Link to part 1 of the Fiction
Chapter 3
Winds Storm
Come back to the contemporary era. Hiren Bhadra had finished his morning walk and the solitary journey in memory lane thinking so much about Pearl and their time together.
He helped Parul get ready. She touched his hand affectionately - at least it appeared, so soft. She said,"Thanks again. I wonder how you are coping with this new task, helping me take a bath and get ready daily. Hope, you do not regret marrying me".
Hiren Bhadra did not have a straight answer; either 'yes' or no. Some questions just did not have such a response.In his office days, colleague Rudra Chawla, a Punjabi colleague had said so aptly - "Hiren sahab, to the question, have your wife stopped beating you for drinking anymore; you cannot say 'yes' or 'no' even if you are dead drunk".
Hiren remembered a few other jokes cracked by Chawla, a jovial fellow. He simply told Parul - "Why do you think like this? Today's reality is I am your husband and you are my wife. This is the absolute truth...we have passed enough years together. Now we need to be together".
Parul was back in her form, a questioning woman and an accepted type of 'wife' keeping intact middle class values and vices. How could she allow Hiren walk away with a response like that?
"I never said, we need not be together. The question is why we need to be. But my question to you is more specific, are you happy to be with me? And more importantly in this new role?", Parul chuckled.
Hiren smiled again. He perhaps wanted to have a leisurely look at his wife and thus casually remarked,"Arey chalo. Let's go. Whatever queries you have. Now we should be out there for breakfast. I want to freshen up quickly".
Parul reached the breakfast table on the lawn. Her two brothers were already there. Two sisters-in-law would be walking in with the breakfast. She was not sure of the menu today. Sometimes they discuss these things the previous night; nothing was raised on this 'yesterday'. Hiren told his two brothers-in-law, "Your sister is here, I will join in ten minutes'.
Hiren walked into the bathroom and stood below the shower. What made him do things in a rush, he could not understand. But momentarily he thought, his eyes were moist. In no time, he felt angry with Pearl. Coming out of the bathroom he toweled himself dry. Perhaps he was still thinking about Pearl's mood swings and tantrums.
He took a book of quotations from the shelf and joined others on the lawn. "What book is that?," asked Hiren's eldest brother-in-law, and raised his hands for the book.
"This is a quotation book, old one!" remarked Hiren and handed it over to Mrityunjoy Chowdhury
Mrityunjoy flipped the pages and started reading aloud - one..."Look for small opportunities for happiness;you will get it right now. Otherwise you might run out of time".
He paused briefly, threw up both his hands and said - "Lovely quote Hiren. Do you agree, I agree.We ought to remain satisfied and happy in any circumstance we are".
His wife Geetanjali also joined the discussions and said, "All that is okay. We women do not have the luxury of being optimistic or pessimistic, Family children and husbands - all of you takeaway so much of our time".
Moloy Choudhury, her brother-in-law, quickly jumped into the fray and said, "Boudi, you are being unfair to Dada. I think I can say these things. My wife is the most nagging daughter my father-in-law could produce".
Everyone laughed out loud, but Moloy's wife Shampa was not happy about such remarks.
Parul also protested. "Chhorda, ei sab ki. What are all these? In fact, on the contrary, we know your wife is so sweet. You are a difficult man too, I know everything Chhorda. You have troubled me so much".
Most of them giggled again. Moloy was, however, silent for a while.
The atmosphere today was turning somewhat uncomfortable. Hiren Bhadra took upon himself the task of making things a little easy.
He said: "You all know, this morning I remembered my Punjabi colleague. He used to be a collection of one-liner quotes mostly distorted ones and also a humour box".
"Tai bujhi Is it so?," remarked Mrityunjoy - perhaps understanding it well how Hiren was trying to make the atmosphere easy.
By nature, Mrityunjoy hates arguments.
He is not quite the argumentative Bengali. Many years before he learned that it hardly makes sense to argue after a certain age. In fact, no one changes his or her perception about life or issues.
Moreover, the political polarisation was extreme among Bengalis; that even in a tiny Left-ruled state of Tripura -- some years back - he was aghast to find that even marriage proposals were discussed or compartmentalised saying - "Oh ! that's a Marxists family, how could we bring a girl from a family that supports CPI-M".
Somehow, Mrityunjoy said such 'compartmentalization' syndrome was not much in Durgapur when they were young. He has perhaps grown apprehensive of arguments. Peace is always merciful and priceless.
Mrityunjoy urged Hiren to share a few jokes of Rudra Chawla.
Hiren grinned briefly and then said, "This is also about marriage life, but none should take offence.The joke goes - This is a Delhi story; one woman telling her husband - "Why don't you advise your friend properly, I am told he is marrying that mad girl from Mayur Vihar".
