Express

The fashion during those days was that during winter holidays people of Calcutta used to go to villages for change. Aniruddha's first friend in advocacy life was Shekhar Mukherjee. He is the son of a business family in Calcutta. Their gold business had been around for a long time. Since Aniruddha told him about Tulsipur, Shekhar wanted to go and spend a few days there. First Aniruddha avoided it. He did not know how Shekhar would view his family and village life, apart from that he did not tell his friend anything about Bondita as well. All he knew was that Aniruddha was married. Aniruddha didn't want Shekhar to see their relationship wrongly after hearing about his friend's child marriage and not understanding his situation. But Shekhar was adamant about going to Tulsipur. Hence Aniruddha was forced to tell him everything. But his reaction was unexpected. Shekhar understood that Aniruddha's married life was not normal even though he didn't say it. It suddenly occurred to him that this new-found friend had a lifelong deprivation from pleasure and lust and he needed to change that. He invited Aniruddha to a Baijibari in Chitpur. He suppressed his purpose of the invite from Aniruddha.

Aniruddha heard that his father sometimes travelled to these Mehfils. He had a strong desire to know how these events were. He heard from his friends that the Baijis are very beautiful, their voices like nymphs and their Kathak dance performances rich. But if someone in Tulsipur came to know he went there? Jethamoshai would be angry. He did not like the taste of his younger brother in this case. Aniruddha also stayed away from alcohol. That was the real thing in these events.
"No, you don't have to do that." Shekhar insisted. “You go, see, learn, what else? If you understand, it is also an experience.” Aniruddha agreed, deciding not to tell Bondita where he was going. She did not enquire if he said there was a party, he would stay at Shekhar's house for the night. Shekhar secretly thought of formulating his plan.

The junction of Chitpur led to a narrow bylane. A hired carriage stopped there. After settling his fare, Aniruddha followed Shekhar. Shekhar told him one should not come to Baiji Para wearing pants and a shirt. So Aniruddha settled for the Dhuti Panjabi for the real experience. Aniruddha said he had an invite in Calcutta at home. Bondita put his money bag, and perfume handkerchief neatly for him. She did not ask her husband a single question. Aniruddha felt suffocated by her trust that day. He came out of the house hurriedly. Shekhar stopped in front of a house. The sound of music was coming from inside. Two stairsteps were barely visible in the dim light. Suddenly a woman stood there and asked "Did you bring this new Babu today?"

"He's my friend," Shekhar replied as Anirudha felt uncomfortable at the observation of the woman. "Babah! He is red with embarrassment." The woman laughed. She offered garlands of Bel. Shekhar bound one around his wrist, and Aniruddha followed after him. He then followed the woman to the third floor. There a girl suddenly spread watered perfume on them. The strong smell made Aniruddha feel like he would have a headache. The event was in a large room, first an older woman sang, she was the main Baiji and then came the dance performance. To be honest, Aniruddha liked it. How many Ragas, how many dance forms, and how many unknown resources of Hindustan culture survived in the house of these Baijis? For whatever reason they do this, they have immense respect for their art. In the middle of the night, Aniruddha checked his watch. Shekhar was busy drinking.

"Say, let's get up now?" Aniruddha asked Shekhar, close to his ear. Shekhar laughed. "Wait my friend, I have prepared something special for you." Shekhar staggered and took Aniruddha to another Kothi house next door. Aniruddha followed because he did not find it wise to leave him alone. Shekhar went to a girl about his age and stood there. He gave the girl some money. She was wearing a Benarasi and jewellery as if she were a new bride.

"Go ahead with her, I'm coming," Shekhar said to a confused Aniruddha.

"Where?" Aniruddha asked. The girl came forward with a smile, "Are you afraid Babu, will I harm you?" Before he could say anything, the girl entered a room holding Aniruddha's hand and closed the door.

“What is this? What are you doing?” Aniruddha protested.

"What your friend told me to do." The girl laughed and threw her garland at him. "You don't have any experience at this age?" She sounded amused. Aniruddha's jaw tightened. Shekhar brought him for this? Did he mean this in his words? "Is there a wife at home? No?"

