In India, labourers can be found everywhere—working tirelessly to fill their stomachs and keep life moving forward. Many fled from Bangladesh in the 1990s and made homes in India. Though illiterate, they contribute greatly to society, especially to the comfort and wealth of the rich. Yet, despite their effort, they are often treated as a low priority—not just in India, but across the world. People must understand that a worker, no matter his social status, deserves respect.
This story revolves around one such man—Rajesh, and his sister Madhu.
In the bustling city of Delhi, where people live quietly behind closed doors, there remains a lingering darkness in the air, a shadow from past events. Rajesh, a 26-year-old labourer, tall and lean, works passionately for a house construction company. Despite his dedication, he earns only ₹7,000 a month—barely enough in a city like Delhi. Yet, it is his sharp intellect that helps him survive, and above all, his purpose: his sister, Madhu.
Madhu, 23, is soft-spoken yet bold, especially when confronting anything unjust. She often scolds Rajesh for his wrong decisions, but her love for him runs deep. After their mother passed away when Rajesh was just six, he promised to raise Madhu not only as a sister but as a daughter. From that day, he gave up his dream of becoming an army officer and instead chose the path of a labourer, determined to educate her in a reputable school.
He worked 10–12 hours daily, earning just ₹100 per day, saving every rupee for Madhu's future. Seeing this, Madhu often felt a deep sadness for her brother's sacrifices. One day, she asked, "Why do you do so much for me?"
Rajesh replied, "Because you are my little sister. It's my duty to protect you and give you the education you deserve."
That moment moved Madhu to tears. From then on, she vowed to give her best in every test and exam—for him.
Now, Madhu had become a B.A. LLB graduate, a proud advocate standing tall in front of a crowd that applauded her achievement. During the convocation ceremony, as she held her degree with trembling hands, she stepped forward to deliver a speech that left the entire hall in silence.
"With all that I am today," she began, her voice filled with emotion, "I owe it to one person—my brother. He is my world, my father, and my mother. He gave up everything for me, so that I could become something. This is not just my degree—it's his victory."
The hall broke into applause, but amidst the cheering, Rajesh wept silently. Tears ran down his dusty cheeks, marking the years of sacrifice and love. With a cracking voice, he stood and said, "From the day she was born, I knew she was my responsibility. But not a burden—never a liability. She has always been my greatest asset. No matter what she desires, I will give it to her. That's my promise."
The bond between the two moved every person in the auditorium. Many wept, sobbed, and held their hearts. It was a moment of pure, selfless love.
But moments are fragile. And sometimes, joy carries the shadow of tragedy.
It happened right in front of Rajesh's eyes.
Madhu—his beloved sister—was killed.
But how?
To understand, we must step back in time.
---
A few months earlier, Madhu had fallen in love with a man named Karan, a B.Com graduate who had proposed to her. One evening, she approached her brother. "Bhaiya," she said, her eyes hesitant but hopeful, "I love Karan. He's educated, caring... we could live a good life together. And if I marry him, you won't have to worry about me anymore—you can finally live for yourself."
Rajesh went silent for a long moment. Then, with a deep sigh, he said, "As I told you before, you are not my liability, Madhu. You are my asset. If he truly loves you, I'll need to meet him—and his family. I must know if he can take care of you like I always have."
Madhu's eyes welled with tears. She smiled and hugged him tightly.
The next morning, they went to meet Karan's family. What stood before them was not just a house—but a grand mansion. It was their first time seeing such wealth. Karan's parents and sister welcomed them warmly, offering tea and sweets. Rajesh, though hesitant, accepted the hospitality.
Before he could speak, Karan's mother said warmly, "We've heard of your bond. We were in the auditorium during Madhu's speech. Your love for her is truly inspiring. And we are happy to welcome her as our daughter-in-law."
The siblings exchanged smiles. Rajesh then looked at Karan and asked, "I only want to know one thing—will you take care of my sister for the rest of your life?"
Karan replied, "Yes, Bhaiya. I promise. She will be my pride, my responsibility—my asset."
For a moment, something in Rajesh hesitated. There was a flicker of doubt in Karan's words—too polished, too perfect. But he silenced it. He looked at Madhu's glowing face and chose her happiness.
The families agreed on the marriage. A date was set. But fate had other plans...
A month later, the day of the wedding arrived.
Karan's family had gathered in full—relatives, friends, and guests filled the venue with cheer and celebration. On Madhu's side, there was only Rajesh. But she never once felt alone. She knew, with unwavering faith, that her brother would take care of everything, just as he always had.
The ceremony was a mix of joy and sorrow. As Madhu prepared to leave for her new home, emotions ran high. The small house that had once echoed with the laughter of the two siblings was now going to fall silent. She was starting a new world—one of her own. And that realization broke Rajesh from within.
Standing beside her at the threshold, Rajesh whispered, his voice trembling, "Be happy, Madhu. And no matter what happens... call me."
But as the rituals continued at the mansion, an uninvited figure appeared—Rajesh's alcoholic uncle. He had vanished years ago, not even turning up when his sister—Rajesh and Madhu's mother—had died. Now, out of nowhere, he arrived, staggering and reeking of alcohol, interrupting the holy ceremony at the hawan kund, right before the couple.
Fury surged in Rajesh's chest. Without a second thought, he dragged the man outside and snapped, "Don't ever come here again. You're nothing but a nuisance!"
The uncle, slurring, stumbled to respond. "Wh-what? I'm your uncle... do—"
Rajesh's eyes burned red with rage. The uncle, startled, took a step back but still muttered, "I just... wanted to say... this family... it's not what it looks like..."
Before he could finish, Rajesh grabbed his collar. "Enough! Leave."
The uncle staggered off into the darkness.
Rajesh returned to the mandap. The ceremony was waiting—for him. He was the only family Madhu had, and it was his hands that would tie the sacred chunni, the ritual cloth, between the bride and groom. As he leaned forward, Madhu looked into his eyes.
"What happened, Bhaiya?" she asked softly.
"Nothing," he replied, forcing a smile. "Just focus on your wedding."
The wedding continued for hours. At 1:00 a.m., after the rituals and dinner had concluded, the newlyweds were escorted to a private apartment owned by Karan's father.
Traditionally, in Indian customs, it's the parents who guide the bride to the room where she will begin her new life. But Madhu had only one parent—Rajesh. And she wished to honor him in her final moments as a daughter and sister.
Everyone agreed.
As Rajesh held her hand and walked her up the stairs, tears flowed silently. They remembered their childhood—the games, the school days, the fights, the laughter. At the room's doorstep, Rajesh gently helped her down, just like he had once cradled her as a newborn.
He wiped her tears.
"For the last time..." he whispered, "goodbye."
Then, unable to hold his grief any longer, Rajesh stepped into the washroom—and cried as much as his soul allowed.
When he finally wiped his face and returned toward Madhu's room, a horrific sight froze him in place.
Madhu was lying on the floor—lifeless.
Her head had been severed, blood streamed from her eyes, and her clothes were torn, as though she had fought, resisted, and suffered.
"Madhu!" he screamed, rushing to her, holding her broken body. "Wake up... please, my child... wake up!"
He sobbed uncontrollably, his voice echoing through the mansion.
At that moment, Karan and his parents arrived. Seeing the scene before them, they stood in stunned silence—shocked and pale, unable to comprehend the nightmare that had just unfolded.
Story Continues.....