The Sunday market
of Srinagar attracts all. Tourists from Europe can not be an
exception.To these images i add a
portion of short story written by me on a funny practice which has died
its own death .
PHOUKKA CHHA KINNA TOUKKA
( Is it just hollow for
show off or solid piece ? )
When Rupawati Dhar entered
Baithak or the sitting room ,she was happy to see her New daughter in law
seated on a raised platform with some pillows on her back . Embracing her
affectionately , she kissed her forehead. That made both of them happy .
Straightening the sheet underneath before sitting near her daughter in law ,she
said
“ Guss Vaash Heu kudd
Zangunn . Bih Bih Hayee Chhu Thakaan ”
“Go and just stretch your
legs .One gets tired by sitting only ”
Then suddenly there was a
knock at the door . Shaam Raani was in the house to have tea from Novv Nosh (
New daughter in law ) who had been renamed as Lakshmi . Prior to her marriage
Lakshmi was known as Asha Koul. Now she could call herself Asha Koul Dhar .
Shaam Raani was sister of Rupawati ‘s Husband affectionately called as Bai
sahib . Bai Sahib Or Moti lal Dhar worked as Head clerk in PWD . He enjoyed
respect and command amongst his relations . Every one was impressed to see his
Boss Nazir Sahib ( Divisional Engineer ) in the marriage . Nazir Sahib had sent
his personal car and driver for three days to Moti lal Dhar ‘s residence during
the marriage days . The family felt grateful for this act.
Coming close to Lakshmi,
Shaam Rani kissed her forehead and said ,
“ Bajaah Guss . Mooss
Nerinukh ”
“ Let you prosper .Let this
family flourish with your arrival. ”
Though relations between Shaam Rani and
Rupawati appeared to be good but some insiders knew it well that they were
actually not so intimate and considerate to each other . Now Shaam Rani came
closer and started inspection of lakshmi’s Jewellery .She touched her ear rings
, her necklace and the golden Bangles . She also took her dangling Dejhurr in
her hand as if to weigh it . She inspected the Dejhurr carefully and then
looked towards Rupawati . Her facial expressions conveyed some surprise.
Suddenly freeing herself from Shaam Rani , Lakshmi goT up and went downstairs
to prepare a cup of Tea for Shaam Rani . That was the custom or the tradition .
Close relatives of the family were required to have tea served by the Newly arrived Daughter in law. Finding that Lakshmi had left the room , Shaam Rani turned to
Rupawati and said
“ Kuth Henurruss Chhekh
Phatmeuch . Me Chhu Basaan sorruy Chhu Phoukka . ”
“ You have fallen to dirt with
this marriage . All this Jewellery is just hollow and Light and meant
for showoff only . Nothing solid ”
That made Rupawati pensive
. She had nothing against lakshmi . But she also knew that Shaam Rani's
observation was bound to disturb her position among her relations and
neighbours.
( aUTAR mOTA )
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.
