by Debashis Dey
Pravin was accustomed to hard physical labor. He had a strong build and was desperate to earn more.
“That is very kind of you, bhaiya,” he said.
“Okay, report to the supervisor after your duty here. The shift ends at eight in the evening and there is no break.” Anil patted him on the back and left.
Pravin went to the store and opened the gate. A truck with stone chips was waiting and he started unloading it with four laborers. A few more trucks came and soon it was lunchtime. A few laborers stayed in shacks on one corner. One of the families cooked and supplied lunch for all. It was basic rice and dal or rice and vegetables served in plates made from leaves of the sal tree. (The sal tree is worshipped among the Buddhists and Hindus in India. It is mentioned in many scriptures that the Buddha was born and died under the sal tree. The leaves are broad and widely used in festivals and marriages when hundreds or thousands of people are served. The leaves are arranged in a round shape and kept together with small soft sticks that work like needles.) A young child made rounds with a kettle of tea. The corner was a small world within a bigger world, where women were washing clothes, chasing naked children with big tummies and running noses, fighting with other women—sometimes over petty thefts, sometimes over infidelity, sometimes arguing with each other, sometimes abusing someone, sometimes chatting, and sometimes laughing out loud. They were a group of people far removed from their land and roots.
Pravin closed the store at five and headed for the supervisor. He stood in the line and signed the book. The supervisor looked at him. Pravin was the only one who signed while all others put a thumb impression.
“Are you sure you can do this job?” the supervisor asked.
Pravin smiled, removed and folded his shirt, and moved ahead with the team.
Everyone picked up a bag of cement and moved forward. He followed them. It was not too much for him. They all dropped their bags and came back for the next one. After the lot was shifted, the team moved to another point where sand was loaded on a handcart.
In between, the young child came with tea. And then it was iron rods. A team of two balanced the iron rods on their heads. Pravin felt comfortable with physical work but in the end, he was tired and hungry. He washed his face and hands, put on his shirt, and headed back to Kishen’s house.
At home, Kishen already had his dinner and was waiting for him.
“You look tired,” said Kishen.
“I am hungry too.”
“Do you think you can do this extra work? I think you will fall sick,” Kishen said with genuine concern.
“No, bare bhaiya, today was a difficult first day, but I can manage.” Pravin smiled.
Kishen’s wife came out with his dinner. Pravin had two extra chapattis. After dinner, she gave him a glass of hot milk. Pravin felt bad, as he knew that Kishen’s salary was not much and the milk must be from his share.
“You must have it,” Kishen said.
Pravin took it but he decided that he must contribute in some way. He was now earning two hundred per day on top of his regular pay.
Kishen left him and Pravin made his bed. Soon he was fast asleep.
Pravin woke up early the next morning. There were a few puffs of autumn clouds in the sky. He looked at the fields far away and remembered his village. He decided to call Diwakar. He still had a balance on his cell phone.
“Where are you, Aaté? We are all worried about you.”
Pravin could hear the excitement and joy in his voice. “I am fine Baya. Please tell Aau and the others I am fine.” His voice nearly choked.
“I was always sure that you were fine. But Aama was worried.”
“Don’t worry, tell her I am fine.”
“When are you coming back, Aaté?”
“Soon. I am working here and—” Before he could complete the thought, the balance in his phone ran out. Pravin felt miserable, as he wanted to ask about Nisha and wanted to say so many things.
He heard the familiar sound of bangles and saw that Kishen’s wife had left tea for him. Kishen was also up and soon after breakfast, he left for his duty. Pravin decided to take a bath. He was feeling unclean after last evening. He sat in the corner and washed thoroughly. But all along he had the feeling he was being watched.
The days passed and it was Saturday. Pravin got his payment of around two thousand rupees. He felt good, and in the evening, skipped his extra work and went to the market. He bought rice, dal, wheat, oil, sugar, and some vegetables. He also bought a kilo of meat and a packet of good cigarettes for Kishen. Finally, he bought a box of milk cakes.
