Haunted ?

Haunted ? Her yearning for the house made her live here forever as the peepul tree ...

Thirst

The Lake in Monsoon

The girls of Calcutta

Valentines Day

Valentine's Day

Neel pulled up a chair and tapped his fingers impatiently on the desk of  Abhishek’s  cubicle , waiting for his friend to finish the  skype call with the UK office.  It was already 12.30 pm and he wanted to get on with his plan ASAP.

“Thank  you. I will wait for the status report. Have a good day ahead ! ” Abhi  pulled out the headphone and smiled at Neel.

“I am all yours … Will you be my Valentine ? “ He winked at Neel.

“Shut up !  Lets go to the Explorer conference room and call up Doll. We just have about 30 min and after that she will leave for her multimedia classes”.

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.

“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 … “

Neel kicked him .

“You remember your lines ? “ Neel said.

“Yep” Abhi closed his eyes , put on added base on his voice and said “ Hi Doll ! You do not know me but I know everything about you … “

“Be careful and do not overdo things, she is , you know ….. very sharp …”

“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 .... “

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 ….

Neel worked in SoftWorks Ltd. as a team lead 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 !

“Our daughter-in-law has brought you luck and prosperity ! Take good care of her !” His mother had said. 

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. 

“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 ! “ Doll had told Neel.

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 !

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.

“Finish all your talking before I come back !”  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 ! When do I talk to you then ?”

“But Neel ! They are your parents ! It is our duty to talk to them … “

“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 … “

Doll smiled , put her arms around Neel’s neck and kissed him on his cheek.  Neel became putty in her hands .

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.

He dialled Doll’s cell number from his new dual sim cell phone.

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.

“Hello ! “ Doll’s voice.

Neel put the speaker on.  Doll must be getting ready to go for her classes.

“Is that Doll ? “ Abhi masked his voice and tried to speak like Amitabh Bacchan.

The other side was silent for a few seconds.

“Yes. Who is this ? “

“You will not recognize me , but I know each and every detail about you …. “ Abhi’s baritone voice was crystal clear.

“Who are you ? Do I know you ? What do you want ?  “ Doll sounded anxious.

“I want you …. Just you …. “ Abhi tried to suppress his laughter.

Silence again.  Will Doll disconnect the phone ?

“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 … “

“Who are you and why have you called me up ? “

It seemed Abhi was enjoying his acting. He closed his eyes and in the same baritone he continued ,“I also know what you did in your last semester in your college in Varanasi …”

Neel pinched him , snatched the phone and put it on mute.

“What is this ? This is not in the script ! And what do you know about her last semester? All rubbish … “ He scowled. “ 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 … “

“Hello …. Hello …. “ Doll’s voice was worried.

Abhi sat up, mouth a took the phone and unmuted it.

“Hullo… yes… hullo “  Abhi  looked at Neel and mouthed a soundless “Ok ! Ok !” , he gestured.

“I … er…. Your husband Neel … “ Abhi faltered

“I know who you are … “ Doll said .

“You do ?  “ Abhi’s false voice cracked, he looked at Neel enquiringly.

“Why did you call me up Sunilda ? I had told you to forget about me…. and the  last semester in college … “

Abhi was silent.  Neel leaned towards the phone.

“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 … “  Doll whispered.

Was she crying ? Were there tears in her eyes ? Neel felt numb.

“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 ..” 

“Yes… “ Abhi croaked.

Neel was sitting like a statue. 

“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 …. “  Doll sobbed.

Abhi  tried to give the phone to Neel . Neel shook his head and whispered 

“Abhi, continue… I want to hear more …. “

Abhi was perplexed.   He could not look at his friend. He went near Neel and squeezed his shoulder.

“Sunilda … “

“Yes, Doll ..” Abhi talked as if in a bad dream.

“I also know why you chose this day to call me up.  Today is 14^th Feb, Valentine’s day.  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 ?”

“Er… “

“From where did you get my number  ? “ Doll asked

Abhi looked at Neel and questioned him with his hands .

“ I … Well …”

“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 ? “

Neel put his head on his hands . He could not think further. 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 ….

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 “No, No …”. Neel’s look was cold . He nodded his head determinedly at Abhi .

