Bagugoshe (Pears): Read Swadesh Deepak's story, in translation

All she needed was a dupatta to put over her face. And then, Shobha, my mother could sleep anytime, anywhere. The dupatta was always white, even when her husband was alive.
She was on the bed placed in the long verandah when I entered. Her translucent face was covered. I think she was born wrinkled. She lived with the middle son and made it a point never to inform when she would be coming. I had once dared to ask her why her visits were always a surprise. Shocked, she had said, 'Why would I bother to inform?' What followed was a long session of abuses in Punjabi, directed at no one in particular. The middle brother had often asked her why she made so many trips to my house, considering there could hardly be any communication with my wife, children… different worlds, times and language. She insisted that it was important to see me — 'what if I had fallen ill?'
Before me, there were two still borns. Nobody knows how I survived, not even my father, a doctor. Mother, would not let visitors, including relatives from my father's side, see me for the first few months, lest somebody cast an evil eye. She once told me that she had asked him to keep his sisters away. 'But they were really evil, besides being bitches of the first order, of course.' I wasn't allowed to go out much, lest I contracted caught some disease.
My father was obviously the most educated in the family, and was, therefore, asked to give me a name. 'It would be Sarthak. But I will kill anyone who would make it into a Sattu etc. Punjabis love distorting everything, including names.'
Yes, he could kill. Partition never left him. Nor his memory of massacring 11 people from the rooftop with his German rifle. Not that he regretted it. Though he had said once, 'I wish most of them were not from the same mohalla.' He would recall how a feudal lord like him who had never worked before the country was split into two was forced to live in a refugee camp. In Rawalpindi, mother clearly him remembered, that he would take out his horse and rifle to patrol the fields late into the night. The clinic remained closed on most days. He didn't like waking up early.
I made tea for us before waking her up. She looked at me for a few seconds, 'You look weak. Are you sleeping with your wife every night. Don't you know it can sap all your energy?' She could say anything, anytime – just like she could sleep. I smiles, 'Leave alone sleeping, we didn't even look at each other properly nowadays.' She was suddenly concerned, 'What is the point of all this education, don't you know a woman will make life your life hell if she is not satisfied?'
She also wanted me to work 'harder'. The fact that I came back in two hours from the college always disturbed her. 'Believe me, they will kick you out one day. No one respects a man without work, no matter how talented he is.' It did not really matter how many times I told her that being Professor of English who taught Master's classes, I wasn't expected to stay in the college for long. 'Yes, I know those who know English don't have to work hard. But you must save your job, no? Remember what happened to your father's brother? He went insane listening to his wife's taunts after losing his job.'
I'd served some biscuits with the tea. She pressed the biscuits and complained they were too hard. She saw me dipping mine in the tea and eating. She smiled. Did exactly that.
At first, she didn't seem happy on seeing the four young women who came unannounced. But Rekha, who came every other day, managed to break the ice soon. She told her that I was one of their favourite teachers and that they seldom missed my classes. She was pleased. A reassurance that I was not going to lose my job anytime soon. Rekha also boiled an egg for her. The toothless old woman couldn't be happier.
Mother spoke about her husband to the girls. … How the doctor would spend more time with women patients. 'I once asked him why he would keep holding their hands. He insisted that he was checking their pulse. Of course, I knew the bastard too well for that..'
After my father's death, I made it a point to send her money every month. She had never asked me to and had even opposed it once. I just said, 'The money-order will stop only after my death.' We never talked about it again.
After the students went away, she decided to remember that I had a family. I told her that they had gone to Delhi and would come back after a week. She looked at me, relieved, and smiled.
It was time for me to go for a walk. I asked her if she needed anything. 'Yes, get some pears, I suddenly want to have them.' She was quiet again. I know, on many levels she could not relate to anyone in this house, including me. After all, she laughed loudly, cried shamelessly. We were the middle class educated – measured in everything. We didn't waste time. Even the kids were mostly in their rooms, reading. She lived in the magical world of irrelevant conversations.
I asked about the pears from the partially blind fruit seller. He didn't have them. I didn't ask from anyone else. There was a small famous chhole kulche shop. She loved them and would always say the same thing about them. 'This taste reminds me of Pindi.' She meant Rawalpindi in Pakistan. Nobody called it by its official name, after all, for those who truly love that city, never address it like a postman.
She asked me if I remembered Jawaharlal Nehru's sister's name. I was scared… for the past many times she had been talking way too much about the past. What if she really started living there? Well, not that there was much in the present, but still…
'I'd gone to meet his sister after your father contracted TB. He'd asked me to go and live with my brothers, but how could I do that? After all, I too was a landlord's wife. I don't know why he forgot that? After he was admitted to a hospital, a social worker got me a pension of ₹100 a month.'
Shobha, my mother, went back after four day. For years, I didn't get in touch with her. She stopped coming too. My dreams had retired. All desires and relations too. I didn't ask anyone if she was alive. I didn't ask anyone if I was. During those long winter years of mental illness, my heart knew the shortest route to the nearest mortuary; it would often go and mourn itself there.
One day, the telephone rang. It was my middle sister. She asked me to come and see my mother. Perhaps for the final time. I did go. Shobha had shrunk. She looked at me. Her blank stare didn't break my heart. Her expressions had lost their language, but so had mine. I could see a bridge with missing planks and on it a crawling Shobha. And one day, me.
I could not pray. I would not.I was not allowed to.
She finally spoke. 'If you had to come only once, you should have waited for my death, no?' There was a smile on her face when she called me a 'bastard'. The middle sister told her that I was unwell, was in the hospital for months. 'But why didn't anyone tell me? I could have gone and cast away the evil eye.' There was quiet. Someone handed me tea. I lit up a cigarette.
Mother – What happened to all your hair?
I was quiet
Mother – Where is that intense gaze?
I kept smoking
Mother – And who stole your colour?
This time, I smiled.
'You must start praying,' she told me. I lit up another cigarette and said, 'Now listen, never again will you ask about my illness from anyone again. No one will talk about it,' I addressed everyone in the room. There was quiet. it felt nice to be cruel again.
Now she started crying. A long howl without a sound. It carried on. Everyone was startled. I looked at her calmly. She was looking at me. Her eyes were wide open. The middle sister broke down. She knew death had entered the house. She was whispering something. I asked her to repeat, 'I know you haven't brought the pears. Don't worry, I'll get them from Pindi.'
(Excerpted with permission from the collection A Bouquet of Dead Flowers, stories by Swadeep Deepak, translated from the Hindi, published by Speaking Tiger; 2024)

