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Antu took the telephone receiver from his mom and said---Dad, saw the match today? Sampras won the final. Agassi lost. Dada is hiding his face now.
Soma went to the kitchen. Started making paratha in griddle. Dejected by Agassi's loss, Santu buried his face in his mom's shoulder in the kitchen. Soma said---What happened, don't come so close, it's hot.
Santu said---Mom, i'm upset.
---Why? What happened? Who won the match?
---Pete Sampras. That's why Antu is talking to dad on the phone.
Sometimes the mind becomes really bad. Also happening in Soma. She proposed to Subir that Dawa be fired from the job. Now it seems it would have been better not to be so unkind.
Subir-Soma has made a separate bed room for their two growing sons. Soma and Subir have a separate bed room. If Subir is not home, Soma sleeps alone in this bedroom. And sometimes, she want, sleep with her two boys.
After dinner today, Soma decided to sleep with Santu-Antu. In fact, she is afraid today. Of course, this fear is not that Dawa will break the door and bang her. Not so. Actually it is very difficult for her to suppress her body needs and mind while avoiding the call of Dawa tonight. Secretly Soma's body wants to surrender to him. The stubborn worm bites in her cunt seem to have since from when Dawa went away.
If their mom sleeps with them, Santu-Antu demands that their mom should sleep between them. Otherwise, the two will quarrel over who sleeps next to their mom. So Soma sleeps between them. Antu raised one leg on her mom's waist and hugged her, while Santu hugged her from the other side. Soma smiled and said---I understand quite well that you both will not let me sleep. I went to another room.
Then Antu said---No mom, Dada is doing mischief.
---What did I do again? Is mom only your property?
----You two stop. Soma scolded the two boys.
No matter how grown up her two boys are, they still have that little one with Soma. They always fight about whose wealth is their mom? Soma was annoyed by her two sons' caress and said---What did you two do?
Santu poked his mom's throat with his finger and said---How did this scar mom?
Soma noticed that the bite mark of Dawa ji was still red on her fair neck. She said---Who knows, it seems to have cut somehow.
Antu said---Mom was bitten by ants.
Santu said---fool! Bitten by ants such a scar?
---Mom you saw, Dada called me fool! Antu complained.
Soma smiled and said---A mountain yeti came one day, he bit it.
Both of Soma's sons laughed. Santu said jokingly---The story of the yeti that Dawa uncle told, seems to have bitten.
Soma smiled to herself. And she said to herself in her mind "It is not this yeti of your Dawa uncle stories, that yeti is actually your Dawa uncle."
Soma's eyes were open even though her two boys fell asleep on her either side. She change her side to another side again and again. Still she can't sleep. She feel uncomfortable, but restrained herself. Remembering that night makes her body feel hot. A strange intense itching in her vagina. Sometimes these days this sexual tension makes Soma very uncomfortable, when it seems that she will not have peace unless Dawa ji' giant cock go into her cunt. A shameless desire is suppressed. Get up once in Soma and drink water. Went to the balcony and saw the street in front of their flat, there only the street lamps on the quiet street. A couple of dogs are sleeping there. Soma knows Dawa is waiting for her now. If Soma couldn't control herself and went there once, Daba would fuck her all night tonight. Then there will be no looking back for Soma, she will be fully engaged in extramarital affairs.
As the night progressed, sleep fell in Soma's eyes. When she woke up in the morning, it was half past six. A gentle sun light is coming from the east through the window. There is a limitless peace in her mind. Now she was very happy, she was able to control herself.
A week has passed. Already the Summer heat is getting intense. There is heavy sunshine during the day, frequent load shedding at night. Of course they have a generator in their flat. However, the air from the fan is very hot also. Subir said he will install the AC now. Then Soma said what is needed by spending extra money. Now Soma also feels that the AC would have been better.
There is still one month left for Santu's secondary result. He has to give the science tuitions before the results are out.
Soma took them to Argha's house today. Argha is a Classmate of Santu. Santu has competition with Aragha. Aragha comes first in class, santu second. The college teachers as well as the two families are excited about who will top the secondary exam this year. However, Soma is optimistic about Santu. Argha is not very good in Arts. Santu is good in arts as well as science. Soma's contribution is no less for that. Nowadays parents are satisfied only if students are good in science. Soma, however, does not make the science-arts divide.
Argha's father is also a high college teacher, his mom is a housewife. The woman is a little too proud of her son. Argha's house is in Bagbazar. His mother said---Soma di, your son will do well in arts this time, if my son was good in arts, he would have topped this time too.
Soma smiled to herself. She realizes that Argha's mom's confidence is broken before result out. But Soma is not a a competitive mind as Argha's mom and is unwilling to put her son in a rat race. Let him do what he likes. Argha's mom Sutpa is a little younger than Soma, and she smiled and said---Why are you to much thinking, Sutpa? Arghya will top this time too. Where did you give your son math tuition?
---Given coaching. And also there are home tutors. His dad wil give him a special tuition again. His colleague is a math teacher. Send Argha to him too.
Soma was surprised. Just finished the exam already three tuitions in math! However, Soma did not answer. Argha's mother said---Soma di, where are you teaching your son?
---I haven't given it yet. But I will not teach him in batches. His dad was talking about the home tutor. Let's see if I find somone like that.
Soma entered the mall on the way back from Argha's house with her two sons. It is difficult to find antu-santu when entering the mall. Both of them have entered the sports zone of the mall. Soma saw some household items on offer and took them to the trolley. Antu-Santu appeared with a bat in his hand after few minutes. Antu said---Mom, i will take it.
Soma scolded and said---There are two bats in house. What to do with it again?
Antu said---Those two are old models. It's pretty good. It is like Di silva's bat.
Santu said---They play on duce bat. You should choose a lighter bat instead.
Soma said---No, I will not buy any more bat now. Let's buy two shirts for both of you.
They took a taxi out of the mall. Returned to the flat around 8 pm. The telephone rang as the door opened. Soma dropped the bags and somehow picked up the phone. Subir's voice from the other side---Where did you go? How long have I been calling?
---I went to the market. You know your two sons. Once they enter the mall, there is no way out. He insists on buying a bat.
---- who?
---Antu. Holding the phone on her shoulder, Soma started to open the wristwatch.
---If you don't buy?
---There are two bats already. More? You are the one who spoiled both.
---Bah! if they are good then this is your credit. If they doing some bad it is my fault! Subir smiled.
Soma asked to open the pin of he saree---What a hot weather! I'm getting sick.
---That's why I said Install the AC, if you don't allow it to install.
---Wait, I will change the saree. Nothing can be worn in this summer. The blouse is wet with sweat.
Their life is going on in a normal rhythm. A home tutor comes home for Santu. For Physics is sending him to study in a coaching batch for now. Physics coaching center is not far. In the evening, Soma delivers him there. When it was half past seven, she herself went and fetched Santu.
Dawa Sherpa has faced Soma several times in between. They both remain silent. They do not talk to each other. Santu-Antu, however, goes to their Dawa uncle room. Soma does not prevent that. Soma chose the previous life after that one day incident. She taught herself it was a wrong decision for once.
Dawa also never came to their flat again. The days are passing by very normally, just like Soma's seventeen years of monotonous married life. Soma is used to it. But sometimes she felt a physical desire, maybe it had been forever since Subir was away. Then she was not geven any importance. But now there is a mixture of mind and body, which she suppresses. She stopped by warning herself.
Todays morning Soma was getting ready to go to college as usual. Antu is on the dining table. Santu suddenly came from ground floor and said----Mom, have you heard?
Soma was standing in front of the mirror applying very light lipstick on her lips. This is only her simple make up outfits before going to college. She Said---What happened?
---Dawa uncle has left!
Soma was shocked. She turned and looked at her eldest son. Left Means he gone in his native land! Soma didn't quite understand. Her chest suddenly became empty. But she has made herself strong.
Going down the stairs with Antu, she looked at the room at the bottom of the stairs. The room is open. There is nothing inside. Except for that dirty bed.
She took Antu to the bus and And started walking to catch the auto. Suddenly a deep depression came over her. Dawa Sherpa is gone, and now she is completely safe. No one will even know what happened that day. Why is she still so sad?
She was sitting alone in the class room after the second period. Soma is feeling very lonely from inside. She began to think why she felt this loneliness? Why is she getting restless inside instead of being calm.
At the age of forty, her beauty still remains. Her younger colleague Mithali, Suparna praise her beauty still often. Somedays ago Suparna said "Soma di, if only we had black hair like yours....How do you have such beautiful hair? Goes well with your fair face". One day Mitali said "We are getting old at thirty-five-thirty-six, Soma di has reached forty, is she still beautiful!...Soma di, what would you say is the secret of your beauty?"
Or the senior bandana madam says "Soma, you've never aged, you look really sweet". Soma is used to hearing all these praises. So she never felt anything special. But when a man is attracted to a woman, no matter how conservative the woman may be, she secretly likes this.
As Soma herself studied in a girls' college, there was no chance that a boy would propose her. During college life, she got a couple of love proposals from a few college students. But Soma was then commited to as a Subir's declared lover.
Subir's entry into Soma's life is no accident. Rather, it was a prophecy. Actually Soma always wanted a lover who would be her future husband. In that case she preferred a sober, educated, decent man. Soma's love with Subir was psychological from the beginning because of the relationship between their two families. But the proposal reportedly came first from Subir. Actually Subir was very shy then. Soma knew Subir liked her. But being his father's friend's daughter, he could not say. In the house of Soma's father, Durga Puja was held in a big way. At that time Subir went to Soma's house. On the evening of Saptami, Subir proposed Soma through Soma's sister Tanima. Soma was just in then first year. Then Subir just joined govt job. Then they made love for four years. They got married the year Soma got the govt college teaching job. From the time of courtship to the first few years of marriage, Soma did not feel unhappy at all. As she grew older, she became lonely in her married life. Whenever there was a little leisure in the family after handling two sons and a job, she felt the loneliness from inside. Yet Soma remains normal.
