The Futility of Loss: A Review of Madhavikutty's "Nashtapetta Neelambari"

 

After a heavy lunch, I committed the mistake of coming to the reading room of my university so as to begin my academic writing. It has been a long time since I have written anything for my research. I kept all my things aside and took my phone to switch it off. As usual I pulled down the notification bar and saw that I have a message in Telegram, and it was from my colleague. She had sent me the PDF of the story "Nashtapetta Neelambari" (literally translated as "the Lost Neelambari", the latter word referring to a raga in Indian music). As predicted, I lost the rhythm of my plan and endeavored to read this long forgotten story from my degree days.

    The short story is about two characters Kannan and Bhadra. They argue in the beginning. From the conversation, the readers get to know that they "were" in love and Bhadra plans to break the relationship as she is betrothed to a rich man. This is a cliche in most of the stories were girls become the opportunists, and I had to recheck the name of the author. Yes, it is Madhavikutty only! What happened to her? Did her feminism vanish into thin air? No, it can't be. So, I continued my read.

    Kannan raged at Bhadra and he agreed in disgust to Bhadra's demand of returning all the gifts she had given him. He stormed to his house and digged out all the gifts she gave him. Though he was blonded by a fit of rage, a small teddy bear doll brought back Bhadra's words to his memories and it showed in his eyes that glittered. Later on, he agrees to marry Parvathi. Soon after their marriage, Kannan's mother fell and she was on her death bed. She started apologizing to Kannan for her grave mistake. Kannan grew anxious, so do the readers. But I was sure where it was going to be. The mother had some role in Kannan- Bhadra relationship. Kannan found out the same from his brother Appu and he yearned to meet Bhadra. They went to her house and Kannan found out that Bhadra has turned into a lunatic who held on to the teddy bear doll. She was in fetters, literally. 

    The story would make anybody cry. On a literary sense, the short story invokes catharsis in every reader. The language is mundane and flows effortlessly. Simplicity of the language has the capability to stimulate deep emotions. Now let us come out of the emotional tsunami and think logically. Bhadra's sacrifice would stand out. She would be the most tragic heroine Malayalam literature has ever seen. But, was it actually necessary? Being selfish at times is a necessary evil. On a holistic analysis, who gained here? The mother ended her life in guilt. Bhadra's life went in vain. And I am pretty sure that Kannan will never be able to live a peaceful life with Parvathy. Hence, Parvathy's life is also in hell. There would be many Bhadras out there in the real world. I am talking to them. Being selfish is not a crime especially in love. Marry the person you love whatever come may. In the due course everything will be fine. The keys are not adjustment and compromise, but transparent communication. Talk and sort it out. At least be faithful to the partner about everything. Even if it is some dark traits of your partner's family and friends, just be open. Frankness is inevitable in any relationship. Silent suffering only strangles. It does no good. "Nashtapetta Neelambari" is an example.