The Last Name

The Last Name by Prashant V ShrivastavaShekhar and Ada are in love. Last year when they met in a  coaching institute that provides free of cost education to interested students, they were least likely to mingle. Ada was above average while Shekhar was just average. Both of them were devoid of any family members or relatives. Shekhar had joined to improve his grades and Ada was giving away lessons. Though the two were of the same age group, Ada was good enough to provide her knowledge to others.
Ada's parents had died long ago in a car accident, and since then she lived alone. A couple of relatives tried to usurp her parental property, but she fought like a soldier and secured her parents' hard-earned money with her.
Shekhar had lost his family when he was 6. His mother's widow sister raised him, but she too died when Shekhar was in his first year of college. Her sole earning was the pension of her husband. She had paid all his fees in advance, so Shekhar managed to complete his graduation. To meet month ends, Shekhar rented the main part of the house and shifted to the outhouse. He was getting enough rent to meet his expenses.
In his second year of college, he received a compartment in Economics, and he badly needed tuition to get through the exam. He was unable to afford high fees of coaching institutes, so he joined charitable coaching run by a retired army man.
Ada was a teacher in an institute. Although both of them were of the same age, she was very good at economics and used to help other students.
She maintained a low and mediocre profile. She knew she was perfectly beautiful, but she also knew that a loner is never safe in a city--especially if she was a young girl of 22.
She knew that Shekhar was weak, so she started helping her after the classes too.
One rainy day, Shekhar escorted her to home. It was the first time when any boy had entered Ada's house. After a hot coffee and some snacks, she asked casually to Shekhar as why he insisted on escorting her. His reply stole her heart. He said,  "I knew your outfit would become see-through if it gets wet. I wanted to ensure no one sees you like that. People are very bad with single and beautiful girls."
Ada, a girl who would shy away generally from other males and even younger boys, was feeling safer with Shekhar. Shekhar began to come to her place, and they would talk, eat, laugh, and study together. In a few visits, Shekhar had come to know that Ada was immensely beautiful but he still maintained a distance with her.
Finally, their love grew beyond limits, and Ada insisted on getting married. Shekhar agreed easily. They decided to sell their houses and buy a new apartment to start a new life and leave old bad memories behind. Both also planned a small business of nursery where they would sell plants.
-------In the frame, we see an elderly officer dressed in a formal shirt and trousers. The pocket of his shirt is hardly able to bear the weight of some papers and his mobile phone. The officer deals with all kind f people all the day, and he perhaps fears that somebody would steal his expensive phone if left on the table.
His thick spectacles are half hung on his nose. He reads papers through his glasses while looks at the people from naked eyes.  
On In the middle, there is a table which is covered by a dark green tablecloth. A thick glass that is equal to the size of table's top is placed atop the green cloth. There is a calendar visible on the table through the glass. In the front wall, we see a full-size cupboard made of iron. It has a dull brown color. The cupboard's surface is full of scratches, especially lines. Many bills were affixed on the surface of the cupboard and were later scratched out. These bills are left with some torn and defaced parts. 
Right next to the table, we see a couple seated. A girl and two boys are standing behind their chairs. 
The girl who is sitting on the chair is dressed in a red salwar suit has a fair complexion. The suit has light work of embroidery. She has tied her hair loosely. To her left, the boy who is sitting is in a light pink shirt. He had full beard on his face with glasses on eyes with blue frame. His mustaches match with the density if the hair on his face. A friend of his has kept his hands on the shoulder of the boy who is sitting.

The couple seated are Ada and Shekhar.
Today, they got their new apartment registered, and now they were sitting before the marriage registrar.
The registrar asked for their names to confirm the form's data.
Shekhar Kapoor and Ada Saxena. So, after the marriage, you agree to stay with each other and amicably deal with all the problems and happiness together.
The two agreed.
And Ada Saxena will become Ada Kapoor from now on!
Ada, nodded in agreement while Shekhar looked blank.
The registrar gave a quick look to both and got back to work.
Do you have to say something, Mr. Shekhar?
"Sir, we have decided to move on with a new life leaving all the past behind," said Shekhar.
"Okay." said the registrar.He did not lift his head up as he thought it would be mere excitement and the boy would talk ideal things to impress his wife.
But if I keep my last name, I will be carrying my past. I want to drop my last name."But, I need your full name as per your records," said the registrar. He was surprised and a little baffled as the argument was childish and would stand by no logic whatsoever.
Then, I would want her to retain her full name as it is.
"This is strange but possible," he said.
"I want to step into new life with a sense of equality. We are buying a home together. I do not want you to compromise on anything, ever," said Shekhar.
Ada had tears in her eyes.
The registrar was surprised and happy eventually. He blessed them for a successful life. The two left the office as a married couple en route to a new home with their common love and personal identities.


Photo credit: amira_a on VisualHunt / CC BY