On his way home from the evening with his colleagues, where Krishna had received a garland of jasmine and rose he says he is “Enveloped in the fragrance of the jasmine and rose garland” (page 178). This shows how although he is alone, through the jasmine scent his wife is already partially present.
He then ponders on the reason why he is carrying the garland home and thinks directly of his wife: “Susila would treasure a garland for two whole days” (page 178) showing how she is constantly on his mind which could be a catalyst which helps him see her later.
His frame of mind is not right at first as he is negative about the situation: “Carrying a garland to a lonely house – a dreadful job” (page 178) he truly believes he is alone which contrasts with the idea that Susila is always present. However, he still keeps the garland although he has no one to take it home to “I hung the garland on a nail” (page 178), which shows that he cherishes every little thing that reminds him of Susila, further emphasizing his love and devotion to her, which would also have helped him achieve the right mind set to see her.
The fragrance of the garland could be seen as part of Susila’s presence as he always relates her to the scent of jasmine. At first “the fragrance permeated the whole house” (page 178) which makes it appear as though she is already present and is ‘exploring’ the whole house.
“I sprinkled a little water on the flowers to keep them fresh” (page 178) shows that although he was negative about the flowers in the first place and he couldn’t find a reason to keep them, he still wants to maintain them. As if he is subconsciously aware that the scent would lead to his inner peace and his vision.
Due to the water he had previously added to the flowers “their essence came forth into the dark night as I lay in bed, bringing a new vigour with them” (page 178) further emphasizes that Susila’s spirit is a part of the fragrance which will bring Krishna to the correct peace of mind to see her and that every second she is growing more and more present as the scent become more and more vigorous.
The Transition:
“The atmosphere became surcharged with strange spiritual forces”(page 178) shows directly that he can feel spiritual presence because of the fragrance, which proves the point that the fragrance is a part of Susila. The word ‘surcharged’ makes it seem almost overwhelming which could be the start off point of when he finally manages to break the bonds between conscious and sub-conscious and thus achieving inner peace.
“Their delicate aroma filler every particle of the air” (page 178) further emphasizes how overwhelming the scent is to him. Additionally, the aroma is described as ‘delicate’ which is a word that can also be related to Susila as she was so delicate she could not fight the typhoid, which again shows that the scent is a part of Susila.
“I let my mind float in the ecstasy, gradually perceptions and senses deepened” (page 178) seems as though he feels drugged by the fragrance and that it has sharpened all his senses. However, this contrasts with
“Oblivion crept over me like a cloud” (page 179) which seems as though he is being pulled deep into unconsciousness and clouds usually dull senses and mystify vision. This could be interpreted as his senses of the spirit world and deepening but his senses in the really world are dulling which further shows how he has managed to surpass his conscious frame of mind and is now able to achieve inner peace.
“I had been thinking of the day’s activities and meetings and associations. But they seemed to have now place now” (page 179) emphasizes that he is past everyday happenings and he has become a part of the spirit world were happenings such as these have no meaning.
“Bits of memory came floating – a gesture of Brown’s ... all this was gently overwhelmed and swept aside” shows that his conscious being and everything that is Krishna no longer matters. “till one’s mind became clean and bare and a mere chamber of fragrance” (page 179) demonstrates the unimportance of his life and all that matters now is the fragrance which is a part of Susila still. The ‘chamber of fragrance’ is the only thing left in his mind, signifying he achieved inner peace.
“It was a superb, noble intoxication” (page 179) further emphasizes how he feels drugged and pulled under by the sheer jasmine fragrance. He shows his ‘intoxication’ as ‘superb’ and ‘noble’ which justifies it as dignified rather than harmful.
“‘Susila! Susila my wife ...’ with all my being.” (page 179) demonstrates Krishna’s resolve to summon his wife. He feels intoxicated and lethargic yet he cannot stop –“with all my being.”- showing that he truly will not stop trying to reach his wife. It is almost as if she is just on the brink of being tangible and he calls out in desperation.
“‘ Susila! Susila!’ I cried” (page 179) shows how Krishna finally realizes his capacity to interact with Susila and just how delighted he is that he has to almost shout in joy –“cried”- a step on his path to inner peace.
“There was an overwhelming fragrance of jasmine surrounding her” (page 179) symbolizes yet again how the garland is used almost as a tool to help Krishna in his quest to call forth Susila, and is shown as almost a calming fragrance that soothes Krishna’s soul.
“We stood at the window... breeze lapped our faces.”(page 179) Demonstrates another step in Krishna’s journey towards inner peace. He seems to be in the exact same position as Susila as if acting as one with her.
“The boundaries of our personalities suddenly dissolved... grateful to Life and Death.”(page 180) Shows the last step in Krishna’s journey to inner peace. He is now one with Susila, instead of trying to get rid of her memory he keeps her a part of him and thus achieves his own inner peace by keeping her close to his heart through life or death. It matters not to him, what matters is that she is with him.
The Transition: