[Henry]

The Possession

(This is my first erotica written in English. First of all, I'm not very good in English, but it's an attempt. So if there are any grammatical errors, please forgive. Secondly, the character, subject, cover of this story is fictional. The purpose of the story is not to attack any caste, religion and colour. Also, although the story requires underage characters, these characters are not sexually related. Thirdly, This is a story set in the nineties (1990-2000). So mobile phones are not used here. Computer usage will also be extremely limited. The geographical location and nature of the places in this story are not all accurate, In some cases there is a mixture of imagination. And this is not a short story, there may not be frequent sex scenes. Fourthly, the characters of the story are mainly people of Bengali, Hindi, Nepali languages. But since the story is in English, the language of all the characters is one type, i.e. English. Somewhere in the dialogue, different language can be seen to denote the language and class of the characters. There will be its English translation in brackets. Finally, this is just a fantasy erotica. That is how the reader should take it. If any readers dislikes this story, I request him not to read the story. Please do not create unnecessary attacks and controversy. Only those who like the story should read and support. Thank you.)

[Henry]

Kolkata is growing day by day. Many people are coming here. Flat houses are growing. Not even neighbors are know each other in this metrocity. No one lives in someone's trouble, either happiness or sadness. Subir Mukherjee's flat house is no exception. Kolkata is not Subir's native place even though he is from Kolkata. He came here as a student because of his father's transfareble job. His father did not agree to live here permanently because he was like to his native place. He wanted to return to his native land after retirement. Subir, however, remained here with his wife and children. At first he thought he would buy a land and build a house. His wife Soma also wanted to have a house of their own. Finally with the help of a friend they bought a 3bhk flat in Laketown. Their flat house has six floors. Car parking is available on the ground floor. Subir's have a small four-wheeler, but it is rarely driven. Soma often says 'What was the need to spend so much money on a car if you don't drive it?' In fact, Subir is not that good as a driver, moreover, Subir has to be out of work, where is the time to drive. Sometimes they take cars for short family trips, such as Diamond Harbour, Digha, Bakkhali etc.
Although the flat house has six floors, Subirs live on first floors above the ground floor. An elderly couple on the Second floor. whose only son are abroad. The third and fifth floors are empty. It's not sold yet. A non-Bengali Marwari business family resides on the fourth floor. Everyone lives here as their own. Like the character of Kolkata's Flat house, no one looks for the good or bad of anyone, nor does they get involved in trouble with others. As only three families live here, no problems arises. If any problems arises, or the incidental expenses of the flat are to be paid, then all the three families share equally. Since Subir and the head of the Marwari family, Bimal Aggarwal, are busy with their own work, so senior retired professor Amalendu Mitra of the second floor is in charge of all these. Mr. Mitra is a gentle man. He does not shy away from this responsibilities.


Subir woke up to his wife Soma's call.
---get up. It was 9 o'clock. How much more sleep?
This one habit of Soma will not let him sleep even on holidays. It's a lot of work at home. Subir got up and went straight to the bathroom. It is his eternal habit. Soma is messing around in the kitchen. Subir woke up to Soma's call. Santu's 10th class exam is just a few days later. His reading voice is heard from the reading room.

Subir came out wiping his face with a towel. Antu went to his mom in the kitchen and said--Mom, Algebra has given homework in college.
Soma poured tea into the cup and said in a loud voice to Subir--Where are you going, listen? You can't help Antu in math?
---can't you? Subir replied lazily and annoyed.
---Can't you see I'm working? Am I the devi Durga or the one who is walking around with ten arms?

Subir does not want to teach his son now. When he comes home on leave, he wants to sleep a little. But he understood Soma's sharp temper. She really manages everything in the family. So Subir without replying to wife, he said to his son---Come hear.

Subir and Soma's two sons are Santu and Antu. Santu read in class ten. Antu is class six. Not even a month left for Santu's 10th class exams to begin. Soma often asks Subir to come with the transfer. But is the transfer so easily available? Subir works in a engineer of Natural Gas sector is a Central govt undertaking. His job is transferable. He is now transferred and promoted to Delhi. Sometimes after two or three months, he comes home with a week's leave. He could have stayed there with his family if he wanted. But it was not possible for Soma's job. Soma also a college Teacher in Govt college. Her subject is Geography. So Soma has to do everything single handedly. All responsibilities of two sons, their college, tuition, drawing classes; Everything has to be done without any help.
Only she gets a little rest every evening. Even then she kept herself busy; Looking at her college student's exam books, doing small chores at home, also cooking at night. In fact, Soma is not an idle person.

Subir started reading the newspaper while sipping her tea. Antu is sitting next to his father and doing math. Antu is a student of South Point college, kolkata. Santu is of Bengali medium college. During Antu's admission to college, there was a dispute between them about whether to admit their son to an English or Bengali medium college. Soma thinks that language is not a problem, if they can give proper guidance to the boy in studies, then whatever the medium college is, it should not be a problem. Subir, however, is not confined to college and family like Soma. He keeps the news of the world. Language problems suggest that children may have trouble building their future. However, Soma's argument is not to be ignored. Their eldest son is getting good results by studying in Bengali medium, he can read and write English. But Finally, Subir got Soma's consent with the argument that while the elder son is studying in Bengali medium, the younger should be taught in English medium.

Before finishing the tea, Soma made a list. Soma has its weekly grocery market on regularly on weekends Sundays. But if Subir is at home, Soma sends him. Subir has a habit of forgetting again, so Soma makes the list.

Subir puts on his shirt and goes to call Soma without finding the scooter key in the drawer, suddenly the land phone rings. Soma washed the cup-plates in the sink and said, "Look who called again."

[Henry]

Subir went to pick up the phone and said---hello!
when an unknown woman's voice came from the other side---How are you Sabji?

The tone is very unfamiliar. He heard the voice of a very old woman. The woman is speaking in Hindi and also has a Nepalese touch. The woman said again - Sabji could not recognize me?
Subir said after being a little shocked----who is talking, tell me?
The woman's voice became heavier, said---I am Shanta Sherpa.
Subir is not familiar with the name. Sherpa must mean Nepalese, Subir didn't seem to know any Nepali people. One was his colleague, of course, a long time ago. Still said---I can't remember exactly.
The old woman coughed. It was understood that she was ill. Then she said---you in Tunglu...Sabji..?

Hearing the name 'Tunglu' came to Subir's mind. Immediately he said---Yes, Shantaji remembers. are you well?
---I am getting old, Sabji. What else is well? two beta (boy) are good?
---Yes, they are fine. And your granddaughter? What is her name...?
---Keshvi?
---Yes yes. Is she good?
---She is married now Sabji.
--- Did you gave marriage that girl? How old were she?
---The girl has turned eighteen Sabji. And what will poor mountain girl do after studying. Her father gave her in marriage.

Soma could hear the conversation on Subir's phone. She came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands and saying---Who is calling?

Subir was busy talking to the old lady without answering. Old lady said---Sabji, you know we are very poor. My son works as a watchman and runs the family. He worked as a forest guard. His job is gone. So he went to Kolkata to look for a work. A man told him there he offered him a watchman job. But it didn't. You have many contacts there, if you get him a job...my family will be saved Sabji.

Subir was in a dilemma. How will he find a job for a watchman? Besides, Subir himself does not live in Kolkata. If it was in Delhi, it would have helped. However, thinking of the old woman's help that day, he did not discourage her. Moreover, the old woman's voice was full of helplessness. As a result, Subir could not say 'no'.
---I will try Shantaji. But Watchman's work isn't always easy to find.
---Sabji, Dawa my son knows driving also. Also if anything is found...The old woman's voice was worried.
---OK, OK. i will try.
The old woman seemed very happy. Said---Ok Sabji, I will tell my beta to meet you.

After placing the phone receiver Subir started putting the watch on his hand. Soma brought the key of the scooter and said---who called?
Subir tied his wrist watch and held out a cigarette and said---Do you remember that old lady in Sandakphu?
---oh Yes! Who arranged for us to stay that night?
---Hmmm.
---Oh ma! Where did she get our land phone number?
---It doesn't seem that she can use the phone. It seems that you are the one who gave the land number of our home while we returning from the there.
Soma hesitated and said---I gave it to her granddaughter, right. I told her to contact us when they come to Kolkata. But I have to say this for the sake of courtesy.
---Now this courtesy of yours has caused trouble. Subir said in a soft angry voice.
---Why? What did she say?
---Her son used to work as a watchman, now he has lost his job. He came to Kolkata. I have to find a job for him. Now look for a guard jobs For him!
--- Why You can not say no? Soma looked annoyed.
Subir put the cigarette in the ashtray and said---Can you say 'no' directly? However, she helped us in times of Problems, otherwise we would have been in dangerous trouble that night.
Soma thought to herself that is true they would have been in danger without the help of that old woman that night.
Just three months ago; The sudden trouble they had to face while traveling was really dangerous.

To be continued...

[Henry]

Three months ago...
Subir comes home every year during Puja vacations. Every year they go on a family trip on this time. Amidst the business of married life, Puja vacations are a great time in their lives.

Although Subir Mukherjee grew up in Kolkata, his native place is Burdwan district in West Bengal. His father Sudhakar Mukherjee was a postal employee. His father means Subir's grandfather was well-known homeopath doctor at there native village. Later Subir's father moved to Kolkata with his job transfer. There he rented a house at belgachia, kolkata. Subir was a class five student at that time. As his parents only child, Brothers and sisters were second to none after him. Then he grow up here. Soma's father Madhusudan Chakraborty was a special friend of Subir's father. He was a college teacher. As a result, there was always a good relationship between the two families. Soma's family belongs from Chandannagar, Hoogle a district of West Bengal. Chandannagar is not very far from Kolkata. So Soma's family was used to came to Subir's house occasionally. Subir also visited their house several times. Include Soma, they are two sisters. Soma is elder. She got the teaching job soon after her graduation. Subir passed engineering in Shivpur engineering college after three years as usual and joined the job. Both of them had an initial love. Both families did not delay to make it a marriage.

Now they both crossed forty now. Subir is now forty-six. Soma also just turned forty a month ago. Their married life also crossed seventeen years. Both Subir and Soma have not parents are alive. Eventually Soma's mother passed away just a year ago. Soma's only sister Tanima is now settled in Canada. Her husband works there. Very rare she comes here. Last she came to Kolkata once a years ago when her mother died.

Subir and Soma have already spent seventeen years of married life. Subir has to travel from Delhi to various places for office work. Soma doesn't have that chance. With two sons and the college teaching job, she is imprisoned in Kolkata. Subir understands that, in his absence, Soma handles all the family responsibilities expertly. So both of them do not miss the Puja time holiday. Both the boys have college holidays at that time, so Subir never misses this great time for family outings. They went to South India last year. This year they went to the Singalila range, the vast pine, oak, rododendran forest at the foot of Sandakphu, the highest peak of Himalaya in West Bengal. Subir gets details about the tourist place from his one of a colleague. Since Soma's teaching subject is geography, this place has a special attraction for her. Besides, she has always loved nature. So they planned and went out on a forest trip to Sandakphu.

They reached New Jalpaiguri station by Darjeeling mail. From there they hired a small car and reached Manebhanjan, a small town in Darjeeling district. Manebhanjan is one of the townships before going to Singlila National Park. In this small hilly town surrounded by forests. Several essential shops, woodsheds and surrounding scenic hilly attractions. Subir rented a homestay there.
They have gone to the mountains before. Kashmir, Shimla, Sikkim they have roamed in many places. However, Santu and Antu like this place more. In fact, all the places that Santu or Antu have visited before were in their young age. Santu is somewhat understandable but not in Antu's case. Both are teenagers now, one is 16 anather is 12. So their attraction is more now than ever, especially Antu. Although Santu is a little introverted and calm, Antu is very smart.

The ditch is in front of the home stay. The hill slopes down to an open field. This is the only ground where the hill boys play football every year. When they arrived some mountain boys were playing football. Both brothers have interest in sports. But Antu is a bit more, Santu is a bit like a bookworm.

On reaching the homestay, Soma first saw the bathroom. She always wants the bathroom to be clean. She is very particular about cleanliness. A separate bed sheet is brought in the bag. No matter how clean the bed sheet is in the hotel, she will cancel it and bring it from home.
It's cold outside. Two boys are standing on the edge of that field. Subir wears full sleep sweater over shirt, thick jacket over it. If this is what winter is like in October here, Subir shivered at the thought of what could happen in December. Soma wears maroon sweater over her salwar. She took off her woolen cap because it was rattling. Meanwhile, Subir refuses to take off his gloves.
It is half past ten. This homestay is run by a woman. In the initial meeting, it was understood that the woman's husband practically played the role of an assistant. The woman's name is Uma Dahal. However, the name of her husband Motiram Dahal is written on the visiting card. Motiram ji, a very friendly person, he came and said---Sabji, How do you feel?
---It's good. How cold is it here in the winter?
---A lot, Sabji. If you come during the cold, you will understand. The man smiled.
Subir lit a cigarette. Said---How far is Singalila mountain range from here?
---That is Singlila, Sabji.

Subir thought that what a stupid question he asked him. he is right, now they belongs to the Himalayan Singalila mountain range. Asked again---How far is Darjeeling town from here?
---Near about 28 km Sabji.
Subir noticed that Nepalis have a habit of saying 'Sabji' over and over again. Earlier, while coming from Jalpaiguri by car, the driver was also told the same.
Moiram began to say that---Manebhanjan is lying on the border of Nepal and India. The hill you are looking at is the west side. After that, Nepal.
---You go there?
---Yes Sabji, we have relatives over there. we go.
---No border security?
---There is an army camp. But they don't stop us.
Subir was looking at the surrounding blue mountains in wonder. It seems as if this mountain is still waking up after breaking the waves of Tethys. Stand slowly and head high. Motiramji's words interrupted his thoughts.
---Will I give hot water Sabji?