“But … Ok ….“  Abhi said hesitatingly.

“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 …. “

Neel put his hands on his ears . He just could not hear any more.

Abhi disconnected the phone abruptly.

“Neel …. I … er… I don’t know what to say … I never imagined that things will turn out to be like this , my friend… “  Abhi tried to console Neel.

“Abhi, I want to be alone for some time …. “.

Abhi went out of the conference room.  He will keep an eye on his friend .  God, give him strength to handle this …

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 ? 

“Neel ! Are you Ok ? “ Sanjay , his boss was passing by. “You look so pale . Did you have your lunch?”

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.

“I am OK” Neel said.  Sanjay nodded and went to his seat.

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.

He looked at the two movie tickets in his wallet. He gave a wry smile.

“Happy Valentine’s day , Neel !  “ he said to himself mockingly as he rode his motorcycle.

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.

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.  Neel wanted to look at her for ever.  He wanted to hold her …

“Well ! Where is my red rose ? My Valentine ? “  She smiled.  The dimple went deep inside her right cheek.  She was the most beautiful woman in this world.

Neel gave her the rose which he had bought in the morning.

“Neel , are you fine ? You look a bit pale … “ Doll sounded concerned “If that is so, let us cancel the movie… we can enjoy music at home  … “

Neel looked at  Doll.  She has dressed up so beautifully for her Sunilda.  She knew that red suited her the best. 

“No, I am fine … . Just a bit tired … that’s all … Let us go to the movie and dinner “ Neel said .

The movie interval  was vital  for her and her Sunilda. Neel will not let her down.

“Are you sure ? “

Neel nodded.

“Ok.  Wait for a few min , I will powder my nose and leave in a moment".

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 ….

Doll came back “Lets go … “ Then suddenly saw the book and took it and put it back on the shelf.

“You were reading the book ? “

“Uh… yes … I had read it when I was in college “ she said.

They were on time for the show.  It was a mushy love story. Doll  watched the movie in rapt attention .  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.  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.

Doll wiped her eyes with her handkerchief.

“The movie is very touching … lets see what happens at the end … “

She kept her handkerchief in her bag and settled back in her seat.

Neel squirmed.

“Doll … the movie will start in about 7 minutes…”

“Hmm… Ok…”

“Er… Do you want to go to the rest room… ?”

“No … I am comfortable…. “ Doll linked her arms into Neel’s and put her head on his shoulder.

Does she want me to go away, so that she can talk … ?

“Should I get some popcorn ?”

“ 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 …”

Doll smiled and looked at Neel.  Her teeth shone, her red lips looked inviting, her clear complexion and soft hands were exquisite ….

Neel was confused.

Doll heated the chicken Biriyani in the microwave  and served it with raita.

Neel was not hungry.

After dinner,  Doll put on her  soft  cotton pink nightie, combed her hair and lay on the soft bed with her book.

Neel  tried to read the unfinished Agatha Christie.

Doll yawned.

“Doll … “

“Hmm… “  she continued reading ..

“Is Valentine’s day special for you ? “

“Yes.  Very special “

Doll put her book down and closed her eyes , preparing to sleep.

“Why ? “ Neel asked softly

“I met Sunilda on this date … “

Neel was shocked. Here it came… but … so casually  … ?

“Sunilda ? Who ? “ Neel’s voice trembled.

Doll kept her eyes closed.

“Yes, my only love Sunilda … How I love him … put off the lights … I am sleepy “

“You love him … ? “ Neel repeated like a parrot and put off the bedside lamp’s light.

“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 ”  Doll’s voice was sleepy.

“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 …  ”

Neel took Doll’s cell phone and saw the call list .

He saw “Neel” with the number of his second sim.

Doll  took away her phone and snuggled close to Neel .

“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 ...“

14^th Feb 2013, Belvedere, Calcutta

Birthday

They hardly talked to each other when they were in  Naba Nalanda school in Lake Gardens, Calcutta.

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^th 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^th , they seemed relieved. They became fast friends.

So, when Chandni  joined the Andersons Swimming Club ,  Moumita also wanted to do the same.  She pleaded with her mother and father.

