tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10826946914910398012024-03-21T00:53:45.849-07:00The Lake talesAnanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-54950323695477437002020-04-08T22:05:00.002-07:002020-04-08T22:05:26.818-07:00Thakurmar Jhuli - The Brahmin and his Wife - Video<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-18672259347397078552020-04-03T22:43:00.001-07:002020-04-03T22:43:37.968-07:00Thakurmar Jhuli - testing<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N9Jh4gVj3zw" width="480"></iframe>Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-36646469009785265382020-04-01T22:56:00.001-07:002020-04-01T22:56:57.504-07:00Thakurmar Jhuli - The Brahmin and his Wife<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dsbRm6VDUGmdfMqsemXx2uoh-OHwiOWJSInC07xxgEP0xNagRKm-KDE-qSGYb17Zj6_N6tVsFLPtVk7iiObd-I30x6NATkUENISkJi-_mjhsI35Uk4jxRVJaU7Nm-sqfnX9MoRKuAW4/s1600/brahmin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1200" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dsbRm6VDUGmdfMqsemXx2uoh-OHwiOWJSInC07xxgEP0xNagRKm-KDE-qSGYb17Zj6_N6tVsFLPtVk7iiObd-I30x6NATkUENISkJi-_mjhsI35Uk4jxRVJaU7Nm-sqfnX9MoRKuAW4/s320/brahmin1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once upon a time, there lived a Brahmin and his wife. They did not have ang children. The Brahmin was very lazy and foolish. But his wife was very intelligent and hard working. She did all the housework and the Brahmin would just eat and sleep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Brahmin's wife hated his laziness. She always scolded and shouted at her husband and told him that he should work and get some money to run the household. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One day the Brahmin's wife was pounding rice. The Brahmin was very happy and he asked her "My dear wife, will you make rice pancakes (pitha) today ? It has been ages that I have eaten Pitha ... " he closed his eyes and started dreaming about eating his favourite dish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His wife was very angry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"You will eat Pitha , huh ? You lazy fellow ! Do you have any idea that there is no rice and dal in the kitchen ? Only thinking about eating and sleeping !! Get out ! Get out from the house ! " She shouted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Brahmin was very upset. He was looking forward to eat the pancakes but when his wife asked him to leave the house, he pitied himself. He thought "It is better to live in the jungle than listening to such words from my wife ..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As soon as the thought came to his mind, the Brahmin left the house. He walked and walked till he entered a jungle. After walking for some more </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">time, he met a hermit. He started crying and told everything to the hermit. The hermit felt sorry for the Brahmin and gave him shelter in his hut. The Brahmin helped the hermit and kept his hut clean and tidy. The hermit started teaching the Brahmin. Within an few months, the Brahmin became knowledgeable and learned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Brahmin thought </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">Now that I am wise, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>My wife is in for a surprise ,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I will return home now </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>and will show her my might - I vow !</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He took his books, umbrella and a stick and left for his home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After walking for several hours in the scorching heat, the Brahmin reached his village. He thought of visiting the King. Then he thought "Let me go home and meet my wife first. Let her see how wise I have become ". He smiled. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was dark when he reached his house. The Brahmin's wife was in the kitchen. He stood outside the kitchen and listened. He could hear the sound of frying palm sweetmeat. He listened and counted the sounds patiently. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Hmm, wife has made 25 sweetmeats ... Let me surprise her !"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He went to the door and called </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Come here, wifey dear !</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I have come back -</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>And now wisdom I do not lack !</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hearing the Brahmin's voice, his wife ran out of the kitchen and opened the door. She looked at him. <span style="color: blue;"><i>Oma,</i></span> who is this ? She could not recognize her husband. He held books in his hands, shaven head just like a pandit and <i><span style="color: blue;">chandan tilak</span></i> marks all over his body !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She started crying . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Where were you for so many days ? I was so worried. And you did not even miss me ... !"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Brahmin closed his eyes and said "I have changed now ! I am not a fool like I was earlier. I have acquired wisdom. Look at all these books ! I have very little time . I will leave very soon ."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His wife started howling "What ? You have come just now and want to leave ?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Brahmin smiled and said - </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>If you want me to stay , </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>25 sweetmeats you will have to pay !</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His wife was amazed ! How did he know that she has fried 25 palm sweetmeats?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes, he really has become a wise Pandit ! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She was very happy . She gave the sweetmeats to the Brahmin and he ate all of them with relish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next morning , the Brahmin's wife donned a beautiful sari, put flowers on her hair, a big red <i><span style="color: blue;">bindi</span></i> on her forehead and went about visiting her neighbours and other acquaintances in the village. She relished while telling them about the Brahmin , narrated the story about the sweetmeats and boasted about her husband's wisdom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The villagers were astounded. People from far and near came to visit the Brahmin. They were surprised to see him. He was a changed man. He was reading o many books and nodding his head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Yes ! He has really become a very learned Pundit !" , they said. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everyday someone or the other came to visit the Brahmin. He would read their palm, solve their problems and told them how to get peace and prosperity. The villagers paid him in cash and kind. The Brahmin's wife cooked him delicious food everyday and they lived happily. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One day, there was a strange incident. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bishtu, the washer man, lost his donkey. He searched for the donkey everywhere but could not find him. Then he thought of taking help from the wise Brahmin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bishtu told the Brahmin "</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sir, please tell me where is my donkey ! If I cannot find him, I will not be able to earn . My family and I will die of hunger !. Please, please , please help me ."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Brahmin was in a fix. He did not know what to say. He did not have a clue about the donkey. Till now, whatever he had predicted was all from his common sense. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bishtu started crying- "I will not leave until you find my donkey" , and he sat near the door. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Brahmin told him "I will start my puja now. I will tell about the donkey after that ." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But the Brahmin was very worried. He did not know what to do. He took his umbrella and left the house from the kitchen door , hiding from Bishtu. He went about the village and looked everywhere , trying to find the donkey, but in vain. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He walked and searched and by evening he was dead tired. He came home and told Bishtu - </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Listen, my dear Bishtu, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Your donkey problem I am looking into . </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Lord Shani is angry, but do not rue, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Go home and I will find him for you !</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bishtu was scared to learn that Lord Shani is angry with him. He bowed and left for the day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But now the Brahmin was really very worried. In the morning Bishtu will come and ask for the donkey . What will he tell him ? Thinking about all these, the Brahmin fell asleep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Suddenly , in the middle of the night, the Brahmin heard a strange sound. He shook his wife. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Wife, did you hear that ? "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Yes - it must be a thief - we have to catch him ."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Brahmin was scared. He said "You go and look for him... I am hiding under the bed ."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His wife laughed. "You are a learned man now. Is that how you should talk ? Let us go together to catch the thief. People will respect you more when they learn about this."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Both of them chanted God's name and went outside. They saw something in the dark corner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Catch him , catch him !" - the wife said. As soon as the Brahmin caught it, the made an ugly hee-haw sound . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His wife took the lantern near them and exclaimed "Oh, my God ! This is not a thief. It is a donkey !"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Brahmin was so afraid that he fainted. His wife shouted for help and the neighbours came running.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"What happened ? Why are you shouting at this unearthly hour ? "</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Suddenly an idea clicked in her mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She said "Actually my husband has been meditating for a long time to know where was Bishtu's donkey. He was so tired that he passed out and I was nervous. But I am happy that he could find his Donkey. !"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everybody was amazed. They looked at the donkey , folded their hands and bowed their heads to the Brahmin and his wife. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everybody said "He is such a great man . We are so lucky that he stays in this village." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After the villagers went back, the Brahmin's wife sprinkled some water on her husband's face and he came to his senses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> "Thief ... thief " , he cried. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His wife said </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>My dear, it is Bishtu's donkey, not a thief, </i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Get up, celebrate ! There is no time for grief !</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They looked at the donkey, hugged each other and laughed .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next day, even before the Brahmin and his wife woke up, the news about Bishtu's Donkey had spread like wildfire. Bishtu came running and feel at the Brahmin's feet. He cried and said "You are God for me ! I will worship you till the last day of my life ! My dear friends, if you ever lose anything or have any problem, just come to him and he will solve it for you ! " </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everybody praised the Brahmin and his powers, so much so that t</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">his news reached the King.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The King was facing a big problem. His only daughter, the beautiful princess had lost her diamond necklace. The king called many astrologers, pundits and wise old men to find the necklace, but everybody failed to do so. The princess was so miserable that she became ill. The king was very worried. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">As soon as the King heard about the Brahmin , he ordered him to come to the palace and find the necklace. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"If you can find the necklace, you will be rewarded . But if you fail to find it, you will be imprisoned. For ever !" The King bellowed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The Brahmin was frightened and his heart started thudding.He thought "What will I do now ? How will I find the diamond necklace ? It seems I will have to spend the rest of my life alone , in the dark prison ...". His eyes welled up with tears. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"O King ! Please king me two days to find the necklace !" He pleaded. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The King agreed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The Brahmin was very perturbed. He could neither eat not sleep. He was sick with worry and anxiety. He kept on chanting Goddess Durga's name and praying "Mother Durga ! Please help me ... help me find the necklace... I do not want to stay in the jail !"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Next day early morning, the Brahmin went to the river to take a bath. He kept on chanting "Mother... O mother Durga ...Is this what you had in mind ? "</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Precisely at that moment, the princess's maid, Durga, was taking a bath in the river. She had heard about the Brahmin and his powers. When she heard the Brahmin say </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Mother... O mother Durga ...Is this what you had in mind ?", she was very nervous. She started weeping and fell on his feet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"O Brahmin ! I know you are God and know everything. Nothing is hidden from you. I have stolen the necklace. If the King learns that I have stolen it, he will either imprison me for life or ask me to leave the country. You, sir, are the only person who can save me ... save me , O my Lord !" She wept. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The Brahmin was very surprised. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"Who are you ? What are you saying ? I don't know you ! Leave my feet !"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The maid cried - " No, no ! Have mercy on me ! You know that I have stolen the princess's necklace. Please save me ! Do not tell the King that I have stolen it !"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The Brahmin now understood that Goddess Durga had indeed saved him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">He closed his eyes and told the maid "Hmm... Ok... Let me see how I can save you... Do one thing. You put the necklace in a box and bury it under the biggest Mango tree in the Palace garden. Then let me see what I can do ..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"I will do whatever you say ! Please save me ... " Durga, the maid, wiped her eyes and went home to do as the Brahmin had said. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">That evening, the Brahmin took his umbrella and books and went to meet the king. The king was in his courtroom with his ministers. As soon as the Brahmin entered, there was a big uproar and commotion . Everybody was very curious to know what the Brahmin had to say. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The Brahmin smiled at everybody and then slowly settled on on a seat. He arranged his books around him , closed his eyes and started muttering <i><span style="color: blue;">mantras. </span></i></span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Everybody stared at him in awe. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">After sometime, the Brahmin slowly opened his eyes, raised a finder towards the sky and said </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">O king ! I have found the place </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">where the thief had hidden the necklace !</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Do not lose time, I implore thee - </i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Ask your people to dig under the big Mango Tree. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Go and do as he says, " the king ordered. The soldiers to the garden and dug under the mango tree . And lo and behold ! There was a small box hidden there!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They brought the box to the king and he opened it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His eyes shone ! Yes ! It was the necklace. The diamond necklace of the princess. He was very happy. He came down from his throne and hugged the Brahmin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"O Brahmin, you really are great ! Today onwards you will be my prime purohit! I will be honoured if you grace my court ."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Brahmin did not know what to say. He could not believe his lucky stars. He had never imagined that he will get so much fame and glory. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FSrcA9K7LrxRLZLUe3Dzz39H4nGVyUvTCUE7eCeywZ4kPaOFadYZ-GY5Gna1kEhP4dj0xHgPLFKlM6iW95UWmpFCqxOTUra5U4DmzKCZvCWNUoYem1toMN4sT8W6pJT4YAYsNRToei4/s1600/brahmin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1076" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FSrcA9K7LrxRLZLUe3Dzz39H4nGVyUvTCUE7eCeywZ4kPaOFadYZ-GY5Gna1kEhP4dj0xHgPLFKlM6iW95UWmpFCqxOTUra5U4DmzKCZvCWNUoYem1toMN4sT8W6pJT4YAYsNRToei4/s320/brahmin.jpg" width="215" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His wife was overjoyed. She kept maids to do the household work. She now donned beautiful Banarasi dresses and saries. The Brahmin got a bed made of gold for her and covered her with expensive gold and diamond jewelry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Brahmani made delicious food and served her husband. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Oh my, my ! The Brahmin - my husband is the wisest person in the whole world, " she smiled and told everybody !</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And thus, the Brahmin and his wife lived happily ever after </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">***</span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-67708996954295157982019-01-30T22:51:00.000-08:002019-02-25T23:35:54.670-08:00The Magic Band<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Magic Band<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali took out the English reader book from her school
bag and pretended to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her seat was
in the last row of the classroom, in the corner, near the door opening to the long
corridor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was lunchtime, fifteen
minutes to go for the classes to resume.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A group of 15 to 18 girls huddled together near the
first row, surrounding Rashmi. They were admiring the clip which Rashmi’s uncle
had brought from America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rashmi magnanimously
opened her clip and the girls took it in their hands turn by turn , touching
the smooth surface, admiring the dark red star with golden border<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at the end of the clip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“It is so beautiful !! “ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Rashmi, you are so lucky !”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Try it on !” Rashmi said proudly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Sure ? Thank you so much, my sweet sweet <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rashmi !!”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rashmi smirked and shrugged her shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“It is looking so nice. See, see …. the red coloured star
is twinkling !” Sara shrieked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hey, I want to hold it ! , Give it to me please,
please please … !” Rani pleaded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali looked askance at them and continued flipping the
pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rani suddenly turned around and shouted
. “Kali ! Come and look at the beauty ! “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani was Kali’s best friend. In fact, she was her only
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one ever took notice of Kali.
She was just a name in the class. Everything about her was ordinary. She was a
mediocre student, just scraping through the exams each year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was never chosen for elocution or
debates. Sports also did not interest Kali and in the mandatory march past and
P.T classes, she tried to make some excuse or the other to bunk the class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though Kali was interested in singing and
tried really hard in the singing class, her voice was terrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The singing teacher, Sister Clarence, once tried
to encourage her and made her sing Sa-Re-Ga , but her hoarse voice just could
not match the notes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Kali ! Come quickly ! The bell will ring anytime ! “
Rani shouted again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As if reluctantly, Kali closed her book, kept it
inside her bag and went to see the clip which everybody was admiring. Rani gave
it to her. Kali looked at the prized possession. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ok girls, Now give it back to me, else it will lose
it’s magic charm …” Rashmi announced. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There was suddenly a hush of silence. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Magic charm ? What<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>? How ? “,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one of the girls finally
asked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes. It has a magic charm”, Rashmi almost snatched
the clip from Kali’s hands and put it on the left of the side parting of her
hair. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Uncle told me that if <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wore it on any examination day, I will get
very good marks “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Really ? “ the girls chorused. They were amazed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes”, said Rashmi, stroking the clip on her hair ,
“See, today in the surprise Hindi test, I got the highest..“ she looked at them
smugly . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everyone was jealous. They wanted a magic clip, just
like the one Rashmi’s Uncle had got for her from America. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali look at their faces and a germ of an idea started
in her brain. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The bell rang and all the girls walked to their
designated seats. Rani sat on her seat in the last row and hardly paid
attention to what the teachers were saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her mind was racing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That day, when the school was over,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kali and Rani sat beside each other in the
school bus. Rani kept on talking about the clip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there any way that we can get such a clip
from America,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how can we get it by post
, if she had such a clip them she would no longer have to worry about her poor
grade in Hindi, she rambled on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali
listened to her . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“How much would you spend for such a clip ? “ Kali
asked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I can give whatever I have in the small piggy
bank”,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rani said, her voice full of
longing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“How much ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hmm …around Rs 250? That is all I have. I can also
ask for some more from Mummy … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The two class six students sat beside each other ,
riding the bus back home. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of them craved for the magic clip and the other
sensed an opportunity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Getting down from the bus, Kali ran and crossed the
busy road. Her mother told her a thousand times to cross carefully, but Kali is
always in a hurry when she is back from school. She is ravenously hungry by
that time. She opened the big iron gate of 9/5 Pratapaditya Road and quickly
climbed up the wooden stairs.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Kali, her
mother and kid brother stayed in the corner room of the third floor.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">She ran through the huge verandah to their
room.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As usual , her mother was still
not back from the kitchen. She threw her bag on her small study table kept in
one corner of the room, opened her shoes and kept it on the small wrought iron
shoe rack kept on the balcony attached to the room.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">She changed into a faded frock and carefully
kept her school dress on the </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">alna kept </i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">near the window.</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">She had
only one skirt and two white shirts which her mother washed and ironed every
Sunday. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Kali was extra careful not to
soil the school dress . The sisters in the school were very particular about
the uniform and punished the students who wore dirty ones.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali opened the lid of the bowls. There was dal, rice,
a few pieces of fried potato and fish curry. Kali grimaced. The food was cold. It
was kept on a folding table which they<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>used for eating. There was a small heater, a few utensils, kept on the
table. Her mother did not cook in the room , they got their food from the main
kitchen on the ground floor. The heater was used to warm up the food or
occasionally make snacks like Maggi , omelette , make tea, coffee etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali looked at the wall clock. It was 3.30 pm and she
knew that her mother had also not eaten lunch. She made a face and went to the
verandah which overlooked the courtyard. At the end of the courtyard was the
kitchen. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali leaned on the railing and bellowed “Maaaa… come up …. Maaaaa … I
am hungry … ”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boro Jethi was sitting on
a reclining chair in the courtyard, soaking in the winter sun. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She looked up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Uff,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kali !
Don’t shout ! My eardrums will burst !” Boro Jethi rolled her eyes and her
thick lips drooped side by side. She looked like a witch, Kali thought. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali shouted “Maaaaa !!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Madhu, you should scold Kali , She is so disobedient
“ Boro Jethi shouted at a scale higher than Kali’s. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her mother’s name was Madhubala, everybody called her
Madhu. She hurriedly came out of the kitchen. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“<i>Ki holo re ?</i>” Madhu had a ladle in her hands .
She looked up at Kali. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am coming in 2
minutes , let me quickly prepare the batter for the onion fritter for the
evening snacks “. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Come in two minutes , else I will shout again !” Kali
threatened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boro Jethi scowled at her.
Her mother hurriedly went inside the kitchen. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By the time her mother came upstairs, Kali had laid
down two steel plates, heated up the daal and <i>macher jhol. </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He mother panted as she stepped inside the room. She
had a plateful of rice on which daal was poured and a few pieces of potato from
the fish curry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kept it on the table
and sat down beside Kali on the steel folding chair. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Why do you shout so much ? You know that your Jethi
and Mejo Kaka do not like it … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali ignored her mother, looked at her plate and asked her ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where is your fish? “.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Madhu sighed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Tunku wanted an extra piece and … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali cut her short. “And your share of fish went to
that monster … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Kali ! You should not call names.. !”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You should not call names !” Kali mimicked her
mother. “Every other day , someone or the other wants extra piece of fish,
fritter or mutton and the share of Madhu goes to these gluttons ! Why can’t you
keep your share aside ? “. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Kali, don’t you know that nothing is in my hands ?
The portions to be cooked are all controlled by Namita … “ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes … all controlled by Mejo Kaki , and Ms. Madhubala
will just toil hard and cook and feed delicious food <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to all the 17 people in this big house !” .</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali looked at her father’s photograph on the
wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was angry. Why did he have to
die so early ? They would not have been in this situation if he was alive. How
things have changed in this house within two years of his death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ok ! Now forget your anger and eat – else the food
will get cold “, Madhu mixed the rice with the dal and started eating. Kali cut
her piece of fish into two and gave one half to her mother. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Na, na… you have it … “, Madhu protested , but
looking at her daughter’s eyes, she started eating the fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes Madhu really dreads her daughter’s
angst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those moments, Kali’s eyes
look like the Goddess in Kalighat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali was 12 years old and ger brother, Aditya, was 5.
Kali was just Kali , but Aditya also had a nickname - Bultu . Dadu was very
fond of him and when he was born, Dadu called him Bultu and that name
stuck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bultu went to the nearby play
school for three hours. Madhu tried to complete her major chunk of work by that
time so that she could wash and bathe Bultu when he returned from school at
12.30 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She left Bultu with Dadu and
went back to the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bultu loved
Dadu. He listened to stories which Dadu read out to him, played with his cigar
case, fiddled with the things kept on the dressing table, the shelves. Dadu
indulged him. Everyday Bultu had lunch with Dadu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After lunch, Dadu and Bultu slept on the big
Burma Teak four poster bed. The one given by Dida’s father for their marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali hated sleeping in the afternoons. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She read story books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She brought Enid Blyton books from her school library. How she loved the
description of the food<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- the hard
boiled eggs, scones, marmalade and cakes. And their investigations and
adventures ! One day, she too will have adventures, she promised herself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her mother, tired and spent, slept beside her,
resting, before she starts the chores again in the evening . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali looked at the face of her mother. She has become
thin. Her beautiful wavy hair was uncared for and she was wearing a shabby
cotton sari. Kali kissed her mother on her cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Love you Ma!” , she whispered. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today Kali did not read. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She closed her eyes and planned. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stage by stage. Each and every detail. She tried to
pre-empt the feelings, emotions and reactions. She thought about the
difficulties she will face, the risks that might surface. As she thought, each
moment, day and week streamed like a movie in her mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Finally she opened her eyes and smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the evening, she took out some money from the tin
chocolate box where she kept her savings. Money given by Dadu during any
festival or a few pennies left from the tiffin money given by her mother on the
days when she did not get time to pack her lunch. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali walked and went to Hazra
More. She bought 15 black elastic hairbands, just like the ones which the girls
wore in school. She bought plastic beads worth Rs 15. She chose the ones which
were medium sized and had a big hole in it, enough to insert the elastic hairband
through it. There were about 25 white beads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She tried rolling up the elastic band and putting it though the bead. It
worked !<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She was excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She then bought a bottle of blue acrylic paint and a small bottle
of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>golden acrylic paint. She bought two
paint brushes. When she came back, it was 6.30 pm. Her mother had kept onion
fritters on the table for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ate
one. It was tasty. Ma cooked so well !<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali opened the steel almirah and rummaged through the
lower shelf where her mother kept the woollens and knitting materials. She took
out two knitting needles. She then put the bands, beads, paint, brush and the
knitting needles in a plastic bag and hid it below the bed at the far end,
beside the suitcase. She will need them at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now she will study for the maths test. She
just had<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>five days’ time to prepare for
it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She opened her schoolbag, took out the maths book and
opened the chapter on percentage. She grimaced. Kali hated studying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this time she did not have any option
other than working hard. It was 10 pm when Madhu came with their dinner. She
was very surprised as well as pleased to see Kali poring over her book on the
study table and solving maths problems. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She stroked Kali’s hair and said “Good Girl ! You have
an exam ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes – next week “.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Madhu was astonished. Kali usually studied just a day
or two before the exam. She is growing up, must have understood the importance
of studying, Madhu thought and smiled to herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bultu was snoozing on the bed. As soon as he
heard his mother’s voice, he started weeping. He was sleepy. Madhu picked him
up and said,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Kali, come , let us have
dinner. If you want to study more, do it after eating“. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After dinner, Madhu made the bed and crooned a lullaby
for Bultu till he slept. Kali resumed her studies. There were 10 solved example
sums, 25 practice problems in the book and the teacher had given 5 sums as
homework – the exercize book was supposed to be submitted after two days. Kali
read through the problem sums and did 3 practice problems. She got stuck in the
last one , where the answer did not match. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She closed her book. I will get hold of Jeet
Dada tomorrow and understand where I am going wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1aOz5NXPyQi0ttGAzUSs-O98S1keAoYG2QbRIhFx40pgvQ-mtXe3hd_JudabAu0p73pMiZNfp9Bu4Tv5U_veUISFL8dBZnONsFj5l7acCik-HCH_ti7HjCBIlRkNPpdIEwcVRhlwnGE/s1600/band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1aOz5NXPyQi0ttGAzUSs-O98S1keAoYG2QbRIhFx40pgvQ-mtXe3hd_JudabAu0p73pMiZNfp9Bu4Tv5U_veUISFL8dBZnONsFj5l7acCik-HCH_ti7HjCBIlRkNPpdIEwcVRhlwnGE/s320/band.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali was tired. But she had work to do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was 11.30 pm. She looked at the bed. Both her
mother and brother were sound asleep. Kali crawled under the bed and brought
out the things she had bought. She put two beads through the knitting needle
and painted them blue with the acrylic paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the end of the beads, near the hole, Kali carefully put dots of
Golden paint. She then took the needle carefully and put it on top of the shoe
rack to dry. She saw to it that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
beads were lying in the area where there were no mesh in the shoe rack else the
paint would smudge. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She crept into the bed beside her mother, embraced her
and went to sleep. Kali got up at 5 am the next day, before her mother woke up,
and went to check the beads. The blue colour was looking beautiful and the
golden dots contrasted so well with the royal blue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She crept under the bed and get two black
elastic bands from the packet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She cut a
band, twirled it tightly so that it could go through the bead. She then sewed
up the band again with black thread. She adjusted the bead in a way that
covered the sewed up area of the band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She did the same thing with the second band. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Kali, what are you doing in the balcony so early in
the morning ? “ Madhu was awake. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Studying Ma … I have a maths test next week”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali wore the beaded black band when she went to
school the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her hair was short and she never wore bands earlier.
