Shefali Pandya 'Ami'
In the night of Vali, firecrackers were bursting all around. Kajal was sitting in her room. Silently, completely isolated from the outside world… no noise from outside hit his ears. On the day of Diwali – Amas, Kajal's fortune and life were covered with deep darkness. Kajal still remembers… Diwali of the second year of marriage. When Param came from office today, he had bought many crackers. In particular, he did not have a rope bomb. Param loved crackers that made such a loud noise. Also, he was happy now that Kajal was also bursting bombs by being with him. After coming from office at night, Param had dinner and both of them sat and talked for a while. Param was very happy today, for no particular reason and Kajal was haunted by some unknown fear. She was constantly thinking that why is the bhakankara sounding like something undesirable is going to happen today… she would blink even if there was a slight sound. Param was bursting crackers with friends of the society outside. Kajal was doing some work at home. In that case, someone's shout was heard from outside, 'Param… saving… A… A Param….' And simultaneously the sound of 'Param… Param…' grew louder as the bombs exploded. Kajal went out panting and when she looked, her param had passed away in the middle of the bomb box lying there. Someone's voice was heard, 'How many times has he said that brother, you should keep such dangerous firecrackers aside… but if you listen to someone, don't you? Today he finally lost his life…' Hearing this, Kajal got stuck there. The darkness of Aso Vad Amas overshadowed his life after Paramana's departure. Every year, Diwali comes and Kajal remembers the heartbreaking incident. what to do which happened. It could not be denied. Kajal often thought that now she would not remember that incident, but when that day came, her mind would be filled with indifference. This year, a new neighbor has come to live in the opposite house. Husband-wife and son-in-law are four persons in the family. As daughter-in-law Jijna is almost the same age as Kajal, it suits her well. One day in a conversation, Kajal talked about Param to Jijna. How much Param loved her and how he left her in the middle. Jijna was sad after knowing about Kajal. He also told his mother-in-law about Kajal and Param Veesh. Incidentally Jijna's husband Jayesh was also fond of bursting big firecrackers like twine bombs. Kajal once said to him, 'Jayeshbhai, such a hobby sometimes…' but she could not speak further. At night when everyone sat outside bursting crackers, Kajal burst into her room, crying tears in the dark remembering Param. Suddenly someone's voice was heard from outside, 'Kajaldidi… Didi… Come out…' The voice was familiar. Jayeshbhai's voice was calling him out. But Kajal did not want to go out. Jayesh came in after five minutes. Turned on the light in the room and saw that Kajal's face was streaked with tears. He understood. He said, 'Kajaldidi, I can understand your pain, but think how much it must be hurting Parambhai's soul to shed tears like this in a dark room. I know that no one can make up for your loss, but to be so sad?' Kajal said in a sad voice, 'So what should I do? I don't understand anything. I remember that Gozari incident…' His mouth swallowed the rest of the words. Jayesh told Kajal, 'Didi, if there is any return from shedding tears, let us all shed tears. By doing this, you are doing injustice to Parambhai's memories.' Kajal remained silent. Jayesh said, 'Didi, let's sit outside with us.' Kajal came out and sat with uncle-aunty. Jayesh and Jijna were bursting crackers together. Today, after four Diwalis, Kajal came out and sat for the first time on Diwali night. For the first time today, there was a glimpse of happiness on his face. Jijna, who had come to know Kajal well during this time, was happy to see a gentle smile on Kajal's face.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
