* Tomorrow * The cold was getting more bitter by the minute. Hari sat outside his hut, trying to create a small bonfire with sticks and twigs, his four year old daughter pressed against his chest so that she could be a little warm. She was shivering in her sleep, and the heat from his touch seemed to be having no effect. The fire started to burn and a small amount of heat began to make its presence felt. The flame started to grow bigger and brighter, at which point Haris six year old son emerged from the hut and sat around the fire, shivering. Baba, I am hungry, the boy managed to speak through his teeth that would not stop clattering. Hari did not know what to say. He simply whispered I know son and pressed his daughter tighter against his chest. Hari, with his daughter in his embrace, and his son beside him, lay down next to the fire, their empty stomachs growling. Baba, when will we get to eat? his son asked innocently. Haris eyes welled up, but the tears were held back. Crying can be contagious, and Hari knew that. He wanted his kids to stay strong. Tomorrow, son. We will eat tomorrow, replied Hari, unable to make eye contact with his child. The four year old baby woke up. She hadnt eaten anything either, but was too weak to say anything. She could only manage a weak, Tomorrow, baba? before she closed her eyes again. Tomorrow sweetheart, we will eat tomorrow, Hari replied again, unable to fathom where food was going to come from. The drought had hit them hard that year, and all available grains had been consumed through the summer. Winter had brought no cheer either, and most of the villagers were now starving. The morning brought with it a warm Sun, and Hari woke up feeling a little cheerful. The fire had helped them stay warm through the night. Now if only they could also get some food... His son woke up soon after, rubbing his eyes, still sleepy. Munna, wake Gudiya up too. We are going to another village today. We may be able to get some food there, Hari explained. Munna went to Gudiya and tried to wake her up. She did not. Baba! Gudiya isnt waking up... Hari ran to his child in panic. She lay peacefully on the mat, her face betraying no signs of death. Just that she had been dead for a few hours, starvation being the culprit. Tomorrow sweetheart, we will eat tomorrow, Hari heard his own voice before his wails echoed through the starving village. ~ Abhijit
Posted on: Sat, 16 Aug 2014 19:13:33 +0000
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