She took out her maths book and opened the chapter on percentage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the next stop, Rani got into the bus and
sat beside Kali. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hey Kali ! You are studying for the maths exam ?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali did not say anything. She looked at Rani, smiled
and went back to reading again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow ! And you
have worn a band today. You look different “, Rani exclaimed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali closed her book and smiled mysteriously. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“What ? “ Rani asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Nothing … “ Kali shook her head and started reading
again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Kali ! Do tell me … there is something … right ? I am
your best friend – remember ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali looked here and there, leaned towards Rani and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>whispered in her ears, “Ok ! I will tell you,
but promise that you will not tell this to anybody “.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“No , No, never …tell me .. please tell me …” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Well, yesterday I went home and told my Dadu<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>about Rashmi’s clip, the magical powers and
all”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ok… what did he say ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“He said that he too had a friend who made magic
hairbands !”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Really ? “ Rani’s eyes twinkled. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes ! He called up his friend and asked for two
hairbands .. “ Kali touched the hairband on her head and stroked the bead . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani was goggle eyed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“This is a magic band ? Can I wear it once ? “ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali was silent for a minute. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Please Kali… Ok , I will not wear it , but let me
hold it in my hands !”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Posing reluctance, Kali opened the band and gave it to
Rani. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Be careful ! It is expensive ! “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani took the band in her hands, touched the blue bead
with golden spots , looked at it in awe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“It has magic in it ? What magic ? What happens on
wearing it ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“The bead has magic properties. The person who wears
it has to hide the bead behind the right ear so that it touched the head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bead will then resonate with the brain
cells and the person will remember everything word by word whatever she has
studied” . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They had studied about resonance in physics and cells
in the biology class. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Oh !” Rani stroked the band . Suddenly she exclaimed
“You said you had two bands ! Can you give me one band ? What is the cost ? I
have Rs 250 ….”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Well, it costs Rs 200 – that is what my Dadu told me
“. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I need it Kali , please bring it for me tomorrow .. I
will get Rs 200 from my piggy bank ..”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali looked out of the window .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Kali… please, please , please … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I will have to ask Dadu … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Oh ! Ok !” Rani sounded despondent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I will try Rani, but there are some things which we
have to follow for the magic to begin … Dadu told me “.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“What ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Dadu said that we have to read the chapter at least
10 times and before the examination, we have to close our eyes, touch the bead
and pray to God. Only then will the magic work. ….Ok , I will bring the band
tomorrow , you get the money”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali got the other band the next day and Rani gave her
Rs 200.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of them wore the band and
attended classes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the next few days, Kali solved all the problems of
percentage given in the book. She solved all the example problems too. She even
got a maths book from the library and practiced percentage problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact she started enjoying maths. Madhu was
happy to see her daughter getting serious with her studies. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">During the lunch breaks and the bus ride to and from
school to home, she discussed the problems with Rani. Two days before the exam,
she went to Rani’s house and practiced solving problems with her. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For her plan to succeed, Kali had no other option but
to get full marks in the test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wrote
the exam well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two sums in the question
paper were from the solved examples and Kali found the other three very<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>easy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the next class, the maths teacher came in the class
room and announced – “Three girls have got full marks in the test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shoma, Nivedita and …. surprise … Kali ! All
three of you stand up . Give them a big round of applause !! “ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everybody clapped. Kali’s face was flushed. She was
happy. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her mother will be proud. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rashmi had got 7 out of 10. She looked enviously at
Kali.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rani got<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9.5
out of 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She started jumping up and
down. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“It worked , it worked … the magic worked ! “ Rani
exclaimed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everybody looked at Rani. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Silence ! Sit down. I will start a new chapter today
“, the teacher announced. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After the school was over , Rani bounded towards Kali
and said “Thank you for the magic band! I have never ever got such high marks
in maths … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali looked around and saw a few of her class mates
looking curiously at them , </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">listening to every word. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Shhh” , Kali said loudly
, “It is a secret ! Don’t tell anybody .. “. Rani was a popular student and had
many friends. Kali knew that Rani will tell about the band to her close friends
once they plead her to know about the secret.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When Kali told her mother about her getting 10 out of
10 in maths, she hugged her tightly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Kali … you have to work hard .. doubly hard. I want
you to grow up and stand on your own feet. We have to survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to become capable and earn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your father .. “, she started sobbing “he
left us virtually nothing !”, Madhu mumbled. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That night, Kali made 13 more such bands with the blue
beads. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next week, Kali sold all the bands at Rs 200
each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The condition for the magic to
work was that they should read the chapter at least 10 times and before the
exam , they should touch the bead and pray to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sold them with the disclaimer that the
magic might disappear anytime. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the half yearly examination, their class teacher
was ecstatic that the average marks of the class had gone up </span>substantially<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> and
she got the best teacher award. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali did not make any more bands. She knew that things
might go out of control. Any further requests for bands were dismissed by her
saying that Dadu’s friend has shifted to America and no more bands were
available. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kali kept her first income of Rs 3000 in the tin chocolate
box. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">30 January, 2019, Belevedere, Alipore<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-37521093460508612742019-01-27T23:47:00.001-08:002019-01-28T00:00:29.573-08:00C B Singh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">CB Singh</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnTNfTE1uUuMj-GJgyUpkRtYZlbL_jTGO3K_ZDZ1uNkuvzfT6xj3C9z2vCv-jGLy4E2oxZCSlg1EwOrtaXqZgxXBEsSybO-q6whchyNbnBmIK-dn5ZS54PBqn_NiOh9TbyLhoHDxc4Tg/s1600/cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="867" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnTNfTE1uUuMj-GJgyUpkRtYZlbL_jTGO3K_ZDZ1uNkuvzfT6xj3C9z2vCv-jGLy4E2oxZCSlg1EwOrtaXqZgxXBEsSybO-q6whchyNbnBmIK-dn5ZS54PBqn_NiOh9TbyLhoHDxc4Tg/s320/cb.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></u></b></div>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everybody called him C
B Singh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No one quite knew what the
initials C and B stood for. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">He was just CB Singh.</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">CB Singh was
indispensable for our office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran
about the whole day doing odd jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
dusted the desks and the chairs, filled up the water bottles for the managers
and kept them on their tables before they came in, ushered in important
visitors into the CEO’s cabin and served them tea in special bone china cups
and saucers. He shifted the printer and desk tops from one place to another as
needed, brought the print outs from the network printer, got burgers for us
when we worked late evenings – literally doing everything under the sun. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most of the days I
reached office a few minutes before 9 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">CB Singh was busy filling up bottles for us. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had a pink bottle. Quite
unique. There were three rings on the bottle and between the rings, there were
symmetrical bulges. It was my lucky bottle and I carried it with me to all the
organizations where I worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the
other bottles were almost identical and I don’t know how CB Singh managed to
remember which bottle belonged to whom and kept them at the correct desks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">CB Singh was short and
stout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hands were shorter than
usual. Whenever I called him or any other senior person summoned him, he would
come and stand reed straight, his hands locked below his pot belly, barely able
to contain it. His face was round and puffy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His eyes were small but very sharp. His lips were thick and he sported a
small moustache. There was a big mole on his right cheek and whenever he was in
a thoughtful mood, he slowly stroked the mole. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With his sparse hair, wiggly pot-belly, puffed
face and jutting out teeth, he looked quite ugly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But every morning when he greeted me with his
bright smile saying “<i><span style="color: blue;">Good Morning Mam “,</span></i> I found his toothful smile, crinkled
up skin surrounding his sharp joyful eyes quite charming. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But it was when the
Government of India passed a ruling that if a female employee is late at work,
she needs to be accompanied with a chaperone in the cab to drop her home, we
got to know each other better. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mine was a very high
pressure job, catering to US customers residing in the West Coast. There were
late evening calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost twice a week
I stayed back late, resolving issues, communicating with the on site
co-ordinator, talking to my peer Project manager in the US, discussing the
software requirements, the deadlines and potential risks .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On these late night rides back home, CB Singh
was my chaperone in the cab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I always try to
utilize my travel time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From
Chanakyapuri in New Delhi to Noida Sector 127 was never less than 1 hour .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a pure “Me time”. I caught up on
thoughts on my<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>unfinished writing ,
listened to old film songs and talked to my near and dear ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really planned these conversations and had
a ready list of whom to talk to on which days and at what time !<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">During the late night rides,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually talked with my mother, my sister or
very close school friends. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On one such late night
ride,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a call from a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>long lost school friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stayed in Boston and had got my cell
number from another friend at a chance meeting there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Seema,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tu ? Kaisi hai ? Patna se Boston pahuch gayi
? Kaisi ? Kab, kahan ? “ . I was thrilled to hear her voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There seemed to be an instant connection and
the 20 years of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>distance melted away in
a second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we talked and talked.
While talking to her,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the typical bihari
lilt came naturally in my language. I was so excited and happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">CB Singh, sitting in
the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>front seat <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>beside the driver was perhaps more thrilled
than me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After we disconnected
, I leaned back satiated and happy.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">CB Singh said " </span></span><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Mam, you are from Patna? </span></span></span></i><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">"</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes . Why ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam, I am also from
Bihar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A place named Muzaffarpur, very
near Patna”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Really ? “ I said <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It had somehow never
occurred to me that CB Singh also has some other identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so strange that in the humdrum of life,
we miss out on certain facets of the people with whom we interact on a daily
basis. We look at only at the work which we need from them, not the person in
totality. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes Mam . My village
is near Muzaffarpur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have my ancestral
house there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father, mother, three sisters
, uncle , aunt all stay there ”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
voice melted away. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You miss your village CB Singh ?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes maam . Very much
. It is so green there . So many trees, birds, ponds … my mother cooks the best
daal in this whole world. And my youngest sister, she is so fond of me that
whenever I go home, she does not leave my side even for a second”. I could feel
the longing in his voice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my two year stint in the organization, I
did not remember a day when there was no CB Singh around .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“When did you last go
home ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Three years back,
when my father was very sick. But Mam …”, there was a sudden excitement in his
voice “I am feeling so happy … you are also from Bihar , I feel .. I feel as if
I am talking to my elder sister … “ he stopped short. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is strange how a
place binds people together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CB Singh
and I were so disparate but the we somehow were bound by the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bihar connection.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam, I … I hope you
are not angry with me for saying this … sorry mam .. I should not have said it
… I am a very small person mam.. forgive me … “ he whispered . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“CB Singh, never ever
say that again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And always feel free to
talk to me . “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">By that time, I had reached home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But our conversation continued
for many more late night rides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">CB Singh
looked forward to these trips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes,
riding back home, talking on my mobile, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I observed that CB Singh was fidgeting with
his hands, shaking his shoulders and stroking his mole while sitting in the
from seat of the cab. I cut short my talks on the phone and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>talked to him for a few minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not want to miss the joy in his voice
while talking to me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He talked about his
home, his village, his school, his friends and relatives. He talked about
bhujia-chawal which his mother and chachi cooked, how he loved the spicy mutton
cooked by his uncle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me about
his school friends and the pranks that they played.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How he lost the game of pitto because his
friend had cheated on him and then he scared him while the friend was going to
the field for his ablutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was mainly a one
sided conversation with an occasional “hmm “ and “oh “ from me . I do not know
whether he expected any comments from me or not .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed that the words came out from his
heart’s depth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All pent up thoughts and
emotions. His longing flowing out in the form of words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memories cascading down his self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just an instrument for him to pour out
his <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>feelings, passion, hope and
desires. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And I ? I was utterly amazed at
the unfolding of the layers of personality of what I saw as a very mundane
character. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But more was yet to
come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The time when CB Singh
came back from his two weeks leave. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was working
furiously on the project plan and I did not notice him coming inside my
cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe because I could not
recognize him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Sit down “ , I said,
without taking my eyes off my laptop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The person hesitated. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I looked up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He stood there , his
short hands locked below his pot belly. He was wearing a suit ! The white shirt
below his blazer as bulging near , the button jutting out. He had a faint line
of kohl in his eyes. His hair was well oiled and strands of whatever was there
on his scalp were lying<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>flat on his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was wearing a gold chain and a
gold ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And his face glowed with
happiness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“<b><span style="color: blue;"><i>CB Singh !” I
exclaimed “ Oh My God ! You look so different ! You have got married ! ” <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He lowered his eyes , nodded
and smiled shyly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You look handsome in
the suit CB Singh ! But You did not invite me ! “<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I joked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He took it seriously. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam, I did not know
!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He unlocked his hands and wrung them
apologetically.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“My father had selected
the bride and they wanted me to get married within a week because I don’t get
leave so often … Sorry mam … “ . </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He really looked sad. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Suddenly his eyes
brightened and he grinned , his teeth jutting out. He came closer to my desk ,
leaned forward and whispered “Mam, I have brought thekua for you <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>will
you go in the late night cab mam ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hmm ..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not today. Tomorrow I have a conference call
and I will be late .”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ok Mam. I will give
it to you tomorrow “ He smiled. His ugly puffy face looked so happy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That day he went from
desk to desk distributing sweets to the whole office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All of us contributed and bought a watch for
him and a red silk sari for his wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
stroked his mole, smiled and laughed. He looked coyly at the gifts, specially
the sari and kept it safely in the cupboard near the area where he slept at
night. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From then, our late
night ride conversations took a different turn. Instead of reminiscing about
the past,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CB Singh talked only about his
future, his wife Dulari. He showed me his wife’s photograph which he kept in
his wallet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam , Dulari is very
beautiful. Not like me. Her father expired two years back and her brothers
wanted to get her married as soon as possible. That is why she married me …
else he deserved a better husband than me … but I think my <i>Bhagya</i> is
good that I got her .. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You are a very nice
human being, CB Singh. I think Dulari is lucky to have you as her life partner
“ , I said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He smiled . He was
happy. It showed on his face.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He talked about the 2
weeks that he spent with her. How she tickled him, cooked his favourite dishes
and wore sari with pallu on her head during daytime and while going to bed she
put on a nightie. CB Singh was afraid that his relatives will find out about
this and create problems for Dulari, but she just would not listen to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was like a child, he said. She threw
tantrums, but he always managed to pamper her wishes. After all, he was her
husband and if he did not take care of her then who will ?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Right” , I said ,
“You miss her , don’t you ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes, Mam… every night
I dream about her…”, he hesitated,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mam,
shall I ask you one thing ?“<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes .. what is it ? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam, Dulari wants to
come here. But , how is that possible ? I do not have a place to keep her … I
stay in the office … and rent is so expensive here … how will I be able to
manage ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Hmm … difficult
situation. But I think you also want her to come and stay with you, right ? You
miss her so much ..“<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes mam. I call her
up every Sunday at 11 am from the local PCO . She goes to our neighbour’s house
, they have a phone. Nowadays, whenever I call her up , she cries and says she
wants to come here… She does not like it there anymore .. I even told her that
I will quit my job here and come to the village and do <i>Kheti</i> with my
family, but she does not want that … I don’t know what to do ..”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Have patience CB
Singh. Things will work out. Don’t worry”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I did not have any solution
to his problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But one thing I found
strange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dulari just wanted to come to
Delhi or was it that she wanted to be with her husband ?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the next couple of
weeks, CB Singh was strangely silent during the rides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Then one day he told me that he had made an
arrangement with someone,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a friend of an
acquaintance. That person stayed in the outhouse of a flat and worked night
shifts in a BPO. CB Singh had made arrangement with him to stay at night there
with Dulari. During the day, Dulari would take care of the 2 year old child of
the flat owner. Both husband and wife worked in an IT firm in Gurgaon. The
husband’s 82 year old father also stayed with them . Dulari would stay in the
flat till the time CB Singh returned from office and then they would sleep in
the outhouse. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam, I am very lucky
to get this place . It will just cost me Rs 2000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dulari is very happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will bring her here after two weeks“ . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Great !” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes ! Ramesh, the
person who gave me this offer leaves at 6 pm. So , Dulari can cook food after
he leaves”. Happiness drooled out from his tone, “Dulari is so happy ….”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next couple of
days he talked about his future with Dulari. The places which he will take her
on Sundays – Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Lodhi Garden, Lotus Temple, Hanuman Mandir.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“She will love the
Jalebi , chat and Biriyani of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Old Delhi
.. “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes, and also take
her to Lajpat Nagar. She will love the shops there” , I said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“No Mam, she is like a
child and will want to buy dresses . She loves to deck up in good clothes and
cosmetics. It is so costly. Right now I will give her the sari which the office
gave me .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am saving up some money . I
will take her to Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar market after six months”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I knew she would not wait for 6
months. Females and their love for shopping is universal. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“What about starting a
family , CB Singh ? “ I asked one day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He went all coy . He
lowered his eyes and head and nodded. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He wanted to start a
family soon since he was 31 years old and it was time that he had a son. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dulari was 10 years younger to him, but old
enough to manage a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“<b><i><span style="color: blue;">But CB Singh, why do
you want only a son ? What about daughter ?</span></i></b> “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam, but we need a
son to progress our family name na ?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Daughter’s also are
your own blood !<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you know that girls
are now getting into every field ? In fact , there are some areas where the
females are doing better than males .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Look at Sonia Gandhi, Sania Mirza. Think of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indira Gandhi . See in our office, there are
so many female managers , even our CEO is a female”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My feminist speech
must have taken him aback.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know
how much he understood. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a few minutes,
CB Singh asked me “Mam, do you have a son ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“No. I have only one
daughter”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You don’t want a son
? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One daughter is enough for me “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam, in our village
we have to give lot of Dahej … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My feminist ,
socialist voice rose again . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Dowry ? That is the
reason the girls are not being able to progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you know that giving and taking dowry is a
crime? And is it not like selling your son?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You should raise your daughter so that she can take care of herself as
well as you. She should be well educated, capable and economically independent.
Only then India can progress , the world can progress. “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He gaped at me, as if
soaking in my words.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I stopped myself from
speaking more. Poor CB Singh. Wasn’t it enough that he was grappling with his
immediate problems and here I was giving him lectures on feminism. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Hardly did I realize at
that point that things said casually can in fact have a big impact
on someone’s life.</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">CB Singh brought
Dulari from his village in October after Dussehra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw him eating dal roti , subzi from his
three tiered steel tiffin box. In fact he made it a point to open his lunch box
ceremoniously in the canteen, heat up the food in the microwave and savour the
food slowly and in a relaxed manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was proud to have Dulari cook for him and he wanted everyone to know his good
fortune. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Every year , in the
last week of December, we had our annual office party. That year we decided to go
to Wet-n-wild resort for a picnic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
employees and their spouses were invited. CB Singh and Dulari were also
invited. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When our bus reached
the venue, CB Singh was already present there. His duty was to supervise all
the logistical arrangements with the resort people. He and Dulari were standing
near the gate to welcome us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She was small and
petite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her face was fair and round with
full lips and big eyes. She had worn the red silk sari which we had gifted
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her long hair was well shampooed,
braided, with locks cut on both side of the hair parting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had put foundation on her face, red
lipstick on her lips, a matching bindi on her forehead , red glass bangles and
a red bead choker adorned her delicate neck. She was indeed beautiful. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">And standing beside CB
Singh, they looked like Beauty and the Beast. </span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But CB Singh was
blissfully unaware of this stark mismatch. He proudly introduced Dulari to me
and others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled at her and she
smiled back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed her eyes. It
darted all about the place. Soaking in the lavish arrangements. Gawking at the
stilettoes, jeans and fitted tops. Darting to and fro from the faces and
expressions of the male employees. She was having a gala time. And CB Singh ?
Well, between helping with the serving of food or arranging the games, his eyes
only went towards Dulari .. gazing at her adoringly. He seemed ecstatic that
Dulari was enjoying herself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He was
proud that her <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>husband had earned the
enjoyment for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then it was time
to dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a ritual to call CB
Singh to dance on the floor when everyone was tired. He loved to dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would throw up his hands, shake his hips,
make gestures with his short arms and groove with the music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time when we called him, he looked coy
and shook his head. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Please CB Singh ..
please dance with us… “ all the people clamoured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He shot a quick glance towards Dulari. She
looked excited . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>went inside the dance floor and started
dancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mouth wide open - mouthing
the song being played, teeth jutting out, bulging cheeks, dishevelled hair,
wiggly pot belly , he was a sight to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He shot up his hands, shook his legs in a twist,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>turned around and ran from one side of the
floor to the other. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All of us cheered in mirth. “Go on CB Singh … go on !” –
and he dance the most ugly and gawky dance ever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dulari was standing
near the floor, looking at her husband. I saw her face flushed with disgust.
Somewhere in between, she had opened the pin of her pallu and draped it around
her shoulders - with the pallu flowing on her left hand. She had put it in a
way that her cleavage was exposed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CB
Singh came towards her and brought her into the floor.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Everybody cheered again
– “Yes, Yes, Go CB Singh Go … dance with your wife“.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dulari started swaying
her hips. Unlike CB Singh, she was graceful and matched the rhythm of the tune.
Others also joined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down with a
glass of lemon soda , watching the dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I saw Dulari smiling and laughing… her pallu falling from her shoulders
… dancing, gyrating, swirling.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Sometimes too near to
the young males. As far away from CB Singh as possible.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The month of January
passed away in a flurry. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">December being a lean month, work is always heavier in
January. Between phone calls , work and lunch time, I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>saw C B Singh going back to his old ways of
buying food from a roadside stall and eating it late afternoons after everybody
finished their lunch. It seemed to me, that the usual cheerful person looked a
bit pensive, but I never got around to asking him the reason. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I put in my papers
middle of February.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a good offer
with a better role in a bigger organization. I had to serve one month of notice
period here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That evening, while going
back late after the conference call , I opened the car window and let the cool
breeze play on my face and hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
moon was shining bright and trees along the highway were dark and dense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was feeling sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had completed 7 years in this office and
loved every minute of my work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
difficult decision for me but life has to go on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">C B Singh sat on his
usual front seat. I looked at him. His neck was slightly bent, his shoulders
drooping , hands on his lap. I will miss him. I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It struck me that he had been unusually quiet
for the last few weeks but at that moment,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was in no mood to talk. When I reached home , it was about 10 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him “Would you like to have a cup of
tea , C B Singh ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He looked taken aback.
After a few seconds, he picked up my laptop and walked with me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My daughter opened the
door and was surprised to see him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ma, this is C B Singh
? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes , Call him C B
Singh Uncle”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I asked him to sit on
the sofa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hesitated and kept
standing. In the meantime, my daughter brought a glass of water for him and
kept it on the table. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Sit Down C B Singh
Uncle “, she said, “Ma always talks about you “. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He sat down. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Really ? Mam, talks
about me ? “ , his eyes were wide with surprise. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes !” She danced
about him and me. “Ma, I have a debate competition tomorrow and I have written
something. You have to listen “.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ran
inside and got her notebook and started reading out her speech. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">C B Singh looked at
her in wonder . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam , she has written
it herself ? “ He asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes. She writes
well.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Her name is Mini ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes. Her nickname is
Mini”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">“Tinni’s daughter Mini
… she will grow up to be as great as you are … </span></i>
“, he mumbled to himself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was my turn to be
surprised.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“How do you know my
name ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He smiled . “When you
talk to your mother on phone, you always say your name!”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I laughed and said “C
B Singh, today you will have dinner with me. We have your favourite Bihari
Bhujia, daal and roti for dinner I hope Dulari will not mind“. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was horrified to see
CB Singh’s face getting distorted and his eyes welling up in tears. He put is
hands on his face and sobbed, his body shaking and writhing as if in great
pain. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“What happened ? Are
you OK ? “ I was alarmed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mini sensing danger ,
ran to her father in the other room.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam”, C B Singh said
in between his sobs, “<i>Dulari … Dulari has run away with Ramesh … “<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“What !!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“, I was shocked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Yes Mam. Ramesh is
very handsome. He earns well . I could not buy her the clothes, sandals and
cosmetics which she wanted… “.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“But … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I am so ugly.. I
don’t have money … I cannot talk like Ramesh. I .. I think<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she deserves a better husband. Ramesh will
keep her happy.“. He kept on sobbing. Tears flowed down his puffy cheeks, his
pot belling trembling with his sobs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You do not want her
back ? Do you know where they are ? You can go to the police .. “ I sat beside
him and touched his hand. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">C B Singh looked up <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“No, No Mam … I know
Dulari was never happy with me. I just hope that Ramesh keeps her happy and
gets her whatever she desires … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I did not know what to
say .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam, I don’t know
what to tell my parents and relatives. They will make fun of me and will curse
Dulari .. “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He looked at me with
tears in his eyes. I held his hands. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“C B Singh, just
remember one thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing lasts
forever. If there is a bad time, there will definitely be a good time. God has
a bigger plan in mind for each one of us, which we are not always able to
fathom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not ever lose hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are a great person with such a big heart
and I know that something good is definitely in store for you“.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don’t know whether I
was rambling. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don’t remember what I said and why I said. I had to say
something to console him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe I was
consoling myself for the unfairness of life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You really think so ?
