Bhoomi relished the mouth savouring dishes. It was a
special day, as Shantibai’s usual grumbling nature was
eclipsed behind her smiles. Even her neighbours joined
them in that small party without trying to ask about
the significance of the small gathering. The previous
night’s dream gave Bhoomi a frightening experience.
Still, the day’s rejoicing made Bhoomi oblivious of
earlier happenings. Her life had gained momentum from
her spirited thinking, making her unmindful of what
misfortunes had befallen her.
Smiling face signals the advent of something bigger and greater.
I smile and like to see the world smile. I feel earth has the
beauties of a child.
Bhoomi’s momentary presumptions got embedded
with abundant innocence that vanished sooner with
encountering grave realities of life. Shantibai had no
regular income; the occasional meals and the utter
helplessness are the usual phenomena seen by Bhoomi
since the early days of childhood. Seeing her grandma
tying a piece of cloth in her belly was a never-missed
situation that brought incessant tears to her mind. Life
unfolding the worst chapters of life at such a tender age
gave her tears an unknown definition, a way to quench
her thirst in a different plane altogether.
Consoling grandma, Bhoomi told, “Inner mental
confidence can only help to withstand life’s brutalities,
which is caused by absolute poverty.”