Soma couldn't deny that Dawa Sherpa had intruded into her life after all these years to take advantage of her inner loneliness. Dawa is a strong, tall, masculine man, Soma knows that this is not the only reason Soma likes him. In seventeen years of marriage where she had neglected the needs of her body, Soma had no reason to be attracted only by a man's masculine body. In fact, Soma realizes that the most she feels is that he is very destitute from within. And this destitution brought the wild unsophisticated man close to her. Soma feels Dawa is like a nature, like lonely mountain. In the proximity of the powerful masculinity of his, she manifested her pent-up sexual appetite. Which was suppressed for a long time.
The man was gone, but left an unbearable sadness in Soma's mind. The man was alone like her! Maybe he was not well-educated like Soma, not of civil society. But soma think can lonely people be put into any class or category? Soma's head began to revolve around the question.
Physics teacher Sandeep entered the staffroom after finishing his class. He said after putting the chalk, duster---Soma di, what are you thinking so much?
Soma came out of the world of thought. She said with a gentle smile---Sandeep, is your class complete?
---Hmmm. Do you have class now?
---Yes, class eleven on the third floor.
---What a heat weather, soma di.
---When will it rain? I sit in hope. Soma said with smilie. After saying Soma got up. She has to go to the third floor to take classes.
While returning from college, Soma once peeked into the Dawa's room. As the door was open, so it is. Room was empty except the bed as in the morning. Once she thought to ask Mr. Mitra why Dawa Sherpa left. Then thought, stay, by asking or what will happen. Of course now he's looking for a new Watchman.
When she entered her house, she saw an elderly woman sitting on the sofa! Soma was startled, laughed and said---Bijaya di?
----Soma, how are you? A fifty plas aged woman is sitting on sofa, she asked.
---After som many years.
----That's right. I came to your house long ago. How young were your sons then? They could not recognize me now.
---Yes Bijaya di, many years ago. how is Dadababu (elder age brother in law)?
---Your Dadababu? Affected by various diseases after retirement. We are both diabetics.
----Wait Bijaya di, I will bring Sarbat.
----Soma, you just came from college, now take rest. Change your saree.
---Just wait few minutes Bijaya di. How much time will it take to make?
Vijaya is Soma's mother's sister's daughter. She Stays near Kolkata, in Barrackpore. Therefore was no contact for a long time with her. She telephone called at some time just. She came Soma's house today after a long years. Soma was happy and brought the sarbat.
Vijaya said to drink the sarbat----Go, change your saree.
Soma went to the bathroom. Now she has to take a bath. But she will be late to take a bath. So somehow freshened up, came out wearing a light nightie.
Bijaya stopped when Soma taking out the sweets from the fridge and said---What are you doing? I am a diabetic.
----Oh, Then cut the fruit? Or sugar free sweets?
----No. Nothing. You come and sit with me here. I haven't spoken openly with you for a long time.
Soma came and sat on the sofa. Bijaya said---Your two sons are very good. I was talking to them before you come.
Shy Antu sat next to his mother. While Soma caressing him, she said---This is my younger son. Do you think you saw him at the age of crawling?
---Yes. Now he said read in class six! How the children grew up day by day! Your elder son also student of secondary exam!
Soma laughed and said---What about Rinki?
---I came with her news. Bijaya smile.
----means?
---Her wedding is next week. Your Dadababu said he will come to invite you. But now that he is getting older, he doesn't go out much.
----Oh maa! Rinki's marriage? What does the groom do?
---Groom is not a Bengali. He is her colleague, south indian. Both live in Bangalore. They are engineers.
---Bah! You gave me a very good news, Bijaya di.
---You are the same as before, Soma. Just got a little fat?
---Got fat? Soma looked at her figure.
Vijaya laughed and said---does fat mean not fatty. This takes a little flesh. That's what happens with age. Subir is now in Delhi?
---Yes. Right there If he get that leave, he comes every two months.
---But Rinki's wedding has to go. Remember next week. She was saying that she had not seen Soma Masi (aunt) for a long time. She wanted to invite you herself. But She didn't get a leave because of their workload. Only for her marriage ceremony She will get a few days leave.
After many days Soma's maternal didi Bijaya met with her. So they started talking about various things. Bijaya left at eight o'clock at night.
Soma entered into the bathroom. She got relief from cold water on her body. Right that time Subir called. Soma said from the bathroom---Santu pick up the phone, I think your dad has called.
When Santu grabbed the telephone, Subir asked----What happened, where is your mom?
---She went to bathe.
---Why she so late and went to the bath?
---Masi came.
---Who Masi? Subir surprised! Soma's sister Tanima now live in abroad. Then who came!
---I don't know. Mom knows.
Soma comes out of bath wearing only petticoat, blouse. Then she entered the bedroom and put on a light cotton saree. When she picked up the phone Subir said---Who came home?"
---Bijaya di.
---Bijaya di? Is that your mother's sister's daughter Bijaya di?
----Hmmm.
---After so long She came i think?
---Yes, do you remember Bijaya Di's daughter Rinki? Her wedding is next week. Came to invitation.
---Oh!
---When you return from office? Soma asked.
---I came back a little early today.
---Oh, you konow something happened today! Soma said with secret sorrow.
Subir held out a cigarette and said---What happened again?
----Dawa Sherpa has ran away.
---Ran away means? Subir was surprised.
---Means left the job.
Subir felt a kind of depression in the tone of Soma's voice. So he said jokingly---I think you are in sadness?
---Why should I sad? she said hiding herself.
---Your boyfriend is gone! Do not sad!
Soma feigned anger and said---Dush! That thing again...! But you know, the man helped us anyway.
---Hmmm. Subir said seriously. He said again---But Why he suddenly ran away, i don't understand?
---I don't understand that either. But the man is a little different. As he is not of civilized society like us, he did not look like a village or slum dweller either. You can call him a just mountain man, A solitary man of the primeval forest. who is completely alone, one of a kind.
Soma's voice was full of emotion as she spoke the words.
Subir smiled and said---Suddenly you are praising him?
---Not a praise, in fact I have never seen such a person. I saw him talking about mountains, forests, wildlife. Again I saw the fierce arrogance in him as a brute dominant nature. Again I saw intense human qualities in him. The man was surprising me always.
Subir said---I see you have fallen in love with Dawa. Sometimes praising him, sometimes strongly condemn.
Soma remained silent for a while. Then she said---what to eat at night?
Subir realizes that Soma is getting emotional, so she tries to change the subject.
---What again? Roti and vegetables.
today is sunday. Soma is cleaning the boys' study room. She took down the books from the shelf and started cleaning. A large bookcase besides the window on the left is stuffed with storybooks.Some books are from Subir's collection, some from Soma's collection. And there are include Santu-Antu's books also. While cleaning bookself, a piece of paper fell out from a book. Soma smiled seeing at the paper. Before marriage when Subir wanted to meet Soma then he sending such a note by her sister Tanima. She kept the note in its proper place.
Antu's voice was heard from the other side. Said---Mom, which city was built in the Nile basin?
Before Soma said, Santu said---Cairo.
This Sunday Soma completes all the work left over during the week. Just then, when the calling bell rang, she said---Look, Santu, who has come.
When the door was opened, Mr. Mitra was seen standing with a smile on his face. Santu said---Mitra Jethu (elder uncle) come in.
Soma said---Mitra da, why are you standing? sit down.
Mr. Mitra pulled the chair and sat down. Soma said---How are you? How is boudi?
----Well. When will be the result out of Santu?
---Department of Education has not announced yet. But you can assume within a month.
Mr. Mitra said---Mr. Mukherjee called me a few days ago.
---Santu's dad called you?
---Yes. You have a problem with that watchman. Said to fire him from job.
Soma was startled. Subir did not tell her the truth. Then Mr. Mitra said---I therefore fire him from work. But now finding a new watchman is a difficult. And those watchmen who are available from security agencies are not very sincere. Dawa Sherpa was a very hard working man. Please tell me what is the problem Soma?
Soma didn't know what to say. She is not even able to create something lie quickly. She said quietly for a while---Nothing, he is not dutiful. The postmaster came and returned many times without finding him.
---Oh, this little thing! But he takes our letters right from the postmaster. Soma, if this is the slightest problem I can definitely talk to him. He needs to be put back to work. We will not find such a good watchman easily in this Kolkata metropolitan.
Soma didn't know what to say. She just said----Is he in Kolkata?
---Yes, where he go? You know his house in that Darjeeling district. He can't go home if he wants to. Poor man are still in Kolkata looking for job. Soma, if you give your opinion, I can take him back.
---Mitra da, do what you think is best.
---Ok, there is no problem right? Then I bring him back.
---Have tea, Mitra da?
---No, Soma. Your boudi, you know she is Arthritis patients, when I go somewhere, she can't stay alone for long.
Antu said after Mr. Mitra left----Mom, Dawa uncle will come again?
Soma did not answer. She is very angry with Subir. Quickly called Subir.
Today is a holiday. Subir stays in the quarter. He picked up the phone and said---Say.
---Did you telephone Mr. Mitra?
Subir remained silent for a while and said---Yes, I did. Actually I will tell you...
Soma became angry---lies. Then that day when I said that the Dawa Sherpa had left, why did you still lie?
----Ah Soma! Why are you angry? It was you who told me to call Mr. Mitra to dismiss Daba from his job that day.
---I said. But you also said to wait for a day. If Dawa does not disturb...
