FIRE
was held in Delhi this year. An aim of FIRE is to bring together
research ideas on a common platform. However, we did not anticipate
before that it could also bring young hearts together, ingite longing
for each other. This winter FIRE infused cordial warmth between a boy
from Kolkata, Anirban and a girl from Indore, Madhu. We reached the ISI
guest house two days before FIRE. Anirban and two others reached next
day morning. I went to the Reliance guest house that day and there Madhu
was staying. However, she shifted to ISI guest house that very day. The
two birds met for the first time at the dinner table. The ice was
broken in no time. However things didn't start rolling smoothly at the
beginning. I sat in front of Madhu at the dinner table. Anirban sat
farther away. However it didn't stop him from offering daal to Madhu.
After the first bit, Anirban was keen at pouring more. It seemed to irk
Madhu a bit. She said with a grim face, "That's it! I want no more!".
Anirban was perplexed at the sudden refusal. I softly scolded him and
told him aside, "Not so fast man! Don't offer so much at the beginning!"
Anirban broke into flurry of crazy thoughts and started to have his own
dinner. But I didn't realise then that true chemistry could be build on
an apparent refusal. The ice was broken, melted and was lukewarm
already. That night Anirban has already begun mentioning Madhu to us.
Madhu, on the other hand, passed the message to Komal who would be her
room partner from the next day that she has met someone interesting.
FIRE day 1 :
FIRE was started in the new seminar room, IIC, Delhi. But the warmth of it invaded the people outside too. Anirban and Madhu were finally getting into sweet terms. The first signs were visible when I saw them infont of the FIRE banner outside where Anirban was elaborating his artifact to Madhu with ethereal warmth and care. They were seen at different places at different points of time. Each time I had to come out, I hardly saw tham apart. Just to evade the eye-sore, they would attend talks and be a part of important administrative roles. But, the natural bonding could miss no eye. Next time, they were sitting near the registration desk with endearing smiles and occasionally sparkled with unstained mirth. As the day passed, they gradually moved to the balcony. Eventually, they were basking in the warm winter sun which was beaming with molten gold. The birds kept chirping away with endless fervour as if they have met again after millions of years. The day passed by in delicious conversations. Everyone enjoyed the scene and was overwhelmed by the unflappable demeanour of the couple. Finally, it was evening. FIRE was done for the day. We proceeded to the illuminated Rose Garden for the banquet. Rose Garden! What a fitting place for budding emotions to blossom. At the banquet, I asked Madhu the meaning of her name. Her full first name was Madhulika. She said that it was "nectar". It instantly caught Anirban's fascination. He brimmed with juvenile ecstacy and crooned "Shoo Shweet name!". We controlled our laughter. Rest of the time, Anirban continued to explain different colours of Bengali culture to Madhu and she soaked in everything earnestly.
We went back to ISI GH. Anirban joined us in my room. The whose ISI team was there. Anirban was all praise for Madhu. The mere mention of her name brought a spark on his face. He would shrug his shoulders and say in uncharacteristic accented english, "Well! Shhee ishh niceee you see!....". Many more rosy words followed. We had no doubts in our mind that Madhu has had a deep impact on this kid! He added that "Shee gave me her nummberr youu know!" The grotesque mannerisms made it evident that this bee from Kolkata already cultivated a stong liking for the enchanting nectar from Madhya Pradesh. Sankar da said, "Wouldn't you make an sms - Good Night, sweet dreams...??" It brought happiness to Anirban's face. But he made a show of utter retuctance. But, the feeble resistance subsided soon. We all added fuel to the burning fire. Anirban blushed like a newly wed bride and sent the sms "Gd nt :-)". We all were waiting in anticipation. Anirban's mobile phone chanted a tune. It was the sms tone. We all crowded over his phone. It was Madhu! She has replied "Gd nt :-)". Anirban was elated. But the next moment he was dissappointed. He said, "The same message! She could have said something else!" Sankar da remarked "What else? I love you?" Aniran grew sulky and murmured in his latest style "C'mon! Shheee is jusst a friiiendd!..We jusst met!" We assured it was just the beginning!
