A Conversation in Hindi – transcribed in English .
I settled down in the front seat, fastened my seat belt and observed the Swift cab driver . After some time …
What is your name ?
Ramkrishn sir.
Nice name ! ( Ramkrishn is a combination of Sri Ramchandra and Sri Krishna , two of the most popular Hindu deities in India )
Thank you sir.
We drove for some time while the ladies in the back seat kept chatting away ..
So where have you come from ?
UP sir – Banda
Banda ??
Small village behind Jhansi sir .
More silence as he expertly negotiated some heavy & unruly traffic near a signal .
And why did you come to Delhi ?
After a subdued, soft laugh .. sir, everyone comes to Delhi .
Oh ?
Better living & good children education ..
So, how many kids do you have ?
2 sir. Elder boy in 12th std and a girl.
Wow ! You do not look that old Ramkrishn !
Thank you sir. A soft laugh once more …
In villages we get married much earlier sir.
True ! In my assessment Ramkrishn would not be a day older than 35 years – and already has a son 18 years old . So he must have married at 16 ? and his wife much younger ??
Not surprising at all ! Pregnant girls @ 13-14 ; young mothers @ 14-15 and a second kid at 16 years are not uncommon sight in Indian villages !!
Ban on child marriages ?? Still a long long way to go !!
And we continue ..
12th std ?? very crucial ! So what does want to become – engineer or doctor ??
No sir – my son wants to do CA .( a very uncommon career aspiration for a young boy ! )
That’s great , Ramkrishn !!
And your daughter – encourage her to study more than your son , OK ??
Yes sir .
And soon after, I get off from the cab …
Drive safe and slow Ramkrishn !
And the ladies in the back seat pause their chatting …
Bye ! Bye !! Bye !!!
Have a safe trip back !
Sure, OK , Good Night !!
Krish..