RAABTA

Sunday mornings were usually busy in the Gangopadhyay home but with Upendra and Sharat away, Nonibala Debi could find some time to herself and sat down to make a good Paan to relax and read a book with. She could not understand why Abhaya was crying when she rushed into her room and hugged her.  “What is wrong, Ma?” Nonibala Debi patted her oiled braided hair gently as her Ghomta fell from her head. “Why are you crying? Someone scolded you?” Nonibala Debi frowned.  “Yes.” Abhaya sobbed. “I don’t want to do maths. It is tough.” Nonibala Debi smiled, pressing her lips as she wiped away Abhaya’s tears and made her sit down on the edge of the bed. “Did Swadhin scold you?” Nonibala Debi asked calmly. “He comes home for two days and makes me study so hard.” Abhaya said in between sobs “And scolds me.” “How dare he?” Nonibala Debi nodded understandingly. “Let me set this right.” Swadhin appeared at the threshold of Nonibala Debi’s room and spotted Abhaya there. “There you are.” He s...

“We have a golden opportunity.” There was a hint of anticipation in Mohini’s voice as she paced Kalyani’s small room. Kalyani was sitting on the mat, her hair swept to one side, her saree wrapped around her body closely as if she was feeling cold. The Kerosene Lamp burnt bright on the floor beside her mat, making her contemplating calm face visible, in the darkness of the night. Sharat opened the window partially to let the smoke from his cigarette out as he perched on the window sill lost in thought.  “But what did Jones actually say?” He asked at last. Mohini stopped pacing the room and turned to him. “He said we are having all sorts of artists around. We want you to perform as well… then I said I will come alone because my girls won’t be interested in this family event. Marzi will come along to play the instrument.” She stopped and eyed Kalyani watching her as she continued. “But then Sa’ab told me that since I stay at Metia Bruz I must know all sorts of singers. He has alread...