“ He searched my face with his small pleading eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I could just nod my
head. My throat was numb with pain. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He stood up and went
away, walking slowly , with his head hanging loose , his shoulders drooping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was too distressed to call him back for
dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That Friday night,
before going to sleep,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought about C
B Singh. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just witnessed a real
life episode of true love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That was the last time
I saw C B Singh, or so I thought the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No one knew where he
went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The calls to his cell phone went
unanswered. After a few days his number was unreachable. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I heard that he had
called up Yasmin, our accounts person, from a land line number, to tell him
that he will not come back. His full and final payment was credited to his bank
account. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our office got a new peon as
his replacement. And within days, the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>pot-bellied, puffy faced CB Singh, with his jutting out teeth, slowly
faded away into the routine ho-hum of work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My last month in the
company was more hectic than usual. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The process of knowledge transfer,
completing the pending tasks, handing over the work , assisting the CEO with
the upcoming appraisal ratings and of course the informal farewell lunches were
a catapult of work as well as emotions. Seven years is a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On my last day, while saying goodbye to
everybody during the customary farewell get together,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered CB Singh. In all farewell gatherings,
he stood in the corner with a bouquet in his hands, to be presented to the
employee. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My bouquet stood on the desk. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Life goes on. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We all
flow with the time, taking memories with us – some sweet, a few bitter. But sometimes,
things from the past re appear with a fresh bout of locked away memories and
you are left dazed, bewildered at life’s new avatar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mini was in the first
year of college,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>studying English from
Lady Sriram College.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was the Global
Head of an IT firm in Gurgaon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In LSR,
all the first year students were encouraged to be a part of any social work.
Mini was the team leader of the group of students who had adopted a government
school in Amar Colony, just behind the college. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twice a week, after college, they went to the
school and coached the students in written as well as spoken English. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One Saturday, she came
back home after teaching in the school. She seemed excited. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ma ! Look at this ! “
and she thrust one small piece of paper in my hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“What is this ?”, I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Today we had asked
the students of class 2A to write an essay about their family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See – she has written that her father’s name
is CB Singh .. ma is he the same person who worked in your office ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who had left the day after he visited us ?“.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hurriedly put on my
reading glasses. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a letter written in scraggly alphabets. There were a
few spelling mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the
description was lucid and beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
father’s name was CB Singh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lived
in Okhla. Her father worked in Okhla.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They stayed in a small room . They had a pet cat. Her father cooked for
her. He helped her with her studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When she grows up, she wants to be a project manager in a computer
firm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>There was no mention of her
mother. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next Monday , I took half day leave and went to the
school. I requested the principal and got permission to meet the child. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A small girl, around 6
years old, came in and stood smartly in front of me. She was beautiful. The
same limpid eyes, the full lips and petite structure. She seemed a small
replica of Dulari. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I nodded and called
her near me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">“What is your father’s
name ? “</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“CB Singh” she said ,
looking directly at my eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was impressed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“What is your mother’s
name ? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“My mother’s name is
Goddess Durga. She stays in heaven. She has 10 hands. Papa says that is the
reason she cannot stay with us. Our room is so small. How will she sleep ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I smiled at her. Ah !
the innocence of childhood. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I held her hands. Her
fingers were soft and beautiful. “I know your Papa”, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I said and fished out an old office photograph
and pointed at CB Singh. “There he is , right ? “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Yes ! That is papa ! My Papa !“. She started
jumping with joy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wrote my name, cell
phone number and address behind the photograph and gave it to her. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Give this to your
Papa, and ask him to meet me once”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The very <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>next Sunday , around 11 am, CB Singh came with
his daughter to visit me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still
looked the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just that his pot belly
had shrunk a bit , there was not a strand of hair on his head and there were a
few wrinkles on his puffy face. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“CB Singh !”, I
exclaimed , “How are you? Where have you been ? “.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam … “ he touched my
feet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I felt a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>peculiar emotion seeing him . Memories
swamped my thoughts. I ushered him in our drawing room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled but his eyes were moist. Both of us
fumbled with our words. So many years in between us ….<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Touch her feet”, CB
Singh urged his daughter, “She is my Mam!”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The little one looked
me and then at her father with amazement . </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">”SHE is mam ? Her name is Tinni ? “
. Her father nodded. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The small girl pranced
about in the room. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Your daughter is very
sweet … “.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tears flowed freely
from CB Singh’s eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam, I had come to
meet you three years back , but … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had shifted to
Gurgaon, near my office. My cell number also had changed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Dulari … ? “<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I probed softly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam, she is fine,
stays in Jaipur … with her husband .. “, his words coming out in staccato
spurts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“But … “ I looked at
the small girl . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then he poured out
his heart, just like he did in our rides back home. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dulari had run away
with Ramesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CB Singh went back to his
village and started working with his father and uncles, growing wheat and
paddy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wanted him to remarry, but
he refused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a year, he got a
letter from Dulari, saying that she was very sick and wanted to meet CB Singh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She was heavily pregnant when he met
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had done an illegal sex
determination sonography and found out that she was carrying a girl child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ramesh as well as his parents did not want
the child. But Dulari was 8 months pregnant by that time and abortion was impossible.
They threw her out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">CB Singh found her on
a pavement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rented a small shanty and
took her there. He washed her , fed her and took care of her. Dulari delivered
a beautiful baby girl. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam ! I remembered
your words”, his voice trembled, “You had told me that girls are now doing so
well and that our country will progress only when our girls progress.. I wanted
this girl – all for myself … “. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He looked adoringly at his daughter, who was
sitting on a chair, flipping a magazine and swinging her legs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“And Dulari ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“ <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“After the
delivery,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave Rs 5000 to Dulari and
asked her to go back to Ramesh. I told her never to come back into my life
again. Mam… “,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he halted , “ how I hated
myself for saying this to her … my heart broke … but … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“But what ? You could
have made her stay with you … I know you still love her …<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He shook his head.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam, I know Dulari. She
would have run away again. And that would have had a very bad effect on my dear
Munni … I pray to God everyday that Dulari stays happy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have my daughter with me … I don’t need
anything else. “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Your daughter is very
bright. I read her essay !” , I tried to smile through my tears. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His ugly face glowed
with pride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam, she can read and
speak <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in English ! She came first in the
class in the half yearly examination. I want her to participate in debates , I
will give her the best education so that she can earn money and take care of
both of us … “.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mini was sitting
beside me during our conversation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ma,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that day I had rehearsed the debate … “<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she whispered. Mini was visibly moved. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I fed CB Singh and his sweet daughter Bihari
Bhujia, mutton<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and daal. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mini read out a
story to Munni.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Munni promised me that she will study hard and
be the best daughter in this whole world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Mam, I want Munni to
be smart, confident and successful. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyday, before going to sleep, she wants to
hear stories about my office, you, our parties , our dance<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>… “, he smiled and stroked the mole on his
cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before leaving, CB
Singh said “Mam, you had told me that God always has a bigger plan in mind for
each one of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not ever lose hope.
You were so right … “ He held his daughter’s hands tightly and played with her
hair. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1KTJ_ZYVsZni9Iwq-0Ux8U8lbOOUGTKzed0EDdQU8dxCU2tpGijioD4B3KZ_dPmMTNrW1pkyo9Vqtv33TxDujo_t2PVKf5BG0S1Jwfl-KECJ1N1G-11IjteY6m0H_bl1PZqCc4T58jI/s1600/father.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1KTJ_ZYVsZni9Iwq-0Ux8U8lbOOUGTKzed0EDdQU8dxCU2tpGijioD4B3KZ_dPmMTNrW1pkyo9Vqtv33TxDujo_t2PVKf5BG0S1Jwfl-KECJ1N1G-11IjteY6m0H_bl1PZqCc4T58jI/s200/father.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">“She is my hope … my
light … my purpose in life !”</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From my balcony, I
looked at the father-daughter duo walking away, talking happily to each other. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will never know what
the initials C and B stands for. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But I know his
daughter’s name. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The name which made me go to her school to seek out CB Singh.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the essay,she had
written </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="color: blue;">My name is Tinni Singh</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">24<sup>th</sup>
January, 2019, Belvedere, Alipore<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br /></div>
Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-25730304442039474602018-09-11T06:12:00.000-07:002018-09-11T06:12:18.254-07:00Tumhara Raja Beta<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ma, Agar main is baar bhi fail ho gaya to tum mujhe pyar karogi na ?</div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-30866688189446237152018-02-10T07:46:00.001-08:002018-02-10T07:46:31.149-08:009th February<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">9<sup>th</sup>
February<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmz3O2xa5VNDl-vPkE_AmjzYt_P87vRePU7c2eiDUR72hwNH3tjcZ20Y8OcXeUmvixHgt5cVAIBk90WpswjCO677ysJDBVTLUFVzcT0q7AvehFefT44CT64D1-pckREtOoi7XStMvJYE/s1600/9th+Feb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="229" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmz3O2xa5VNDl-vPkE_AmjzYt_P87vRePU7c2eiDUR72hwNH3tjcZ20Y8OcXeUmvixHgt5cVAIBk90WpswjCO677ysJDBVTLUFVzcT0q7AvehFefT44CT64D1-pckREtOoi7XStMvJYE/s320/9th+Feb.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">पचास </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">बार आ चुका है <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;">9<sup>th</sup> February<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">तो फिर, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">एक बार फिर से आ गया तो क्या हुआ ?</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">क्या</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">इस दिन में </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">वही रौनक है ?</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">वही भीनी हवा की खुशबू , </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">वही फूलों की बहार ?</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">भई किसी और को लगे या न लगे,</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">मुझे तो बहुत भाता है यह दिन |</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">आज भी, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“colour
dress”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>पहनने का जी करता है , </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">सखियों को चॉकलेट देने का और</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">उनके हांथों से बने कार्ड पाने को मन तरसता है | </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">शाम को बलून से सजा हुवा ड्राइंग रूम में केक काटना
और </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">happy birthday का वही पुरानी धुन सुनने की बेताबी है
|</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">भई किसी और को लगे या न लगे,</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">मुझे तो बहुत भाता है यह दिन |</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">अभी तो, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">दो चोटी की जगह कुछ सफ़ेद बाल,</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">आलमारी में फ्रॉक नहीँ पर साडी तो है, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">कुछ प्यारे चेहेरे पास नहीं , फिर भी, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">उनकी यादें और कुछ नए मुखड़े समीप है |</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">अगर,</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">मेरे कुछ नाम विस्मृत हो गए</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">तो कुछ नए नाम भी तो आमद हैं , </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">कुछ बीती बातें रुलाती हैं तो</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">नई बातें हंसाती भी तो है |</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">अगर कल, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">झुर्रियों से भर जाये चेहरा , </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">धीमी हो जाये आँखों की रौशनी,</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">कुछ पराये से हो जाएँ अपने लोग , </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">किसी की आवाज़ सुनने को, उन्हें जी भर देखने को जी तरसे
और </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">ऐसे ही, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>कई
बार 9th February की सुबह</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">आये और बस वैसे ही चली जाये <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>??</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">इसलिए , </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">सारे 9th Feb, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">मैं संजो के रखती हूँ, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">यह हवा की भीनी खुशबू, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">यह सुबह की नर्म धूप ,</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">मेरे नज़दीक मुस्कुराते चेहेरे,</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">गिफ्ट के लिए नोंक-झोंक, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">कुछ मान, कुछ अभिमान,</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">यह सारे पल,</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">दिल के इक कोने में,</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">संवार के, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">संभाल के रखती हूँ |</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">हो सकता है, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">इनकी यादें, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">fixed deposit के<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>interest की तरह , </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">बाद में काम आये !!</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">पता नहीं, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">मेरे लिए</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">और कितनी बार आएगी 9th February .......</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">पर, </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">किसी और को लगे या न लगे,</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">मुझे तो बहुत भाता है यह दिन |</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">***</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Nirmala UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana;">9th February 2018 ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Belvedere, Alipore, Kolkata</span></i><i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Nirmala UI"; mso-bidi-language: HI;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-86857229329081824432017-12-01T03:44:00.000-08:002017-12-01T06:21:26.066-08:00High-Low<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">High-Low<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No one was surprised when Pishi died the same day as
Suma.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a rainy
July afternoon when Suma breathed her last in her big wooden four poster bed,
surrounded by her twenty odd
pillows. She had been brought back from
the hospital one day back. The doctors wanted to put her on ventilator, but Kaku
was adamant to bring her back home. When Dadai, Suma’s husband had died, he was
kept in the ventilator for 4 days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UfjqRXohG42C7MABK1oqxVsj8f0OU5X3G-KJ7ABO9vyARwmzQYxfwgbCAl6boK8Rx7JQ98Xt0oKSnMPFlEA3z9LkDjnmclw8U-754txgMhv_7x-ZvGecXWmrhjgZt-SKtQfS9WWnRYg/s1600/rani1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="573" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UfjqRXohG42C7MABK1oqxVsj8f0OU5X3G-KJ7ABO9vyARwmzQYxfwgbCAl6boK8Rx7JQ98Xt0oKSnMPFlEA3z9LkDjnmclw8U-754txgMhv_7x-ZvGecXWmrhjgZt-SKtQfS9WWnRYg/s320/rani1.jpg" width="229" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Look at his eyes Babu ! He wants to go home !” Suma had wept and pleaded. But the doctors
did not budge. During the Shraddha
ceremony of Dadai, Suma wore a milky white sari with a thin green border. As usual, I sat beside her holding her hands
and Buro sat on the other side. I was
all of 11 years old then. But still I could sense the calm determination in her
voice when she told her son, Kaku - she clled him Babu, about her last wish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Babu, promise
me that come what may, you will bring me home before I breathe my last. I want
to die on my own bed”. Pishi, sitting on
a low stool beside Suma , nodded and wiped her eyes. She stroked Suma’s feet to console her. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Suma, Kaku,
Kakima were more than mere neighbours.Till
quite some time , I knew Suma to be Buro’s
as well as my grandmother . Ma, Baba and
I were closer to them than our relatives. For me, it was like my second
home. I had open access to the house, on
Suma’s bed, Kaku and Kakima’s things and
of course everything that belonged to Buro.
When in class 6<sup>th</sup> , I almost failed in mathametics, I went
and hid myself in Suma’s bed, between her pillows. Suma was very possessive
about her pillows. Everyday she and Pishi fluffed and dusted the pillows and
kept them on top of the wooden trunk kept near Suma’s bed. When any guests came
to their house, Suma would pick and choose a pillow and offer it to them and
again when they were gone, the pillow would be kept in place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Suma did not let anyone touch her pillows.
Not even Buro. I was the only exception.
“You are my Laxmi ! “ Suma would
look at me adoringly before plucking my plump cheeks.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everybody called
her <i>Pishi</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In Bangla Pishi means your
father’s sister. Only Suma called her by
her name – Bani. Suma was married to
Dadai when she was 15 years old. Pishi,
the daughter of the gardener in Suma’s maternal home, was of the same age as
Suma. Two months before Suma got married, Pishi was married to a farmer in the
neighboring village. One idle summer
afternoon, when Suma was dozing and I had sauntered into Pishi’s room to ask
about Buro’s whereabouts, she was busy rummaging her rusted tin suitcase where
she kept her possessions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Tumpi, come ,
come … see this “ she was giggling like a schoolgirl. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Tell me … who
is this ? “ She held a yellowing black and white photograph in her hands. I
tried to snatch it from her which she deftly avoided and pulled me close to her
and both of us peered into the photograph. There was a bride and beside her
there were three girls in sari and one man with a hat on his head. Pishi pointed her finger on the girl standing
beside the man and asked me again “Tumpi … can you recognize her ? “ . When I nodded my head side by side , she then
pointed at the bride . “Ok . This one you will be able to tell …” and she
looked at me expectantly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Pishi, I don’t
know !” I was impatient. I had to find that brat Buro. He had hidden my favourite <i>guti </i>– the black flat stone – my lucky
charm for <i>ekhat dukkhat </i>(hopscotch).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“This is your
Suma … and … this is me .. and this … “ she giggled .. “is my <i>khasham</i> … my husband”…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“You have a
husband ? “ I stared at her in awe. Somehow I could never imagine Pishi having
a husband !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhV-BM4JRxm-DuJY1eW0xuVDJqMzzADrZeE3hM2d6eCS4-l7VfUc4BE3rlig4E7ManBXL8wyZVuRZ7aZUJU3Ycpjiy0RyjklDk76y2F6X5POQR9kln4uidJilPhydS3Gohyfz9BrqUV8Y/s1600/rani2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="581" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhV-BM4JRxm-DuJY1eW0xuVDJqMzzADrZeE3hM2d6eCS4-l7VfUc4BE3rlig4E7ManBXL8wyZVuRZ7aZUJU3Ycpjiy0RyjklDk76y2F6X5POQR9kln4uidJilPhydS3Gohyfz9BrqUV8Y/s320/rani2.JPG" width="232" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Baniiiii …!” Suma called. Pishi hurriedly put the photograph inside the
trunk and said “<i>Ashi</i>….” and hastened out to check on Suma. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When I was old enough to understand, I learnt
that within a year of her marriage, Pishi was thrown out of her in-law’s place
with the accusation that she was a <i>baanjh
</i>and would not be able to bear children. She had come back to her father’s
place and after six months she was sent to Calcutta to look after Suma , who
was expecting her first child. And she
has been with her ever since. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was Kaku who
had first called her Pishi and then she became Pishi for everybody. And it was Buro who named Suma. Like Kaku, he started calling his grandmother as ” Ma “, when
he was corrected by Kakima.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Buro, I am your
Ma and this is your beautiful Ma…<i> Sundor</i>
Ma “. “<i>Sundor Ma</i> was a bit too complicated for Buro and he called her Suma
. And I too called her Suma. Just
like Buro. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Buro’s place and
my house is separated by a boundary wall.
There is a window in my parent’s bedroom which is right opposite to the
window of Suma’s room. Since childhood, Buro
and I would stand on the respective window sills , holding the vertical iron
rods of the window and spend hours
talking to each other. Sometimes I would stand on the sill and call “Buro … Buro … “ ! He would come running and
take his position and on other occasions he would call “Tumpi … Tumpi … “ and I would leave whatever I was doing and
run towards the window sill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ahh Tumpi … go
to his place and talk or call him here ! What is this ? Standing like this and
talking!” Ma would scold. But who cared ! It was only when we outgrew the size of the
window that we stopped standing on the window sill. Later I found it embarrassing when Ma asked
me why I did not talk to Buro through the window. By that time, both of us preferred to
chat either on the terrace or in his small study room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Suma could not
do without Pishi. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Theirs was a
strange love hate relationship. Suma was
fair, plump and soft, with long strands
of grey hair. Her face was round and she
her wide toothless smile lit up her deep
intelligent eyes. She wore gold rimmed
glasses and though wrinkled, her smooth
skin was an envy for Kakima and Ma.
During summer, she just wrapped her sari around herself and did not wear
a blouse. I would cosy up to her and
touch her soft , sagging breasts and
tickle her. She looked at me lovingly
and smiled . “<i>Dushtu meye !</i>” (naughty girl !). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pishi was dark
and thin. She was about 2 inches shorter than Suma. She walked with an awkward gait with a frown
on her longish face. Her hands were
rough and uneven. All her frontal teeth were gone and she just had one or two
molars left in her mouth. When she talked,
a peculiar breezy sound emanated from the space in her mouth. She had thin strands of grey hair. Every
evening at 3.30 pm, after finishing the kitchen chores and giving crushed <i>Paan </i>(betel leaves) to Suma, she
would go to the terrace, spread out her
legs infront of her and comb her hair. She
would close her eyes and mutter to herself and go on combing her hair. Then she would tie a small knot and look at
herself in the small hand mirror. During
the winter holidays , when Buro and I played badminton on the terrace
, we would quietly go behind Pishi and quickly
untie the knot and run away. Pishi shrieked and come running after us and Buro
and I hid ourselves. Several times she complained to Suma .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“They are kids
Bani !! Let it be … !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don’t know the
reason but Suma had a strange fetish.
She would never let Pishi be at the same level as hers. If Suma sat on a chair, Pishi sat on the floor
near her. When Suma sat on her bed,
Pishi sat on a small stool , a little lower than the bed. After Dadai’s death, Suma asked Pishi to shift in her room. Pishis’s bed was moved into Suma’s room
. When Suma saw that the bed was of the
same height as her four poster bed, she
asked Kaku to call Hari, the carpenter.
Hari was instructed to cut the legs of Pishi’s bed so that it was lower
than Suma’s bed. During occasions like
Durga Puja or visits to relatives places, Suma would call for a rickshaw. She
sat on the seat and Pishi invariably sat near her feet, holding the seat of the
rickshaw puller tightly. Kaku did not
like it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ma ! There is
enough space beside you and Pishi can sit there !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Babu, we are
comfortable this way . Do not worry ! <i>Richsha walla
… chalo</i> !” and Suma would ride away with a queer smile on her face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sometime it
really went to the extreme. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was
showing Ramayana in the nearby movie hall and Suma wanted to watch the movie.
Kaku got the tickets. Ma and I were also invited for the show. There were 10 of
us, including Pishi. There were eight tickets in row M and two tickets in row N
– the row in front of M. Buro, I and ran
and took the two seats in N. But when Suma saw that Pishi was also sitting in
the same row as hers, she created a scene. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Bani will sit
behind me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kaku tried to
make her understand that the seat on M was better but Suma would not listen to
him. Finally, Suma and I sat together and watched the movie. Buro sat next to Pishi behind us. Buro was so furious that he bit Pishi during the
interval and got a good thrashing from Kakima. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After the show,
Buro was still livid. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Ma… Pishi did
not let the see the movie in peace. When Ram and Ravana were fighting each
other, she kept on asking me Buro ,
Buro, who will win ? Will Ravana defeat Ram ? Tell me Buro ! She knows the
Ramayana by heart but still she asks me this !!! I am telling you , I will never ever go to a
movie with Pishi ! “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For Pishi, Suma
was the role model. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She tried to talk like
Suma, imitating her expressions, pronunciations and gestures. She wore her sari just like Suma , with all
her hand-me-downs. After Dadai died,
Suma started wearing white sarees and gave up eating fish , meat and eggs, Pishi too did the same. As the years passed,
Suma and Pishi looked like sisters – one beautiful and the other one ugly. They were always seen together. They chatted . They quarreled. They listened to the same
radio programmes. They ate the same
food. They sat together. They slept in
the same room. Suma could not do without
Pishi and was very fond of her but Suma saw to it that Pishi was always a
“level” lower than her ! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And Pishi, always looked for opportunities to be at the
same level as Suma ! One day, when Suma
had gone for her bath , Buro and I crawled below Suma’s bed where jars of mango
and lime pickle were kept. It was one of
our favourite haunts where we sat there and ate pickles from the jars. Pishi came , looked here and there and sat on
Suma’s chair. She closed her eyes and put on Suma’s specs and smiled to
herself. Buro
and I came out and suddenly stood before Pishi and shouted “Pishi !!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She was startled
and the glasses fell on the floor and broke.
Her face was pale. She got up from the chair swiftly and started stammering .. “I … I …”. Buro pranced around her singing “I will tell
Suma.. I will tell her that you were sitting on the chair and wearing her
glasses …will tell her … tell her …”. I will
never be able to forget the petrified look on Pishi’s face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As Buro and I came into our teens , our pranks became less and conversations
became more. We would talk about our
friends in high school , how one boy proposed to me and Buro would laugh and give me an odd glance as if he did not care which somehow infuriated me. When Buro described about one of his class mate
who was very beautiful and how she
always wanted to sit beside Buro and be with him, I would make a face and say “Ok
! Then you go and talk to her, I am leaving … !” Buro would laugh and obstruct
my path and make faces at me and then say “Tumpi !!! I was just teasing you … let
me hold your hand … !” and extend his
palm towards me. We started liking each
others’ touch . We would now make
excuses to go to the terrace where we could sit closer and hold hands and occasionally
kiss each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One sultry afternoon, when both of us sneaked on
the terrace and were sitting closely on the other side of the water tank, where
no one could see us, we saw Pishi. She had come up to collect Suma’s zari sari which
she had put there for sun drying. She
then looked around her and tied the
sari. She loosened her hair knot and fluffed her hair on both sides of the
middle parting, just like Suma. And then
she started walking around the terrace, imitating Suma’s gait. We sat rock still, holding our breath, so
that Pishi does not see us together at this odd hour. But we all know Murphy’s law . Anything that
can go wrong , will go wrong , Pishi meandered in front of us and stood stock
still looking at us. All of us did not
utter a word for a few seconds. That
terrified, petrified look again surfaced on Pishi’s face. But this time we too
were sort of guilty. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Buro , suddenly came to his senses and started
staring and smiling at Pishi . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Wha..ha ..t ?” She stammered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Well , we
did not see you and neither did you see
us, right Pishi ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It took a while
for her to comprehend the meaning. So
mean of Buro. Terrifying Pishi. Poor thing. But it worked. Pishi did not utter a word and went away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Somehow , I
always felt bad for Pishi. Suma was all
she had and that too Suma always had the “upper” hand. Pishi had only one nephew who kept in touch
with her and visited once in a while . He worked in a Jute mill near Howrah and
whenever he visited Pishi, he got a pot of rasgullas for her, which she proudly
showed and shared the sweets with all of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ma and Kakima
too talked about Suma’s “high-handedness”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“I really don’t
know why Ma behaves like that with Pishi” , Kakima once complained to my
mother. “What harm will it do if both of them sit on the same seat in the
rickshaw? Pishi looks so awkward sitting on the footrest of the rickshaw and I
really feel ashamed … all these meanness … and see … that day when Pishi had
fever, Ma was so upset that she started crying … I don’t understand these acts
at all ! “.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The day Suma was
diagnosed with pneumonia, it was raining
very heavily. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When she was taken
to the hospital, Pishi started wailing. “Didi … Didi … “ she cried . Suma’s condition deteriorated. The next day Suma’s lungs were infected and
she was put on life support system.
Pishi did not leave Suma’s side. She was almost forced by the doctors to
leave the ICU. The next day Pishi contacted
high fever. Kaku was busy with Suma , so
Baba brought Pishi to our house and gave her medicines. Later that night, when
her temperature reached 105 degrees, Pishi was admitted in the same hospital. The next day, when the doctors wanted to put
Suma on the ventilator, Kaku refused to do so and brought Suma home and made
her lie down on her four poster bed , surrounded by her twenty odd
pillows. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That July afternoon, when all of us were standing near her bed,
weeping, sobbing, Suma opened her eyes. There was a blank look in her glance.
