Episode 2
It's raining. The birds trapped in the Rangmahal (color palace) are scurrying here and there, hoping for a little shelter. Just as birds look for a chance to rebuild their nests in a new place, I feel like I'm searching for comfort in a new home after leaving my own empty.
In the morning, amidst the rain, Jafar Chacha (uncle) went to our house and personally drove me through the muddy fields to the paved road at noon. Even though I didn't want to, I was forced to come. Honestly, I wouldn't have had any problem staying here if Afran Bhaiya wasn't around! Throughout the journey, I kept praying for one thing—that Bhaiya wouldn't remember anything and that I'd never have to face him.
The car parked in front of the gate of the Chowdhury mansion. It was a massive gate with royal engravings. As I stepped out, I saw the two-story white building decorated with golden craftsmanship. I stared at the house in awe.
Jafar Chacha spoke up, "What are you looking at, Ma? Go inside."
I stammered, "Chacha, do I really have to stay here? Can't I stay elsewhere?"
The moment I said it, I realized I shouldn't have. Chacha's face instantly turned pale. I didn't mean to hurt him; it just slipped out. But the damage was done. I tried to change the subject to comfort him.
"Sorry Chacha, I forgot..."
Before I could finish, Chacha placed a hand of affection on my head and said:
"Ma, do you feel that bad? Will it be difficult for you to stay with me? My house is completely devoid of women, it feels like an empty sky, dear. You know, when your Chachi (aunt) was alive, the house felt wonderful. She managed everything alone. But..."
His eyes welled up before he could say more. Understanding his pain, I reassured him, "Chacha, don't be sad. Fine, forget it. I'll stay right here; I'm not going anywhere without you. From now on, I'm your daughter, okay!"
My words seemed to give Chacha a new lease on life. He asked excitedly, "Are you serious, Ma?"
"Yes, serious. But I have one condition."
"What condition could there be?"
"If your elder son ever tries to kill me, things will get very bad. Most importantly, your elder son must not know that I am here."
I looked at him with a feigned pout.
"Alright, I won't tell him. But..."
Without finishing his sentence, Chacha diverted the topic, "Let's go now. I can't stand out here in this storm anymore."
The middle-aged man holding an umbrella nearby said, "Sir, I had something to say. Actually, the young master today..."
Jafar Chacha didn't let him finish. "Did I ask you to speak? No more words now. Tell me inside."
He started walking forward, and I followed his lead.
As much as I admired the exterior beauty, I was twice as surprised once I stepped inside. It was decorated so beautifully! Before going to the second floor, my eyes caught the staircase—two royal spiral stairs descending from both sides. I really liked the design. The huge drawing room had various paintings on the walls, and medium-sized statues were placed in the corners for aesthetics. I was observing everything intently when Chacha's voice broke my trance.
"What are you looking at, Ma?"
"Nothing much. Where will I stay? I need to freshen up, Chacha; I'm feeling very hot!"
"What are you saying? You're feeling hot in this storm and rain?"
"Well, I was in the car for a long time, so..."
"I see!"
Chacha gestured to the man beside him, who then told me, "Ma'am, please come. I'll show you to your room."
"You are always with Chacha, I mean, his special assistant?" I asked.
The man replied, "Yes, you guessed correctly."
"Alright. And listen—there's no need to call me Ma'am."
He asked, "Then what should I call you, Ma'am?"
I started thinking. He was right! What would he call me? Seeing me lost in thought, Chacha asked, "Do you have a problem being called Ma'am?"
"Not exactly a problem, but..."
Without letting me finish, Chacha said, "Then there's no issue. Let it be what he's calling you."
I didn't argue further.
In the afternoon, after having snacks with Chacha, I went to my room. After a little rest, I thought of visiting the rooftop. Anyway, Chacha had mentioned that his son is hardly ever home. Who knows where he stays? He only comes once every two or three days, stays the night, and leaves.
Hearing that, I breathed a sigh of relief. That meant I could easily hide for a day. The thought made my heart dance with joy.
