A Leaf in the Storm

(e-content developed by Dr N A Jarandikar) 

"A Leaf in the Storm" is a short story written by Lalithambika Antharjanam (ललिताम्बिका अंतरजनम). She is a Malyalam writer. The story deals with the plight of women who suffered after the partition. It revolves around Jyoti, a Sikh woman living in Pakistan with her parents. Jyoti is portrayed as a courageous and independent woman who decides to abandon her veil (parda) and avoid early marriage. However, her rebellious nature leads to consequences.

After the partition, Jyoti and her parents are forced to cross the border into India. During the journey, Jyoti is attacked and raped by rioters. Initially shocked and traumatized in India, she gradually adapts to life in the refugee camp. She witnesses the dead body of a newborn baby discarded in the garbage, a victim of rape. Despite feeling a tearful empathy for the baby, she desires to follow a similar path of discarding her shame.

However, an elderly person in the refugee camp declares the abandoned newborn as the camp's first citizen. When Jyoti unexpectedly gives birth to a baby herself, her initial reaction is to kill the baby. But upon touching the baby's mouth and feeling a sudden change in her mind, she decides to raise the child in the new world.

The story's ending reflects Jyoti's nature. Despite facing storms in her life, she chooses to be resilient and fight against adversity. The title "A Leaf in the Storm" symbolizes the resilience of both Jyoti and the newborn baby against the challenges they face. In the end, the story concludes on a hopeful note.