Many years have passed since they were separated from their
mothers but the memory of separation is fresh in their mind. How mercilessly they
were cut off from their mother and kept in a room without from food and water,
to tame them for working together and prove useful. The only consolation for
them was that some of the brothers, sisters and friends were together. They all
wept till the tears dried. Master
bunched them and tied together so that they do not run away. Now they all were
addressed as a group, individual identity was lost and none was allowed to
venture alone anywhere. The group was given a name by the master and that is
how my identity came into existence. Yes I was born that fateful day.
Daily I was taken out of the room and was made to perform
menial tasks. After the work was done I was allowed to be outside in the
veranda. I enjoyed the lovely greenery, children playing around and the aroma
from the kitchen. When everybody came in the veranda to sit and gossip, I was
taken to my room and locked. Thankfully the room was well lit and airy.
How glad I was those days. I had a room which I shared with
my cousins. I was treated with respect and tended to very carefully. I was happy
to be in that big house until one fine day the master decided to sell the
spacious house and shift in this flat I call a match box along with me and the
old lady servant.
It was winter season and like earlier days I wanted to be
under the sun for some time, but then when master is around no one dared to let
me be anywhere except where he wanted me to be, that is a dingy dark corner of
the house. So I shivered and cried and longed for the sunny room of mine of
good old days.
Master left for few days and the old lady let me be in any
place I wanted. What freedom means I really understood then? I was all over the
place, in the drawing room, dining room, bed room and in the lovely balcony
with fresh air and bright sun.
Sigh! My days of freedom were limited. Master came and I was
back to original place. I feel lonely and miss the days when I used to sway
with strong wind, and entwine my fingers with my brother and sisters or huddle
together to make sure I do not fall or get lost. I simply feel desperate in
this corner.
My master returned
with his bride. I was very happy seeing her, for she would know how to treat me. She would know I
am useful only if my body is strong. I was so happy that I danced and sang
while working.
I loved the lady as she tended to me carefully and treated
me with respect. Some times when the master would not be there she would bring
me for sunbath, in rainy season she would cover me and I am highly thankful to
her for that. She was beautiful intelligent and kind hearted. I remained strong and did my work swiftly and efficiently. As time passed I started feeling less desperate, rather
started feeling lucky.
My master started treating the lady the same way as he treated
me, I dare to say worse than me. How painful it used to be to see tears running down her lovely shining
cheeks. Silently she used to weep. She would work the whole day and then
retreat to her allotted place to be called as and when the master needed her.
She was invariably compared to me and was told to know her
place in the family and house else she will be thrown out.
That is when I found
myself luckier than her. My work and working time was defined but she had to
work round the clock, tend to all needs of master and yet threatened to be
thrown out. She had no friends and family in this new place. She was more dead
than alive.
One day I saw fire breaking out from her room, everybody
went helter-skelter cursing her for causing the fire. I was thrown from my
corner as they thought I would increase the fire. A poor lady picked me up and
took me to her home. It was a small house with large hearted people. So I lived
with all respect and dignity with them till my last day. I never saw my lady again. She had left for heavenly abode in that fire.
Now you know why I
felt less desperate, rather luckier than the lady of the house? Because I had her and the old lady to care
for me, she had no body. I lived my life nicely to a larger extent and did not have to commit suicide.
I am very lucky my
lady to have had you around even if for few days. My lady I am thankful to you, to
the poor lady and her family for all the care you all took of me. I remain
indebted for life long to those poor people who sheltered me in their house
till my last breath and gave me back my dignity and freedom.
My lady I wish you all good fortune, where ever and whatever
you are now.
OMG.. description mostly resembled that of a woman's .. it's difficult to say what times.. mostly of old times..but who knows .. might be there today too..
ReplyDeleteSandhya this is the bitter reality of life, we are progressing but much much needs to be done for the up-liftment of women all over the world.
DeleteWe are privileged to see better side of life.