There is no cook in the house. However, there are three or four guards and domestic staff to keep the house clean. Chacha said he would hire a cook now that I'm here. It felt great; I felt free today. I was getting bored at home anyway, and I wouldn't have to hear my mother's biting remarks anymore. Thinking of this, I jumped in joy. From the roof, I saw various flower plants in front of the house. My heart felt full. I didn't know if I could catch the scent, but I really wanted to touch the flowers. Without delay, I ran toward the stairs, but my eyes caught a glimpse of a particular room. I peered inside. That room seemed very attractive to me because it looked different from the others.
I hadn't visited this room earlier. It was in a corner, so after seeing the others, I didn't feel like checking it. Besides, I think it was locked then. I scratched my head and confirmed—yes, it was locked. Now it was open. Though the door wasn't fully open, the gap clearly showed the light was on and a flower vase lay shattered on the floor.
Who dropped this? Strange! The guards don't even know how to keep things organized. But then again, how would they? Men's organizing and women's organizing are hardly the same! Muttering this, I entered the room and sat down to clean it without looking around. I closed my eyes to take in the scent of the fresh flowers. My heart started fluttering. What a mesmerizing fragrance! I wondered if the flowers in the other rooms were fresh or plastic. Suddenly, I felt someone standing in front of me. As a shadow fell over my eyes, I opened them and looked up.
Truth be told, I shouldn't have come here. Who knew I would have to take my last breath in this house today? Did I know that this 'Mafia Bhaiya' would come home today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Thinking this, my lip trembled and I burst into tears. Waaah!..
Suddenly, a forceful grip tightened on my arm, and I looked up. He pulled me up from the floor and held me with all his strength. I began to tremble in fear.
With a firm voice, gripping my arm, he asked, "Who are you?"
I kept shaking. His eyes were bloodshot. It felt like he would kill me and bury me right there.
I said in a trembling voice, "Actually... I am here..."
Without waiting for my answer, he tightened his grip even more and demanded, "Answer me! Who are you?"
Tears were streaming down my face. He was holding me so tightly it felt like my arms would be torn from my body. Unable to bear the pain, I said, "It hurts, let me go!"
Without another word, he started dragging me down the stairs, shouting, "Dad! Dad!"
Hearing him, the guards gathered in the drawing room. Chacha wasn't home at that moment. Looking at a guard, he asked through gritted teeth, "Where is Dad?"
The guard replied, "The Big Master has gone to fetch the younger master."
"Why is this girl here? What is she doing in this house? Who is she to us? Who is she?"
A guard stepped forward and said, "Sir, we don't know. But we saw the Master bringing her here at noon. Before leaving, he told us to look after her. She is like his daughter."
"Waaah! Waaah! You've trapped me now. Chacha said he wouldn't tell his mafia son. What will happen now..." I sobbed, pouting.
Suddenly, Afran pushed Ariya away. Ariya lost her balance and fell to the floor. Afran left the spot without saying anything else.
One of the guards came forward and said, "Ma'am, actually the Big Boss is a bit rude. Don't take it to heart."
He helped Ariya up from the floor. "Maybe the Boss failed to recognize you, that's all. Who are you to him?"
I stopped crying and wiped my nose. "I am nothing to that man!"
Saying this, I ran to my room and cried into my pillow.
The atmosphere was tense. Jafar Saheb was furious; the news of the evening incident had reached his ears. So, Jafar called his elder son. Afran arrived and asked,
"What is the meaning of calling me like this?"
As he spoke, he noticed Ariya standing beside Jafar. Immediately, his blood began to boil. Seeing Afran's eyes, Ariya knew she was in trouble again. Before she could say anything, her lips trembled and she started crying.
Jafar Saheb didn't understand what happened suddenly. He asked Ariya, "What happened again? Why are you crying?"
Ariya didn't say anything and continued to sob. Jafar Saheb looked sharply at Afran. Now he understood the reason for Ariya's tears. He turned to Afran and said,
"Will you never become a decent human being? What is the point of scaring the girl? And is it true that you laid a hand on her this evening?"
Afrand stared at Ariya with clenched fists and a furrowed brow.
"I am asking you something, can't you hear me?"
"Should I sit and pamper a girl like this?" Afran retorted.
At Afran's words, Jafar Saheb lost his temper. Slap! Afran stood there, stunned. The guards watched in shock. No one understood how it happened so fast. Afran said through gritted teeth,
"Dad, you hit me! And that too for this girl?"
...To be continued...