My mom had died after suffering a great pain. The sorrow of her separation was mitigated by loss of suffering by death.
I reached the village, the car stopped at the gate of my brother. All the children of the neighbourhood came rushing, “Madhu phua has come.” My nephew and bhabhi also came out of the house. Everyone was happy at my sudden arrival. Suddenly I felt that my blood vessels were numbed as if my legs were going behind. After crossing the stair cases, I found the easy chair; near the door was the machia. The whole atmosphere was the same; my bhabhi has not made any changes after the passing away of my father and mother. Near the vacant easy chair, suddenly my legs stopped and I forcefully prevented my hands from folding. I forcefully entered the room. Bhabhi has spread the cot in the yard, women and children surrounded us, from courtyard to door and every place was full. After a long time all have gathered together but even in the atmosphere emptiness was pursuing me. I realised my mom was staring at my every limb, I was shaken. My aunt  quickly perceived my condition and said, “Madhu is remembering her dead mother.” As if somebody had pierced a needle in the wound, I started crying.

—from this collection

Heart touching stories from renowned author Mridula Sinha, which will move you and make you emotional.

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Contents

Introduction Pgs—7

1. My Sisha Phua (Aunt)  Pgs— 11

2. Unveiling of the Statute Pgs—18

3. Tiffin Box Pgs—27

4. The Borrowed Light Pgs—32

5. On the Marriage of a Child Pgs—42

6. Not Disposable Pgs—50

7. A Mother of Countless Children Pgs—57

8. Kaki’s Pilgrimage Pgs—64

9. Delaying Divorce Pgs—71

10. Adopted Father Pgs—79

11. Warmth of Touch Pgs—86

12. Weapon in a Blunted Hand Pgs—91

13. When Chaos Prevails Pgs—99

14. The Pickle Earthen Pot Pgs—105

15. Unnamed Relationship Pgs—112

16. The Light Festival of a Lamp Pgs—119

17. A Household Sannyasi Pgs—125

18. At That Very Moment Pgs—135

Mridula Sinha, prolific author, seasoned stateswoman, was sent to a residential school by her literary father at the age of eight. She learnt music, dance and studied Gita & Ramayana. She practiced Yoga and Surya namaskar along with art and science of cooking. Passed M.A. in Psychology and for a while taught in Motihari Mahila College. She was also principal in a school for eight years. She participated in Samagra Kranti movement by Jai Prakash Narayan. She wrote short stories and articles regarding social issues of children and society. She decorated many political posts of a national level political party and got special honour in literature.
Her first story was published in ‘Kadambini’ in 1977 and that sparked her flare for writing. Her writings recognized many genres and she is still carrying on her writing work. She has explored through the characters of Sita, Savitri and Mandodari and has produced the pearls of wisdom to prevent modern girls from the perils and provide them the guiding principles for life.
The journey of life which had started on a track way; has reached to the Raj Bhawan of Goa so far.