Its raining, she's crying

Last few months were hot and humid outside and inside it was increasing state of restlessness and fear for unknown. A master in Chemistry, an avid reader and a classical singer she was her in law's personal favourite. And that is how her fate got attached to that of Subhro's - the highly educated least affected professor of Physics. His universe was surely that of atoms and neutrons and his passion - coin collection. Her fate was supposed to be sealed on 9 th day of July when she would be called married with the sign of red vermilion on her hair parting and the white red bangles on her wrist. She sometimes thought that may be she would be less Snehalata Sen and more of Snehalata Dutta -the charming youngest bride of Tollygunge er Dutta Bari. Currently it was late afternoon and she was busy finishing "Dahan" by Suchitra Bhattacharya -her favourite.She had this premonition that this would remain unfinished if not done before the D Day. Preparation was in full swing, her red benarasi saree resting on the decorated plate called the tatta.Her youngest paternal aunt was due to arrive first from the relative circle. From the time her fate was sealed, she was all exited to be the bride.Her elder cousins who were already married had shared their views and experiences,some even from overseas.But as time was nearing,she could feel a void , a sudden emptiness -a better phrase to make people understand. She will go to an unknown home, start leaving with people whose names would take a few months time to remember,let alone the different faces and the face within. Her entire routine would change in sync with a yet to know stranger.She often wander would it be the same as it was now.Or would it be entirely different. She would better be left in here. Well she thought, that's very childish isn't it. Her mother had taught her that every girl meets her final destinity in her husband's home.As she came to the balcony,the breeze fell over her face, the untamed strands of hair falling on her temple. In a few minutes, the much awaited rain came pouring on the earth.Outside it was raining, her eyes were too - with tears of unknown and unseen. She thought to herself with a smile - lets call Prof Subhro - the complete geek would know the other universe - the universe of sorrow and love.

The Chaitra Sale

Summer is at its best. Sun is suddenly all this interested to perform its role.Seems like appraisal on its way. This time of the year, apart from being the hatred part by public poll, brings a big smile in the face of Bengalis. Well its chaitra sale guys. For those who do not have the faintest idea what it is about ,well do not panic. Its that part of the year, when shopkeepers clear their stocks and customers add to their stock.Be it the red saree or the green T-shirt you are bang on for it. You could sense the euphoria and the enthusiasm in the air. You could see Mita aunty coming out from the crowd with a transparent packet containing her long desired jaipuri printed bedcover. You could see the same sign of pride and win when our beloved Dhoni make a winning strike for India. Soma has different desire.Bagging trendy shoes to match her everyday college attire. She having found one red sandal for 150 bucks is none less than the head scientist of a successful rocket mission. Avik is not behind as well. The sling bag for Piyu , he gets at 100. This means her fresh smile in this humid summer. As the last day of sale approaches, footpaths are flooded with black heads, all of them with energy matching the glowing sun. One the very last day, shopkeeper cheers for the stock clearance and customer like Soma,Avik and Mita waits for another year to fulfil their yet another desire of acquiring a treasure.