“Another job?” Sugata was livid, as Rupali had expected. He rebelled against everything, against their fate, against their poverty, against their losing their parents, without quite knowing what to do with that rebellion. At his heart he wasn’t any different from Soumitra, his twin, in worrying about his elder sister. But he expressed it differently. He expressed it with anger. Soumitra, at the same time, was frowning quietly. “Stop shouting Sugata,” he said.

“Why should I stop shouting? What does she think she is? Some superwoman? As it is, she took up the night shift at pharmacy because of some extra money. Now, she wants to work the day too. When will she sleep? Or eat? Or do anything that normal mortals do?”

“You should stop shouting because what you are saying is correct. But shouting won’t convince her otherwise.”

“Stop bickering the two of you,” Rupali said patiently. “Night shift starts at ten. This job will only be till five. In the evenings and mornings, I will get enough sleep. And I don’t even have to work here over the weekends. Dr. Khanna himself stays with her daughter. So, stop worrying.”

“Didi,” Soumitra spoke this time, “You don’t need to do this. We can also take up some part time jobs. And it’s not like we don’t have enough…”

“Part time job? With board exams to face next year. Have you gone crazy?” Rupali parroted her response. They had been through this so many times. When her parents were alive, they hadn’t allowed her to lift her fingers for anything. They weren’t rich. But they were comfortable. Her father worked hard at his private job, and provided for them. Nothing could come in the way of their studies. She was now responsible for her brothers. How could she let them work before completing their studies?

“Didi. We can’t just sit around and see you working yourself to death.”

“Don’t be an idiot, Soumitra,” she patted his head affectionately; “I am young enough right now. When will I work, if not now? Once you have finished your colleges and gotten good jobs, I would retire early and enjoy life like a queen. Just remember not to ignore me for your wives.” She chuckled.

“Didi!” Soumitra flushed.

“I’m joking. Anyway, isn’t it time for your tuition classes?”

“I’m not going,” Sugata was still seething, “Since you are going to work on behalf of the entire world, why should anyone else do any work? I will sleep, eat and make merry.”

“That’s enough of tantrums. Go out now; else I will make sure you never are able to step out of this house. Not for your cricket, not for your music band!” she had to be a tough parent at times. It appeared unnatural for her age, but had become her natural instinct. Taking charge of the twins, when they were barely eight-years old, and she herself was only eighteen, hadn’t been natural. Life hadn’t been easy in last six years either, but she had managed. Almost! Difficult as it had been, time had flown away fast. Next year Soumitra and Sugata would be writing their board exams. Another two years of school; and she wanted them to go to a good one; then college. Soumitra wanted to be an engineer. That wouldn’t come cheap. Sugata didn’t know what he wanted. He was interested in everything other than studies. That meant more uncertain career choices. He might need support for longer. And there was her own life too. She hadn’t grown old enough to not worry about it. Despite what she said, she had no plans of depending on her brothers even after they started earning. She had seen the disappointment of parents who tried depending on their children and the genuine conflicts and tensions it created.

She needed to earn and save more. Much more!

—

Rupali had read about autism and needs of autistic children over the weekend. But she was still nervous when she showed up for work. Paritosh’ anxiety was also obvious, although he was clearly a man of few words. He told her about Meenal’s routines and eccentricities. If food was not given to her at exactly the right time, she won’t eat it. She didn’t like being hugged. She was not to be picked up unless she herself asked. Her toys needed to be arranged in a particular order and she played with them according to some pattern only she knew about. “Call me, if she is at all distressed,” he said finally and Rupali nodded.

“Bye Meenu,” he bent down to take leave of his daughter. The softness and affection in his voice was impossible to miss.

“Bye Meenu,” Meenal repeated mechanically, saying her own name, instead of addressing her father.

Paritosh got up to leave. This must be her usual response!

“Mamma… Mamma…” she tugged at Rupali’s kurta as she followed Paritosh to close the door after him. It was awkward as usual. But Rupali hoped to see some reaction from Paritosh. Possibly a nervous, and embarrassed smile, but he gave none. He just looked at his daughter once, a look she didn’t return, and left.

—

To be continued