Chapter II

My father went to Calcutta for study M.A. in English literature but out of fancy, he appeared at the test for recruitment to detective department. He passed the test and joined the service in the Police Department. The job spelled a change in his life. Grandpa chagrined as his purpose was baffled. My father came to visit home and informed grandfather of the job. Grandpa asked my father to take us to Calcutta. We started our journey by steamer from Narayangonj to Goalanda and by train from Goalanda to Shialdaha and by carriage we reached our Taltala house near new market, Calcutta. My fathers service was an umbrella for us and helped us in tiding over financial crisis. Grandpa sent monthly amount by which we passed smooth livelihood.

Sinking of boat : Convoy of jute-loaded boats sank in storm and which landed grandpa in frightful financial plight. He was not in a position to send monthly amount. Our house became the refuge of our relatives visiting Calcutta for jobs, studies and business and their stay for months mounted livelihood expenses. In those days of British rule police of the detective department was saddled with great responsibility. My father was engaged in the duty in the governors house. We could walk to the new market and Garermat (a big open field). Minto eight years junior to me was born in Calcutta followed by birth of Jarna, Ponir, Nomu and Khoka. I was admitted to school near our house.

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Death of Grandma: Grandma was attacked with small pox and father nursed her for 21 days but she died. I could not pay last homage to my grandma who loved me so dearly as I was not allowed to accompany my father. Grandfather stayed at home to manage the property and to offer holy verses of Quran on the grave of grandma but assured to visit us at Calcutta every four months. Father retuned to Calcutta after the funeral ceremony of grandma.

My participation in daily household works: I assisted my mother in the daily house works even after returning from school. I kept silence when friends bantered me for performing the daily household works. I had no time to play as I had to look after brothers and sisters. In the evening I was engaged in study. The country was in ferment and waged violent movement against the British rule. My father was a good police officer and had no time to breathe and had to work overnight and go out of Calcutta without notice. My mother maintained the family with my fathers income. It became difficult as guests increased. Grandfather s financial help which could alleviate our financial sufferings, was no more available. My mother never frowned on the guest as they were considered to be the blessings of God. The residence of Shafiq a man from Punjab and officer in the fire brigade department with son Shadat and daughter Sufia flanked our hired residence. In another flat lived my friend and classmate Shamsuzzaman whose father used to close the tap of the tube-well, which put my mother into trouble. My mother arranged to fill empty jars with water and I assisted her. In holidays we visited our village home and breathed the free air and enjoyed quiet life free from the din and bustle of the concrete town of Calcutta and listened to the flute tune lilted by the cowboy.

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The cowboy trilled on the flute under the banyan tree at dawn and dusk in symphony with the melody of the Indian nightingales.

He fiddled the flute and sparked the tune In the bamboo garden. The birds glorify the forest with its dance and became friends of the cowboy. whose melodious tune thrills the forest of quivering white flowers with monumental throb.

At the sunset the cowboys made way for home through the mud road. I also journeyed for home. Grandpa and myself indulged in anecdotes. Grandpa became lonely as his sisters along with their sons who for jobs in different places left home. He at 65 without grandma suffered from mental agony. During the summer holidays we gorged mangoes, jack fruits, lychees and had no hunger for food in daytime. Our holidays ended quickly and we returned to Calcutta a town of concrete and again started school life. My friends ridiculed me for assisting my mother in daily works and which tormented me. Up to 12 years of my life I was cradled under the caring affection of my grandparents. My father toiled day and night to maintain us. My uncle Habibur Rahman Sinha a business magnate revered my

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mother who had affection for brother-in-laws and was friendly with my uncles wife who had daughters Lila, Bela & Anu and sons Kadu and Saru. My uncle presented my mother with gifts and his affection could not be blotted from memory.

