Summary
Bholi by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas is the story of Sulekha, a young girl nicknamed “Bholi” due to her simple and innocent nature. Born healthy, her life took an unfortunate turn when a childhood accident impaired her speech, leading her to stammer, and later, smallpox left her face scarred with pockmarks. As the youngest of Ramlal’s seven children, Bholi faced ridicule for her appearance and speech difficulties, making her parents doubtful of her marriage prospects.

When a primary school opened in her village, the Tehsildar urged Ramlal to send his daughters to school. Though Bholi’s mother was initially hesitant, fearing education would make her daughters undesirable for marriage, she eventually agreed for Bholi to attend, assuming that no one would want to marry her due to her looks and speech issues. At school, Bholi was encouraged by her kind teacher, who saw her potential. The teacher’s patience and support helped Bholi gain self-confidence and a love for learning.

Years later, Bholi’s parents arranged her marriage to an older man, Bishamber Nath, who demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees upon seeing her scarred face. Though Ramlal complied, Bholi made a bold decision to refuse the marriage, realizing her self-worth. She spoke clearly and confidently in front of the guests, shocking everyone present. Her newfound courage impressed her family and validated her teacher’s belief in her.

Bholi reassured her father that she would take care of him and her mother and expressed her wish to become a teacher. Watching from afar, her teacher felt immense pride in Bholi’s growth.

The story emphasizes the importance of nurturing and empowering children, especially during their formative years, so they grow into confident, self-respecting individuals.