The love of Gobinda and Durga was now at a stage where both of them had expressed their feelings to each other. But the biggest challenge before them was to convince their family and society for this relationship. In Bandel village, where traditions and customs were a part of life, there was a very strict ideology about love marriage. Caste, social beliefs, and family dignity were such walls that it was not easy to break.
Gobinda and Durga decided that they would first talk to their families. They knew that this path would not be easy, but their love had become so deep that they were ready to face any challenge.
Gobinda had his mother and father in his house, who were of very traditional ideology. Gobinda was very attached to his mother, and he knew that if his mother supported him, it would be easy to convince his father as well.
One day, Gobinda gathered courage and decided to talk to his mother. It was morning time and his mother was cooking in the kitchen. Gobinda slowly entered the kitchen and watched his mother work for some time. Then he took a deep breath and said, "Mother, I need to talk to you about something important."
His mother smiled and said, "What's the matter, son? You seem a little upset today."
Gobinda said hesitantly, "Mother, there is Durga, right... Durga from Bandel village. I want to marry her... her."
On hearing this, the spoon fell from his mother's hand. She raised her eyes and looked at Gobinda, which reflected both disbelief and worry. She listened to Gobinda quietly, but her face clearly showed unhappiness.
"What are you saying, Gobinda? How did you even think of this? Do you know what caste Durga belongs to? Our society will never accept this relationship. You know how strict your father is in these matters. What will happen if he comes to know that you want to marry Durga?" His mother said in a serious tone.
Gobinda replied firmly, "Mother, I know it will not be easy. But I truly love Durga. And I am sure that if you and father understand this, these difficulties can be resolved."
His mother took a deep breath and said, "Gobinda, you are at an age now where you think love is everything. But life does not run on love alone. Society, family, and their reputation are also important. I am worried for you. I am afraid that you will make yourself and all of us unhappy in this relationship."
Gobinda spoke his mind and said, "Mother, if I do not marry Durga, I will never be happy. And if I am not happy, will you and father be happy? Can't we all accept this relationship together?"
His mother did not answer, but a look of worry and confusion was clearly visible in her eyes. Gobinda saw that the conversation was going to be a long one, so he asked his mother for some time and left. He was sure that his mother would understand him, but he also knew that it would require time and patience.
The situation was no different in Durga's house. Durga's parents were also traditional minded. Her father was a respected man in the village, who believed in following the rules of society. Durga knew that she would need a lot of courage to talk to her father.
One evening, when Durga's father returned home from work, Durga decided to sit and talk to him. Her father was sitting in the courtyard of the house, and his eyes were fixed towards the fields in the distance. Durga walked slowly towards him and said, "Baba, I want to tell you something."
Her father looked at her and said, "Say, daughter. What is the matter?"
Durga remained silent for a few moments before speaking her mind, then mustered courage and said, "Baba, I want to marry Gobinda."
On hearing this, her father's face became deeply worried. He looked at Durga quietly, as if he was trying to understand what she was saying. After a few moments of silence, he said in a deep voice, "Durga, you know that this is not possible. Gobinda is not from our caste, and such relationships are not accepted in this village. Do you have any idea what our status will be in society if we do this marriage?"
Durga humbly replied, "Baba, I know it will not be easy. But Gobinda and I truly love each other. Should we sacrifice the most important decision of our lives because of the norms of society? Is our love so weak that it cannot bear the pressure of society?"
Her father said seriously, "Durga, the rules and traditions of society have been in place for years. They are part of our lives, and it is our duty to follow them. We cannot accept this relationship, no matter how much you love him."
Durga's eyes welled up with tears. She said softly, "Baba, all I am asking you is to give this relationship a chance. I never ask for anything from you, but this time give me this chance for my happiness."
Her father listened to her, but his face remained stern. He got up and left the courtyard without saying anything. Durga understood that this fight would go on for a long time.
For the next few days, both Gobinda and Durga tried to talk to their families. But the tension between the two families grew over the relationship. Gobinda's mother tried to talk to her father, but his views were very rigid. He clearly told Gobinda that if he tried to marry Durga, he would be thrown out of the house.
The situation was no different at Durga's house. Her father told her bluntly that if she insisted on marrying Gobinda, she would have to separate herself from both her family and society. Durga was extremely saddened by this situation, but she refused to give up.
One day, Gobinda and Durga decided that they would face this problem together. They decided to meet near an old temple outside the village. This was the same place where they had met many times before and expressed their feelings.
When the two reached the temple, they saw that this place had become even more special for them now. This was the place where their love blossomed, and now this was the place where they decided to save their relationship.
Durga said in a deep voice, "Gobinda, I don't know what will happen next. But I do know that I want to be with you, no matter what hardships I have to face for this."
Gobinda held her hand and said, "Durga, I want the same. We have to fight this battle together. If our families and society will not accept us, we will have to make a new path for ourselves."
Durga nodded in agreement. They decided that they would meet the village elders and seek their support for this relationship. They thought that if the village elders accepted this relationship, their families might also consider it.
Over the next few days, Gobinda and Durga made plans to meet the village elders. They knew that this task would not be easy, but they had no other option. They decided to meet the prominent people of the village on different days and talk about their relationship with each one of them.
The village elders listened to them, but their reactions were mixed. Some supported them and said that if their love is true, they should be given a chance. But most of the elders considered their relationship against the rules of society and rejected it.
Meanwhile, rumours started spreading in the village that Gobinda and Durga wanted to marry each other. This news created a stir in the village. People started speaking against this relationship, and some even started threatening their families.
Gobinda and Durga now understood that their path was very difficult. But they refused to give up. They knew that they had to fight their own battle.
Now it remained to be seen how they break the walls of this society and family. Will their love be able to survive despite all this? Will they be able to start their life afresh together? This story was now at a new turn, where a new story of love, struggle, and courage was about to be written.