Second marriage of my senior uncle: The flamboyant second marriage of my uncle Habibur Rahman Sinha with an elegant daughter of the elite family of Barisal with splendid dinner, lunch and breakfast of delicious dishes of fish, meat, pilau and sweets was a unique event of grandeur, which relished my life. He was a beau and his photo was imprinted in the imported Mackovich cigarette packet, which he smoked. Uncle purchased costly ornaments, cosmetics and benarasi saris for the bride and reserved train for the journey of the bridal party. Uncle, his friends and myself boarded the first class train compartment and were introduced to a spiritually developed Punjabi leader six feet tall and fair complexioned who would recite holy verses for effecting marriage contract ceremony. I was hungry. He gave me sweets and I fell asleep. We got down from the train and boarded the steamer reserved for us, which propelled through violent the Padma and its wild bellows rocked us. The boatman steers the boat with fluttering sails through the wild waves rocking me with fear. The Padma ravages village after village. Its wild waves sent violent tremors through the hearts and triggers flood of tears.

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Habitants are bewildered For their hapless drift towards inevitable doom

The Padma river was now a ramshackle wreck of the titanic past and turned into vast expanse of sandy land due to Farakka barrage and which could be crossed on foot through knee-deep water. The riparian states had equal right on the river water. The Farakka barrage presented a pitiable sight and was refulgent picture of the smallness of the big nation. River and mother could not be divided. Bangladesh was a very small state and would carve out a remarkable place with all splendor in the comity of nations. This hope was the fuel of our life. North Bengal was turned into desert for want of water. Population multiplied. Big and mighty neighboring state rode roughshod over our problems. Without water there would be no throb of life.

After the splendid marriage ceremony of my uncle at Barisal we returned to Calcutta: I told my mother of taking sweets in the train given by the spiritually developed leader who according to my mother effected the same with the help of ghost which alarmed me. My mother did not like the second marriage of my uncle but second wife by her amiable behavior endeared her to all. My mother with all my brothers and sisters could hardly beard the situation and Namus cry was irritating

Quit India movement :

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Turmoil to liberate the country from the octopus of the British rule was brewing. My father had passionate patriotism though he was a government officer. He saved many young lives. Many patriotic young men sacrificed their lives in the crusade for the freedom of India which history had not recorded. Many a flower withered and remained invincible of the waves of time.

Second marriage of the grandpa: Grandpa at 65 after the death of grandma married for second time, which shocked my father. A cousin of grandpa persuaded him to marry and to sell his properties to him at a cheaper price. He did not visit us in Calcutta during holidays as he promised. Journey to our village home came to an end. Grandpa changed. He had a son Subal by name and this alienated by my father. When my friends were in the playing fields, I at 13 battled to stand in life. I was a student and assisted my mother in daily work, took brothers and sisters in the playing fields and watched them. My mother could breathe freely when I looked after brothers and sisters. My study was disturbed by the guests gossip and hospitality.

Working life begins: I made a good result at the matriculation test examination. Against all odds I appeared at the matriculation final examination. I dreamt and hoped for a bright future. I waited for the result and nursed a dream.

Life is full of dreams. Life is full of hope.

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A better future awaits me Full of hope and light, Dream becomes a reality Life will be full of light.

My name was not in the list. I could not pass the exam. My eyes were trilled with tears and parents were flustered and wanted me to appear again. But I put an end to my educational career. From the age of 16 I started struggle for existence. Though I did not attend the school, yet I cultivated study of dictionary, newspaper etc. Blood and sweat of my mother and indifference towards me bewildered me. But fathers advice to work honestly was my ark. I embarked on small business venture of order and supply, which instilled confidence in the buyer. Faith was the only capital in this perilous journey of life. Without college and university degree, I built up an affluent elegant future by steering my life through perils with my toil and tears, devotion to duty and unflinching faith in God. My income through hard toil ignited a ray of hope in the world of despair.

Marriage of my youngest maternal uncle: My maternal grandma stayed with us in Calcutta, prayed for our prosperous future and made savory snacks. Youngest maternal uncle dearest to my mother joined the police department. On the occasions of his marriage we visited maternal grandpas house at Rampal, Munshigonj where all aunts and cousins assembled and enjoyed banquets and babbles. Afterwards we journeyed to Calcutta and maternal uncle with his wife went to Dhaka. My eldest maternal uncle sometimes visited Calcutta I took him to the grand hotel,

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which was not open to general public. A waiter in gorgeous uniform with white gloves in hand called on us with a menu. We ordered for tea and chicken sandwich, which was served in silver teapot on a bright silver tray. Uncle enjoyed and praised. Uncle was amazed and paid bill of Rs. 50 and Rs.5 as tips to the bearer and brought me to book for high price. Since then he never accompanied me for taking tea in hotels. At 18 I had the elegant look and friends advised me to join the film. I donned magnificent dresses and shoes and which was my fancy. I had no desire to distress my parents by joining the film, as they were already afflicted for stopping studies.

Acquaintance with a Raibahadur: I was well off and helped my parents financially and undertook small business. I indulged in the hobby of loving trees for which I visited botanical garden. On one Sunday I was watching the trees and heard the groan and found a fair flabby gentleman fainted on the ground. I ran to the gate and saw a car with a driver. We put him into car and took him to the hospital where he subsequently came to sense. I met the Raibhadur who was delighted and thanked me for taking him to the hospital. He wanted to reward me with money, which I declined as son had done duty to the father. His name was Sattaynarayan Mukherjee whose amiable manners charmed me. One of his sons was studying in England and other stayed with him. After his recovery he returned home. I could not meet him for a month. I regularly learnt English language from my father who advised me to perform honest work. Life was the reflection of work and every moment of life was valuable to be used fruitfully and meaningfully as fleeting moments never returned. One Sunday I went to Baligonj and found his house and Nepali Gurkha guard in uniform allowed me to visit him. The house

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sparkled with a big lawn and a garden of flowers and fruits and two magnolia trees in full bloom, which had the touch of care. We were the lovers of the green and the trees. I had fancy for gardening but lacked capability. Crossing the lawn I knocked at the door, which was opened by an attendant who asked me to take seat. Raibahadur an awe-inspiring personality with dignified look accompanied me to his dinning room and introduced me to his wife Sunanda the mother in her captivated me. Clad in red flounced sari, red vermilion on the forehead, gold bangles in the hand, she endeared me by saying that I resembled her son Indrajit and that I should visit them regularly and I saved her husbands life by taking him to the hospital. I told her that I made an effort to help this man with gracious heart rarely found. She served me fried bread, curry and sweets with fervor, sincerity and affection. After eating I bade farewell to them and remembered the motherly aunt.

Clad in red frilled sari, mother Staring steadfastly towards the path I tread Waits wistfully for my return home. Mother trains me to walk And teaches me to call mother. In the midst of drudgery of humdrum daily work She prays ardently for my safe return. Mothers sweet smiles inspire me And her sight fills my heart with passion. In fine frenzy we call mother full of nectar.

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Mothers heart is full of profound love Limitless and incomparable.

The house had beautifully designed windows made of wood and the bricks reflected the touch of love. The loving looks and amiable manners of Sattaynarayan Mukherjee and his wife Sunanda simply bewitched me and could not perish from my memory. I told my parents about them and they advised me to be benevolent and helpful towards man I met in the course of life. My mother pressed me to take food which I did not take as I was not hungry. Sunday being fiesta day my cousin sister and her husband who stayed with us invited me to watch a film in Metro Cinema. It was the decade of hero and heroin Kananbala, Promethesh Barua and Johar Roy etc. I still remembered the melodious songs of the old days. I I am the forest flower dance in rhythm and rock in delight.

II The world needs me and do not make me captive. Open the portals of your heart and greet me with open arms

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and warmth.

III I stared you in the face, adorned you with love unlimited and unbounded. The moon knows about it. And had unparalleled attraction for me in the nocturnal journey.