"Yes." Aniruddha didn’t know why he could not disrespect the girl as he replied. The girl smiled again, "She is that young, is she?" He remembered Bondita’s face. Suddenly Aniruddha couldn't stand in that room anymore. As if he was disrespecting their relationship.

Aniruddha walked out of the house, not wanting to know where Shekhar was. He came to the street and took a Tanga. All through the journey, Aniruddha kept wondering, was Shekhar wrong? It's normal to have desires like Shekhar did at his age. But more important than fulfilling that need was Bondita’s trust in him. She might be young, but she was his wedded wife. Aniruddha had the maturity to know what their relationship was like, even if eleven years Bondita did not. He could not knowingly commit any wrongdoing towards Bondita. What if Anirudha had lost control of his emotions after listening to Shekhar for a moment? Could he ever forgive himself? Could he ever become worthy of Bondita again? And if Bondita came to know when she understood, wouldn't her respect for him decrease? Could he live with that? For the first time, Anirudha was afraid of losing his wife by his actions.

When Aniruddha returned home, Bondita was lying on the bed with a book. She suddenly stood up when she saw him, "You?" Worry swept across her face, “You were supposed to come tomorrow. Are you sick?” Aniruddha’s sudden hug made her stop. Bondita was surprised. She only held Aniruddha like that when she was afraid. She had never seen Aniruddha do that. But what was he afraid of?

"Are you also afraid of something?" Questioned Bondita. Aniruddha sighed looking into her eyes.

"I was terrified, I've never felt anything like this before," Aniruddha says putting his hand on her head.

"Are you not braver than anyone else?" Bondita questioned with undying faith.

"No matter how brave," said Aniruddha, bowing slightly to her height, "everyone is afraid of losing some precious things." Knowing that the meaning of his words would not be understood, Aniruddha could speak his mind to Bondita more easily. Bondita nodded wisely.

“Don't worry, Barristra Babu. Bondita will not let you lose anything valuable.” Aniruddha was overwhelmed by her assurance.

The next day he informed Shekhar by telegram that he would not be coming to Tulsipur.

ALL CHAPTERS / Original VersionOriginal Version

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A Time To Remember

“Jija.” Heer hugged Ajabdeh and immediately felt she was home. They were standing on the stairs of the Punwar Mansion entrance Ajabdeh was pleasantly surprised to see her. Her hug felt warm and comfortable. Ajabdeh placed her hand on her sister’s head. No amount of video calls could make up for this feeling. “Have you not been eating in Delhi?” She frowned at her sibling “You look thinner.” Heer shook her head and wiped her tears. “I missed you.” “That is your surprise number one.” Shakti walked up behind her on the threshold. “Best ever.” Ajabdeh smiled at him and back at Heer, holding her hands tighter in her own and kissing her cheeks. “Wait for the rest to decide that,” Shakti warned. Ajabdeh shook her head. “Still the best. This is not replaceable.” Her eyes met Pratap’s across to the portico of the cars where he was helping his mother out. He walked over to Heer and smiled at her. “How are you?” He asked. “We talk every day.” She frowned at his words “Remember?” Ajabd...

Realisation

That year Ranna Puja at the Roy Chowdhury home was special. It was the first time Bondita was supposed to cook the Bhog by herself. Trilochan Babu did not want to give her the responsibility of cooking alone until she was sixteen years old. Trilochan Babu reminiscenced how Aniruddha’s mother used to cook the entire Bhog alone from that age and there was no reason Bondita could not do the same. Aniruddha protested. "Is this the age for Bondita to do these things? Her exams are near." He stopped at Trilochan Babu's glare. Jethamoshai's expression was as if he knew what Aniruddha might say. "Look, she is your wife, you are teaching her to read and write, sending her to school, you don't listen to us, we have accepted that. But being the eldest daughter-in-law of Roy Chowdhury's house is not a responsibility she can ignore. She must follow the rules of our house, I am still here.” Aniruddha stopped at his words. “Don't you worry? I will study at night.”...

