The Lost Identity

Tina was in her Modular Kitchen. When the Roys’ had shifted to their new flat, Tina had insisted that she should also have a mod kitchen like her friend Minakshi. Her husband Ronen, had been a bit reluctant to order one, as he felt it was too expensive. But eventually, he gave in, as he always tried to make her happy. Tina pottered about in the kitchen aimlessly for some time, then picked up the new Dinner Set listlessly, and placed each piece one by one, as if with great difficulty into the cabinet. Ronen, her husband had bought it for her in June, because it was their Wedding Anniversary. She had everything that a woman could want. But somehow or the other, there was something on her mind, which made her depressed. She tried to analyse, and get to the core of the problem, but not comprehending the malady; she shrugged her shoulders, and sat down with a book.

But her mind was not on the pages in front of her. It was strange that when she read anything, it would not register on her mind. It was a peculiar development. She was worried about herself, and expressed about her mental depression to Ronen. He suggested that she should go to consult a Councillor, who would be able to understand why she was so lethargic, and down, without any interest, or desires, like normal people.

Tina reflected on her past life; from childhood she had been very successful. She was the favorite in the family. Her parents doted on her. She had always excelled in academics. She had married into a wealthy family, and Ronen was a good husband. Her position in the office would be the envy of thousands. Despite getting the cream of life, she was miserable. In this mental state, she did not get happiness from anything, and was indifferent to the world around her.

The Councillor was an amazing man. It did not take him long to analyse her problem. He asked her many soul-searching questions. He told her what was happening to her, was a very common occurrence among the women of the present world. She was no exception. Women in their role as a daughter, a wife and a mother, perennially went on suppressing their innate desires, their ambitions, their inner cravings and toed the line of the family. These frustrations were always in their sub-conscious mind. The remedy lies not in sleeping pills, anti-depressant drugs or taking to drinking or Drugs.

Tina had always wanted to be a Writer, as she had a good command over English and anyone who read her articles, were very appreciative. But office work and family chores prevented her from sitting down to write. She wanted to earn a name and fame. Sitting in the house and being a bread-winner did not suit her temperament. It was this dissatisfaction, which led to her depression When she thought over the matter, she realized that the Doctor was right..

According to the Doctor’s advice, Tina gave up office, and put in her resignation. Ronen was quite capable of feeding the family, so she did not have any worry.

But again an insurmountable obstacle faced her, which would hinder her from fulfilling her dreams. She had seen the rainbow in her sky, but it was about to disappear, and merge into the darkened sky. Unexpectedly she had received a phone call from her office; Hindusthan Lever Ltd. They refused to accept her resignation, as according to them, she was indispensable. What was she to do?! Now Tina was a different person. Knowing the cause of her depression, Tina was ready to take up the challenge to combat all impediments. Tina made up her mind not to succumb to the circumstances, and in the bargain suffer herself. She said to herself, “If there is a will, there is a way!”

Every day at five o’clock in the morning she would get up from her bed, which invariably tried to pull her back, with its cozy comfort. She would jump out with the alacrity of a teenager, determined to win the Match. For three hours Tina would concentrate with her mind and soul, on her writing. At the end of her hectic schedule, she would put down her pen, satisfied and elated. Today she is a world-famous author. Everyone knows the name of the best- selling Author, Tina Sharma who was awarded the Booker Prize in 2020..