She looked at our faces as if searching for someone … Kaku held her hands. Buro and I sat near her
feet, stroking her, Ma consoled Kakima … Suma opened her mouth to say something
but words did not flow … and after a few minutes she was gone for ever! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An hour later,
Kaku got a call from the hospital that Pishi has breathed her last a few
minutes ago. Kaku asked Buro to inform
her nephew and made arrangements to bring Pishi home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kaku’s younger
brother , Ajay Kaku , who lived in Delhi
was informed about Suma’s death. The
cremation could only happen when Ajay Kaku reached Calcutta the next morning. Suma was decorated with flowers . Kakima and Ma wrapped a white sari around
her. They put chandan on her forehead.
Through misty eyes, I looked at her. Suma was looking so beautiful and serene !
Ma and Kakima also decorated Pishi and
wrapped her with one of her saris. Suma
was lying on the bed and Pishi on the floor below her . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When the hearse
came, Suma was put inside the glass box with Rajanigandha flowers all over her.
The scent of the incense sticks filled up the hearse . She was taken to the
Peace Haven mortuary where the body would be preserved till the next day. I had
insisted to be with Suma till the mortuary. I felt strange when I saw Suma’s
body put in the refrigerator box . Suma … I will never be able to see you again
… Buro held me tightly … my eyes were dry … tears did not flow from my eyes …
an inexplicable feeling shot through my body … the temporariness of our
existence !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When the hearse
carrying Suma had departed , Pishi’s nephew called up. He said that due to the heavy rains, the train lines of
Howrah station were submerged and all the local trains were halted. He would only be able to come the next day, so
could we please keep Pishi in the mortuary till that time ? So , Pishi was also taken to the Peace Haven mortuary.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But when Pishi’s
body reached Peace Haven , there was a problem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The only other refrigerator box which was free
had been suddenly taken up by the Christian trustees as the mother of the
Bishop of St. John’s Church had a heart attack and died.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“So, what do we
do ? “ Kaku was distraught. “Are there any other mortuary nearby ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Buro and Baba
tried to contact the other mortuary, but there too it was the same condition.
The torrential rain had brought the city to a stand still. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Well , as of
now , I think there can be only one solution “ , the manager of the mortuary
said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“What ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“The
refrigerator where your mother has been put , is one of the original ones from
the British era. The length and height of the box is almost double the size of
the newer boxes … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“So ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Well, we can
put the other body in the same box … if you permit .. “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kaku looked at
Baba. He nodded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Okay … “ Kaku
whispered. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was almost 11 pm and he was tired – both mentally and physically.
Buro placed a chair for Kaku to sit . Kaku
slumped on it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As all of us
stood there, Pishi’s body was carefully lifted on the stretcher and put inside
the refrigerator box…. on top of Suma …..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Both of them
rested there waiting to be cremated . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just that during
this wait time, Pishi was at
a “higher” position than Suma .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">30
November, 2017, Belvedere, Alipore</span></div>
</div>
Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-74608738576695140152017-10-31T08:13:00.001-07:002017-11-05T23:39:47.253-08:00Balance Sheet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Balance Sheet<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
she jostled to get inside the bus, one strap of her bag gave away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Instinctively
Rina clutched the other strap tightly with her left hand but due to the weight,
the bag collided with the side of the
seat near her and there was a “thud” sound.
The “thud” inside her heart was even louder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
quickly led her way towards the last row of the bus where only two seats were
vacant. Even before settling down on her seat, Rina anxiously opened her bag
and groped for her treasure. She felt the smooth, cold texture of her cell
phone and with a beating heart slowly took it out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy2u3hKQ6x8UefvUG_YAyhyphenhyphenBU_qS_ZDawsY2J_PsNWBSqmD41eZFsT6IiPZaWLTgpysrXvaI6TOpq8HR3kzIBGCvshomHbCkkX-l18U_O9AE4uoDXELERdsFAorpuc4chFhQsnnjLmvw/s1600/balance+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="768" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy2u3hKQ6x8UefvUG_YAyhyphenhyphenBU_qS_ZDawsY2J_PsNWBSqmD41eZFsT6IiPZaWLTgpysrXvaI6TOpq8HR3kzIBGCvshomHbCkkX-l18U_O9AE4uoDXELERdsFAorpuc4chFhQsnnjLmvw/s320/balance+1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
phone shone in the evening light coming through the last window of the bus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thank
God !” . Rina heaved a sigh of relief. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She checked the time on her phone.
Nowadays she found it more convenient to check time on her cell than on her
wrist watch. It was 5.50 pm. She till had 10 minutes to go. Rina took out
her hands-free from the money zipper of
her bag and plugged it with her cell phone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mita,
her sister has gifted her the cell phone four months back on her birthday. Rina had made a face and with pretentious anger
admonished her sister. “Mita, you should not have given such an expensive gift
!” said Rina, looking and caressing the phone lovingly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> It was beautiful. The
latest model of Samsung.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Didi
! I had no choice. I have been after you to buy a smart phone for almost 6
months. I cannot send you whatsapp messages , send photographs to you. Now you better start using this from today !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
was not that Rina did not want to buy a smart phone. But somehow or the other
she had not been able to get around buying one.
There was always some extra expense every month. Last month, Alok’s
sister along with her husband and her 5 year old son, Munti, had visited them
for a week. It was Munti’s first time in Delhi. Rina had taken a day off on a
Friday and all of them had gone to Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan. It was a lovely
trip and Rina had enjoyed every moment of it.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Babi
, her 8 year old daughter was awestruck when she saw the Taj Mahal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ma, it is <i>Shwet
Pathar<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"> <a href="file:///D:/Misc/Balance%20Sheet.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[i]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></a></span></i>?”
Though they stayed in Delhi, it was
Babi’s first time too in Agra. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Babi
had a strange fascination for marble stones. Whenever and wherever she found
any white pebble , she would run to Rina with her treasure and a big smile on
her face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ma,
ma.. See what I found ! <i>Swet Pathar</i>
!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
Rina looked at her daughter’s glowing
face, she did not have the heart to say that it was just an ordinary pebble. It
was not ordinary to Babi. Ah ! Childhood and it’s bliss ! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes
! It is so very beautiful Babi ! “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And
Babi would run to secure the stone in the small cotton pouch along with her other “<i>Swet Pathar</i>”s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sunday
night, after returning home, just before she went to sleep Rina asked Alok “How
much did we spend ?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alok
was changing into his pajamas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Around
7 thousand “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh
! So much ?? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well,
petrol, food, two night stay. It was
good that Samar paid for the gifts. Otherwise,
it would have been even more.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
month before, Alok’s scooter had to be
serviced. The other month, her
mother-in-law was sick . The Doctor’s fees, medicines are so expensive. And
almost every month there is some occasion of the other. Weddings, birthday
parties and what not ! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With
all these expenses, the smart phone for herself was the last priority for Rina.
But now she was glad that she possessed one. She was not very conversant with
whatsapp yet and she found it a bit cumbersome typing messages. But now she really enjoyed her hour long
travel back home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
was 6 pm. The chartered bus from Connaught Place to Janakpuri started moving
and Rina plugged in her handsfree earpods into her ears and put on the FM
channel. FM Gold was her favourite channel and she loved the songs of Mukesh,
Rafi and Geeta Dutt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She
hummed softly along with the lilting tunes waiting for 6.30 pm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At
6.30 pm, the signature tune of “Mahila Mahal” filled her with an unusual
trepidation. Will her question be answered
today ? Rina was hooked to this program for the last two months. Mahila Mahal was a 15 minutes program, aired
on the FM Gold channel, every Monday to Friday, from 6.30 to 6.45 pm. Usually there was a 10 minute talk or a
discussion varied topics related to women and
at the end of the program, one letter from the audience was read out and
discussed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Today’s topic of discussion is about
the health of women in the age group of
35 to 45 and we have a panel consisting of Dr. Shikha Verma, a nutritionist and
Dr. Renu Goyal, a leading gynecologist. “ <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
liked the bold and confident voice of the anchor Ms. Aditi Roy. She listened to
the various tips given by the panelists about food and exercise, why milk and
other dairy products was so important for women, how we should try to fit
is bit of stretching and cardio in our
busy lives etc. but Rina actually waited for the last 5 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Will
her letter be selected to be read out ? She waited with bated breath. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<i>Thank you Dr. Goyal and Dr. Verma for your valuable
tips and advise. I am sure that our audience will benefit from them and put
these thing in practice. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And now I will read out the letter from
our audience. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is Mrs Dipti Mishra
from Jhumri Tilaiya, she writes that she wants to pursue higher studies but her
father-in-law is dead against it. What
should she do ?</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Well Dipti, there is a saying that where there is a will there
is a way. I understand that being a married woman , you have a lot of responsibilities
and you have to understand the sensibilities of your in laws and your husband. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But we women have to realize that we have a responsibility towards ourselves
too. We are answerable to our dreams, our desires, albeit within the periphery
of our relations and duties. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, go for it. Try cajoling, sweet talking to
drama and anger if needed. I am sure that at the end you will win. We women
will have to win ! <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tune in to Mahila Mahal tomorrow, same
time ! Till then , bye from Aditi !”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
was disappointed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She
had written a letter almost a month back. When will it be read out ? The answer was very important for her. Should
she write another one , Rina wondered as she put the cell phone in her
bag. Her stop was just 10 minutes away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Babi
studied in std. 2. She just abhorred
mathematics and did quite poorly in her half yearly exams. Rina was a commerce
graduate and she was very good in maths in school. But Babi was just not
interested in studying maths! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Everyday, from 8.30 to 9.30 pm, Rina taught Babi.
She made her complete her homework and tried to keep her a bit ahead of the
class. Alok usually came back from work at 7.30 pm was too tired to sit with
Babi and her studies. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once or twice Rina had asked Alok to make Babi complete
her maths homework, but when she made silly mistakes, Alok was impatient and
shouted at the terrified Babi. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t
! She is just a kid !” Babi’s tear
stained face looked at her mother for support.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“You
know how much tension there is at work ! And on top of that she makes these
silly mistakes ! “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well
! You scold her even on Sundays !” Rina
would try to control her anger. She did not want Babi to see her parents
quarreling over her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“She
has to improve in maths otherwise she will not be able to crack any competitive
exams – be it medical or engineering !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Leave
it ! I will take care ! “ Rina took away the teary eyed, sleepy Babi for
dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But
she was worried. She did not know what to do . Maybe she will get a maths tutor for Babi. But
home tuitions were very expensive, not less than Rs 400 per hour !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So,
her letter to Mahila Mahal went like this .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dear Aditi, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My 8 year old daughter does not want to
study maths. I have been trying to create interest in her for maths but as soon
as she is given sums to solve, her face becomes glum and she does not concentrate. In her exams, she has just
got 70% in maths whereas the class highest is 100%. Just because of low marks
in maths, her rank is 11<sup>th</sup> in the class. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Please help me and tell me ways to
improve her marks in the subject. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina Biswas, Janak Puri, New Delhi<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today
too, her letter was not read out in the program. As Rina pressed the calling bell,
she thought of sending the letter again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Maa
!” Babi came tripping . The part time maid opened the door. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
kissed Babi . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<i>Bhabhi kya banega ? “ </i>The maid looked at
her expectantly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Take
out the bringal and one tomato from the
fridge and cut it in small pieces. I will be there in 5 minutes” . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
quickly went inside the bedroom to change into a daily wear salwar kameez. Rina
was always rushed for time and this was her busiest time of the day. The part time maid helped with the cooking. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She prepared roti for her mother-in-law, Alok and Rina and rice for Babi.
Another vegetable dish was needed for tiffin for Alok and Rina’s office and
breakfast for his mother. Rina preferred to cook the non vegetarian food herself.
Babi could not eat without Mutton or Chicken or fish. If none of these were available then they had
to do with egg curry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
removed her sari , folded it and put it under the mattress. Ironing the sari costed Rs 15. By putting it
carefully folded beneath the mattress, she
could wear the sari at least three times more without getting it ironed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina worked in the accounts department of Kapoor and Brothers Ltd. The company
manufactured bond papers which are used in laser printers. Rina liked to wear
saris to office. She had several Bengal cotton ones and her colleagues, most of
them wore salwar suits, would swoon over the colours and the way she carried
the sari. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
was slim, fair and petite and all the colours suited her. She wore her long
hair either in a bun which fell on the nape of her neck or she braided it.
Being a Bengali, her hair too was a matter of envy to many in her office. She
was not beautiful in the classic sense but there was something about her which
people found very soothing and serene. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
worked liked clockwork. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After changing, Rina first cleared up her
mother-in-law’s room. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alok’s mother was 82 years old and did not let Uma, the
maid come inside her room. Rina quickly supervise the dinner and planned for
the next day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She prepared dal pakora for Alok and gave it to him along with a cup
of tea at 7.45 pm, just when he started reading the newspaper after coming
home. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By 8.30 pm, the maid left and Rina sat down with Babi with her studies. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At
9.30 pm, all of them sat for dinner. As usual Babi was so sleepy that Rina had
to feed her. After putting her to bed,
Rina had her dinner, cleared up the table, cleaned the kitchen , filled the
fridge bottle with water from aquaguard, cleaned the table wipers, sprayed the
cockroach repellent , kept the cups , saucers , spoons ready for tea in the
morning, kept a bottle of water in her mother in law’s bedside table and
finally when she went inside the bathroom for changing into a nightie, it was
past 11 pm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ah
! What a bliss to be able to wear the soft cotton nightwear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She
came inside her bedroom. Babi was fast asleep beside Alok. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina smiled as she
looked at her innocent face. No amount of cajoling could persuade Babi to sleep
with her granny. Her favourite place was between Alok and Rina. On weekdays
Alok did not mind but he made a fuss on the weekends. By now Rina was a master
of the balancing act and she knew how to please both her husband and her cute
daughter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
sat beside the bedside lamp, emptied the contents from her bag and put them
inside the other one which she had. Can this one be repaired , she wondered. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nah ! She will have to get a new one … maybe next month. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She sighed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
she lay down, Rina embraced her daughter and heard the peaceful , rhythmic
breathing of her husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
day ends today. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tomorrow again it will start at a breakneck speed at 6 am ,
when her alarm clock rings, getting Babi
ready for school ….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She
started slipping into slumber. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Content.
Happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
was HER world. Her Own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
was busy matching the entries in the ledger file in office, when her phone
rang. It was an unknown number. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She frowned. She did not give her cell number
to many people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Rina
… your phone is ringing … “ Nihar shouted from the table beside her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh
Sorry !” She quipped. She should have kept it on the silent mode. Alok did show
her how to do it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hullo
!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Is
it Rina ? “ A sweet female voice … who ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes.
But who are you ? “ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Guess,
guess !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hmm…
I can’t ! Tell me !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hey
! It is Mahua …” the person at the other end almost shrieked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For
a few seconds Rina was silent. Her brain was processing the information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Suddenly
it clicked. Mahua … Motu Mahua … her best friend in school !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh
My God ! Mahua ! How are you ? Where are you ? Motu , How did you get my number
?” Rina squealed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Everybody almost dropped their work and looked amazedly at
Rina. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh
Sorry !” Rina quickly walked out of the
office room into the outer corridor which led to the elevator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
squeals and whoops from the other end continued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hey!
I am not Motu anymore !” Mahua laughed. “You know what, I am in Delhi, came
from New Jersey about 3 weeks back with my husband. By chance I met Indrani at
a cinema hall yesterday and she gave me your number and here I am … talking to
my best pal ever !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Indrani
was also their classmate and her son also studied in the same school as Babi.
It was again a chance meeting with Indrani a few years back and they have
visited each other’s place a couple of times. Pradeep, Indrani’s husband went
along quite well with Alok. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Rina,
Where are you now ? Can we meet ? I am dying to meet you girl ! “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh
! But I am in office , in CP “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Please
, please please… take half day leave today and let us go for lunch at Berco’s
Garden. It is in CP , so you won’t have a problem. I have a vehicle which will
drop me there in an hour’s time, that will be around 2.30 pm”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Now
?? But … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“No
buts Rina… I am leaving for USA tomorrow night and I will return only after two
years … “ . Mahua’s despondent tone made Rina’s decision easy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She
walked into the manager’s room and asked permission for leave. Rina was a
sincere and diligent worker . Her Manager smiled and approved her leave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
walked out of her office and went inside the ATM just beside her office
building. She withdrew Rs 5000 cash from the ICICI bank account… should be more
than enough for lunch . </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It will be her treat today. She remembered her school
days, how she used to snatch Mahua’s lunch … “Motu … no need to eat … you will
become fatter “ Then they would both run around each other and share their
lunch. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mahua, dear dear Mahua, Rina felt
so excited. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And
how they laughed and shrieked. The people in the Berco’s Garden restaurant gave
them dirty glances and then they pinched each other to talk softly. They became giggly schoolgirls again. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was after ages that Rina laughed so much ! They
had to catch up on twenty years of gossip and talks. First crushes. School pranks, husbands, kids … it was never ending. Time melted away in seconds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Their
eyes were wet when they had to part … they promised to keep in touch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mahua
dropped Rina at the chartered bus stop at 5.45 pm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mahua
had pleaded to pay for the lunch. But Rina just would not have it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She
enjoyed spending the money on her bestest pal. Rs 2500 did not compare with the
joy of meeting each other after twenty years !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Her
bag and Babi’s tuition can wait another month, does not matter …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
was still in daze when the bus started at 6 pm. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mahua and all their talks were
reverberating in her mind. It was
already 6.40 pm when she remembered about Mahila Mahal and quickly put on her
earplugs and Aditi’s familiar voice played in her ears. The question being
answered had already been read out . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“…
<i>and we women should remember that we have
to be assertive. If we do not stand up for ourselves, no one will. We do not
want any special privileges. We just want to be treated as equals. Madhavi, what might seem innocuous to you is
just an age old system speaking. Our minds have been trained to think like that.
We have to realize that ourselves and break away from it. We also have to help
the people around us break away from stereotypes. The path is difficult. The
tunnel is long and dark. But yes, there is light at the end of it …</i>“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“That
was definitely not my letter being read out”, Rina muttered to herself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But
there was something about Aditi’s words…. Rina did not understand it fully, but somehow it
echoed in her consciousness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe
it was her instinct as to what would happen later in the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
eagerly waited for Alok to return home. She wanted to describe her lunch date,
their giggling, the undiluted happiness … everything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ma
, why are you smiling ? “ Babi pulled her <i>dupatta.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Babi”
Rina smiled at her little daughter “Let Baba come back, I will tell you about
my best friend !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Your
best friend Ma? Tell me , tell me … “ Babi had this habit of jumping
continuously whenever she was happy or excited. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
at 7.30 pm, the door bell rang, Rina ran to open the door. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She
almost snatched Alok’s briefcase and put it in the corner of the room and with big
smile turned towards him <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“You
know what happened today … what … is anything the matter ?” . Rina stopped
short and looked at Alok. His face was grave. “Anything wrong at work ? “ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Rina,
hope you have not misplaced the ATM of the ICICI Bank. There are so many
fraudsters nowadays, so I am worried. See …” Alok showed her the message in his
phone .. Rs 5000 withdrawn from the ATM. “I saw the message about an hour back
and I did not call you in case you got worried.“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
heaved a sigh of relief. “Oh that ! Yes , I have withdrawn the money from the
ATM near my office”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
was natural for Alok to get worried. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
never withdrew cash. Six years back when Rina had started working, she had
given this joint account number as her salary account. At the beginning of the
month, Alok took out money from this account and gave it to Rina for running
the household. Every month Alok transferred some amount from his salary account
into this joint account. Alok’s cell
number was linked with this account for transaction texts. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It suited Rina. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alok
stared at her incredulously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“You
took out Rs 5000 ?? Why ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well
…” Rina’s eyes twinkled with mischief. She was dying to talk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“What
?? You know that we have to get the refrigerator repaired and next month my
boss’s daughter is getting married. We have to give some appropriate gift! And this is just the beginning of the month
and you go and spend Rs 5000 !” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Alok’s
voice was terse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
was stunned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
seemed her senses were knocked down by something very heavy and her bubbling happiness ebbed from her face. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She could not utter a word. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alok
did not look at her. He started changing and asked her casually, trying to hide
his pique.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes.
Now tell me what happened ….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
stood still. Her voice was choked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She
could barely whisper “Nothing important” and went inside the kitchen to
complete her chores. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It seemed as if her whole being was paralysed. She worked
like a robot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just
a few sentences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But
as the significance of the words seeped inside her psyche, the numbness slowly
gave way to varied emotions. She felt a twitch, then a tingle and then a sharp
sting of inequity swamped her senses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Her
world seemed to crumble.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unlike
other days, after dinner, Rina prepared a cup of coffee and went to the
terrace. She sat there watching the clear starry sky. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The cool breeze on her face, her body had a
calming effect on her. She sat still for a long time. She closed her eyes and tried
to visualize herself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She
was an ordinary woman, with ordinary looks , ordinary needs and desires. She
earned an ordinary salary and was happy in her own world. She did not want a
luxurious lifestyle neither did she yearn for anything very exotic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Simple
things made her happy. Her daughter’s
smile, a word of praise from her teacher, her husband’s promotion, occasional movie,
eating out and traveling with her family to ordinary destinations like Haridwar
and Puri , about once in two to three years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
could not recollect when she had bought anything for herself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The talks which
she heard about some new trend in sarees or suits and how they plan to buy
things did not excite Rina. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She was satisfied with her yearly shopping during
the Durga Puja and gifts from her parents and sister on her birthday and
anniversary or any other special occasion. She never felt the need to go out
with her friends and colleagues to movies or eateries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
had never felt that “this is MY money” about her salary. But today she felt
different. She could not name her emotion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Snatches
of conversations and incidents flitted across her mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<i>Rina, sorry I am late. I have already had my
dinner. These friends.. forced me to treat them with Biriyani for my promotion
…</i>”. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It did not cross Rina’s mind to ask him how much he spent and what
needed to be repaired that month which will get postponed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<i>Dada will visit us for 3 days . He is coming
to Delhi on an official visit. He loves mutton and Ilish. I will get these from
the market on Sunday</i>”. Rina was very happy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The thought that she will not
be able to buy her sandals never came in her mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ma
needs new specs..<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
have bought this frock for Babi …<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">See
this wallet. I bought it for Dinu. I will give it to him tomorrow when we visit
Bandel…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But
when Rina’s cousin sister had planned to visit them with her family for 10
days, why did Rina feel a hesitation talking about it ? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<i>Er … Sagarika , my cousin sister , her
husband and her 2 year old daughter want to visit us next month … is it OK …</i>
“ . Alok had not said no.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<i>Do you think I should buy a pair of silver
anklets for Mita’s son’s annaprasan ?</i> “. In fact Alok had urged her to buy a gold ring
instead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyRF41e3VOivwdB0iV6Q6VFj1zmKIACAqMzigF4QRUNdrT5nTKxV2XpuLhYGIZ7Q5aIwUU6zrk3zsT8_gLicrO6Ap3vRs0DRdlUJkSLCe9d_hJ_NM-zo59eSwtyVVb-roNQlky_JjOec/s1600/balance2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyRF41e3VOivwdB0iV6Q6VFj1zmKIACAqMzigF4QRUNdrT5nTKxV2XpuLhYGIZ7Q5aIwUU6zrk3zsT8_gLicrO6Ap3vRs0DRdlUJkSLCe9d_hJ_NM-zo59eSwtyVVb-roNQlky_JjOec/s320/balance2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
seemed ordinary conversations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
there was a difference. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was as if the balance sheet did not
match. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At
that moment, under the clear and starry sky, Rina could detangle the
difference. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
was as if the two wheels of the cart
were at different heights. The one which was slightly at the bottom was always
looking up to the one which was slightly tilted towards the top as if wanting
acceptance, submitting to the pressure and trying to keep the cart moving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
full load of the cart sometimes fell on that and just to prevent itself from
buckling, it made itself feel stronger and pulled and pushed ignoring the fact
that it was getting scarred, the spirit
was getting weaker and the soul was slowly dying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">… Our minds have been trained to think
like that … what might seem innocuous to you is just an age old system speaking
… <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
stood up and spread her arms towards the sky.
No. She will not let anybody crumble her world . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Not
even she herself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">An ordinary
woman will deal with this in a very ordinary fashion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Next Monday, around 2 pm or so, Rina sent a text message
to Alok and smiled to herself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Have
to discuss something important with you today evening, related to us”. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As expected, it had the desired
effect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the evening Alok came home 15
minutes early. As she was going inside the kitchen, Alok looked at her
searchingly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“What do you want to talk about ?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alok seemed tense. Rina to hide to hide her smile. She knew Alok
loved her. He was a good husband. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Let me finish my work and after Babi
goes to sleep, we will talk”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alok
seemed distraught and fiddled with the newspaper. “Ok” he said in a low tone . That night, the dinner table was unusually quiet,
only the normal banter and tantrums of Babi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After
the daily routine, when Rina came into the bedroom at 11 pm, she saw Alok
waiting for her. Anxiety was fraught on his face. Rina had never sent him a message like this …
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Rina,
I … tell me …”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh,
nothing very important . It is just that I have opened a new salary account for
myself….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh
… why ?” Alok was genuinely surprised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well
, I want to understand the new banking system … all these e-transactions , text
messages and also, I should be able to manage my money , right ? And I think I
will do a good job … I am a commerce graduate you see .. that too a topper of
my batch “ Rina smiled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
felt good to give due appreciation to herself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh…
er … I suppose so ..”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“And
I have decided that every month, just like you, I will transfer about 70% of my
salary into the joint ICICI Bank account for our household and other expenses.
