February 1945- The Angami people, after a year of war, experienced incredible recovery in spring. The government and village elders worked to restore normalcy, but the district commissioner, Mr. Pawsey, was hesitant to level the village due to concerns about losing boundary lines. The government provided compensation and cleared away debris, and the villagers built houses of tin with corrugated iron roofing. The Angami spirit was resilient, despite mourning for their dead and the loss of relatives. The villagers encouraged keeping their spirits up after the calamity.
March 1945- After the war, strange stories circulated about Japanese soldiers in Chakhesang villages who disguised themselves as Naga villagers and worked alongside them. Paddy stalks and mementos of the war were found in Angami villages. Japanese money was collected and burned outside the municipal office, and guns were found. Shops reopened, with Bengali shops finding customers. Marwaris were not allowed to trade in Kohima, so Angamis took over and began selling commodities. A bazaar for meat and vegetables was established in town.
April 1945- In 1945, reconstruction work in Kohima village and town was completed, and young men reopened a school. Neiliehu Belho and Vibeilie Belho repaired the damaged school building and started teaching students themselves. The government closed the privately run school and appointed a teacher to reopen the Mission School. The school was upgraded to include classes seven to ten, providing relief to parents. Aneiü and Zhabu enjoyed going back to school, increasing the sense of normalcy taken away by the war. Zhabu was more sensible and healthy, while Aneiü was a weakling and unable to join in. The war transformed the author, leaving them with a sense of nostalgia for childhood.
May 1945- The author describes her new life as a mother, balancing her love for her baby, Marion, with her daily tasks. She learns to care for Marion by alternating breast milk and fruit or softly-boiled rice, which helped her grow. The author’s appetite returns, and they spend time at Vic’s grave, where the graves are now adorned with bronze plaques. The rebuilding work in Kohima village nears completion, with the church being one of the first buildings to be restored. The author’s house and village church were built together, but the church eventually became too small for worshippers. The author’s new house was built to resemble their former house, with a stone foundation and cemented floor. She also refilled her garden with vegetables and herbs.
June 1945- Zhabu and her family found their land strewn with bullets after fierce fighting after Mother left the house. They spent hours collecting bullets and shells, and found many empty artillery casings. Jimmy and his parents were lucky to have their house standing, and their family made friends with them. The village’s new houses were mostly painted white or yellow with red roofs, making them look neat and pretty. The author felt angry at the war and the way everything around them seemed unfair.
One evening, the author was surprised to find four young soldiers outside her house. They were greeted warmly by Jimmy and his sister Marlene. The next evening, the author was in the garden and heard laughter from the soldiers. One of the soldiers approached the author, and she was uneasy. She felt a stab of guilt as though she had been untrue to Vic, as she wanted to keep his memory intact. Mother called out to the author, and she reminded her of the time she had spent in the garden, feeling guilty for not cooking something else.
August 1945- A young soldier, Dickie, invited the narrator to meet him, but the narrator was initially confused and unsure. Dickie, a young captain in the army, expressed his admiration for the narrator, much like Vic. After a few days, the narrator decided to go out with Dickie and his friends. Dickie, who was named Richard Harris, was gentle and understanding, and they got to know each other better. They began to go out frequently, sharing memories of their past. However, things had changed since then, as Dickie and his friends were among the last soldiers to leave Kohima. They were fond of the American missionary couple, Reverend and Mrs. Supplee, who shared a mutual love of music.
December 1945- In December, Marion turned one and the author celebrated her birthday with friends. Dickie and the author’s love for each other grew steadily, and they held onto life and love fiercely. Dickie, a clarinet player, was attached to his mother and had a great sense of humor. He joined the army at 18 and served in North Africa, India, and Nagaland. The author felt lucky to be Dickie’s girl and enjoyed his vibrant personality. They both knew there would be obstacles when they got married, but they were happy to be alive and in love. They enjoyed playing football together, as football was the most popular game in Nagaland during the days of peace.
Easterine Kire Summary Mari ( February 1946- February 1947)
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