Subir does not want to take a bath. If the boys don't want to do it, their mom will force them to bath. And Soma does not spend a single day without bathing. Be it winter, summer, monsoon anyway. So he clenched his teeth in the cold and said---Yes, go ahead.

After tidying up the room, Soma came out on the balcony and said---where did they go?
---Your sons? look at there. Subir showed Santu and Antu standing on one side of the front field.
Soma said---Call them, the time is passing.

After resting all day, they went out to explore this small town. The next day they will trek to Singlila forest. Kanchenjunga can also be seen from one part of Sandakphu if the luck is good. The peak looked like then a sleeping Buddha.
While sitting at the dinner table in the night, Uma ji asked---- Have you booked the guide?

Subir and Soma asked each other if the guide would be useful. Motiram Ji said---Many people get lost in Sanadakphu. Tourists do not go there alone. Tunglu is a village six km from here. The sherpas of that village are the guides. Besides, there are home stays in that village too. You can stay there for the night if you want. We will arrange.

Subir thought for a while. Soma said---Can't we trek back before night?
Motiramji said--- You can madam. But Tunglu village is quite beautiful. Many people want to stay there overnight. If you want, I said so.
Subir said to Soma---What do we need? If not, the next day we can explore Tunglu village by ourselves.
Motiram Ji said--Okay Sabji. Whatever you think is best. I will tell the guide. Will take you in the morning.

[Henry]

The next morning the four of them left for Sandakphu trekking. Tunglu is a small village. Only a few houses look alike. Almost all of them have accommodation for tourists. Uphill and downhill roads on both sides of the mountain. The people are basically the residents of this village, who themselves are the owners and employees of the hotel. As the day progressed, the area was covered with fog and clouds. As if the sky came down to the ground. A row of clouds started moving from side to side in the extreme cold.
The guide Raju Sherpa is a thin young man. Age nearly may be twenty-two or twenty-three. He is Very shy, also friendly too. Soma brought along noodles, boiled eggs, hot water in flux and tea. They ate in Tunglu.
Raju said---Sabji don't be late. It's getting cold already, and we have to come back before evening.
Subir took the cup of tea from Soma's hand and said---Yes, we should return proper timely. Is it possible to stay in this jungle after the evening?
Raju said---You are right Sabji. Moreover, the Gorkhas have called a strike today. Everything will be closed from afternoon onwards. Strike for 24 hours. Today 12 noon to tomorrow 12 noon.
Soma was worried and said---we are supposed to return tomorrow afternoon. How to return?
Subir said--He says strike is till 12 noon tomorrow. We will return later.
Although Subir is also worried. He knows that Gorkhas strike are very aggressive in the mountains. Of course, Raju said--Sabji. There is not much problem in Kalipokhri, Tunglu or Manebhanjan. Problems happens in Darjeeling, Kalimpong etc.

From Tunglu, they started their journey along the uphill road. The last village is Kalpokhri. Their two sons are moving easily along the mountain road. Subir and Soma are having trouble walking with them. So they are walking a little behind. When the two boys went too far, Soma stopped them with a grunt.
They realize that middle age is changing their lives. At the beginning of their marriage, they too could easily go up such a mountain road. Subir and Soma went to Dehradun on their honeymoon. Being employed by ONGC, Subir also had many accommodation facilities, as it was their main office. In the hilly areas of Uttarakhand, they roamed easily as they wished. Times have changed now. Subir is forty-six now. He does not have the body structure of his early youth. A little fat has also accumulated. He is also a smoker. He knows that it is not possible for him to climb the mountain at the same time as his two sons. Same with Soma. She also turned forty just a month ago. Soma is never a thin-looking woman, nor is she healthy. She always has a very average figure. Now, however, a little flesh has accumulated in her stomach. Both husband and wife walked along the path talking to the guide boy.

They walk along narrow roads lined with pines and rhododendrons. As Subir was about to light a cigarette, Soma interrupted him and said---You are lighting a cigarette again. You are already having trouble to walking.
Subir listened to his wife's scolding and put the cigarette back in the packet. They encountered another group of tourists on the road. Those who are returning from the trek.
Soma asked Raju---how long will it take us to reach?
Raju said---Madam, it will take four and a half hours.
---Oh ma! So many ways! Soma was surprised.
Subir said---Take it easy darling. can you see such beautiful nature again. Tell me, Soma, what is the height of Sandakphu?
Soma is a college teacher of geography. This question is childish to her. She said---As far as I remember 3636 meters.
Subir, however, himself does not know the answer. Guide Raju is a Sherpa by caste, and of course he knows, he said---right madam.
Soma looked at her husband and smiled. She said---you know?
Subir said----I am not a Geography teacher like you.
Suddenly the fog and clouds cleared and the bright Sun appeared. Raju said---Do you have a raincoat with madam?
---Why? That's when the clouds went away and the sun came out. I don't see any sign of rain. Soma said shocked.
Raju said---Madam the weather here is very uncertain. If it is sunny then it may rain suddenly after a while.
Soma, however, brought the necessary things from home. But she could not imagine that it might rain here. So she said---I didn't bring the raincoat. God let it not rain.
Subir said jokingly---Geography teacher failed here.
----I am a teacher, not a meteorologist. Soma replied.

Santu and Antu suddenly stopped at a far place. They are looking at something behind a tree. Soma shouted----What happened? Why are you standing?
Antu also shouted back----Mom, look at a red panda.
As soon as the panda ran away, Santu angrily said---You shouted so it ran away.

Raju smiled and said---Madam this red panda is rare here. They are rarely seen. You missed it.
However, Santu took two pictures with the camera hanging around his neck.

They finally reached Kalipokhri. Here Raju arranged for them to have lunch at a home stay. These home stays are also wooden. There are Just a few houses. There is a small dark pond also.
Raju said---sabji, name of this place is Kalipokhri because of this dark pond.

Subir started looking around. The place looks beautiful. Soma is standing far away showing something to the two sons. The two boys are already very devoted to their mom. Especially their elder son. Antu is a bit of a father fan.
Subir walked towards them. As he approached, Soma said---Isn't it a great place? Subir smiled, said---Do you want to stay here?
Soma came very close to Subir. She said---Honestly, if I could live in a place like this, I would feel like I am in heaven.
Subir jokingly said---Then when we both retire, We will spend the rest of our old age lives here.

Two boys are running after a pair of butterflies. In front of where they are standing, there is a big ditch. They are both standing on the edge of the hill. Soma rested her head on Subir's shoulder. Subir whispered---Now I want to a kiss.
Soma smiled shyly and pushed Subir and said---Dhat! When you become old, you still have not lost your nature.
----Don't worry me dear. I am a just 46-year-old youth.
Then he pulled his wife close. Both Soma and Subir saw two boys near them.

Subir can understand that Soma has liked this forest nature in her heart. Even before this, Soma used to talk about going to the mountain, hill, forest etc. Subir, however, is the opposite, he likes the blue sea.

Raju disturbed the romance of their conjugal love. he said--Sabji, If you have to come back today before evening. Then it can't be delayed anymore. Gotta get out now.

[Henry]

Soma called their two sons. They are also tired. However, their interest is much higher. They are already prepared with the wonder of teenage. beautiful Kanchenjunga started coming closer from here. Raju had warned earlier that As the day progresses towards the afternoon, the cold will grow. Seeing that Antu had gloves on but Santu had taken them off, Soma forced him to wear it. She also put on gloves. Subir is already cold. So he has everything ready in advance.

They left Kalipokhri. The walk started from Kalipokhri through the lap of the hill. The valley is like a slope on both sides. The sky is sparkling, the sun is shining on the Himalayas. The line of mountains on one side is sometimes appearing, sometimes disappearing again. A mountain cannot be compared to anything on the plain. So it is difficult to compare. As the road continues, the snow is noticed. Even if it does not snow, dew and road water accumulates and forms powdery ice on the mountain slopes. Somewhere along the way, one or two houses can be seen. Except for the most primitive necessities of a small household, there is almost nothing here.

Sandakphu was reached in a few hours. But the risk with this is coming down in the evening. But the mind takes away the form of the surroundings from that thought. Only Kanchenjunga was in front of the eyes. What a huge mountain. It's as if an artist has painted milky snow on the mountain by hand. It seems that the sleeping heart of the Buddha can be touched by raising the hand.
This is a surprise to the urban Bengalis of College Street, Dharmatala, Gariahat, Laketown etc. What power God has built the nature! It seems that the mountain hundreds of miles away is standing cheek by jowl with Sandakphu, the highest peak of West Bengal. In the distance, they can see all the white peaks of mountains read in books like Everest, Makalu etc.
Soma tried to introduce the boys to the visible peaks of the Himalayas. If she made a mistake, their guide, local Sherpa Raju, corrected her.

The emergence of problems is the return time. Sure enough, a few minutes of rain and intense cold followed. It suddenly forest became dark. Along with that, the hilly roads become more dangerous and slippery.
Soma looked at Subir very helplessly. She did not allow their two sons to walk forward. She kept them to herself.
Subir realized that he had never faced such an unprecedented danger even after traveling to different parts of the country. Guide Raju's face has also faded. He took a torch with him. The light of that torch is low. Can't get very far through fog. He keeps saying one thing over and over again--Sabji, We have to go till Kalipokhri. Otherwise we will be in danger.
Soma was startled. When she arrived, she realized how long it had taken. So she said - Kalipokhri! It's a long way!

Raju is a young man. Even he is less experienced, Subir has no difficulty in understanding. Nature, which a moment ago was presenting its extreme beauty, has suddenly assumed a monstrous form. That seems to be the nature of the forest. Subir thought to himself.

Somehow they walked a long way, As long as a little light is visible. Deep darkness came slowly. Raju, is one of a sherpa of this area, he does not have the courage to move forward, how dare Subir show up there.

Subir asked---How far is left to reach Kalipokhri?
Raju said---Sab Ji. Not far. And a couple of km. But walking in this darkness is dangerous. The hill has become slippery.

Soma holds Antu's hand tightly. She also said to Santu---Santu stay close. Then she said to Raju---what can be done now?

Raju also said in a worried tone---Madam, there are two houses before Kalipokhari. It would be nice if someone gave us shelter like tonight. Otherwise we have to walk again at risk.
Subir said to Raju---How is it possible? Why do people let us stay in their house? Besides, why would we go to a stranger's house? Rather than Raju, we go, we will dare to walk little by little to reach Kalipokhri.

Raju said---Sab Ji. There will be a lot of risk. Local people don't go out here after evening unless there is a special needs. And no one goes on this road beyond Kalipokhri.

Soma gets annoyed and says to Subir---Oh! Subir, This is your nature. When he says that the place is definitely not convenient after evening. Why do we take risks with children? It's just a matter of spend for one night.

Subir lit a cigarette without saying anything. Raju said---Sab ji, there is a government homestay in front. Often it is closed. It is not usually offered to tourists as it is so deep in the jungle. If it's open today for some reason, problem solved. Otherwise, the last hope is the house of Dawa chacha, before Kalipokhari.

Fate did not help them. Government homesteads are closed. It looks like it hasn't opened in decades. Subir laughed seeing Soma's worried face, said---Hey why are you thinking darling. Something will be arranged.

Raju, however, continues with a pale face. After a while They were startled when they suddenly heard a female voice. They heard a voice of a young girl---Raju bhai, where are you going at night?

After a long time without these five, they heard the voice of a different person for the first time. A light of hope appeared in everyone's mind.

To be continued...

[Henry]

In the distance a teenage girl stands holding a hurricane light. She wears a thick winter jacket, a woolen cap on her head. Her appearance is exactly like Nepalese girls but the eyes are not like Nepalese. Her colour of the skin that can be seen in the hurricane light is yellowish like that of Nepalese. There is a sweetness in her face. The girl shyly said---Raju bhaiya, where are you going at night?
Raju immediately said---Keshvi?
---Yes. Raju bhaiya. Dadi sent me. It seems that someone is stuck in the forest so late at night, so Dadi said to go and see.

Immediately everyone got strength in their chests. They started walking behind the girl with the curve of the road. A small wooden house is visible in the distance. The house is similar to the wooden houses of Kalipokhri but not as advanced. Instead, the impression of poverty is in the whole house.

the girl was shouting 'Dadi..Dadi' in front of the house. An old lady opened the door. The old woman's face was clearly visible in the hurricane light, and it was clear that she was quite old. Her skin of the face is wrinkled. She wearing a Nath like married Nepalese woman and wear a light winter clothes. But what is surprising is that this woman's eyes are not like traditional Nepalese eyes also. Moreover, the woman is quite tall. Although her shoulders are slightly nubbly due to age.

Raju said with a smile---Dadi?
The old lady could not recognize it in the light and darkness and said---Who?
---I am Raju Sherpa. Son of Jaggu Sherpa.
---Oh, Raju. come, come.
The old woman opened the door. She said again---Why did you go out to do in the cold at night?
Behind Raju then Subir and Soma are eager to enter with their sons. They want to escape from some kind of cold. Raju said---Dadi, I took the tourists. It's late on the road.

The old lady now looked at Subir-Soma's family. She said---Have you come from Kolkata Sab ji?
Subir said---Yes. Thank you very much.
The old woman smiled and said---Gorkhas never let their guests be in danger. So nothing to be thankful for Sab ji. let's come, bring the kids in first.

As soon as they entered, they realized that it was very hot inside. quite comfortable, A lantern hangs on the wall. Their shadows are clear in that light on the wooden wall.