By the way , how much of your salary do you transfer ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alok
was too astonished to answer the question.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“And
yes, your sister , my sister Mita and a
couple of other homemaker friends of mine get some pocket money from their husbands. I
was thinking that I too do everything what they do and on top of that I work.
So, you should give me some pocket money every month right ? What about Rs 1500
? Hope that will be OK with you …” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
yawned and closed her eyes . “Feeling sleepy … very tired.. “ and she switched
off the bedside lamp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
was not about one-upmanship but just about equality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
was not about money, Rina will not do anything different from tomorrow , she
will be the same person, but this was a starting point. The first step. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
very confused Alok went to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
a smiling Rina could hear Aditi Roy’s voice in her ears … <i>We also have to help the people around us break away from stereotypes… <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The age old matching principle. The balance sheet should be
matched. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rina
slept peacefully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
next day Rina got up at 6 am. She went
to Babi’s table to check her school bag and fill up her water bottle. Suddenly
she saw the formation at the corner beside her table. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> She was rendered speechless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
small white pebbles … they were pasted meticulously , bigger ones at the bottom
and the smaller one at the top … the four minarets and the central dome of the
Taj Mahal ! </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On top of the minarets, a
small golden painted pin was pasted.
Small beads were pasted to form a ring at two well spaced intervals on
the minarets. The big dome had a string of beads at the top and at the bottom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
went towards the structure to take a closer look. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The beads were actually small thermocol balls.
Each one of them were painted in silver colour. The pebbles were sprayed with
white and silver spray and they shone like real marble. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
was just exquisitely beautiful. Rina
could not tear her eyes away from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She
ran and picked up her sleeping daughter and brought her near the table. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Babi … who made this ? Babi … open your eyes … “ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I
made it Ma … “ Babi was still groggy and put her head on Rina’s shoulder to
sleep a few minutes more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
was dumbfounded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Her
Babi was an artist !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many
people get 100% in maths, but how may
can create such an ethereal structure ? So what if her rank is not in the first
5 in the class , so what if she does not like maths ? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
caressed her daughter’s hair and kissed her soft cheeks lovingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She
will not wait for her letter to be read in Mahila Mahal anymore. She has found
the answer herself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Babi , you will do what you like to do.
No one will ever force things on you. You are free Babi. The world will not be
as difficult for you. We will take our own decisions. We will love ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rina
picked up her phone and replied to Mita’s invitation for the trip with her
friends . She knew Mita will be really surprised.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes.
I will go to Nainital with you all. Babi will also
come along with me ! ” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">31 October 2017, Belvedere, Alipore,
Kolkata<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="file:///D:/Misc/Balance%20Sheet.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> White
Marble<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-25534614936697421382017-10-25T01:13:00.000-07:002017-10-25T01:13:59.190-07:00Soni’s Slander<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni’s
Slander<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita was haggling with the fish
seller in the Lake Gardens Market when
she received the strange whatsapp message from her boss. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> It was a Saturday morning, the day when
Aparajita stocked up her refrigerator for the week with fruits, vegetables, fish,
chicken. She really liked this weekly
ritual. The sight of the fresh green vegetables, fish , fruits relaxed her mind. Some of the vendors had become pally with
Aparajita and they too looked forward to this weekly visit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Didi , take these tomatoes, they are
red and juicy, fresh from my garden. Not hybrid. I have kept them especially
for you “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She looked at her cell phone and nodded
absent mindedly . She was a bit unsettled. The CEO usually never called her or
send any message on weekends. What could be the reason ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She had almost finished her shopping.
There were a few items yet to be bought but Aparajita decided to buy them on
Sunday. She quickly walked towards her car and settled down on the back seat,
indicating her driver to head towards home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She opened her whatsapp and read the
message<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fe0EVU7Abzf5sMrmvWagupcR8ZCicfTdq_BJSszrljJB9pbr9P9ZLaYa54W9L3avXMR4pRtHAsfSc-fl6PRbifpJWJHQJK176xdH021mKjJQmUFI2gEmPDiAtZ22Mz_ZCfz8paxaRIc/s1600/slander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1000" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fe0EVU7Abzf5sMrmvWagupcR8ZCicfTdq_BJSszrljJB9pbr9P9ZLaYa54W9L3avXMR4pRtHAsfSc-fl6PRbifpJWJHQJK176xdH021mKjJQmUFI2gEmPDiAtZ22Mz_ZCfz8paxaRIc/s400/slander.jpg" width="400" /></a><i><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">“What do you think we
should do if we find out that an employee is not behaving quite ethically ? No
I don’t think that is the right word.. “<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita was very confused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She read the message a couple of times
but could not understand head or tail of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Finally she wrote back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">“What do you mean boss ?
Is anything the matter ? Should I call you ? “<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita got a prompt reply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">“No! Nothing very urgent
, You are coming here on Monday , Right ?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">“Yes . I will be in
Delhi on Monday”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">“Ok. Will discuss then
!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita looked out of the window. It
was end October and Calcutta was enveloped in the crisp sunrays of autumn. The city was still recovering from the Durga
Puja festivities. The Bengalis plan for the festival throughout the year and
once it is over, there is usually an aura of gloom. The feeling is just like
when you finish your ice cream and you know that you will not get one before 10
months. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita was glad that it was over.
Nothing moves during that period. Go to a shop , ask for a mechanic to fix your
tap, even go to a doctor, they will give you this incredulous look as if you
have done a sin by calling upon them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It is Pujo !!! “ Then they trail off.
How can anyone work during this period ! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God save this land !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita worked as an Advisor and
Global Head IT for an organization headquartered in Delhi. She had an impressive career, 24 years of
rock solid experience ,rising from the level of a developer to Head of IT. She was an accomplished leader,
capable of motivating a staff to its full potential and proven ability to
communicate complex information clearly to individuals at all
levels. She had varied experience and was adept at working with
international customers from various geographies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Two years back, when her husband got transferred
to Calcutta, she decided to hang her boots and take a sabbatical and
study. But then this offer had come up.
The arrangement suited Aparajita. She visited the Delhi corporate office for a
week in a month and the rest of the days, she worked from home using Skype,
Video conferencing , emails etc. She
could adjust her routine and work to attend her M.Phil classes. Though the
money was minuscule as compared to her previous job, Aparajita was happy. She
liked the leaders in the organization, had the joy of coaching and implementing
best practices and processes, setting up the IT team , the testing centre of
excellence, giving inputs to the HR function, mentoring the people there. She
liked working with the CEO, her boss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The strange whatsapp message lingered
on in her mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even during her flight to Delhi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni was very happy that the weekend
was over. Aparajita Mam will come today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She breezed into the office , opened
her laptop and while it booted, she went around the floor as usual greeting everybody and smiling deeply. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hi Sir ! Good morning ! You look good
in the blue shirt today !” She smiled at Subhash, the Head of HR. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Good morning Dulip Sir ! I have got nice ripe guavas for lunch . I
know you were eyeing it that day when I was having lunch ! I will share some
with you today. “ She laughed as she passed by Dulip, the Infrastructure
manager. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hi Priya ! Good moning Vinay ! Want
some tea, I am going that way !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni was like a gush of fresh air. Bubbly. Chirpy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And highly efficient at work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni liked bright colours. Orange was
her favourite colour. She wore smart Salwar suits, churidars and occasionally
trousers. When there was any event or
function like the Annual day, she wore formal western dresses. Her dusky
complexion and straight hair went well with the bright hues. She spoke fast and
got exasperated when the people with whom she was interacting did not follow her
at one go. She did not like inefficient
people and got impatient with them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam ! “ She would tell Aparajita “ Why
don’t they understand ? How many times do I have to explain ?” . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni worked as the Quality Coordinator
and reported to Aparajita. Aparajita
depended a lot on Soni. It is rare to find employees where you can be assured
that once you delegate a work , it will definitely get done. Aparajita knew
that and trusted Soni and Soni looked up at Aparajita as a mentor and a guide.
Not only work but Soni could speak about anything to Aparajita and get her
guidance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni’s efficiency, initiative and hard
work was visible to everybody. Inevitably she would get pulled into various
kinds of work , mostly which were critical and there was a deadline to be met. Like
arrangements for the annual day , planning and coordinating the recruitment
drive or arrangements of the leadership offsite training and many such things. Aparajita could see a bit of herself in her
earlier avatar in Soni …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When Aparajita entered her cabin , it
was spic and span. She saw the flowers on her table, the bottle of cold water
and smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Dear , dear Soni … “ She knew that
Soni followed up with the driver who went to pick up Aparajita from the
airport, she must have already arranged for her lunch and will be peeping in a
few minutes to say “Hi !” . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hi Mam ! How was your trip ? “ Soni
peeped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita looked up from her laptop and
smiled at Soni. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Come on in Soni . How are you ? All
well ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Somehow Aparajita felt that all was not
well … something about Soni’s face… maybe she is just imagining things .. she
brushed aside her feelings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Though both of them talked almost
everyday over phone, still Soni always had a lot to say . Aparajita let Soni
speak. She was a bit indulgent towards
this charged up subordinate of hers. Though Aparajita tried to camouflage it,
it was evident to everybody in the office. And several people on the floor
envied Soni’s proximity to Aparajita. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam, when can we sit with our to do
list ?” said Soni . “What is the matter mam, you seem to be preoccupied. Shall
I come back later ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Uh … huh … “ Aparajita pulled down the
lid of her laptop and got up from her seat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yeah Soni, let us meet after lunch. I have
some important discussion with the CEO” . Aparajita was eager to meet her boss
and solve the mystery of the whatsapp message.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr. Jaideep Saluja, the CEO was a self
made man. He was in his fifties. He had
started this organization with two PCs and now the firm employed about 10,000
employees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Good Morning Jaideep !” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hi ! Come , come Aparajita ! It is
always a pleasure to see you in office. So when are you shifting base to Delhi
?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita made a face and he guffawed.
This was their usual joke. But both of them knew that Jaideep wanted Aparajita
to become the CEO so that he could concentrate on his newly incubated
e-commerce business. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Boss, can we talk about the whatsapp
message ?” Aparajita came to the point. “I could not make head or tail of it “.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jaideep looked away and fiddled with
his pen. He looked uncomfortable. It was so very uncharacteristic of him that
Aparajita now got worried. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Boss … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Er… not so very urgent … we can talk later
..” Jaideep fumbled. He shiftily looked at the paper kept on his table. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ok… but I have meetings lined up after
lunch .. so … “ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Uh … Actually it is about … er… it is
a bit sensitive …” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Tell me” Aparajita was prepared for the worst. Is the
company shutting down ? She is getting fired ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jaideep looked at her and blurted “It
is about … er … Soni and her ways”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita was completely taken aback.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Soni’s ways ?? What about that ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Well, my wife got a call last week
from Mr. Dey’s wife… “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ok … but what did she say ? “
Aparajita was curious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“She sent two photographs of our
Leadership summit in the Dolphin Resort in Gurgaon which happened three months
back. His wife was really upset and cried and … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And ? Why was she upset ? What
photographs ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Photograph where Soni was in the
swimming pool . Mr. Dey was also there … ”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Swimming Pool ? “ Aparajit could not
help but repeat like a parrot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Well … er… she found it objectionable
… had a big tiff with Dey and then she spoke to my wife so that we take some
action against Soni “ Jaideep said in
one breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Did you see the picture ? “.
Aparajita’s voice was grave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hmm… Maya showed it to me. It was a
bit dark, but I could see Soni , Dey, and
few more people “.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“So, it was just not Dey and Soni.
There were others too … And did you find it objectionable ? ”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Well … “ Jaideep gave a pregnant pause
and then looked directly at Aparajita. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Aparajita. I know that you and Soni go
along very well. I want you to talk to Soni so that she … well …er …”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“She can amend her behavior”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita felt her anger start as
bubbles inside her heart. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Cool down Apu…
cool … cool …</i> she closed her eyes to compose herself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita had a strong personality.
Everybody , including her boss were intimidated by her. Maturity had made
Aparajita a seasoned professional and unlike her junior days, she knew how to
control her anger and when to show her anger to get things done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She took a deep breath and looked
squarely at Jaideep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Jaideep, first I need to know what
behavior you are talking about , what behavior Soni exhibited and yes, I want
to see the pic you are talking about”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hmm… I will forward that to you in the
evening and I know that you will keep it to yourself. But …”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What now ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It is just not Dey you know !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What do you mean ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Siddharth has been doing some talking
around … “. Siddharth was their HR manager. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And ? “ Aparajita’s expression was tense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“She was seen with … er someone … at
the domestic airport arrival, about 4 weeks back …”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“So ?
And let us cut out the pronouns and the fill in the blanks boss ! Who ,
where and what ? Please spell it out”.
Aparajita was getting impatient now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She was famous for her direct talk .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jaideep knew that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I think a few weekends back, she was
spotted by Saira . Soni was getting into a taxi with Laxman, our new Chartered
Accountant . “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita tried hard to control her
anger. But she knew that her fair face was flushed pink . </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She stood up . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And Siddharth has been going around
asking for data like this and now the whole floor must be aware of this … ! “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hey ! Don’t get worked up ! I had
asked Siddharth to be very discreet about it and maintain secrecy ! Sit down”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita was fuming and she showed it.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How can we insinuate such things
without going into the depth of things ? And you know how strong the grapevine
is ! Do you really believe that no one knows about what is going on in our
conversations ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Aparajita, Aparajita … that is why we
need your help ..” Jaideep tried to pacify her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita did not sit down. She knew
that if she stayed even a minute more in the Boss’s cabin, she might end up
saying something unprofessional which she will regret later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Boss, I have a meeting with the IT
Managers now. I will talk to Soni and check things with her and let you know. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita came inside her cabin, sat on
her chair and turned the AC on.There was already a nip in the air but suddenly
she felt claustrophobic . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A strong sense of Déjà vu prevailed through
her senses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She had a glass of water and closed her
eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scenes from her memory fleeted through
her mind. A young bubbly Aparajita, highly productive , effective , a great
communicator and collaborator …jealousy on the floor .. peer rivalry … Apu
coming to office that day … everybody looking at her … Apu trying to make the
HR manager understand … trying to clear her name … <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
is wrong .. It is not like what you think … I was called by him to give some
important papers… Anju is the alibi … </span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Young
Aparajita had cried<i> </i>out
hoarsely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Though no official dictat came to her ,
but Apu could not bear the askance glances and slight smirky grins and winks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She had cried. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She resigned. The hurt and the wound took many months to
heal. Did it ever heal ? It seemed raw again … <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She opened her eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni was standing outside the glass
door, waiting for her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Soni, come in”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam , are you not feeling well ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I am OK …”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam, I want to talk to you … regarding
something …” . Just like Aparajita, Soni always came directly to the point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita looked at her quizzically and
said “I too want to talk to you , something not quite related to work . You go
first Soni .”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni hesitated. So unlike her…
Aparajita thought … Soni … maybe I had too much trust and faith on her…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam … last week Priya talked to me …
she told me something very vague … she said that I should not get too friendly
with people … er.. “ Soni faltered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“People .. ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“She said that my way of talking and
behaving is being noticed by everybody. That I should keep my dignity. And that
I should not cross limits. When I asked her to explain what she meant, she said
that she cannot say anything more and if I had any question, I should talk to
Siddharth, since he had asked her to talk to me because she was my best friend…
Mam, I am very perturbed with this … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Did you talk to Siddharth ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No.. Actually I wanted to discuss with
you first .. and I knew that you are coming today so .. I wanted to discuss
face to face with you .. Mam .. what dignity is she talking about ? What limits
? What have I done ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita did not speak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni looked at her fingers. Her lips
were trembling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita cleared her voice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Soni, I have a few questions before I
answer yours. I know you will tell me the truth, however bitter it might seem”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni nodded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“OK. Let me tell you bluntly. And let
this be between us and these four walls. There has been some allegations around
you . Tell me the truth Soni. In our Leadership
Summit, in April, did you .. er… have any fling with Dey ? Like, were you in
the swimming pool with Dey … ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni looked dumbstruck . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Pool ? Dey Sir ? What the … “ she
checked herself . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes … tell me “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes, I did … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“WHY ? “ Aparajita’s voice was stern.
”Tell me in detail Soni “.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It was a bit warm that night and Dey Sir,
Gehlot Sir , Rajeev and Abhi were there. They wanted to swim. I was very tired
aftert he grueling day and I was tired. So were Preeti and Priya , who were
sharing the room with me. We were all relaxing in our room when Dey Sir knocked
and he said that he wanted to keep his laptop in our room as it had some
confidential and important data and his room’s lock was defective. As he was leaving, he asked me <i>Soni,
want to come for a swim</i> ? I said no, I am tired. Preeti said that she wanted
to go swimming and will do so only if Priya or I accompany her. You know Priya
… how obstinate she is .. she did not go so I had to agree. I went inside the
pool and was waiting for Preeti. Dey Sir, Gehlot Sir and the other two were already
in the pool. Preeti damn her, did not
come ! She suddenly had a bout of migraine … Finally, I too came back to the
room … after about 20 min or so .. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But … what about it mam ? Why are you
asking this ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita threw up her hands in
exasperation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Soni ! You must be a bit careful !! We
are in a corporate environment AND we are females … ”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Huh … what ? I …”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Who clicked photographs of the pool ?
“ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I think Dey Sir’s son.. he had
accompanied him to the meet … he was using an iPad to click .. “.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Soni, Sen’s wife has called up our CEO and
said that you are creating a rift in their marriage . She has a couple of
photographs of the pools which she has forwarded to Maya, his wife “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni was stunned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But …” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No buts … Someone has also well seen
you at the airport … “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Now Aparajita fumbled for words. She did not know how to
tell this . Soni .. her favourite Soni …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What are you saying Mam ?” Soni’s
voice was steely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita looked uncomfortable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Soni, Did you go anywhere with Laxman
on the weekend of 15<sup>th</sup> August ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There was pin drop silence. No one
spoke. The minutes seemed like eternity. Both of them understood the undertone
and innuendo of the question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When Soni broke the silence, she could
barely whisper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ok… now I understand what Sonia was
talking about … things are pretty much clear now .. “ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni’s face was expressionless. She
continued .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The other day, I got a whatsapp call
from Soni</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">a – our HR executive</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">She got
married in February and is now in USA . After some small talk , she asked me where
I had been to on the weekend of 15</span><sup style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Aug … Then she had laughed and
asked me about Laxman .. Sonia is a close pal of Saira …“</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Too many things were going on in her
mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Soni, where were you ? “ Aparajita
asked her softly. “If you don’t want to tell me, that is also acceptable .. it is your personal matter …“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni could not control her tears.
Neither could she speak. Aparajita let her cry. Soni got up and said “Mam, it
is already 5 pm and I want to leave for the day. I am not feeling well “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita nodded, she too was unable to
speak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As Soni went outside her room Aparajita
saw the people sitting on the floor look at Soni’s swollen face and exchange
glances. Some shrugged. A few quirked their lips. Another bunch winked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">History was repeating itself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At 8.30 pm, when she reached the
company guest house, Aparajita felt unusually tired. She had seen the photograph Jaideep was
talking about. The pic was taken in the evening and it was dark. She could only
see Soni’s face and Rajeev’s face. And the pic was not objectionable. But Soni was
the only female in the pool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Too
many questions bothered her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She had heard stories about Dey and his
affairs. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Why was Dey not asked to give an
explanation ?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why was Laxman not quizzed about his
trip on 15<sup>th</sup> August ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just because Soni was a female, all
eyes were towards her ? And even if she had had an affair, it is her personal
matter. Has it hampered the office work? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What she does on weekends is her lookout. Why should others be bothered ? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just because Sen’s wife shrieked and
cried to the CEO’s wife, he becomes the martyr and Soni is the villain ? Why
can’t she keep her husband around her little finger ? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Damn everybody ! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita picked up her phone to talk
to her husband. She knew she will calm down after talking to him. He understands her… thank God .. a gem of a
husband he is …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just then the phone buzzed. It was Soni
.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes, Soni ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam, if I don’t answer your question,
I will not be able to sleep.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Go ahead girl “ Aparajita tried to
sound normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“On the weekend of 15<sup>th</sup>
August, I went to the airport to pick up my cousin brother who was coming from
Bangalore ..”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Oh … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“When I went to the airport, I came to
know that the flight was delayed by 6 hours and I decided to go back home. It
was raining very heavily and after waiting for a long time, I got a taxi.
Suddenly I saw Laxman waving at me. He had returned from Bombay but due to the
rains he was unable to get a taxi. He requested me whether I could give him a
lift till the Dhaula Kuan Metro station from where he could go home easily. I
kept his request … ”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita took in her breath sharply.
He could feel Soni’s pangs of pain in her heart when she heard Soni’s sobs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam .. where did I go wrong ? How have
I crossed my dignity ? Why are my colleagues looking at me that way ? “. She sobbed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita let Soni cry. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>And the young, naïve Apu too cried with her.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At 9 am next morning , when Aparajita
reached office, she met Ajita Gupta , the Legal Manager in the elevator. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How are you Aparajita ? Your sari
looks so ethnic and elegant ”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Thanks Ajita !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Did you talk to Soni ?” Ajita came
close to Aparajita and whispered. “ She will definitely listen to you and mend
her ways ..”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita gave a stony look .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Talk about what ? Is there anything to
mend ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Oh… Jai Bhaiya did not speak to you ?
“ Ajita was distantly related to Jaideep and she never missed a chance to call
him Bhaiya and let others know about it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Jaideep did talk to me about it , but
I think everything is just bullshit !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So forceful was Aparajia’s voice that
Ajita recoiled for a second. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But you know, Saira saw … ahem… “ she looked around her “<i>Them</i> together , leaving the airport , in
a taxi ! Soni stays in Dwarka you know and Siddharth near Munirka, which is <i>away</i> from Dwarka !” She said in her
typical sing song manner while going towards their respective cabins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita stopped . Ajita too stopped
involuntarily. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita looked at her and smiled
sweetly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ajita, the other day I saw you going with Siddharth
in his car towards Sushant Lok. Siddharth stays in Sarojini Nagar, right ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ajita’s face was red. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What are you trying to say ? My car was in the workshop and Sid offered to
drop me home .. “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<i>Sid
!</i>… oh …” Aparajita rolled her eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ajita paced away towards her cubicle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita walked slowly and confidently
towards her cabin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Apu
… this is your chance … you have to win ..</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni came late to office. She kept her laptop on her desk and went
straight to Aparajita. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam, I want to quit !” She blurted
out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita did not speak but kept on
working on the appraisal excel sheet. Without looking ar Soni she said “Why ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam … you know why !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita looked at Soni. Her face was
swollen. There were dark circles under her eyes. She had not slept.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita took her time to speak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Soni, if you resign now, the false
statements will be proven true . Do you want that ? “ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Aparajita will not let Soni make the same
mistake which she once did.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But Mam, I will not be able to work
here. I feel so demotivated , insulted and hurt … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I understand dear lady. I know the
feeling … trust me. You will leave, but <i>only</i> when you find a better offer and a
better place to work. You will leave under <i>your</i>
own conditions , not any condition imposed upon you, do you understand ?” . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita paused. She spoke softly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Soni, I am speaking to you not as your boss, but as
a mentor , a <i>female</i> mentor.
Understand that we females have a long way to go. Yes, we have crossed many
bridges. We have had our wins . We are coming closer. But we have to cross lots of deserts, storms
and torpedoes. We have to fight. “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes Soni. We will win. We have to win.
Someday or the other. We will not give up !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But I am feeling so weak … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You are not weak. WE are not weak. It
is just that millions of years have passed by and we have been trampled …
slandered … But we will win … yes, we will … and we can !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Apu
could not … <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But to win, we have to tread carefully.
Soni, will you follow my advise ?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam… have I ever not done so ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“See Soni, from today, you will talk to only the people
with who you have work. If you meet someone, just greet them and nothing more
. Be careful … people are watching you
..“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But Mam, I will feel so stifled like
this … “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I know … but you have to follow this …
but remember again, we have to tread a slippery path and we don’t want to slip
. We have to be extra cautious …"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita’s heart was breaking into
pieces. She knew that Soni will lose her natural sheen working like this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ok… now let us get to work. Open the
To-do list “ Aparajita tried to make the atmosphere normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After finishing their work, Soni stood up to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam, I want to talk to Siddharth. How
dare he talk about me like this . Everybody is talking about me, staring at me
strangely. I will give him good. He
should know that I am not on the wrong”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Soni.
