Murmur of the Lonely Brook

by Debashis Dey

  ***

  Ria managed one last meeting with Jeet before she left for Chandigarh. Jeet was still in the village, as his family kept the cattle in a small shed nearby. Ria went with Lila, who had called Jeet under an excuse of asking him if he could lend her his schoolbooks. Jeet came out and the three went to the Temple. Ria was prepared to ask all her questions. Jeet smiled at first but when he saw that she was serious, he gave his answers more thought.

  “But I need to finish school first and find a job. How can we live in a city without money? And who will give me a job if I am illiterate?”

  Ria was taken aback. She had never anticipated any such problem. And this was a setback to her plans of marrying early. But she was happy that he was positive and that he, too, shared her dreams of living in the city. Maybe the Devta would be kind and help them.

  “I will leave for Chandigarh in a few days and will be back in the spring,” Ria said as she got up to leave.

  “Have a good time and enjoy your stay,” Jeet said. He smiled but Ria could see he was sad.

  “I will think about you,” Ria said and then left with Lila.

  It was a few days after Ria left when the first snowfall came. The morning sky was covered with clouds and a fog stretched across the entire valley, covering the peaks halfway down. By afternoon, the snowfall started and soon covered the valley with a thin layer of white. The barren fields, the riverbanks, the mountain slopes, meadows, roads all lost their texture as the snow covered them, painting everything white. The valley looked like a large gray canvas. By late afternoon, over a foot of snow had accumulated and the road seemed to merge with the fields and the fields with the bank. The snow fell on the mountains and filled up the nooks, caves, crevices, and cracks on granite, exposing the texture that remained hidden in the sunlight. The empty houses in the village stood like scattered mushrooms with snow piling on their tin roofs and extending outside. The crows, the only birds to stay during winter, hid below the branches of leafless trees and shook off the occasional snow that fell on them. The dogs took shelter in houses and the few cows still outside stood below trees with white patches across their backs and heads waiting for their owners to put them back inside.

  By evening, two feet of snow had fallen. Diwakar used a shovel to scoop out snow from near the door. Nisha stood on the balcony and looked around. The snow fell steadily, forming a veil, and through that, the mountains seemed distant. A few of the peaks hid below mist and were partly visible. The naked trees in the orchard stood with their trunks submerged in snow and the valley lost its contours. The courtyard looked clean and fresh with all the cow droppings and dry leaves hiding below layers of white. The snow accumulated on the tin roof while some splattered and melted on the walls and windows. Parvati took a bundle of soft apple branches and gave it to the cows for munching. Every year the orchard was pruned and Shevak applied paste to the cuts. While it stopped the growth of the trimmed branches, it ensured growth for the healthy branches, which held better promise of bearing fruit. It also provided cuttings to feed the cattle.

  ***

  It was late evening when the cables snapped, causing a power outage. The snowfall continued and the temperature reached below zero. The fire was already burning and the family huddled next to it. Parvati made pancakes while Diwakar boiled potatoes for dinner. Shevak and Diwakar shared one room with the bukhari and Parvati slept with Nisha in the other.

  The whole night it snowed and in the morning, Shevak found a build-up of four feet of snow covering the entrance. He called Diwakar and both shoveled to make a road to the pathway. Diwakar went back to milk the cows and Shevak left for the village. On the way, he met a few villagers and one of them told him the snowfall was as far as Karcham and the roads were all blocked. The villagers did not complain about the snowfall, as the moisture was necessary for the orchards and the farm. It even provided the necessary water to keep the peaks green. He followed the narrow trench like path made by others who had gone out earlier and in slow steps reached the village. His colleague Mahajan informed him that it was not only power cables that snapped in a few places but also a few poles, which fell. Even Sangla and neighboring places suffered from the power outage. Shevak knew it would be days before the power could be restored.