---Cool Soma. Such lower class people should not be trusted. So I called.
---Then you will tell me a lie? Soma became emotional.
---Why? Tell me what happened?
---Mitra da came.
---What did he said?
---He was asking about our problem with Dawa Sherpa.
---What did you say?
---What to say him? I don't know what are you telling Mr. Mitra.
---I didn't say anything special. I said the Dawa Sherpa is not dutiful person. His behavior is also not good. So he needs to be replaced by a new watchman.
---Oh maa! And I told another lie. I said that the man does not take the letter from the peon on time etc.
Subir smiled, said----that's the same.
---Now Mr. Mitra is saying that he wants Dawa to rejoin watchman job again.
Subir showed a little anger and said---How can Mr. Mitra decide alone! are not we pay the watchman's salary?
--- Ah Subir. No need to worry anymore. Let the man be. As far as I know Dawa Sherpa, he will not cause any more problems.
---Are you so sure?
---The man is not that bad, Subir.
---A man who gives you a bad proposal, and you don't call him bad?
---Men are like that. When women talk a little better, they think a lot. Soma smiled.
Subir was a little surprised to hear Soma's words. Said---Soma if he is rude to you again.
---will not do.
---sure?
---Hmmm.
Subir jokingly said---Your boyfriend. Of course you know him well.
Soma smiled shyly and said--Dhat! There is a lot of work today. I am hanging up the phone.
After Soma hung up the phone, a complex thought arose in Subir's mind. He realizes that his wife has a passion for Dawa. Subir became curious and worried about how far her passion and emotion would go.
Soma feels like this summer noon has stopped. It is as if Soma is stuck alone on a still day. She often feels like this during the holidays. Two boys fell asleep after having lunch. Old days music was playing on the color screen of the TV. Soma picked up the newspaper from the tea table. News of political terror in various places from the beginning to the end; this group is beating that group and that group is beating this group. With this there is a war of words of colorful leaders across the country. Subir loves to read these political news. Soma does not understand this; specially politics. Sometimes, if She has any question, she asks Subir. The last page is about the sports. That section of the paper is Santu's favorite. Soma lost interest. She only read the story of the Sunday section. Prasar Bharti's recitation has started on Bengali channel. Soma used to recite well in college. She thought to teach her boys too. None of the boys got these qualities of singing and reciting like their mom's. Instead, Santu got the drawing talant like his dad. Antu is a shy but smart boy, he is still very young. In his twelve years he is still like a child to his mom. Still during his meal, Soma has to be separated fish from the fish bones. If he is late to eat in college times, Soma feeds him. But day by day they are both growing up. Soma feels more helpless when she thinks about these things. Especially how her chest felt empty on such a lonely summer afternoon.
Soma looked at the TV screen. But many things are playing in her mind. She have not found a person in her life with whom she will sit and talk a little, talk to her heart. No more contact with any of the college friends of her. Many got married and settled in Kolkata. Some are also doing jobs like Soma. But no communication with them anymore. Dawa Sherpa will be brought back, which has suddenly created an unwelcome impulse of joy in Soma. Soma thought to herself; How she is secretly getting excited at the thought of the return of the man whom she herself wanted to fire.
Soma is not sleeping now. She got up and saw what was necessary household items in the house is out of stock. The toothpaste, the body soap are less. She have to buy two pairs of socks for her elder son. She forgot even going to the mall that day.
She went to the balcony and stood. Some clothes were spread on the wall of the balcony to dry. Picked them up. The street is empty at noon. It is very sunny and heat outside. She closed the balcony door and switched off the TV. Two boys are sleeping. Soma went to her bedroom and sleep.
Almost three days passed. The summer heat has not decreased yet, but is increasing day by day. Subir's colleague Mr. Gupta said---Mr. Mukherjee, I hear it is very hot in Kolkata.
Subir smiled and said---I know what to say? I haven't gone home for the last one and a half months. How to know?
---If you talk to Bhabhi Ji, then you should know.
----Yes, she is talking. What can be felt in words? Then one could call Siberia and enjoy the cold.
Rajat Patnaik is one of the senior staff of the office. He has a good relationship with Subir in the office. He loves Subir like a younger brother. Apart from this central government job, he also made a name for himself in the literary world by writing science fiction stories in Oriya language. Rajat Patnayak said---Subir, one day such a technology will come. With which you can go to distant places at the speed of light.
Subir smiled and said---Rajat Biya, it would have been better if that was the case. What more leave did we need?
Gupta is a bit gomless. When he realized that they were talking about technology, he said---Rajat ji, has such a machine really come out? How much is the price?
Both Rajat Patnaik and Subir burst out laughing.
After Gupta left, Rajat and Subir started walking towards the office canteen. They went and smoked cigarettes. Rajat said---What's the matter Subir, I see you very worried for a few days?
Subir was still of a different mind. As soon as the words reached his ears, he said----Nothing, Rajat bhaiya!
---Hmm, you are hiding something. You can say it as an elder brother. Are your wife and Sons well at home?
Subir released the smoke of the cigarette and said---Yes, they are good.
---But why is the tension? Instead, you take a few days off and go home. The mind will be better. And your sons are so talented, You will give them my new collection of science fiction books. You will say that Rajat uncle gave it.
Subir smiled. He thought to himself, how long had he not gone home. The conflicts that are working in his mind, maybe that will disappear when he goes home.
Soma meets Mr. Mitra on the ground floor while returning from college. Seeing Soma, Mr. Mitra said---Soma?
---Yes Dada?
---That said, that watchman Dawa Sherpa is stubborn, He refuses to work here again. Tell me what to do now? Agarwal was angry with me, because why I fire Dawa from watchman job. And finding new Watchmen is also difficult now.
Soma was surprised. Dawa doesn't want to work here. Before saying anything, Mr. Mitra said again---Do you know, Soma, mountain people are very self-respecting. Especially that Dawa Sherpa. The man may be uneducated, but he is quite strong minded. His self-respect is strong.Never agreed to return to work.
Soma came to the living room and started thinking when she changing her saree. Dawa Sherpa is self-respecting. Soma feels sad that Dawa is not coming back, but at the same time, she likes this self-respecting character of Dawa. A man should not only be strong in body but also strong in heart. Soma already knew that in Dawa. She feels a little better. Maybe Soma will never have to face Dawa again. But Dawa's lion heart, lion body, an exceptional forest-centric character will remain like a pearl in her mind.
Before Subir told Soma the news of coming home, Soma told that Dawa is not willing to work here. He declined the offer to rejoin the work.
After getting the news Subir was happy in his heart. But the reason for his happiness, he himself is not able to settle. He thought to himself, was this worry about his Soma? Can a physically fit man like Dawa take advantage of Soma's loneliness? this insecurity created discomfort in Subir's mind? Subir can't deny that he really had these conflicts for the past few days.
Again, he thought that after seventeen years of marriage, when they were both in their forties, there was no reason to entertain such thoughts. They are both of mature age. Both have freedom of thought, consciousness.
Subir returned home on Friday night. Bijaya Di's daughter Rinki's wedding is about to take place on Sunday night. At night, Subir said while spreading onions in the ghughni on dinning table---Don't call me early tomorrow morning, Soma. I will sleep a little.
Soma brought out the Roti from the casserole and put it on Subir's plate and said---Tomorrow is a lot of work. I will wait on the way back from college. Must go shopping.
---Shopping again?
---Some gifts should be given at the wedding.
Santu said---I will also go to the market with you.
Soma said with scolding---tomorrow evening your math tutor will come home, have you forgotten? Two brothers will stay at home.
Subir's habit of reading books before going to sleep at night. Soma is still in the kitchen. She returned when the two boys were asleep. Soma came fresh from the bathroom. Meanwhile, the beautiful smell of soap is coming out of her body. Subir closed the book and placed it on the side table. Soma increased the fan speed.
Subir said---how many days I have been staying, let me put the AC now, what are you saying?
Soma said---You have to do the application.
---No problem with that. Let's install first. Then the application is done. I have some connections in the power department.
Soma came to bed. Subir said---Have they slept?
Soma smiled, said---Hmm. But not today.
----Why?
---Today is the last day of period.
But Subir pulled Soma close to his. Soma said---Ah it feels hot. I came from the kitchen still sweating. Subir noticed the sweat dripping on Soma's blouse on the exposed part of her fair back. There he said with a soft kiss----My loving wife works very hard.
Soma smiled and said---no need to pretend. Period ends today. Do whatever you want to do in tomorrow.
Soma left college at four o'clock on Saturday afternoon. At the turn of the main road, she saw that, Subir was already standing. With blue check shirt and black pants. This shirt was bought by Soma. Subir hailed a taxi.
When Soma goes out alone in market she buys necessary things. But if she is with Subir, she does a little more shopping. It was nine o'clock in the night when they returned home after buying various things. The two boys are watching TV after finishing their studies. They are busy with a detective serial at night. Soma quickly changed her saree and went to kitchen for cook. Subir came out of the bathroom and said---Soma will have some tea?
On Sunday night they were getting ready to go wedding ceremony. Soma opened the cupboard and started looking at the sarees. She doesn't even make up or too much dressed up, but if there is a wedding or event, she has to dress up and make up a bit. That's when the best sarees are worn. Most of the sarees are not worn by her. She chose the onion peel pink Kanjibharam saree. It has never been worn. Soma keeps matching blouse with every saree. Even though she is so nice hobby about sarees, but she rarely wears them.
Subir knows it will take a little longer today to get Soma ready. Soma will also choose what he will wear later. Soma took out Santu-Antu's shirt and jeans. Santu however, has now learn to have its own likes and dislikes.
