The Tenor Of Life

It was a large and one of the better-off families of the village. Gaus Mohammad had four sons and two daughters. Both his daughters were married and were happily living with their new families. His sons had gone to work in the fields. He, his wife, daughters-in-law and children were in the house.

The weather had been nice this time and the family expected a bumper crop. His eldest grand-daughter was now ready to go to school. Sending the child to school, particularly to a private English school, meant a lot of expenditure. There were many expenses like school fees, purchase of books and school uniform which appeared a lot to Gaus. None of his own daughters had gone beyond primary school, but this time on the insistence of his daughter-in-law and even his wife he had decided to send his grand-children to a good school.

He was planning to go to village money-lender from whom he had already borrowed money as crop loans. He had always repaid his loan in time, sometimes even by selling household assets, so he enjoyed good relations with the money lender. He did not foresee and problem in getting the loan. However, he was not sure if the money lender would be willing to lend for the education of a girl. In fact, he himself had required a lot of convincing from his wife and daughter-in-law. His sons had left the decision to him.

His wife had similar apprehensions, but was certain about her husband’s ability to convince money lender. She stood outside just to make sure that her husband did not renege on his decision.

His oldest daughter-in-law who observed purdah from her father-in-law was also keenly waiting for the outcome of his visit. Although she observed purdah from her father-in-law, but she could talk to him from behind her veil. The family had adopted that much modernity. The other daughters-in-law were also mildly concerned, because today’s decision might also affect their own children’s future.

The granddaughter due to whose education this situation had developed did not have any such fears. She loved her grandfather dearly and was sure about his success, although she was not sure about the issue which had created so much tension in the family. The other children just stood in the veranda watching their grand-father leave the house. They knew that nowadays he did not go to fields for work. Sometimes he visited village market to make some purchases or sat in village square to gossip with other old people.

As Gaus was about to step out of the courtyard, his wife reminded of the importance of task. Gaus continued on his way without saying anything.