The house has two rooms. Two beds in two rooms. With a small kitchen. The girl Keshavi put the water on the small wooden oven. The old woman said---Sab ji, we are poor Gorkha people. The night will be difficult for you.
Soma said---We are really grateful for the help you have given us in this day of trouble. However, your house is very beautiful.

Soma began to see this small house used by hill people. She feels great. By that time, the old woman had given two big cups of hot milk of yalk to Santu and Antu.
Then she said---Madam, would you like to have tea?
Soma nodded. Raju started to warm his hands and feet in the burning heat of wooden oven. And he said---Sabji, you also take the heat of the wooden oven. You will be feel very comfortable.

That was exactly what Subir wanted. He is always afraid of cold winter. He said to Soma---Do you want to warm up also?

Soma, however, removed her socks and gloves and cleaned herself in hot water. She freshened up and sat next to Subir sipping the steaming hot tea.
The girl named Keshvi is a teenager. Talking to her, it was found that she is a 11th class student in Manebhanjan college. In fact, she is the granddaughter of this old woman.

The old woman said----this girl is my only support.
My beta Dawa works as a forest guard. He is actually a watchman. Our family runs by his income.
Subir said---are you Gorkhas?
---Yes Sabji. My name is Shanta Sherpa. My husband name Bahadur Sherpa, my son Dawa's original name Tej bahadur sherpa. We are Gorkhas and Sherpas. Raju's father Jaggu was like my son. He is one of my brother-in-law's son.
Subir said----You don't look like Gorkhas at all.
The old lady smiled, said---I am actually from Jalandhar, Punjab. My father was Sardar. He was a farmer in Punjab. My husband Bahadur Sherpa worked as a watchman there. We got married there. Then I moved here with my husband.
----That's why your height is higher than normal Gorkhas.
---My beta is also tall. He was taken for military training, but not given a job because he did not have much education.
In the middle, Kesavi said---Dadi, what should I cook?
The old woman said---Do you eat roti madam?
Soma said---Yes we eat. Shanta ji, no need to call me 'madam'. My name is Soma. You can call me Soma.
----Soma is a very good name for you. Goddess Durga has a name.
Subir asked---Are you Hindus?
---Yes. However, there are many Hindus among the Gorkhas, and many are Buddhists and Christians. Hindus are more in Tunglu. Both Hindus and Buddhists in Kalipokhri. Yes, we also go to the monastery, we also go to the temple.

Soma liked talking to the old lady Shanta ji. They talked for a long time sitting on the edge of the heat in the primeval atmosphere of the Himalayas on a winter night. At night they had dinner with roti and a curry of vegetables. Shanta ji was left One room for Subir's family. In another room, the old woman slept with her granddaughter Keshvi. Raju is lying on the floor in the kitchen.

Subir is lying down. Both boys are tired and fell asleep. Soma said lying next to Subir, burying her head in Subir's chest and said---Tell me is it not a strange atmosphere?
Subir pulled Soma to more closer and said---It is very romantic. do you know what should we want in this strange environment?
---What?
He hugged his wife more closely and said--Sex!
Soma said shyly---Dhat! not here, You see two boys sleeping next to us. And Santa ji and Keshvi are also lying next to that wooden wall. Are you became mad?
Subir said---but really i want that?
---Nope. None of this will happen here.

They kissed. That kiss is very gentle. They woke up early in the morning. Just like how Soma wakes up daily first in Kolkata. But Soma woke up and saw a different image today. Before long Shanta ji, Keshvi and even Raju have woke up. Subir, Santu and Antu are sleeping. Soma woke up the boys first. Then called Subir. After the snack, they said goodbye to old Shanta Sherpa and Kesavi. Soma wanted to give them some money before leaving. When Subir went to give it, they refused to take it. Soma thanked them. She said---if you come to Kolkata, you will come to our house.
She gave the phone number to the girl.
+++++++

[Henry]

Three months later...in present times...

While Subir returning from market, he saw Mr. Mitra at the gate of the flat building. Mr. Mitra saw Subir and said---When did you come Mr. Mukherjee?
---This was last night. are you well Mr. Mitra?
---You can understand the burden of age. How long are you staying?
---I will leave from this week.
Mr Mitra said---it's good, Tomorrow evening there will be a meeting of the honors at the flat. Come while you're staying. Otherwise madam should have come instead of you.
Subir smiled and said--Okay.

Returning from the market, Soma took the bag from Subir's hand and said----Mr. Mitra has come.
---Yes, I met him on the road.
She said---there is a meeting tomorrow. I told the same that you are at home, so you will go to the meeting.
Subir washed his hands and feet and spread his body on the sofa and said---Soma, give me another cup of tea.
Soma said from kitchen----coming.

After finishing his studies, Antu turns on the TV and watches the game on Star Sports. India vs Zimbabwe Match. Zimbabwe won the toss and selected to bat. One of the Flower brothers comes out to bat. Subir asked---Which of the two Flower brothers is this batsman?
Antu said without taking his eyes off the TV-----Grant Flowers and Alistair Campbell are opening.
Antu clapped as Javagal Srinath took the wicket. Soma shouted from the kitchen----Don't shout Antu, Dada is studing.

After some time the wicket fell again. Andy Flower shouldered the bat, who is one of the pillars of the Zimbabwe team. Soma went with the tea. Subir said while sipping tea----
Find out Soma if your college needs a watchman or janitor?
Soma said---We have a doorman of our college. And he is recruited from Govt. You better tell your friend Jayanta Da. He works in a bank. He Can make an arrangement. Banks are require security.

Subir got annoyed and said---What a trouble! The old lady helped us in trouble, So couldn't say no to directly. Finding such job is not easy.

Soma washed the vegetables and put it in the fridge and said---You can call Jayant Da once.
---Hey, Jayanta has now taken transfer and posted in Nadia near his home. If i call, i have to call his office.
--- Well, if there is.

Jayanta was Subir's college friend. Among his college friends, Jayanta was the only one in contact with Subir. He was came from Nadia district. While he studying engineering, he quit midway and joined a bank job. After his transfer from Kolkata, Subir's contact has decreased. Yet Subir rotates the telephone. After ringing for quite a while, Jayanta received.
After receiving they are talked about their health, family etc. Jayanta joked seeing Subir looking for a watchman job----what's the matter. Do you want to leave the central govt job and work as a watchman?

Subir smiled and said---I am in big trouble now. An old Nepalese woman helped us when we traveled Sanadakphu. Now she has to repay the favor for her son's.
Jayanta said---We already have a security guard in our bank. However, we have new branches in rural areas. There may be. But it will take time.
After talking for a while, Subir hung up the phone and said---Soma, I am hungry.

Soma just put the rice in the oven. She is getting ready to take a bath. She said---Well, Several days ago Mr. Agarwal was saying to keep a watchman in our flat.
Subir held out a cigarette and said---that was a long time ago. Is Agarwal right when he says that? He made a lot of money, he says such mistakes when he is under tension.
----Ah, you ignore everything. There is a meeting tomorrow. Tell him once.
Subir shook the cigarette ash on ashtrey and said---We already have a watchman in our flat.
----Raghu Da? Leave him alone. Mitra Babu is also upset with him. He guards a mall in the morning, comes here in the evening and goes to sleep.

Subir thought to himself, Soma didn't say anything bad. With what is going on in the city of Kolkata day by day, it is natural for a businessman like Agarwal to be afraid. Moreover, they also need security. Of course, Subir himself also need security for his family. Soma and his two sons stay alone at home. Mr. and Mrs. Mitra is an old couple, Mrs. Mitra hardly ever fluctuates due to arthritis problem. Watchmam Raghu Da is became old, he really can't do it anymore. Will he make the proposal at tomorrow's meeting? Subir thought again.

The meeting takes place in their ground floor hall. Even though it called evening, it was eight o'clock at night because Agarwal was late. Mr. Mitra presented the calculation of the incidental cost of the flat. Neither Agarwal nor Subir is particularly interested in accounting. Because they know that Mr. Mitra is a retired professor, he never cheats. All three families in this flat are financially sound. So no one cares about money.
At the end of the calculation, Subir raised the proposal, said---- Raghu Da not see?
Mr. Mitra's eyes showed annoyance, he said---don't talk about him again. Raghu went to his village today. Always dodging these days.
Encouraged by Mr. Mitra's words. Subir said again---How many bad things are happening in Kolkata every day nowdays, can we trust this watchman?
Agarwal immediately said---Mr Mukherjee is right. I too have been thinking for a long time. We need to have a good security.
Mr. Mitra said---that is good. But it is difficult to find someone else instead of Raghu.
Subir said---I have an acquaintance. Not local people, A Nepalese Gorkha.
Agarwal said---It is better if he is Gorkha. Gorkhas are very dutiful.
Subir said----then should I ask this man to come once.
Mr. Mitra said---Sure. Raghu is already old. Often everytime he said he will leave the work and go to the village. How much he able to work. Just Open the gate when the car enters. inquire when a letter arrives or a visitor arrives.

At night after dinner, Subir was reading a book with lying on the bed. Soma finished her work in the kitchen and stood in front of the big mirror, wiping her wet hands and feet and combing her hair. Subir took his eyes off the book and looked at Soma. During the whole day's work, Only some times Before going to sleep at night Soma in details looked at herself in the mirror. At the age of forty, her body shape has changed a lot. Her body is a little heavier than before but does not look bad. A little fat is accumulated near the stomach. However, it would be wrong to call it fatty or pot stomach. Rather, it is not as much as the amount of fat accumulated in the body of many women in their forties. The little amount of flesh that has grown looks good on her. She is not a skinny or not a fatty woman. She is also comfortable in saree or nighty. Sarees are worn outside the house. At least sometimes, especially when traveling, wear a salwar for convenience. Subir is also fair like Soma but not that much as Soma. Her fair skin still has a smooth texture. Maybe now Soma is not as young as she was at her young age, but at the age of forty her beauty has not completely disappeared from her face. Soft Youthful elegance still catches the eye. A shield of black hair, fair face filled with Soma still radiant. Subir used to joke sometimes---Soma, you can hide your age very easily.

Today he sees his wife like that again. A wife who handles housework and teaching job all day and does not get time to see herself, that simple wife still has a simple comeliness.

Soma notices Subir closing the book and watching her. To get ready for bed and smiled sweetly she said---What happened? Why do you look like that?
---I looked, how beautiful my wife is still.
---I can understand that you have intentions. Soma smiled. She said again---Santu just fell down and went to sleep.

Their elder son is very studious. In addition, he have lot of interest in studies. Of course, the little son Antu is a little fickle, but he is also smart. Subir, however, not only credits genetics for this, but also praises Soma's achievements. He knows that Soma has a strong contribution towards their two sons.


Soma turned off the light and came to bed. She said---What happened in the meeting, didn't you say?
Subir turned to the side close to his wife and said---what else? Discussion about that account. I settled the outstanding money.
---And about that watchman job?
---Oh yes. Mr. Mitra was also asking to replace Raghu Da with someone new. For that, we have to contact Shanta ji's son.
---How to communicate? Shanta ji said that her son will come and contact with you.
---If so, let it be done. If not, there is no problem.

Subir started unbuttoning his wife's nightie. He brought out Soma's left breast. Soma's fair flawless heavy breasts are slightly saggy but still quite plump and nourished. Her nipples are bruised from nursing two children. Now in middle age, Soma's breasts are dry but very tender and soft. Subir began to ready Soma by pinching the nipple of her left breast with his fingers. He knows that the main arousal of Soma's body is her breasts. He gently lowered his face to the breast. He took the right breast in his hand and began to caress his wife. In a moment, a wave of shivers started playing in Soma's body. Soma's nostrils flared, hissing,---"Suck some more."
Subir did so. He started sucking his wife's breasts again. Soma herself lifted the nightie up to her waist to get ready. Now her vagina is open. After reaching his hand, Subir started rubbing on Soma's vagina. Then he pulled the rope of his trouser down to his knees. After leaving the weight of his body on her wife, he inserted his cock in her right place and started having conjugal sex in a gentle rhythm.
++++++
To be continued...

[Henry]

Only one day left for the week. No phone call yet. Suddenly on Friday morning the phone rang around ten o'clock. Soma was getting ready to go for her college. She will drop Antu in the college bus on the way. Santu's college off now because of his exams ahead. Subir will leave on Saturday afternoon.
The phone keeps ringing. Soma was wearing a wrist watch. Annoyedly she said---who called again at this time?
Subir was reading the newspaper. He said---See who's calling.
---I don't have time. It's already too late. Can't you pick up the phone?

Subir left the paper and picked up the phone. A strong masculine voice was heard from the other side---Mukherjee Saab is there?
----I am Subir Mukherjee.
----Sabji Namaste. I'm Dawa sherpa. My mother called you.
---Oh. yes. Your mother never called after that.
---Sab ji, my mother is old. Can't remember everything. He called me yesterday and asked me to call you.
---Hmmm. Anyway You meet me.
--- Where to meet Sabji?
----You'd better come to my flat this evening.
----But the address?
----Do you have paper and pen? write it down.
----Say it in your mouth, Sab ji. I can remember.

Soma sat to teach Antu in the evening. Santu is doing maths in his room. Taking father's help sometimes. Just then the bell rang. Santu said---Dad, it seems someone has come.
Soma said---that man seems to have come.

Soma went and opened the door. She saw a very tall-looking man standing in front of her. The man said with a gentle smile but yet serious manly tone----I am Dawa sherpa. Mukherjee sub live here?
----Let's come. Soma let him in.

