Chapter -5
"The river side here is so cool in the evening isn't it
Koke? Don't know why Abi and Roody stayed back . they should have come .its so
nice here."- Shreya asked casually, standing in front of the river taking a
lungful of fresh air.
Konishko concentrating on his potato chips didn't hear the question.
When Chandreyee and Shreya didn't get any suitable answer they turned around.
You Fatty! Can't you think of anything else other than food?
A twin scream startled him.
He looked timidly at two pairs of glaring eyes and feebly
asked in surprise, what I have to think?
Shreya came forward snatched the packet from his hand &
threw it.
He looked weakly at the packet lying on the ground, Doll! My
chips !
Shut up Koke ! If you keep on eating this way someday you
will burst like a balloon.
Yeah Doll then how will I marry you if I die? He answered
with concern.
With such amount of fat all over, do you take yourself as an
eligible bachelor Koke? I am not going to marry you ever!
Why doll? do you have a wrong notion that you owe a slim
trim figure and Brad Pitt will come to marry you?-Konishko was very angry at
the mockery made by two ladies in this way and his favourite chips are also
been taken away.
"Ohh no! Not again! Stop! Both of you!"
"But Riyaaa this is cheating!" he blabbered! "My fat earns me
the tag fatty and her fat?" "Cuddly cute, doll
and bla bla ."
Koke NOW! Riya glared at him while Shreya gave him a winning
smile. They continued walking through the riverside. Konishko a bit behind.
"Riya ? When we can have view of the river from the backyard
of your bungalow, why we came here?"
"Ohh please Koke! You and your evergreen stupid ideas! Give
it a break pleasee!We can't view the river and roam to have fresh air amidst of
weeds, mud & crawlies Koke!" 'She answered taking strides over the moist
ground with Shreya
Something clicked Konishko's mind hearing this
Now its your turn Riya . I know what spoiler is exactly needed now! He
smirked-.'Riya ' Why Roody is taking so long to
come here?'
Riya slightly turned her head while walking and replied with
a smile," Try something new Naradmooni . This is not going to work. And besides
adding to your woeful questions Abi is also there. You forgot that!"
**************
"No Horen-Kaka I don't want to see all these accounts
matters .I just came to meet you and kaaki-ma but my bad luck she isn't here.
Bibs sighed. You show all these to Kanai-kaka and if he doesn't then send it to
Ranima ."- she said relaxing on the
cushion of the antique wooden chair and going through newspaper kept on the table in front
"Yeah she has just gone in the neighborhood temple.from
there she will make a visit to some friend's house."
'I have a
request-Please while returning do make a visit to that temple. Its said that if
you tie the holy thread in the banyan tree in the temple premises, it ensures
the safeguard, security and success of the person wished for'.-Horen pleaded as
he knew very well Bibs has now turned into an atheist
"Kaka you know very well I don't believe in God and this
rubbish and I will not go there at any cost."-She answered irately. "Its too
far from here, not neighborhood. okay? Moreover the tyres of my cycle can give
up at any moment."
Seeing the hot temper of Bibs Horen diverted the discussion.
"But-But, Rani-ma says 'show these to Da-Moshai.' And you
also know that's not possible for me but for you of course."
"Okay then. I will when I get time but not now. Now I am a
little busy."
"But this since two months Ghosh-villa's installment is
pending. Ronen babu hasn't turn up yet and the amount is large. We spend that
amount on the maintainence of Banerjee estate. If you don't get is regularly
it's a problem." Horen was disturbed enough
"Horen kaka. Please! Spare me from these financial matters.
You are the manager of the estate and Kanai kaka caretaker, so you manage and
he will take care."
"Now I must leave Kaka, before Kanai-kaka gets a hint that I
am out of the house with an injured leg
or else today my classes are fixed. And if maashi gets to know then the hell
will break lose."
"Injured leg? What happened?.'
"Nothing much kaka.
Just a cramp. Don't worry I have put a crape bandage."