Appeasement

If anyone had ever told Aniruddha that stopping child marriage was a big mistake on the part of the Brahmo Samaj and the British government, he would not have hesitated to voice his protest. The idea of initiation into the Brahmo society came to his mind also. He was not afraid to opine that many rules of society were wrong. One such was that no one from the Zamindar's house ever went to any villagers’ ceremonies. He wanted to go to Devaditya's wedding and he even argued with his father to allow him there. His first revolution was that. On that day, mass weddings were organized in Devipur village. It was good for poor fathers who saved a lot of money. Devaditya has already said that Sampoorna belonged to a poor house. Aniruddha's desire to see such a program had been there for a long time. But little did he know, he would find Bondita there. On that day, Anirudha changed his fate by choice. People said that he brought disaster in his life that day. But Aniruddha often th...

My Everything

Kunwar Pratap stormed into the Mahal at Gogunda. Happy faces of the chieftains and soldiers welcomed him as Rao Ramrakh and Rawatji stopped the ongoing Raj tilak. A visibly scared Kunwar Jagmal looked clueless at a visibly angry Kunwar Pratap. Rani Dheerbai Bhattiyani hadn't expected this son of Mewar to show up that too twenty-one days after his father's death. He was not informed as per Dheerbai's instructions. She looked at Rawat Ji. He must have gone to Raoji at Bijolia. No one except them knew where Kunwar Pratap was staying. It was for the safety of his family. " What are you doing Chotima?" A disappointed voice came. She could stoop down so low? " We were about to inform you..." She spoke up in her defence. " When Dheerbai ji?" Maharani Jaivanta Bai, clad in white entered the hall as people bowed before her. " After your son's coronation?" " I did nothing Badima I swear!" A low voice came from Jagmal. " Maha...

Changing Thoughts

" Ajabde." Jaivanta Bai hugged her as Kunwar Pratap unknowingly smiled at the duo. He didn't realise he was not feeling jealous of Ranima's affection for her anymore. " It's so good that you are back." Sajja smiled. " Now you will help us with the Teej preparations." Ajabde smiled nodding as Kunwar Pratap said " I will go to the arena, I will be there after... I mean....at Lunch." He left in haste as Jaivanta Bai stared at Ajabde who had a little pink blush on her cheeks. Jaivanta Bai smiled as she was not sure if Pratap said that to her or his wife. All through the day, Ajabde helped by going through the smallest details of the Teej Preparations until lunchtime. All the Ranis were impressed by how she knew everything so easily. She walked into her room post lunch and gasped at the scene. The maps, the books, and his things were all scattered where they were not meant to be. The Daasis were apparently too scared to touch his import...

Upolobdhi

উপলব্ধি সেদিন বাড়িতে রান্নাপুজো ছিল । বন্দিতার সেবার প্রথম ভোগ রান্নার পালা। পনেরো বছর বয়েস অবধি তাকে একা ভোগ রান্নার দায়িত্ব দিতে চায়নি ত্রিলোচন বাবু। সেবার তার বয়েস ষোল হলে ত্রিলোচন বাবু জানায় ঠিক অনিরুদ্ধের মায়ের মতন ওই একই বয়েস থেকে সম্পূর্ণ ভোগ রান্না করবে সে। অনিরুদ্ধ প্রতিবাদ করে। “বন্দিতার এখন বয়েস এইসব করার? সামনে পরীক্ষা ওর।” ত্রিলোচন বাবুর চাউনিতে থেমে যায় সে। জ্যাঠামশাইয়ের হাবভাবটা এমন যেন তিনি জানতেন অনিরুদ্ধ কি কি বলতে পারে। “দেখো বাপু, তোমার স্ত্রী, তুমি পড়াচ্ছ লেখাচ্ছ আমাদের বাঁধা শোন না, আমরা মেনে নিয়েছি। কিন্তু রায় চৌধুরী বাড়ির বড়বউ হওয়া মুখের কথা না। আমাদের বাড়ির রীতি মেনে তাকে চলতেই হবে, আমি এখনও বেঁচে আছি।” তার কথার সুরে থেমে যায় অনিরুদ্ধ। “আপনি চিন্তা করবেন না। আমি সব পড়া রাত্রে করে রাখবো।” আশ্বাস দেয় বন্দিতা। ‘আর কি, তারপর সারাদিন খেটে শরীর খারাপ হোক, আর পরীক্ষা দিতে হবে না, ভালই তো।” বিদ্রুপ করে অনিরুদ্ধ। বন্দিতা মুচকি হাসে। তাতে আরো রাগ হয় তার। “হাসছো কেন? মশকরা করছি আমি?” বন্দিতা আঁচল টেনে নেয় মাথার উপর। “আমি না করলে কে করবে এসব?” তার প্রশ্নে পাকা...

