I
'Mashi!'[1]
[1] The maternal aunt is addressed as Mashi.
'Try to sleep, Jotin, it is getting late.'
'Never mind if it is. I have not many days left. I was thinking that
Mani should go to her father's house.--I forget where he is now.'
'Sitarampur.'
'Oh yes! Sitarampur. Send her there. She should not remain any longer
near a sick man. She herself is not strong.'
'Just listen to him! How can she bear to leave you in this state?'
'Does she know what the doctors----?'
'But she can see for herself! The other day she cried her eyes out at
the merest hint of having to go to her father's house.'
We must explain that in this statement there was a slight distortion
of truth, to say the least of it. The actual talk with Mani was as
follows:--
* * * * *
'I suppose, my child, you have got some news from your father? I
thought I saw your cousin Anath here.'
'Yes! Next Friday will be my little sister's _annaprashan_[2]
ceremony. So I'm thinking----'
[2] The _annaprashan_ ceremony takes place when a child is first given
rice. Usually it receives its name on that day.
'All right, my dear. Send her a gold necklace. It will please your
mother.'
'I'm thinking of going myself. I've never seen my little sister, and
I want to ever so much.'
'Whatever do you mean? You surely don't think of leaving Jotin alone?
Haven't you heard what the doctor says about him?'
'But he said that just now there's no special cause for----'
'Even if he did, you can see his state.'
'This is the first girl after three brothers, and she's a great
favourite.--I have heard that it's going to be a grand affair. If I
don't go, mother will be very----'
'Yes, yes! I don't understand your mother. But I know very well that
your father will be angry enough if you leave Jotin just now.'
'You'll have to write a line to him saying that there is no special
cause for anxiety, and that even if I go, there will be no----'
'You're right there; it will certainly be no great loss if you do go.
But remember, if I write to your father, I'll tell him plainly what
is in my mind.'
'Then you needn't write. I shall ask my husband, and he will
surely----'
'Look here, child, I've borne a good deal from you, but if you do
that, I won't stand it for a moment. Your father knows you too well
for you to deceive him.'
* * * * *
When Mashi had left her, Mani lay down on her bed in a bad temper.
Her neighbour and friend came and asked what was the matter.
'Look here! What a shame it is! Here's my only sister's _annaprashan_
coming, and they don't want to let me go to it!'
'Why! Surely you're never thinking of going, are you, with your
husband so ill?'
'I don't do anything for him, and I couldn't if I tried. It's so
deadly dull in this house, that I tell you frankly I can't bear it.'
'You are a strange woman!'
'But I can't pretend, as you people do, and look glum lest any one
should think ill of me.'
'Well, tell me your plan.'
'I must go. Nobody can prevent me.'
'Isss! What an imperious young woman you are!'