Naukadubi: The Boatwreck

Chapter 12

Vacation at Kamala's boarding school was nearing. And after much thought and consideration, during the holidays, Ramesh had already decided to keep Komala in the school itself.

That particular morning, Ramesh rose early and stood still on the deserted road of the field, intending to walk to the school. After marriage, he planned to reveal all the details about Komala to Hemnalini and then speak to Komala herself. If everyone understood in this way, Komala, of her own accord, would stay with Hemnalini as a friend. He thought it wise to practice this in Hazaribagh before bringing it to the notice of the people in the country.

Returning from the field, Ramesh went to Annadababu's house. Suddenly, he saw Hemnalini on the path. It was an unexpected encounter. Any other day, there would have been some casual conversation, but today was different. Today, Hemnalini's face was flushed, as if a glimmer of a smile had appeared on it, illuminated by the light of her vibrant blood... Hemnalini turned her face down, quickly lowering her eyes, as a tinge of red hue flustered her face. Hem walked away quickly.

Ramesh, who had learned the basics of Harmonica from Hemnalini, started playing the key tunes after reaching the study. But for how long? Next, He attempted to read poetry books—realizing that, the melody of love from a distant horizon had risen so far in his heart that no poem could reach there.
'Hey re... ' Ramesh sighed on him own.

Hemnalini, brimming with exuberance, had completed her household chores, and now, she sat in the veranda, bathed in the warm glow of contentment. Her face bore the unmistakable glow of fulfillment, and an overarching sense of purpose adorned her being. As the day unfolded, Ramesh, leaving behind his poetry books and harmonium, arrived at Annadababu's house just before tea time. On a previous occasion, their encounters had been marked by fleeting conversations, but today, he discovered the dwelling deserted—tables untouched, and Hemnalini absent from her resting quarters.

Annadababu took charge of the table when Ramesh arrived. The word was uttered, but it was stopped by Akshay. He said with a smile,
"Ramesh Babu, why don't you change your name?"

Ramesh, in an attempt to maintain his composure, sarcastically replied, "Akshay, what are you trying to imply?"

Akshay opened the newspaper and said, "Look, a student with your name, by using someone else's name, has passed the exam—quite unexpectedly."

Upon hearing this revelation, Ramesh found himself engulfed in a storm of emotions. The consequences of his choices were now returning to haunt him, rendering him speechless. He remained unable to provide a direct response—a testament to the restraint Akshay had imposed upon him over time.
Sensing Ramesh's internal struggle, Akshay continued with false empathy,
"Look, my friend, whenever you earnestly try to guide Hemnalini as a well-wisher, her reaction is one of anger. Allow me to narrate the entire narrative. You see, my younger sister, Sharat, is a student at the girls school. Just yesterday evening, she approached me and shared, 'Brother, Ramesh Babu's wife is enrolled in our school. She has been accommodated in the boarding facility. Yet, she is in tears, causing quite a scene.' It struck me immediately—this is not right. Sharat has made a grave error, and there is potential for more missteps!"

Ramesh was struck by Sharat's mistake. Such a mistake, and what else can one expect from a girl who has gone astray!

Hemnalini, too, was aware of Ramesh's difficulty in responding. So, for a long time, Akshay had been advising Ramesh in this way.

As much as he has hurt, its retaliation has come. Even today, it cannot be tolerated. In the guise of a good-natured laughter, Akshay said with a dry laughter,
"Am I to be jailed or committing a crime."

Ramesh, in the turmoil of emotions, sarcastically replied,
"Akshay, what do you want to say?"

Akshay opened the newspaper and said,
"Nothing more." He exhaled sharply.