“… here she was, raising a man while the other man, who should, ideally, have shared half the load, stayed far away and chose between control, absence, and outrage as and when convenient.“
The story is beautifully etched on the mind, as one goes from one part to another. I wouldn’t mind reading another part, or maybe a novel out of the same story? :D
Somehow, the character of Madhu reminded me of Jaya from That Long Silence by Shashi Deshpande. They might be decades apart but both get on their unique journeys to individual freedom through the familial chaos of patriarchy.
:) Like Charulata's ending, here too the story ends with stirring up the hornet's nest in a different way. Fatherhood is something men need to be reminded of. It's an offshoot of patriarchy and imposed on men as much on women.
Just finished reading all four parts in one go. Madhu came alive so well for me as did the locality she lived in with Dhaka Uncle and Varun. I really enjoyed the nuances of this story Tanuj, the hesitation of buying cigarettes from the local pan wala, the un-mentionable irritation when a long absent figure suddenly disrupts your routines, the inability to be spontaneous once your relationship has become something of a situationship: these made Madhu and her life very much real.
I held myself back from reading the posts as you posted them, since I hate the wait. And I am glad I waited to read it in it's entirety.
Finally the last part!
The story is beautifully etched on the mind, as one goes from one part to another. I wouldn’t mind reading another part, or maybe a novel out of the same story? :D
Somehow, the character of Madhu reminded me of Jaya from That Long Silence by Shashi Deshpande. They might be decades apart but both get on their unique journeys to individual freedom through the familial chaos of patriarchy.
Thanks Ayush :)
the story holds until end. Has been carried out excellently.
:) Like Charulata's ending, here too the story ends with stirring up the hornet's nest in a different way. Fatherhood is something men need to be reminded of. It's an offshoot of patriarchy and imposed on men as much on women.
Really enjoyed reading this Tanuj! Layered narrative told with sensitivity without compromising on simplicity.
Thanks, Aakash. Your comment traces my intentions; the best response I could have asked for.
Such a beautiful story!!👏🏼
Just finished reading all four parts in one go. Madhu came alive so well for me as did the locality she lived in with Dhaka Uncle and Varun. I really enjoyed the nuances of this story Tanuj, the hesitation of buying cigarettes from the local pan wala, the un-mentionable irritation when a long absent figure suddenly disrupts your routines, the inability to be spontaneous once your relationship has become something of a situationship: these made Madhu and her life very much real.
I held myself back from reading the posts as you posted them, since I hate the wait. And I am glad I waited to read it in it's entirety.