Chapter 2

“Is it really necessary to bury yourself in the boondocks to prove your dedication to society?” asked Arun irritably.

Vidya looked at her brother and smiled. She knew there was a genuine concern for her well being behind his irritation. She also knew that he would be grilled by their parents for news about her life and lifestyle when he returned home to Chennai. It was usually her parents who made this trip to Barmer every few months – so they could get first hand reassurance that she was alright. This time they had sent Arun, her older brother, as their mother was recuperating from a bout of jaundice.

“Anna, you know the answer to that question,” she replied. “You’ve known it ever since I decided to do a masters degree in social work.”

“Yes, but why do you have to live so far away from us? Here, in Barmer, Rajasthan? Connectivity is so poor, facilities are bad and to top it all, it is so hot!” said Arun. He was used to the hustle bustle of city life. Being the IT geek that he was, he took amenities like electricity, plumbing and running water for granted.

“But  Anna, that is precisely what recommends this place to me! It is the reason why I should be here, putting my learning and skills to good use. Besides, do you know that land prices here are skyrocketing because they struck oil here? It won’t remain the ‘boondocks’ for much longer!” said Vidya, gently mocking her brother.

Arun looked at his sister intently. Her face lit up when she talked about her work. He had observed her over the past week, even accompanied her to the villages where she worked. He grimaced as he recalled the dusty journeys when he rode pillion on her bike, yelping every time it hit a pothole.

But Vidya seemed to enjoy it – indeed thrive on it. She worked hard throughout the day, sometimes even in the night. He knew she empathised with the daily trials and tribulations of the women and children in the villages where she worked.

Even as a child, she had tried to do social work! He remembered how she would readily share her toys with the daughter of their domestic help. Their home had sheltered many stray cats and dogs. A complete sucker for a sob story, his little sister was all heart and feeling. His heart swelled with love and pride….and yes, even a little envy.

“….so please tell Appa and Amma not to worry about me. I love this place and I love my work. And Anna, please for heaven’s sake tell them to stop sending me bio datas of eligible bachelors. I’m not ready to get married anytime soon. When I am, I’ll let them know. Now hurry up, or you will miss your bus.”