The Suicide Attempt
All efforts to take my life proved abortive, as Grandma stayed glued to me with comforting words throughout our stay in Mumbai. She was just all over me with lots of pampering and making sure that I was alright. Frequently, she specifically prepared meals and fed me herself. The most embarrassing aspect of the pampering was to bathe me, even at almost age twelve. I permitted her anyway because as it was with me; I was ready to stink for all I care. Had she not insisted that I ate, I would
Loss of Memory"Mother! She is awake!’’ Nadia ran to her mother in excitement to break the good news. Her family had long been waiting for the stranger to get out of her comatose state that lasted for four weeks. The major sign of improvement that kept them hopeful was her mumbling of words. For the past four weeks, she had been in seemingly deep sleep under the care of Kamala and her family. Kamala was a medicine woman married to Mr. Barad, a Koli fisher and graduate living in a village near Worli, a posh city in Mumbai. They both had a child they named Nadia, and had been finding it difficult to conceive again after her birth, nine years ago.Mr. Barad had g
The New FamilyAmira’s stay with the Barad family seemed to have attracted more blessings to the family as they all recorded profound progress in their daily life endeavours, which Kamala had not failed to notice that she found her more endearing. On one of the nighttime discussions with her husband, Kamala affirmed Amira was the light that came to the family because their livelihood and general wellbeing had improved since she became a part of them.Amira and Kamala grew very fond of each other that they could talk about everything and anything, and tease each other a lot too. Many people admire their kind of friendship, especially after knowing they were not siste
THE CONVERSATION“Kamala, we have an unfinished business,” Amira reminded Kamala on their way from the bush to get herbs, as they walked on the narrow dirt path that led to their home.“Oh, yes! Dish-making was the last to-do on the list. Is there anything else we have left unattended to?” she replied as she searched through her memory for what we have left out. It has been a hectic day, and her plan was to rest her tired body after cooking for the family.“Yes, please continue the story about Amira as we walk back to the house.”“I know you like gist, but didn’t know you were that obsessed. Where
Sarah regains her memory!By the time Sarah woke up, Anika had left the house with his foster father. She tried to talk about the seemingly embarrassing situation as proof of getting back her memory, but Mr Barad and his wife were unwilling to give her a listening ear mainly because they were trying to ward off the thoughts of reality dawning on them at the time that they wished she stayed longer with them.They were uncertain about what would become of the family if they lose the relationship that they have built with her when she regains her memories. Her presence had brought remarkable growth to the family, and letting her go might be letting go of the aura of blessings around them. Second, they were trying to pro
THE JOURNEY TO DELHIAfter five months, Delhi had not changed from sending good vibes. It was still bubbling with life as ever. Typical of the city, Delhi keeps its visitors captivated with interesting sights and entertaining activities throughout their stay. There is never a dull moment in Delhi, as Amira with Kamala could sight people at different points on the streets enjoying life to the fullest. The city’s unique distinction of having fun places all around did not cease to amaze them as they share their experiences. It is always full of life that it could give other great cities a run for their money.The houses were well arranged on the streets, and easier to identify despi
WELCOME TO MY WORLDGoing back to school welcomed me with the news that Mrs Ava was no longer my class teacher. The school management posted her to a higher class, which should have been the right position in the first place because of her level of academic qualifications. I had the privilege to have her as my teacher because she was standing in for my present class teacher who was yet to take up his post for official reasons, while also awaiting her retiring predecessor to clear her table as she relieves her from duties. So, the management took her to my class to close the gap left by my supposed class teacher till he was ready to take up his post. I don’t have details of why this arrangement had to
SARAH IS ALIVE!Friday was here, and all roads lead to Gechiya Hospital in Delhi. There were lots of delays and disappointments before Kamala and Sarah got to Chan’s place. At the time they arrived, Chan couldn’t hide his feelings of being upset with them for not keeping to the time. They had planned to meet at his place at 13:00, putting into consideration the distance from Koli village to Delhi before proceeding to the hospital together with Anika. But Kamala and Sarah arrived an hour behind time.At 14:15, they were already at the hospital, making enquiries about the midwife when they saw a group of people rush in with a girl on a stretcher. The manner with which they br
THE DISCOVERYAfter the exchange of greetings, Chan explained to the midwife they were in the hospital for Amara and would like to know her state. He didn’t want to disclose the primary reason for their visit.“She would be fine and should be up after the stitches. I have to go now,” the midwife replied politely. It was obvious she didn’t recognise them, especially Chan, who was her late friend’s husband. They liked it that way to avoid raising any suspicion that might ruin their plan. It is possible she might escape in an attempt to avoid being caught if she was guilty. So, everyone had to apply wisdom, and caution too, till they could get her to talk