Even the harshest critics have seldom raised
objections about Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's observational skills. Accusing
him of being one-eyed or biased would also be unfounded. Once, in one of his
lively tales, he recounted the story of a fierce mother-in-law and her polite
daughter-in-law. Here’s a brief retelling of that story:
At the time, Sarat Chandra lived in
Baje-Shibpur. In the house next door lived three people: a gentleman, his
mother, and his wife. The gentleman was truly a decent man, and his wife was
extraordinarily gentle and virtuous. However, the elderly mother-in-law was
exceedingly fierce. From morning to night, she relentlessly hurled the most
abusive language at her daughter-in-law.
The neighbours could hear the tirades all day
long, and everyone was annoyed by the old woman. Yet, despite enduring such
ceaseless abuse, the daughter-in-law never uttered a word of protest. Her
silence and composure evoked the sympathy of everyone in the neighbourhood.
One morning, Sarat Chandra was awakened by the
shrill screams of the mother-in-law next door. The harshness of her voice and
the vile language she used were unbearable, enough to make one cover their
ears. Yet, the daughter-in-law—clearly the target of these insults—remained
silent. Curious, Sarat Chandra leaned over the boundary wall to intervene and
witnessed an extraordinary sight.
The old mother-in-law was sitting on the
veranda, while the young daughter-in-law was sweeping the courtyard. As she
swept, the daughter-in-law would occasionally lift the broom and gesture
threateningly at the mother-in-law, as if silently warning her of a beating.
Seeing this, the old woman grew even more enraged and shouted louder.
And thus, many have come to say that silence
and politeness are not always synonymous.
April 23, 2021
____________
No comments:
Post a Comment