The Husband responds quickly, " No, not at all, why should I stop him? He never gave advice when I was marrying".
Everyone laughed out loud. Mrityunjoy also laughed and said - Oh that's a great one.
On the other side, Moloy also giggled. Perhaps, this was an occasion, his laughter was guarded.
Perhaps he thought Shampa may not appreciate him laughing out that way - especially when the joke was essentially against women.
After a pause, Parul said, "Accha tell me Dada, why most jokes are against women or make fun of women".
Her husband, Hiren, protested. "This is not the case. Actually, you ladies often lack a sense of humour. Look at the Punjabis. I know of Sikh friends who would joke starting the sentence - "ek sardar tha".
Geetanjali as the eldest Bhabhi/Boudi tried to normalise the atmosphere. She said - "That's true.I think a joke is a joke, we should not think more on that. My best known comedian of all time has been Late Bhanu Bandyopadhyay. None can beat his presentation style".
Even Shampa seemed to reconcile and said - "Yes Didi, most of his one-liners also used to be against women".
Mrityunjoy countered: "What women ? He has not spared mythological characters. I often wonder had Bhanu Bandyopadhyay being active with his satires and dramas around 1990s and later, probably he would have been arrested".
"Yes, his satire on Ramayan in around 1982-83 made waves. But thankfully no one said it was against God or something," said Hiren.
Parul said - "I know what he is referring to. Dada, you all say my husband is a capitalist. But more than that I have always found him a pro-Hinduva forces or even a BJP minded politically. But you know dada, tomader Hiren is yet to cast his vote".
Moloy joined in - "Yes, Hiren you must explain today, why don't you vote? Exercising voting right is also a responsibility, I need not tell you this".
The breakfast menu was Pasta - of course prepared in a typical Bengali fashion - fried with light spices and sprinkles of egg fries and onions.
Hiren took a spoon and then sipped his fruit juice.
Hiren smiled. Everyone else seems waiting anxiously for his response.
"Well....it is like this," Hiren started. "What is politics and what does it mean in our lives? Why should to cast votes become so significant? Like all dynamic things, Politics too need changes.But in India due to various reasons, politics has changed pretty fast but in the wrong direction".
Mriyunjoy took a glass of juice - and remarked softly, "Carry on,,,it's okay".
Hiren felt a little distracted by Mrityunjoy's gestures but was back with his rhythm. "Whether I vote or do not vote would be important, if we can really bring about some changes. Indian elections only change winners and losers and at times the political parties. These are no changes. West Bengal moved from Left to a regional party and then coalition politics.
Even pre-Marxists days were like this. So where is the change? At the national level, some changes were expected around 2014, but nothing happened much. So many reasons for this.
When corruption is checked, I know people who do not like it. We are status quoists. A good job in India is still a job where you don't have to slog and you have a posting at your home station".
"Dhur" ! remarked Mrityunjoy adding - "These cannot be reasons for not voting. I understand, your point is, you are waiting for a Utopian world, and then you will vote. My point is if the changes have already happened and happened for good, we will not need your vote".
Moloy Choudhury supported his Dada, but was cautious of the fact that Hiren is elder to him and also there has to be a sensitivity as he is their sister's husband.
Come what may, he is 'boner bor', Moloy thought.
He cut his lips and remarked: "See, Hiren Da, I agree. Jiju, my point is different. Sometime, we really bring changes. Look at some states like Bihar - from caste war, violence and corruption in every sphere,the state has come up the ladder. Things had improved some years back in Madhya Pradesh. In fact, it came out of the BIMARU tag.
I am not being pro one party or the other, but it is a fact that under some regimes corruption goes up, under some regimes of course people could be talking more openly and intensely about patriotism, macho-nationalism and rights of Hindus and so on."
Hiren shot back: "I agree Moloy. The government in 2019 brought a major political change in Jammu and Kashmir. But skepticism prevailed for long. People suspected it was done with a motive. Indians are hardly united you see".
Now it was Moloy's turn. He has been politically Left inclined and was once an active student activist and had led demonstrations during the anti-new Citizenship law. Moloy and his groups still believe the new law enacted in December 2019-2020 was against Muslims.
Thus, he had to hit back: "The problem is Hiren, I will beg to differ, and differ quite strongly. We do not approve the manner in Uttar Pradesh, they made a Chief Minister out of a Monk. If he was a sincere Monk, I could have still tolerated".
"These forces created Romeo Squad and went against so called 'Love Jehad'. Even Christians were convinced about these but there were occasions even Christians were attacked," Moloy thundered.