Soma opened the cupboard and took out the jewelery sets. At the time of her marriage, her mother bought her a jewelleries by her mother own choice. And after marriage, her mother-in-law's preference was for jewelry. Soma still misses her mother-in-law very much. As the two families were already close, Soma was like a daughter to her mother-in-law. After her mother and mother-in-law passed away, Soma never bought jewelry for herself. Soma has no interest in jewellery. Soma called Subir---where are you listening?
Subir knows that Soma will be late, so he sits on the sofa in the living room watching TV, gets up when Soma calls him.
Soma is standing and wearing just a black petticoat and a pink silk blouse. In this heat, sweat has accumulated on her fair skin. Subir thought to himself that Soma is still attractive even after forty. Although her heavy breasts are slightly bent, but it still looks very attractive in this blouse. Soma said---what jewelry should I wear?
Subir chose a gold necklace and said---I didn't see where it was?
---Your mother gave it to me. Are you forget?
---It's pretty good though.
Soma said---but quite heavy. It feels heavy when worn around the neck.
---Then wear something light.
---No. That's what I wear now.
When Soma was ready, the two boys were ready but their dad was still sitting on the couch in his trousers, watching TV. Soma said annoyed----will you go like this? We are all ready and you?
Subir said---What will I wear?
Soma says---See, I left the shirt on the bed. Get ready soon.
Subir got ready and started brushing his hair. Soma said---Ish! Do not put a little cream in the face?
---Men don't need that.
----Now a days men also use cream. Soma smiled.
Soma herself took some of her cream and started rubbing it on Subir's face. Although Subir is fair like Soma. Then she used the body sprayer on her husband and sons.
Subir himself is driving the car today. While driving, Subir suddenly remembered that the watchman had taken Soma and his sons for a walk in his car a few days ago. Subir is uncomfortable. Then he felt that he was jealous to a just lower class watchman.
Bijaya di's daughter Rinki was last seen by Soma when she was studied to secondary exams. That girl is married today. Soma met some old distant relatives at the wedding house. How everyone's face has changed.
It was eleven o'clock at night when they returned. If the windows and doors of the flat are closed for a long time, there is a feeling of fumes due to carbon dioxide. And now is also very hot weather. Soma quickly opened the windows. Subir said to take off his socks----The workers will come to installe AC on tomorrow.
---Tomorrow? When will they come? I have college.
---Hey, don't worry, I'm here.
Subir was a little excited to see Soma in wedding ceremony dress up since evening. Then Soma didn't let him fuck her that day because of her period. Subir said when Soma came to the bedroom--Are they asleep?
Soma took off the gold bangles and kept them in the cupboard and said---Hmm.
Today Soma also has a strong desire. Her body has been hot for a long time.
Soma came to bed. Subir pulled her close and said---Today my body is on fire after seeing my beautiful wife.
Soma laughed and said---Only dirty talk of yours.
Subir kissed Soma on the lips. At first that kiss was gentle, but today Soma became aggressive. Deep in Subir's mouth, her lips, tongue plunged and satisfied. Soma hissed like a snake. Both are very excited today. The reason for such tension is a secret to both. Subir said---Open your blouse.
Soma opened her blouse revealing fair breasts. Subir fell on Soma's breasts. Soma wants Subir to suck like Dawa; rough and aggressively. But Subir started sucking her nipple in his mouth in a romantic way. Soma hissed---Suck well.
Subir started sucking both breasts alternately. began to press gently. Soma realizes her body wants attacking sex and brutality. Subir doesn't have that raughness. But she didn't say anything. Her cunt is already wet. Soma pulled the rope of the petticoat and lifted the saree over her belly and opened her vagina. Subir also dropped his pants. Inserted his cock into her wife's cunt. Soma feels the difference between Dawa and Subir. She did not getting that intense, pleasurable pain, Subir's penis is not at all as big as Dawa Sherpa.
Soma is used to taking Subir's cock inside her cunt for Seventeen years. But Dawa's cock just one day entered her pussy and made a big difference. Soma wants Subir to fuck her hard. But what Subir is doing is called conjugal intercourse. Until now, Soma had been waiting for two months just for this. Today it seems that there is no way to satisfy her accumulated hunger. Her body wants more. Subir understands that Soma is very excited today, but he is not able to understand Soma's intense need. After some gentle stroke, Subir stopped at some point. Soma is feeling more hungry today. But still she accepted. As soon as Subir fell asleep, she went to the bathroom. She washed and cleaned. However, Subir poured very little semen. Not too much like Dawa.
Now there is AC in the house. But it started raining the day after Subir went to Delhi. It is raining more or less every day. The sky is black since morning. As soon as Soma entered the college, the rain started. Somehow she opened the umbrella and got out of the auto.
In the staff room, her colleague physics teacher Sandeep said---Soma di, today the weather department said there will be heavy rain.
Soma smiled and said---Don't send me again to the headmistress for leave today.
Bandana di said---If you say it now, the head madam will chase you angrily.
Santu is not feeling well since morning. So Soma is a little tensed. If her sons are sick, the tension of Soma increases manifold. Today she already has one class after another. Returning from college will also be late.
After tiffin period she has class seven. It is raining heavily outside. She phone called home from staff room now, To know how is Santu. He has coaching today. Soma will be late already, can't deliver him. With that, Santu is feeling ill. So she was forbade him to go to coaching class today.
After the college closed, the teachers started waiting in the staff room. It is raining. Even a little rain in Kolkata causes water to stagnant on the roads.
Finally, ignoring the rain, Soma came out with an umbrella on her head. She returned home at half past five. The light is on in the watchman's room under the stairs. Antu was saying in the morning " A New watchman uncle has come".
She entered the house and saw Antu watching TV. Soma said---where is your dada?
---Dada went to coaching class.
Soma said angrily---I told him not to go to the coaching class!
Santu is a very studious boy. Reluctant to stop a single day of coaching class after getting the new class study. The calling bell rang at half past six. Santu returned wet.
Soma scolded Santu very much---I repeatedly told you not to go to the coaching class today. What happens if you get a fever now?
Soma quickly started to wipe her son's head with the anchal of her saree. Just then the telephone rang. Subir called. He also called in the morning, it is raining heavily in Delhi.
Soma took Subir's phone and said---Your elder son doesn't listen anything. I repeatedly said that you will not go to the coaching class. He didn't listen. Now wet with rain.
---What is he! You said in the morning that he is not well!
---Yes. Now I have to carrie all the trouble. Your sons do not listen to me. She started complaining to her husband in the name of her two sons.
At night, Santu said---Mom is my head hurts now.
Soma took hot oil and started massaging on her son's feet. Before he going to sleep, the thermometer showed a fever of one hundred. His body is very hot.
Antu fell asleep, Soma stayed awake beside her elder son. It is raining heavily outside. Soma looked at the thermometer again; 102 fever.
Now Paracetamol should be given. She was surprised to open the medicine box. She always kept Medicines in stock, paracetamol is there but expired. She looked at the clock and saw that it was half past twelve night. Even though the drug store is open so late in the night in the city of Kolkata, it is not near their flat. She thought she will go Mitra da's once? What do they think if she call at night? But thinking of her son, Soma rang the bell at Mr. Mitra's house.
Mitra Da's wife Ruma Baudi opened the door after a while with sleepy eyes. She was surprised to see Soma at night and said---What happened to Soma?
---My son has a high fever. So much rain on outside at night! I don't know what to do.
---Oh! Did you give him medicine?
---I didn't give it boudi. The paracetamol has expired.
----Wait and see if we have it at home.
After some time Mrs Mitra came and said---Sorry Soma. It is over. The empty strip is lying.
Seeing Soma worried, Mrs. Mitra said---You can tell our watchman. He will buy it.
Soma doesn't know the new Watchman. Haven't seen him yet. Still she forced herself to go to the ground floor. The light was still on in the watchman's room. light means a bulb. The door is closed. Soma knocked on the door. After a while the door opened.
Soma was startled like seeing a ghost---Dawa ji?
In front of Soma stood a six-foot-tall long-bodied Dawa Sherpa. Seeing Soma, his eyes were irritated. He said in a hoarse voice---What's the matter?
Soma has no time to think about anything else. No time to think how Dawa came here again. No time to think about the fact that she had said Dawa not to come to her flat. With no time to think, she complained to Mr. Mitra against him by Subir. Now thinking about her son, she said helplessly---Dawa ji, Santu has high fever. Medicines will be needed. You...
Dawa said before finishing---What? Santu Babu's fever! You write the name of the medicine on the paper. I'm buying.
Within ten minutes Dawa Sherpa appeared with medicine. Santu said happily to Dawa Uncle---Dawa Uncle, you?
Dawa Sherpa smiled, said---Babu, my good boy, take the medicine.
That night Dawa and Soma sat side by side beside Santu. Soma was looking at the man. Today it is as if in her life Dawa has appeared like God. When Soma facing in trouble Dawa appeared. But today he appeared at her most difficult time. Soma's attraction with Dawa was born today in a different form. Dawa appeared as a hero in her life.
The hero does not die, he is resurrected again and again. This is like a cinematic change in Soma's life. Soma is now gaining courage. They are sitting next to Santu for a long time. She Feeding her son, checking fever. Although they are not talking out of necessity, but psychologically they are very close today.
They spend some time in silence. It's half past midnight. Santu has left the fever. He sweated. Soma finally broke the silence and said---Dawa ji, can i make a tea?
Dawa Sherpa didn't answer. Soma brought tea. Dawa Sherpa started sipping her tea. Soma is now watching Dawa Sherpa secreatly. He is Being responsible and vigilant like a father. Which is another reason for Soma's good feeling.
Dawa Sherpa left before dawn. Soma was lying next to Santu. She woke up and saw that Santu had no fever. An empty cup of tea is lying on the table next to the bed.