Both Subir and Soma saw Dawa Sherpa for the first time. They remembered Shanta ji saying her son is very tall. But Gorkhas can be so tall beyond imagination. Shanta ji is a Punjabi woman, because of the combination of Gorkha father and Punjabi mother, Dawa has a strong and tough appearance like Gorkhas, as well as height like Punjabis. His skin color is yellowish. There is a very harsh expression on his face. It is as if someone built him by breaking stones and using a hammer. He wears an old worn round neck brown colored t shirt and dirty jeans. His toned biceps are visible from behind the t shirt. Nepalese topi on his head. His Age will be more than forty. But what a terrible fit. Very strong looking man.
Soma let him sit by pulling the chair. Subir said---Your mother helped us. She is very kind woman.
Dawa smiled softly. He said in a hoarse voice---Yes, mother told about you. We are Gorkhas. We believe it is our religion to serve our guests.
Soma said---Keshvi is your daughter right?
The man smiled and said---Yes madam. My only daughter. She got married some time ago. A lot of money was spent for this. You know we are poor people. I work as a guard in the forest office and it was not sarkari Nawkri. Now Sarkar has closed that office For the deterioration of law and order in the hills and opened an office in a new place. I don't understand how the family will run. Mother reached the age of eighty.

Subir said to Soma---Soma, call Mr. Mitra.

Soma said to Antu who was reading----Go, call your Mitra uncle.
Antu got up. Subir said---Do you have work experience in Kolkata?
----No no, Sab ji. I Never worked in Calcutta. But I guarded the mountain for thirty years.
Subir was shocked---thirty years! How old are you?
----Fifty two.
Subir guessed he is may be forty-five-forty-six. But the man is older than him. Still he is very fit, can be understood by looking.

Mr. Mitra arrived. Subir said---Mr Mitra, I was talking about him. He is a mountain man. I was speaking about him in instead of Raghu Da's place as a watchman.
Soma said---Mitra da sit.
Mr. Mitra sat on the sofa, said---What is your name?
It is understood that Dawa Sherpa is a rough and tough guy. same in his character. He said in strong manly voice without any flexibility---Sabji, my real name is Tej Bahadur Sherpa, Nickname Dawa.
---Have you worked in security before? Mr Mitra asked.
----I used to guard the forest bungalow.
----means have you any security training? Nowadays there are security agencies, they provide training so I asked. Mr Mitra said.

Dawa Sherpa smiled softly, said---I have taken military training. spent three years in the Gorkha battalion during there emergency needs. I didn't get permanent because I didn't have much educational qualification.

Mr. Mitra became happy and said--Mr Mukherjee we can him taken or not?

Subir lit a cigarette, said---Agarwal's opinion was not taken. See what he says.

----Agarwal left it up to us. He also want a strong security.

Dawa, seeing Subir smoking a cigarette, also
He took out a bidis from his pocket. and said to Soma---Madam, Will it be a problem if I smoke?

Soma does not like anyone smoking in her living room of her house. But she couldn't say no to outsiders when her own husband lit a cigarette in the living room. Dawa held out the bidis and said to Mr. Mitra---Sab ji. But I am not an army man. I was in army training.
Mr. Mitra smiled and said---okey. But you did take the training also. that's it.

Subir noticed that Dawa Sherpa said 'sabji sabji' as much as he did, but he was not the type to say 'Jee Huzur' like normal watchmen. Rather, the man is very arrogant. Being a ordinary lower class watchman the way he casually smoke bidis in his master's house, which is not polite at all. which Subir didn't like at all. He said---Do you have any addiction?

Santu called from the next room---Mom! Soma left from there.

Dawa left the smoke of the bidi, smiled slightly and said--- Sab, I was in the military for three years. Alcohol was not accepted there. But I'm a mountain man, we have to drink alcohol from surviving the cold. But I don't addicted without only Bidi and Gutkha.

Seeing the tall, tough-looking man, Mr. Mitra likes Dawa as the right man for the security of the flat, but Subir is not too impressed. The man is terribly arrogant, very stubborn. But he can't say 'no'. Because he himself fixed him as a watchman. Besides, he told Shanta ji that he will find a job for his son. Now if Subir doesn't do it after Mr. Mitra's choice, the message will be bad.

After Mr. Mitra and Dawa left, Soma said---The man is not good. What a polite gentle man our watchman Raghu Da. But this guy looks like a thug. Do you see the face? Like hindi films villian!
Subir and their two sons laughed hearing Soma's words. Subir jokingly said to his son Santu and Antu---Your mom is scared. Tell me what can be done now?
Aantu said---Dad, there is a janitor in our college who also has such a cap on his head.
Santu also jokingly told his brother----Then the janitor of your college is the brother of this man.
Antu got angry when everyone laughed. Subir said to reduce the anger of his younger son---Ask your mom, does this man have another brother in her college?

Santu said---In mom's college, there is also. I saw mom's college, he is quite tall. If brother's college guard is this man's brother for wearing a Nepali cap, then mother's college guard for being tall is also this man's brother. So these three are brothers.

Subir added with him---then their names should be; Dawa ji, Hawa ji and Khawa ji.

Soma said amid their jokes---are you having a lot of fun? Then she scolded her elder son and said, "Why don't you study?"
+++++++




electronic dice roller
Mr. Subir Mukherjee
Age:46

[Henry]

It has been a week since Subir went to Delhi. And just a few days later Santu's secondary examination. Subir called Soma when She was leaving for her college. This is the busiest time for Soms. She gets annoyed when someone calls. But Soma picked up the phone. Annoyedly said---Why you call at this time?
---Getting ready to go to college?
----Hmmm. Tell me what to say. Today we have class in first period at college.
---Saying, when is the exam of Santu?
---March 4th.
--- That means after only three days. Do you think anything to leave him in the exam hall?
Soma said----I will go on the first day. I don't know what to do after that till now. I don't get college leave.
Subir advised---You can do one thing, rent a car. To leave and fetch him.
---Where can I get a car now? Besides, you didn't try it when you were at home.
---You can tell your colleagues. They can certainly rent a car.
Antu is ready to go to college. He hurriedly said---Mom, it's getting late. The college bus will come.
Soma said holding the phone on one shoulder while pinning the saree---Let's see. How much to do with one hand? I did not get any helping hand. I will cook in the morning. I will get the boys ready. I will be ready myself. Now there is more trouble.

Subir said---that's why I asked to keep a maid. You don't like maid's cooking.

Today is getting late. So she said---I'm keeping it now, I don't have time. When do you go to office?
---Hey, I'm calling from the office.
--- Have you eaten?
----Hmmm. keep it. Take care.

Soma hung up the phone. While going out, Soma said to her elder son---Take a bath and eat rice in the afternoon. Food is covered on the dining table.
While going down the stairs with her son, she looked at the room under the stairs on the ground floor. That room is Allocated for watchman. Dawa Sherpa is sitting on a plastic chair in front of this room. When Soma see the man, She always think he belongs to a gang of robbers. Who wouldn't be afraid to see a man who is really about six feet tall, with a monstrous body, and a tough, raspy face? Not only that, also the man's eyes and face have an impression of brutality.

Sitting in the staff room during the fourth period, Soma was telling her colleagues about her son's exam. Although Soma's college is govt. Yet it is not very big. There are total number of teachers is 19. Among them her junior math teacher Atanu babu, history teacher bandana di are Soma's close. Soma couldn't trust that anyone in particular would be able to help with the car rental.

After lunch when Santu was going to take some rest suddenly the bell rang. When he opened the door, he saw Dawa Sherpa standing in front of him. Santu said calmly---say something uncle?
----Lighter have?
Santu brought the lighter from the kitchen. Dawa Sherpa lit the bidi and said---no one at home?
---No. Mom went to college. My brother is also in college.
----You don't go to college, babu?
----I have exam after some days, so.
----Which class do you read?
---Class ten. I have secondary exams.
---You will give secondary examination. Bah! Bah! Dawa Sherpa blew the smoke of the bidi and gave a shout. He said again---Babu, I am an uneducated man. I have studied up to class four. I can write the name just. But my daughter Keshavi also passed Madhyamik exam. Her exam center was in Darjeeling college. Where is your exam center?
---in Jadavpur.
---Then you have to go by car. Do you have a car?
---Yes we have. But dad is not at home. Hence the problem.
---Why? i can drive. I have been driving on mountain roads for two years. Tell your mom, I will deliver you if possible.

Santu smiled softly. He thought the man was as evil just like her mother said. But talking now, this man did not feel bad. Santu said---Uncle, if you want to come in, come.

Dawa Sherpa came inside the house. Pulled the chair himself. He said---You have a very beautiful house. What does your father do
---Engineer.
---And your mom is a college teacher?
---Yes.
---Your mom-dad are very good people.

After that, there was a story between Dawa Sherpa and Santu for quite some time. He liked the man. The man told him about the mountains and the forest. Santu also said that he had seen a red panda at Sandakphu.
Dawa said---Babu now you have exam. I should not disturb you. When your exam is over, one day I will tell you more stories about mountains and forests.
Santu was happy. Said---Dawa uncle, can i say something?
Dawa stood near the door when he came out and said---Say.
---You are very good. I thought you were a bad guy. Mom was saying you look like a robber. But you are really good.
Dawa laughed. Said---your mom called me a robber?
---Yes. But if mom talks to you, she will understand that you are a very good person.


Soma returned home from college by five o'clock. Winter is gone. It's getting hot slowly. Whether it's hot or cold, Soma's habit is to go to the bath after college. She took off the saree and spread it on the sofa in the drawing room and went to the bathroom wearing a saya-blouse. After bath she came out wearing light cotton nighty. Rested a little and went to bed. Then she heated the milk for her two sons. While sitting on the sofa sipping tea, her eyes suddenly caught on the bottom of the table. A piece of bidi is lying. That means someone cames her house. Who smoke Bidi here. Soma shouted and said---Santu?
Santu said to let him sip the glass of milk----say mom.
----Who came home after I left?
----Dawa Uncle?
---Who?
---The new watchman uncle.
---What? There is no one at home, why did you let him in? Soma said angrily.

Santu is afraid of his mom. He Said---He wanted lighter,
----The man is not short of courage. So you let him enter the house.!
Santu realized that if mom found out that he had invited the man to their house, she would have to grumble even more. So he said to clarify---- Mom, Dawa uncle was asking in which class I studied.
---means? A lower class watchman come to our house and talk! Raghu Da was never like that. What else were he asking?
---He asked me where my exam seat was.

Soma fumed in anger. Soma quickly telephoned Subir in anger. Subir's office ends at eight o'clock. So Soma called his office. A clerk of Subir's office caught the phone first one. Soma said---Mr Mukherjee is there?
---Who are you talking about?
---I am his wife.
---Ok Mrs Mukherjee. I am giving the phone to sir right away.
Subir had to hold the phone for a few minutes. Santu is standing crouched in front. Looking at her son, she said in a stern tone----I see how big have you grown. Allowing a stranger to enter the house!

Subir knows that Soma never calls during this time. So he picked up the phone and said practically in surprise----What's the matter? If you call now?
Soma uninterruptedly told Subir all the happenings. Subir himself did not take Dawa very well that day, but he was not as anxious as Soma. He smiled and said--Keep cool Soma. Do one thing, you make a complaint to Mr. Mitra.
Soma is still angry, said--You call Mitra Da and tell him. That man should be kicked out tomorrow.

Subir is a cold-headed person. He knows his wife well. Actually Soma manages their family with two sons lonlely. So she is worried. He said---Ok ok. I will call. After back to quarters from office. I will call Mr.Mitra then. Is your head cold now, darling?
Soma remained unresponsive. Subir said---are you rent a car for Santa's exam?
---And where did I do it? I told Atanu, you know he is my colleague. He said "Soma di, you know I'm not from Kolkata. I don't know anyone like that yet". I can't."

Subir said---Then what can we do. How I Can try from Delhi? Let's see what can be done.

As Soma hangs up, she notices that Santu is still standing. Soma's anger subsided. She said----Why are you standing? Finished drinking milk? Go study.
Santu said---Mom will I say something?
--- What?
--- Dawa uncle was saying, he knows driving.
--- What to do about it?
---I mean, he was saying that he can drive our car and take me to the exam.

It is eight o'clock at night. After cooking, Soma turned on the TV. Monotonous serials are playing on TV. Se watched only one serial, and it is by nine o'clock at night. Besides, the TV is often off in their homes. Of course, the TV was bought only to watch Santu-Antu's cricket game. Soma started thinking about Santu's words. Can she really trust that dangerous looking man with a monstrous body to send Santu to the examination hall? Now Soma is helpless. Only one day left. It will be difficult if nothing happens by tomorrow. Meanwhile, if Subir has already complained to Mr. Mitra against Dawa! So will call Subir again and tell?

Subir returned from the office to the quarters. After washing his hands and face, he sat down with some documents from the office. Just then the quarter's telephone rang. He understood Soma's voice by picking up the phone. Said---What happened? If you call again?
Soma softly said---I called to say, have you complained to Mr. Mitra about Dawa?
---No, I didn't. Don't stress. I will call and tell him.
---No. Then don't say anything.
Subir was surprised. He Said---Why? What happened?
---Santu was saying, Dawa Knows car driving. He said that he can drive our car and deliver Santu to the examination hall.

Subir smiled. He said---So now you don't want to complain about him?
---Look, is there any other way? But can we trust the man?

