It took Trilochon half a day to figure out something was wrong at home. Since he was back, Somnath did not talk to him at all, and Aniruddha looked visibly upset. They avoided each other at the dining table and the living room. Trilochon was not comfortable with asking Ashalata anything. In the evening, as Kalindi poured tea from the pot, Trilochon groaned inwardly.
“It’s not even six months since he got married, and she has started a war between brothers.” Kalindi stopped pouring the tea as she turned to him.
“What?” She asked, a little cluelessly.
“If I had chosen a bride…” Trilochon stopped at Kalindi’s disapproving stare.
“What makes you say that?” She asked rather calmly.
“Well, I never saw Som and Aniruddha fight until she came here.” Kalindi looked amused at his words. “You are the type for whom people hate in-laws.”
“Pardon?” Trilochon narrowed his brows. “What do you mean?”
“Bondita. Ask Bondita.” Kalindi shook her head. “I told her it was a bad idea to work with him.”
“You have been too critical of Aniruddha lately.” Trilochon sounded displeased. “He did not need to take her side with Somnath. I don’t want her to be the cause of a dispute between brothers. I have seen enough of that already.” She eyed him as his jaws tightened.
“I don’t believe Bondita can ever cause any disruption. Som and Aniruddha both adore her. Both boys are just stubborn.” He shook his head. “I will handle it.”
“You will not even ask Bondita?” Kalindi looked at him in disbelief. “A moment ago, you were accusing Asha Bouma without any knowledge.”
“They will never be the same for me.” Trilochon shook his head. “I am sorry, but it is what it is.” Kalindi looked displeased. “It seems like Aniruddha Babu has taken after you.” Trilochon ignored the comment as he sipped on the tea. Kalindi continued, “It is your duty in the absence of a mother-in-law to make her feel like this is her house too…” She eyed him, nodding slightly. “Like you did for Bondita once. If you discriminate between them, Asha will feel intimidated and never feel like she belongs.” Trilochon eyed her briefly, his brows arched.
“Do you think she feels awkward or uncomfortable here?”
“Well, except for her working hours, she is mostly alone. I have seen her reading in her room or cooking a meal. But Somnath barely has time for her. So does everyone else. You should also take care of her expectations. She is not here to cook your meals.” Kalindi shrugged. Trilochon rubbed his hand on the handle of his ivory cane, lost in thought. “Of course not.” He murmured. “Perhaps you can tell Somnath this?” Kalindi looked startled at his words.
“Me?” She shook her head. “I don’t think that is a good idea.”
“Bondita could…” He cleared his throat “But he…”
“Can I share something I feel?” Kalindi cleared her throat, unsurely, as he nodded.
“Somewhere, Asha did not expect things to turn out the way it is.”
“Meaning?” Trilochon frowned. “She knew his work, our family and chose…”
“I know.” Kalindi nodded. “But before you are married, you have an idea of a life ahead, and afterwards reality hits.” She sighed as Trilochon wondered if she spoke from personal experience. He dared not ask. Kalindi shook her head as she adjusted her white saree over her head. “It will go away once she feels at home. But no matter what Bondita and I do, you have to do your bit; Somnath has to do his.” Trilochon wondered what he could do.
Somnath was summoned to Trilochon’s bedroom in the evening. His version of the incident made it amply clear to Trilochon that he was not telling the entire truth. Asha walked in with tea when she saw her husband standing in front of Jethu’s chair, his gaze lowered.
“Bouma, tell me the truth. What made Aniruddha angry when Somnath was talking to Bondita?” He eyed his nephew as Asha looked a little pale. For the first time, Trilochon had asked for her opinion.
“I…” Som briefly looked up at Asha. He had apologised to her for the day but refused to apologise to Bondita or Aniruddha as she suggested. It had led to an argument between them, and they had not talked since. He came home late, ate his dinner and slept well into the morning while Asha got up early for school, went about her chores and left before he woke up. Asha had learnt not to wait for him till late, as she kept his food and sometimes that of Aniruddha on the table and went to bed. It had been three days, and she felt suffocated. Asha inhaled.
“He said some things to Bondita which he should not have.” Somnath looked away, and his jaws tightened at her words. Trilochon straightened himself in his chair, alarmed.
“Like?” Asha gulped. She knew she was going to face her husband’s wrath the moment they were alone. She looked up briefly at her husband, who could not meet her gaze.