Although the cup is empty, Soma's heart is not as empty as before. One has occupied many places there.
Soma went to the kitchen. Started making paratha in griddle. Dejected by Agassi's loss, Santu buried his face in his mom's shoulder in the kitchen. Soma said---What happened, don't come so close, it's hot.
Santu said---Mom, i'm upset.
---Why? What happened? Who won the match?
---Pete Sampras. That's why Antu is talking to dad on the phone.
Sometimes the mind becomes really bad. Also happening in Soma. She proposed to Subir that Dawa be fired from the job. Now it seems it would have been better not to be so unkind.
Subir-Soma has made a separate bed room for their two growing sons. Soma and Subir have a separate bed room. If Subir is not home, Soma sleeps alone in this bedroom. And sometimes, she want, sleep with her two boys.
After dinner today, Soma decided to sleep with Santu-Antu. In fact, she is afraid today. Of course, this fear is not that Dawa will break the door and bang her. Not so. Actually it is very difficult for her to suppress her body needs and mind while avoiding the call of Dawa tonight. Secretly Soma's body wants to surrender to him. The stubborn worm bites in her cunt seem to have since from when Dawa went away.
If their mom sleeps with them, Santu-Antu demands that their mom should sleep between them. Otherwise, the two will quarrel over who sleeps next to their mom. So Soma sleeps between them. Antu raised one leg on her mom's waist and hugged her, while Santu hugged her from the other side. Soma smiled and said---I understand quite well that you both will not let me sleep. I went to another room.
Then Antu said---No mom, Dada is doing mischief.
---What did I do again? Is mom only your property?
----You two stop. Soma scolded the two boys.
No matter how grown up her two boys are, they still have that little one with Soma. They always fight about whose wealth is their mom? Soma was annoyed by her two sons' caress and said---What did you two do?
Santu poked his mom's throat with his finger and said---How did this scar mom?
Soma noticed that the bite mark of Dawa ji was still red on her fair neck. She said---Who knows, it seems to have cut somehow.
Antu said---Mom was bitten by ants.
Santu said---fool! Bitten by ants such a scar?
---Mom you saw, Dada called me fool! Antu complained.
Soma smiled and said---A mountain yeti came one day, he bit it.
Both of Soma's sons laughed. Santu said jokingly---The story of the yeti that Dawa uncle told, seems to have bitten.
Soma smiled to herself. And she said to herself in her mind "It is not this yeti of your Dawa uncle stories, that yeti is actually your Dawa uncle."
Soma's eyes were open even though her two boys fell asleep on her either side. She change her side to another side again and again. Still she can't sleep. She feel uncomfortable, but restrained herself. Remembering that night makes her body feel hot. A strange intense itching in her vagina. Sometimes these days this sexual tension makes Soma very uncomfortable, when it seems that she will not have peace unless Dawa ji' giant cock go into her cunt. A shameless desire is suppressed. Get up once in Soma and drink water. Went to the balcony and saw the street in front of their flat, there only the street lamps on the quiet street. A couple of dogs are sleeping there. Soma knows Dawa is waiting for her now. If Soma couldn't control herself and went there once, Daba would fuck her all night tonight. Then there will be no looking back for Soma, she will be fully engaged in extramarital affairs.
As the night progressed, sleep fell in Soma's eyes. When she woke up in the morning, it was half past six. A gentle sun light is coming from the east through the window. There is a limitless peace in her mind. Now she was very happy, she was able to control herself.
A week has passed. Already the Summer heat is getting intense. There is heavy sunshine during the day, frequent load shedding at night. Of course they have a generator in their flat. However, the air from the fan is very hot also. Subir said he will install the AC now. Then Soma said what is needed by spending extra money. Now Soma also feels that the AC would have been better.
There is still one month left for Santu's secondary result. He has to give the science tuitions before the results are out.
Soma took them to Argha's house today. Argha is a Classmate of Santu. Santu has competition with Aragha. Aragha comes first in class, santu second. The college teachers as well as the two families are excited about who will top the secondary exam this year. However, Soma is optimistic about Santu. Argha is not very good in Arts. Santu is good in arts as well as science. Soma's contribution is no less for that. Nowadays parents are satisfied only if students are good in science. Soma, however, does not make the science-arts divide.
Argha's father is also a high college teacher, his mom is a housewife. The woman is a little too proud of her son. Argha's house is in Bagbazar. His mother said---Soma di, your son will do well in arts this time, if my son was good in arts, he would have topped this time too.
Soma smiled to herself. She realizes that Argha's mom's confidence is broken before result out. But Soma is not a a competitive mind as Argha's mom and is unwilling to put her son in a rat race. Let him do what he likes. Argha's mom Sutpa is a little younger than Soma, and she smiled and said---Why are you to much thinking, Sutpa? Arghya will top this time too. Where did you give your son math tuition?
---Given coaching. And also there are home tutors. His dad wil give him a special tuition again. His colleague is a math teacher. Send Argha to him too.
Soma was surprised. Just finished the exam already three tuitions in math! However, Soma did not answer. Argha's mother said---Soma di, where are you teaching your son?
---I haven't given it yet. But I will not teach him in batches. His dad was talking about the home tutor. Let's see if I find somone like that.
Soma entered the mall on the way back from Argha's house with her two sons. It is difficult to find antu-santu when entering the mall. Both of them have entered the sports zone of the mall. Soma saw some household items on offer and took them to the trolley. Antu-Santu appeared with a bat in his hand after few minutes. Antu said---Mom, i will take it.
Soma scolded and said---There are two bats in house. What to do with it again?
Antu said---Those two are old models. It's pretty good. It is like Di silva's bat.
Santu said---They play on duce bat. You should choose a lighter bat instead.
Soma said---No, I will not buy any more bat now. Let's buy two shirts for both of you.
They took a taxi out of the mall. Returned to the flat around 8 pm. The telephone rang as the door opened. Soma dropped the bags and somehow picked up the phone. Subir's voice from the other side---Where did you go? How long have I been calling?
---I went to the market. You know your two sons. Once they enter the mall, there is no way out. He insists on buying a bat.
---- who?
---Antu. Holding the phone on her shoulder, Soma started to open the wristwatch.
---If you don't buy?
---There are two bats already. More? You are the one who spoiled both.
---Bah! if they are good then this is your credit. If they doing some bad it is my fault! Subir smiled.
Soma asked to open the pin of he saree---What a hot weather! I'm getting sick.
---That's why I said Install the AC, if you don't allow it to install.
---Wait, I will change the saree. Nothing can be worn in this summer. The blouse is wet with sweat.
Their life is going on in a normal rhythm. A home tutor comes home for Santu. For Physics is sending him to study in a coaching batch for now. Physics coaching center is not far. In the evening, Soma delivers him there. When it was half past seven, she herself went and fetched Santu.
Dawa Sherpa has faced Soma several times in between. They both remain silent. They do not talk to each other. Santu-Antu, however, goes to their Dawa uncle room. Soma does not prevent that. Soma chose the previous life after that one day incident. She taught herself it was a wrong decision for once.
Dawa also never came to their flat again. The days are passing by very normally, just like Soma's seventeen years of monotonous married life. Soma is used to it. But sometimes she felt a physical desire, maybe it had been forever since Subir was away. Then she was not geven any importance. But now there is a mixture of mind and body, which she suppresses. She stopped by warning herself.
Todays morning Soma was getting ready to go to college as usual. Antu is on the dining table. Santu suddenly came from ground floor and said----Mom, have you heard?
Soma was standing in front of the mirror applying very light lipstick on her lips. This is only her simple make up outfits before going to college. She Said---What happened?
---Dawa uncle has left!
Soma was shocked. She turned and looked at her eldest son. Left Means he gone in his native land! Soma didn't quite understand. Her chest suddenly became empty. But she has made herself strong.
Going down the stairs with Antu, she looked at the room at the bottom of the stairs. The room is open. There is nothing inside. Except for that dirty bed.
She took Antu to the bus and And started walking to catch the auto. Suddenly a deep depression came over her. Dawa Sherpa is gone, and now she is completely safe. No one will even know what happened that day. Why is she still so sad?
She was sitting alone in the class room after the second period. Soma is feeling very lonely from inside. She began to think why she felt this loneliness? Why is she getting restless inside instead of being calm.
At the age of forty, her beauty still remains. Her younger colleague Mithali, Suparna praise her beauty still often. Somedays ago Suparna said "Soma di, if only we had black hair like yours....How do you have such beautiful hair? Goes well with your fair face". One day Mitali said "We are getting old at thirty-five-thirty-six, Soma di has reached forty, is she still beautiful!...Soma di, what would you say is the secret of your beauty?"
Or the senior bandana madam says "Soma, you've never aged, you look really sweet". Soma is used to hearing all these praises. So she never felt anything special. But when a man is attracted to a woman, no matter how conservative the woman may be, she secretly likes this.
As Soma herself studied in a girls' college, there was no chance that a boy would propose her. During college life, she got a couple of love proposals from a few college students. But Soma was then commited to as a Subir's declared lover.
Subir's entry into Soma's life is no accident. Rather, it was a prophecy. Actually Soma always wanted a lover who would be her future husband. In that case she preferred a sober, educated, decent man. Soma's love with Subir was psychological from the beginning because of the relationship between their two families. But the proposal reportedly came first from Subir. Actually Subir was very shy then. Soma knew Subir liked her. But being his father's friend's daughter, he could not say. In the house of Soma's father, Durga Puja was held in a big way. At that time Subir went to Soma's house. On the evening of Saptami, Subir proposed Soma through Soma's sister Tanima. Soma was just in then first year. Then Subir just joined govt job. Then they made love for four years. They got married the year Soma got the govt college teaching job. From the time of courtship to the first few years of marriage, Soma did not feel unhappy at all. As she grew older, she became lonely in her married life. Whenever there was a little leisure in the family after handling two sons and a job, she felt the loneliness from inside. Yet Soma remains normal.