Subir thought for a while and said---Why not? He is not a child lifter. Besides, on the first day of the exam, you yourself are going with Santu. I think if help is available from him then we should accept it. Cause we gave him the job.
Soma agreed. Subir repeated----But you talk to him yourself. Santu is just a kid, he may not say everything right.
---Hmmm. Soma said worriedly.
Subir joked again----then will Darling withdraw the complaint about him?
Soma said---don't joke. I talk to him
tomorrow morning.
---Okay.
--- When will you have dinner?
Subir looked at the wall clock and said---It's half past nine.
---Okay good night.
--- Good night.
++++++


dice number order
Dawa Sherpa
Age: 52

[Henry]

Today is the busy day for Santu's first exam. Mom's tension is higher than son's since morning. Soma took today off from college. After getting Antu ready in the college bus, she entered the bath herself.
The bell rang just after Soma entered the bath. Soma said from the bathroom---Santu, let's see who came.
Santu opened the door and saw Dawa Sherpa. He said---Mom Dawa Uncle is asking for the car key.
Soma said from the bathroom---It is in the bedroom drawer, give him.

Exams start at twelve o'clock. On the first day, need to go a little earlier. They left right around 10:30. Soma is wearing a light pink color tant saree with orange blouse. She doesn't like to a lot of makeup when she goes to college or when she goes out. Even at the age of 40, her fair face still has a lot of charm. Yet she loves Simply Dress forever, not just at this age. She use always only a light cream or just face powder on her face. Soft lipstick on the lips. On her left hand she wears a black strap wristwatch on with sankha-pola. She always has a gold noa in her right hand, a thin gold chain around her neck and two thin gold rings in her ears.

Dawa drove the car. Soma and Santu are sitting on the back seat. Santu is reading the book inside the car. Sometimes Soma is busily looking at her watch, sometimes opening a water bottle and feeding Santu. Dawa glanced at Soma through the car mirror. He saw and said---Madam, you are very tensed for your son's exam. Don't stress, Babu is very intelligent boy. His exam will be good.
Soma smiled softly. Dawa reiterated----When my daughter Keshavi was giving her exam, her dadi was very tensed. I am an uneducated person, her grandmother is also uneducated. However, her dadi was very tensed. But my Keshavi was also good at studies.

Soma said---then why did you gave marry her? You could teach him more in college.

---Didn't i wished that, madam. But what to do. We are poor people. How long could I send her to college? I got a good groom fir her. So I gave her marriege. But what do you know, madam, my son-in-law is a very good person.
Soma could see that even the rough-faced arrogant Dawa Sherpa had a fatherly heart. Which she liked. So she said---your daughter is very good. When we got stuck at night, we saw her.
---Yes madam. She is motherless daughter. Tell me what else to do. I am out of work. Her dadi is to old. Then tell me what will happen next. So I gave marriege.

Talking they reached the exam center. Soma sat near down and waited till the test started. She came out from exam center to start the exam. She saw Daba standing in front of the car not far away and pulling bidis. Soma waited for a while and went ahead.
Daba threw the burnt bidi and said---Madam, You have to wait three hours now. What do you do so long? I know this place. I have been to this Jadavpur place in Kolkata before. There is near pond in. The place is nice and quiet. Sitting there will pass your time. Soma felt uncomfortable, she didn't think it was right to spend three hours in a quiet place with a stranger, a man who he thought was dangerous Until a few times ago.

Dawa seems to understand Soma's mind. He said---don't be afraid madam. I'm not a bad person.
Soma was startled. She said---No, no. I don't think so.

Talking to Dawa now, Soma seems to be changing her thinking towards the man a little. This man's tall muscular body, rough and husky face and heavy masculine voice made it seem like she thought the man was hideous. Soma felt that the man was actually not so bad.

Soma didn't know there was such a place in Kolkata. A largel pond. Trees around. The ghat of the pond is tied with cement. Very quiet place. Very far away, two people are sitting and talking. The sound of vehicles is coming from far away.
Soma sat down on the cement chair next to the cement ghat. Dawa Sherpa sat on the cement chair on the opposite side. He sat down and said---Madam, your Kolkata is in
crowded area. I am a mountain man. I don't like so much crowd. This place is pretty good, isn't it?
Soma smiled. She said---But I didn't know about this place before. I came to Jadavpur several times with Santu's dad. But I was not familiar with this place.

Soma is still uncomfortable. She is a lady from educated upper middle class bengali family. Also she is a college teacher. It does not suit her to sit in such a secluded place with a low class watchman, who looks like a goon types and dressed in filthy clothes. If a familiar person has seen her, what to say!

Dawa took out a khaini's box from his pocket. He crushed the khaini several times in his hand and stuffed it into his mouth. Then he said---Madam, are you always feel good living in this crowded city?

Soma smiled and Said---why not? how many people are there Working, living.
---Madam I am working in your flat for just one week. But No one socializes here with anybody. Master Sabji on third floor, Marwari Aggarwal Sabji speaks when they required, otherwise no one speaks.
Soma said---Everyone here is busy with everyone's work. Everyone has very little free time. To each his own.
Dawa glanced at the pond for a while, looked and said----I too, madam, I am a lonely person. But I am friends with the mountains. There are no mountains here.

Soma smiled and said---I also like mountains too. It's not always that we like living in this city. We therefore traveling once a year. I really liked your hill area.
Dawa started thinking about something silently.
Soma noticed that there was a wildness in Dawa's face. His face is carved in stone. Just as he said that being a man of the lonely forest he loves the mountains, just as he sometimes sinks into solitary thoughts.

Soma broke the silence and said----You live very well in mountain area, Dawa ji. Your own small family, small home in the bosom of beautiful nature.

Dawa laughed now. His smile was very hoarse but Soma felt that there was some pain in this smile. Dawa said---Madam, where is my family?
---Why? You have a daughter, a mother.
---How long will my mother alive? And daughter is married.

At the first time, Soma suddenly think that the man seemed to be a real person of flesh and blood. Until tomorrow she thought he was a goon types man or a cruel bad guy. Soma knew that the man's huge masculine body was the reason she felt this way. She knew that, although appearance could not be the hallmark of one's character, it could not be reasonable. She said softly---Your daughter Keshvi is a really good girl.

Dawa said again---My motherless poor child. When she was two years old, her mother died.
----What happened to your wife?
Dawa was silent now with a serious face. Suddenly, a hawker shouted loudly "Badam..."(nut).
Dawa said---Madam, will you eat nut?
Soma said---No no. Thank you. If you want to eat, you can eat. Soma went to take out the money from the bag.
Dawa said---No, madam. I am not to eat alone.

Just one day can change a person's life. Soma thought who was a bad man just twenty-four hours ago now she feels the man is not bad. She does not feel bad for the man.
After the exam of Santu, She asked her son-----How did the exam?
Santu smiled. Soma glanced at her question paper. They returned home before afternoon.
Soma's mind is quite good since evening. A dark cloud of wrong thinking has been removed from her mind. Feeling calm now. Now she is confident that Dawa ji will be able to deliver Santu safely to the exam center in the upcoming exams.

At night Subir called just before going to sleep. Their both sons are sleeping. Soma picked up the phone and Subir said---I didn't have time today. How was the exam of Santu?
----He says it's good.
Subir said---are they both asleep now?
---Yes. did you eat?
---Yes. A colleague's son got married today. Marathi marriage, so their food is different.
Soma worriedly said---you have a problems of eating outside food. So take the medicine of acidity before going to bed at night.
----Dhat! Nothing will happen. Did the Dawa sherpa drive properly?
Soma said with anxiety---You know We have mistakenly recognized the man. Dawa ji is very gentleman. Talking to him, I realized that he is a human being like us.

Subir was a bit surprised to see Soma addressing the man as "Dawa ji". He laughed and said---is not that person is a bad man! You said about him like a villian!

Soma blushed, said with a smile---ish! I thought the man was bad. It is not right to judge someone by their appearance.
---Will you go tomorrow?
---No no. Where did I get the leave? Dawa ji can be trusted. He goes to deliver Santu to the examination center.

Subir realizes that Soma has not only changed her opinion about that Gorkha watchman, but has also developed a trust in the man. After short-spoken, Subir left the phone.

To be continued...


Mrs. Soma Mukherjee
Age: 40

[Henry]

Soma has to leave college at 10 am. On the way, she has to drop Antu in the college bus again. Meanwhile, Santu's exam starts at 12 noon. Soma had to leave earlier. At the time of going, she came to the small room of watchman at the bottom of the stairs and called----Dawa ji?
Dawa came out from the house. He seems to have slept a while ago. Bare body, wearing a lungi. His muscular body Just like the rock solid that God carved out of stone. Soma looked at his strong biceps on his yeolish body. She was stunned for a while seeing such a strong masculine body. A very manly body was now half-naked in front of her, she was feeling uncomfortable. Then she said---Dawa ji, you will take care and deliver Santu. Please be careful.
Dawa Sherpa smiled gently and said in a heavy voice---don't tense madam. I will handle everything. You go to college safely.

When Soma stepped out of the geography class of class seven in the second period towards the staff room, clerk Ratan said----Soma madam, headmistress is calling you.

Soma went straight to the headmistress's room instead of going to the staff room. Head Mistress Nivedita Sanyal is a dashing woman as well as a gantle one. She is close to retirement. As Soma entered her office she said---sit down.
Soma said---Madame, did you call me?
Nivedita Sanyal looked over her glasses and said---Is your son giving secondary exams?
---Yes ma'am.
----I heard your son is very bright student. How is he doing the exam?
----Only one exam yet, madam. He is saying well.
---Pretty much. Did you want a leave?
---Yes, I wanted to. But I didn't get it. Soma said disappointedly.
Headmistress said----Leave is not possible now. But if you come to class after tiffin period, that is possible. Means; you can leave your son at the exam center and attend college.

Soma was very happy. Gladly said---Thank you madam.

The headmistress said with a gentle smile---You are getting the opportunity because our college is not a secondary examination center this time. Last year, Sutapa madam did not get leave despite her daughter's higher secondary examination.


Soma came home from college and was getting ready to take a bath. Suddenly the bell rang at the door. Soma realizes that Santu has arrived. She was wearing only black petticoat and blouse. Antu quickly went to open the door as his Dada came.

Soma thought that if he opened the door only Santu would come. After Antu opened the door, Santu said---Mom, Dawa uncle has come.
Somehow Soma clutched the sari lying on the sofa to her chest. Dawa Sherpa is standing in front of her. Soma falls an awkward situation. Even though her saree is pressed on her chest with only wearing a petticoat-blouse, her fair fleshy soft belly is bare. Soma hurried into the bathroom after facing Dawa Sherpa. She said from the bathroom---Antu, Tell Dawa uncle to sit.

Soma quickly started putting on the nightie over petticoat and blouse in the bathroom. When she rushing into the bathroom, Soma noticed Dawa glancing at her bare stomach just a fraction of second. She thought to herself, what's wrong with Dawa ji, it's normal to be noticed when you come forward like this.
After putting on the nighty, she came out of the bathroom to overcome her discomfort. She looked at her elder son and said-----how was your exam?

Santu looked very cheerful. He said---Mom, today's exam was great.
Dawa was going up. Soma interrupted and said---where are you going? Drink tea.
Dawa said---Madam, you have just returned from college. take a rest.
Soma said---How long will it take to make tea. Sit down please and wait.

Dawa again sitting on. He is sitting on the sofa today. Antu watching watching a highlights of old cricket match on TV. He showed Sherpa's muscular arms and said---Dawa uncle, do you go to the gym?
Dawa laughed. He said---Chhoto babu, I am a mountain man. There is a lot of hard work to do. If you work hard, you don't need to go to the gym.

Soma made tea and brought it. Dawa took the cup of tea, took a sip and said,---Very delicious tea.
Soma smiled and said---It is your Darjeeling tea. We bought it when we went to there. My husband likes it very much.

Dawa sipped again and said---Darjeeling tea? But we don't get this tea. Everything goes out after being sold at a higher price. The poor people of Darjeeling cannot afford to buy this tea.
---Oh maa! Local people do not get to drink this tea!
----My mother used to work in a tea garden. Then she would pick up leaves from there. The tea of ​​that leaf is more delicious than this. But we don't get the powdered tea packets there.
When Soma went to bring the biscuits, Dawa stopped her. A gap day in between, and then Santu's English exam. Soma said---I can go from the next exam. But I have to leave after placing him in the examination center.

Dawa became very engrossed and started drinking tea. It was not understood whether the words reached his ears or not. Soma entered the bathroom. Dawa finished the tea and said to Antu---In which class do you read Choto Babu?
---Six.
---Sabash! I think choto babu seems to love sports?
Antu said while watching cricket match highlights on TV---I love it so much. I got a chance in the junior team of my college.

Santu jokingly said---gave you a chance, or because Abhi was ill, you got a chance in his place.

Antu angrily replied----You never got a chance in your college's cricket team. Are you jealous now?
Then Santu said---Mom, have you seen how brother is talking on my face. Does not respect about elders.
Hearing the quarrel of her two sons from the bathroom, Soma shouted and said---Antu, you are quarreling with Dada again.
-----Where did i do? Dada did it. Antu said annoyedly.
Dawa Sherpa said to stop the quarrel between the two brothers----Chota babu, if you want to play sports, you have to do physical exercises. Strong body should be made.
A highlights of of Michael Bevan's an innings was being shown on TV. Santu said---tell me what is the name of this cricketer?
Antu quickly replied----Michael Bevan, my favorite tailender batsman.
---I can say that he has a record, what is it?
---I can. 55.17 avg. Which is the highest avg in ODI cricket.

They started talking. Dawa Sherpa remained seated. Sitting quietly, deep in thought, as if he waiting for something. Soma takes a lot of time to bathe. After taking a bath, she came out wearing a light blue saree. With blue blouse. Her hair is not even wet in this afternoon bath, She came out with a freshly bathed wet body and saw Dawa Sherpa still sitting.
On seeing Soma, Dawa said---I left, madam. Agarwalji took out the car again in the evening.
Soma said---oke. The day after tomorrow. You remember, Dawa ji.
---I remember.
+++++++

[Henry]

Today is Santu's English exam. His mom came with him, so he was very happy. Dawa glanced at Soma while she getting into the car. She wears maroon saree, black blouse. A little bra strap is sticking out from blouse near her shoulder. Soma didn't seem to notice that. Dawa said---Madam, what time do you go to college?
---After tiffin I will reach college. it should arrive at 1:30 PM.
Dawa said---Then has a lot of time, madam.

