The Fall. The Injury. The Blood. The Abuse: The Solution—Kunal Roy

After losing my parents to the sea of oblivion, I have become a quiet person. The duties are followed in a perfect manner. There is no such pending task, though I am very lazy by nature. It is perhaps the God 's grace that I am always able to complete my assignments on time, giving the least chance to raise the forefinger against me! However, at times, things do not fall into place and I am put into an acid test, much to my dismay! 

  A couple of days ago an incident shook me. I was rather reduced to a bundle of nerves. I returned from my work station on time. After some tea and repose, I sat on my bed to do some formal work. All of a sudden, there was a thundering sound. I was taken aback! I rushed to the spot and discovered my aunt to be smeared with blood. The vestibule near the door of my bed room was dotted with blood. A heavy injury on her head as she fell to the downstairs. But I didn't lose my nerves. I pressed a woolen cloth on the injured area and applied ice and cold water to stop the bleeding! I succeeded in my attempt. Yet the garment she was wearing was covered with blood stains. I brought a fresh garment from my room and helped her change it! 

   My aunt's son was not at home. He returned after nine in the evening. Seeing her sitting on the vestibule, he questioned, " What had happened? " I told and explained him. But his pride and arrogance pushed me back. He shouted at me and used abusive language. It seemed as if I was responsible for the whole massacre! A bitter vision of life, I must confess! Little later Robin, a neighbour was called in. The auto rickshaw was summoned and she was taken to RSV, a popular nursing home in South Kolkata. They returned quiet late. The injury site was provided with four stitches, followed by other medications. All these I came to know after I went to their room in the upstairs! 

   She is seventy four now. The brain scan was conducted. The report was generated. At this very hour everything is normal. Nothing has spiralled out of control! A sense of calmness has finally prevailed.

   It was not necessary to use abusive language and add insult to injury. It was the high time for taking the right measure! But there are certain people who never bother to change. They think they are right in every occasion. Had it been someone else, the solo abuse would have translated into a mutual scuffle, inviting the local police to settle the matter in their own way. I kept silent. I didn't utter a single word, a sign of maturity which one develops in the absence of true well- wishers! 

   It has been stated by a medical expert that both of them are undergoing the terrible stages of depression. And the event was somehow the result of depression. They have been advised to take proper medicines and guidance to avoid further complications! I simply don't know what the future has in its store for them! 

   I am planning to make different arrangement for settlement. But I don't know how far I shall be able to execute my plan in a hassle free manner. Lots of constraints are there unlike them. However, the biggest is the financial one. It is not an easy task to buy even a one room flat these days. Money matters, after all!!

    The one and only thing I feel is that one may not have enough bank balance or a fast car or a sublime life style, but one should always make a sincere effort to sustain peace , despite all odds! Something literally missing at this very hour. Something literally missing among them. A true confession!!

                                     - Kunal Roy 

( Assistant Professor, Department of English Language and Communication, George Group Of Colleges, Kolkata)