Soma couldn't deny that Dawa Sherpa had intruded into her life after all these years to take advantage of her inner loneliness. Dawa is a strong, tall, masculine man, Soma knows that this is not the only reason Soma likes him. In seventeen years of marriage where she had neglected the needs of her body, Soma had no reason to be attracted only by a man's masculine body. In fact, Soma realizes that the most she feels is that he is very destitute from within. And this destitution brought the wild unsophisticated man close to her. Soma feels Dawa is like a nature, like lonely mountain. In the proximity of the powerful masculinity of his, she manifested her pent-up sexual appetite. Which was suppressed for a long time.
The man was gone, but left an unbearable sadness in Soma's mind. The man was alone like her! Maybe he was not well-educated like Soma, not of civil society. But soma think can lonely people be put into any class or category? Soma's head began to revolve around the question.
Physics teacher Sandeep entered the staffroom after finishing his class. He said after putting the chalk, duster---Soma di, what are you thinking so much?
Soma came out of the world of thought. She said with a gentle smile---Sandeep, is your class complete?
---Hmmm. Do you have class now?
---Yes, class eleven on the third floor.
---What a heat weather, soma di.
---When will it rain? I sit in hope. Soma said with smilie. After saying Soma got up. She has to go to the third floor to take classes.
While returning from college, Soma once peeked into the Dawa's room. As the door was open, so it is. Room was empty except the bed as in the morning. Once she thought to ask Mr. Mitra why Dawa Sherpa left. Then thought, stay, by asking or what will happen. Of course now he's looking for a new Watchman.
When she entered her house, she saw an elderly woman sitting on the sofa! Soma was startled, laughed and said---Bijaya di?
----Soma, how are you? A fifty plas aged woman is sitting on sofa, she asked.
---After som many years.
----That's right. I came to your house long ago. How young were your sons then? They could not recognize me now.
---Yes Bijaya di, many years ago. how is Dadababu (elder age brother in law)?
---Your Dadababu? Affected by various diseases after retirement. We are both diabetics.
----Wait Bijaya di, I will bring Sarbat.
----Soma, you just came from college, now take rest. Change your saree.
---Just wait few minutes Bijaya di. How much time will it take to make?
Vijaya is Soma's mother's sister's daughter. She Stays near Kolkata, in Barrackpore. Therefore was no contact for a long time with her. She telephone called at some time just. She came Soma's house today after a long years. Soma was happy and brought the sarbat.
Vijaya said to drink the sarbat----Go, change your saree.
Soma went to the bathroom. Now she has to take a bath. But she will be late to take a bath. So somehow freshened up, came out wearing a light nightie.
Bijaya stopped when Soma taking out the sweets from the fridge and said---What are you doing? I am a diabetic.
----Oh, Then cut the fruit? Or sugar free sweets?
----No. Nothing. You come and sit with me here. I haven't spoken openly with you for a long time.
Soma came and sat on the sofa. Bijaya said---Your two sons are very good. I was talking to them before you come.
Shy Antu sat next to his mother. While Soma caressing him, she said---This is my younger son. Do you think you saw him at the age of crawling?
---Yes. Now he said read in class six! How the children grew up day by day! Your elder son also student of secondary exam!
Soma laughed and said---What about Rinki?
---I came with her news. Bijaya smile.
----means?
---Her wedding is next week. Your Dadababu said he will come to invite you. But now that he is getting older, he doesn't go out much.
----Oh maa! Rinki's marriage? What does the groom do?
---Groom is not a Bengali. He is her colleague, south indian. Both live in Bangalore. They are engineers.
---Bah! You gave me a very good news, Bijaya di.
---You are the same as before, Soma. Just got a little fat?
---Got fat? Soma looked at her figure.
Vijaya laughed and said---does fat mean not fatty. This takes a little flesh. That's what happens with age. Subir is now in Delhi?
---Yes. Right there If he get that leave, he comes every two months.
---But Rinki's wedding has to go. Remember next week. She was saying that she had not seen Soma Masi (aunt) for a long time. She wanted to invite you herself. But She didn't get a leave because of their workload. Only for her marriage ceremony She will get a few days leave.
After many days Soma's maternal didi Bijaya met with her. So they started talking about various things. Bijaya left at eight o'clock at night.
Soma entered into the bathroom. She got relief from cold water on her body. Right that time Subir called. Soma said from the bathroom---Santu pick up the phone, I think your dad has called.
When Santu grabbed the telephone, Subir asked----What happened, where is your mom?
---She went to bathe.
---Why she so late and went to the bath?
---Masi came.
---Who Masi? Subir surprised! Soma's sister Tanima now live in abroad. Then who came!
---I don't know. Mom knows.
Soma comes out of bath wearing only petticoat, blouse. Then she entered the bedroom and put on a light cotton saree. When she picked up the phone Subir said---Who came home?"
---Bijaya di.
---Bijaya di? Is that your mother's sister's daughter Bijaya di?
----Hmmm.
---After so long She came i think?
---Yes, do you remember Bijaya Di's daughter Rinki? Her wedding is next week. Came to invitation.
---Oh!
---When you return from office? Soma asked.
---I came back a little early today.
---Oh, you konow something happened today! Soma said with secret sorrow.
Subir held out a cigarette and said---What happened again?
----Dawa Sherpa has ran away.
---Ran away means? Subir was surprised.
---Means left the job.
Subir felt a kind of depression in the tone of Soma's voice. So he said jokingly---I think you are in sadness?
---Why should I sad? she said hiding herself.
---Your boyfriend is gone! Do not sad!
Soma feigned anger and said---Dush! That thing again...! But you know, the man helped us anyway.
---Hmmm. Subir said seriously. He said again---But Why he suddenly ran away, i don't understand?
---I don't understand that either. But the man is a little different. As he is not of civilized society like us, he did not look like a village or slum dweller either. You can call him a just mountain man, A solitary man of the primeval forest. who is completely alone, one of a kind.
Soma's voice was full of emotion as she spoke the words.
Subir smiled and said---Suddenly you are praising him?
---Not a praise, in fact I have never seen such a person. I saw him talking about mountains, forests, wildlife. Again I saw the fierce arrogance in him as a brute dominant nature. Again I saw intense human qualities in him. The man was surprising me always.
Subir said---I see you have fallen in love with Dawa. Sometimes praising him, sometimes strongly condemn.
Soma remained silent for a while. Then she said---what to eat at night?
Subir realizes that Soma is getting emotional, so she tries to change the subject.
---What again? Roti and vegetables.
today is sunday. Soma is cleaning the boys' study room. She took down the books from the shelf and started cleaning. A large bookcase besides the window on the left is stuffed with storybooks.Some books are from Subir's collection, some from Soma's collection. And there are include Santu-Antu's books also. While cleaning bookself, a piece of paper fell out from a book. Soma smiled seeing at the paper. Before marriage when Subir wanted to meet Soma then he sending such a note by her sister Tanima. She kept the note in its proper place.
Antu's voice was heard from the other side. Said---Mom, which city was built in the Nile basin?
Before Soma said, Santu said---Cairo.
This Sunday Soma completes all the work left over during the week. Just then, when the calling bell rang, she said---Look, Santu, who has come.
When the door was opened, Mr. Mitra was seen standing with a smile on his face. Santu said---Mitra Jethu (elder uncle) come in.
Soma said---Mitra da, why are you standing? sit down.
Mr. Mitra pulled the chair and sat down. Soma said---How are you? How is boudi?
----Well. When will be the result out of Santu?
---Department of Education has not announced yet. But you can assume within a month.
Mr. Mitra said---Mr. Mukherjee called me a few days ago.
---Santu's dad called you?
---Yes. You have a problem with that watchman. Said to fire him from job.
Soma was startled. Subir did not tell her the truth. Then Mr. Mitra said---I therefore fire him from work. But now finding a new watchman is a difficult. And those watchmen who are available from security agencies are not very sincere. Dawa Sherpa was a very hard working man. Please tell me what is the problem Soma?
Soma didn't know what to say. She is not even able to create something lie quickly. She said quietly for a while---Nothing, he is not dutiful. The postmaster came and returned many times without finding him.
---Oh, this little thing! But he takes our letters right from the postmaster. Soma, if this is the slightest problem I can definitely talk to him. He needs to be put back to work. We will not find such a good watchman easily in this Kolkata metropolitan.
Soma didn't know what to say. She just said----Is he in Kolkata?
---Yes, where he go? You know his house in that Darjeeling district. He can't go home if he wants to. Poor man are still in Kolkata looking for job. Soma, if you give your opinion, I can take him back.
---Mitra da, do what you think is best.
---Ok, there is no problem right? Then I bring him back.
---Have tea, Mitra da?
---No, Soma. Your boudi, you know she is Arthritis patients, when I go somewhere, she can't stay alone for long.
Antu said after Mr. Mitra left----Mom, Dawa uncle will come again?
Soma did not answer. She is very angry with Subir. Quickly called Subir.
Today is a holiday. Subir stays in the quarter. He picked up the phone and said---Say.
---Did you telephone Mr. Mitra?
Subir remained silent for a while and said---Yes, I did. Actually I will tell you...
Soma became angry---lies. Then that day when I said that the Dawa Sherpa had left, why did you still lie?
----Ah Soma! Why are you angry? It was you who told me to call Mr. Mitra to dismiss Daba from his job that day.
---I said. But you also said to wait for a day. If Dawa does not disturb...
---Cool Soma. Such lower class people should not be trusted. So I called.