I no more visited the Garermat (field) with my sisters and brothers. My friends were studying in the University. I had been vanquished in the world of study and this plunged me into abysmal agony. My maternal grandma could comprehend my despair and grief and blessed me to propel towards prosperity and to live with honour and dignity. Mintu at 10 was fair with flabby face like my mother. Jharna and Ponir had dark complexion like my father. Jharna was clever and acted on mothers words and Ponir suffered from diseases of intestine. Mother was busy day and night and parents awoke all night for my ailing sisters. On Saturday and Sundays I began to teach Shuvajit 8 and Bishawjit 10 as per instructions of uncle Raibahadur. They were quiet and attentive to studies and relation with them became more cordial. I became devoted to duties and tried to attend in time to teach them. Once I was attacked with fever could not attend the duty. Uncle Raibahadurs wife sent me fruits. Her love was a great reward. At the end of the moth uncle Raibahadur gave

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me a fifty-rupee note with affection, which I accepted. I had no audacity to refuge the gift of affection and love.

Bad blood with Raibahadurs son: Six months I taught them who had good result in the examination. Uncle and aunt were happy and presented me a beautiful wristwatch. Indrajit returned home from England after completing his studies. House was white washed and screen and sofa were changed. One Sunday I went to teach my two students who took me to their dining room and introduced me to Indrajit in presence of their parents who commended me Indrajuts manners charmed me. One day I was teaching Subajit and Bishawjit in their reading room. Indrajit was in gossip in the dinning room with his friends and asked me to go to kitchen for serving them ten cups of tea. I went to the kitchen and passed the message.

History of Chillibhai at Calcutta: Chillibhai our neighbor carried on small trade and earned adequately. He banquated us with rich dishes like birani, korma, pilau, & kulfi ice cream purchased from Amzadia hotel on the checkered carpet. Once Chillibai went to Azmir and returned to Calcutta after two months. Anarkali a lady permanent resident of Calcutta speaking Undu and Bengali owner of our house loved my mother like daughter and had a elder sister Champakoli by name. The two sisters exchanged food by Tiffin carrier through the hanging rope. Grandma Champakoli sent plateful delicious food for father, which we enjoyed.

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Farewell to uncle Raibahadurs house: After 20 days I went to meet Raibahadur and his wife who were away from their house as they visited their sister-in-law Kamolas house. Suvajit and Bishawjit took me inside the house and I was teaching English when Indrajit asked me from which university I got the degree which was a deliberate insult to me and which afflicted me. I refrained from teaching them. Raibahadur sent guards to my house and did not find me. One day I went to meet and told them that I would not be able to teach them any more as I would be outside Calcutta and would be busy with my business and thus I took leave of them and bade farewell to Raibahadur House. I gave more attention to my business and set up small business house. I had to meet distinguished personality in hotel and big offices for which my dress should be prim and trim. From my boyhood I had the fancy of donning good dresses. The Baligong house of my dearest Raibahadur uncle haunted my memory but Indrajits insult hemorrhaged me. Country was in travail and in the grip of smoldering discontent. Young university student joined the movement but my world is different. My action and thought revolved round earning money and financial aid to the parents. To dispel the gloom of mind I visited the Bank of Ganges in the evening and was steeped in deep thought and anxiety. Ganges River streamed here. One river had two names in two places.

A small fountain of Himalayan Passing many hills and winding path Crossing forest, land villages and towns

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Moves slowly and became larger The fountain nurses only one hope Crossing such a long distance Shall reach the bank of the blue sea Reverberated with ripples and rocked by the billows. The Ganga is your name. and the Padma is your another name. Born from the same source the river streams eternally and saves life. Water is life without water life can not be saved

I had a Punjabi Hindu friend Bimal a vegetarian and his parents fed me with fried vegetables, bread and sweets the taste of which lingered long. He was my business partner and had to ramble for business and drank coffee after office hours at the India Coffee House, which was our favorite haunt. Bimal celebrated Kalipuja which we attended and we kindled candles, which cast lustre in the house. Bimals parents presented me clothes during the festival. I had robust income and gave presents to Bimals parents. Bimal had a Vespa Motor cycle, which facilitated our business activities. On holidays we traveled outside the town and enjoyed free air. Father was in deep anxiety as the country was convulsed by ferment. Earning spree galvanized my life. My younger brother Mintu and

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sister Jarna went to school. Guests in the house boomed. We could not visit uncle Habibur Rahman Sinhas house. Sometimes, we exchanged visits. Time rolled on.

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