The Moonchild : Part 1

The Chatterjee House in Durgapur, West Bengal was a beautiful two-storeyed bungalow. Its main guardian was Mr Mohandas Chatterjee. His wife Lakshmi, father Ramdas, daughter Kalyani, and niece Samiksha were the other residents in the traditional house. He had a factory manufacturing earthen pots. The Chatterjee family was known for its hospitality. Mohandas was talking to someone on his phone, with a radiant smile on his face. The reason for this joy was, a family was expected to come to see his daughter, for marriage.

Mohandas kept the phone and walked fast towards Lakshmi.
“What is the hurry?”
“We don’t have time Lakshmi. They are coming to see Kalyani tomorrow itself.”
“What? Why did you agree? You should have told them next week.”
“They are coming from Kolkata to Durgapur for work. So they requested if we can keep the programme tomorrow itself.”
“Dugga Dugga. I hope everything works out well. We will manage. Do not take tension. Alright, Mr Chatterjee?”
“Now that you have assured me, I am relaxed. I will go make arrangements for tomorrow’s programme. You get Kalyani ready for tomorrow’s programme. The boy is a renowned lawyer. I hope all goes well. Tell Samiksha and dada also.”

Lakshmi rushed to her father-in-law’s room

and informed him about the preponing of the programme. He replied with his usual calm, “Everything will be fine. You relax Lakshmi. God is the sole doer.” In his 70s, Ramdas had acquired wisdom which he used for the well-being of others… People shared their personal and professional matters with him for advice.

Kalyani and Samiksha were on the terrace drying clothes on the ropes fixed for the same. Kalyani was just a few months elder than her cousin. After completing graduation, their guardians were keen on getting them married at the right age.
“I think you are bad at hiding things di(elder sister).” Samiksha teased Kalyani, pulling her legs.
“What do you mean?”
“Means, a boy is coming to see you soon. So you are thinking about him day and night, am I right?”
“You are wrong. I want to study further. How I wish Baba understands my plight!”

“Don’t worry,

I will go as the ‘girl’ in front of them.” Both started laughing loudly.
“Hmm. And Baba will teach a nice lesson to both of us then. Listen, Samiksha, why don’t you tell my dilemma to your Bandhu (Best friend)?”
Samiksha kept her finger on her chin and started pondering.
“You are right. Let him come tonight. I will discuss your problem with him.”
“Dhanyawad (Thank you) sister.” Kalyani bowed her head and joined her hands in front of her cousin as well as her best friend Samiksha.
“You are welcome di.” Samiksha also playfully rose her hand and blessed Kalyani.

“Kalyani, Samiksha,” Lakshmi called them down immediately from the terrace. Both came running down hand in hand.
“What happened maa?” Kalyani asked her mother out of concern.
“Kaki, is everything alright?” Samiksha made her sit comfortably on the sofa and offered her water to drink. “Now tell.”
“The boy is coming tomorrow.”
“Which boy?” Both sisters asked at the same time.
“The family. I told you right? They are coming to see Kalyani tomorrow itself.”
“Tomorrow?” Again both shouted.

“But don’t worry kaki. We will manage. Where is Kaka?”
“He has gone to the market. For making arrangements for tomorrow.”
“Ma, what is the hurry? I want to study further.”
“If they agree, you can continue your studies after marriage too. Right, Samiksha?”
“But of course. Things will work properly. And, my Bandhu will guide me tonight, if all is well.”

In the evening,

Samiksha ran to the terrace and looked here and there for her dear Bandhu. After a wait of some minutes, he appeared. Slowly, from behind the dark blue clouds. Her best friend, her guide, the moon.
She screamed at once, “Bandhu, a boy is coming to see my sister tomorrow. What say? Things will work in her favour?”
The movement of the clouds near the moon provided the answers to her questions. Answers, which only she could interpret. And surprisingly, they always helped and guided her.

“Hmm. I guess, you are saying yes. So will she be happy with this boy?” She started seeing for signs. A big cloud covered the moon, putting Samiksha in a dilemma.
“What? I am unable to understand your hints Bandhu. Be specific, please. Since we became friends, you have always provided me answers, when doubts surround me.” Born on the 3rd of July, Samiksha was a Cancerian, kind, empathetic and a deep thinker. She always thought of how to make someone smile by her words and actions. But moody like her moon, she often withdrew inside her shell when upset or sad. In spite of this, she was known for her generous and compassionate nature in her family. For the well-being and happiness of her loved ones, she could give up anything, even her joys.

“Tell me fast.

I want to make preparations for my di.” After waiting for some more time, she gave up.
“Hmm. I think you are not in the mood to answer my questions today. Alright. I will wait for your hints though. Goodbye. Love you Bandhu.”
As soon as she left, the moon reappeared and shone brightly in the sky, as if to hint at something auspicious and good.

At the daybreak the next morning, each house help of the Chatterjee house was busy in arranging things and cleaning every corner. Mohandas and Lakshmi both were on their toes. His sister Pooja along with her husband also came there for the programme. Everyone was ready to welcome the family from Kolkata, which was to arrive in the late evening. Samiksha and Kalyani were in the latter’s room getting her ready.

One of the maids, Aparna came running to Samiksha.
“Di, come with me.”
“Where to? I am busy.”
“Your Bandhu is shining brighter than every night. Just come and see. It is looking more beautiful today. Shotti (I swear).” She pinched the centre of her neck and persuaded Samiksha.
Kalyani said finally, “Go Samiksha. I am ready now. You have adorned me from head to toe. Now go and see your Bandhu. Run.”

Samiksha kissed her sister’s forehead and ran, “Di, I will be back soon ok.”

As soon as she stepped on the terrace, she was spellbound. Aparna was right. The moon shone beautifully in the sky taking Samiksha’s breath away. She got lost in his beauty forgetting every other thing.

Meanwhile, the doorbell rang. The guests including the boy, his parents and his brother, arrived. Mohandas along with his family gave them a warm welcome.

Stay tuned /-

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