She got to her feet to go , but suddenly stopped and turned
to him
"What did you say Horen kaka? Ghosh Villa?"
Yes!
"This Ghosh Villa beside the river?" -She enquired.
Yes!
It's ours?
Not ours? Yours! He smiled.
Show me the papers kaka!-
Yeah Sure why not?
Horen was elated, at last his wish was fulfilled.
*************
"Nomoshkar Kanai 'kaka" Kanai was watering the hedges hearing
a familiar voice turned around . "Dadabaabu you?"
"Why? Can't I come? I told you, I will come to eat hot luchi
and aaloor dom Isn't it?"
Kanai was flabbergasted, couldn't understand how to react.
"Yes ! yes ! sure I will prepare it right now . Come inside
please." He kept the pipe and ran inside.
Roody looked over the huge building in front of him
Estate? Truly it is! A mansion in this estate .
Kanai was busy preparing Aaloor-dom in the kitchen and Roody
was busy in viewing the beautiful traditional interior decoration of the
mansion. But soon he remembered what was he here for and also Bibs was still
not visible. So he finally decided to go to the kitchen and start his detection
with the weakest end who was already impressed by him.
"So Kanai-kaka where is your Didimoni ?" he asked in a
casual tone sitting on the platform
beside the gas oven with legs slightly above the floor and examining the
spices kept aside for preparing the curry.
"Why? Why do you need her dadabaabu when you came for me?"
Kanai replied with a smile while stirring the curry.
Roody understood his timing was wrong." No! I just needed to
make sure that I am not kicked out while eating." He answered flatly smelling a
cinnamon.
"No no ! dadabaabu . didimoni is not so harsh !"- kanai
replied while stirring the curry
"Yeah I think you and me both saw the trailer today morning
Isnt it?"-He smirked.
"No dadababu , didimoni was not like this at all. After she
came back from London she is like this."
"London? She was in London?"- Roody was surprised.
"Yes for last 3 years" And suddenly Kanai understood he
shouldn't have said this and cursed himself for the carelessness of himself
while cooking.
'And before that where did she stay Kaka?' Roody became more
curious. Kanai gave him a blank look, Roody felt some soft inquisitiveness in
Kanai's eyes as if they were asking something and breaking the silence Kanai
said calmly with a smile
"Dadabaabu food is
ready , come ".
*********
Aabeer was now tired of searching Bibs. The only information
he had was the car's colour. Precisely!.
He was walking on the mud filled path with potholes .How
is it possible not a single person saw her? But I will find her today at any
cost. Once in Kolkata it will be impossible to find her -
********
'But Thakurmoshai why can't I tie the thread?' Chandreyee
asked the priest of the temple in rough voice.
'I am sorry my child, no thread is left with me, the last
one was there its been tied by that lady'
Chandreyee turned around to see who came in her way and
messed with her wishes.
But could only see a figure limping and balancing on a cycle. She pouted as if trying to see
a clear view of the figure but couldn't make out anything but saw a crape
bandage on her ankle.
She had to come now only? Crossing this bamboo bridge.
Couldn't she come some other day some other time? ' Chandreyee viewed the
figure in distance with a rage
'Please Riya lets make a move Doll is waiting there
alone.'-Konishko pleaded as Shreya was waiting alone in the tea-stall .
You fatty! if you had a problem why did you accompany me
till here? You could have also said you have this phobia, that phobia? ' She
blasted at Konishko!
"But it's too late since we started for the temple Riya,
Doll must be worried. She is sitting alone in the tea-stall on the roadside
.she doesn't know anyone and its getting dark."- he said feebly
'I will not go anywhere without tying the thread. do you get
it Koke?'
The priest heard her heated argument and felt it was
necessary to interfere seeing the way the lady was shouting at a poor chap.
'I am sorry , but the temple is closed for today , its no
use waiting my child.'
'But thakurmoshai , I am leaving for Kolkata, tomorrow early
morning , and I want to tie the thread .I heard from the people in the
tea-stall on the other side of the bridge saying that , if anyone ties a thread
in this tree it ensures the safety and security of the near and dear ones.'
