Whispers of Time

It was a dreadful dismal night. Dark clouds were running from all directions to cover the sky and terrific sounds of lightning were breaking the hearts of all when Suchita started getting pains. Mr. Srivastava and the entire family became very nervous; the mother kept on telling her to take the pains down quietly and not to shout for she had produced seven children without a single shout. It was only in one difficult case the child would not come out despite taking severe pains. So, to take more pains down and that the child would come out safe, they dug a hole on the ground which used to be muddy and filled it with water. The mother sat over the hole so that more force could be put down. Then the child fell in the waters from where it was soon picked up. Such was Dadi's times. But nothing would console her as the pains became too severe for Suchita to bear. Her cries became louder and louder.No rickshaw or tonga was available in such a nasty weather. So, Mr. Srivastava took his umbrella and started walking on the street. He took fast steps towards the doctor's house and on reaching the place, he rang up the door bell. The doctor wondered who it could be on the streets in such a bad weather. She went to open the door and was surprised to see Mr. Srivastava. He told her of his plight and requested her to help him. Those were the days when one always stood for the other. She immediately took out her umbrella and walked out. On reaching his place, she could hear the loud cries of Suchita from the stairs itself. It was a life without telephone, without mobile or without any such help of protection. —From This Book