---Then you will tell me a lie? Soma became emotional.
---Why? Tell me what happened?
---Mitra da came.
---What did he said?
---He was asking about our problem with Dawa Sherpa.
---What did you say?
---What to say him? I don't know what are you telling Mr. Mitra.
---I didn't say anything special. I said the Dawa Sherpa is not dutiful person. His behavior is also not good. So he needs to be replaced by a new watchman.
---Oh maa! And I told another lie. I said that the man does not take the letter from the peon on time etc.
Subir smiled, said----that's the same.
---Now Mr. Mitra is saying that he wants Dawa to rejoin watchman job again.
Subir showed a little anger and said---How can Mr. Mitra decide alone! are not we pay the watchman's salary?
--- Ah Subir. No need to worry anymore. Let the man be. As far as I know Dawa Sherpa, he will not cause any more problems.
---Are you so sure?
---The man is not that bad, Subir.
---A man who gives you a bad proposal, and you don't call him bad?
---Men are like that. When women talk a little better, they think a lot. Soma smiled.
Subir was a little surprised to hear Soma's words. Said---Soma if he is rude to you again.
---will not do.
---sure?
---Hmmm.
Subir jokingly said---Your boyfriend. Of course you know him well.
Soma smiled shyly and said--Dhat! There is a lot of work today. I am hanging up the phone.
After Soma hung up the phone, a complex thought arose in Subir's mind. He realizes that his wife has a passion for Dawa. Subir became curious and worried about how far her passion and emotion would go.
Soma feels like this summer noon has stopped. It is as if Soma is stuck alone on a still day. She often feels like this during the holidays. Two boys fell asleep after having lunch. Old days music was playing on the color screen of the TV. Soma picked up the newspaper from the tea table. News of political terror in various places from the beginning to the end; this group is beating that group and that group is beating this group. With this there is a war of words of colorful leaders across the country. Subir loves to read these political news. Soma does not understand this; specially politics. Sometimes, if She has any question, she asks Subir. The last page is about the sports. That section of the paper is Santu's favorite. Soma lost interest. She only read the story of the Sunday section. Prasar Bharti's recitation has started on Bengali channel. Soma used to recite well in college. She thought to teach her boys too. None of the boys got these qualities of singing and reciting like their mom's. Instead, Santu got the drawing talant like his dad. Antu is a shy but smart boy, he is still very young. In his twelve years he is still like a child to his mom. Still during his meal, Soma has to be separated fish from the fish bones. If he is late to eat in college times, Soma feeds him. But day by day they are both growing up. Soma feels more helpless when she thinks about these things. Especially how her chest felt empty on such a lonely summer afternoon.
Soma looked at the TV screen. But many things are playing in her mind. She have not found a person in her life with whom she will sit and talk a little, talk to her heart. No more contact with any of the college friends of her. Many got married and settled in Kolkata. Some are also doing jobs like Soma. But no communication with them anymore. Dawa Sherpa will be brought back, which has suddenly created an unwelcome impulse of joy in Soma. Soma thought to herself; How she is secretly getting excited at the thought of the return of the man whom she herself wanted to fire.
Soma is not sleeping now. She got up and saw what was necessary household items in the house is out of stock. The toothpaste, the body soap are less. She have to buy two pairs of socks for her elder son. She forgot even going to the mall that day.
She went to the balcony and stood. Some clothes were spread on the wall of the balcony to dry. Picked them up. The street is empty at noon. It is very sunny and heat outside. She closed the balcony door and switched off the TV. Two boys are sleeping. Soma went to her bedroom and sleep.
Almost three days passed. The summer heat has not decreased yet, but is increasing day by day. Subir's colleague Mr. Gupta said---Mr. Mukherjee, I hear it is very hot in Kolkata.
Subir smiled and said---I know what to say? I haven't gone home for the last one and a half months. How to know?
---If you talk to Bhabhi Ji, then you should know.
----Yes, she is talking. What can be felt in words? Then one could call Siberia and enjoy the cold.
Rajat Patnaik is one of the senior staff of the office. He has a good relationship with Subir in the office. He loves Subir like a younger brother. Apart from this central government job, he also made a name for himself in the literary world by writing science fiction stories in Oriya language. Rajat Patnayak said---Subir, one day such a technology will come. With which you can go to distant places at the speed of light.
Subir smiled and said---Rajat Biya, it would have been better if that was the case. What more leave did we need?
Gupta is a bit gomless. When he realized that they were talking about technology, he said---Rajat ji, has such a machine really come out? How much is the price?
Both Rajat Patnaik and Subir burst out laughing.
After Gupta left, Rajat and Subir started walking towards the office canteen. They went and smoked cigarettes. Rajat said---What's the matter Subir, I see you very worried for a few days?
Subir was still of a different mind. As soon as the words reached his ears, he said----Nothing, Rajat bhaiya!
---Hmm, you are hiding something. You can say it as an elder brother. Are your wife and Sons well at home?
Subir released the smoke of the cigarette and said---Yes, they are good.
---But why is the tension? Instead, you take a few days off and go home. The mind will be better. And your sons are so talented, You will give them my new collection of science fiction books. You will say that Rajat uncle gave it.
Subir smiled. He thought to himself, how long had he not gone home. The conflicts that are working in his mind, maybe that will disappear when he goes home.
Soma meets Mr. Mitra on the ground floor while returning from college. Seeing Soma, Mr. Mitra said---Soma?
---Yes Dada?
---That said, that watchman Dawa Sherpa is stubborn, He refuses to work here again. Tell me what to do now? Agarwal was angry with me, because why I fire Dawa from watchman job. And finding new Watchmen is also difficult now.
Soma was surprised. Dawa doesn't want to work here. Before saying anything, Mr. Mitra said again---Do you know, Soma, mountain people are very self-respecting. Especially that Dawa Sherpa. The man may be uneducated, but he is quite strong minded. His self-respect is strong.Never agreed to return to work.
Soma came to the living room and started thinking when she changing her saree. Dawa Sherpa is self-respecting. Soma feels sad that Dawa is not coming back, but at the same time, she likes this self-respecting character of Dawa. A man should not only be strong in body but also strong in heart. Soma already knew that in Dawa. She feels a little better. Maybe Soma will never have to face Dawa again. But Dawa's lion heart, lion body, an exceptional forest-centric character will remain like a pearl in her mind.
Before Subir told Soma the news of coming home, Soma told that Dawa is not willing to work here. He declined the offer to rejoin the work.
After getting the news Subir was happy in his heart. But the reason for his happiness, he himself is not able to settle. He thought to himself, was this worry about his Soma? Can a physically fit man like Dawa take advantage of Soma's loneliness? this insecurity created discomfort in Subir's mind? Subir can't deny that he really had these conflicts for the past few days.
Again, he thought that after seventeen years of marriage, when they were both in their forties, there was no reason to entertain such thoughts. They are both of mature age. Both have freedom of thought, consciousness.
Subir returned home on Friday night. Bijaya Di's daughter Rinki's wedding is about to take place on Sunday night. At night, Subir said while spreading onions in the ghughni on dinning table---Don't call me early tomorrow morning, Soma. I will sleep a little.
Soma brought out the Roti from the casserole and put it on Subir's plate and said---Tomorrow is a lot of work. I will wait on the way back from college. Must go shopping.
---Shopping again?
---Some gifts should be given at the wedding.
Santu said---I will also go to the market with you.
Soma said with scolding---tomorrow evening your math tutor will come home, have you forgotten? Two brothers will stay at home.
Subir's habit of reading books before going to sleep at night. Soma is still in the kitchen. She returned when the two boys were asleep. Soma came fresh from the bathroom. Meanwhile, the beautiful smell of soap is coming out of her body. Subir closed the book and placed it on the side table. Soma increased the fan speed.
Subir said---how many days I have been staying, let me put the AC now, what are you saying?
Soma said---You have to do the application.
---No problem with that. Let's install first. Then the application is done. I have some connections in the power department.
Soma came to bed. Subir said---Have they slept?
Soma smiled, said---Hmm. But not today.
----Why?
---Today is the last day of period.
But Subir pulled Soma close to his. Soma said---Ah it feels hot. I came from the kitchen still sweating. Subir noticed the sweat dripping on Soma's blouse on the exposed part of her fair back. There he said with a soft kiss----My loving wife works very hard.
Soma smiled and said---no need to pretend. Period ends today. Do whatever you want to do in tomorrow.
Soma left college at four o'clock on Saturday afternoon. At the turn of the main road, she saw that, Subir was already standing. With blue check shirt and black pants. This shirt was bought by Soma. Subir hailed a taxi.
When Soma goes out alone in market she buys necessary things. But if she is with Subir, she does a little more shopping. It was nine o'clock in the night when they returned home after buying various things. The two boys are watching TV after finishing their studies. They are busy with a detective serial at night. Soma quickly changed her saree and went to kitchen for cook. Subir came out of the bathroom and said---Soma will have some tea?
On Sunday night they were getting ready to go wedding ceremony. Soma opened the cupboard and started looking at the sarees. She doesn't even make up or too much dressed up, but if there is a wedding or event, she has to dress up and make up a bit. That's when the best sarees are worn. Most of the sarees are not worn by her. She chose the onion peel pink Kanjibharam saree. It has never been worn. Soma keeps matching blouse with every saree. Even though she is so nice hobby about sarees, but she rarely wears them.
Subir knows it will take a little longer today to get Soma ready. Soma will also choose what he will wear later. Soma took out Santu-Antu's shirt and jeans. Santu however, has now learn to have its own likes and dislikes.
