Dhoka !

This story comes from the village of Sitapuri. This is slightly tight-knit community with lots of large families. Most people seem to be distantly related to most others here.

One of most outspoken women, Ranibai also happened to be a SHG leader here. Her strong and caring personality has won her many friends here, and is one of the reasons for the SHG's success in Sitapuri.

However, not everyone is so awed by her talents. Least of all, her neighbour, Lakshmi Bai. She is a widow with a 15 year old daughter.

One fine morning, Ranibai's 8 year old son passed by Lakshmi's house on his way home. That afternoon, she noticed that a pack containing Rs.20,000 went missing. She soon went shouting all over the village that Rani's son stole it. On coming back home in ten minutes, the pack was again found exactly where it was earlier.

Lakshmi alleged that Rani's son stole, and kept it back out of fear, while Rani alleged that it was lakshmi's own daughter who stole it and then returned it out of fear.

Apparently, theirs was feud with some prior history. Lakshmi was earlier a part of the SHG headed by Rani. She had privately sold off some equipment belonging to the SHG and was hence expelled. Rani felt that for a long time, Lakshmi has tried to character assassinate her.

Rani says, her reputation of integrity has been tarnished. She proudly said she protected 2 lakhs of the SHG money at home, not allowing her husband to touch it for his Mahua sessions. 

And everytime they've had a fight, she has always backed down.

"Not this time baby", she said…

Rani filed a police complaint against her neighbour, for selling illegal Ganja, and for other amorous offences. She then pledged to make some videos of her and use it as evidence for it ! She says, "I know the kind of people who frequent young widows !" .

This story is far from being over … I shall be in constant touch with my friends in this village for sure !