh and joke around, but she also has a quick temper and can get angry or sad easily. Nevertheless, she's a kind and good person, and I'm grateful to have her as my sister.

As my sister and I continued laughing and chatting while riding our Activa, we suddenly caught sight of a bride in a stunning lehenga, sitting on the side of a busy road. The contrast between her beautiful, elaborate outfit and the dirty, waterlogged surroundings was striking. Her lehenga, a traditional Indian wedding skirt, was enormous and heavily embellished, with a large can-can underneath that added to its grandeur.

We were taken aback by the sight of her sitting on the ground, throwing up, amidst the chaos of the busy road. It was a jarring and unexpected moment, and we couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and concern.... Next to the bride was a lavishly decorated car, likely the one that was supposed to take her to her in-laws' home. And then, we saw the groom, dressed in his wedding attire, sitting in the car with two friends, one of whom was driving. What struck me as odd was that he wasn't even bothering to help his newlywed wife, who was clearly unwell.

I turned to my sister and blurted out, 'Arrange marriages can be really scary!' The scene before us was a stark reminder that sometimes, these unions can be loveless and lacking empathy. It was disturbing to see the groom's indifference towards his wife's distress, and it left a sour taste in my mouth.....

My sister's response to my comment was a mix of resignation and concern. 'Bro, who are we to judge? We're probably going to end up in arranged marriages too.' She then looked up and said, 'God, please don't do this to us.' We shared a nervous smile, both of us thinking, 'Please, let's not end up in a loveless marriage.' I've never fully understood the concept of arranged marriages, and seeing that bride's distressing situation only strengthened my doubts.

To be honest, I've never fully grasped the concept of arranged marriages. My parents have always taught me that I should be cautious about my interactions with others , especially no going out at night. They've instilled in me the importance of being responsible and respectful, particularly when it comes to my relationships. But then, there's this expectation that one day, I'll be sent to live with a stranger, someone I've never met, and I'm supposed to accept this person as my life partner. It's a difficult idea to wrap my head around, especially since I'll be expected to adapt to this new life without having a say in the matter.

Despite my reservations, I've always made it a point to respect my parents' decisions. I understand that our community and culture place a strong emphasis on arranged marriages, and I don't want to disappoint my parents or bring shame to our family. My love and respect for my parents run deep, and I'm grateful for their unwavering support throughout my life. I've always prioritized their happiness and well-being, and I intend to continue doing so, even if it means accepting an arranged marriage. Let my beloved god decide my faith.

As we continued my ride, lost in thought, we eventually arrived at my house, marking the end of a day filled with unexpected encounters and introspection. I bid adieu to my sister..and after settling in, I went about my usual routine, and then sat down to write about my experiences. And that's how I ended up here, sharing my thoughts and reflections with you. It's been a day of observations, conversations, and self-discovery, and I'm glad to have had the chance to process it all through writing.

Hope you like it:)