Soma opened the cupboard and took out the jewelery sets. At the time of her marriage, her mother bought her a jewelleries by her mother own choice. And after marriage, her mother-in-law's preference was for jewelry. Soma still misses her mother-in-law very much. As the two families were already close, Soma was like a daughter to her mother-in-law. After her mother and mother-in-law passed away, Soma never bought jewelry for herself. Soma has no interest in jewellery. Soma called Subir---where are you listening?
Subir knows that Soma will be late, so he sits on the sofa in the living room watching TV, gets up when Soma calls him.
Soma is standing and wearing just a black petticoat and a pink silk blouse. In this heat, sweat has accumulated on her fair skin. Subir thought to himself that Soma is still attractive even after forty. Although her heavy breasts are slightly bent, but it still looks very attractive in this blouse. Soma said---what jewelry should I wear?
Subir chose a gold necklace and said---I didn't see where it was?
---Your mother gave it to me. Are you forget?
---It's pretty good though.
Soma said---but quite heavy. It feels heavy when worn around the neck.
---Then wear something light.
---No. That's what I wear now.
When Soma was ready, the two boys were ready but their dad was still sitting on the couch in his trousers, watching TV. Soma said annoyed----will you go like this? We are all ready and you?
Subir said---What will I wear?
Soma says---See, I left the shirt on the bed. Get ready soon.
Subir got ready and started brushing his hair. Soma said---Ish! Do not put a little cream in the face?
---Men don't need that.
----Now a days men also use cream. Soma smiled.
Soma herself took some of her cream and started rubbing it on Subir's face. Although Subir is fair like Soma. Then she used the body sprayer on her husband and sons.
Subir himself is driving the car today. While driving, Subir suddenly remembered that the watchman had taken Soma and his sons for a walk in his car a few days ago. Subir is uncomfortable. Then he felt that he was jealous to a just lower class watchman.
Bijaya di's daughter Rinki was last seen by Soma when she was studied to secondary exams. That girl is married today. Soma met some old distant relatives at the wedding house. How everyone's face has changed.
It was eleven o'clock at night when they returned. If the windows and doors of the flat are closed for a long time, there is a feeling of fumes due to carbon dioxide. And now is also very hot weather. Soma quickly opened the windows. Subir said to take off his socks----The workers will come to installe AC on tomorrow.
---Tomorrow? When will they come? I have college.
---Hey, don't worry, I'm here.
Subir was a little excited to see Soma in wedding ceremony dress up since evening. Then Soma didn't let him fuck her that day because of her period. Subir said when Soma came to the bedroom--Are they asleep?
Soma took off the gold bangles and kept them in the cupboard and said---Hmm.
Today Soma also has a strong desire. Her body has been hot for a long time.
Soma came to bed. Subir pulled her close and said---Today my body is on fire after seeing my beautiful wife.
Soma laughed and said---Only dirty talk of yours.
Subir kissed Soma on the lips. At first that kiss was gentle, but today Soma became aggressive. Deep in Subir's mouth, her lips, tongue plunged and satisfied. Soma hissed like a snake. Both are very excited today. The reason for such tension is a secret to both. Subir said---Open your blouse.
Soma opened her blouse revealing fair breasts. Subir fell on Soma's breasts. Soma wants Subir to suck like Dawa; rough and aggressively. But Subir started sucking her nipple in his mouth in a romantic way. Soma hissed---Suck well.
Subir started sucking both breasts alternately. began to press gently. Soma realizes her body wants attacking sex and brutality. Subir doesn't have that raughness. But she didn't say anything. Her cunt is already wet. Soma pulled the rope of the petticoat and lifted the saree over her belly and opened her vagina. Subir also dropped his pants. Inserted his cock into her wife's cunt. Soma feels the difference between Dawa and Subir. She did not getting that intense, pleasurable pain, Subir's penis is not at all as big as Dawa Sherpa.
Soma is used to taking Subir's cock inside her cunt for Seventeen years. But Dawa's cock just one day entered her pussy and made a big difference. Soma wants Subir to fuck her hard. But what Subir is doing is called conjugal intercourse. Until now, Soma had been waiting for two months just for this. Today it seems that there is no way to satisfy her accumulated hunger. Her body wants more. Subir understands that Soma is very excited today, but he is not able to understand Soma's intense need. After some gentle stroke, Subir stopped at some point. Soma is feeling more hungry today. But still she accepted. As soon as Subir fell asleep, she went to the bathroom. She washed and cleaned. However, Subir poured very little semen. Not too much like Dawa.
Now there is AC in the house. But it started raining the day after Subir went to Delhi. It is raining more or less every day. The sky is black since morning. As soon as Soma entered the college, the rain started. Somehow she opened the umbrella and got out of the auto.
In the staff room, her colleague physics teacher Sandeep said---Soma di, today the weather department said there will be heavy rain.
Soma smiled and said---Don't send me again to the headmistress for leave today.
Bandana di said---If you say it now, the head madam will chase you angrily.
Santu is not feeling well since morning. So Soma is a little tensed. If her sons are sick, the tension of Soma increases manifold. Today she already has one class after another. Returning from college will also be late.
After tiffin period she has class seven. It is raining heavily outside. She phone called home from staff room now, To know how is Santu. He has coaching today. Soma will be late already, can't deliver him. With that, Santu is feeling ill. So she was forbade him to go to coaching class today.
After the college closed, the teachers started waiting in the staff room. It is raining. Even a little rain in Kolkata causes water to stagnant on the roads.
Finally, ignoring the rain, Soma came out with an umbrella on her head. She returned home at half past five. The light is on in the watchman's room under the stairs. Antu was saying in the morning " A New watchman uncle has come".
She entered the house and saw Antu watching TV. Soma said---where is your dada?
---Dada went to coaching class.
Soma said angrily---I told him not to go to the coaching class!
Santu is a very studious boy. Reluctant to stop a single day of coaching class after getting the new class study. The calling bell rang at half past six. Santu returned wet.
Soma scolded Santu very much---I repeatedly told you not to go to the coaching class today. What happens if you get a fever now?
Soma quickly started to wipe her son's head with the anchal of her saree. Just then the telephone rang. Subir called. He also called in the morning, it is raining heavily in Delhi.
Soma took Subir's phone and said---Your elder son doesn't listen anything. I repeatedly said that you will not go to the coaching class. He didn't listen. Now wet with rain.
---What is he! You said in the morning that he is not well!
---Yes. Now I have to carrie all the trouble. Your sons do not listen to me. She started complaining to her husband in the name of her two sons.
At night, Santu said---Mom is my head hurts now.
Soma took hot oil and started massaging on her son's feet. Before he going to sleep, the thermometer showed a fever of one hundred. His body is very hot.
Antu fell asleep, Soma stayed awake beside her elder son. It is raining heavily outside. Soma looked at the thermometer again; 102 fever.
Now Paracetamol should be given. She was surprised to open the medicine box. She always kept Medicines in stock, paracetamol is there but expired. She looked at the clock and saw that it was half past twelve night. Even though the drug store is open so late in the night in the city of Kolkata, it is not near their flat. She thought she will go Mitra da's once? What do they think if she call at night? But thinking of her son, Soma rang the bell at Mr. Mitra's house.
Mitra Da's wife Ruma Baudi opened the door after a while with sleepy eyes. She was surprised to see Soma at night and said---What happened to Soma?
---My son has a high fever. So much rain on outside at night! I don't know what to do.
---Oh! Did you give him medicine?
---I didn't give it boudi. The paracetamol has expired.
----Wait and see if we have it at home.
After some time Mrs Mitra came and said---Sorry Soma. It is over. The empty strip is lying.
Seeing Soma worried, Mrs. Mitra said---You can tell our watchman. He will buy it.
Soma doesn't know the new Watchman. Haven't seen him yet. Still she forced herself to go to the ground floor. The light was still on in the watchman's room. light means a bulb. The door is closed. Soma knocked on the door. After a while the door opened.
Soma was startled like seeing a ghost---Dawa ji?
In front of Soma stood a six-foot-tall long-bodied Dawa Sherpa. Seeing Soma, his eyes were irritated. He said in a hoarse voice---What's the matter?
Soma has no time to think about anything else. No time to think how Dawa came here again. No time to think about the fact that she had said Dawa not to come to her flat. With no time to think, she complained to Mr. Mitra against him by Subir. Now thinking about her son, she said helplessly---Dawa ji, Santu has high fever. Medicines will be needed. You...
Dawa said before finishing---What? Santu Babu's fever! You write the name of the medicine on the paper. I'm buying.
Within ten minutes Dawa Sherpa appeared with medicine. Santu said happily to Dawa Uncle---Dawa Uncle, you?
Dawa Sherpa smiled, said---Babu, my good boy, take the medicine.
That night Dawa and Soma sat side by side beside Santu. Soma was looking at the man. Today it is as if in her life Dawa has appeared like God. When Soma facing in trouble Dawa appeared. But today he appeared at her most difficult time. Soma's attraction with Dawa was born today in a different form. Dawa appeared as a hero in her life.
The hero does not die, he is resurrected again and again. This is like a cinematic change in Soma's life. Soma is now gaining courage. They are sitting next to Santu for a long time. She Feeding her son, checking fever. Although they are not talking out of necessity, but psychologically they are very close today.
They spend some time in silence. It's half past midnight. Santu has left the fever. He sweated. Soma finally broke the silence and said---Dawa ji, can i make a tea?
Dawa Sherpa didn't answer. Soma brought tea. Dawa Sherpa started sipping her tea. Soma is now watching Dawa Sherpa secreatly. He is Being responsible and vigilant like a father. Which is another reason for Soma's good feeling.
Dawa Sherpa left before dawn. Soma was lying next to Santu. She woke up and saw that Santu had no fever. An empty cup of tea is lying on the table next to the bed.
Although the cup is empty, Soma's heart is not as empty as before. One has occupied many places there.
