RAABTA

T olte rishta jo chal unhe bata de  zid kya hoti hai zid karke ye bata de. The Roy Chowdhury house was decked up like it was Durga Pujo before the festivities. The entire village knew why. The soul of Roy Chowdhury's house, Bondita Roy Chowdhury was finally returning home. “She called yesterday.” Ashapurna smiled, sitting down on the couch after offering Trilochan Roy Chowdhury his morning tea. “ I told her you have gone to the station to pick up Bina Pishi. The examinations went really well. She was nervous, but once the papers started, she was, as usual, her challenging self.” She had a hint of pride in her voice. Trilochan smiled. “Did Batuk say when he is arriving?” Ashapurna shook her head. “He didn’t inform us, but he did write to Didibhai that he might not be able to come before Shosti. They don't have Pujo recess there.” Asha shrugged. Trilochan frowned. He spotted Binoy and Somnath all dressed up and ready to leave for work when they came down for breakfast and narrowe...

Aisi ek mashal jala ke bhed mitt jaye saare “Where were you all day?” Manorama entered her house to see her elder brother, Mohitosh, and her parents sitting livid in the living room.  “I went to college.” She shrugged, clutching the jute bag on her shoulder. In it was a revolver she had hidden, making a secret pocket in a dictionary. She had to carry it around since the time she realised her brother often checked her belongings in her absence. “Don’t lie to us.” Mohitosh looked visibly agitated. “Baba went to your college, but you were not there. Where were you that weekend?” He asked rather suspiciously. “I doubt it now.” “I was… at Bondita’s place. I told you.” She frowned. “She is lying again.” Mohitosh looked agitated. “Really? You can enquire about me .” She retorted. “Bondita and everyone present will tell you the truth.” “Why will she tell me the truth? She is your dear friend.” Mohitosh shrugged. “Ask her family then.” Her mother snapped “If Mano went there they would know....

  Larna pada toh duniya se lar jaungi Saath dega woh Agar ho hausla mera. The Sunday preparations were a mess as Aniruddha tried in vain to help Bondita out.  “Did you see how the saag was half rotten when you bought it?” She asked. “I did check, it wasn’t rotten then.” He shrugged.  “It became rotten magically in a few hours?” Bondita asked, with her hand on her waist. “Check the Ilish , it's so fresh.” He insisted. “I have learnt to know fish apart.” It made Bondita giggle. She took the spatula from his hand and shook her head “Go out of the kitchen now.” “I want to help. Should I cut some vegetables?” He asked. “Go and read the morning newspaper, Barrister Babu.” She snapped. “But I want to help. Should I clean the fish?” he offered. “Do you know how to?” Bondita raised her eyebrows as he almost made a pukish face at the smell of fresh raw fish. Aniruddha almost burnt the Shukto , which he insisted he could at least stir while Bondita fried the fish. Bondita was almos...