The protagonist, old Pedro, is the focus of the narrative. Although he is portrayed as a person who is strong and capable of doing hard labor, he is still in need of assistance and is subject to the unpredictability of nature. Even though he works relentlessly, he is consistently unable to meet the monetary requirements of his family due to the oppressive nature of the rural economy and the unpredictable fluctuations in the environment.
One day, Pedro discovers an old pair of worn-out bakya (wooden slippers) lying on the ground while he is working in his field. Rather than throwing them out or ignoring them, he has the presence of mind to take them home and mend them. Despite its modest appearance, the bakya becomes an extension of Pedro's identity and serves as a symbol of tenacity in the face of hardship.
After Pedro fixes the bakya, they become an indispensable part of his daily routine, providing comfort to his feet and making him feel more capable of dealing with the challenges of his day. The bakya act as a form of self-assurance, providing him with the power to push forward in spite of the difficulties that lie ahead.
In the meantime, Juana, Pedro's wife, is constantly plagued by concerns regarding the welfare of their family. She is troubled by the lack of basic necessities and wonders about the future of her children, who are also going through a challenging period. In spite of the difficulties that stand in their way, Juana remains a faithful and devoted wife, standing by Pedro and giving him the support he requires.
The story concludes on a poetic and symbolic note. In a scene that takes place at the end of the story, Juana wakes Pedro up and asks him to put on his bakya, indicating that it is time to go work once again. It serves as a metaphor for the never-ending cycle of labor that people have to go through in order to eke out a living in the unforgiving environment in which they reside.
All things considered, "Bakya" is a story that explores themes such as poverty, hard labor, and the indomitable spirit with which people face hardship in their never-ending quest to support themselves and their families. The story brings attention to the battles that people must fight on a daily basis while it also pays homage to the strength that people can find inside of themselves even when they are in the thick of the most challenging circumstances.