Kishen had reached home early and was sitting on the cot with two glasses and his bottle of rum. He was singing with his eyes closed.
Hamri na mano, tum budhoa se pucho…Hamri na mano…
“Ram Ram, Bare Bhaiya,” Pravin said and left the bags near the kitchen.
“This is not necessary. Why did you spend so much?”
“Not too much, Bare Bhaiya. I have some responsibility too.”
“As you wish. Now come and sit here. I have been waiting for you,” Kishen said and poured two glasses. Kishen’s wife came and placed a plate with fried chana (gram seeds) in front of them.
Pravin had dinner alone on his cot. Kishen drank a bit more than usual and had to be carried inside. The meal was delicious; he had meat after a long time. In his village, meat was rarely cooked more than a few times a year. Kishen’s wife stood watching as he ate. He finished and licked his fingers. She took the plate and left a jug of water. Pravin could listen to Kishen snoring loudly inside. He stretched out and fell into a deep sleep.
About an hour later and he woke up to find Kishen’s wife sitting on the side of his bed. She placed a finger on her lips, asking him to stay quiet. And then she lifted the blanket and slipped in. Hastily, he tried to move away and sit up but her arms were around him and her legs held him in a vice grip. He could not move. He did not know what to do. She moved closer and he could smell her breath of cardamom and cloves. He could feel her soft breasts pressing against him and feel her heart beating rapidly. And then he felt her hand caressing him. He felt aroused and could not help but respond.
But his effort was inadequate to quench her long unfulfilled desire. It was a reversal of roles and she overpowered him, as if a latent fire hidden for a millennium had found a vent and was bursting into flames. The sound of bangles filled the night while Kishen’s snoring continued in its own tempo.
Pravin was drenched in the sweat of her passion. She drained him completely with her intensity. And then she lay by his side. She ran her fingers through his hair. He looked at her. This was the first time he had seen her beautiful round face with its large bright eyes. In the faint light, he could see her firm, round breasts rising up and down. She had a narrow waist that ran into full and firm legs.
Pravin had mixed feelings. On one hand he felt content in helping to relieve her passion and on the other he felt like he was deceiving his benefactor. There was a feeling of guilt too; after all, he was married. But that sense was not overpowering, as it was the woman who made the first move and forced him into the situation. He felt tired and prepared to sleep. But she was not done with him. She did not allow him to rest. She worked on him until he was aroused again. She wanted him to go on and on as if there was no end to it. Pravin felt his manhood challenged and tried his best to satisfy her. She made him spend his last ounce with the determination of a tigress. He lay limp and exhausted. She smiled and rewarded him with a kiss before returning to her room. Dawn was breaking and the first light was spreading across the sky. Pravin turned around, pulled the blanket to cover his head, and fell asleep.
Kishen woke up and found Pravin still in bed. He wondered if he had drunk more than usual but he could not remember. He finished his tea and woke him up.
“It’s late. Get up and have breakfast.”
Pravin could only nod. He was still in a haze and feeling dizzy. He sat still on the bed for some time, then got up a
nd splashed water on his face.
Kishen’s wife came in with a tall glass of milk; he drank it in one big gulp. Then she gave them leftover meat and chapattis. Pravin ate as if he had been starving for a long time. Kishen thought he must have also missed dinner like he had.
His wife stood nearby and smiled behind her veil. Pravin finished the food and looked at her. She did not seem to be the tigress he encountered last night but someone affectionate and caring.
Kishen left for the market and Pravin stretched out again. After an hour, he got up, dressed and left for the bus stand. He did not feel like walking. When he arrived at the bus stand, he saw a familiar Jeep parked there. Pravin recognized Balbir and said, “Namaste, Mamaji. How are you?”
In the village, nearly everyone was related to one another and Balbir was his mother’s second cousin. Balbir was surprised to see him.
“I heard you were in Solan, but it’s a real surprise to run into you.”