  ***

  Pravin got into a shared Jeep early in the morning. It would take him to Sangla. He heard about the snowfall but was not aware it was heavy. The army frequented this route and the PWD normally cleared the road with bulldozers after a snowfall. The Jeep stopped at Tapri for a tea break. After crossing Karcham, it slowed down as the road had just been cleared and only a narrow stretch in the middle was passable. It was getting cold and Pravin put on a jacket. Outside, the landscape changed with layers of snow covering the meadows and pastures on the slopes and only the huge granite peaks managed to keep their surface exposed as the snow skidded away from their smooth face. The sky was clear, making it difficult to gaze on the patches that reflected sunlight. It was afternoon when the Jeep reached Sangla. The snowfall was heavy and Pravin found the road to his village was still blocked. He picked up his bag and decided to walk the last stretch.

  ***

  “You should have joined the army!” Nisha exclaimed as Diwakar made a straight jump from the roof and landed on the three-foot layer of snow on the courtyard.

  He smiled, did two somersaults, and sat in the snow half submerged.

  “Better be careful. You will catch a cold and fever.”

  Diwakar again smiled and pushed against the snow, making a small snowball and then rolling a huge ball out of it. He balanced the ball on his head and stretched out his hands. Nisha took a handful of snow and threw it at him. The sun was out after three days and everyone was outside trying to soak in as much warmth as possible. The peaks stood against an azure sky in all their majesty. A few puffs of white clouds floated across the western sky. The pines stood awaiting the wind to help them shed the snow that draped over them.

  Nisha went inside to help Parvati, who was grinding apricot seeds in a stone mortar to extract oil. The oil was good for health, for massage and could be used in cooking too, but the villagers sold all of it, as the price it fetched was quite high.

  Nisha came back and saw Diwakar putting finishing touches to a ten-headed snow Ravana. He was putting small twigs on top of each head. He came back, made a few snowballs handed them to Nisha.

  “Now, let’s knock him down!”

  Both threw the snowballs as long as the figure stood and finally managed to level it. Nisha clapped and laughed aloud. She loved being a child sometimes.

  ***

  Shevak sat on a pole while Mahajan and a few villagers held the cable below. He was an expert at climbing poles and could work high on top of one without the help of ladders or anything. Even at his age, he was agile. The villagers normally came out to help them during winter, as it would take days for people to come from Sangla. Replacing and erecting a pole took several days or more if the terrain was difficult. The work continued until five in the evening, as beyond that time the government would not pay for any accidents. Shevak came down and everyone went to a nearby house where they drank hot water and tea.

  ***

  Pravin started across the snow-covered road by walking through a narrow trough. There was less snow in Sangla and it was like walking on a crisp carpet. But ahead he had to slog and sometimes push through the snow to make any headway. The poplars stood on both sides spreading their naked arms toward the sky as if praying for spring. There was no sign of green except for the pines, though most of the trees remained covered with snow. The river ran far below like a silver snake undulating across the snow-covered plain. The villages looked like something out of fairytale books with only the tall flags fluttering in the wind. Smoke rose through chimneys from the snow-covered rooftops. A few stray cows stood gazing aimlessly at the snow, unable to find anything to feed on. A few desperate birds picked on the dried grass that was still on trees.

  Pravin
walked along and finally reached the stream before the final bend. It flowed in a narrow trickle now and the music it played among the rocks was lost. A thin layer of ice adorned the rocks wherever the stream kissed it and icicles hung on the underside glowing in the reflected light. He crossed the bend and the valley opened up before him. The sun was down and the sunlight fell on the eastern peaks reflecting a golden shine. The peaks opposite also glowed with shared light from the white valley that stretched for miles. Pravin watched the snowscape for a while and turned toward the steps that led toward the Dongri.