“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 “  

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.

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. 

 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.

Baptu studies in the 3^rd 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^th.  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 Muri and call “Mishti… ! Bring your Maths exercise book”.   And when both the siblings scored good marks in Maths, he would look at Anindita and say “See… they are my children.. ! If a person does not know maths, then they are useless  …

When Mishti scored 95% in class 10^th and Baptu got into Jadavpur Engineering, both Anindita and Alok went to Kalighat,and after worshipping, they distributed sweets to the destitutes.

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 am frying some peanuts for your Muri”   Anindita said.   “Ok. And see that I get more peanuts than Mishti …... “ 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 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….. “

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.  

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.  

“Moumita, I am fed up of sweets. Please have this pastry . “  Chandni said  eyeing Moumita’s tiffin.

 “Well, then you have to eat the home made chow-mein“ Moumita said.

“Aunty makes such lovely chow-mein ! Heavenly “  said Chandni – closing her eyes and relishing the food.

“The Pastry seems to be from  Kathleen… very nice… ummm “ said  Mishti.

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…  

One Sunday,  Chandni came with a small envelope in her hand. She gave this to Mishti and said “ Next Saturday, the 20^th of July is my birthday. You are cordially invited “  she smiled and bowed. 

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 ”

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.

“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 ? “

“She stays in Alipore and her father owns a garment mill – right? “

“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.

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 ? “ 

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.

 “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.

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 …… “

-          “What ?? “

-          You have to massage my feet for a week “

-          “Ma… !! See .. Dada always asks for massage…  Why can’t he massage my feet ? “

-          “Well .. !  Then go ahead and spend your pocket money for your gift ..!”

The siblings threw pillows on each other and fought and laughed. 

*******************************************************************

On 20^th 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. 

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.

The car entered “Bangur Niwas” . 

“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.

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 … “

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 !

 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.

“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”

“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.

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.  

“The party will be really boring.  Please stay near me so that we can talk”

“Ok. But why boring ? “

“Papa’s clients come and it is just business talks. That is why I really really wanted you to come”

“Open the gift which I have given you”

“I already did !! I love the pen ! Thank you !”

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. 

“Where is your father ? “ Mishti asked.

“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

“Papa, meet my friend – Moumita”

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 ?”

“See , papa is so busy. He has to run four textile mills , you know ….”

Chandni kept a fixed smile on her face and kept on commenting on the guests

“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 !!” 

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.

“Oh My God ! It is 9.45 pm ! I have to go now “ Mishti exclaimed.

“Stay another 30 min” Chandni pleaded.

“No. I have promised my mother. I have to go now . ”

“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

“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.

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 ?

“Yes Baba ! A lot ! ” Mishti beamed.

Her happiness was short lived.

********************************************************************************

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.

“Mishti . Are you OK ? Everything well in school ? “

“Yes , Ma.  All is good. I have my exam next week , so have to study”

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 !”

22^nd 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^nd 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^nd   Aug , Alok and Anindita were worried. 

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 ?

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.

In the evening, Alok asked Mishti “ Mishti, my big girl , what present do you want for your birthday?”

“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.

On 22^nd 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. 

“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.  

“Baba, we can come on our own . We are big girls now !  We will take the 3D/1 bus and come home”

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.

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.

“Ma is so beautiful ! “ Mishti  thought  “She should put lipstick and kohl often. She looks like a goddess”.

“Welcome Chandni !  Come in.  Mishti talks so much about you that I know all about you”  Anindita smiled.

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. 

“You can go to the guest room and chat if you like”

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.  

“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.

Anindita had prepared Chow mien, Fried rice and Chilly Chicken .

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 !”

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

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 ? “

The night was dark.   Anindita  finshed cleaning the kitchen. . Baptu was asleep.

 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.

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 “.

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.

Alok and Anindita hugged Mishti .

“I love you Baba. I love you Ma. Will you also always love me even if I am sometimes bad ? “

“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 ………….”

Mishti believed them.   She held her mother’s hand while sweet slumber crept in.  Her  face was as blissful as a new born.

The next morning,  when Chandni was leaving for school , she smiled at the watchman when he said “Good morning Didimoni”