A Walk with Najeeb

 Quarantined during Omicron in January 2022, it took me to reading 'Aadu Jeevitham' by Benyamin. Sitting and completing the entire book in one stretch happens rarely. Turning off the hissing cooker, spreading clothes following the alert from the washing machine, attending to the doorbell rung by the cooking gas delivery person - these disruptions often break the rhythm of reading! It was a blessing in disguise, contracting Covid-19 and being forced into quarantine while the rest of my family remained safe and healthy outside, taking care of me. Reclining in the room, waiting for the knock at the door that brings delicious and healthy food, was enjoyed for a couple of days. Fortunately, my taste buds were left untouched by the virus! It was then that I recollected Najeeb's story lying unread and untouched on my table.

It wasn't easy to read the book in one go as my body yearned for complete rest. Every time I closed the book for short breaks and returned after a nap, I longed to have Najeeb rescued from the Goat Life. His denial of water to quench his thirst, being beaten for using water for washing, and being fed Kuboos stirred emotions, especially as I rested, being fed delicious and sumptuous meals 3-5 times a day! The contrast of taking a shower under clean, cool water with Najeeb's life, deprived of basic rights to keep oneself clean, was striking. The Arbab's fear of rain highlighted the paradox of water as a character. When Najeeb finally made it through the desert and boarded his way back home, there was a sense of relief, though not free from the impact of Covid.

It was a long wait to watch the courageous efforts put in by Blessy and the team to materialize the movie 'Goat Life'. The movie was a daring attempt by the makers. It is not easy to meet the expectations of viewers, especially since most people would have read the narrative. The climax and conclusion of any movie are what the audience waits for, but catching the attention of viewers who know the whole story is not a cakewalk. Prithviraj as Najeeb and Gokul as Hakim made a commendable attempt. Their transition from a strong and stout gait to a thin and skinny appearance was praiseworthy. The movie also juxtaposes the role of water in Najeeb's younger age and his troublesome time in the desert. He was once a dweller of water, collecting sand from the river, and longed to bathe during his forced stay in the desert.

Najeeb is sympathized with throughout and after the show! His dreams, fighting fate, risking his life in extreme weather, adverse conditions, and wading through the sand to reach a safe place, unaware of his destination. What about Sainu and his mother? What would Sainu have thought of Najeeb when he went missing, receiving no news from him for months? Being pregnant with Najeeb's baby, how could she have overcome the infinity of waiting? How about his mother, who lost her husband at a young age, doted on her son, and took care of the fatherless grandchild? What kind of questions would they have faced from society? How many days would they have waited in the neighboring telephone booth, hoping for his phone call? How many times would they have woken up from nightmares? How many times would they have considered suicide?

Saritha. K, Head, Dept. of English, Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Kizhattoor, Perinthalmanna