FIRE day 2 :
Similar scenes could be seen during FIRE session. However, it no longer caught attention. Everyone got used to it. Anirban and Madhu chatting and smiling was as natural as the winter chill. FIRE was done for the day. All of us went to the Connaught Place for some marketing. But me and few others had to leave for the Reliance guest house to accompany the foreign guests at the dinner. Sankar da and Ayan da judiciously left the couple alone and spent the evening under a neem tree. Komal was initially accompanying the couple. But, enlightment dawned on her as she joined the boys of DAIICT. This cleared the playground for Anirban and Madhu. The had a sweet evening loitering in the company of each other at CP. Finally, the voyage culminated at the Cafe Coffee Day where countless touching moments passed by.
FIRE day 3 :
FIRE finally ended. We had a thoroughly joyous photo session. In the evening, we went to Palika Bazar. I accompanied the couple. Anirban wanted to buy shawls for his parents and other relatives. We went into a shop where we were flooded with fabrics of multiple gorgeous shades. Anirban was confused. He desparately looked for our opinions. I chose one. Then Madhu chose a diferent one. Anirban quickly agreed with Madhu and decided to buy that very shawl! It amused me. Madhu seemed amused too. Next, Mandar sir called us over the phone and informed that we should to going Karim's restaurant immediately. We took down the address and hired an auto. On the way, Ani invited Madhu to Kolkata. Madhu blushed and agreed to go. No wonder why she was so keen on acclimatizing to Bengali culture during the banquet. We reached Karim. As a natural pass of events, Anirban and Madhu sat together. I was marooned to the other end of the table. After I had completed my dinner, I joined them. Madhu seemed to be happy seeing me and offered me phirni. I obliged her. She complained that she was feeling bored as Anirban and the two other of her neighbours at the table - Ayanda and Doi, were babbling in Bengali. I had a casual chat with her about her choice of movies. This stole the colour of Anirban's face. He gradually grew serious and sulky. Frowns had set in. He complained to Doi in Bengali with kiddish possesiveness, "See! Kripa da came and took Madhu! This is not fair!!!"
Next day :
It was a carefree and lazy day. FIRE had finished on the previous day. We were in a nonchalant mood. We eventually got ready when Prasenjit da called us and asked us to join the DAIICT team, which had gone out earlier. Anirban thought it was the day to have a blast! He sported a pin-up boy look with dark glasses, trendy clothes and an air of a dandy. He looked like a living mannequin strolling in Tinseltown gait. No points for guessing whom he was looking to impress! But there was a serious miscommunication with the other team. We roamed pointlessly. The two hearts could not meet for long despite glimmers of hope. They were at tenterhooks. I wonder what they were going through. This took away the glitz from Anirban's face. He drooped like a winter flower. It was like a sunflower in a cloudy day! All the preface of the romantic novel was going in vain. With much ado, the two teams could meet. So did the couple. Sunshine returned to the couple's face! Anirban blossomed with new found rejuvenation. The birds tweeted again.
But the teams had to separate again. They went to have a lunch. We have had a lunch already. In the meanwhile we went for marketing at the CP. Anirban - detached from Madhu was wailing inside. Sankar da went for a shopping in a kids' wear shop. Doi was busy eyeing lovely ladies around. The place was thronged by teenybopers, to our delight. I suddenly saw a gift shop across the road! Giggles. Sankar da came out of the shop with a beautiful white dress for his 2 year old niece. We started to convince Anirban that tomorrow we are going back. Madhu and he will be parting ways. Its the right time to give her a parting gift - a token for the wonderful moments they had for the last few days. Anirban was reluctant initially. But, little persuation did the job. We went into the gift shop. There was a plethora of gifts inside. Showpieces, candles, purses .. I picked up a coffee mug. Inscribed on it was a bubbly red heart with an exciting tag "Love knows no bounds...". Ani got restless with his new-gained mannerisms and whined, "Noooo! ...Shhee isss juuust a frieeend!..." We consoled him and picked up another mug with the words, "My dear sister". I asked, "What about this?" Anirban went up with staunch resistance. We all could not control our amusements. We waded through a spate of alternatives. There were many delighful gifts. But in each of them, Anirban could attach unusual romantic overtones. Finally, Anirban decided that he would gift her a chocolate. He said, "Its safe". I was about to explain to him the biological benefits of chocolate and the implications of offering it to a girl. But, I dismissed the idea. We all agreed to the proposal. He bought a Cadbury Silk bar. Now Doi opined, "Well you see Ani, you should also gift something non-consumable, something else..Something that would remind her of you..". Sankar da said, "What about a card?" Anirban strongly resisted the idea initially. But, he finally agreed. We went to the cards section. He was confused again. Finally, Sankar da chose a card which, we all thought, was for the couples who were "just friends". Anirban bought it. Ani was bubbling with joy and yet donned a fake grumble, "I haven't given these to a girl before". I said, "There is always a first time buddy!"
