The
Forlorn Deer
Sakhu's father-in-law fixed an auspicious day for bringing their
daughter-in-law. Sakhu was then only twelve. Her parents brought her and the function of
welcoming her was gone through. Sakhu's mother felt that as she was too young, they would
take her back and send her when she matured. But Gayyalibai insisted that the girl would
remain at their home from now on. Sakhu's parents could not have their say and returned
thinking of bringing their daughter after home sometime.
Tender girl Sakhu revered her father-in-law and mother-in-law as her own parents and
considered her husband as God. But she was shocked to see the manner in which they
behaved. The Mother-in-law would scold her all the time. She had to Pound paddy, churn the
grains cleanse the vessels, store the water, wash the clothes There was no end to the
tasks she had to perform. Still Gayyalibai was not satisfied with anything she did.
She would angrily shout about the dishes not property washed and go on to denounce
that her mother had not taught her any work well. Sakhu had to constantly weep, suffering
the scolding. Her mother-in-law, after serving meals to the mate members, would throw a
little rice and a bit of other dishes into her plate. It was like the care- less
feeding of dogs. By the time Sakhu went to the river for washing clothes and returned,
even that little food would have become stone cold. But she silently sat in a corner and
ate it silently shedding tears. Sometimes, it would be infested with ants, flies etc. Many
days she would not eat at all.After coming to her husband's house, Sakhu was now like a
lost and forlorn deer. |
