Curiosity of Maa.

Fehmida Riaz has described this scene by forming a three dimensional picture of the scenario. She describes the scent of the insect killer coming from the bed; the noise of broken springs in the mattress, the smell of old locked rooms of the Haveli and the silence of Maa and Baa. The only conversation that occurs in this scene is Maa questioning Baa about his whereabouts for the evening. Baa’s one word answer: ‘Bazaar’ is quite impactful. This is because we do not know which bazaar he is exactly referring to. Is he lying? Does he get the hint of suspicion Maa has on his sexual activities? Or is he plainly telling the truth? Several questions arise in the reader’s mind. This curiosity is followed by the feelings of sleeplessness Maa is facing. Maa is constantly allured by the two fireflies which are playing in the dark, spreading their light and hence symbolize love. She keeps on staring at the couple while her husband is sound asleep. This passage again is open to the reader forming assumptions about the emotional state of Maa. Is she envious of the fireflies? Is she recalling good old memories with her husband? Is it the insecurity which would not let her sleep?

The passage ends here; however, the reader forms several assumptions after this passage. The stark imagery followed by unclear feelings but reactions which leave an impact, really gives the author an edge over all other authors who present issues more directly. Fehmida Riaz does not only leave her characters thinking but also the readers wondering. This curiosity involves the reader more strongly into the story-line.  

Page 23-24

(The scene where firelies show up in Maa and Baa’s room)