“He called her an outsider not fit for…” Asha rubbed her sweaty palms together. “Our standards.” Trilochon stood up as Som stepped back. He eyed his nephew with tightened jaws.
“I did not expect you to share your father’s thoughts.” He rebuked.
“I don’t…” Som shook his head. “I was angry.”
“That doesn’t give you the right to say anything to anyone, especially that sensitive.” Trilochon rebuked. He was aware that he was speaking to Somnath in front of his wife, so he tried not to raise his voice and intimidate her.
“I know, I… will apologise to her.” Somnath briefly eyed Asha, who tried in vain to decipher if he meant it before she walked away to the kitchen.
Asha walked into the bedroom to find Somnath by the desk, searching for something. She was unsure of whether to make conversation as she walked up to the bed and started putting the clothes that had come from pressing into the wardrobe. He eyed her briefly and cleared his throat.
“I can’t find my speech.” She glanced over her shoulder with questioning eyes.
“My speech for tomorrow’s rally.” He said again. Asha walked up to the desk and eyed the mess. The piece of paper was sticking out of a book by Garibaldi. She pointed at it. She was about to resume her chores when Somnath held her back by her wrist, alarming her. She jolted in a reflex. The moment she did, he let go and appeared hurt. Asha looked up at his dejected face, wondering if her reaction made him angry. Somnath shook his head and asked, “You don’t like it here, do you?” Asha’s brows narrowed as her mouth opened slightly, but she did not speak. “You are alone all day, doing everything for everyone, and yet, no one barely talks to you.”
Asha wondered where it was coming from. She tried to force a smile.
“Everyone has their own thing…”
“And you have ample complaints about me, I understand.” He looked away. Asha inhaled.
“Look, Som. I do have complaints, but those are natural. I am sure you have some, too. If not about me, then about someone else.” She shrugged as he looked up at her words.
“I know I should not have said those things to Bondita, and I should not have shouted when you told me to apologise.” Asha nodded at his words.
“You know what we teach the children? Actions speak louder than words. They always do. If you are sorry, show it.” Asha looked firm. Som looked up at her words. “And I promise to give you more time. And once the election is done with, I will take you on a vacation.” Asha smiled at his words. “We can’t go during exam season, or else we will spend our holiday checking papers.” She joked to lighten the mood. Somnath forced a smile. Asha could see his repentance in his eyes. She was glad that she could find a glimpse of the man she loved. She hugged him. Som held her tighter than he usually did. Asha could not help but wonder if Trilochon had anything to do with the enlightenment of her husband’s duties towards her. If he did, she was thankful.
Bondita was about to walk into the Roy Chowdhury house when Bihari intercepted her in the hallway and informed her that Choto Malik had left for work early in the morning. Bondita frowned as she checked her watch and the schedule in her diary. His first meeting was at 10 AM. She checked her phone, which showed no calls or messages. He could have told her. She took an auto to the firm and was about to enter the chamber when she heard his voice. He was shouting at someone on the phone. The receptionist had followed Bondita inside and whispered to her that he seemed to be in a bad mood. Bondita inhaled. She was determined not to bring up that night in her behaviour or words so that it would be less awkward for her. She was sure he made nothing of his vulnerability or their proximity, even when it took her breath away. She was an employee, doing her job, until she went on to better things. Her promise echoed in her head as she knocked once. He did not hear her over the agitated phone call. She breathed in and entered as he turned around, and their eyes met briefly before he turned his back to her, indulging in the call while she set her things down. He eyed her in the black Kurti and silver jhumkas, her hair done up, as he eyed the schedule. She did not have a court appearance. Bondita sat down at the computer and eyed him. He looked like a mess; he had not shaved, and he looked weary if he had not slept all night. Bondita eyed the clock hands at 9.45. She arranged the papers for the meeting and waited for him to slam the phone as he murmured some abuse at the caller, expressing how stupid they were. Bondita got up from her chair as he stood by his desk, tapping his fingers on a file thoughtfully.
“The 10 AM papers.” She placed the files down beside him as he looked puzzled. The aroma of her shampoo made him shift a little as he asked,
“What?” with narrowed brows, adjusting the rim of his glasses.
“10 AM, The Singhs.” She tapped on the schedule at his desk without looking up. A lock of her hair partially blocked her lowered gaze from his view as he nodded.
