There was a different kind of commotion in the quiet streets of Bandel village now. The news of Gobinda and Durga's love had slowly spread throughout the village. Various things were being said in the village about their relationship. Some people considered it a bold step, while most people considered it against the traditions and customs of the village. Their relationship was being discussed everywhere, and meanwhile Gobinda and Durga began to understand that their struggle was not going to be limited to the family only. Now they had to stand against the entire village.
The atmosphere in Gobinda's house had now become very tense. After hearing the news of this relationship, his father had imposed a strict rule in the house - no one would speak in favor of this relationship. Gobinda's mother, who always supported him, was still worried about his future. She knew that Gobinda's love was true, but she felt helpless in front of the rules of society.
One day it was morning time, when Gobinda's father called him to him. The sternness and anger was clearly visible on his face. Gobinda understood that a serious conversation was going to take place today.
"Gobinda," his father said in a stern voice, "Is what I am hearing about you true? Do you want to marry that girl?"
Gobinda bowed his head and said softly, "Yes, baba. I want to marry Durga. I truly love her."
On hearing this, his father's anger reached the seventh sky. He said angrily, "Have you lost your mind? Do you know how much difference there is between our caste and that girl's caste? Don't you care about the rules of society?"
Gobinda gathered courage and said, "Baba, I know it is not easy. But I want you to understand and accept our relationship. I know the rules of society are important, but isn't the happiness of our family more important than that?"
Her father said in anger, "Your words mean nothing. If you try to take this relationship forward, I will be forced to throw you out of this house. And remember, if you leave the house, you will have no relationship with this family."
Gobinda listened to his father with a heavy heart, but he refused to give up. He was determined to marry Durga at any cost, no matter how big a price he had to pay for it.
On the other hand, the situation at Durga's house was not good either. Her father had also made strict rules for her. She was not allowed to step out of the house, and her every move was being monitored. Her mother, who understood her suffering, was unable to do anything due to social pressure.
One day, Durga's mother spoke to her secretly. She could see the pain hidden in her daughter's eyes. She said in a low voice, "Durga, I know you love Gobinda. But your Baba will never accept this relationship. Can you give up this relationship for the sake of your family?"
Durga looked into her mother's eyes and replied, "Mother, I know it is difficult. But I love Gobinda very much. I cannot live without him. Don't you also understand that the love between us is true?"
Durga's mother's eyes welled up with tears. She said softly, "Daughter, I understand. But the fear of society is very big. Your Baba and the entire village are against this relationship. Will you be able to fight such a big battle?"
Durga said firmly, "Mother, if Gobinda and I are with each other, we can face any battle. But we need you and Baba. We need your support."
Durga's mother did not say anything, but a deep worry settled in her heart. She understood her daughter's struggle, but the pressure of society had forced her to do so.
Meanwhile, rumours about Gobinda and Durga's relationship started spreading in the village. Some people openly spoke against the relationship. Some even started threatening their families. Gobinda and Durga realised that they had very little time left. If they did not take any concrete steps soon, the situation could worsen.
One evening, when Gobinda and Durga reached the old temple outside the village to meet secretly, worry was clearly visible on their faces. Durga said to Gobinda, "We have to do something now. People in the village are turning against us, and our families are also not with us. If we do not do something soon, this situation will worsen even more."
Gobinda nodded her head in agreement and said, "You are right, Durga. We have to take a firm step. But can we elope and get married in this situation? Will it be right?"
Durga said seriously, "Elopement is not the solution, Gobinda. But we have to think how we can make our family and society agree to this relationship. We need someone who can help us, someone who can speak in our favour."
Gobinda thought for a while and then said, "How about talking to the village headman? He is the most influential person in the village. If he comes in our favour, then maybe our family and society can be forced to accept this relationship."
Durga thought over the suggestion and then nodded in agreement. "Yes, that may be right. We should meet the village headman and put our point across. Maybe he will be willing to help us."
The next day, Gobinda and Durga decided to go to the village headman. The village headman was an old man, known for his fairness and wisdom. He was respected by all the people of the village, and everyone took his words seriously.
When both of them reached the headman's house, their hearts were aflutter. They saw that the headman was sitting in his courtyard reading some old books. Gobinda and Durga greeted him and slowly began to speak.
"Mukhiya ji, we want to talk to you about something," Gobinda said politely.
The headman looked up from his books and looked at the two carefully. "Tell me, what is the matter?" he asked in a calm voice.
Gobinda said in a low voice, "Mukhiya ji, we both love each other and want to get married. But our families and the people of the village are against this relationship. We need your help."
Hearing this, the Mukhiya kept quiet for a few moments. Then he took a deep breath and said, "You know that this village is bound by traditions and customs. Here caste, social rules and beliefs are very important. The people of the village will never accept your relationship easily."
Durga requested, "Mukhiya ji, we understand this. But our love is true. We just want that we be given a chance. If you speak in our favor, then maybe the people of the village will also accept our relationship."
The chief listened to both of them carefully and then said seriously, "I have no doubt about the sincerity of your love. But going against the traditions of the village is a big thing. I want to help you, but it will not be easy. Give me some time to think. I will see what can be done."