Cut it out. Will you be able to stop the tongues wagging ? It will put
more fuel .. “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam… “ Sony paused and thought for a
minute “ I have some pictures of Dey Sir … I want to show it to … Jaideep Sir
.. “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“NO . You will not do anything
unprofessional. Remember, this is a very
small world and everything comes back one day or the other . No need to take
revenge. Just do as I tell you to do “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita wanted to add <i>and find a good job soon</i> but professional
ethics stopped her from doing so .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A dejected Soni left the cabin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After lunch, Aparajita went to Jaideep.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Jaideep, I have spoken to Soni and all
these loose talks are, to be polite , shit of the bull !” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She narrated Soni’s version of the
story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Jaideep, I am sorry to say, but Soni
can file a Sexual Harassment case against the organization ! And then we will
be in deep trouble !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jaideep’s eyes were wide and round . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Did she say so ? “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No … not quite , but she has a very
good lawyer friend “.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Oh no ! I don’t want any trouble. We have
the launch of the e-commerce site next month and I want good publicity “.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Well … let’s see what happens . And on top of that we might
lose a very very good employee … “. Aparajita smiled contemptuously and left
the worried CEO to himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She knew that there was a very thin
line between the slur hurled at Soni and the abstract nature of the
vilification for the Sexual Harassment case to be filed. But she derived a
sadistic and a very satisfying pleasure in putting the fear of God in Jaideep,
which in turn she knew will be transmitted to Maya. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita started loading Soni with
more work. Soni did not get any time to
get involved in other activities, much to the chagrin of the other Managers. But
Soni lost her sparkle. Her natural
ability and quality of collaboration and communication was smothered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita’s heart wept for her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni
was also going thru the same feelings like the young Apu …and there was nothing
that Aparajita could do about it .<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4
months later<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That too was a Saturday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita was settling down with the
literary section of the newpaper , when Soni called up . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam, I want to </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">talk to you . Is it a
good time ?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sure Soni ! Go ahead” . After a long
long time Aparajita could sense some joy and excitement in Soni’s voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam, I have got an offer letter from a
German Company. I have received a 40% hike and a leap in my designation !
Should I take the offer ? I know that the audit is planned for next month and
you need me .. “ She trailed off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Go for it girl !! And don’t worry
about anything . I will manage. Just go !” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita was very happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni put in her resignation on Monday
and wanted a release after 15 days – her due notice period. Aparajita booked
her flight to Delhi for next week so that she could be with Soni in her last
days in the organization.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jaideep called up Aparajita and asked
her to talk to Soni so that she could stay back. Aparajita smiled . There would be a huge gap
in the organization with Soni’s exit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I know Jaideep. But she will not stay. And I don’t think we
deserve Soni !” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni hugged Aparajita. There were tears
in her eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Mam, I will never ever forget you …
You are my mentor … in several ways.. and you always will be…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita’s eyes were moist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“All the best Soni ! I know you will do
well in life !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I will now send my Goodbye mail to
everybody ! “. She smiled mischievously. That smile … again after a long , long
time ! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
Aparajita understood the significance of that smile later …<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hello everybody , <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today, in fact this hour, is my last
hour in the organization. I have enjoyed working here. I have learnt a lot
during my 4 years of tenure here. I have seen ups and downs , I have taken
lessons both from the good and the not so good. I have known whom
to emulate and whom I do not want to become. I have interacted
closely with so many different people and everybody has left a mark
on me and made me a better and a more mature professional. I have received
lots of accolades and recognition for the work. At the same time I have
undergone a few different type of experiences which I will never forget. I want to learn from all the
experiences so that I can become not only a better professional but a better human being
too.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I wish you all the best and as a token
of love and remembrance, I am sharing a few pictures which I have collected
during the course of my journey here. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adieu ! <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni had pasted 4 pictures in the email. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The first one caught Aparajita’s
attention very fast. Dey with another
woman. Both Dey and the women were at a beach . Both were in swimming trunks
and they were almost embracing each other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That very second another rejoinder to
the goodbye email came from Sony.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hello
everybody, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
apologize for pasting the wrong photograph of Dey Sir. That is not me in the
pic but from his previous organization. I had received it from their HR person, a friend
of mine , who was asking whether I knew Dey Sir
or not and somehow it got saved in my photo repository. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sorry
Sir !<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Regards<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita grinned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni had done it with elan, without
being nasty or unprofessional. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even if anyone had missed seeing the
picture, now they will definitely look at it. Let Dey manage his wife now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Through the glass door of her cabin,
Aparjita could see Soni packing her bag. As she left her seat for ever, Soni
glanced back, waved at Aparjita and winked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aparajita made a face and waved back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
young Apu in her heart was dancing in
glee.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soni
was having the last laugh, her last hurrah !<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***</span></i></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-41785083926206538052017-09-05T22:07:00.004-07:002017-09-05T22:07:49.190-07:00Ek Choti si Kahani<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcSxZ7-ZkytGCTKl3TyofsXULF6xDbnN3W0ZJn08AhyMk236Ja3h2KmkOk4j5tf4aitX5RPYbgUb0exG5IZACFSOgJSBDl07dEhzcznNMT4gHNT4MoQqMx-oQnmtbnQN0XR90KNa0XPU/s1600/kahani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="744" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcSxZ7-ZkytGCTKl3TyofsXULF6xDbnN3W0ZJn08AhyMk236Ja3h2KmkOk4j5tf4aitX5RPYbgUb0exG5IZACFSOgJSBDl07dEhzcznNMT4gHNT4MoQqMx-oQnmtbnQN0XR90KNa0XPU/s400/kahani.jpg" width="400" /></a>बच्चे स्वभाब से बड़े निर्मम होते है |</div>
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वो जब पॉचवीं कक्षा में पहले दिन आई तो हम सब उसे टिफिन- ब्रेक में घेरकर खड़े हो गए और जोर-जोर से कहने लगे –“मोटी....मोटी” …… और वो, बुत बनकर चुपचाप खड़ी रही, सहमी हुई निगाहों से हम सबको देखती रही और दॉत से हाथ के नाखुन काटती रही.... !</div>
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जाड़े की छुट्टी के बाद पॉचवीं क्लास का पहला दिन था । हम सब नई-नई किताबें और कॉपियों को बार-बार देखते, सूंघते, चमकीले ब्राउन-कवर को सहलाते हुए खुश थे,और वो क्लास के सबसे पीछे और कोने के सीट पर चुपचाप बैठी थी। हिन्दी मिस का क्लास था। हम सब उनसे बहुत डरते थे। मिस अपने सफेद शॉल को लपटे, हाथ में रजिस्टर लिए कक्षा के अन्दर आई और काले फ्रेम वाली चश्मा लगाकर छात्राओं की उपस्थिति लेने लगी।</div>
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अन्त में उन्होंने पुकारा- “मीनू शरण..,” उसने इतने धीरे से बोला- “ उपस्थित मिस..”, जो कि मिस को सुनाई नहीं दिया। </div>
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“ कौन है..? खड़ी हो जाओ.....” । </div>
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हम सब सहम गए, वो जैसे ही खड़ी होने लगी उसके डेस्क आगे के तरफ खिसका, कुर्सी पीछे गिर गया। उसके शरीर का भार ही इतना था। कक्षा के सारी छात्रायें ठहाके लगाकर हॅसने लगीं। </div>
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“ शान्त... ”, - मिस ने डॉटा। </div>
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हम सब चुप, पर हमारी आँखें उसकी तरफ देखकर हँसे जा रही थी, मानो बोल रही हो “मोटी...मोटी... “। </div>
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“ तुम नई आई हो..? कल से सामने के सीट पर बैठा करो, यहाँ आओ ”। </div>
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और मीनू थप-थप करती हुई ब्लैक बोर्ड के पास आकर खड़ी हो गई। </div>
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“ अपना परिचय दो।”</div>
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हम सब अपने हाथ मुहँ पर रखकर हँसते रहे। मीनू चुपचाप सर झुकाकर खड़ी रही। कुछ न बोली। मिस ने उसके सर पर हाथ रखा और प्यार से उसके मुहँ को उठाया।</div>
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उसके गाल पर दो बूदँ ऑसू टपक गई।</div>
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“ मीनू.., कोई बात नहीं, तुम जाकर बैठ जाओ।“ - मिस ने कहा।</div>
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थप-थप करती हुई मीनू अपनी सीट पर जाकर बैठ गई।</div>
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“ बच्चों... पृष्ठ-10 खोलो.., कविता है ‘पुष्प की अभिलाषा’ कवि- ‘माखनलाल चतुर्वेदी’, अब हम बारी-बारी से इसका रीडिंग लगाऐगें..। इस कोने से शुरु करते है। तुम दो पंक्ति पढ़ोगी, फिर तुम दो पंक्ति, फिर अगला...।“</div>
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मैंने जल्दी से गिनती किया क्रमानुसार मेरा नम्बर सातवां था, और कविता में 12 पंक्तियॉ थी।</div>
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मतलब मेरी बारी नहीं आएगी। मैं खुश होकर कविता सुनने लगी। सीमा, मेरी सहेली ने कविता की अंतिम दो पंक्तियॉ पढ़ दी।</div>
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“ अब एक बार और पाठ करते है,अनन्या तुम शुरु करो।“ - मिस ने कहा।</div>
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मेरे हाथ-पैर ठण्डे होने लगे, मैं पुस्तक लेकर खड़ी हो गई।</div>
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“ क्या हुआ शुरु करो ” |</div>
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“ उ..उ..उष्प की अभिलाषा’ कवि माखनलाल ह..ह..हतुर्वेदी।“</div>
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सारे बच्चे हँसने लगे।</div>
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“ उष्प...उष्प... हतुर्वेदी ”, सबने ठहाके लगाए। मैं झेप गई।</div>
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मैं बुरी तरह हकलाती थी,और उस उम्र के बच्चे,जो निर्मम,निष्ठुर होते है, उन्हें चिढ़ाने में आनन्द जो मिलता था।</div>
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** </div>
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इन्सान में अगर एक कमी हो, तो ईश्वर किसी दूसरे तरह से उसे पूरा करते हैं। मैं हकलाती तो थी, पर लिखने में मुझसे आगे कोई न था। अंग्रेजी लेख हो या हिन्दी, मैं हमेशा कक्षा में अव्वल आती थी। मेरा लिखा हुआ उत्तर, लेख आदि सबको मिसाल दिया जाता था। परीक्षा के पहले मेरी कक्षा की लड़कियॉ मेरी कॉपी लेने के लिए मेरी खुशामद करती थी। </div>
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बस वही दो समय था – अर्धवार्षिकी और वार्षिकी परीक्षा के पहले, जब मुझे दोस्ती सौदा पर मिलता था। “मुझे एक दिन के लिए अपनी अंग्रेजी कॉपी दोगी..?”</div>
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मेरी कक्षा की सहेलियॉ पूछ्ती, मेरी चुप्पी देखकर वो सौदा करती।</div>
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“प्लीज दे दो ना, कल से तुम हमारे ग्रुप में बुढ़िया कबड्डी खेलना, मैं सबसे बोल दूंगी।“ मेरी आँखें चमकने लगती ।</div>
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“ सच ?” </div>
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“ हॉ, हॉ, सच, दे दो प्लीज..”मैं जानती थी कि यह एक दो दिन की बात थी। </div>
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यह मैं जानती थी, पर फिर भी उन दो दिनों का लालच मुझे उनको इनकार करने से रोकता था।</div>
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टिफिन-टाईम बुढ़िया-कबड्डी के दोनों टीमें कोशिश करते कि मैं दूसरे टीम में रहूं। खेलने के बहाने मुझे ढ़केल देते और फिर मेरे जैसे हकलाते हुए बोलते और हँसते।</div>
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मैं बहुत अकेलापन महशुस करती थी, स्कूल जाने की इच्छा नहीं होती। मॉ और बाबा को कुछ बोल न पाती।</div>
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एक दिन अकेले मैं अपना टिफिन खा रही थी। मैदान के एक प्रान्त पर टिफिन करने का एक एस्बेस्टर का शेड था। वहाँ सिमेंट के चबूतरे बने हुए थे, जहॉ लड़कियॉ मिलजुल के अपना टिफ़िन खाती थी। कोई रोटी सब्जी, तो कोई सैंड़विच, तो कोई पूरी-हलवा। एक दूसरे के टिफिन बॉक्स से छीना-झपटी करते हुए, हँसते खिलखिलाते मजेदार बातें करते हुई सब लड़कियों को मैं चुपचाप देखती रहती थी। </div>
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शेड के पास एक गुलमोहर का पेड़ था | लाल लाल गुलमोहर के फूल और छोटो छोटी हरी पत्तियों से भरी वोह पेड़ मुझे अजीब सी सुकून देती थी |</div>
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मैं खोई हुई सी उन लाल फूलों एवं हरे पत्तों की ओर देख रही थी, मन में ढ़ेर सारे ख्याल आ रहे थे, अचानक मेरे कक्षा की एक झुंड-लड़कियाँ आई और मुझे धकेल दिये, रोटी, सब्जी जमीन पर गिर गया।</div>
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लड़कियाँ हँसने लगे।</div>
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तभी, वो मोटी मीनू पता नहीं कहाँ से आ धमकी और उन लड़कियों को जोर का धक्का दे दी, दो-चार गिर पड़ी और बाकि भौचक्का रह गई।</div>
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“ कोई इसे हाथ लगाकर देखे...।“ वह गुर्राई।</div>
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उसकी मोटी और सशक्त बदन, हाथ पैर, गुस्से से लाल चेहरा, काले घुंघराले बाल देखकर सब डर गये और चुपचाप वहॉ से खिसक गई। उसदिन से हमदोनों दोस्त बन गए । हम कक्षा में एक साथ बैठते, एक साथ नाश्ता करते,बातें करते, परन्तु एक अजीब बात इनमें ये है कि, मेरे माँ और बाबा की तरह जब मैं उसके साथ भी बातें करती, तो मैं बिल्कुल नहीं हकलाती थी।</div>
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मेरे दिन सुहाने हो गए। मुझे स्कूल जाने में खुशी होने लगी।</div>
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मुझे एक दोस्त जो मिल गई थी।</div>
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मैं उसे प्यार से “मोटी मीनू” पुकारती और वो मुझे “हक्लु अनु” ।</div>
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** </div>
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कभी-कभी जीवन में कोई आता है जो हमारी जिन्दगी बदल देता है। हम दोनों के लिए वह हमारी हिन्दी मिस ‘किरण माथुर’ थी। मिस किरण से हम सब बहुत ड़रते थे। वह कदाचित ही हँसती थी। अनुशासन और समय की पाबंद, जब वो अपनी मोटे काले फ्रेम वाले चश्में से हमारे तरफ देखती थी, तो हमारे हाथ पैर जैसे ठण्डे हो जाते थे, पर मुझे उन आँखों में एक अजीब सी करुणा भी दिखती थी।</div>
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एक दिन अंग्रेजी के क्लास में मैं बहुत बुरी तरह हकलाई। बाकि लड़कियाँ ने मुझे बहुत चिढ़ाया और मैं रो पड़ी। अगला क्लास हिन्दी की थी। मिस किरण आई, उन्होंने मुझे और मीनू को बुलाया और स्टाफ-रुम में उनके सीट पर ले गई। हम दोनों सहमे खड़े थे उनके सामने। रोने से मेरी आँखें लाल और सूझी हुई थी।</div>
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उन्होंने बहुत प्यार से मेरे सर पर हाथ फेरा और मुस्कुराई।</div>
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“ अनन्या, मेरी एक बात ध्यान से सुनो..., इस दुनिया में हम सब अलग-अलग है, पर हम सबों में कुछ न कुछ है जो विशेष है। तुम अपने आप को कभी किसी से कम नहीं समझना। मुझे पता है कि तुम बहुत अच्छा लिखती हो, तो क्या हुआ जो कि तुम थोड़ा बोलने में रुक जाती हो ?”</div>
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मेरे आँखों से टप-टप आँसू झरने लगे। मीनू मेरा हाथ पकड़ रखी थी। </div>
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“मीनू तुम्हारी इतनी प्यारी सहेली है... मेरा एक सुझाव है, बोलो तुम दोनों मानोगी...?”</div>
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“ हाँ मिस... ”</div>
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“कल से रोज अनन्या कुछ लिखेगी और टिफिन करने के उपरान्त मीनू उसे पढ़ कर सुनाएगी। प्रत्येक शुक्रवार तुम दोनों मुझे बताओगे।“ </div>
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बस उस दिन से मैंने लिखना शुरु किया। कभी अंग्रेजी में लिखती, तो कभी हिन्दी में, कभी कोई लेख, तो कभी कविता। और मीनू उसे जोर-जोर से पढ़कर सुनाती।</div>
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मीनू के पढ़ने का कायदा इतना उत्कृष्ट था कि मुझे अपनी ही लेखनी पर गर्व होता था।</div>
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हम शुक्रवार के लिए इन्तजार करते थे। किरण मिस को बताते,और वो कुछ-न- कुछ पढ़कर सुनाने को कहती। वो हमें बहुत सराहती और हम प्रोत्साहित होकर और बेहतर लिखने एवं पढ़ने की कोशिश करते।</div>
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समय बीतता गया ..</div>
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.मेरी लिखाई अच्छी होती गई। </div>
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मोटी मीनू सुवक्ता होती गई।</div>
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मैं कहानियॉ लिखने लगी | विद्यालय के पत्रिका में, मेरी लिखी हुई कविता और कहानी स्कुल में बहुत चर्चित हो गई। मीनू तर्क-वितर्क व्याख्यान-शैली में सबसे आगे निकल गई। अन्तर्विद्यालय प्रतियोगिता में मीनू ने प्रथम स्थान पाया।</div>
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जाने कब हमारे सहपाठीलोग हमें कभी इज्जत से और कभी ईष्या की नजरों से देखने लगे।</div>
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पासा पलट चुका था, जो लोग हमें चिढ़ाते थे, ठट्ठा करते थे, वो लोग अब हमसे दोस्ती करने के लिए गिड़गिड़ाने लगे।</div>
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और सबसे अनोखी बात तो यह थी कि आत्मविश्वास बढ़ने से मेरा हकलाना भी बन्द हो गया।</div>
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**</div>
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कभी-कभी मैं सोचती हूं कि अगर उस दिन किरण मिस ने हमें सहारा नहीं दिया होता तो हम आज क्या होते।</div>
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मेरी और मीनू कि जिन्दगी कैसी होती।</div>
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अगर मैं न हकलाती, और मोटी मीनू मोटी न होती तो क्या होता।</div>
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आज मैंने मीनू से Skype पर बात की। मोटी मीनू आजकल United States की विख्यात Motivational Speaker है।</div>
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जब भी मैं पटना जाती हूँ किरण मिस से जरुर मिलती हूँ।</div>
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इसबार उनके लिए मैं एक विशेष तोहफा लिए जा रही हूँ, मेरा नया उपन्यास जिसे मैं उनके नाम समर्पित की हूँ, उन्हीं के कर-कमलों में अर्पित कर अपनी लेखनी को धन्य करुँगी।<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> ***</span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-53635184849518893482016-08-04T11:10:00.001-07:002016-08-05T04:01:55.878-07:00To Seema , care of God ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dear Seema,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is perhaps my first letter to you. And I know you will not read it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFxTgxtpLDmtNzI0wDahS6o-cb_72IuRW7G3QMrnEEKg59VaDRVEEppy4X7lJAzqpwEUOUgag8YhC0kPnfDSXmWvFUJY9wAUANKyMwa7Ds4S8GiXYOnlZdLWKjw01l_H7hiIL-zdM0rw/s1600/miss1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFxTgxtpLDmtNzI0wDahS6o-cb_72IuRW7G3QMrnEEKg59VaDRVEEppy4X7lJAzqpwEUOUgag8YhC0kPnfDSXmWvFUJY9wAUANKyMwa7Ds4S8GiXYOnlZdLWKjw01l_H7hiIL-zdM0rw/s320/miss1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But Facebook and outlook do not know that and they dutifully reminded me that it is your birthday. I opened your Facebook page again today and looked at the sole picture you have as your profile picture. You were much more beautiful than that damn picture.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Like many other days when I visit your page to go thru your posts again and again , I cursed you not being more active on Facebook .....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is not fair Seema . </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You should have given me one more chance. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One more chance to talk to you, to hear your gurgling laughter, to look at your twinkling eyes , to touch your long silky hair. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want to hear your incessant chatter and your typical tone of calling my name ... "Ananya .... " </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have never ever known anyone like you. As transparent as a mirror, never mincing words, whether the other person likes it or not. You had to say whatever was in your mind. I remember so many occasions when I had to retrieve you from sticky situations. But you were not the one to keep quiet. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"अरे तो क्या हुआ ? मैंने तो सच ही बोला था न ....." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I remember you sitting with your sitar in your small and cosy room.. Together we solved statistics </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">problems before our exams , shared our anxiety and joy. The stories about your Vanasthali boarding school never failed to fascinate me and made me crave for boarding experience.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I got married early and so did you. We talked over phone a few times after that and you seemed to be blissfully happy, giving me advise on how to manage my married life !</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But then what happened Seema ? Did you realize that life is not a statistical problem ? Why did life not treat you well ? The people around you could not understand you .... you were a misfit in their world ... you were way ahead of them as a human being... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I reconnected with you after almost twenty years in 2006 thru a mutual friend who lives in Patna. We met in New Jersey and you told me the strange story of how you landed up there ! We spent four days together and we talked and talked... I remember our visit to New York , queuing up for the 4th of July celebrations , our first experience on the slot machine in Atlantic city ....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And you were shocked to see me . </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"What happened to you Ananya ? You were so beautiful ! And look at yourself now ! You have become so fat ! No... you are looking ugly !" You said in your typical manner. Your reprimand forced me to lose weight and become fitter . You taught me to eat right. You showed me ways to control my food cravings. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But why did life not teach you Seema ? You lost your heart again and again . You trusted people blindly. You loved them madly. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And you always came back to me. Broken. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Ananya , you know , I find a strange solace when I talk to you ... " we used to chat over yahoo messenger. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The last time you visited me at Sarojini Nagar, you were so frail . You stayed with me for about 4 days .. recovering... and on the fifth day when I came back from office , you were gone....Just like that . .</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsgmZBlRsvvBep93VNMmYY71XjGnAFh4XG7waNH1W3t7MCt3KDaT6vqQV60F637_D6mclnGRQa0d3cd8Mm060U1O1P6bkJDqttVxQPWbaUMSSM6J6GoCvKXNoFQ1fTlliq4YVALQcRzQ/s1600/Seema.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsgmZBlRsvvBep93VNMmYY71XjGnAFh4XG7waNH1W3t7MCt3KDaT6vqQV60F637_D6mclnGRQa0d3cd8Mm060U1O1P6bkJDqttVxQPWbaUMSSM6J6GoCvKXNoFQ1fTlliq4YVALQcRzQ/s320/Seema.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Didi, I made your friend's favourite vegetable today and she told me the recipe of this new subzi . She gave me Rs 500 and left ....." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My maid Anandi handed me a scribbled note from you saying that you will call me ... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You did call, but after one year. So typical of you. And you started the conversation as if you had met me just yesterday ! You were calling from US , you said and that you will now come back to India and construct a house in Bangalore and stay here for good. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">" I have already purchased a plot ! I will open Zumba dancing classes !" You told me in your usual bubbly,. animated manner. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After six months , you called again . You asked me for help ... with the Women Commission cell in Delhi, You wanted permission to meet your son. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Ananya, I know he stays in Noida with his father ... I am his mother and I have right to at least meet him na ? " For the first time you sounded distraught , down and crestfallen. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This somehow coincided with my relocation to Calcutta. You messaged me on facebook in December 2012,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"My house is almost on the verge of finishing... and with that I will also be finished ... I am too tired. Send me your phone number .... "</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then your last message on 10th April 2013 saying "Please call me ... " </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seema ... I did not call you. And I will never forgive myself for that. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will never know what you wanted to tell me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When you were lying on the hospital bed, did you think of me Seema ? You said that you always found peace when you talked to me ... did you call out my name Seema ?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will never know. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Was there anyone around you when you had the oxygen mask on your face ? The people whom you loved so dearly and madly, did they come to meet you Seema ? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don't know and maybe I don't want to know.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I know you will not read this. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But maybe the vibrations of my thought will reach you wherever you are.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And when my thoughts reach you , understand that there is at least one person who misses you dearly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I remember you when I wear the perfume you gave me. I think about you when I brush my lips with the pink lipstick you left for me . And when I cook the तोरी की सब्जी the way you showed me, I will always recall your gurgling laughter .....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rest in peace, my friend !</span></div>
<br />
Yours,<br />
Ananya<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-65425259446538054962015-11-04T23:48:00.000-08:002015-11-04T23:48:23.917-08:00Blooms !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-86053319182529239012015-06-29T22:50:00.003-07:002015-06-29T22:50:49.262-07:00Rain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-bSv_-r8hiQzmn13bH64Uw7xR0goh2vwplDgAHHi-O2dEUpdV8YfC9_onkkHB2pfWMmvKOWEpDVwOwP95H2jJJsYhQbwJUKRk2FKmh-HoKBE9udGEH15Q9t7t6pAF4VO7sYbj2tvjSU/s1600/rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-bSv_-r8hiQzmn13bH64Uw7xR0goh2vwplDgAHHi-O2dEUpdV8YfC9_onkkHB2pfWMmvKOWEpDVwOwP95H2jJJsYhQbwJUKRk2FKmh-HoKBE9udGEH15Q9t7t6pAF4VO7sYbj2tvjSU/s400/rain.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Rain,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Rain on my heart,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Drench it with your silvery , sparkling drops ....</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Rain,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Calm my soul with your incessant pitter-patter,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Wash away my agony,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Guise the tears streaking down my face.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Rain,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Help me pause .....</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Let me soak in the moments ...</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Swamp me with love ....</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Immerse me in the soft luminescence of life ....</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Rain, </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">The paper boat has washed away,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">The earthy aroma of the soil has faded...</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Dry,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Depleted,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Parched......</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Rain....</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Torrential rain ,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Deluge me ....</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Enfold me in your showers ...</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Rejuvenate my leaves....</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Make me green once more ....</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Rain...</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Come to me again .....</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;" /><br />
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-79684614947045617932014-12-01T02:28:00.002-08:002014-12-01T02:29:40.374-08:00Teeny Weeny : Forever Yours ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
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<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3942621349523209754" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 748px;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnj0wD1Hu1TW8UKI908619hCcqJy06oQ7utz5qGebvqGV5CFLYC-QTP0Jof2deVvUg2wRDXsHqYkO41alLLbqciUQSZgfo6qOMI8kO9sqKGY3pgd9uP3oiBwijSI4OilY3Egoqdv0r2b2/s1600/oldh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #6699cc; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnj0wD1Hu1TW8UKI908619hCcqJy06oQ7utz5qGebvqGV5CFLYC-QTP0Jof2deVvUg2wRDXsHqYkO41alLLbqciUQSZgfo6qOMI8kO9sqKGY3pgd9uP3oiBwijSI4OilY3Egoqdv0r2b2/s1600/oldh.jpg" height="300" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a>She looked at the setting sun from her bedroom window.<br />
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She looked at her wrinkled hands.<br />
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She looked around her .<br />
<br />
So many memories ...<br />
<br />
She got up from her bed and picked up her painting brush and wrote " <b><i><span style="color: blue;">I miss you</span></i></b>" on the wall....<br />
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The promoters will pull down the house tomorrow .....<br />
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Her pet dog Snoozie snuggled beside her ...<br />
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"<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Snoozie... sorry ... I made you homeless ...</span></i></b>. "<br />
<br />