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

First Post

a day ago

• First Post

History Today: When Checkpoint Charlie was dismantled

One of the most iconic reminders of the Cold War era, Checkpoint Charlie, was dismantled on June 22, 1990. The iconic checkpost served as a gateway between the two parts of the German capital during the Cold War. On this day in 1986, Argentine footballer Diego Maradona scored a memorable goal against England that later came to be known as the 'Hand of God' read more West Germans applaud as East Berlin citizens travel through Checkpoint Charlie, at the Berlin Wall, at the border of West Berlin, November 10, 1989. File image/Reuters Checkpoint Charlie, the iconic border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, was officially dismantled on June 22, 1990. It stood as a powerful symbol of the ideological divide between the United States and the Soviet Union during one of the most tense periods in modern history. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 1986, Diego Maradona etched his name into footballing immortality by scoring one of the sport's most infamous goals against England and subsequently coining the unforgettable phrase 'Hand of God'. Here is all that happened on this day. Checkpoint Charlie was dismantled One of the most iconic symbols of the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie, was dismantled on June 22, 1990. It was a reminder of the Cold War-era division between East and West Berlin . The pulling down of the checkpost is a powerful moment that marked the reunification of Germany and the fading away of the Iron Curtain. Located at the intersection of Friedrichstrasse and Zimmerstrasse, Checkpoint Charlie was established by the US military in 1961, shortly after the Berlin Wall was constructed. It served as the only designated crossing point for Allied military personnel, diplomats, and foreign visitors between East and West Berlin. The name 'Charlie' came from the Nato phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie). East German citizens climb the Berlin wall at the Brandeburg gate after the opening of the East German border was announced, November 10, 1989. File image/Reuters Over the years, it witnessed several dramatic events, including standoffs between American and Soviet tanks in October 1961, and numerous escape attempts by East Germans trying to flee to the West, some of them successful, others tragically fatal. For many, Checkpoint Charlie became an enduring image of the Cold War's human cost . With the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, and the rapid political changes in East Germany, the checkpoint's significance faded. By June 1990, as East and West Germany moved towards reunification, Checkpoint Charlie was dismantled in a symbolic act marking the end of division and confrontation. Maradona coins the phrase 'Hand of God' One of the most controversial goals in the history of football was scored on this day in 1986. It was the quarter-final of the Fifa World Cup played between Argentina and England when Diego Maradona scored this iconic goal at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The goal is often referred to as the 'Hand of God'. In the 51st minute of the game, Maradona leapt into the air near England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and used his left hand to punch the ball into the net. The referees missed the foul, and the goal was allowed to stand, sparking outrage among English fans and players. Just minutes later, Maradona scored again, this time dribbling past five English players in what is widely regarded as the 'Goal of the Century.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A wall in Argentina displaying a mural of Diego Maradona's Hand of God moment. File image/Reuters At a press conference after the game, Maradona cheekily described the first goal as being scored 'a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.' The phrase stuck, becoming one of the most famous quotes in football history and cementing Maradona's reputation as both a genius and a provocateur. Argentina went on to win the match 2–1 and ultimately lifted the 1986 World Cup, with Maradona as captain and star player. The 'Hand of God' incident became a symbol of of the Argentinian player's brilliance, cunning and controversial legacy. This Day, That Year On this day in 1978, the largest moon of Pluto Charon was discovered. In 1955, the animated musical Lady and the Tramp was released in US theatres. Napoleon abdicated as French emperor for the second time on this day in 1815.