'Pray from the core of your heart my child your wishes will
surely be fulfilled. No thread is needed for that. It is God who directs
everyone to do everything Isn't it?. We can't change what's written in destiny
with a thread. Today it was her luck may be you get a chance in future. Keep
patience my child. God bless you both'. 'Saying this the priest walked away.'
***************
'Ohh God, what will I do now? How will I return to Ghosh
villa? It's nearing to twilight. I am sure Koke and Riya forgot that I was
waiting for them in the stall. But how long could I wait.So many people were
staring at me as it I am an alien! But what now? I think I lost my way. How
will I go back .' God please help me!- Shreya was too much nervous . tears
rolled down her eyes. She was roaming like a vagabond looking here and there
trying to detect the right way to go.
'Can I help you?' 'a soothing soft voice enquired.
Shreya slowly turned around with a tearful face sensing some
danger.
****************
'Really Kanai - kaka you are too good. The food is
delicious. You know Luchi-aaloor dom are one of my favourites!I don't remember
the last time I ate so much tasty food'. Roody said relishing the food.
Kanai felt a strange satisfaction while serving him the food
and watching him relishing the food as if he was hungry for ages. His vision was
becoming blurred, before tears could finally make their way out He ran to the
kitchen. But Roody was busy eating.
'Must say kaka! You are a genius. The food was too too too
tasty . and thanks to your didimoni
that I had my full meal without
any hurdles.'
'didimoni is
sleeping upstairs. So no problem ''Kanai grinned with his uneven set of teeth
'ohh that why the atmosphere is so calm' he smirked.' Okay kaka now I must leave.'
No No! not so soon ! wait . I am making payesh for you ..
********************
Thank You! Thank You very much dear. I don't know what would
have happened if you didn't come on time- Shreya was much relaxed now getting a
helpful escort
No worries at all. I am not at all surprised. Since two days
I am having such experiences.
What experiences? ' Shreya was quite inquisitive.
Nothing! Forget it! ' Bibs avoided with a smile.
Well, Hello! my name is Shreya Roy, she stretched out her
arm.
Hi , I am Bibha'. I mean Bibs.!
Ohh what a cute name! ' Friends? Shreya asked with a smile
But not more cute than you. ' yes friends.
Thanks ! hey! 'You have a graceful smile Bibs'
Thanks to you too.
But how did you lose way Miss Shreya?
No! Actually I was waiting in the tea stall for my friends;
they went to the temple nearby. I have acrophobia so I didn't go with them. But
don't know what happened they didn't turn up and I was tensed too.
Both of them proceeded through the mud full path chatting
away.
************
Aabeer was busy scrutinizing the place.
Abi!
Hearing a known voice he looked towards the source of the
call & saw Shreya running towards him. She hugged Aabeer tight in
relief & broke down in tears.
What Happened Cudly? What are you doing here? That too alone
at this time?
She told him the horrible situation she went through before
she met her new friend.Aabeer's eyes were reflecting his rage on the absolute
irresponsible behavior of his other two friends but he kept cool and consoled Shreya for the moment .
Suddenly Bibs saw
her companion was not beside her.
.
When Shreya turned around to introduce her new friend to
him, she found her no-where.
"No worries Cudly, you first cool down, now nothing to worry
I am here Isnt it?" He consoled her and cupped her face.
"Might be she was an angel who came to show you the way like
you read in your favourite stories?
"we should return
now Cudly, you must be very tired and where is your fatty to-be-groom Koke now?
Let him come I will liquefy his total fat today. -Now cheer up. Our Cudly
doesn't look good in tears" and took her in embrace. "I will make some tea for
you when we return okay? "- He was trying to divert her attention from the full
situation. Though his work was not done. But consoling Shreya was more
important for the moment.
************
Ohh My God ! this is really pity on me. I came here for
Him and You loaded me the full bunch of Idiots? Thank God I saw that clown and
made a move.
This girl is quite
sober, not like Him or that clown and not even His- Miss Fiance.