She blew out the flickering candle and went to sleep.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Forever.</span></b></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-90692025064416663382014-08-18T22:07:00.000-07:002014-08-18T22:07:51.835-07:00Howrah Bridge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwg1BTJXlnHeHVZ6TKwusscLGrlFIMgzzpJxhFwoxGFR91L7rCWAcroWOwYJkiGMqLEHOpTb1s2yc50zc0mAFf5CDwkwyeSrRqi3MxtB_0NastHpsOPIAjaEn9itPu3sP__tIFC3CHFI/s1600/hwh+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwg1BTJXlnHeHVZ6TKwusscLGrlFIMgzzpJxhFwoxGFR91L7rCWAcroWOwYJkiGMqLEHOpTb1s2yc50zc0mAFf5CDwkwyeSrRqi3MxtB_0NastHpsOPIAjaEn9itPu3sP__tIFC3CHFI/s1600/hwh+bridge.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px;">The bridge is one of four on the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooghly_River" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-decoration: none;" title="Hooghly River">Hooghly River</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px;"> and is a famous symbol of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolkata" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-decoration: none;" title="Kolkata">Kolkata</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px;"> and </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Bengal" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-decoration: none;" title="West Bengal">West Bengal</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px;">. The other bridges are the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vidyasagar_Setu" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-decoration: none;" title="Vidyasagar Setu">Vidyasagar Setu</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px;"> (popularly called the Second Hooghly Bridge), the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivekananda_Setu" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-decoration: none;" title="Vivekananda Setu">Vivekananda Setu</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px;">, and the newly built </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nivedita_Setu" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-decoration: none;" title="Nivedita Setu">Nivedita Setu</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px;">. It weathers the storms of the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_of_Bengal" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-decoration: none;" title="Bay of Bengal">Bay of Bengal</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px;"> region, carrying a daily </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-decoration: none;" title="Traffic">traffic</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px;"> of approximately 100,000 vehicles</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-traffic_11-0" style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howrah_Bridge#cite_note-traffic-11" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[11]</a></sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px;"> and possibly more than 150,000 pedestrians,</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-drop_9-1" style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howrah_Bridge#cite_note-drop-9" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[9]</a></sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px;"> easily making it the busiest cantilever bridge in the world.</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-hosanna_12-0" style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howrah_Bridge#cite_note-hosanna-12" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[12]</a></sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px;"> The third-longest cantilever bridge at the time of its construction,</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-viktor_13-0" style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howrah_Bridge#cite_note-viktor-13" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[13]</a></sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px;"> the Howrah Bridge is the sixth-longest bridge of its type in the world.</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-NSBA-longbridge_14-0" style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howrah_Bridge#cite_note-NSBA-longbridge-14" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[14]</a>. </sup></span></div>
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<sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></sup></div>
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<sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-align: start;">In the view of the increasing traffic across the Hooghly river, a committee was appointed in 1855-56 to review alternatives for constructing a bridge across it.</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-pontoon_15-0" style="line-height: 1; text-align: start; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howrah_Bridge#cite_note-pontoon-15" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[15]</a></sup><span style="font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-align: start;"> The plan was shelved in 1859-60, to be revived in 1868, when it was decided that a bridge should be constructed and a newly appointed trust vested to manage it. The </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Kolkata" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;" title="Port of Kolkata">Calcutta Port Trust</a><span style="font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-align: start;"> was founded in 1870,</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-history_4-4" style="line-height: 1; text-align: start; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howrah_Bridge#cite_note-history-4" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[4]</a></sup><span style="font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-align: start;"> and the Legislative department of the then Government of Bengal passed the Howrah Bridge Act in the year 1871 under the Bengal Act IX of 1871,</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-history_4-5" style="line-height: 1; text-align: start; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howrah_Bridge#cite_note-history-4" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[4]</a></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-pontoon_15-1" style="line-height: 1; text-align: start; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howrah_Bridge#cite_note-pontoon-15" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[15]</a></sup><span style="font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-align: start;"> empowering the Lieutenant-Governor to have the bridge constructed with Government capital under the aegis of the Port Commissioners.</span></span></sup></div>
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<sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><span style="font-size: 17.77777862548828px; line-height: 31.111112594604492px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></sup></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The bridge has become an iconic landmark and symbol of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolkata" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kolkata">Kolkata</a>. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudyard_Kipling" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Rudyard Kipling">Rudyard Kipling</a> mentioned the bridge in <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Dreadful_Night" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="City of Dreadful Night">City of Dreadful Night</a></i>: "Why, this is London! This is the docks. This is Imperial. This is worth coming across India to see!"<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-35" style="line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howrah_Bridge#cite_note-35" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[35]</a></sup></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"></sup></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The bridge has been shown in numerous films, such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritwik_Ghatak" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Ritwik Ghatak">Ritwik Ghatak</a>'s <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bari_Theke_Paliye" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Bari Theke Paliye">Bari Theke Paliye</a></i> in 1958, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyajit_Ray" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Satyajit Ray">Satyajit Ray</a>'s <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parash_Pathar" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Parash Pathar">Parash Pathar</a></i> in the same year, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrinal_Sen" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mrinal Sen">Mrinal Sen</a>'s<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neel_Akasher_Neechey" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Neel Akasher Neechey">Neel Akasher Neechey</a></i> in 1959, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakti_Samanta" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Shakti Samanta">Shakti Samanta</a>'s <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howrah_Bridge_(film)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Howrah Bridge (film)">Howrah Bridge</a></i> (1958), that featured the famous song <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mera_Naam_Chin_Chin_Chu" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu">Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu</a> and <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Town_(1962_film)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="China Town (1962 film)">China Town</a></i> (1962) and <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amar_Prem" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Amar Prem">Amar Prem</a></i> (1971), Amar Jeet's 1965 <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teen_Devian" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Teen Devian">Teen Devian</a></i> in 1965, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrinal_Sen" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mrinal Sen">Mrinal Sen</a>'s 1972 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Film_Award_for_Second_Best_Feature_Film" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film">National Award</a> winning <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_of_West_Bengal" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Cinema of West Bengal">Bengali</a> film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcutta_71" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Calcutta 71">Calcutta 71</a></i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Attenborough" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Richard Attenborough">Richard Attenborough</a>'s 1982 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Picture" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Academy Award for Best Picture">Academy Award</a> winning film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandhi_(film)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Gandhi (film)">Gandhi</a></i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goutam_Ghose" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Goutam Ghose">Goutam Ghose</a>'s 1984 Hindi film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paar_(film)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Paar (film)">Paar</a></i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raj_Kapoor" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Raj Kapoor">Raj Kapoor</a>'s <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ram_Teri_Ganga_Maili" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Ram Teri Ganga Maili">Ram Teri Ganga Maili</a></i> in 1985, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Klotz" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Nicolas Klotz">Nicolas Klotz</a>'s <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bengali_Night" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="The Bengali Night">The Bengali Night</a></i> in 1988, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_Joff%C3%A9" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Roland Joffé">Roland Joffé</a>'s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Hollywood">English language</a> film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Joy_(film)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="City of Joy (film)">City of Joy</a></i> in 1992, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florian_Gallenberger" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Florian Gallenberger">Florian Gallenberger</a>'s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengali_language" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Bengali language">Bengali</a> film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadows_of_Time" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Shadows of Time">Shadows of Time</a></i> in 2004, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mani_Ratnam" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mani Ratnam">Mani Ratnam</a>'s Bollywood film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuva" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Yuva">Yuva</a></i> in 2004, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pradeep_Sarkar" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Pradeep Sarkar">Pradeep Sarkar</a>'s 2005 Bollywood film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parineeta_(2005_film)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Parineeta (2005 film)">Parineeta</a></i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subhrajit_Mitra" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Subhrajit Mitra">Subhrajit Mitra</a>'s 2008 Bengali film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mon_Amour:_Shesher_Kobita_Revisited" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mon Amour: Shesher Kobita Revisited">Mon Amour: Shesher Kobita Revisited</a></i>,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mira_Nair" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Mira Nair">Mira Nair</a>'s 2006 film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Namesake" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="The Namesake">The Namesake</a></i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blessy" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Blessy">Blessy</a>'s 2008 Malayalam Film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcutta_News" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Calcutta News">Calcutta News</a></i>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surya_Sivakumar" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Surya Sivakumar">Surya Sivakumar</a>'s 2009 Tamil film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aadhavan" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Aadhavan">Aadhavan</a></i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imtiaz_Ali_(director)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Imtiaz Ali (director)">Imtiaz Ali</a>'s 2009 Hindi film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Aaj_Kal" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Love Aaj Kal">Love Aaj Kal</a></i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhik_Mukhopadhyay" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Abhik Mukhopadhyay">Abhik Mukhopadhyay</a>'s 2010 Bengali film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekti_Tarar_Khonje" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Ekti Tarar Khonje">Ekti Tarar Khonje</a></i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sujoy_Ghosh" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Sujoy Ghosh">Sujoy Ghosh</a>'s 2012 Bollywood film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kahaani" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Kahaani">Kahaani</a></i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anurag_Basu" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Anurag Basu">Anurag Basu</a>'s 2012 Hindi film<i><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barfi!" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Barfi!">Barfi!</a></i>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riingo_Banerjee" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Riingo Banerjee">Riingo Banerjee</a>'s 2012 Bengali film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Na_Hannyate" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Na Hannyate">Na Hannyate</a></i>, Rana Basu's 2013 Bengali film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namte_Namte" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Namte Namte">Namte Namte</a></i>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Abbas_Zafar" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Ali Abbas Zafar">Ali Abbas Zafar</a>'s 2014 Hindi film <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunday" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Gunday">Gunday</a></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Text Source : Wikipedia</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Photography : Ananya Das</span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-15202787458835165362014-08-18T21:57:00.000-07:002014-08-18T21:57:19.671-07:00Indian Country Side <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-58990240596297708792014-04-21T22:39:00.000-07:002014-04-21T22:43:12.593-07:00Haunted ?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrD5vDX5y0C3xBG4vL49uWmxAAc6lsA1jp7NZUnneu5hCI6oG4ttKTIre-2PfdWJVJGa-eK9m8RhbO3EsMSGcDlqJUNwhSmx8MBGxZDvDZXtfQ7nrt3ZXBKKY1fHxq8dwzpA_c44WSz0I/s1600/old+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrD5vDX5y0C3xBG4vL49uWmxAAc6lsA1jp7NZUnneu5hCI6oG4ttKTIre-2PfdWJVJGa-eK9m8RhbO3EsMSGcDlqJUNwhSmx8MBGxZDvDZXtfQ7nrt3ZXBKKY1fHxq8dwzpA_c44WSz0I/s1600/old+house.jpg" height="344" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Haunted ? Her yearning for the house made her live here forever as the peepul tree</span></i><span style="font-size: 13px;"> ...</span></span></span></div>
Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-38553417759190402442014-04-21T22:35:00.001-07:002014-04-21T22:35:26.848-07:00Thirst<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-56017090827646229382013-10-02T06:45:00.001-07:002013-10-02T06:45:10.000-07:00The Lake in Monsoon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-76625292050462048562013-10-02T06:17:00.001-07:002013-10-02T06:17:49.715-07:00The girls of Calcutta<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5SSWUuDBJSc" width="459"></iframe>Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-78145205500707046452013-02-17T21:43:00.000-08:002013-02-17T21:43:00.490-08:00Valentines Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Valentine's Day</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel pulled up a chair and tapped his fingers impatiently on
the desk of Abhishek’s cubicle , waiting for his friend to finish
the <i><span style="color: blue;">skype</span></i>
call with the UK office. It was already
12.30 pm and he wanted to get on with his plan ASAP. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3odk7WFepiZzPT2G7mXD_xSwmTjkwEZmFBIWeLTPngbaFSi_rCMQIMdjWuA5Kaha-b2aAbGasNmL88dN2MepPE_qHIWwPI1U4I2SxFRCF7VCqpuaXl5DSIiZgNuU1MSMkingCdwsCEiI/s1600/valentines-day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3odk7WFepiZzPT2G7mXD_xSwmTjkwEZmFBIWeLTPngbaFSi_rCMQIMdjWuA5Kaha-b2aAbGasNmL88dN2MepPE_qHIWwPI1U4I2SxFRCF7VCqpuaXl5DSIiZgNuU1MSMkingCdwsCEiI/s320/valentines-day.jpg" width="313" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Thank you. I will
wait for the status report. Have a good day ahead ! ” Abhi pulled out the headphone and smiled at Neel. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I am all yours … Will you be my Valentine ? “ He winked at
Neel. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Shut up ! Lets go to the <i><span style="color: blue;">Explorer conference room</span></i> and call up Doll. We just have about 30 min
and after that she will leave for her multimedia classes”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel had booked the Conference room
from 12.15 pm to 1 pm. They sat down at the head of the big oval table . Neel
took out the new dual sim mobile phone and admired it for a few seconds. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Nice one ! “ said Abhi “So you want
to inaugurate the new phone and the new sim card by calling up your lovely wife
… ! You lucky man … ! When will God smile on me ? God , please God, send me a
lovely wife , just like Doll - as my Valentine today … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel kicked him . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“You remember your lines ? “ Neel
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Yep” Abhi closed his eyes , put on
added base on his voice and said “ <i>Hi Doll ! You do not know me but I know
everything about you … “</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">“Be careful and do not overdo things,
she is , you know ….. very sharp …</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Hmm, but you underestimate me , my
friend ! You will see my voice modulation and acting prowess now … and then do not blame me if she is so scared
that she refuses to go to the movie hall with you tonight .... “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel smiled. He wanted her to be scared. He wanted to hold Doll’s hands and assure
her, to hold her closely in the movie hall and then after dinner , in the white
bed …. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel worked in <b>SoftWorks Ltd</b>. as a
<b>team lead</b> for the last four years. He
led a team of 25 people and was an
expert in designing software applications.
He worked hard and due to his expertise and initiative, he was promoted
two years back , just after his marriage to Doll. His parents , who lived in Calcutta gave all
the credit to Doll ! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Our daughter-in-law has brought you
luck and prosperity ! Take good care of her !” His mother had said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doll had completed her Bachelors in
Fine Arts from Institute of Fine Arts , Varanasi and after marriage, when she came to Delhi, she joined a 2 years Masters Course in
Multimedia and Animation. The course
fees was heavy and Neel had talked to a bank for the loan , but Doll refused. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;"><i>I have my personal savings – the one
which I had saved when I sold some of my paintings in the Habitat Art Gallery
and in the painting exhibition in Calcutta three years back. I propose to do
freelance work – sketching, painting, graphics etc. I will manage my fees. Thanks for the offer, but I really want to do
this on my own</i></span> ! “ Doll had told Neel. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel had felt a tinge of
disappointment. After all , he was the husband.
He could have done this much for his wife. Doll was really talented. Her paintings and
sketches adorned their small 2 BHK rented flat in Noida . The white washed rooms, otherwise so
ordinary, looked so trendy and ethnic because of her paintings. Whoever visited
their house praised Doll’s creations profusely and usually demanded a painting
from her ! When Neel returned from
office, he usually found Doll busy with her paintings and sometimes he felt
that instead of talking to him, Doll craved to complete her painting ! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being the only daughter-in-law, Doll
was the apple of the eyes of her in-laws.
Neel’s mother called her up everyday and talked about each and every
detail. They wanted Doll’s decision for
anything they did or planned to do. They relied on her wisdom and clarity of
thoughts. On weekends, when Neel was at
home, after talking to him for a few minutes, his parents always wanted to talk
to Doll. And their conversation went on
and on till Neel called out Doll’s name loudly , under some silly pretext so
that the conversation could end. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Finish all your talking before I
come back !</span></i>” Neel snapped . “ Tuesdays Thursdays and Fridays , when you have classes,
you come back at 8 pm and then become busy with fixing dinner and then your
paintings and these phone calls !<i><span style="color: blue;"> When do I talk to you then ?</span></i>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;"><i>But Neel ! They are your parents !
It is our duty to talk to them …</i></span> “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;">Well finish all your conversations
when I am in office …. You know that if I do not tell you what all happened in
office , I feel suffocated </span>… “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doll smiled , put her arms around
Neel’s neck and kissed him on his cheek.
Neel became putty in her hands .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But today … Neel had a plan … his
smile was sly . Abhi was his aide. Abhishek – his dear friend. They had been
together from school , then college and now in office. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He dialled Doll’s cell number from
his new dual sim cell phone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He had bought the phone a week back
and got the Sim card yesterday. SoftWorks had sponsored the cell phone and the
sim card and all the calls from this sim will be re-imbursed by the office.
Doll did not know this number. He suddenly felt excited. The phone rang. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">“Hello !</span></i> “ Doll’s voice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel put the speaker on. Doll must be getting ready to go for her
classes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;"><i>Is that Doll ?</i></span> “ Abhi masked his
voice and tried to speak like Amitabh Bacchan. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other side was silent for a few
seconds. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Yes. Who is this ?</span></i> “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">“You will not recognize me , but I
know each and every detail about you …</span></i>. “ Abhi’s baritone voice was crystal
clear. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Who are you ? Do I know you ? What
do you want ?</span></i> “ Doll sounded anxious. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;">I want you …. Just you ….</span> “ Abhi
tried to suppress his laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Silence again. Will Doll disconnect the phone ? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;"><i>Hello Doll ! I know you stay in
Noida Sector 44 with your husband Neel.
And you go for your classes in Multimedia three days in a week , in
South Extension …</i></span> “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Who are you and why have you called
me up </span></i>? “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It seemed Abhi was enjoying his
acting. He closed his eyes and in the same baritone he continued ,“<b><i><span style="color: blue;">I also know
what you did in your last semester in your college in Varanasi …”</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel pinched him , snatched the phone
and put it on mute. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">What is this ? This is not in the
script ! And what do you know about her last semester? All rubbish … </span></i>“ He
scowled. “ <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>As per the plan , tell her that I am in danger and if she does not
come to Wave Cinema at 7.30 pm , I will be </b>…</i></span> “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Hello …. Hello …</span></i>. “ Doll’s voice was
worried.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Abhi sat up, mouth a took the phone
and unmuted it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Hullo… yes… hullo </span></i>“ Abhi
looked at Neel and mouthed a soundless “<i><span style="color: blue;">Ok ! Ok </span></i>!” , he gestured.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">I … er…. Your husband Neel …</span></i> “ Abhi
faltered <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">I know who you are …</span></i> “ Doll said .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;"><i>You do ?</i></span> “ Abhi’s false voice cracked, he looked at
Neel enquiringly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Why did you call me up Sunilda ? I
had told you to forget about me…. and the
last semester in college </span></i></b>… “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Abhi was silent. Neel leaned towards the phone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;"><i>Sunilda, I knew that you will find
me wherever I am , our relationship is based on love, true love.. You are an
artist and you said that love never dies , it is omnipresent, just like air …
even if you cannot see it, you live because of it …</i></span> “ Doll whispered. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Was she crying ? Were there tears in
her eyes ? Neel felt numb.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Sunilda, You know, I think about you
everyday, every night your voice rings in my ears , but I had promised that I
will never let you know …. Sunilda, are you there ? Sunil da ..</span></i>” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>“Yes…</i></span> “ Abhi croaked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel was sitting like a statue. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Why did you call me up Sunilda ? You
know I am happily married. Neel is a
very good husband, takes care of me … he is very nice… I am trying… Sunilda , trying so hard to
forget our days together, our talks, our love … why did you have to make me go
back to the same place again …. Why did you do this to me … tell me ….</span></i> “ Doll sobbed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Abhi
tried to give the phone to Neel . Neel shook his head and whispered </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;">Abhi, continue… I want to hear more
….</span> “ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Abhi was perplexed. He could not look at his friend. He went
near Neel and squeezed his shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Sunilda …</span></i> “ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Yes, Doll ..” Abhi talked as if in a
bad dream.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">I also know why you chose this day
to call me up. <b>Today is 14<sup>th</sup>
Feb, Valentine’s day.</b> Five years back
you had proposed to me on this day. I still remember the red rose which you had
given me and on your knees , you professed your love for me … You know, I still
have that dried rose in the story book you gifted me - Love Story – by Eric Segal … You remember
Sunil da ?</span></i>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Er…</span></i> “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">From where did you get my
number </span></i>? “ Doll asked<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Abhi looked at Neel and questioned
him with his hands .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“ <span style="color: blue;"><i>I … Well …</i></span>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Hmm… Sandhya must have given it to
you. I met her a few days back. Sunilda … it seems a flood of memories have
swamped my mind … Can we meet Sunilda … just for once … today ? It will be our last Valentine’s day together …
Will you meet me Sunilda ?</span></i> “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel put his head on his hands . He
could not think further. <b>He had told Doll that they will go to see the evening
show movie today at Wave Cinema… where he will hold her hands and ….</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now Doll wanted to meet her Sunilda !
Well, let her meet him … Neel will see till where she can go .. he nodded his
head towards Abhi . Abhi waved his hands
“<i><span style="color: blue;">No, No …</span></i>”. Neel’s look was cold . He nodded his head determinedly at Abhi .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: blue;">But … Ok ….</span></i></span>“ Abhi said hesitatingly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;"><i>Today Neel and I will go to see the
evening show at Wave Cinema. During the interval, in the pretext of going to
the rest room, I will come near the elevator. Please be there Sunil da … One
last time … your grey eyes still haunts me …. and your strong arms …</i></span>. “ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel put his hands on his ears . He
just could not hear any more. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Abhi disconnected the phone abruptly.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Neel …. I … er… I don’t know what to
say … I never imagined that things will turn out to be like this , my friend…</span></i>
“ Abhi tried to console Neel. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;"><i>Abhi, I want to be alone for some
time …. </i></span>“. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Abhi went out of the conference
room. He will keep an eye on his friend
. God, give him strength to handle this
… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Suddenly Neel wanted some fresh air . It was lunch time. Everybody was busy
chatting and strolling in the lawn. It
was a beautiful sunny day. It was bright and sunny and there was a little nip
in the February air. Life is a farce, Neel thought. After three years of getting married , Neel felt that he knew Doll well enough … Ha ! Well … so she loved her Sunilda … and what
about Neel ? <br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Neel ! Are you Ok ?</span></i> “ Sanjay , his
boss was passing by. “<span style="color: blue;"><i>You look so pale . Did you have your lunch?</i></span>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel nodded. Doll had packed his
favourite pasta in white sauce for lunch.
But he did not even want to look at his lunch box. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">I am OK</span></i>” Neel said. Sanjay nodded and went to his seat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel sat through the rest of the day
as if in a daze. Abhi came to him
several times on some pretext or the other. Neel understood. No, Neel was strong enough to handle his
life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He looked at the two movie tickets in
his wallet. He gave a wry smile. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<b><i><span style="color: purple;">Happy Valentine’s day , Neel !</span></i></b> “ he said to himself mockingly as he rode his motorcycle.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was 5.30 pm. He parked his bike and as per his habit ,
looked up towards the balcony. Doll was
standing there , smiling at him. She
waved and went to open the door. Neel
walked up the stairs with heavy feet. It seemed as if there were
infinite steps to go to his first floor flat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doll was standing at the door. She
had worn a deep red chiffon sari with small golden dots. Her black curly unruly
hair was clasped with a clip. A red
bindi adorned her small forehead. Big kohl rimmed black limpid eyes looked adoringly at him. Her full luscious lips were shining with the
red lip gloss. She was looking breathtakingly beautiful. <b> Neel wanted to look at her for ever. He wanted to hold her …</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Well ! Where is my red rose ? My
Valentine ?</span></i> “ She smiled. The dimple went deep inside her right cheek. She was the most beautiful woman in this
world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel gave her the rose which he had
bought in the morning. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;"><i>Neel , are you fine ? You look a bit
pale …</i></span> “ Doll sounded concerned “<i><span style="color: blue;">If that is so, let us cancel the movie… we can
enjoy music at home … “ </span></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel looked at Doll.
She has dressed up so beautifully for her Sunilda. She knew that red suited her the best. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">No, I am fine … . Just a bit tired …
that’s all … Let us go to the movie and dinner</span></i> “ Neel said . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The movie interval was vital
for her and her Sunilda. Neel will not let her down. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Are you sure ?</span></i> “ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">“Ok.
