darshana doshi

Excerpt 1
Bhai nodded joyously, confirming his liking as the chant of "Chandrika" filled the room. He noticed the discomfort on his wife's face and wished to quiet the children. But before he could stop them, they shouted her name again. The cries eventually drowned out by the loud din of a procession on the street outside.

"Indian National Congress, Zindabad!" the crowd chanted loudly. Startled by the sudden noise, the frightened baby began to cry. The hovering midwife took charge, gently ushering the children away. As the siblings scurried off to play, the sisters moved towards the kitchen.

Father sat down on the large bed, adoring the sleeping duo. He took a deep breath and reflected upon the day's events.

The procession reminded him that the election results were out that day. Since most Indians had received the right to vote for the first time, the victory of the Indian National Congress was being celebrated with great élan. He was happy, but also worried about the reaction of the defeated Jinnah, who headed the All-India Muslim League. He pondered the fate of his country, remembering the impact of the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Salt Satyagraha led by Gandhi from 1930 to 1931.

Around the same time, another incident had deeply shaken the nation. He could never forget the day he had read the front-page headline in The Tribune:

'Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru executed. No last interview with relations. Shouts emerge from jail. Bodies disposed off secretly.'

He froze, reflecting on the brutality of British rule. The air since then had been thick with slogans, boycotts, and displays of Indian flags. Protests and riots had become commonplace.

He tightened the end of his loose dhoti and pulled on his monkey cap, feeling the chill of the February air.

Excerpt 2
A nip in the air sent a shiver down Beni's spine as she tucked her dupatta sideways to cradle her year-old niece, a tiny bundle of warmth against her chest. She climbed the stairs cautiously, each step a deliberate movement, not wanting to disturb the little one. Reaching the radio room on the first floor, she turned the knobs, a familiar sound filling the air.

Peering out of the low window, she surveyed the street below. It was a picture of tranquility. The movement of people was akin to a slow dance, with graceful movements set against a background score of lazy barks and a distant moo, adding rustic charm to the vibrant town.

Suddenly the little one,, thrashed her limbs with increasing vigor, her wailpiercing the serenity of the surroundings. Beni, a seasoned hand with infants, attempted to soothe the child patting her back gently and, clucking softly. But the baby got restless and gave a violent thrust to the body, jolting forward, the white cloth slipping away like an eel.

In a heart-stopping instant, the little rebel repeated the movement withmighty force, launching herself into the air.

'Nooooo'. A horrifying scream, a chilling cry of terror, tore through the silence as the tiny body plummeted towards theground below..

Excerpt 3
“Beni, you get marriedafter fifteen days as the boy has to report back for work in Africa,” announced her father, panicking, a week after the engagement.

“How will I learn cooking in such a short time?” worried Beni, feeling baffled with the sudden turn of events. How she regretted ignoring her mother's pleas to learn cooking.

As she was packing her bag in the following days, something was churning inside.

Her entire life was about to change sooner than she had expected. One evening, a sudden, uncontrollable sob escaped her, astonishing her with its loudness.

Was it the helpless cry of a rebel within every woman, yearning to voice injustice in a patriarchal society?

Or was it the fearful cry of a woman who longed to be bold but instead witnessed brave voices being muted?

Beni had no answers.

Even Vasant would no more be there to answer her questions. The thought made her feel like a weapon less warrior facing an army.

The anxiety of the future, however, fell into place when she bumped into her would-be-husband at a wedding in Dhoraji, the next week.

“I tried to hide, feeling shy. But his sharp eyes spotted me. He then tried to make a conversation, feeling awkward. I felt so smitten by his presence that I did not know what answers I gave. All I remember is the loud sound of my heart beating wildly,” she shared with her friend, blushing.

His kind smile had reassured her of his support, inspiring faith in her new journey.

Excerpt 4
A voice called her name, snapping her from her reverie. The nostalgic trance ended abruptly. She scrambled to her feet, her heart pounding. "Ouch!" she muttered, wincing as her head bumped the low ceiling, a stark reminder of their humble abode. As she rose from the floor, she realized she had adapted well to the mattress, not missing a proper bed.

Was it because love was in the air? she wondered, smiling, as she hurriedly tucked stray strands of hair behind her ears and adjusted her saree pallu while navigating the rickety staircase.

"Your sisters are waiting for you," her mother-in-law's voice called again.

She skipped the last step, jumping down to quickly wash her face, terrified of her mother-in-law's reaction. Her sisters-in-law smiled at her, and she followed them to the communal toilet, carrying a large tumbler of water.