But why me? Oofff
! Now it's dark too! How will I enter the house?
Either its through
the drawing room or through the balcony. My legs are paining like anything. I
can't climb the balcony now. I have to enter through the window of the drawing
room. Though too high but Bibs you have no other way darling!- thinking of all these Bibs finally reached the window
of the drawing room of the mansion in Banerjee Estate.
*****************
This house is no less than a curio-shop. The artifacts,
paintings, the large chandelier, traditional furniture of shining Burma teak,
the black and white marble flooring, the fat pillars truly exibits the class of
this family. This "Miss Ungrateful" really seems to be a big fish. -Roody thought giving his artistic nature a jolt viewing
the interior decoration of the mansion for the second time.
Suddenly he heard the rustle amongst the bushes from the direction of
the window. The sound was loud and clear in the silence of the room. He slowly
went towards the window. But before he
could register anything he felt himself slashed on the marbled floor and
something heavy on him. After some moments he was at ease.
"What the hell are you
doing here you rat?"- Bibs screamed at him rubbing her elbow in pain
"Not Rat.. Its Roody . R O
O D Y. and How would I know that at night the entrance of this bungalow
changes?" He replied in wincing pain
rubbing his back with hand
"You Idiot! I am asking
what are you doing at my house? Did I
call you?"
"No My Luchi-Aaloor dom
called me . He said in distress. By the way! as far as I remember .. Kanai-kaka told me you are sleeping
upstairs. Then how come you '.?
I can smell REAL RAT here
!"
Shut up ! I woke up long
ago and was in the garden. She gritted her teeth
Ohh really? and what for you chose the window as the entrance?
That's none of your business! You rat!
But I know the exact person whose business it can be . He grinned ignoring the abuses by Bibs. and
walked towards the kitchen.
Roody listen !
"Sorry I have stopped doing social work now". and Continued
towards the kitchen. Kanai- Kakaaa! Is my Payesh readyyy ?
Eee ' I will kill him someday!.. Ohh God ! Why me? She
looked up & said
*************
What happened Dadabaabu ? I heard didimoni's voice . Kanai
asked while serving him the paayesh .
Is It? ' I didn't hear anything! Anyways thank you
Kanai-kaka. I have to go now. But today was really special for me you know why?
Why?
"After many years
somebody fed me with home made food sitting beside me. It was only my ma who
use to do this.But she is not with me . Today I am missing her sooo much"'.
He couldn't say anything else and hugged Kanai.
Kanai felt his shoulder was a bit wet. But didn't say
anything.
Don't worry Dadabaabu . God is there He will make everything
perfect.
Byee Kaka, I am leaving for Kolkata tomorrow morning. You
take care
You too dadabaabu hope to see you again. Tears welded in
Kanai's eyes.
Why? Do you wish to get me killed by your didimoni?- he
griined at Kanai.
She is not that bad dadabaabu !
"Yeah yeah I know" . and he left with a smile .
*********
Roody walked towards Ghosh Villa. This girl is really
mysterious. Entering her own house through the windows when no one is there to
say her anything. And Kanai-kaka is a mere caretaker of the mansion . Why is she so much bothered about him? The
girl as annoying as her is bothered about a caretaker? Ohh god .. Again in this hiatus I forgot to
ask what was she doing in the backyard. But never mind IFD is there . He
smiled to himself & casually looked
at the watch.
"Oh My God! I am late. Now Riya will kill me. They must have
returned by now. How will I climb to first floor in the dark from the backyard?
God please save me today."
*********
Konishko and Chandreyee returned and saw Aabeer was
consoling Shreya by teddys and chocolates though she was continuously sobbing.
Our cuddly is very brave isn't it? She is not afraid of
anything. Is she?
"What type of stupid behaviour was this Shreya?" Chandreyee
yelled at her as she entered Ghosh Villa with Konishko We were searching for
you like anything. Your phone is also switched off.
Shut up Riya! Just shut up!
How did both of you leave her alone in a tea-stall in an
unknown place?