The teams met again at Palika Bazar. We all sat on benches in the adjacent lawn. Komal was chatting with Prasenjit da. I joined the conversation. Doi was chatting with Sankar da. Parth, Nitin and other guys were in happy-go-lucky mood. Quietly, the couple has separated and sat on a bench little far away. Madhu had bought a talking doll. They toyed with it in their blithe chats.
It was dinner time. We were divided between two options - Dominios and Kebab Express. Sankar da and me opted for the second. All the DAIICTians and Doi went for the other option. Ani stangely joined us. Madhu looked vividly disconcerted. But yet she went with her institute mates. But, we had no idea how this short detachment would be compensated heavily.
We went back to ISI GH. I was busy packing my bags as we were slated to leave on the day after. Komal quietly came down and asked Doi if anyone wished to go for a night stroll with Madhu. There was a naughtly smile on Komal's face. Doi instantly got the message and communicated it to the right person. Anirban was peevish momentarily. He put on his usual superficial shell of reluctance within which hid the burning zeal. Komal got the reply and went back in amusement.
Ayanda was standing just outside our room taking on the phone. From that point, Anirban's room was visible. Madhu quietly came down the steps and caught the attention of Ayanda. Caught red handed! She was flummoxed and quickly retreated. She went up the steps again to a point where Ayan da could not see her. Restless moments passed by. She had collected herself. She came down again. And met Ayan da again! He was still on the phone. She initially made an attempt to go to Parth's room where a few others were having an adda. Parth's room was just beside mine. But she changed her mind. She changed direction and finally headed towards her original destination - Anirban's room. In a while, the couple went out leaving us bemused. There was very chilly outside. So after a short stroll they went to Anirban's room. Doi was about to go to sleep. Anirban took a break and began preparing coffee. In the meantime, Madhu started a friendly chat with Doi. This flabbergasted Anirban and clear signs of vexation was writ large on his face. So, he took out Madhu again. They chatted with relentless ardour in extreme winter cold of Delhi. The rest of the world was in deep slumber. Only the silence of the night bore a testimony to the enchanting duet.