Time of India

a day ago

• Time of India

Kamdar kin: One crash snatched our 3 generations

Nagpur: Ten days after Air India's Ahmedabad-London flight AI-171 crash that claimed over 250 lives, the pain continues to hurt the city's Kamdar family. "One accident destroyed three generations of our family. We are left with an irredeemable void in our hearts," said a family member at a gathering organised on Saturday evening to pay tribute to the lives lost. Members of Nagpur's Gujarati-Jain community came together to stand by the Kamdar family who lost three loved ones in the plane crash. The accident claimed the life of 32-year-old Yasha Kamdar Modha, her mother-in-law Rakshaben Modha, and her young son Rudra. Yasha was described as a lively and affectionate person. A mathematics postgraduate who had moved to Germany after marriage, she was remembered for her quick grasp of German language and her soulful singing. "She picked up German in no time," said a relative. "She was brilliant, but more than that, she was full of life." Emotions ran high as a nostalgic audio clip of Yasha singing a popular 1990s devotional track was played. Her voice resonated through the hall, stirring deep emotions among the attendees. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรด CFDs ด้วยเทคโนโลยีเทรดสุดล้ำ และ รวดเร็วกว่า IC Markets สมัคร Undo Many in the gathering were visibly moved, some quietly wiping away tears. "Hearing her voice again, especially in such a moment of grief, was overwhelming," shared a close family friend. Community elder Kirti Shah told TOI: "This tragedy is not confined to one family — it has affected all of us. Yasha was one of our own. Despite living abroad for several years, she never distanced herself from her roots. She remained connected, involved, and proud of her heritage," she said. Kunal Jain, a long-time friend of the Kamdar family, spoke about the fear and shock the crash had triggered in the community. "It's hard to process something so sudden and irreversible. Accidents like these make you question everything. There's a sense of fear around air travel now," he admitted. "But we also have to remind ourselves that flights are essential in today's world. They connect us, bring families together, and open opportunities. We can't let fear paralyse our lives, even in the face of tragedy." Two other friends of the Kamdars, who wished not to be named, echoed similar sentiments about the family and the respect for them in the community. "The Kamdars were always ready to help anyone in need — quietly, without seeking attention or recognition. They were humble, warm-hearted people who treated everyone like family," one of them said.

Time of India

a day ago

• Time of India

2 years later, Minto Road's arched wall to be repaired

New Delhi: New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to repair the arched brick wall on Minto Road. A portion of the wall was damaged in June 2023 during work carried out by a Northern Railway contractor. An NDMC official said the work had already been awarded and was targeted for completion by the end of July, adding that the council initiated multiple communications with the railway authorities regarding repairs. "As soon as the wall collapsed in 2023, we wrote to Northern Railway to get it repaired immediately in view of the upcoming G20 summit. But nothing happened. Finally, we did an estimation of the budget cost for repair work and issued a work order. We will get the wall repaired from our side and later send the recovery letter to the railways as the damage was caused by them only," said the official. The official added that the wall on the rear side of the damaged portion was constructed after the issue was highlighted, but the aesthetically developed front wall with an arch-shaped jail wall was still in a damaged condition, giving an ugly look to the area. Earlier, a Northern Railway official had informed TOI that they would take the necessary steps to repair the site, but there was no response about the recent development. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Audiologists: New $160 German Hearing Aids Sweeping Australia Top Trending News Today Learn More Undo The NDMC official said, "The deteriorated section presents an unsightly appearance at the Lutyens' Delhi entrance from the Minto Road side, which prompted the decision to proceed with the repairs. Thousands of commuters use this prominent stretch connecting Connaught Place and Lutyens' Delhi to central Delhi every day." Minto Road was one of the 13 roads that underwent a complete transformation in 2018-19, with beautification and theme-based urban landscaping implemented based on the available space. The otherwise concretised stretch was redesigned with sloped green patches, vertical gardens, arch-shaped stone slabs featuring carved designs in front of the boundary wall, and a large overhead panel displaying the national flag along one side of the Shivaji Bridge. These panels were illuminated at night, giving the area an aesthetic appeal.