RAABTA

It was Asha who brought Trilochon his mid-day tea late in his room the day after Holi and found him lost in thought. She informed him that Batuk had reached Kolkata and called. He looked upset for some reason, and Asha wondered what it was. The Holi party, the pujo, Kirtan and Jatra were all a success, and he had no reason to complain. If anything, he was supposed to be happy, especially with Binoy back home like he always wanted. Yet Trilochon had a frown on his face that refused to go. Asha cleared her throat, making him straighten himself as he picked up the porcelain cup from the tray set down on the tea table in front of him. Asha looked unsurely at her father-in-law. In these few months of marriage, she had observed the man enough to know his mood.  “ Kichu bolbe, Bouma ?” Trilochon enquired if Asha had something to say. She smiled, trying to sound cheerful as she said, “The annual examinations are over, so … your nephew was wondering if we should take a holiday before school...

Trilochon was so overwhelmed that Binoy came for the Pujo and Kirtan on Dol Purnima. Their neighbours, friends and acquaintances had all gathered in the Thakur Dalan, first for the pujo when the idol of Sree Radha and Sree Krishna were worshipped in the Dalan, and Horir Loot of Batasha and Naru were distributed. Unlike in the village, people here, especially children, did not fight over the Horir Loot . Bondita and Batuk took part in the ritual like they used to as kids, counting the number of Batasha each of them had, amusing the elders who reminisced about their childhood and how Batuk snatched Bondita’s share and ran as she chased after him, shouting. The Kirtan followed the pujo, the tales of Sree Krishna’s prowess, his Leela and Radha’s sacrifice were sung with the sounds of Dhol and Khanjani . It followed the devotional songs praising Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his praises to Lord Krishna. Bondita not only liked the stories of Kirtan but also how the crowd joined in the singing and...

“Why will Bondita not come for Holi?” Asha asked as she inspected the colours, Abir, Pichkiri and balloons Somnath had ordered from Baro Bazaar. He shrugged. “She is scared of colours, I think.” Asha smiled, a little amused at her clueless husband. “She is not ten anymore.” He looked up at her words with a sheepish smile, “Well, I never saw her play Holi, perhaps Dadabhai knows the reason.” Asha contemplated her husband’s words. She did not share a relationship with Aniruddha frank enough for him to share things about Bondita. It would be easier for her to ask Bondita instead. “If you wish for her to come,” Som said, like he could almost read her mind, “Perhaps you can invite her. She won’t say no to you.” Asha nodded. “It will be good to have the whole family together. It's not been so since the wedding.” She smiled. Som agreed as he matched the list with the things. “Yes, and Baba will be coming too, he told me not to tell Jethu, but I was surprised by that.” “Maybe because he an...