Like a kiss or caress in a Hindi movie, a husband's name is something intimate and therefore unspoken, cleverly patched over. And so, instead of saying Ashoke's name, she utters the interrogative that has come to replace it, which translates roughly as Are you listening to me?
In "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri, the relationship dynamics between a husband and wife are uniquely portrayed through the use of names. The author illustrates how a husband's name embodies intimacy that remains unspoken, similar to the affectionate gestures seen in Hindi cinema. This creates a layer of emotional connection that is profound yet understated.
The wife's decision to avoid uttering her husband's name and instead using a question like "Are you listening to me?" signifies a deeper bond. This shift from a personal identifier to an inquisitive phrase reflects the complex nature of their relationship, emphasizing both vulnerability and the need for connection without overt acknowledgment of identity.
