Parul opened the door and saw her father- in law Keshav Chand beaming beside a gleaming blue scooter. “This is for you, he said, you changed my thoughts with your actions and I am extremely proud of it.” Parul could not contain her joy. She knew she owed all this to her mother- in law Rama Devi who was a wise lady and always encouraged Parul to pursue her dreams. The scooter was a shade of blue unlike any other. She earned this reward after she cured Keshav Chand who was bedridden after meeting with an accident. Parul looked after him diligently. She was loved by the villagers and all the village folks praised Keshav Chand and his wife for encouraging Parul to fulfil her aspirations.

Incidents from past flashed through her mind.

“Darling, it’s almost a year since I completed my college with excellent grades. I wanted to study medicine and become a doctor but my orthodox family wanted me to get married. I agreed to marry you as your family promised that I could study further after marriage. Can you speak with Papa about it.” Atul heard patiently to his wife Parul. Seeing an opportune moment Atul placed Parul’s wish to his father.

“How can you even think like that. We agreed to complete her education and we have done that. Now like a dutiful daughter in law she has to take care of the domestic chores and give us an heir,” said Keshav Chand sternly. Atul was definitely not happy with his father’s words and thought of speaking with his mother. Keshav Chand had old fashioned views and Atul had grown up in the lap of patriarchy with a dominating father.

“Ma, do you have any objection if Parul goes to the city for further studies.” Rama Devi thought for a while and said, “your father will not agree to it. I always wanted to study but my situation did not permit me to do so, but that was a different time. We rarely expressed our wishes. My mother- in law was extremely authoritative, dominating and manipulative. I did not have any support from anybody, but I will not let that happen to Parul.”

That night Rama Devi spoke with her husband, knowing very well the outcome of their conversation. But she was determined to help Parul and thought of an idea. Next morning she called Atul and Parul in her room and said, “Atul you find a job in the city and I will send Parul after few months telling your father that you are having problems staying all by yourself. Once Parul goes to the city, she can pursue her dreams.” Rama Devi looked in their eyes with a silent promise of support.

It was a risky gamble, a testament to Rama Devi's unwavering belief in Parul. With a heavy heart but a resolute spirit, she bid farewell to her daughter-in-law. In the bustling city, Parul embraced the opportunity with both hands. Days turned into nights as she immersed herself in studies, her dedication fueled by the unwavering support of her husband and the distant encouragement of her mother-in-law.

All was going well when they got the news of Keshav Chand’s accident. Atul brought him to the city for treatment and the doctors advised him physiotherapy and complete bed rest. Rama Devi decided to break the news to her husband about Parul being a qualified physiotherapist. Initially, Keshav Chand felt betrayed and angry for hiding the truth from him. The doctors were happy to see the progress in Keshav Chand and praised Parul for her efforts. The day Atul’s parents left for their village, Keshav Chand said, “Parul, it would be wonderful if you can render this service in our village. This city has plenty of physiotherapists, but in my village, you will be the only one. You can also motivate the younger generation.”  That night Parul recalled Rama Devi telling her once, “if mother in laws do not perceive their daughter in laws as a threat or a subordinate but welcome them as their own, then a beautiful relationship can blossom. However, the efforts have to be reciprocated and mutual.”

The scooter which Parul earned was a triumph of her and Rama Devi’s spirit. It was a symbol of support, encouragement and love. It was more than just a machine now, but a part of Parul’s identity, a reward for her dreams.