  Chapter 16

  It was morning but clouds hung overhead covering the sun and snow drizzled across the valley. Diwakar cleared a portion of the courtyard and started sizing up the branches with an axe so that they fit into the bukhari. He was happy that his aaté was there. He had missed the trip to Rampur as Balbir said there was no need for him to go and also there were no seats available. Balbir himself purchased the ration and brought it for them. But aaté was a big help at this time. It was always good to have more hands during winter. The grass bundles left on trees and firewood had to be brought to the Dongri. Diwakar stacked up a pile of firewood and set his axe aside. He was feeling warm and decided to clear off the roof; otherwise, water would leak inside and spoil the goods stored below it.

  ***

  Pravin woke up to the sound of footsteps overhead. It took him a while to realize where he was and then to make out the source of the noise. The previous night he had been tired and retired early. He shivered for quite some time and Nisha put two blankets over him. She held him close until he felt comfortable. Pravin came to the other room and saw Parvati making wool from the fleece and Nisha grinding the apricot seeds for oil. Nisha got up and gave him pancakes and some vegetables.

  “Aama, cook some meat today. And also give me a few pieces when I go.”

  “I need a sack of rice. Take Diwa with you and get one from the house,” Parvati said.

  The dongri did not have much space so part of the ration was kept in the other house in the village.

  “I will go and feed the cows,” Nisha said and left.

  “How long do you intend to stay?”

  “I will leave as soon as the roads are open.”

  “Did you talk with Diwa about Nisha?”

  “Yes, he is okay with the proposal. He understands what is good for the family.”

  Parvati felt relieved that Diwa was in favor of the proposal. She wondered how Nisha would take it but that did not matter. Women had very little say and had to accept if the brothers agreed.

  “I will leave for the village with Diwa,” Pravin said and got up to leave.

  ***

  In the village, Dayawanti looked at the shop in despair. Huge chunks of snow that fell from the roof blocked half of the shop. She took a shovel and started clearing a part of it. Kishori came a short while after and took the shovel from her. He lit a bidi and first cleared the front, making a space for placing the bukhari.

  Kishori was a man of few words, plus no one understood him properly as his words were garbled most of the time. He wore a ragged jacket, woolen trousers, and a pair of over-used military boots. He always carried his axe. He rarely bathed or cleaned himself and his unkempt hair hung below his topi covering the upper part of his face. Kishori was much in demand during winter as he braved the snow to supply wood from the upper reaches. The government sold firewood at four hundred rupees a quintal while he charged only for labor. Even during summer the villagers gave him the contract for wood required for building or renovating houses. The villagers called him jungle mafia because the forest guards hounded him, hoping to catch him red handed some day.

  ***

  The brothers walked up to the village but first Pravin wanted to meet Balbir. They saw the Jeep half submerged in snow in front of his house. They knocked and Balbir came out. He smiled at Pravin.

  “Any word yet, Mamaji, when the roads will open?”

  “The PWD bulldozers have reached Batseri and they should be here in two or three days.”

  “That’s good news. I will need a drop at Sangla.”

  “No problem. As it is, I plan to keep the car near Dongri once I am able to start it. The snowfall was much lighter there.”

  “But you will have to wait a day or two as I am on Devta’s duty.”

  The Devta selected his carriers every year and now it was Balbir’s turn. He had to be available whenever there was a call. But there was little chance the Devta would come outside, except for an emergency. The red flag was down and Devta rested during winter, locked in his private space along with all his jewels and cash. The snowfall normally came a few days after the lowering of the red flag.

  The brothers went back to the village and reached their home. Like other houses, their house had a thick deposit of snow on all sides. They made their way through the snow and opened the door. Pravin opened the windows to let fresh air in and checked the taps. Even though everyone kept one tap open to avoid bursting the pipes, a few old and rusted pipes always gave way, causing trouble for everyone. The water department had only one man in the village; he used rubber tubes to seal such leaks when they occurred. Sometimes such a disaster resulted in the total cutoff of water for many days and villagers had to get water from the hand pumps.

  “I will clean the roof,” Diwakar said.

  “Be careful to avoid the entrance and push the snow to the back side.”