The ladies were certainly not comfortable with so much heated talks on dry subjects like politics.
Parul knew how to silence her husband and her two brothers. But she was cautious as it was too early to believe that things could go out of control. She knew her husband and his typical argumentative nature. Her brother Chhorda (Moloy) too was sensitive on certain political matters. She kept silence for a while.
Hiren turned towards Mrityunjoy; and quipped - "See, this is why I hate to talk on certain subjects in this house. Even Parul is like that. Once a Left cadre, always a Left cadre. They have vanished from Soviet Union, Poland, West Bengal and would still say Rajiv Gandhi was 'computer boy'. Oh boy, please grow up".
Moloy was ready with his counter. "You all agree and endorse anti-Muslim stand. Even the great leader of 2014 was such a character. Well, we have never forgotten December 6, 1992 nor 2002".
Hiren had his pet question ready; perhaps Parul could guess. But he quickly threw up his question: "What about killing the Ananda Margis. Even 1947, there were questionable roles. Then they will forget 1984 or pretend nothing such happened".
Parul now had to calm both sides. She stared towards her two sisters-in-law and took their approval.
Quickly, she said "I am putting my veto power.No more political talk. If breakfast is over, let us discuss some outings. Let us go to Kolkata or this side of Jharkhand for some nice holiday spots. Boro Boudi says - winter will be fun in Kanyakumari".
Mrityunjoy was delighted at Parul's proposal to change the subject - "Yes, These politics are useless."
He stared towards Hiren - "Porey hobey, We will resume these political discussions later, an evening over drinks. My sister can join us with her fruit juice club".
Everyone laughed, signalling consensus.
Hiren too had decided to control himself and said - "For holidays, you all plan out. I can go anywhere." Perhaps, he was still little angry.
But he smartly hastened to add - "Let's plan a bit longish holiday this time. Why not Arunachal hills. Ananya will arrange everything she told me".
Moloy's wife Shampa knew, now it is her time. She said: "That would be good. Ananyas are in the interiors of Arunachal Pradesh these days. Army guys make so wonderful arrangements. I will cherish our trip to their camp in Sikkim".
Mrityunjoy said - "Everything is fine. But let us give it a proper thought and then decide in a day or two."
Moloy agreed to his Dada. "Yes, I second the proposal. But resolution one stands, we are definitely going out for holidays". But he looked towards the music system, and said, "Ok everyone, food is good and so I will play an old song".
It was a famous Kishore Kumar song about a boatman. "....Kagaz ke Kashtiyo....the paper boats seldom can reach the river bank". Perhaps it was an apt number.
They decided to meet on the holiday plans after two days at the rooftop again.
Mrityunjoy as elder brother in the family offered to sponsor drinks.
Of course as Parul does not drink in front of her brothers, the ladies would have fruit juice.The stifling summer months have gone; now replaced by a pleasant early winter chill. The meeting at the roof top was a good idea no doubt. The mild Bengal winter was perfect for such family gatherings.
The township of Durgapur was always a well planned place and roads were quite wide enough and certainly cleaner than adjoining places like Asansol or Purulia.
It was a cloudless evening and a mild breeze blew that moved its way into the cement shaded portion on the rooftop. The cool breeze touched the warmth of women cheeks, Hiren thought.
As Parul's husband and son-in-law of that house, he had all the social liberty. Wife is a wife; and two other ladies were his sisters-in-law, Boudis. Some fun was also permitted provided it bordered around decency!
Everyone was in a joyous mood and also excited. Hiren Bhadra and Mrityunjoy smiled at each other. Hiren even blinked momentarily towards Moloy. Was last time's political discussions in his mind?
The excitement and cold breeze perhaps made his throat parched. He wanted to say something, maybe.
But Mrityunjoy retorted: "Khub bhalo wine enechhi. You will have whisky also".
"Come on," remarked Hiren - "Tonight,let it be whisky".
Mrityunjoy nodded in agreement. At the end of the day, he knew the relationship. Hiren was 'boner bor (sister'shusband)' whose demands and tantrum ought to be entertained often.
That's how middle class values go. He said, "After all, this is your in-law's house; who can say no to you".
Hiren looked upside at the sky.... appearing grayish and laughed out loud.
Hours of suspense followed with everyone. After all, they were here to plan for their holidays.
Everyone was taking their seats. The men would be first in these occasions to take chosen places.The three women were busy briefly arranging the tables. On the large square shaped table, all food items were placed. Slowly the ladies also joined the men and took to their places. Of course Parul wheeled herself as one of the servants had brought her lifetime companion 'the wheelchair' up via the small lift.