Hellow ! we didn't tell her to sit there. It was she who chose to stay back.
"You are her friend, don't you know she has acrophobia?"
I had to make a visit in that temple and it was not at all
far away. Riya said disinterestedly
And so you took two hours?
Look Abi ! you don't know anything what all happened so'.
I don't want to know also. I only know both of you were
irresponsible enough to leave her like that.
And you Koke? you always claim to love her! This is your
great gesture of love and care?
Amidst of all Shreya stood still didn't know how to stop
them from quarrelling.
********
What for they are shouting? Ohh no! I guess Riya is
searching for me.
But I have to go
from backside. Might be they are screaming for some other reason .I have to
take a chance. God save me today
seriously !
********
"Koke from today
onwards if I see you claiming her as
your fiance I will claim your life I swear !"
Enough Abi ! its nothing to make such a big issue !
Chandreyee shouted.
Of course it is Riya! It is! How can you leave your friend
like this?
Seeing the heated arguments Shreya finally broke down in
tears and ran upstairs.
What happened Cudly? Why are you crying? Roody was coming
downstairs .She couldn't say anything but Roody understood something unpleasant
has happened concerning her, seeing the situation downstairs. He took her in
embrace. Don't worry Cudly , I am there
isn't it? I will manage everything.
But Roody ! They- they are ' she was in sobs..
Shhh !! now stop crying ! Roody will manage everything. he
just rubbed the sleeve of his kurta on her wet eyes & cheeks to wipe out
the tears. Now stop crying. Don't you know we can't see our doll in sad face?
You look awful like this. He grinned as Shreya hit his shoulder with smile. Go
and rest I am sending you a hot cup of coffee
and no crying okay? She nodded her head
in confirmation & went to the room .
****************
Guys! Why are you
all shouting? Roody asked while coming downstairs
Nothing much love Abi was giving us his valuable lessons on
responsibility.Isnt it Abi?.
Riya , now you are improvising it . I did not say anything
like that. But today both of you were '
1 sec .. Roody interrupted.
Koke take a cup of
coffee for Shreya upstairs.
But Roody . ? Konishko looked at him weakly.-"I didn't do'
Shut up koke ! Chandreyee shouted
No Roody. I don't want this Idiot to talk to Cudly .Abi said
wrathfully
Don't worry Abi let
me handle it .
Konishko stood still trying hard to make out what to do.
Koke I told you something to do!. Roody said
Konishko silently went to the kitchen..
Now tell me Riya what happened. Chandreyee recounted the
whole affair, trying to edit the but Aabeer didn't let her do so and again they
ended up in arguments. But hearing all details Roody looked silently at
Chandreyee and said
"You didn't do it right Riya. She could have lost her way if
Abi didn't get her today. She is our friend Riya. Isn't it? And how can both of
you leave her alone in an unknown place? We could have gone to the temple later
on. Isnt it?"
But love? I went for..' she couldn't say anything else
feeling extremely humiliated.
"FORGET it "
And she finally marched upstairs.
******************
Konishko slowly entered the room with a cup of coffee.
Shreya was reading a magazine lying on the bed . On the sound of footsteps she
peeped from behind the magazine but seeing him again resumed reading and said
Koke please go away , I am not in a mood to lend an ear to
your blabbering .
Doll please for once listen to me . I told Riya many times
to get back but.!
Koke I know you. I can make out what have happened. But
I expected a bit of care from you not because you claim that you love me but at
least as a friend.
Roody Aabeer Riya all are disturbed. You are tired too, isn't
it? Go and freshen up. She said softly.
But Doll?-
Seeing Shreya resumed reading again he left the room quietly
.
*****************
Roody I am sorry but I was too worried for Cuddly. The way
she rushed seeing me, I was tensed. Thanks to that girl who helped her out.
Yeah that Girl? Who is she? .. He asked
I didn't ask her detail. She was very very tensed then.
Yeah thanks to that stranger. '
Roody you please go to Riya she must be very upset.
