Letters from Dalhousie to Tulsipur

Part 9- Anirudh and Bondita

The next day had been somehow more calm than the other days of the Roy Chowdhury Haveli. The morning had started with Bondita doing the veneration on her own very early and completing every chore that she used to do before her unfortunate departure a year and a half back.

She had then made breakfast for all the members and felt happy seeing them enjoying her handmade food. And that had included her husband.

She wanted to irritate Anirudh further but her innocent heart didn't support the devious plan of her mind.

She knew that Anirudh had gotten used to her handmade food, since the days of their marriage and always made a fuss, if he didn't get a share of her handmade delicacies.

She chuckled a little remembering an incident of Anirudh creating a ruckus after not getting the fish curry that Bondita had made once.

The fish curry had been really tasty that day and two of Binoy's business associates had been there that day for lunch and they had gobbled up the curry.

Anirudh had gotten a piece of it on his lunch box taken by Bihari and had wished for more at dinner.

But as soon as he had learned of it being finished at lunch, he had left the table in anger not wanting to eat the other dishes made that day at all.

Bondita had laughed at him that day, shocked at his jealousy over a simple fish curry but had made it the next day and Anirudh had finally stopped being irritated and grouchy.

She thought of refreshing his memory today and asked Bihari to go to the hat (A traditional Bengali market that used to bring sellers and farmers from all of the villages at one place, every one or two days per week. It still exists today in the bengali villages or outside of large cities. It is a place of history and culture) to bring a large and fresh Rui Maach (Rohu Fish). She planned to prepare fish curry with pieces of the fish and Muri ghonto with the large head of the fish (Fried fish head cooked with various spices and potato or other things depending on what the cook has available).

She after telling Bihari about his task and sending him on his way, started to make nolen gurer sondesh (A sweet dish made with freshly made soft cheese and jaggery). She knew that, it was a favourite of Anirudh. And something that he always enjoyed, if she made it for him especially.

She was making it and saw Malika entering the kitchen.

"What are you making Bondita? It looks delicious."-Bondita smiled at her friend and explained to her about it but before she could explain further, Batuk entered the kitchen.

"Boudi, why are you only cooking dada's favourite sweet dish? Where's my Roshogolla? You only care about your husband."-Bondita grew red at his words as Malika also started whistling slowly at his words. Finding the blush of Bondita endearing.

Bondita quickly stuffed a morsel of fresh chana (Freshly made cheese) in his mouth to stop his words and in the next second did the same with Malika.

Both Batuk and Malika huffed at Bondita and looked at each other. Finding a solidarity with each other at that moment.

Anirudh had suddenly became busy at reviewing a case paper that he was currently undertaking. The case was about a land dispute between two step brothers.   

He didn't know, whether to settle the case out of the court or not. Both the parties had copies of the will that claimed each of them to be the owner of the land. He was finding it irritating at this moment.

He had been locked in the study since the morning after breakfast and had missed the preparation of his favourite dishes.

"Bihari babu, where's your chote Malik? You called him for lunch right? "-Bondita asked a confused Bihari, who scratched his head before answering her.