Wait for a few min , I will powder my nose and leave in a moment"</span></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel sat down on the sofa. He saw “Love Story” by Eric Segal on the table. He took the book
in his hands and slowly opened it. A
dried rose was there ….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doll came back “<i><span style="color: blue;">Lets go </span></i>… “ Then
suddenly saw the book and took it and put it back on the shelf. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;"><i>You were reading the book ? </i></span>“<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Uh… yes … I had read it when I was
in college </span></i>“ she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They were on time for the show. It was a mushy love story. Doll watched the movie in rapt attention . <b>She laughed , cried and clutched Neel’s hands when the villain scared
the heroine. Neel’s mind did not register the story. A series of scenes seemed
to pass in front of his eyes. He was waiting for the interval. </b>When Doll will go to meet her Sunilda, he
will send her an sms saying that he was not able to come. Doll will be disappointed, his lips curved in a mirthless smile. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doll wiped her eyes with her
handkerchief. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">The movie is very touching … lets
see what happens at the end</span></i> … “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She kept her handkerchief in her bag
and settled back in her seat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel squirmed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>“Doll … the movie will start in about
7 minutes…”<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>“Hmm… Ok…”<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>“Er… Do you want to go to the rest
room… ?”<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">“No … I am comfortable….</span></i> “ Doll
linked her arms into Neel’s and put her head on his shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Does she want me to go away, so that
she can talk … ?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">“Should I get some popcorn ?”</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“ <i><span style="color: blue;">No … I have prepared chicken
Biriyani … let us have dinner at home… I don’t want to have anything now … I am
saving my hunger for the biriyani …</span></i>” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doll smiled and looked at Neel. Her teeth shone, her red lips looked
inviting, her clear complexion and soft hands were exquisite ….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel was confused. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doll heated the chicken Biriyani in
the microwave and served it with raita. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel was not hungry. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After dinner, Doll put on her soft
cotton pink nightie, combed her hair and lay on the soft bed with her
book. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel
tried to read the unfinished Agatha Christie. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doll yawned. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Doll …</span></i> “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;"><i>Hmm…</i></span> “ she continued reading ..<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Is Valentine’s day special for you ?</span></i></b>
“<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Yes.
Very special</span></i></b> “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doll put her book down and closed her
eyes , preparing to sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">Why ? “</span></i> Neel asked softly <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">I met Sunilda on this date </span></i>… “ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Neel was shocked. Here it came… but …
so casually … ?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: blue;"><i>Sunilda ? Who ?</i></span> “ Neel’s voice
trembled. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doll kept her eyes closed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Yes, my only love Sunilda … How I
love him … put off the lights … I am sleepy “<o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">“You love him … ?</span></b></i> “ Neel repeated
like a parrot and put off the bedside lamp’s light.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<b><i><span style="color: purple;">Yes.
But he is a dumbo. He bought a
sim and wrote the number in the pad kept on the shelf and then called me up to
….. I don’t know what he wanted to do … I had saved the number in my cell phone</span></i></b>
” Doll’s voice was sleepy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>And tell Sunilda’s friend Abhi that
when he is nervous, his voice gives him away … I have packed chicken Biriyani
for him … give it to him for the nice
attempt at acting … </b></i></span> ”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neel took Doll’s cell phone and saw
the call list . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>He saw “Neel” with the number of his
second sim.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doll
took away her phone and snuggled close to Neel . <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“<i><span style="color: blue;">The rose inside the book is the one
which Sunilda gave me on our first Valentine’s day after marriage .. I am
sleepy , have a presentation tomorrow … will have to leave early … Happy
Valentine’s day , my sweet dumbo Sunilda ..</span></i>.“<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14<sup>th</sup> Feb 2013, Belvedere,
Calcutta</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082694691491039801.post-1023873385991413252012-08-10T09:21:00.000-07:002012-08-10T09:21:03.686-07:00Birthday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">They hardly talked to each other when they were in Naba Nalanda school in Lake Gardens, Calcutta.</span>
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Chandni Bangur and Moumita
Halder studied in the same class for
five years, but somehow they did not go beyond the customary “Hello” to each
other. Last year , both of them passed
class 10<sup>th</sup> and got themselves enrolled in the prestigious La
Martinere for Girls School in Park
Circus. When they saw each other on the first day in class 11<sup>th</sup> , they
seemed relieved. They became fast friends. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, when Chandni joined the Andersons Swimming Club , Moumita also wanted to do the same. She pleaded with her mother and father. <o:p></o:p><br />
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“Ma , I want to learn swimming . And the Lake is so
near our house. The coach is also very good.
Chandni has joined just a week ago and she already knows how to float.
Please, please, please Ma “ <o:p></o:p></div>
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All Bengali’s have a nick name and a “good name”.
The nick name is used by the family
members and home friends and the “good”
name is used in school, college and the friends therein. Moumita’s nick name was “Mishti” which meant sweet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWA97O5tdxbHNh2C22LjWHzQYTKX-VzAQ_7VSfSMIq9KIOUuFlF6z3TM4bHKxM66MvoBL_bbcghnlhXVDhXGIkx7YpuS7MEtC6JcjkJpH0XCjEOlrKAOF01iFLEGkd5C-oCMNaNAZNo8/s1600/98946-bharati-with-her-best-friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWA97O5tdxbHNh2C22LjWHzQYTKX-VzAQ_7VSfSMIq9KIOUuFlF6z3TM4bHKxM66MvoBL_bbcghnlhXVDhXGIkx7YpuS7MEtC6JcjkJpH0XCjEOlrKAOF01iFLEGkd5C-oCMNaNAZNo8/s320/98946-bharati-with-her-best-friend.jpg" width="320" /></a>Mishti’s
mother Anindita did not budge. “No Mishti.
You know how your father worries for you. If you are late even by 5-10 min, he stands
near the gate looking at the watch. So, he will never agree for the swimming
classes. Why don’t you join the
badminton classes instead ? And you also know how expensive Anderson’s Club is
… “ Mishti grimaced. Always, always this
is said. And Mishti and her elder brother Baptu’s lips were sealed when the
“expense” thing came up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mishti’s
father, Alok Halder worked for the Eastern Railway, Howrah Division as a lower
division clerk. He was a hardworking and
sincere man and was always appreciated for his work by his supervisor. Last
year when Alok went to Delhi to collect the Minister’s Award, Mishti , Baptu
and Anindita had accompanied him. They
were so proud when he collected the shield. The photograph of the award
ceremony was framed and it adorns the prime location on the drawing room wall
of their staff quarters in Lake Gardens. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Baptu studies in the 3<sup>rd</sup> year of Mechanical Engineering Course in the Jadavpur
Engineering College. Both Mishti and Baptu are bright students. Alok taught Maths and Science to both of them
till they were in class 10<sup>th</sup>.
As a routine, Mishti and Baptu did
at least ten maths problems daily which Alok corrected when he came back from
office at 6.30 pm. He would sit with his
bowl of <i>Muri </i>and call <i>“Mishti… ! Bring your Maths exercise book”.</i> And when both the siblings scored good marks
in Maths, he would look at Anindita and say <i>“See…
they are my children.. ! If a person does not know maths, then they are
useless …</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
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When Mishti scored 95% in class 10<sup>th</sup> and
Baptu got into Jadavpur Engineering, both Anindita and Alok went to Kalighat,and
after worshipping, they distributed sweets to the destitutes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When Alok returned from office that day, he sensed
something is wrong. He opened his shoes
and kept them in the small box like
cupboard below the sofa. Mishti was
sitting on the sofa pouring over a book. Anindita was in the kitchen cooking
dinner. “<i>I am frying some peanuts for
your Muri</i>” Anindita said. “<i>Ok.
And see that I get more peanuts than Mishti …...</i> “ Alok said expecting the
usual retort from Mishti. Mishti was silent. She put her book down and with her eyes
brimming with tears blurted out <i>“ I want to learn swimming Baba - in the Anderson’s swimming club. I will pay
for the fees on my own. You remember I had told you that Babli Kakima wanted me
to teach Maths to Sonai. I will teach him on Sundays and the money
which I will earn will be enough for me to join the swimming coaching. And I
promise I will never be late after my classes. God Promise! Baba … Please do not say no….. “ <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Next week , Mishti joined the Anderson swimming
club. She got a brand new swimming costume as a gift from Baptu. She did not take up the assignment for
teaching Sonai. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8 am, Chandni
and Mishti met below the Gulmohur tree beside the lake and then walked towards
the swimming club together. Both of them
were fast learners and the coach encouraged them to learn new swimming
strokes. After one hour of swimming ,
when they were ravenously hungry, they opened their lunch boxes and shared
their food. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Moumita, I am fed up of sweets. Please have this
pastry . “ Chandni said eyeing Moumita’s tiffin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Well, then
you have to eat the home made chow-mein“ Moumita said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Aunty makes such lovely chow-mein ! Heavenly “ said Chandni – closing her eyes and relishing
the food.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
“The Pastry seems to be from Kathleen… very nice… ummm “ said Mishti.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
They polished off each other
tiffins and spent the next half hour discussing the going ons in their school.
How Shivani mam scolded the class when they were talking and how Pooja – the
creep – complained to the teacher when Chandni was looking at the time in her
mobile. She was not using it but just seeing the time …. the creep Pooja… <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
One Sunday, Chandni came with a
small envelope in her hand. She gave this to Mishti and said “ Next Saturday,
the 20<sup>th</sup> of July is my birthday. You are cordially invited “ she smiled and bowed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
Mishti was apprehensive. “You
live in Alipore. There are no buses which ply in that route..” Chandni thought for a few minutes and
suddenly became excited. “ You know what?” She said “ After the swimming classes on Saturday, I
will take you home with me. After the party, I will drop you. Great ! then we
will be able to spend a lot of time together. What fun !” Mishti
- “ I will talk to my Baba and tell you
tomorrow in the school. Bye . See you in the class ” <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
As Mishti opened the rust colored gate of the railway quarter, Anindita opened the door with a towel in her
hand. “Dry your hair ! NOW !” She scolded. “You know how susceptible to cold
you are. Everybody in this household does whatever they llke. Just because you all know that I am there to
do all the chores and look after all of you.” She grumbled. Mishti snatched the towel from her hand and
started drying her hair “ Oh ! Ma ! You are forever fussing. I am fine. I can
take care of myself” “Sit down” Anindita ordered. Mishti sat down on the floor and her mother
towelled her hair dry. <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Ma” Mishti started. “Next Saturday is Chandni’s birthday and she has
invited me for the birthday party. She has said that she will take me to her
home in Alipore after our swimming classes and will drop me back after the
party. Can I go , Ma ? “ <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“She stays in Alipore and her father owns a garment mill – right? “<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Yes, Ma. Chandni is a very nice girl. She is also good in her studies.
In fact she got the highest in English in this exam. I missed it by just one mark” , Mishti made a face. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
Anindita went inside the kitchen to cut onions and tomato for the
mutton curry. Every Sunday, without
fail, the Halder family sat down
together to have lunch. They loved the mutton curry with potatoes made by
Anindita. Mishti put her arms around Anindita’s waist and
inhaling the spicy aroma of the mutton curry, said “Ahhh ! I am already feeling
hungry . When will Baba return ? When will the curry be ready ? Can I taste it at least ? …. Ma, can I go to
Chandni’s place, will you talk to Baba ? “
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
Lunch was served at 2 pm. The
mutton curry was served in a big steel bowl , a plate of potato fry , Salad and
rice. Baptu teased “Ma, why don’t you
ever use the Bone China dinner set ? It is forever lying inside the crockery
showcase. Let us at least use it during our Sunday Lunch”. Anindita scowled “No. We will use that only
when we have guests. That too very important ones. We did use it when your
father’s boss was invited for dinner” .
Mishti joined her elder brother and smiled as she said “But Ma, we can at least use the new table
mats. Babli Kakima presented us a nice
one when she came back from Puri. See ,
how old our table mats are !” Anindita
chose a nice piece of mutton and gave it
to Mishti. “These things are my
department. Better not interfere … “ Alok smiled while listening to their banter. They laughed and enjoyed their food. Their
chatting continued long after they finished their food. This was their usual Sunday lunch routine. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Mishti, your mother said that
you want to attend your friend Chandni’s birthday next Saturday ? Well, what
will you give her as a gift ? “ Mishti looked
at her mother and smiled then full of
excitement said “Baba, I have got the
recipe of chocolate cake. I was planning
to make a birthday cake for her. My first cake, for my best friend.” Alok stared at his daughter but did not say
anything. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
As Alok walked away, he stopped,
hesitated a bit , came near Mishti and said “Think about it. You can
gift her a nice pen too ”. Baptu also
nodded his head. “I think Baba is right. Give her a pen. I have bought a very
nice one yesterday and I can give it to you, but …… “ <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt 18pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>“What ?? “ <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt 18pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>You have to massage my feet for a week “ <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt 18pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>“Ma… !! See .. Dada always asks for
massage… Why can’t he massage my feet ?
“<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt 18pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>“Well .. !
Then go ahead and spend your pocket money for your gift ..!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
The siblings threw pillows on each other and fought and laughed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
*******************************************************************<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
On 20<sup>th</sup> July, as Mishti packed her best dress and her white ballerina heels for
the birthday party, Anindita kissed her forehead . “Don’t be late. Come home latest by 10 pm. We will wait for
you to hear about the party” , she smiled.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
A big chauffeur driven Mercedes car was waiting for Chandni and Mishti
as they finished their swimming. The
seats were huge and comfortable and
Mishti felt cold in the powerful Air conditioning of the car. Mishti closed her eyes. She was floating, she felt. Uff, but why were the window panes tinted
? The busy streets looked so artificial.
When she will buy a car , she will never
get the window panes tinted. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
The car entered “Bangur Niwas” .
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Good morning didimoni” , the above 45 year old watchman with a big
moustache saluted Chandni and Mishti. Mishti
looked at the big garden in front. So
many types of flowers ! The green lawn
was neatly mowed and looked like a Persian carpet. There was greenery all around. Big trees
ladern with fruits and flowers. There
was a swing at the centre of the lawn. “Swing !!” Mishti exclaimed. “Chandni,
let us sit of the swing !” Chandni
looked mildly surprised . “You like to swing ? OK, lets go . It has been ages
since I sat of the swing”. Mishti dashed
towards the swing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
A well dressed lady came out of the big
wooden front door and waited for them to come inside. When Mishti
entered the house, she stared in awe.
She had seen such a drawing room only in the movies. It was a huge hall with spotless white marble
flooring, beautiful carpets , three sets
of sofa, beautiful tables. The walls were adorned with oil paintings. A
crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling.
She was dumbstruck. She was startled when Chandni called her. “Come on … “ <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
Mishti had never imagined that Chandni was so rich. There were countless rooms in the three
storied bunglow. Chandni took Mishti’s
hand and pulled her into her room . “My room !” she said . “Welcome !” What a room … ! Chandni’s room was bigger than all the rooms
of her Lake garden’s quarter combined.
Everything was pink -the curtains , the wall, the bedsheet. Chandni’s books were neatly stacked on a
teakwood study table. A big teak cupboard , several bedside lamps and paintings
were tastefully decorated. Chandni showed a
big teddy bear near her bed. “My father gifted this to me when I was 10 !” Mishti touched the soft fur as she sat on the bed. The AC
was mild and comfortable. Where
was she ? Is this heaven ? She stared
around her wistfully. Chandni is so lucky !<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
After Chandni showed Mishti how
to operate the bathroom fittings, she had a luxurious bath in the bath tub.
Chandni had put bathing salt and foam in the tub and Mishti was very excited The soaps , the lotions were
beautifully perfumed. After the girls
had chicken sandwiches , they lied down on the bed and chatted and chatted. They giggled. They teased and tickled each
other. It seemed they had become little children. “But where are the other people ? Chandni’s
parents ?” Mishti wondered. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Oh ! Mummy has gone to the beauty parlour. You see, we have the party
at 7.30 pm. She will be back soon” .
Suddenly Chandni sat up “So silly of me ! Look , it is almost 2 pm ! Let us go
and have lunch”. The dining room was
well lit with hanging lights on the huge twelve seater dining table with a glass top. Chicken, fish, three vegetables , salad ,
rice, sweets were kept in the bone-china crockery. Silver spoons and forks were
kept. “Have some more chicken “ Chandni
said “I know you love it ”. The girls
were talking and eating , when Chandni’s mother
came. She came near them and smiled at Mishti.
“Moumita, I am glad that you could come today. Chandni talks such a lot
about you”<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Chandni’s mother is so beautiful…”. The trimmed
hair, well done eyebrows, glowing skin complemented the lemon colored churidar which Chandni’s mother
wore. “Chandni told me that you love
chicken. Is it good ? “ Mishti nodded. “The party will start at 7.30 pm. Be ready before that” . As her mother went to
her own room, the sweet smell of the expensive perfume lingered on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
In the evening, Chandni wore a very beautiful peach colored sequinned dress. She donned a
heeled shoe. The maid came and helped
her with a nice hair band. Mishti also
wore her dress. And they were all set for the party. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“The party will be really boring. Please stay near me so that we can talk”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Ok. But why boring ? “<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Papa’s clients come and it is just business talks.
That is why I really really wanted you to come”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Open the gift which I have given you”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“I already did !! I love the pen ! Thank you !”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
The drawing room was decorated with balloons and
lights. The lawn was also lighted up and
music was playing. Waiters were
circulating with drinks and snacks. Every now and then , Chandni got a big
present and a birthday wish. After a
while Mishti lost count of the gifts which Chandni had received. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Where is your father ? “ Mishti asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Come on. I will take you to meet him. He usually
comes back at 10 pm , but he is back early today for the party. Papa.. “
Chandni called<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Papa, meet my friend – Moumita”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
Chandni’s father was bald and stocky. He smiled at
them . “Ah ! Chandni ! Happy birthday ! Your friend is very sweet. Hope you are
enjoying the party “ He started saying
something , but was pulled into another conversation “Mr. Bangur . How did
today’s deal go ?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“See , papa is so busy. He has to run four textile
mills , you know ….” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
Chandni kept a fixed smile on her face and kept on
commenting on the guests <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“See the aunty who is wearing a green chiffon saree ?
She will now come to me and say You look sooo beautiful Chandni !! Now you have
become a lady !!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
Mishti could not stop giggling when exactly the same
words were spoken. The entire evening Mishti listened to the various anecdotes
about the guests and both the girls just enjoyed each other’s company. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Oh My God ! It is 9.45 pm ! I have to go now “
Mishti exclaimed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Stay another 30 min” Chandni pleaded. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“No. I have promised my mother. I have to go now . ”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Moumita. Thank you for coming. This was my best
birthday party ever. Just because you were there with me , I enjoyed it. Hope
you like the Agatha Christie book. I have specially bought it for you as a
return gift “ Chandni hugged Mishti <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Come again!” said Chandni’s mother, as she helped
Mishti into the car. “Driver, wait till Moumita is inside the house , only then
come back” she instructed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
Anindita, Alok and Baptu were waiting for
Mishti. As soon as she entered the
house, Baptu snatched the Agatha Christie from her hand. “Wow ! I will read
this first”. “How was the party ?”
Anindita asked. Mishti described
everything in great detail. The lawn, the
house, the party, the guests. She went on and on. After about an hour, Alok hugged his daughter
and asked “Did you enjoy yourself Mishti ? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
“Yes Baba ! A lot ! ” Mishti beamed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Her happiness was short lived.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
********************************************************************************<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Anindita looked at Mishti. For a few days , she had been very
quiet. She seemed lost in her thoughts.
Even when Baptu teased her, she did not repond like her old self. Anindita was worried. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
“Mishti . Are you OK ? Everything well in school ?
“<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
“Yes , Ma.
All is good. I have my exam next week , so have to study” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
All was indeed not right for Mishti. She did not know what to do. Chandni had invited herself for Mishti’s
birthday. Last Monday, during lunch Chandni said “ I know it is your birthday
this month. You came for my birthday, so
I will definitely come to your place on your birthday. You are my best friend !”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
22<sup>nd</sup> August is Mishti’s birthday. This day has
always been special for Mishti. She waits for this day every year with great
expectations. Alok , Anindita and Baptu tease her feigning that they have forgotten
the day , but every 22<sup>nd</sup> Aug,
Alok gets a present for Mishti. Anindita cooks her favourite
dishes.. So, when Mishti did not mention
about her birthday till a week before 22<sup>nd
</sup> Aug , Alok and Anindita
were worried. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mishti looked around her.
The only bedroom they had was occupied by Mishti’s mother and
father. Baptu studied late at night. So
he needed the guest room. The drawing room had a sofa-cum-bed. This served as
Mishti’s bed during night. The small
dining table had two chairs on the side and the other two were kept aside. When
they ate , the table had to be shifted to accommodate the four chairs. The
walls needed whitewash. The blue cotton
curtains looked nice about a year ago, but now they should be changed. How can she bring Chandni here ? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
She was not ashamed
of her house. Baba worked hard and has given the best education to his
children. She knows that her parents
hardly had any savings. Ma takes a lot
of pains to run the household in the fixed budget. How can she ask them to spend for special
food for her birthday? Every year, Ma prepares “payesh” for her birthday. She
cannot ask her to buy a cake. Nor does she want them to buy her any expensive clothes.
She is a big girl now. She does not need
any gift. Baba and Ma have to keep aside
money for special guests – like last
month when baba had to invite his office colleagues. But Chandni. What
will she think ? Anyways , let her think
whatever she likes. I will not ask Ma
and Baba to do anything special for my birthday. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In the evening, Alok asked Mishti “ Mishti, my big girl ,
what present do you want for your birthday?”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
“Baba, I am a big girl now. I do not want any gift
. Oh ! Just one thing. Chandni will come
to our house on my birthday” Mishti said very casually.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
On 22<sup>nd</sup> August, Mishti opened her eyes and saw her mother,
father and brother standing near her bed with a big bunch of red roses. “Happy birthday to you …” they
sang and hugged Mishti. Mishti touched
their feet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
“Today I will take half day leave and pick you up
from school. Chandni can also come with us. Your mother has already invited her by talking to her mother” Alok
said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
“Baba, we can come on our own . We are big girls
now ! We will take the 3D/1 bus and come
home”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
After school,
as both the girls came out of the gate, Mishti saw her father waiting
for them. He had put on his best shirt
and pant. “Come on ! The taxi is waiting”,
Alok said and ushered them into the taxi. Mishti was surprised.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Anindita opened the door. She was wearing an off white cotton saree
with a red border. She had a big red bindi on her forehead, light pink
lipstick, kohl in her eyes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
“Ma is so beautiful ! “ Mishti thought
“She should put lipstick and kohl often. She looks like a goddess”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
“Welcome Chandni ! Come in. Mishti talks so much about you that I know all
about you” Anindita smiled. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Mishti stared as she stepped inside the drawing
room. The dining table was covered with
a lace table cloth. The bone china
dinner set was set on the table. Flowers were kept in the flower vase. She had
seen these flower vases only in the show cases.
The table mat set was put on the table. The room looked fresh and
sublime. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
“You can go to the guest room and chat if you like”
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Baptu’s
belongings had been removed from the guest room. The room which was cramped in the morning,
looked neat and spacious. A new bed
cover was put on the bed. Mishti recollected that Ma had bought this three year
back from an exhibition and even after cajoling a lot , she had not used it. Ma
was very possessive about these
things. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
“But first we have to cut the cake “ Baptu said , as he brought the cake and put
it on the table. It was a Black Forest Cake from Kathleen, the best bakery shop. The cake was cut. All of them sang “Happy
Birthday to you..” while Mishti blushed.
They laughed, joked and talked.
Chandni was in splits when Baptu mimicked some of his college
proffessors and film actors. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Anindita had prepared Chow mien, Fried rice and
Chilly Chicken . <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Chandni was escatic
“ Oh , Aunty, You make such lovely Chinese food. I love it” . Chandni also loved the Payesh. “Will you pack some Payesh for me Aunty ? It is so nice !”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alok sang a beautiful song . Baptu played his mouth
organ. Then all of them joined and the
soiree of songs continued. Chandni
looked at the happy faces. “Moumita is
so lucky” She thought <o:p></o:p></div>
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Chandni did not want to go home even when it was
10.30 pm. As she got up to leave, she
looked at everybody and said “ I had such a lot of fun. I enjoyed it very very much.
Can I come back again ? “ <o:p></o:p></div>
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The night was dark. Anindita
finshed cleaning the kitchen. . Baptu was asleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mishti lay
on her bed. When she will get a job, she
will get the best crockery set for her mother. She will buy lots of good bed
covers for her. She will buy her father
the best suit. She will always take care of them just like they took care of
her. She had the best parents in the
whole world. She only was ……… ! Warm
tears stinged her eyes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anindita and Alok came near Mishti’s bed. Alok sat beside her. He had a packet in his
hand. He put a hand on Mishti’s
head. “Happy birthday ! I know you wanted the Harry Potter series “. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mishti sat up.
“Baba” She sobbed into his chest.
“I am a bad girl , no? My thinking is skewed, right?” Tears rolled down her cheeks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Alok and Anindita hugged Mishti .<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I love you Baba. I love you Ma. Will you also
always love me even if I am sometimes bad ? “<o:p></o:p></div>
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“We love you , Mishti. Always. You are special for us. You and Baptu
are the most important people for us. And
do not grow up so soon. You will always be our little girl. We love your
tantrums. Believe me, we love you just as you are ………….” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mishti believed them. She held her mother’s hand while sweet
slumber crept in. Her face was as blissful as a new born.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next morning,
when Chandni was leaving for school , she smiled at the watchman when he
said “Good morning Didimoni” <o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>Ananyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14489226309960009028noreply@blogger.com9