Bonsai : (A Book by Neena Devi )
- Part 1 -

A translation by Dr. Amarjit Moirangthem *

Sabita was indecisive as she didn't know to lead up her wish to her husband. She had considered of soliciting him during the morning breakfast, but Dileep was outcrying his resentment regarding his works. Then she thought nighttime would be the better prospect. That day she had tried her best not to disappoint her husband at any cost. She had prepared his favorite dishes for the dinner too.

As soon as the dinner was over, Dileep was lying over the bed watching TV, with a cigar in hand. Sabita had finished the chores, she sat against the mirror, after washing her feet. Applying night cream herself, she looked at her husband stealthily, then she went near her husband beside the bed. She gave him a smile and said,'' Have you heard the news?''

Dileep looked at her surprisingly and said," Which news?"

''Eche Bhabani was telling that they are going to Delhi with a dance band for a competition." she cajoled him caressing her soft little fingers slowly over his scalp.

Taking a long-drawn-out yawn, he said, " Yes, I have heard about it." She was dissatisfied at his response. Though she pleaded,'' Can I also take part in the competition. Who knows, I may win.''

Sulking his brows he said : '' Haven't you let off your old passion yet ? You still want to perform, isn't it? My parents will not permit.''

Sabita was very much disappointed, but she still insisted, '' Would you please persuade them tomorrow on my behalf.''

''Even you know, I don't like it too'' he cut down the conversation and after awhile he had fallen asleep.

When Sabita heard that her sister Bhabani was going for a dance competition at Delhi, she requested her for her participation. Seeing her excitement, Bhabani teased her ,'' Stupid ! Don't you know it? You are married now and you cannot go around as you wish without the concent of your husband and your in-laws.''

''Whatever it may be, you please try to persuade my in-laws and my husband Dileep.''

''Okay, let me try, but I am not positive."

She knew that her sister Bhabani had informed her family about the matter, but she was curious as no one in the family has speak about it. As the day of departure was not far, she had to ask her husband personally.

Before marriage, Dileep had never missed her every single dance performance. All the time he used to go along her with forefront interest. But after their marriage, Dileep had not allowed her to perform in dance programmes or any invitation for her participation. But this time she didn't want to squander the opportunity.

All the night, she was yearning for the dawn. Her husband slept deeply snoring beside her. She looked back her past moments. Seeing her aesthetic dancing skills, everyone had expected that she would be a prominent artiste of national stature. Her parents were overjoyed with pride and encouraged her relentless pursuit.

But what is the use of all those prizes and the certificates lying inside her file , which she had achieved with her artistry in painting and various performing arts ?

After finishing her M.A., Sabita got a job in a college. Inspite of her busy schedule, she never missed any invitation to perform. She didn't want to get married then, but her parents had given consent to the marriage proposal from Dileep's family. Dileep seemed to be honest, kind and warm hearted, and he took a genuine interest in arts, and that impressed her to approve him as her life partner.

But after the marriage he seemed to lost his interest, and didn't even bother anything related to arts. Earlier her in-laws and husband used to be proud of her skills and popularity as an artiste, but later she realized they were not fond of her arts at all. Feeling insolent and anxious, she cried in silence with tears over her eyes. Everything happened seemed to a dream to her.

Obliging her husband and looking after the family, she had to forfeit her personal interest and career on performing arts. All her persona of being a prominent artiste seemed to fade away.

The day breaks in without a glimpse of sleep. During breakfast, she was anticipating her husband to plead for her to his parent. When he didn't utter anything, she gave him a gesture through her gaze. Dileep helplessly put down his cup of tea and said, '' Baba.."

Unable to say, he was looking at his both parents again and again. Savita was dejected, kept her head down.

His father then asked, '' Ibochouba, whats the matter?''

To be continued...

( The story is a translation from a book titled ' Bonsai' written by Mrs. Neena Devi of Jaribon , Assam)