“Yes, I am working here with a construction company.”
“You look tired. Are you okay?”
“Yes, Mamaji. We had a party last night,” he lied.
“We had an untimely snowfall a few days back.” Balbir briefly told him of the damage and devastation.
“Why not join me for tea?”
Pravin took him to the tea stall where Raju greeted them and served them two cups of special tea. Balbir knew Raju and patted him on the head.
“So, what is your work like?” Balbir asked. He had to know in detail, as he had to face his sister when he returned.
Pravin told him about his work. He did not mention the extra work. He then asked about everyone in the village.
“You should call your Aau once in a while.”
“But you know his temper. He does not understand me and starts ranting and raving.”
“I will speak with him.”
“Tell him that I am a grown-up now. Also tell him that I am doing well and will come home soon.”
“I have to leave,” Balbir said. He had come on a booking and he was running late.
“I will be back soon,” Pravin told Raju and left with Balbir.
When they reached the stand, Pravin gave him two hundred rupee notes. “Please give this to Diwa and ask him to give a hundred to my wife. Also tell him to buy something for Ria.”
Pravin stood there until Balbir left and then walked back to the tea stall.
At home, Kishen was eating lunch while his wife stood next to him. He looked at her and said, “Pravin comes from a good family. And he is a nice man.”
His wife nodded. She didn’t say anything.
“I don’t know how long he will be staying with us. But you must take good care of him.”
“I do whatever I can. What more do you expect me to do?”
“Not much, just give him good food and a glass of milk. You must tell the milkman to deliver half a liter extra, starting tomorrow.”
She kept silent.
“Are you okay? Are you upset with my drinking?” Kishen looked at her.
“Why should I be upset? Drinking once a week is okay,” she said, and then left for the kitchen.
At the stall, Pravin sat at a table waiting for Raju. He was busy serving customers. After some time he came over to him.
“Aaté, it will be difficult to get a leave today. If I ask him he will get upset.”
“That’s okay; I will also leave early today. I need to sleep early.”
After some time he went out and packed two lunches of fried rice and came back. He also topped up his cell phone but kept it off. Both men were having lunch at a corner table when a middle-aged man walked in, came straight to their table, and greeted Raju.
“How are you, Raju?”
“I am fine. How are you, Ganga Bhaiya?”
Gangaram stayed in Rampur but came to Solan once in a while to buy goods for his shop. He often joked with Raju, telling him that he would open a tea shop in Rampur and take him there. He liked him and occasionally tipped him a rupee or two. “Meet my brother, Ganga Bhaiya.” Raju introduced Pravin.
“And this is Ganga Bhaiya. He has the biggest electrical shop in Rampur.”
Pravin nodded and he sat with them. Raju left with the plates and came back with two glasses of tea.
“So, you are from Kinnaur too?” Gangaram asked.
“Yes, sir. But I am employed here.”
They chatted for half an hour and during that time Pravin told him almost everything. Gangaram listened with interest to his plight, his travels from his village to Peo and then to Solan in search of a job.
After some time Pravin said, “I have to leave, sir.”
“Sure, but I would like to meet you again. If you cross Rampur, please do meet me at my shop. It is in the main market.”
“I will,” assured Pravin and bid good-bye to Raju.
Gangaram waved at Raju and called him to his table.
“How long have you known this man?”
“Quite long. But why do you ask?”
“Just asking. I may have some plans for him.”
“And for me?”
“The tea stall!” He smiled and left.
Pravin did not go home. First, he went to the temple and offered puja. He closed his eyes and in his mind said, “God, I have done no wrong. You know better. It was not my fault. And if I have done anything wrong, please forgive me.” He kept his eyes closed for quite some time and then left. He felt better. He walked down to the garden and sat on a bench. He called Diwakar and before he could reply, he said, “I want to speak with Nisha.”
“Please hold, Aaté. I will connect her with you.”
Nisha took the phone and said, “Yes.”
“It’s me.”