The final day :
It was morning. We learned that the midnight saga went on till 4 am in the morning! The ISIians made a plan to visit Rashtrapari Bhavan. Doi had exercised his connections and arranged for a permission to go inside the Rastrapati Bhavan. It would be a memorable experience, no doubt! But, there was a chapter left in the story. We inquired if Anirban has given the gifts to Madhu. We had threatened him that we will not take him back with us if he didn't give the gift to her. We were in a hurry because we had to come back and catch the train. Anirban was caught in two minds. On one had, these were the last hours after which he could not see Madhu. On the other hand, he did not want to disappoint his partners from Kolkata. We suggested him to stay back while the others can go to the residence of our President. But he insisted on going with us. He hasn't given the gift yet! He might not get another chance in case we come back at the nick of time. So, I suggested a scheme. I asked Doi, Ayanda and Sankar da to go. I would take Anirban with me shortly afterwards. They agreed on the proposal and left. Then I turned to our lover-boy. I said,"Look this is the moment! Just do it!" Anirban turned pale with tension. He stood there for a while and rushed to his room. He came back soon with the gifts. He showed me the inside of the card. He had written on it, "From a friend from Kolkata". He asked nervously, "Is it okay?" I smiled and lauded him saying, "Fantastic! Now go!" He fumbled a bit and stammered,"I ...I..haven't given a card to a girl before!...W..What if she gets angry? And refuse?..." I scolded him softly and remarked, "My God! Just go! It will be fine..Believe me!" He finally started to move and started to climb the steps in jittery treads. His last words also had sown seeds of uneasiness in me - "What if she gets angry? And refuse?" A tension gripped me as well. True! What if she misunderstood the unstained friendship as undue advances? The sweetness would turn bitter in a moment! Our room was at the ground floor. I stood right in front of my room. Madhu's room was on the 2nd floor. Room no 14. It could be seen from the lawn in front. I went down to the lawn and looked up in diffidence. I could see Anirban knocking on the door. 14 was written on the door. The door opened! My heart started to thud restlessly. Anirban went inside. Moments passed. No! There is no sign of violence! Its not an outright rejection! I casted a big sigh of relief! I went back to my room feeling pleased for the couple. Time was ticking by. The couple was weaving delicate fabrics of the last heart-warming moments. The threads of attachment were woven - which would keep the two hearts together even at a distance. We have to leave for Rashtrapati Bhavan. What do I do? Call Ani? No! Bad idea. I quietly went out to the lawn. I looked up. The door was still open. Suddenly, Anirban came out to the balcony and said, "Are we getting late?" The was a divine radiance on his face. It bore the message of pleasant success and accomplishment! I thought its cruel to stem the emotions right now! Those two should have together stayed for eternity. But I didn't have a choice. The first team will be waiting for us. I said with a smile, "5 more minutes". Ani's face lit up even more and with a positive nod he danced into the room! More times passed by. God forgive me for my sins! I should have not restricted them like this! Eventually, my contemplation was brought to an end. Anirban came back. There was a spring in his steps! The euphoria of a child who has just earned his first lollypop emanated from his face! He joyously said, "Done!..And she gave a gift as well!..." He showed me. It was the same toy with which they were playing last evening in Palika Bazar!
Anirban and me then got an auto and set our for Rashtrapati Bhavan. Anirban looked fresh and relieved. I said, "I told you, she would like it?" He smiled quietly. He looked like a meadow bathed in the first monsoon rains.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan was an awesome piece of art and architecture. We came back on time. We did our lunch and was ready to go with our luggages. We said a goodbye to the DAIICT team. Anirban said goodbye to Madhu. We came back. Anirban accompanied us with a heavy heart.
But the story continues......Madhu is fast learning Bengali through distance learning....
So, friends! Lets pray to the Almighty for the success and prosperity of the couple. Let the buds of dearness blossom into a a glorious future. O Lord! Please bestow your divine grace on the couple! Amen!
FIRE day 1 :
FIRE was started in the new seminar room, IIC, Delhi. But the warmth of it invaded the people outside too. Anirban and Madhu were finally getting into sweet terms. The first signs were visible when I saw them infont of the FIRE banner outside where Anirban was elaborating his artifact to Madhu with ethereal warmth and care. They were seen at different places at different points of time. Each time I had to come out, I hardly saw tham apart. Just to evade the eye-sore, they would attend talks and be a part of important administrative roles. But, the natural bonding could miss no eye. Next time, they were sitting near the registration desk with endearing smiles and occasionally sparkled with unstained mirth. As the day passed, they gradually moved to the balcony. Eventually, they were basking in the warm winter sun which was beaming with molten gold. The birds kept chirping away with endless fervour as if they have met again after millions of years. The day passed by in delicious conversations. Everyone enjoyed the scene and was overwhelmed by the unflappable demeanour of the couple. Finally, it was evening. FIRE was done for the day. We proceeded to the illuminated Rose Garden for the banquet. Rose Garden! What a fitting place for budding emotions to blossom. At the banquet, I asked Madhu the meaning of her name. Her full first name was Madhulika. She said that it was "nectar". It instantly caught Anirban's fascination. He brimmed with juvenile ecstacy and crooned "Shoo Shweet name!". We controlled our laughter. Rest of the time, Anirban continued to explain different colours of Bengali culture to Madhu and she soaked in everything earnestly.
