I knew it was insane but I still decided to do it.I embarked on one of the most extraordinary journeys of my life by expertly vaulted over the raised eyebrows, delicately waded through pools of tears and strategically evaded the curious questions seeking answers for my unexpected decision. Despite everything, I managed to remain focused on my heart’s desire . The strangest thing about this strange journey is that it began with a word. “Coddiwomple”. It haunted me all through my youth, adolescence and right into my adulthood. I heard…
Chapter 10
Matongini wiped off the beads of perspiration from her forehead with the loose end of her sari as she blew air into her earthen stove. Peeping into the vessel placed on top of the stove, she pushed in the ladle to give the broth another stir. She sat back to let it cook a bit more resting her tired back on the Sal wood stilt that held up her hut. Her eyes tired with age and misery, bore a far-away look. It was as if her body was sitting in…
Chapter 9
Shrikant pursed his lips thoughtfully. Having visited the village and speaking to the people filled his mind with questions. Several things flashed around in his mind. Lalu’s wristwatch and aftershave, the fishing net, Shuddho’s absence on the night of the fire all formed a story waiting to be tied up. However, he needed the thread to do so. A picture that was vaguely forming in his mind, awaited completion. Unfortunately, he was unable to shed adequate light on it to make it look sharper. Shrikant knew he was missing something…
Chapter 8
Shuddho walked briskly through the forest path rubbing his hands partly in excitement and partly to ward off the chill. It was post sunset and darkness had settled down comfortably over the surroundings. The crickets had started their orchestra and the occasional screeching of the owl or the howl of the fox nearby, added to the symphony. Suddho, however, was oblivious to all these. His mind was rife with the exciting news he had just received. There was a possibility of another Rhino hunt and he was again appointed as…
Chapter 7
The next morning, Shrikant woke with a searing pain in his ankle. He propped up his leg on the pillow and was reaching down to apply the cold press that Moni da had given him when he heard the knock on the door. Shrikant limped across to open the door to find Moni da standing outside with an anxious look. “How are you feeling today sir?” he asked Shrikant “Better” said Shrikant weakly. “But you don’t look so Sir?” said Moni da peering down to look at his ankle. “It…
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 details Shrikant’s first tryst with wildlife. He meets with an accident while trying to capture a photograph of a baby elephant and almost gets trampled by its mother. Amodini saves him from impending death. This incident leaves a deep impact on Shrikant goading him to know more about the little girl.
Chapter 5
Lunch at the forest resort was a simple but delicious affair. It consisted of fresh vegetables from the local market, a serving of lentils and wholesome wild fowl curry all cooked in authentic Bengali style. Moni da, Shuddho’s boss and the Resort’s caretaker cum manager, had taken great effort to ensure that Shrikant would have no reason to complain. Not used to such hospitality, Shrikant was feeling a bit awkward at all the attention he was getting. After lunch he called up Surabhi to inform her that he had reached…
Chapter 4
The 13149 DN Kanchankanya Express left the Sealdah station for New Alipurduar Junction at precisely 20.30 hrs. Shrikant sat next to the window reading the English daily he held in his hands. He shook his head with a knowing smile as his eyes scanned the news article which appeared under the big bold headlines that read: “Forest Fire Rages in North Bengal destroys village. Elephant rampage adds to the mayhem”.He had just finished his dinner which had been a sumptuous meal of chapati and vegetable curry prepared lovingly by his…
Chapter 3
The night was unbearably sultry. Matongini tossed and turned in her mat as she found it impossible to sleep. After several attempts when she realised sleep would continue to evade her she came out of her room to sit on the balcony outside her house. This was her sole possession in the world. Other than Shuddho, Amodini and this small two-storied enclosure, there was nothing else that she could call her own. The house comprised a slanting tin roof covering two small rooms that were encased within walls of thick…
Chapter 2
Amodini, oblivious to Matongini’s concerns, was busy in her own world. It was a simple, carefree and happy world. She nestled cozily in the gnarled cradles of the Chalta[1] trees that grew abundantly in the green thickets of the Chilapata forests and felt peace pervade her being. She noticed the beautiful mosaic of dried Sal leaves on the damp forest floor and reveled in its beauty. She lay on her back facing the blue sky above and watched with boundless glee as the branches, tired from bearing plump ripened fruits,…