The open ground known as 'wada' was a stark contrast to the privacy she had enjoyed at 'Mani Bhuvan'. A few women squatted in the distance, their silhouettes sharp against the rising sun. The stink, yellow puddles covered in ash, and swarms of buzzing flies filled Beni with dread.

"Here, sister, you go first in the enclosed room," she heard, spotting a small structure in the open ground. Beni heaved a sigh of relief. She entered, her nose wrinkling at the unpleasant stench that permeated the air. The foul odor reminded her of "Gandheri Gali," the lane she used to pass daily on her way to school.

As she finished, a cuckoo's call pierced the morning air. The familiar sound tugged at her heartstrings, reminding her of home. Tears welled in her eyes as she realized the luxury of a private toilet with a flush was now a distant memory. However, she swallowed the bitter pill quickly and followed her sisters back home, heading straight to the kitchen.

Excerpt 5
His heart pounded as the young man entered the elegant office in Piazza. Butterflies of excitement and apprehension fluttered in his stomach. This was his only chance; he had to give it everything.

The man in the gray suit, adorned with a large gold ring, a Rolex, and a gold chain, listened patiently to the young man's pitch. Then he paused, taking a long, contemplative look at the confident young man and his plans. He rose and walked to a large window, absorbing the city view.

He stared out for a long time, gathering his thoughts, leaving the young man in nervous anticipation.

"I've heard his story - his struggle, hard work, and perseverance," he mused, blowing smoke rings from his pipe.

He'd meticulously tracked his journey from the small Indian community that led him to conclude:.

"He's a man of integrity; it's my duty to help another Indian abroad."

As he prepared to grant approval, a sudden thought halted him. He returned to his chair, fixing the young man with a direct gaze.

"Tell me, young man, despite your sense of commitment, what..."

An employee interrupted, entering with a register for the boss's signature. As the boss gave instructions, the 25-year-old's nerves frayed further. He had spent agonizing moments during the older man's deliberation, and now his heart hammered louder than ever.

Was it a 'no'? What would he do then?

Excerpt 6
"Let's live it up, lady! It's been two months since you arrived, and it's time to show you the country," he sprung up from the bed, his contagious enthusiasm rubbing off on her.

The hired taxi glided through the countryside, transporting them to a dreamlike world. The vast landscape, dotted with lush trees, vibrant flowers, and shimmering bodies of water, was mesmerizing. The crystal-clear sky, adorned with fluffy clouds, beckoned them to touch; they seemed so close! The irresistible charm of sweet-smelling emerald green hills captivated them.

Suddenly, she burst into a romantic Hindi song, her voice filling the air. The driver wore a warm smile and commented in Amharic, "She's one of us."

Her husband's face lit up with a wide grin. As he translated, Beni wondered if "one of us" meant a happy soul.

Soon, they became engrossed in the spectacle of cars whizzing past. He excitedly announced the names, "That was a Toyota! Look, a Volkswagen... I love Fords, and wow, a Mercedes!"

"I like Folkswagon!" she shouted excitedly, oblivious to her mix-up of car brands. The car instantly filled with his uninhibited laughter – a sight she had never witnessed before.

As they reached Bishoftu, he took her hand, his clasp reassuring and comforting. With each step, she felt a surge of happiness, his presence a steady anchor in the ever-changing landscape.

Soon they settled, gazing at the lake whose serenity evoked a wave of nostalgia. "Remember the day we spent at the riverbank watching the sunrise?" she asked softly.

"How could I forget it?" he replied dreamily.

Excerpt 7
"Ruuun!" Beni heard the screams in the middle of the night as the earth shook. Disoriented, she felt her husband guide her out of the house, holding her hand. The open ground filled with people from surrounding homes. The couple huddled together, squatting at an available spot under the starlit night as the earth continued to tremble.

Kar-Kore Majeta, as it was called, had played truant for almost two weeks, so everyone was prepared for an earthquake. Many, including Senik, had stashed valuables in a tiny bag to carry. He had also kept a blanket handy for his pregnant wife, which he now used to cover her as the air turned chilly.

Beni reached for her husband's hand as the tremors intensified. "What if I lose my child again?" she shuddered, sweat beading on her forehead, remembering the pain of her firstborn's loss.

'Here today, gone tomorrow,' she winced, pondering the fragility of life. Her hands clasped together in prayer. Soon, she felt her husband's arm around her slumped shoulders, a comforting presence. Suddenly, she felt strong. He was by her side this time, and nothing could go wrong. She opened the blanket wider for him to get under it.

As the hours passed, the tremors seemed to subside, but the fear lingered in the air. People could not shake the dread that had gripped them.

Excerpt 8
"This weekend, we're visiting Ethiopia's most scenic waterfalls! Pack up for a two-night adventure trip," the father announced as the weekend approached.

