The Starting Point:

I looked here and there in search of a familiar face. My spectacles perfectly hid the nervousness. To my despair, there was none.

Instantly, I thought to return to my cage. What is the point of doing a higher degree at this age? I recall the bewildered expression of my husband, " Gugul, what's wrong with you? why do you want to do this? we people consider you intelligent enough!" Intelligent enough to run the daily chores, I thought. he bent a little on the table. inspite of being so tired, he talked to me for a while. " See, this Ph D takes a whole lot of practical thing to do, not only studying books and journals will help. and, at this age, you have so many responsibilities! I mean maa has become so old... " I looked straight into his eyes. He is resisting change. He could not cope with the change that I was intending to make. I almost felt a tickle in my stomach.

.......

At last I talked. I told him that it was very important for me and i wanted it badly. He said, I could do it provided... Provided what? Provided my duties and responsibilities were well satisfied.

The journey begins.