Hemanter Pakhi by Suchitra Bhattacharya

Author:Suchitra Bhattacharya [Bhattacharya, Suchitra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mobilism
Publisher: Srishti
Published: 2003-12-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter

Nine

Call for you, Mom, shouted Papai.

Aditi was in the bath. It had been an incredibly hot day. One felt crazy without a cold shower in the evening. Shutting off the shower she called out, “Who is it?”

“Sharmila Aunty.”

“Who?”

Aditi was taken by surprise. Why was Sharmila, of all people, calling her up? She had been totally out of touch with Aditi and her crowd of late.

“Will you be out soon or shall I ask her to call up later?” asked Papai.

“Tell her to hold on. I’m just coming.”

Aditi didn’t bother to rub herself dry and pulled on her clothes on her dripping body. The longer they remained wet the cooler she’d feel. But she dried her hands before picking up the phone.

“Good to hear from you after such a long time. Anything wrong?”

“I’ve to tell you something important,” said Sharmila in a heavy voice.

“Go ahead.”

“I can’t speak of it over the phone. Could you meet me somewhere?”

“Why not come here?”

“At your place?” Sharmila sounded startled, “It’s rather confidential. I don’t want anyone else to hear it. When can I find you alone?”

“I’m usually alone in the afternoons.”

“Afternoon?” Sharmila sounded worried, “Will you be in tomorrow?”

“I will,” said Aditi beginning to feel curious, “How’s your son?”

“Fine.”

“Are you calling from your parents’ place?”

“No, from a public booth. Sharmila paused for a moment. “Please don’t tell anyone that I am coming. I mean, don’t let Supratim know. Please.”

Aditi put the receiver down, lost in thoughts. How could she possibly help to sort Sharmila’s personal problems? As far as she knew Sharmila and Deepak had already taken the matter to court. And why was she so insistent about not telling Supratim? Could there be something going on between the two of them? No, that was absurd! She felt surprised at herself for having thought of such a thing after being married to Supratim for more than 23 years. She knew him as well as the back of her hand. They had been to a thousand and one parties with Deepakand Sharmila. The two families had even travelled to Dehradun and Mussoorie together eight years ago. She had never seen Supratim show any improper attention to Sharmila. On the contrary he always maintained a certain distance from the wives of all his friends. Of course he teased them and joked with them but always within limits. Eveiyone knew it and admired his ability to conform to it at all times. Did Sharmila want to make it up with Deepak and wanted Aditi to mediate between them? But why hide it from Supratim? Was she ashamed to let the world know that she wanted to return to her husband? Perhaps that was it.

Anyway, there was no point bothering about her imaginary assumptions. She had a lot of things on her hands. Papai was in the midst of his exams and needed special attention all through the day and even at night. He refused to have a proper meal at any time saying that a full stomach made him sleepy.

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