Home is where the heart is #YourStoryIndia

.Chapter 20

The next day, Dashami, was the last of Durga Pujo. It was the day of the Bhasan, when the idol was immersed in the holy waters of the Ganga. Maa Durga bade farewell to her family on Earth and left for her heavenly abode, only to come back next year. Everyone wrote Maa Durga's name on leaves with red sandalwood paste in the morning and sent it like a farewell gift for the Mother. The streets would be filled with cries of "Asche bochor abar hobe."......it will happen again next year. It was this promise which made people get back to their drab daily lives, heart filled with hopes.

On Dashami, Maina wore her sari in the Bengali style, her anchol (the hanging part of the sari) put infront. She hadn't talked to her father since the last night. Everyone's mood was a little dampened, on account of it being the last day of fun. Not Maina's.  She had a purpose. She had a plan. It was to execute this plan that she had asked everyone to assemble on the Dalan.

Dashami was the day of the Khichudi, a delicious porridge made of rice and pulses. A Bengali household simply could not do without this dish, especially on rainy days. On this day they served Kichudi to the poor and deprived also, Daridro Narayan Seba,that is, God is present in each and every one of us, so to serve the humans is to serve God himself. After this whole ordeal,when Maina's family finally settled, it was well into the evening hours.

In the meantime Maina had felt restless and nervous, while Philip was too busy serving food. People came to see the 'phorenar' more than they came to get Kichudi. When finally the time came, he went and stood beside Maina while the rest of her family sat in front of her. They probably thought that she had come to announce her marriage to the 'phorenar', so depending on the type of person they were, they got prepared with insults or congratulations.

Maina braced herself, ready to do and say whatever it took to convince her family. After all, she wasn't one of the best lawyers of the firm for nothing.

"I have called you here today to discuss a very critical issue at hand. The house is being sold." She paused for effect. There was a mixed reaction among the audience. Those who knew didn't react. Those who didn't, looked shocked. Those who didn't care either way looked bored.

"What I gathered from the elders is that they are unable to maintain this house as it's old and denigrating. Now I don't know about you, but this house looks just fine to me. Nothing that a little TLC cannot fix. So why sell it? Do you know how lucky you are to be part of such heritage?" Maina looked accusingly at her father and uncles.
"If you destroy your roots, then what is left? Who are you without your history, your culture? Do you want to lose your identity? Take it from someone who has been there and done it. Trust me when I say that selling your home is not the answer, it's the worst decision of your life." Maina spoke passionately at length, emotions flowing in her voice.

"How do you plan to look after this house then? Money doesn't grow on trees!" Her Uncle Ratan protested.
"I've thought about that. We can invite people to spend time in Bengal during Durga Pujo, experience our culture, make it like a tour. We could make money from that." Maina answered back.
"So you want to turn our home into a common hotel, do you?" Sneered an extremely unpleasant aunt.
Before Maina could say anything, Philip spoke up.
"It's nothing like staying in a hotel, I can tell you that. Did you ever treat me like a guest? I know people, friends, who would give anything to experience the same things I did. It's an amazing idea if you open your mind to it." He beseeched ardently. Maina looked at him, gratitude and something else shining in her eyes. She held his hand in her own and gave a squeeze hoping to convey her feelings.

"It's better than selling the house." Koyel spoke up.

"If that is not enough then I will give up my savings." Maina said gravely.
"As will I." Surya added.
"I will too once I start earning. " Koyel joined it.
"Count me in." Titli stood up.
"Me too!" Tintin shouted. He wasn't really sure what was going on,but he wouldn't be left behind so he too agreed. All of their generation murmured their agreement.