Vol. II. Issue. III September 2011 - The Criterion: An International ...

www.the-criterion.com The Criterion: An International Journal in English ISSN 0976-8165
“Mrs Mishra- How is your relation with your husband?”
“He is a nice person.” Snigdha looked towards Pradipta. Pradipta had, as if, vowed not to look at
him.
“What was reaction when you came to know that you had conceived?”
“I was very happy. My mother-in-law had come to know even before I told her and she informed
Pradipta. That day there was a festival kind of atmosphere at home. The same night, I had written
to my parents about it.” Snigdha’s face lighted up.
“Then why didn’t you inform Mr Mishra about the abortion?”
“He wouldn’t have agreed.”
“You should have respected his opinion because it is his child as well.”
“I had no choice.” Snigdha had a straightforward answer. She looked at her mother. Her mother
and her father were sitting with their heads towards the ground appearing as if they were reading
something from the floor.
“Your husband has complained that you have developed some kind of insanity. Can you give a
detailed description of the whole incident.”
“I have already told him.”
“Even then you have to describe it again for the court so that a decision can be made.”
“It was June the 5 th , last year. My mother-in-law was not a home. She had gone to visit my
sister-in-law. Pradipta was supposed to have his food at the club. Both me and my father-in-law
had a light supper. I was feeling very sleepy. I asked the servant to open the door when Pradipta
came home and went to bed. Suddenly I woke up in the middle of the night. It was 1.30 in the
morning. Pradipta was snoring lightly…….”
“Hang on. How did you know that it was 1.30 in the morning?”
“There was a table clock on the table next to the window. The digits of the clock were shining. It
was a moonlit night. We used to keep the window open because it was quite hot those days. The
window let in moon light and cool breeze. The whole room was bright. Suddenly I heard some
one calling –‘Maa , Maa’. Where was it coming from? Who was crying out for her in such a
sweet melodious voice? I heard the sweet and soft call again. This time I came to know that the
voice was coming from inside me. Who is calling? I felt my hand standing on end. Then I heard
the pleading call of desperation. It was coming away from afar. I had never heard such a voice
before. It was not a voice but appeared as if a soul was speaking! As if life had turned into
words! I realized that the girl inside me was speaking.”
Vol. II. Issue. III 288 September 2011