Mrityunjoy was first to break the silence and bring the party into order. "Come, everyone, it is a great day or rather a great evening for us, that we have this mini party. As you all know, drinks are from my side, for rest the bills ought to be shared," he said and he squirmed a bit in the chair.
Face to face was his brother-in-law Hiren Bhadra. The chair on which he had placed himself was a little large."Eita amar jamair singha-shan (This is my throne always kept separately as if made for the son in law", said Hiren trying to bring the house into a jovial mood.
Everyone laughed. The mood was certainly jovial for each one of them.
Hiren Bhadra was about to say something. He saw Moloy picking up some cashew nuts and putting two of them into his mouth and said, "....where are the drinks? Lets toast".
Cheers, said everyone. Moloy's wife Shampa stood up briefly and then sat down. "It is okay, I will speak while sitting only. Firstly let us welcome each other to the party."
She was about to say something more. Hiren glanced towards Shampa. He saw her raising her right eyebrow.
This is so typical of Shampoo. She would often do this when shy or excited about something.
Hiren always thought, it would require some in-born talent or habits-by birth to do that. Hiren Bhadra thought he could never do that. He has seen so many women in his life and career, but he could not remember anyone doing that almost in a perfect manner.
Shampa might not know. But she did it half deliberately. These mannerisms have to be in genes, Hiren Bhadra was thinking again.
He had thought on these lines about Shampa earlier also. How Shampa managed this habit ? Is it some kind of a relentless practice?
Hiren could have gone on thinking about these for some five minutes more. But he had to cut his imagination short.
Shampa said - Listen everyone, Hiren Jiju you too. I have a surprise. Our dear Parul has started penning short stories. She would read out one to us this evening to start the colorful cultural bonanza".
Everyone clapped. Hiren clapped rather passively and was a bit shocked as his wife Parul has already done the initial works with her few of the short stories. She never told him.
Parul started. "This is the story of a Mumbai-based Bengali gentleman. He was born in Mumbai or Bambai of those era and has never been to Kolkata or any other part of eastern India. This man put on a bow tie and inMulund locality of Mumbai where he stayed, everyone knew him or chose to refer to him as the bow-tie man.
My character Raja Gopal Acharjee, preferred to be called Mr Acharya, but his neighbours would call himAcharjee only. Somehow he did not like to be addressed like that.
His neighbours and office colleagues would also ask him, "Why do you wear a bow tie? It is identified with another era?"
Raja Gopal would counter: "It may be anachronism. But I like it. The bow-tie helps me attract attention. In fact, my tiehas made many women and young ladies flirt with me".
Some of his colleagues would laugh, as they knew Acharjee or Mr Acharya was still a bachelor and there was a rumourabout him that he is probably 'impotent' and a woman-shy man. But some would also dismiss the other argument thathe is a gay.
At this point, her husband Hiren broke the silence. "It is okay, you have started the story well. But why listen to the story of a bachelor and who could be gay or impotent".
Parul countered: "Here is the story building up actually. I am trying to knit together a science fiction. This Mr Acharjee then falls in love with a tree in South Mumbai, quite an usual man-plant love".
Hiren was discouraging in his argument: "Thik achhey. Either you start another story, more normal kind, A story that would go well with my Bongish (Bengali) appetite".
Moloy stepped in support of his sister Parul and countered Hiren: "But she is writing a story. From where you come in? Just because you happened to be her husband, now you mean the story should be according to your liking?"
Moloy's elder brother sensed the heat on the rooftop. He chipped in in a mild manner and suggested - "I also like the beginning of the story....We could listen some other time. If Parul reads the complete story, it will be a real monologue matter. Let us gossip....story telling or singing something from Shampa can happen later or even some other day".
Parul also sensed that the atmosphere would be spoiled and now that her Dada, Mrtityunjoy, has given an excuse to stop story-reading session; she should stop.
Thus quickly she remarked: "Yes, tai bhalo. I also don't want to share manuscript of my other stories".
She kept the diary close to her, and told Shampa: "Chhoto Boudi, ei sab chharo toh. Leave all these, let the men drink and to start the adda, I can say - let us divide the men and women teams into two for the tourism adventures also".
Geetanjali shot back: "Wow, that's nice. Hiren Da, you do not worry. Parul is our responsibility. You three men go to one place, and then join us. We can go to Arunachal Pradesh or even Nagaland".
The idea seemed thrilling. Moreover, as it came from Parul, there was no need to create any extra confidence in her.
"Parul is really a brave girl. The point is because Parul said we should split into two teams, I am all for it. Geetanjali, you must be serious na, when you will have to take care of Parul, away from Hiren," said Mrityunjoy.
The idea made everyone excited.
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