The Veil

Palloo was 22 when she got married. She was the ‘Robin Hood’ of the house. She believed in rendering assistance to those people who are poor and weak; and to torture those who are wicked and powerful, by maintaining a low profile in her customary ‘veil’. 

After her marriage, she was made to remain in the veil forever. A patriarchal way of making the women confined in her contemplations and actions. 

“Please visit a good doctor and also buy medicines. You have become too weak to even walk. And dare you gulp that damn alcohol down again! I can’t even bear that acrid smell of it. Please recover soon, kaka.” Counselled Palloo, to one of the oldest servants of the house, Ramu kaka. 

“Palloooo!! Where the hell have you been?? I have been longing to get a head-massage since morning.” Shrieked her father-in-law, Ravann. He was the oldest member in the family and the most perverted. He would always find an excuse to call Palloo and to ogle upon her. Palloo was aware, that he even attempted ‘debauching’ her on several occasions. “Carry that oil too along from your mother-in-law” commanded Ravann. 

Palloo did not utter a single reply and reached Ravann with a bowl of oil. Her face was totally covered with a veil, and her head hung low. Before her marriage, she was instructed by her mother, “not to look into elders’ eyes and talk.” 

The other day, Ravann was admitted to hospital and was declared dead. It was reported that patient consumed cyanide and suffered a heart stroke. Nobody knew how and what happened. The family members did not think of consulting police, as their family’s prestige would be marred.

Palloo adjusted her ‘ghunghatt’ smilingly and joined other members in the mourning.