Synopsis In Kokila’s story are interwoven living myths, beliefs, customs, traditions and superstitions of rural Northern India… there is joi de vivre side by side the eerie silence of death. There is ecstasy, cut short by a sudden avalanche of tragedies. There is simplicity traumatized by barbaric cruelty and swift execution of justice on the basis of the dictum: might is right! Kokila’s story presents the grim reality of rural India of early 40s and 50s in its repulsive ugliness, with numerous characters portraying a numerous characters portraying a host of human emotions and characteristics largely dictated by the circumstances of their lives. Even after having seen extensive exploitation of women in numerous countries over the years, certain shocking stories of rural India have remained etched in may mind for years. To describe them has been a very distressing and cathartic experience. The pain, agony, anguish and utter helplessness of some of the characters have left me emotionally drained……