  “You stay inside while I finish this part.”

  Diwakar came down after a while and found that his aaté has already cleared the entrance. He sat on a plastic chair firming it on the snow. Diwakar pulled up another chair and sat next to him.

  “I wish I could have gone to Rampur for the ration.”

  “Bad luck, but there is always a next time.”

  “Now I can go only after the winter is over and the snow melts.”

  Pravin also wished his baya could come to Rampur and spend a few days with him. He could show him around and, with Raju on the team, the three would have a nice time. But he had something else on his mind. “Did you think over what I told you last time? About Nisha?”

  “Yes.”

  “You have not changed your mind?”

  “No, I think it will be good for the family and we will stay together.”

  Pravin once again felt relieved. He knew that his baya would not change his resolve but still he wanted to be certain.

  “One more thing. Nisha will be with you most of the time except when I am here. It may be a few days or even a month. I hope you are okay with that.”

  Diwakar simply nodded. He thought it was fair that his aaté got his share of Nisha whenever he came, which would only be once in two or three months. He was not bothered even if he stayed for a month. His presence gave him immense happiness and he always wanted to be near him. He also knew that he could never have anyone entirely for himself and even if he wanted to marry someone later, it would depend solely on Nisha and her approval.

  On the road, they met Naresh rushing in with a few men. His son, who was the same age as Diwakar and his friend also, had been in an accident. He was sitting on the balcony of the first floor when, apparently, a ghost pushed him and he fell down, injuring himself. It had to be a ghost because there was no one else around. The injury was not severe but he was speaking incoherently and very scared. They all reached the temple and the Gur advised a puja to be performed immediately.

  Everyone sat down and the Gur performed the puja, informing the Devta of the victim’s name and condition. After a few rituals, the Gur passed him some prasad and advised him to give it to the boy. He also suggested Naresh bring the boy and cook halwa after he was okay.

  Diwakar went back with Naresh to check on his friend. After having the prasad, the boy calmed down. Everyone praised the Devta and Naresh promised to perform puja. He decided to take him to the hospital at Sangla to treat his physical injuries.

  Pravin walked back home. The sky was overcast and
a mild wind was blowing. He reached home and saw Parvati cooking while Nisha helped her. He waved at her and went to the other room.

  “Aama, your son is calling me. I will see what he needs and come back,” said Nisha.

  Parvati nodded and Nisha joined Pravin.

  Pravin closed the door and gestured to her to sit down. He sat next to her on the bed.

  “I have something to tell you.”

  Nisha remained silent and looked at him. She saw he was serious and hesitant.

  “You know our farmland is small and if divided will not be enough for the two of us to sustain.” He paused.

  Nisha nodded.

  “I have decided to work while baya will take care of the farm and orchard. As of now he does not want to join the army.”

  “But that was always his dream.”

  “I don’t know about tomorrow but now he wants to stay in the village.”

  “And what happens to the land when he marries?”

  “He will not marry anyone else. He will be your second husband. I have spoken with him and he has agreed to share you with me. This way the land will remain intact and the family will stay together.”

  “What?” She sat quietly as the full depth of Pravin’s statement sank in and hit her consciousness. She was stunned and outraged.

  “But… but I look at him as a brother,” she managed to say.

  “That was before. From now, you can treat him otherwise. Even my fourth uncle who got married to my aunt later is much younger than she is. It will not be a problem. And this is best for the family.”

  “How can I love both of you? How can I love equally? How can I be in bed with him?”

  “It’s only the two of us, not four or five. If both of us can sacrifice for the family, then it should not be difficult for you.” Pravin raised his tone a bit.

  Her universe crumbled and sank before her. All the while she thought that he loved her immensely and wanted to possess her and keep her for his own. It would have been different if it were a shared marriage from the beginning. Even her cousin was married to three brothers. She never thought, even in her dreams, that this was a possibility. She was not prepared mentally. She was terribly shaken and disturbed.