We went back to ISI GH. Anirban joined us in my room. The whose ISI team was there. Anirban was all praise for Madhu. The mere mention of her name brought a spark on his face. He would shrug his shoulders and say in uncharacteristic accented english, "Well! Shhee ishh niceee you see!....". Many more rosy words followed. We had no doubts in our mind that Madhu has had a deep impact on this kid! He added that "Shee gave me her nummberr youu know!" The grotesque mannerisms made it evident that this bee from Kolkata already cultivated a stong liking for the enchanting nectar from Madhya Pradesh. Sankar da said, "Wouldn't you make an sms - Good Night, sweet dreams...??" It brought happiness to Anirban's face. But he made a show of utter retuctance. But, the feeble resistance subsided soon. We all added fuel to the burning fire. Anirban blushed like a newly wed bride and sent the sms "Gd nt :-)". We all were waiting in anticipation. Anirban's mobile phone chanted a tune. It was the sms tone. We all crowded over his phone. It was Madhu! She has replied "Gd nt :-)". Anirban was elated. But the next moment he was dissappointed. He said, "The same message! She could have said something else!" Sankar da remarked "What else? I love you?" Aniran grew sulky and murmured in his latest style "C'mon! Shheee is jusst a friiiendd!..We jusst met!" We assured it was just the beginning!
FIRE day 2 :
Similar scenes could be seen during FIRE session. However, it no longer caught attention. Everyone got used to it. Anirban and Madhu chatting and smiling was as natural as the winter chill. FIRE was done for the day. All of us went to the Connaught Place for some marketing. But me and few others had to leave for the Reliance guest house to accompany the foreign guests at the dinner. Sankar da and Ayan da judiciously left the couple alone and spent the evening under a neem tree. Komal was initially accompanying the couple. But, enlightment dawned on her as she joined the boys of DAIICT. This cleared the playground for Anirban and Madhu. The had a sweet evening loitering in the company of each other at CP. Finally, the voyage culminated at the Cafe Coffee Day where countless touching moments passed by.
FIRE day 3 :
FIRE finally ended. We had a thoroughly joyous photo session. In the evening, we went to Palika Bazar. I accompanied the couple. Anirban wanted to buy shawls for his parents and other relatives. We went into a shop where we were flooded with fabrics of multiple gorgeous shades. Anirban was confused. He desparately looked for our opinions. I chose one. Then Madhu chose a diferent one. Anirban quickly agreed with Madhu and decided to buy that very shawl! It amused me. Madhu seemed amused too. Next, Mandar sir called us over the phone and informed that we should to going Karim's restaurant immediately. We took down the address and hired an auto. On the way, Ani invited Madhu to Kolkata. Madhu blushed and agreed to go. No wonder why she was so keen on acclimatizing to Bengali culture during the banquet. We reached Karim. As a natural pass of events, Anirban and Madhu sat together. I was marooned to the other end of the table. After I had completed my dinner, I joined them. Madhu seemed to be happy seeing me and offered me phirni. I obliged her. She complained that she was feeling bored as Anirban and the two other of her neighbours at the table - Ayanda and Doi, were babbling in Bengali. I had a casual chat with her about her choice of movies. This stole the colour of Anirban's face. He gradually grew serious and sulky. Frowns had set in. He complained to Doi in Bengali with kiddish possesiveness, "See! Kripa da came and took Madhu! This is not fair!!!"
Next day :
It was a carefree and lazy day. FIRE had finished on the previous day. We were in a nonchalant mood. We eventually got ready when Prasenjit da called us and asked us to join the DAIICT team, which had gone out earlier. Anirban thought it was the day to have a blast! He sported a pin-up boy look with dark glasses, trendy clothes and an air of a dandy. He looked like a living mannequin strolling in Tinseltown gait. No points for guessing whom he was looking to impress! But there was a serious miscommunication with the other team. We roamed pointlessly. The two hearts could not meet for long despite glimmers of hope. They were at tenterhooks. I wonder what they were going through. This took away the glitz from Anirban's face. He drooped like a winter flower. It was like a sunflower in a cloudy day! All the preface of the romantic novel was going in vain. With much ado, the two teams could meet. So did the couple. Sunshine returned to the couple's face! Anirban blossomed with new found rejuvenation. The birds tweeted again.