She did not reply but remained silent.
“Hello, it’s me. Are you there?”
After a few moments, she said, “Yes.”
“Why are you silent? Is anyone around?”
“No.”
“Are you angry with me?”
“No.”
“Listen, I got a job. The salary is okay, not bad. And I will be back soon. Now please tell me, how are you?”
“I am fine, but I miss you,” she finally said.
“I miss you too. Are they treating you well?”
“They are all good people and love me too. But please come soon.”
“I will try. I have sent a hundred rupees for you. Diwa will give it to you. Spend it as you like.”
“I don’t want any money. I want you.”
“I will try to come soon,” Pravin said and disconnected the phone.
Kishen was surprised to see him back early. He assumed he would be back after dinner.
“Did you have dinner?”
“No, Bare Bhaiya. I will have dinner with you.”
“That’s fine. Now sit down here while your bhabi cooks.”
He went to the kitchen door and said, “Listen, make some good alu-gobi for us tonight.”
Both sat on the cot and enjoyed the light evening breeze. After a while, Kishen became nostalgic. “In our village, we had a lot of land, a house, and many trees. We had mango, jackfruit, and jamun trees. And all the trees bore fruit. In the evening, we used to sit in the courtyard. There were so many birds that came for the fruits: parrots, bulbul, mynah and more.”
“In our place we have apple orchards. I will get you some when I go next time.”
“Yes, I have heard about Kinnaur apples. They are juicy and sweet too.” Kishen was in the mood to tell Pravin many stories about his childhood. He told him how he skipped school and spent all day at the river, how he rode on buffaloes, and how they dropped him in the mud. He told him about his work as a forest guard when he came face to face with a tiger, and more.
Meanwhile Kishen’s wife served them dinner. Kishen went on for some time telling stories even after dinner and then left to go to bed. Pravin stretched out and gazed at the stars. He soon fell asleep.
***
At
home, Nisha felt restless. She had been expecting Pravin’s call for a long time but when it came, she could not speak. She could not tell him all she wanted to say. At last, after all this time, she had heard the voice of Pravin—her love. She felt a strange longing for him and wanted to be near him to hold him close. It was like roaming around in a desert alone for months in search of water and then hearing the distant sound of a stream. Not only did she feel a soothing wind blowing over her face but also the thrill of excitement—it was as if a part of her soul resonated from inside the phone—as if he was not far, as if he was sitting next to her looking at her with those dark eyes full of determination. She had never felt like this before. She wanted the phone call to last for a few more moments, as she wanted to say so many things. She knew he was tormented and that he labored hard—she only wished to caress him with her words, her assurance, her belief, her conviction. And with her love.
***
A couple of days passed. Pravin resumed his extra duties. He did not feel very tired. Anil now trusted him and promised better pay the next month. The construction continued going well. He came back and slept peacefully. No one was watching him and Pravin thought it was over. But then one day when he was going out for work, he found her standing, blocking the gate. Pravin could see that she wore nothing except her saree. And beneath it, he could see her breasts clearly and her nipples standing taut. He looked at her face without expression.
“You can go a bit late,” she said, lowering her eyes.
Pravin was surprised but was in no mood to give in to her yearning. “I have to go now. I have people waiting for me.”
She looked at him with desire in her eyes and pleading too. But after a while, she stepped back and went inside slowly. Pravin could not make out whether she was annoyed or disheartened.
Chapter 9
Parvati left early for the temple. The kid and the goat followed her. The villagers were scared. They decided on offering puja. The snow still covered the valley. It would be a few days before it melted and the losses could be assessed. When she arrived, the Devta was already out in the compound. He was carried to the other side of the river along with his entourage beating drums and cymbals. They rested him on high ground that was considered holy. Puja was performed and two lambs sacrificed. The villagers then went to the temple where the meat was cooked. Mohan sat at the head of the gathering. He was Shevak’s brother and in charge of temple proceedings. The Devta selected people on rotation.