Don't worry Abi! I know her. She can't be angry on me for
long. He smiled.
*****************
Riya was sitting on her bed facing her back to Roody
Riya, please don't cry .I didn't mean to hurt you. You know
it very well .I care for you .
"Please love leave me alone"- she said wiping the tears
"No I wont.! I love you Riya I can't see you upset "
"Ohh that's why you told I am wrong and that too infront of
Abi?" she turned and charged Roody
"But Riya we all are friends after all . Its nothing formal
between us. And if I said you are wrong.Yes you were wrong ! If you wanted to
visit the temple you could have told me. I would have taken you. What was the
need to take Koke? Don't you know , I don't like you go anywhere like this?"
and pulled her to him to hold her tight .
"C'mon love"- atlast she smiled hiding her face in his hug ..
'No, really I mean it. From now onwards I will escort you
everywhere.'
'Really? She smiled softly, but today you didn't. I asked
you didn't I?' She asked looking at him.
Ye'.yeah .. You did. But I ' I was ill today darling .I am
sorry! he kissed her fair cheek softly.
You know love? You are getting possessive day-by-day .she
smiled
"Am I? Then its good.
I must say." and he kissed her forehead. "I love you Riya love you very much . I can't see you upset. I will never ever hurt you." He
said softly looking outside through the balcony holding her tight to him in
some unknown agony.
"I know love." Chandreyee's head was on this chest. But
suddenly she remembered something. "ohh no , I have to go and make arrangement
for dinner.I forgot"
Dinner? Roody exclaimed
What happened?
Nothing..Just that I 'I am not hungry at all
Shut up! You didn't have anything since afternoon.
No'no Riya I will not have anything please .
"No love I will not listen to anything in this way you get
weaker" and walked away
Ohh God Save my stomach.!I will burst now.
*****************
Bibs was studying the file Horen gave her
'Didimoni'- Kanai came to her study and stood beside her
silently.
'Yes kanai-kaka!' She replied without looking at him
concentrating on the file.
'Dinner is ready.'
'Okay I am coming'
But she saw Kanai was still standing beside her.
'Kaka ! what happened? Isn't your Luchi aaloor dom session
over? Or still something left.' She mocked.
'Yes it is!' He grinned.
'Ohh you are looking very happy today making my house a
Restaurant'. Bibs teased him, but Kanai remained silent as he was too much
satisfied hosting the surprise guest today.
'Kaka! Do you know what is in this file?' She asked after a thoughtful pause showing
the file
Kanai 's face was
dumb. He couldn't make out the reason for the change of discussion.
No!
'This is his death warrant'. She grinned. But hearing this
Kanai was pale.
I came here to find
out some information about Roody . But God gave me a hidden treasure Kaka! This is surely an atom bomb for Mr. Roy
Chowdhury.
Kanai silently left the room with pale face
***********************
Okay Miss Hitler .see you in Kolkata . I am sure I will meet
you again and you will be in Kolkata . If god wants us to meet He will make us
meet for sure. Till then take care. and get ready for your Mr. Aabeer 'and
he went to freshen up before dinner thinking his whole search was literally in
vain today.
***********************
Now I will not get a wink sleep after eating so much. Roody
tossed and turn on the bed.Its only me who knows how I have managed
climbing this room. Miss Bibs I
will not leave you for sure now. You have to go through all the awful situations
which I went through from today morning till now. How dare you call me a rat!
Roody the handsome a RAT? What if Riya gets to know this? I am sure she will
kill you Miss Bibs. ' He smiled
But something fishy is there. I am sure I have seen this
damsel somewhere. Her eyes! Its so transparent. But where have I seen those
pair of dark deep eyes? Why I cant remember? And why was Bibs so concerned
about kanai-kaka rather afraid if he is a mere caretaker? What was she doing
here in the backyard?Why did she enter her own house through the window? Why
does she behave with me like that always?
I have to get
answer to all these. Don't worry Bibs we will be together soon 'in IFD .
*******
Edited by rinku4u - 12 years ago
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