Prokash

প্রকাশ শীতের ছুটিতে কলকাতার লোকেদের ছিল বাইরে গিয়ে হওয়া বদলের চল। অনিরুদ্ধর ওকালতি জীবনের প্রথম বন্ধু শেখর মুখার্জী। সে কলকাতায় এক বনেদী পরিবারের ছেলে। তাদের সোনার ব্যবসা অনেকদিনের। অনিরুদ্ধের মুখে তুলশিপুরের কথা শোনার পর থেকেই শেখরের ইচ্ছা সেখানে গিয়ে কদিন কাটিয়ে আসে। প্রথম প্রথম অনিরুদ্ধ তাতে বাঁধা দেয়। তার পরিবার ও গ্রামের জীবন যাপনকে শেখর কি দৃষ্টিতে দেখবে তা তার জানা নেই, তা ছাড়া বন্দিতার ব্যাপারেও কিছু বলেনি সে বন্ধুকে। সে শুধু জানে অনিরুদ্ধ বিবাহিত। যদি বন্ধুর বাল্যবিবহের কথা শুনে তার পরিস্থিতি বুঝতে না পেরে শেখর তাদের সম্পর্ককে ভুল ভাবে দেখে তা আর পাঁচ কান হোক সেটা অনিরুদ্ধ চায়না । কিন্তু শেখর নাছোড়বান্দা সে তুলশিপুর যাবেই। অগত্যা সব খুলে বলে তাকে অনিরুদ্ধ। কিন্তু তার প্রতিক্রিয়া একেবারে অপ্রত্যাশিত। অনিরুদ্ধের বন্দিতার সাথে স্বাভাবিক সম্পর্ক নেই তা সহজেই বোঝে শেখর তার না বলা সত্যেও। তাতে হঠাৎ তার মনে হয় এই নতুন পাতানো বন্ধুটি কামরসের মোহ থেকে যে দীর্ঘ জীবন বঞ্চিত তা সে বদলে ছাড়বে। অনিরুদ্ধকে সে আমন্ত্রণ জানায় চিতপুরে এক বাঈজীবাড়ির আসরে। তার আসল মতলব চেপে যায় অনিরু...

The Zamindar’s Wife

"O Bou , looks like you have invited the daughter-in-law of the Zamindar house too!” Uma Thakuma said in a slightly displeased tone. Sampurna looked up at her mother-in-law, worried. Her age was not more than twenty-two, but she had been married for a long time though nobody kept track of years in villages. After such a long unfruitful marriage, there was a reason for happiness in the family, today was her Sadhpuron . How could she have not invited the little sister who was her nearest relative in the village, to her baby shower? Even when Bondita was the daughter-in-law of the Zamindar's house, did it erase their blood relationship and grow into merely their class division? Her mother-in-law lowered her voice when she said, “Even if you invite her, she will not come. They are our God, have you ever heard that God comes down to earth to the house of the poor, my child?” However, Uma Thakuma’s tone was different when she saw Bondita, the daughter-in-law of the Zamindars. ...

Eternally Yours

Ajabde woke up to find neither the pillow nor the husband beside her. That was really unusual. Has she overslept? No, it was dark and the first birds were singing. She sat up to find that he had neatly arranged the pillows and made his side of the bed and put his blanket over her. She checked the changing room. No, he was not there, but unlike other days his clothes were not in a mess. She freshened up and reached the dressing table. His brooch was not there. Where is he? Has the war... Her heart skipped a beat. What if he had left and not even woken her up? " Daasi? Daasi?" She called as one of them walked in. " Ji Kuwaranisa?" " Where is Kunwarsa?" " He left early in the morning for Dangal and then a visit to the village. Do you need anything?" " No, You may go now." She put on the sindoor in a worry. Maybe something urgent has come up. She walked to the Puja room and was shocked. Her garlands were made, the Chandan was in place and ...

RAABTA

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