BALI

• Title: BALI 

• Publisher: Mehta Publishing House

• Language: Marathi

• Publishing Year: June 1972

• Edition: 3rd Edition

• Pages: 140

• ISBN: 9789395477888

• Category: Novel

• Binding: Paperback

Description:

Ratan is a poignant and heart-wrenching love story set in a rural village, where the young garage owner, Ramu, and a schoolgirl, Ratan, find themselves bound by love, yet separated by circumstances. Ratan, recently entering womanhood, lives with her maternal grandmother and relatives. She often passes by Ramu’s garage on her way to school, and they share a quiet connection, often exchanging smiles and small gestures.

One day, Ratan expresses her feelings for Ramu in a note, even though Ramu’s marriage is already arranged. Despite the delay in his marriage, Ramu feels that Ratan should marry someone else and live a life of happiness. However, Ratan, in her love and devotion, continues to write to him, even offering financial help.

The complexity of Ratan’s life unravels when she reveals the disturbing truth about her elder uncle, Tukya, who has been exploiting her. Though her family is aware of the abuse, they ignore her pleas for help. Ramu, unable to bear the injustice, confronts Tukya and beats him. But Ratan’s family and the community impose restrictions on her and prevent her from meeting Ramu.

As Ratan’s marriage is eventually arranged, Ramu’s wish for her to have a peaceful married life seems about to come true. Yet, the story leaves a lasting question: Will Ratan marry and find peace, or will the agony of separation continue to haunt them both?