Soma smiled. She noticed that Santu was reading the grammar book intently. Soma opened the bottle and gave water to Santu. She said her son---You will read all the questions correctly and write the answers with a cool mind.


After the exam started, Soma came out of the hall as usual. She saw Dawa ready and sitting on the driving seat of the car. A bidi is burning between his lips. Soma opened the door and got into the back seat. The strong smell of beedi hit her nose. Even if Subir smokes cigarettes, Soma doesn't like the smell. Subir has to wash his face well before going to sleep at night. Otherwise, Soma will growl.

The smell of beedi seemed more awkward than cigarettes to her. She said---Dawa ji, you will not smoke bidis as long as I stay.

Dawa smiled very mildly. He said---Okay madam.
While going in the car, various conversation started to happen between them. Most of it is about the Dawa's life, about the mountain. How he had to stop studying after his father died at a young age. How his mother struggled to manage the family, etc.

Dawa speaks in a rather heavy voice, haltingly. He is six feet tall, strong body and his tone of speech is very manly. Soma doesn't mind this intense masculinity in Dawa Sherpa these days. Rather, she likes it a little better. Soma always thought that men would be very manly, not at all tender-hearted. Besides, Soma also likes to talk to Dawa. In the busy life of college and family, how much time does she have to talk differently. She doesn't get a friendly people for talking, With whom she can talk a little.
She reached the age of forty, now sometimes she feels that she needs a little release. So sometimes she think of leaving the two boys somewhere else and going to near Subir for a few days. The husband-wife will spend together. But that never happens in reality. Her two sons are still teenagers. Both husband and wife are busy with their profession, Moreover, they are far from each other. even if they want to, they don't become.

As there is a intense wildness in Dawa, so too in that wildness are the words of the very ordinary low-class people. That sounds good to Soma.

Dawa said---Madam, Sabji has a big government job, you also have a government job, your life is much more comfortable. But let me say that you feel empty from everything in your urban life.

Soma smiled. Dawa is not wrong. Sometimes the man seems like a philosopher. He is not exactly educated, and he is just a uneducated low class watchman, but it seems that he has come to know this Kolkata city a lot these days.

She said---You are also a lonely person. There is no one around you.
The words were actually said by Soma to show sympathy for Dawa.
Dawa remained silent for a while. Then he said---I am alone, madam. But where I am, there are mountains, there are trees, there are forests. You know madam I wanted to stay in the jungle, work as a sherpa, have a wife again, have a small family, have children there. They will play, grow up in the lap of nature. My wife and I will love each other very much in our little log cabin. Then.... Dawa stopped.

Som a loughed and Said---and?

---And we will be live like a wild animal, Actually madam I am alone but like a lone tiger in the forest. Singalila tiger is very lonely. I am alone too. Are you lonely like me, madam?
---Oh ma! Why I am alone? I have two naughty sons. I have a husband and my beautiful family.

-----But Sabji is outside, you don't feel alone.

Soma remained silent this time. As she reached in front of the college, she said---Dabaji, stop here.

Soma got down from the car and turned back smiling softly. Then Dawa Sherpa turned the car after Soma passing the college gate.
+++++++

[Henry]

Gradually more than half of Santu's exams were done. Today is a holiday. Santu also got a little rest. Two brothers have been playing cricket in the garden of the flat since morning. Soma called from the roof and said---It's twelve o'clock, when will you take a bath?

Soma came after cooking and taking a bath. Subir called at exactly twelve o'clock. Soma picked up the phone and said---Hello.
----Is lunch complete?
----No. I just came here after cooking and taking a bath. did you eat?
----Where is Santu-Antu?
---They are playing.
---Santu's have not exam today?
---No. His exam will be tomorrow. I'll have a day off tomorrow.
---Why? Why is holiday for tomorrow again?
---Our headmistress was saying that she would give me a full day off for Santu's examination.
Subir smiled---You only get such a vacation in your teaching profession.
Soma said---You always say that. You think only your job is hard work, and we spend it all by dodging.
--- Ah! Am I saying so Soma? Is it a exam tomorrow?
----Santu has an optional biology exam on tomorrow. That is not important subject. Then there will be two more exam left; History and Maths. That's why I think I will take leave for tomorrow. I will take the two boys for a little trip after the exam.
---Where are you go for a little trip? Subir asked holding out a cigarette.
----Dawa ji was saying; Nico Park. In fact, one of Dawa ji's friends works as a guard there. Dawa ji was saying about the place, he said two boys will enjoy there very much. Santu also needs a little rest, what do you say?

Subir was a little surprised, even a few days ago, Soma did not like this Dawa ji at all. That Soma is doing 'Dawa ji Dawa ji' so many times now. He smiled and said jokingly---That's your Dawa ji, is very useful now. Is it right?

Soma got angry, she said----What do you mean "my Dawa ji"! You really talk a lot of nonsense.

Subir laughed out loud, said----Why are you angry, darling?

Soma said in an appreciative manner---You know How ordinary man he is. If he did not have many problems today in Santu's exam! but what I thought by looking at the appearance of him! I am ashemed.
---Santu-Antu has not yet returned to play?
---They were playing cricket downstairs a little while ago. Now it seems they are talking with their Dawa uncle in his room.

Subir realized that not only his wife, but also his two sons have become big fans of Dawa Sherpa. He smiled and said---Then you are going to a trip tomorrow?
---So I'm thinking.

Santu and Antu arrived. Soma said to Subir---Here they come, after so long in playing. Ok, I'm hanging up the phone. Take a little rest today when you have a day off today.
Subir smiled and said---Bah! If I am on holiday at home, don't let me sleep. And now you say to sleep.

----Do you understand how much work there is at home? In all of your life, you leave the burden of the family on your wife and stay outside assuredly. how do you understand?

---Well, well. Now you have Dawa ji, when I go on home, let him do the housework, and I will sleep peacefully.

Soma also said in a funny way----I will do so. Are you feeling very jealous for Dawa ji now.

---Why should I be jealous of that person who looks like Dara Singh? Honestly Soma, even the general manager of my office will be scared to see your Dawa ji. Tell him once, then I will take him to scare the genaral manager.
Soma smiled and said---Dhyat! All your nonsense. I am keeping the telephone. When they come after bathing, to serve lunch.

To be continued...

[Henry]

Soma did not send Antu to college today. After Santu's exams are over, they will go to Nico Park together. After the bath, Soma stood in front of the mirror. Santu-Antu are ready at that time.

Soma was standing in front of the mirror looking deeply. She rarely sees herself this way. She was observing herself deeply today. Opened the cupboard and saw rows and rows of linen, zardousi, loom, tangail, tasar silk, kanthastitch, katan, baluchari sarees. The sarees were bought by Soma at various times as a hobby, and remain in the cupboard. When going out to college, most of the time they wear just tant or sometimes cotton silk. So Subir jokingly says---is it for the brides of your two sons who have accumulated so many sarees?

Soma remembered Subir's words. Really thought, she already reached the age of forty. If not now, when will she wear it? What is the possibility that their wives will wear sarees when Santu-Antu grows up?
Of course, Soma didn't understand whether Soma felt like that suddenly or for some reason. Instead, today she want make up a little. Out of all of them sarees, she chose the ghee colored Kantha stitch saree. She bought it from Santinektan for the Poush festival by Subir's choice. The saree has lovely flower leaf stitch on ghee color all over. A black blouse will go well with it.

Today she thought about the inner cover of the blouse. She wore a black bra. Although she mostly wears white brassiere. Today suddenly she wants something new.
While she putting on the saree in front of the mirror after wearing the petticoat-blouse, she noticed a little belly fat of her. But it has increased a little.
Put soft lipstick on her lips. As she usually does. Wore a pearl necklace on her neck and set with ear tubs.
They got into the car exactly at ten o'clock. Their family car is small. The boys had already climbed into the back seat and occupied the space. Dawa Sherpa said---If you don't mind madam, you can come to the front seat.

When Subir drives the car, Soma sits next to Subir in the front seat. Without any hesitation, she sat next to Dawa in the front seat. After the car started moving, Soma smelled a strong manly sweat from Dawa's body. Perhaps the smell was strong, yet very masculine, Soma began to have a strange feeling.
At the beginning of her marriage, Subir's posting was in Kolkata. When Subir came home from office, Subir smelled like this. Soma, ever the cleanliness freak, scolded Subir and sent him to take a quick bath, but secretly she felt better. The body odor of Dawa Sherpa is stronger than that. To be so close to him today, she feels.

They waited on that lonely pond till the Santu's examination was over. Santu's exam will end at 11 am. Antu was throwing a stone into the pond to test how far he could throw the stone. Dawa Sherpa and Soma were watching him sitting not far away.

Antu went a little closer to the pond then Soma warned---Don't go too close to the pond, Antu.
But Antu was still busy throwing rocks near the pond.
Then Dawa said----Choto babu, don't go too far. There are crocodiles.

Antu is a student of class six, he knows there are no crocodiles in the pond. Moreover, not in Kolkata. But Dawa's manner of speaking was such that he was a little nervous.
Then Antu came near and said---Dawa uncle crocodile in the pond! Is it possible? I am not stupid.
Dawa Sherpa said---Well, little boy, don't have crocodiles, there can be snakes! Do you know how many big snakes we have in the mountains?
Antu said in surprise---so you are talking about Python or Boa?
---Bigger than that.
Antu said in surprise---Anaconda? It lives in the only Amazon rain forest.
---Bigger.
Antu looked at his mom and said---Mom, are there snakes on earth bigger than Anaconda?
Soma laughed and said---who knows, maybe your Dawa uncle knows that only.

Dawa Sherpa said---Madam, you don't believe it? There are really big snakes in our mountains. I can show you if you want.

Soma is still smiling, Dawa is not a literate person, so he has no idea about Anaconda. He might be exaggerating about a mountain python.
Seeing Soma laughing, Dawa fell silent. Soma said---Dawa ji, Antu is right. There is no snake bigger than anaconda in this world.
Dawa smiled and said---Madam, I will show you a real bigger mountain snake one day.

Soma said---No don't. I am very afraid of snakes.
Antu said---Dawa uncle, show me then.
Dawa Sherpa said---No no choto babu, not you. If your mom doesn't believe me, I will show her.
Saying this, Dawa gave a strange smile. Soma, however, did not understand the meaning of this smile.

They entered Nicopark around 11:30 to after finish Santu's exam. A Gorkha friend of Dawa works as a gatekeeper. When he saw Dawa, he came forward and said---Dawa bhaiya, you?

Dawa is already very tall man. He smacking his short-looking Gorkha friend's shoulder and said---How are you, Gurung?
----Well, how are you bhaiya? Then the man named Gurung went to Dawa's ear and said-----Who are with you?
Dawa' friend Gurung said it in such a way that even Soma had no problem hearing it. Dawa said---The flat I guard is the owner's family.
Soma went ahead with her two sons. Dawa and his short height friend Gurung started talking for a while they both smoking bidis

Then Dawa came to them. Santu and Antu are fascinated by the big merry go round and various types of riders.
Dawa said---Choto babu will you like ride the merry go round?
Both jumped for joy. Then one after the other they rides in there merry go rounds, sky diver, aquatica. Dawa and Soma followed them with their bags.

They came in front of a huge merry go round. Dawa said---Madam ji, will you ride or not?
----No no. I am afraid about merry go round.
Besides, I'm not young enough to ride a merry-go-round.
----Madam how old are you?
Soma joked---Age of women should not be asked. Guess what.
Dawa laughed. He Said---Thirty four?
---Damn! I have been married for seventeen years.
---Then, thirty eight?
---A little more.
----forty
----Right.
---What an age it is madam. I am now fifty two. I still wrestle at fairs in Kalipokhri.

Soma laughed at the Dawa's wrestling passion. She said jokingly---You will once teach my husband how to wrestle.

----Wrestling is not for everyone, madam. Sab ji is an educated gentleman, he can't learn these things. This requires brute force and brutality.
Soma loughed and said---Are you such a brute person?
Dawa said in passionate voice---Brutalilty means no mercy where victory requires brutality. Besides, being strong is most important.
That's why Dawa lifted his short sleeve t-shirt to show his biceps.
Soma said with a smile---- Stay. No need to show your strength.

Dawa said---Madam, one day I will really ride you an merri go round. You will enjoy then.

----No, no, I see you are making fun of my fears in everything. Once you say that you will show me a huge snake, once you say that you will ride me on a merry go round. Tell me what's the matter?

The two started laughing like this throughout the day. They seem to have come closer today. Soma is an educated woman from an upper middle class urban Bengali family. But this insignificant low class watchman seems to be the closest person to her. She can roam like a free bird.

The day was not only good for Soma, but also for Santu-Antu. They returned around 7 pm.

Soma was thinking about herself while going to sleep that night. She never saw herself under the pressure of marriage, family, children. Whenever she felt alone, she felt helpless. She always wanted Subir. Today was the first day in her seventeen years conjugal life without Subir she enjoyed.
Once Subir often says "Soma, learn to understand your own happiness, we both are far away for both professons. Take care of yourself while handling family pressure. Learn to enjoy."
Soma did not pay attention to Subir's words that day. Today, at forty years old, she feels like she should have thought about the words. Many of Subir's office colleagues are his close friends. He can go to many places on office tour. Many colleagues have families in his quarters. Soma visits once or twice times in Subir's quarters, the neighbors colleague families are very affable. It is expected that Subir has many friends to spend free time with. But she?

