Perceptions

I was back home unusually early at 8.00 in the evening that day being a Sunday. I put my book and bag on the sofa and went upstairs to get refreshed. By the time I re-appeared in the hall, my younger brother was browsing my book of Dostoevsky. He asked me what the story is about. I carefully briefed him what I read. He being a history-lover, asked me few more questions about the author. He still had my book in his hands while I was answering him.

Suddenly, my aunt had come from the kitchen and flared up shouting at him "Keep that away, That is from Satan. Not for you. You must not read any other book than your class books and the 'holy' bible. Have you already forgot the sermons read by 'Brother Someone' in the morning?" I was shocked and quivered. She called my book 'Satan', She called my dear Dostoevsky 'Satan', who wanted to be with Christ rather than with truth, if in-case they two are separate. Though being insulted directly or indirectly, I pitied my brother for his life sentence for no crime.

I didn't speak anything at the dinner even for courtesy. I was baffled to such level. I slept vaguely dreaming of my aunt-like figure burning a pile of books with so much hatred in her eyes which slowly turned to pleasure when there were only ashes left. It is not an exaggeration, if I say, I checked in the morning if my books were in place and were not crumpled with anything 'holy'.

PS: Ask me no questions, I will tell you no lies.