“Thank you.” She returned to her desk with a nod as he cleaned his glasses with a handkerchief and put them back in his pocket.
“You also have a case in the district court after lunch.” She did not look at him as she spoke from behind the computer.
“I remember.” He said almost in a reflex.
“Should I come along?” Bondita eyed his cold response. “There are a lot of papers to carry, and Amit Da is occupied in another…”
“No need.” He shook his head as he collected the papers for the meeting. Bondita was about to follow when he stopped her.
“Work on another case.” He shook his head, making her look a little clueless.
“Which one?” She frowned.
“I don’t know, Bondita. Aren’t there plenty? You know better about your workload than to follow me around.” Aniruddha looked irked. Bondita eyed him as her jaws tightened. She nodded. She went back to her desk as he left the chamber.
Aniruddha shut the door behind him and exhaled. This was a lot tougher than he had anticipated. Avoiding her, especially when she handled all his paperwork. He made a mental note to shift her out of the chamber the next week. He would give her a good promotion to avoid making it personal. If I continue being cold for a few days, she will stop interfering in my life. Everything will be back to the way it was. The way it is supposed to be.
Aniruddha was back in the chamber after one and a half hours, his sleeves folded up, wearing a satisfied look as he discussed a case with another lawyer. Bondita did not look up from her computer except to greet the senior lawyer. When he left, Bondita checked her phone. It was almost lunchtime. She eyed Aniruddha, holding the side of his forehead as if it hurt, as he removed his glasses and closed his eyes briefly. Bondita searched her bag for a painkiller.
Aniruddha eyed the painkiller she placed on his desk.
“What is this?” He asked, sounding annoyed.
“Your head is aching so…” Bondita looked intimidated.
“Did I ask you for medicine?” He looked up at her scornfully, as Bondita was a little shocked at the reaction. She shook her head; her mouth opened, but no words came out of it.
He stood up as she took a step back. “Bondita, you are here to work and learn. Focus on that. You are not the firm’s nurse.” He pushed the painkiller away from his desk, and it fell on the floor. Bondita’s jaws tightened as she refused to pick them up.
“I was trying to help.” She snapped. Aniruddha looked even more irked.
“Did I ask you to help?” He shook his head as he put on the glasses again. “You are not my mother, Bondita. When I eat or when I need medicines are not your professional concerns.” He stopped as Bondita looked up at him, visibly upset.
“I am sorry.” She uttered firmly. “Sir.” She returned to her desk, took out the extra Chirer Polao that Kalindi had made for her, and placed it on the coffee table. “Before you snap at me, Thamma made this. I will tell her not to from now on.”
“Good.” He murmured as she took her tiffin and was about to leave the room.
“Where are you going?” He asked, irked.
“To have it where I am supposed to have it.” She left the chamber door swinging as he eyed her leave. Bondita could sense the surprised gaze of her colleagues as they stared at her eating in a corner of the lunchroom. She hurried with her food, gobbling it down with water from the bottle with great difficulty and resumed her work. She made it a point to leave sharp at six like the other interns.
Aniruddha came home early from work, and as shocked as he was to see Trilochon and Som having tea with Asha’s father in the living room, they were equally shocked to see him home so soon. He greeted Asha’s father and touched his feet as he repeated that he was coming this way and wanted to see his daughter. Aniruddha shared pleasantries and excused himself to the study. He eyed the empty file pile. Bondita had not come by, although she left the office well before six. That was odd. He asked Koeli for coffee.
“I will tell…” Koeli was about to leave when he stopped her.
“No.” He shook his head. “Have you not made coffee all these years?” He made Koeli look surprised as he added, “Why bother anyone?”
The moment Aniruddha sipped on the coffee, he involuntarily made a face and pushed the cup away. He stared at it for a moment and closed his eyes to compose himself before he got back to his work. His head was throbbing, and he eyed the strip of painkillers he had picked up from the floor of the chamber when she left to have lunch. He popped a pill and hoped for it to work.
Som came by the study and knocked. Aniruddha looked up from behind his glasses.
“Can we talk?” he asked, unsurely, as Aniruddha put aside the paperwork and nodded.
“What are you here to accuse me of, again?” Aniruddha frowned, removing his glasses.
“I… am here to apologise.” Som scratched his head. “I…”
“Apologise to Bondita, not me.” Aniruddha shook his head. “Only she can forgive you.” Som nodded.