She thought more, Dawa ji can be a low class watchman. Their social status doesn't match with Dawa Ji, But Soma feels that Dawa is very close to her now. She really like his intense masculine nature, heavy manly voice. She like to listen to stories of wild mountain life. Sometimes Soma thinks that she also desires such types of a man? Who will be such a man, will always be with her. Will talk with her, When she is tired of handling the pressures of family and teaching profession, he will make her laugh and help to forget the tension. Who would take her shopping, help handle the boys.

Subir has been far away since birth of Santu. Soma raised their two sons alone. Soma knows Subir does this a lot when he is at home. So she expect a lot from Subir. But there is laziness in Subir. At once the long, strong appearance of Dawa Sherpa suddenly flashed on Soma's eyes, a man of untiring wild Hardworkness. Soma get a different feeling of pleasure.
As soon as the thought came, Soma laughed alone. Turned on the bed switch and looked at the clock, twelve o ten. Both boys fell asleep long ago. She turned off the light and lay down on her side.
++++++

[Henry]

A few days passed in between. As time goes on, more and more Dawa Sherpa is becoming a relevant man in the Subir-Soma's family. Even last week, Dawa brought Soma's family household grocery market. However, Soma did not want to. Dawa forced---Madam, I will bring it. Give me a list.

When Soma wants to give some tip, Dawa disagrees. Santu-Antu spends ta lot of time in a day with their Dawa Uncle. They listen to him about mountains, tigers and red pandas. Both of them also want to learn how Dawa Uncle exercises to keep his fit in shape in the morning.

Soma's college is now running regularly. Santu is now at home on his post-examination leave. Dropping Antu in the college bus, Soma runs towards her college. In the evening and when she rests a bit, Dawa Sherpa comes sometimes. They drink tea sitting in the living room. They talk about many things.

This evening also Dawa Sherpa came exactly at six o'clock. Antu in the reading room. No matter how much his favourite Dawa uncle comes while he reading, he cannot disobey his mom's rule.
Santu was watching a documentary on lions on 'Discovery' channel on TV. Dawa came and sat next to him, said---- where is your mom Babu?
Soma was in the kitchen. Santu said---Mom is in the kitchen. Uncle See how African lions hunt.

Dawa Sherpa has never seen a lion. Mountain lion seen once in his childhood. He started telling about that story.

Soma brought tea and pakoras and said---Dawa ji, I see you will make my two sons wild man.
Dawa Sherpa smiled and said,---Madam, jungles are better than city people.

Soma smiled and said---The tea is getting cold. And tell me how pokoras are testy?


Dawa first bit the pokora. And said---Madam, you have magic in your hands. Just like my mother. My mother cooks very well.

Soma said shyly---Dhat! You are a little too complimentary.
---Madam, I am right. Both the tea and pokora were excellent.

Santu is engrossed in watching TV. Soma and Dawa are sitting on the two ends of the long sofa. As soon as when Dawa entered the room, the smell of wild masculine sweat reached Soma's nose. Soma is still getting it today. What an intense, intoxicating thrill. In the early days of marriage, Subir and Soma were still young lovers, Subir used to return from office after Soma. When Subir returned, Soma herself unbuttoned his shirt. In fact, Soma liked coming back from the office to smell Subir's manly sweat all day long. The smell is more intense on Dawa and more manly. Subconsciously, Soma came a little closer to smell that scent.

The phone rang immediately. Subir calling. Soma picked up the phone and said---are you in the office?
---No, I returned to the quarter.

Soma looked at the clock and saw that it was 6:30, Subir's office was not supposed to be off now, so she was surprised---so early?

Subir laughed and said jokingly---You are saying as if i am not in the quarter, I surprised you when I came back home. And your boyfriend and you are uncomfortable.

Soma said angrily---Nonsense!
---Hey Darling, why are you angry? Why didn't your boyfriend come today?

Nowadays Subir jokingly calls Dawa is Soma's boyfriend. Soma doesn't like that. The man comes to their house in the evening. Soma likes his visit during her alone time. Maybe Soma is also subconsciously attracted to Dawa's strong, tall, muscular body, heavy husky masculine voice. But it's all just an attraction. Every man and woman has it. That said, she cannot be defined as a affair. Maybe Subir doesn't think so, but she doesn't like this joke.

Soma didn't give any answer, Subir said again---What happened, why are you angry?
----He is sitting. Soma said shyly.

Today, however, Soma showed some softness in Subir's joke. Subir joked again---Look at the courage of the watchman! making love to my beautiful wife in my absence!

Soma said---tell me aside from nonsense, why is the office closed so early today?

---Today I actually went to Old Delhi for office work. From there straight to the quarter. What are Santu-Antu doing?
----The little one is reading. The elder one is with Dawa ji in front of the TV.

Subir laughed again and said jokingly---Soma, seriously, you can have one affair. See I'm always out, and your Dawa ji is always in this flat. So no one can disturb you both.

Soma was a little annoyed and said with a smile---Whatever bad thoughts are in your head."
----And on the head of your Dawa ji?
Soma smiled and said---His mind? Now Tiger, lion, jungle..red panda..Etc..

Soma noticed that Dawa Sherpa looked at her. Immediately, Soma said to Subir---Dawa ji is watching me. Leave your clothes and freshen up and have a snack first. Do not put out the cigarette before.
---Ok my dear wife. Love you.
Soma smiled---Love you to.

Soma started observing Dawa ji from a distance. Wearing a sando ganji he always comes in the evening. His strong biceps are visible. There is a rough primitive masculinity in his appearance. A very strict strong militant man types. A strong man who can be trusted. Soma like to talk with him. There is no impression of urban sophistication in him. Which Soma likes better. Subir's joke came to her mind; 'Boyfriend'. Soma alone laughed shyly. No. Soma has no intention of going further than that.

After finishing tea, Dawa sat waiting for Soma. Soma said - Why don't you eat all of the pokoras?
---Madam Ji, you gave me many. Only two remained.
Soma moved the cup plate and placed it in the kitchen sink. Then she washed her hands and came out to wiping her wet hand on her saree's anchal. Dawa said---Madam, did now Sab ji called you?
Soma smiled and said---Hmm.
--- Sab ji coming home when?
---- Your sab ji has very short of time. He has no opportunity to spend time behind his wife and children. But he came home every two months.
----Really, you husband and wife live so far apart. Madam, but I could not have stayed so far away from my wife and children.

Soma laughed a lot, jokingly said---When you had a wife, you always followed your wife's back?
Dawa always talks very seriously. Now as if he became a little more serious, he said---As long as Kesavi's mother was, I was not separated from her even for a single day. You know madam i wanted...

Soma went to boil the milk for her two sons.
She did not hear the rest of Dawa's sentences. After boiling the milk, she went to the reading room and gave it to Antu and Santu in the living room.

Santu does not like to drink milk very much. Every day his mom forced him to drink milk. So he got upset and said---Mom, I will not drink milk.
Soma scolded and said---drink it. I didn't give much.
Dawa said very naturally---Babu, if you don't drink milk, you won't have a body like mine. I drink milk twice a day when I am in the mountains. This is my favorite thing.

Soma said---Will you drink too? Will i boil the milk for you?

---No madam. I ate pokora a while ago. So drinking milk will be a create problem. I will drink one day later.

Dawa's advice worked in Santu's case. He started drinking the milk. Soma said to Dawa---What was Dawa ji saying then?

Dawa seems to have been forgotten, he said----what do you say madam?

----That's what you wanted....

Dawa got a little more serious. Said---When Kesavi's mother was there, I wanted us to have many children. After giving birth to Kesvi, Kesvi's mother became pregnant again, but the child died.
Then Dawa said again after being silent for a while----I like to see your two sons. Do you like it if the child is not in the house, madam? Does the house feel like a family?

Soma said with a smile---Are you looking at both of my naughty sons?

Then Soma thought to herself, Dawa ji is right, after finishing the whole day's college teaching work, when she returns home and looking at the faces of her two sons, she felt calm.
There is a stream of milk on the lips of Santu. He is reading in the class ten, a sixteen years boy. This time it will be class eleven, still near Soma, Santu is like a little children. Soma wiped his lips with her saree's anchal.

Dawa laughed and said---No no, madam, Santu Babu, Antu Babu both are good boys.

Santu went to his mom's chest and began to caress. Soma said to let the boy caress---- elder is calm, but the little one is very naghuty.
Dawa smiled and said---Madam Chhotabubu also is a good boy.
Soma shouted----Antu maths are complete?

Antu appeared with the math exersize book. Soma glanced at his math book. Seeing his dada being pampered by his mom, He said touchinessly---Dada is everything to mom. She don't love me.

When Soma wanted to caress her younger son, he turned away emotionaly.

Soma said---I love you both my sons. Come here Antu, in my lap sona.
But Antu's anger still did not break.He is already very emotional.

Dawa Sherpa pulled Anta close to him and said---- Chhoto babu, you are my favourite.

The TV is playing in front of them in the living room. Santu is sitting next to mother, Antu is sitting next to Dawa Sherpa. Dawa glanced silently at Soma. A wordless, yet silent exchange of glances between them. As if both have stored many words for both.


To be continued...

[Henry]

Today is sunday. Soma cooking in the kitchen. She left the oil in the pan and left the grains. Her two sons are playing cricket in the garden of the flat below. Today is a holiday which means Mr Agarwal's son Vicky is also at home. Vicky is one class higher than Antu. All three of them are busy to playing cricket.
Agarwal's wife is very healthy woman. She does not want to go down without the elevator. It was twelve o'clock. Soma watches from the roof terrace and scolds her son---Is your playing over?
But she could not see Santu-Antu.

Vicky is being taken home by her mother. Soma looked at Mrs. Aggarwal and said with a gentle smile--How are you Mrs. Aggarwal?

Mrs. Aggarwal also smile, and she said---Well. Mrs Mukherjee how are you?
Soma nodded, said---Where are my two sons?
Mrs. Aggarwal said---Santu-Antu? I saw them in watchman's room in the stairwell.
----Well. Soma was relieved. They are in Dawa ji's room.


It was one o'clock to finish cooking. Soma called out to the two boys from the balcony. She did not get any response. She think they are in Dawa ji's room. Soma came down to the ground floor immediately. The door of Dawa sherpa's small one-room was close. But it is understood that it is not closed from the inside. She opened the door with a very gentle puah. There was a strange creaking sound at the door. Very small room. Somehow a man can live here. Put a bed in it. The room is very messy and untidy.

Soma was startled. A completely naked man in front of her eyes. Dawa has just taken a bath. His wet hair is Backbrush types.
Soma watches him surprisingly the man with a muscular body is like a giant. In this small room at the bottom of the stairs, the man's head touched. Soma was still for a while. Now she is looking at a grown man completely naked, a Tight, strong and rough manly body. Her eyes stuck between Dawa's thighs; a Huge cock hanging. As is its large length, so is its swelling breadth. It has veins. It's head is reddish black like an onion. A penis which is fits with his tall-strong body.
Such a big cock is amazing to the female eye. Soma immediately thought, she needs to get out of here immediately. Se is very shy now. She quickly left from there. Soma thought to herself that she should have knocked on the door.


Santu and Antu were still playing cricket in the garden. They returned shortly. Soma scolded her two boys---What time did it? How long have you been playing?

The two boys remained silent. Soma also became silent for a while. When the two boys came out of the bath, Soma went into the bath. Now she is alone in the bathroom. A smile appeared on her face. The huge penis of Dawa is still floating like a picture in front her eyes. She thought to herself "Like his body, like a large stick hangs between his thighs". She laughed again at this thought. She thought again to herself that "Poor Dawa ji would be ashamed when he faced me again."

While serving lunch to Santu and Antu, Soma's face showed a smile. Santu said--- Mom, why are you smiling?
Soma said---Nothing.
Antu said---Dada(elder brother), Mom has gone mad.
Soma pretended to be angry and said---Shut up. eat quietly now.


Subir phone called at three o'clock. Soma does not hide anything from Subir. If she can say this to him, let her be calm.
Subir said---Have you had lunch?
---Hmmm. did you eat?
---Yes. That daily hotel food. Can't feel a taste. What did you cook today?
---There was fish in the fridge. Fish curry, a dish with vegetables, and fried eggplant.
Then suddenly Soma started laughing.
---Why are you laughing?
---An incident happened today!
---What happened again?
---In the noon. You know Santu-Antu sometimes goes to the Dawa ji's room. So today i thought they went there. Then I went to his room and push the door without knocking! I was so ashamed!
Soma smiled again
Subir smiled. He said---why? what happened?
---The big man is full nude in front of me!
---Who is Naked? Subir also asked curiously.
---Who again? Dawa ji!
Subir was shocked. Said----What happened to your shame? He will be ashamed.
---dhat! I opened the door without knocking. And saw an adult man is a full of naked. Is not ashamed!
Subir remained silent for a while and said---how did you feel seeing your boyfriend naked? In fact, what I saw him, he is a strong man. How is that part?
----Which one?
----Which is the only wealth of men.
Soma understood. She said shyly---what nonsense! .
Subir said jokingly and laughing---Why nonsense? If you are standing in front of him, he will see your big two duddu (boobs). Then he will must think how big it is, how beautiful it is. Thus if you see him, you will think how big his penis. Why it is shamefull?
---Shit. You are becoming very dirty day by day. Your sons are growing up. Don't you have any sense? Soma scolded her husband but smiled.
---jah! Babba! Hey am I discussing this with my sons? I am discussing with my wife.
Soma blushed even more. She said--- stop this nonsense. I am keeping the phone. Now go to sleep.

