By smartcubs Abhiley is the central character of the short story “Abhiley” by Abdul Ghani Sheikh. The story captures her experiences and emotions as she navigates a world that is rapidly changing around her.
Simple and Traditional Abhiley is a representation of simplicity and traditional values. She is a woman from rural Ladakh, deeply rooted in her cultural heritage. Her life is marked by a lack of exposure to modernity, which makes her reactions to new technologies both humorous and touching.
Loving and Caring Abhiley is portrayed as a loving grandmother, especially concerned about her granddaughter, Rukhsana. Despite her limited understanding of the world beyond her village, her love for her family is evident. She constantly worries about Rukhsana’s safety, even when her fears are unfounded.
Naïve and Innocent Her innocence is highlighted through various incidents in the story. For instance, when she sees an airplane for the first time, she greets it as if it were a person. Similarly, her confusion and concern over modern gadgets and situations, like the breakdown of a bus or the presence of a gun in the house, show her lack of familiarity with the contemporary world.
Exploited for Her Simplicity Abhiley’s simplicity often makes her a target for exploitation. In the story, the narrator takes advantage of her naive nature to protect his papers from being torn by children. He convinces Abhiley that the papers are crucial, and she guards them diligently, not allowing anyone to touch them.
Emotional and Vulnerable Abhiley’s emotional side is portrayed through her reactions to events involving her family. Her deep emotional bond with her granddaughter and her distress over being separated from her reflect her vulnerability and the depth of her love.
Contrast with Modern Characters Abhiley’s character stands in stark contrast to other more modern and educated characters in the story, like Dolma. While Dolma and others embrace modernity and scientific thinking, Abhiley remains entrenched in her traditional beliefs and ways of life. This contrast highlights the generational and cultural gaps that exist within families and communities.
Resilience and Strength Despite her vulnerabilities, Abhiley exhibits a quiet strength. She faces the challenges of her life with a calm and composed demeanor, rooted in her traditional wisdom and experiences.
Humor in Tradition The story also uses Abhiley’s character to bring out the humor in traditional responses to modern scenarios. Her actions, like guarding the kitchen when she hears about a gun or misunderstanding news about distant events, provide a light-hearted look at the clash between tradition and modernity.
Conclusion Abhiley, with her simplicity, love, and traditional values, embodies the older generation’s struggle to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Her character evokes both sympathy and admiration, reflecting the timeless challenges of generational and cultural transitions.
By understanding Abhiley’s character, readers gain insight into the emotional and social dynamics of a traditional woman living in a modernizing world. Her story is a poignant reminder of the enduring value of love, family, and cultural heritage.