Part V — Love Is Blind, But Hate Has a Microscope

You know very well what happened between U Mar Lay and his former wife, Ma Singer Pu.

Years ago, U Mar Lay drove her out of the house. At that time, many of us believed that the young, wealthy, and beautiful Ma Singer Pu herself had wanted the separation.

But later we learned a different story.

Her father, Mr. Lee, was extremely intelligent, capable, and influential. U Mar Lay feared that Mr. Lee might gradually gain influence over his household and business affairs. Out of insecurity and suspicion, he chose divorce instead.

I heard that Mr. Lee wept bitterly over the separation.

And yet, look at them now.

Though divorced, they still live beside one another like conjoined twins — constantly quarrelling, constantly arguing, yet fully aware that both sides must continue cooperating if they wish to prosper.

Recently, U Mar Lay wanted to construct a larger bridge so that bigger trading boats could pass beneath it and increase commerce. Meanwhile, Ma Singer Pu requested additional sand for land reclamation near her compound.

Even the children became part of the dispute.

Because of the wind, their kites sometimes drifted across the former husband’s compound. U Mar Lay complained about the noise and prohibited the children from playing there. Ma Singer Pu protested and pleaded:

“Let the children enjoy themselves a little.”

Those words remind me of a line spoken by Khin Than Nu to Ne Aung in the old film Thin Gyan Moe — gentle words spoken in the middle of emotional conflict.

Even U Mar Lay’s other children have become dissatisfied with his favouritism and unequal treatment.

How strange human nature can be.

After separation, even the smallest misunderstandings become magnified into major conflicts.

Love may be blind — but hatred possesses a microscope.

And look at the problems faced by Daw Indon’s son, Ko Ti Moe.

When he tried to separate from his stepmother, Ko Au stepped in forcefully and helped construct a border fence. Now Ko Au has begun exploiting his weaker neighbour. He even dug wells inside Ko Ti Moe’s compound without proper permission.

That is the danger of division, my dear.

Once people become isolated and weak, stronger neighbours can easily pressure, exploit, or bully them.

You already know about the marriage troubles between Ko Thai and Ma Lay.

Now Ma Lay wishes to leave Ko Thai and marry a neighbouring cousin instead. Ko Thai refuses the divorce and has started accusing the neighbour of interfering in all their affairs.

Even Ma Nilar’s family is facing similar troubles with her husband, Ko Mar Lay. He too has spoken openly about divorce and dreams of leaving to live with Daw In Don or perhaps Ma Mar Mar Lay instead.

Everywhere we look, families are struggling, relationships are breaking, and mistrust is spreading throughout the village.