Interview with Lila

Hi Lila, I am doing a write-up for my school magazine about a child in a village. Your village head suggested that I talk to you, as you love the village and has stayed for a while. I have some interview questions that I like to get your responses on.

1. Can you tell me more about the village life?
Even though village life is not the perfect living for many people, it has a peaceful pace and it not as stressful as life in the city. I like the sea, the smell of the harvest and the chatter of the fowl. My life is carefree and I only worry about my mum's health and where to get money for the next meal. Other than that, I spend my spare time trying new recipes to make the basic food interesting.


2. Why did you leave school at such a young age?
There are many reasons. Firstly, due to poverty, my parents could not afford to support all of us in school. Next, my mother is very ill and my father is a drunkard who does not bother to find a job. Therefore, I have to take care of the family while my brother fished.


3. Tell me about your relationship with Hari?
I love Hari but we never have a chance to play together often, as we have different responsibilities looking after the family. Hari has indeed grown up and is more mature now. I admire him for his courage in wanting to go to Bombay to work.


4. Have you ever thought of going to Bombay with Hari?
I would really hope to do so, but it is impossible. If Hari and I go to Bombay together, who will look after my sisters and mother? Like what I said, my father is a drunkard and does not care about the plight of the entire family. He even hits my mother when he is drunk. If I leave, who will stop him when he starts hitting my mother?


5. In conclusion, do you like the kind of life you are leading right now?
I like the life now, although I wish for the better. Even though we may be facing a lot of hardship now, I believe that we are able to overcome all the hardship and lead a better life in the future.


Thank you for your time today, Lila! I am happy that you are the character in my story. I will share the article with you when it is published.