“I will, Dadabhai. But I need to say sorry to you first.” He looked unsure as Aniruddha offered him a seat.
“Look, Som, I know you are grown up, and you can make your own choices. But please keep in mind that those choices will have an impact on people in your life. Especially Asha. Jethu has made a reputation for himself…”
“I get it.” Som nodded. “She is upset with me. She doesn’t say it, but I can feel the disappointment in her eyes. I will make it up to her.”
“She has nobody except you here. We are all her family because of you.” Aniruddha reminded him. Som smiled faintly.
“You would make a good husband.” He said abruptly as Aniruddha eyed him, “In case you don’t know that.”
“I think I failed at being what I was supposed to be. Ma always told me to look out for both of you,” Aniruddha sighed. “I should also apologise…”
“No, Dadabhai, you are the best brother one could ask for. I was wrong. I am not ashamed of saying that. My anger got the better of me.” Aniruddha smiled faintly at his brother’s truthful admission. Not all that his mother had taught them was lost on Somnath. She always said that no matter how big a mistake was, admitting your fault made you stronger.
“You know what Ma used to tell Baba when he was angry?” Som looked up at his words. he was about eight when she passed. He did not remember such details, only good memories.
“She said we say things in anger which our rational mind bars us from saying… But we mean it all at that moment.” Som looked embarrassed at his implications.
“I will admit something. Although, like Baba, I don’t hate them, it is difficult for me to treat Thamma and Bondita the way I treat Jethu or Batuk. They are like family to me, Dadabhai, but not family… Don’t get me wrong…” Som stopped briefly, unsure if he had upset his brother again, as Aniruddha nodded. “That is fine, you are allowed to feel what you feel. What you aren’t allowed to do is make someone else feel that way or force it on them.” Aniruddha seemed calm, and Somnath agreed to his words. “Asha has eased up on Bondita more than anyone else here.” He admitted. “Something I couldn’t quite do when she came here. I must admit, I was jealous of Bondita.” He smiled sheepishly as Aniruddha looked confused. “It was petty of me to do that.”
“Why would you…” Aniruddha frowned. “Be jealous?”
“She got a good share of your attention and protectiveness, and you might not feel it, but when she is around, you don’t pay a lot of attention to anyone else.” Som shook his head as Aniruddha felt something drop to the pit of his stomach.
“I had no intention to ignore you or Batuk.” He said firmly.
“I know, but Batuk being younger, you always treated me as an adult. I grew up before I was supposed to, but I guess so did you.” Som shook his head. “So, it doesn’t matter.”
“Yes, it does. Why did you not say anything?” Aniruddha shook his head. Som was about to say something when he heard Bondita at the entrance talking to Koeli.
“Keep these files in the study room.” Bondita was about to leave when Koeli stopped her.
“But Didimoni, you did not make the Tulsi paste for Choto Malik today, and Boro Malik was asking about you; he had not seen you all day.”
“Koeli Didi.” Bondita sounded irked, “You know how to make it. He is a grown man who can ask for things if he needs them. Isn’t it?” Koeli did not speak of the coffee. Som sounded worried at Bondita’s voice as he eyed his brother, pretending to be busy, his jaw tightened.
“Did she… get angry with you because of me?” Som asked.
“What?” Aniruddha feigned cluelessness. “Who?” Som shook his head. Aniruddha was a terrible actor. He walked out of the study room as Aniruddha sank back in his chair, and Koeli brought the files. He pointed at the pile as Koeli kept them and left. Aniruddha put his headphones on, connected them to his phone, and turned on the radio. He often listened to old songs to find peace. Today was a Kishore Kumar special.
Kehna Hai, Kehna Hai, Aaj Tumse Ye Pehli Baar
Tum Hi Toh Laaye Ho Jeevan Mein Mere, Pyar Pyar Pyar.
He removed the headphones and exhaled. He could not concentrate on work, no matter how hard he tried.
Bondita was surprised to see Som at the front door. He looked reluctant as Thamma welcomed him inside and offered him tea.
“Bondita, I am very sorry. I was angry and behaved irrationally.” He said as soon as he sat down. Bondita nodded, eyeing Thamma, who went into the kitchen to make tea. “It's Alright, Dada. If Boudi sent you…”
“She didn’t. She has been upset with me since.”