But the teams had to separate again. They went to have a lunch. We have had a lunch already. In the meanwhile we went for marketing at the CP. Anirban - detached from Madhu was wailing inside. Sankar da went for a shopping in a kids' wear shop. Doi was busy eyeing lovely ladies around. The place was thronged by teenybopers, to our delight. I suddenly saw a gift shop across the road! Giggles. Sankar da came out of the shop with a beautiful white dress for his 2 year old niece. We started to convince Anirban that tomorrow we are going back. Madhu and he will be parting ways. Its the right time to give her a parting gift - a token for the wonderful moments they had for the last few days. Anirban was reluctant initially. But, little persuation did the job. We went into the gift shop. There was a plethora of gifts inside. Showpieces, candles, purses .. I picked up a coffee mug. Inscribed on it was a bubbly red heart with an exciting tag "Love knows no bounds...". Ani got restless with his new-gained mannerisms and whined, "Noooo! ...Shhee isss juuust a frieeend!..." We consoled him and picked up another mug with the words, "My dear sister". I asked, "What about this?" Anirban went up with staunch resistance. We all could not control our amusements. We waded through a spate of alternatives. There were many delighful gifts. But in each of them, Anirban could attach unusual romantic overtones. Finally, Anirban decided that he would gift her a chocolate. He said, "Its safe". I was about to explain to him the biological benefits of chocolate and the implications of offering it to a girl. But, I dismissed the idea. We all agreed to the proposal. He bought a Cadbury Silk bar. Now Doi opined, "Well you see Ani, you should also gift something non-consumable, something else..Something that would remind her of you..". Sankar da said, "What about a card?" Anirban strongly resisted the idea initially. But, he finally agreed. We went to the cards section. He was confused again. Finally, Sankar da chose a card which, we all thought, was for the couples who were "just friends". Anirban bought it. Ani was bubbling with joy and yet donned a fake grumble, "I haven't given these to a girl before". I said, "There is always a first time buddy!"
The teams met again at Palika Bazar. We all sat on benches in the adjacent lawn. Komal was chatting with Prasenjit da. I joined the conversation. Doi was chatting with Sankar da. Parth, Nitin and other guys were in happy-go-lucky mood. Quietly, the couple has separated and sat on a bench little far away. Madhu had bought a talking doll. They toyed with it in their blithe chats.
It was dinner time. We were divided between two options - Dominios and Kebab Express. Sankar da and me opted for the second. All the DAIICTians and Doi went for the other option. Ani stangely joined us. Madhu looked vividly disconcerted. But yet she went with her institute mates. But, we had no idea how this short detachment would be compensated heavily.
We went back to ISI GH. I was busy packing my bags as we were slated to leave on the day after. Komal quietly came down and asked Doi if anyone wished to go for a night stroll with Madhu. There was a naughtly smile on Komal's face. Doi instantly got the message and communicated it to the right person. Anirban was peevish momentarily. He put on his usual superficial shell of reluctance within which hid the burning zeal. Komal got the reply and went back in amusement.
Ayanda was standing just outside our room taking on the phone. From that point, Anirban's room was visible. Madhu quietly came down the steps and caught the attention of Ayanda. Caught red handed! She was flummoxed and quickly retreated. She went up the steps again to a point where Ayan da could not see her. Restless moments passed by. She had collected herself. She came down again. And met Ayan da again! He was still on the phone. She initially made an attempt to go to Parth's room where a few others were having an adda. Parth's room was just beside mine. But she changed her mind. She changed direction and finally headed towards her original destination - Anirban's room. In a while, the couple went out leaving us bemused. There was very chilly outside. So after a short stroll they went to Anirban's room. Doi was about to go to sleep. Anirban took a break and began preparing coffee. In the meantime, Madhu started a friendly chat with Doi. This flabbergasted Anirban and clear signs of vexation was writ large on his face. So, he took out Madhu again. They chatted with relentless ardour in extreme winter cold of Delhi. The rest of the world was in deep slumber. Only the silence of the night bore a testimony to the enchanting duet.
