Sunaina stood looking out at the fields for a long time. Her three children were huddled close to each other behind her on the floor. The quilt was barely enough to cover their growing bodies.

The money lender was due to come again today to collect his dues; she had hoped that by some miracle she would be able to collect enough money to at least east pay the interest but try as she might she couldn’t arrange even half the amount.

The moneylender curtly indicated last time that he wouldn’t take no for an answer anymore, it would have to be either the money or her next time.

She had tried her best to repay the debts, pawning the last bit of jewellery she owned even the little that had been gifted to her children but the loan seemed unending. A loan which had gone to fuel Inder’s drinking and gambling and which she now had to pay back with her honour. The ignominy of it ran shivers down her spine.

The sudden flash of inspiration brought her to life. She looked again to check that the children were sound asleep, barred the door from outside and went off to the neighbourhood STD booth.

On her return, she peeped in to find the children still sleeping. She walked across to the kitchen walked in locked the door and calmly poured the kerosene oil on herself. She looked around found the matchbox and set herself on fire. She watched fascinated as the flames leapt up to engulf her, almost welcoming.

She kept quiet for as long as she could before the shrill cry that brought the neighbours running was heard. The doctor tried his best with the limited facilities available at a village dispensary but she was too far gone.

Sujata had been informed by her maid when she woke that Sunaina had called early in the morning to ask her to visit the village today urgently. She had moved immediately, the summons sending a chill through her and her instinct had proved right. By the time she reached all she could do was console the children and make arrangements for the cremation.

No one knew where Inder was so Sunaina’s eldest son had to do the rites. In her, heart Sujata knew that Sunaina wouldn’t have wanted Inder to do it either.

There was not much left to do, the money lender to whom the land was mortgaged quickly claimed it as his. Sujata called Amit with the news and then boldly said she was bringing the children home with her. Amit acquiesced without a murmur and Sujata yet again wondered what had changed her husband so much.

Within twenty-four hours of Sunaina’s contemplating the helplessness of her situation, everything had been sorted out. Her house was shut down, her children still dazed, not fully comprehending what had happened were looking forward to visiting the city with Sujata and her debts had been paid off. Sunaina had found her deliverance.