“Then talk to her,” Bondita reassured him. “Don't bother about me. You saying something to me is like a lesson to me. I don’t feel offended. I should not, I call you Dada. You have every right to point out my mistakes.”
“No, Bondita. It is true that now my apology may look fake, as I have sometimes treated you differently from family, without having the intention to. You know that, right?” Som shook his head. Bondita sat down on the chair and smiled.
“I know your apology is not fake. But I also know what you said in anger was also true.” Som tried to protest as she shook her head. “I should stop trying to seek any approval from anyone, which can cause people to question my abilities.”
“Bondita… I… did not mean…” Som protested.
“I understand, Dada. But I feel you are right. Sometimes, we need someone else to see our flaws. I can't let the world question my potential by being in your brother’s shadow all the time.” Som looked up at Bondita’s words. She didn't seem hurt. She seemed practical. He cleared his throat.
“Don’t be angry with Dadabhai over this…” He suggested as she frowned.
“Angry?” Bondita shook her head. “Amar ghare kota matha ache!” She let him know she did not have such audacity. Som smiled. He knew if anyone did have the audacity to question Aniruddha, show their disappointment to him and even show disdain to him, it was always her. Som shook his head.
“I don’t want any issues between you because of me…” He emphasised.
“And I because of me.” Bondita chimed in. “Thamma has been angry with me since.”
“I will tell her it was not your fault.” Som offered. “But do you want to work additionally, away from his firm?” Bondita nodded.
“I am thinking about it. Thamma said I should look for offers in Kolkata.”
“What if…” Som contemplated. “You can do some meaningful work and not leave?” Bondita asked what he was suggesting.
“If you want to work alone for some social cause…” Bondita nodded.
“There are some NGOs that Jethu knows that send legal help to poor villagers for free. You will get paid by them, though not as much as private firms. You have to choose a village, stay a few days and set up a legal aid camp for a day or two. Help them out.”
“That is interesting, Dada.” Bondita contemplated. “But…” Som read her thoughts.
“Don't worry; it's not a political campaign.” He reassured her. “Dadabhai went a few times. Jethu has a list. I will tell him you are interested.”
“ Let me talk to …” Bondita stopped, alarmed as Som smiled faintly.
“Dadabhai, of course. Otherwise, he will feel I am trying to drive you away,” he admitted.
“I will have to talk to him because of my work. I may need to take a leave of absence.” Bondita said firmly, “I am not taking his permission.” Som smiled.
Bondita eyed him to take the tea from Thamma.
“Are you unwell?” Somnath’s question startled Kalindi. She shook her head.
“She did not go home, so I thought… Dadabhai was looking for her.” Kalindi eyed Bondita, who looked away.
“I was busy with a case…” Bondita stood up.
“Jethu is home. Let's go talk to him about the work now,” Somnath suggested. Kalindi watched her eye the clock uneasily. “Go on, child.” She agreed.
Som led Bondita into the house, much to Asha’s relief. She smiled at Bondita as Som enquired about Trilochon. He was in his room. Bondita eyed the shut door of the study room as she walked up the stairs, and Asha followed with “Dadabhai is downstairs. Should I call him?” Som shook his head. Bondita eyed Asha and looked away as they walked into Trilochon’s room with Som. He looked up at them with a pleased smile.
“Reconciled?”
“We never fought, we debated.” Bondita shook her head, dismissing his stare.
“She wants to talk about the legal aid program, Jethu.” Som smiled.
“What is wrong with it?” He looked scared, and that made Bondita smile.
“Nothing, I want to participate.” Bondita tried to sound enthusiastic, but her face looked grim and tired.
“Alone?” Trilochon eyed Som “What will he…”
“I want to start working away from the firm too… such humanitarian bids…”
Trilochon opened the desk drawer and brought out a pamphlet. “Here are the places… Debipur, Tulsipur, Alamethi…” he eyed her. The mention of Alamethi made her look up as Som frowned. “She can’t go back there, it's not safe for her.”
“It is not unsafe if she is going from my side.” Trilochon shook his head in disagreement. “She is not a criminal who will keep running from her roots. It's been years.”
“But… Dadabhai…” Som looked unsure. Bondita’s jaws tightened. “Dada, let me decide for myself. Please.” Som agreed with a nod. He wondered if he should let Aniruddha know to avoid any misunderstandings.