The final day :
It was morning. We learned that the midnight saga went on till 4 am in the morning! The ISIians made a plan to visit Rashtrapari Bhavan. Doi had exercised his connections and arranged for a permission to go inside the Rastrapati Bhavan. It would be a memorable experience, no doubt! But, there was a chapter left in the story. We inquired if Anirban has given the gifts to Madhu. We had threatened him that we will not take him back with us if he didn't give the gift to her. We were in a hurry because we had to come back and catch the train. Anirban was caught in two minds. On one had, these were the last hours after which he could not see Madhu. On the other hand, he did not want to disappoint his partners from Kolkata. We suggested him to stay back while the others can go to the residence of our President. But he insisted on going with us. He hasn't given the gift yet! He might not get another chance in case we come back at the nick of time. So, I suggested a scheme. I asked Doi, Ayanda and Sankar da to go. I would take Anirban with me shortly afterwards. They agreed on the proposal and left. Then I turned to our lover-boy. I said,"Look this is the moment! Just do it!" Anirban turned pale with tension. He stood there for a while and rushed to his room. He came back soon with the gifts. He showed me the inside of the card. He had written on it, "From a friend from Kolkata". He asked nervously, "Is it okay?" I smiled and lauded him saying, "Fantastic! Now go!" He fumbled a bit and stammered,"I ...I..haven't given a card to a girl before!...W..What if she gets angry? And refuse?..." I scolded him softly and remarked, "My God! Just go! It will be fine..Believe me!" He finally started to move and started to climb the steps in jittery treads. His last words also had sown seeds of uneasiness in me - "What if she gets angry? And refuse?" A tension gripped me as well. True! What if she misunderstood the unstained friendship as undue advances? The sweetness would turn bitter in a moment! Our room was at the ground floor. I stood right in front of my room. Madhu's room was on the 2nd floor. Room no 14. It could be seen from the lawn in front. I went down to the lawn and looked up in diffidence. I could see Anirban knocking on the door. 14 was written on the door. The door opened! My heart started to thud restlessly. Anirban went inside. Moments passed. No! There is no sign of violence! Its not an outright rejection! I casted a big sigh of relief! I went back to my room feeling pleased for the couple. Time was ticking by. The couple was weaving delicate fabrics of the last heart-warming moments. The threads of attachment were woven - which would keep the two hearts together even at a distance. We have to leave for Rashtrapati Bhavan. What do I do? Call Ani? No! Bad idea. I quietly went out to the lawn. I looked up. The door was still open. Suddenly, Anirban came out to the balcony and said, "Are we getting late?" The was a divine radiance on his face. It bore the message of pleasant success and accomplishment! I thought its cruel to stem the emotions right now! Those two should have together stayed for eternity. But I didn't have a choice. The first team will be waiting for us. I said with a smile, "5 more minutes". Ani's face lit up even more and with a positive nod he danced into the room! More times passed by. God forgive me for my sins! I should have not restricted them like this! Eventually, my contemplation was brought to an end. Anirban came back. There was a spring in his steps! The euphoria of a child who has just earned his first lollypop emanated from his face! He joyously said, "Done!..And she gave a gift as well!..." He showed me. It was the same toy with which they were playing last evening in Palika Bazar!
Anirban and me then got an auto and set our for Rashtrapati Bhavan. Anirban looked fresh and relieved. I said, "I told you, she would like it?" He smiled quietly. He looked like a meadow bathed in the first monsoon rains.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan was an awesome piece of art and architecture. We came back on time. We did our lunch and was ready to go with our luggages. We said a goodbye to the DAIICT team. Anirban said goodbye to Madhu. We came back. Anirban accompanied us with a heavy heart.
But the story continues......Madhu is fast learning Bengali through distance learning....
So, friends! Lets pray to the Almighty for the success and prosperity of the couple. Let the buds of dearness blossom into a a glorious future. O Lord! Please bestow your divine grace on the couple! Amen!
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