The long bus journey through scenic landscapes with several Indian friends was fun. However, what made it truly memorable was the first glimpse of the majestic Blue Nile Falls near Lake Tana, located close to Bahir Dar city.

"Wow, I didn't know this is the source of the Blue Nile River!" a sibling commented in awe, watching the powerful force of water cascading down the mountain.

"It's also known as Tis Abay in Amharic," someone from the group added.

"Look at the streams of Tis Abay! So many!" a mischievous sibling exclaimed, trying to absorb the wide-angle view of the magical waterfalls.

Later, as Beni watched her children bicker, fight, and argue, only to soon make up and smile together, she said a prayer of gratitude.

That night, huddled and cold, rubbing their hands around a campfire, Beni gushed, "Dear ones, remember, you all have appeared like various waterfalls, your source being us." She pointed at herself and her husband. "Don't break this precious sibling bond. It's the only one created by God to be together from birth till death. Argue, fight, bicker, and make up, nurturing it with love. This way, your love will reach us in heaven when we're gone, or else we would turn in our graves."

Excerpt 9
As the day waned, long shadows danced across the quiet garden. The scent of incense drifted from the nearby home, where Senik, brimming with anticipation, waited for his wife in the living room. This felt like a moment he had dreamt of for years.

"Close your eyes," he urged, his excitement palpable as Beni entered with a tea tray.

A knowing smile touched her lips. Another gift? she thought, remembering the portable radio and then the car on her birthday, both heralded by those same words. She chuckled at his charmingly naive, simple ways.

"What could it be? He's given me everything!" she mused, her smile widening as he blindfolded her. "Come on, what is it?" Her patience wore thin.

He placed an envelope in her hand and told her to look inside. Impatiently, she ripped it open, her eyebrows rising in bewilderment.

He calmly smiled, urging her to discover it herself.

"Well, there's an air ticket for Mumbai, and a signed blank cheque," she said, utterly bewildered.

"Yes, the cheque is for you to buy any house you want anywhere in India, and you leave next week," he announced.

"What?!" Her jaw dropped. She stared at him in disbelief. he never played serious pranks. This had to be real!

She closed her eyes, trying to absorb it all. Looking back at the envelope, she read the inscription: "A souvenir for my precious one." A pang of emotion shot through her heart—So this was the secret dream he had worked so diligently to fulfill.

A blank cheque.!! It was the greatest honor anyone had ever bestowed upon her. Tears welled in her eyes. Speechless, she rose and hugged him tightly. He felt the warmth of her love, the profound depth of her gratitude. The moment hung suspended, their souls entwined in eternal bliss.

Suddenly, the silence shattered as children burst through the door, bags heavy with treats from the neighbors. "Look what we got!" they exclaimed, proudly displaying boxes of biscuits.

Excerpt 10
It was a full moon night. Beni, frail and weary, sat propped against the pillows on her bed, admiring the bright orb outside the window when her daughter entered the room. Her daughter sensed the serene state her mother was in, despite the illness that had robbed her of speech and mobility for the past three months.

A tender smile played on the daughter's lips as she knelt beside the bed, her hand gently enfolding her mother's delicate fingers. The touch was feather-light, a communion that transcended words. As they sat in silence, their eyes drawn to the moon's radiant beauty, its light bathed them in a soft, comforting embrace.

Though each was lost in their own thoughts, an invisible thread of deep affection bound them. Suddenly, a subtle shift occurred. Beni, stirred with determined resolve despite her limited movement, stretched forward. Her hand, trembling slightly, reached towards her daughter's forehead. After what seemed an eternity, it finally rested on her brow, the touch warm and tender. Soon, her eyes, brimming with affection, locked with her daughter's. She held the pose, her hand lingering, as if trying to imprint the moment onto her soul. The gesture, laden with profound love, was surreal, as their souls seemed to intertwine, to merge into a single entity.

The moon shone with renewed brilliance, rejoicing in their bond, as the daughter felt overwhelmed with a silent blessing, the apex of maternal love.

The gently held hand now tightened its grip, a silent acknowledgment of unspoken questions that lingered in the air, the unvoiced yearnings of the soul:

Had they truly savored every precious moment, every tender touch, and every heartfelt word?

Had they indulged enough in the simple joys of handholding, the solace of kind words, the warmth of soulful hugs?

Had they truly understood each other, delving into the depths of their emotions, exploring the intricate landscape of their journey?

The answer, elusive and uncertain, hung heavy in the air, reflecting the complexities of human connection.

But in that moment, as their eyes locked in silent communion, any sense of incompleteness, any lingering regret, was eclipsed by a profound sense of peace. The moon witnessed their silent affirmation of enduring love.