“When a Village became my family “

Some places don’t just welcome you , they hold you like a family. Chaferi a Village in konkan did that for me . I came here a fellow but one special night in village i truly became one of them.

A Day full of celebration…

It was the school annual function in my school jilha prishad chaferi. First time in village or school small girls will performing a self defence act in their annual function.

I had promised my self defence girls that I would be there . I got ready for program and stood outside , waiting rikshaw , but it didn’t come . I looked at my watch 7.45pm then 8.00 pm I called the driver , but he didn’t answer .

I started to worry . The school was far , and I had no way to reach there. With no other option.

I called sarpanch tai . She didn’t even think twice within a minutes , she arranged a ride for me .

when i reached the school the sight was beautiful colourful decoration, children wore colourful costume, their faces glowing with happiness. Women came in bright Sarees talking and laughing as they sat down. Even the men , who were usually busy with their work had come to watch . The whole village was ready to celebrate. As I walked in front people in my village welcomed me warmly .

You’ve come from so long , today you are our guest.

I felt special , but my heart was with my self defence worries . They were ready for their performance confident, fearless, watching them filled me with pride.

The function had songs , Dances , speechs. Time passed quickly , and soon my phone rang .

Mummy calling………..

I picked up .

“kadhi janar ghari ( kab jaogi ghar ) function khatam hua nhi kya ?” She asked , sounding worried.

I told her I was fine , but deep inside , I was scared too. It was getting late , and I didn’t know how I would go back alone .

The village that wouldn’t let me leave .

By the time the function ended , it was midnight .

the village was quite , The roads empty I stood outside , thinking should I leave alone at this hour ?

just then the villagers spoke up .

“You can’t go home now ,

“Stay at my house , one women said .”

Their concern was real , their care was deep . In cities people hesitate to ask , “Did you eat ?” But here stranger were ready to give me shelter.

Another women tai , who cooked at the school , held my hand and said ,

“come , stay at my house”.

i nooded and followed her .

A Small House, A Big Heart

her house was small but full of love . She spread a bedsheet on the floor , turned on the fan and said ,

“Now rest sleep well”.

I lay down feeling safe . The soft hum of the fan the , and the warmth of their care put me to sleep.

A morning filled with love

At down , the village woke up with the sound of rooster and the cool morning air .

As i stepped outside , another tai called me .

Brakfast is ready …….

” tai no I am full ,’ I said But she invited me I go she smiled and served hot shevai , saying no to love was impossible .

just before I left tai pressed a small purse into my hands.

This is a gift for you . You came here , you taught us self defence, If you hadn’t , we might have never met you . “Keep this as a memory “.

Tears filled my eyes .How could people be so kind , so selfless?

As i walked away, i looked around at the people , their warmth , their love , for me a moment , it felt like my Nani’s village…………….

A few words from my heart………

” some homes don’t have walls, just open doors ….

some families aren’t born , they are found along the way ……

That night I didn’t just stay in a village ..

I stayed in a home ……..