[Henry]

today is holiday . Subir hung up the phone and started thinking about Soma. Who is his conjugal partner of seventeen years, the mother of his sons. Subir knows that Soma never hides anything from him. Physical distance between the two of them and never create a mental distance. Both are over forty now. Subir thought he goes home every two months, when he goes home he has sex with her once or twice. Soma is not shameless, but as a husband he knows when he comes home, he can feel Soma's pent-up physical hunger.
Only a few sexual intercourses of the year that her physical hunger is completely satisfied? Subir never questioned Soma. Even if he ask her, she will not answer. Subir has thought it before.
Again, he thought to console himself that many working couples, who survive being apart for most of the year. But Subir realizes that the man named Dawa is getting very close to Soma day by day. Dawa does not belong to their status, class, education. Subir knows that Soma is also aware of that. But day by day the man became really reliable of Soma. Women like men with very masculine strong bodies even if they don't say so openly. Soma sure does. If a relationship between them turns! What will Subir do? will encourage? Do he pretend not to see? Will he respond? Or warn Soma now?
Subir's mind began to revolve around many questions. Immediately it seemed, if he fails to fulfill Soma's physical needs, does Soma not have the right to fulfill this? Subir was conflicted. He knows for sure that Soma is very conservative, well-educated, loyal to her husband and children. But Subir is a man of mature age, he also knows that human can never escape from their sexual needs. Soma has a strong sexual hunger in her body, she buried it under her social and moral responsibilities. Subir thought to himself, if Soma frees herself at last. If she don't want to protect herself, let it. Subir left everything on Soma. He never wants Soma to see him as an obstacle. She is an educated woman of mature age, and knows how far she can go.
Subir chuckled again, stubbing the cigarette in the ashtray. Suddenly he felt that he was thinking too far.


TV serials are running in front of her eyes. Soma's mind is also restless. She is secretly tingling to see Dawa ji. makes her secretly shiver. But she is an conservative, educated woman. So the secret is never revealed to her.
The man's rough and tough physique, companionship mentality, close-to-mountain primitive nature, and strong, courageous and reliable personality all are secretly attract Soma. Today she saw that man naked. She also saw his penis between the thighs. She has seen her husband naked many times during their seventeen years of marriage. Still sometimes when Subir comes to house, she rubs soap on Subir's back in the bathroom. Then Subir often took off his towel and became naked. But of course, if Santu-Antu is not at home, only then two of them enter the bathroom together. But Soma saw today naked Dawa Sherpa was different from Subir's. Subir's penis is normal. Dawa's penis is incredibly large. Big of monstrous size. Soma shivered. She doesn't know if a big penis gives more pleasure to a woman's body. She has taken in only one man to date, her husband, the father of her two sons. Soma remembered a girl named Rukhsana when she was in college. The girl got married while studying in college. Rukhsana used to make up various stories. Unmarried college girls were interested about in her marrital sex stories. Rukhsana used to said that her husband's penis is large, she gets pains. But she told she gets much pleasures from its then pains. Rukhsana's face would curl up in shame while she was speaking. And the other girls were very interested to hear it. Suddenly Soma also started to feel shy. She is a mother of two sons in her forties. The eldest son is a student of the secondary examination, what is she thinking until now! She ruled herself.

To be continued...

[Henry]

Since the incident of that day, Dawa has not come to Soma's house even in the evening. Three days have passed since that day, but Dawa Sherpa did not come to Soma's flat. Santu-Antu goes to his room. Soma, however, did not ask the boys why their Dawa uncle did not come home.

While leaving college this morning, Soma encountered Dawa. Dawa Sherpa was then busy to open the big gate to exit the car. Mr. Agarwal's car will leave at this time. Soma was waiting for Antu's college bus in front of the gate. Dawa kept busy pretending not to see Soma. Soma realized that may be he was ashamed of that incident, so he avoided her.
Soma began to observe Dawa. That tall muscular manly body. Today the sun is hot, he is wearing a Sando genji and dirty old jeans. The jeans that Soma sees Dawa always wearing. Sweat streaks are visible on his body.
Picking up Antu in the college bus, Soma left for her own college. She has to catch an auto on the main road. Soma sat in the auto and started thinking about Dawa; The man is very ashamed. Soma decides that today she will send Antu to invite Dawa ji to drink tea at her house. She will behave normally with him, so that his discomfort goes away. However, Soma's discomfort is not diminishing. Constantly floating in front of her eyes is the shapely hunk body of his naked body, his huge cock. Secretly, she is getting excited again and again.
Soma is a daily commuter. The auto driver knows her. He said---Madam, your college has arrived.
Soma was shocked. She came out from the world of her thoughts. She settled the auto fare and walked towards the college. At the gate she met her colleague Bandana di.

In the evening Soma took a bath and entered the kitchen. Antu is studing in the reading room with college homework. Santu followed his mom in the kitchen and said---Mom, tomorrow is Shantanu's birthday. He telephoned and invited me. I will go mom.

Soma got annoyed and said---Who is Shantanu?
---Shantanu Sarkar, my classmate. whose home is in Salt Lake.
---No, don't go.
---Mom, please.
Soma scolded her son and told him---i said no, didn't say that again. You can't go that far alone.
Santu frowned and said---Examination is over, now it's vacation. Where do I go for a walk? You won't let me go anywhere.
Soma smiled and said--You grow up. then go.
---Mom, I am sixteen years old.

Soma smiled and said---You have grown up a lot, haven't you? Still, if you want to take a bath, mom gives you this, give you that, it all depends on the mom.
Santu hugged his mom from behind and pleaded---Mom, please.
Soma pretended to be angry and said---Don't whining. Tell your dad, if he agrees. Then you will go.
---Dad will not agree, if you don't say.
---Let's see. You go now check if Dawa Uncle is in his room. Say mom is calling you, to drink tea.

Santu came back after some time. Said---Dawa uncle said it will be late to come. He has to go for a job, so he will be late.

Soma sat down in study room to teach her younger son Antu. After finishing teaching, she looked at the clock and it was eight o'clock. Leaving Antu to draw, she went up to the kitchen. The electric power went out suddenly. Then flat's generator started up shortly. No picture on TV, picture gone due to cable line problem. A frosty breeze enters the house through the open window. Santu Antu came to the balcony and said---Mom, the storm has risen!
As it was hot throughout the day, it was normal to have a storm in the evening. Torrential rain with thunder started immediately.
Soma said to the two boys---Close the windows. She closed the kitchen window herself.

It was nine o'clock when Soma finished cooking. It is raining continuously. Soma was thinking since then; Why didn't Dawa ji come? She understood that the incident that made Dawa ji very uncomfortable till now.

Subir phone called around 9:30. It is not raining in their Delhi. Subir and Soma spoke on the phone for a short time today.
Suddenly, At exactly half past nine, the calling bell rang. Soma said to Santu---Look who it is.

Dawa Sherpa said when Santu opened the door---Babu, is your mom there?

Santu said--Come on uncle, come in.
Dawa Sherpa came into their house, Soma said---What's the matter, Dawa ji? Why aren't you coming to our house these days?

Dawa Sherpa smiled softly and said---Why madam, I come to your house. I couldn't come because I was busy with work for two days.
Soma said---Sit, why are you standing?

Dawa Sherpa sat on the long sofa. Then he said---Agarwal ji drank alcohol and crashed the car.
Soma was startled, said---- Oh maa! When? No harm done to anyone?
Dawa laughed and said---No, no madam. Only Aggarwal ji's inebriation has gone. Slight injury. I had to go get the car. In this rain madam, the water has stood in Kolkata. Too late for that.

Soma looked at the clock. They were just having dinner, so she said -- have you had dinner?
----What to do madam? I am back just. The hotel is closed for bad weather. Today's night will spend by eating cakes, biscuits...

---Oh! Why? You will have dinner here today.
---No no madam. It Is not possible.
Soma said very forcefully---not another word, you will eat.

Soma did not delay much. Ten o'clock is about to strike. She serve dinner. Then she herself sat down to eat.

Sitting at the dining table, Santu said---Dawa uncle, tell my mom what story you telling me today's noon.

Dawa laughed. Soma said---What story?
Dawa said---nothing madam. I was telling Santu babu the story of our mountain, our Sherpa folklore.

Soma smiled and said---I also want hear your story.
Santu said---Mom, you know Dawa uncle has seen Bigfoot.
Dawa smiled again and said--- Not me babu, my grandfather Manohar Bahadur Sherpa has seen."
Soma said---what is this foot?
Antu said sarcastically---Mom, you don't know Bigfoot?
Soma scolded Antu and said----what is that thing?
Dawa Sherpa also laughed and said---Our Sherpas call it 'Kang Admi', the Tibetans call it Yeti.
After eating, one by one they got up and Soma picked up the dishes and put them in the sink in the kitchen. At that time Santu and Antu sat on both sides of their Dawa uncle and started the story of Yeti. It is still raining outside, they feel good to hear such strange stories. Soma is also working in the kitchen and listening to the story told by Dawa.

After finishing the kitchen work and she coming to the living room, Antu said---Mom, if you listen now, Bigfoot means Yeti is a wonderful animal.
Santu said---Is there really something called Yeti?
Dawa said---If not, did my grandfather see something wrong, Santu babu?
Even the rational mind of the teenage Santu, became skeptical. Soma said---it's done now. go to sleep.
Soma said to when Daea Sherpa standing up---Dawa ji, do you have free time tomorrow?
---Say yes madam.
---I mean tomorrow is the birthday of a friend of my elder son. You have to deliver him to Salt Lake in his friend's house. Can you?

Dawa looked at Santu. Santu said with a bitter face---Please Dawa uncle.

Soma laughed at Santu's request, said---Seeing Dawa ji, how he eager to go to his friend's house.

Dawa Sherpa also smiled and said---I will definitely go, Santu Babu.
Santu was happy and said---Thank you Dawa Uncle.
Santu-Antu went to bed room. Dawa is at the door. Soma will close the door of the flat as soon as Dawa comes out. Dawa suddenly said---Madam?
Soma said---What? Say something?
Dawa smiled suggestively. The hint is like a reminder of that day. Soma also laughed. Dawa jokingly said----how did you feel that day?
Soma said in a very shy yet bold tone----like a yeti.

No. That night it was very late for Soma to sleep. A strong storm is blowing from both sides of her body and mind. It is raining continuously outside sometimes increasing sometimes decreasing. Soma feels like a teenage girl in love. Today, no conservatism, morality, conflict can hinder her mind. Only an irresistible impulse is active.
++++++++

[Henry]

When Soma woke up in the morning, it was still raining relentlessly. It is understood that the rain will not stop all day today. After finishing the household chores, Soma woke up her two sons and said---Get up, brush yourself.
They both brushed and got ready. Soma gave them breakfast and put the rice in the oven. Antu sat down to study, Soma went to bath some time ago. She came out and said---Santu, take a bath, Can't you go to your friend's house?

Santu was delighted. He went to the bathroom to take a bath. Right around ten in the morning, Dawa Sherpa appeared, said---Madam, when will Santu Babu be delivered.

Soma smiled and said--He is ready, Dawa ji.
She handed over the car key from the drawer to Dawa.
While Santu leaving, Soma told Santu---must come back before afternoon. Dawa Uncle will go to fetch. Do not do any mischief there.

After Santu leaves, Soma gets Antu ready and leaves. Antu took the college bus to the main road. In the road Soma can't handle the umbrella, it's raining so much. Moreover, the water accumulated on the streets of Kolkata is an awkward situation.
Somehow Soma caught the auto. Reached the college and saw that the attendance of students was less. Her colleague english teacher Nirmal Babu said---because of the low attendance rate in this heavy rain, today should be given day off for rainy day.

Bandana said---That's right.
Soma said---But who will take the proposal to the headmistress?

Several teachers did not come to the staff room. Physics teacher Sandeep is a very funny person. He is Young, makes fun to everyone. He said---Prayer is yet to begin, the stone should be thrown at that time. The work is tough, but no one can do it without Soma Di.
Soma was shocked---Me! No, no, no. I already went to the headmistress a few days ago to ask for leave for my son's exam, if I go again today, I have to listen to her grumble.

Sandeep said---Soma di, please. Only you have to do this.
That's when headmistress Nivedita Sanyal suddenly appeared in the staff room. She never comes to the staff room unless necessary. She said---Oh! What a rain, Uf! doesn't want to stop.
Sandeep whispered in Soma's ear---Soma di, this is the chance, say it now.

Soma looked at her colleagues and said---Madam, today is a rainy day.
Nivedita Sanyal took a serious look at Soma, then said---I know today is rainy day.
----I mean, Today the attendance of students is low, so college holidays could be given.
Soma said hesitantly.

----You know the college has certain holidays from the government. Leave cannot be given at such times.

Everyone was disappointed. But before the start of the prayer in the prayer line, suddenly the headmistress announced to the students---college is closed today due to rain. Those who came to college today even in this rain, they will go back home in line without any disturbance.

Even though college was off for Rainy Day, Soma returned home by 12 noon after finishing some minor office work. While she climbing the stairs, she saw the door of the Dawa Sherpa's room open. Soma called---Dawa ji?

Dawa came out. Soma said---Have you delivered Santu properly?
---Yes madam. Did not your college today, madam?
Soma smiled. Said----No, today is leave for rainy day.


Soma's saree is mostly wet. She changed saree, petticoat, blouse and put on a cotton nighty. It's raining outside, it's very cold weather. Soma really wants to drink tea now. Antu is now at his college, if the two boys are not at home, Soma feels very lonely. Just then the calling bell rang. Who came at this time?

To be continued...