̶I̶̶C̶̶T̶ - Fun City🥳

11. Shangana gagane ghor ghanaghata

After a full day long train journey Abhi and Mayank arrived at Kolkata, the 'City of Joy'. The most daring deed they have ever done in life. It was dawn. First ray of sun lightning the 'Tilottama' (special name of Kolkata). Abhi thought how can be a megacity such beautiful! The old-modelled houses, high buildings of British era, yellow taxis all seem to him so enchanting. He just forgot the grief of running away from his beloved dad and brothers stepping in the magical city.

Mayank picked a taxi and directed to go Shyambazar. Intentionally he didn't go to Behala, his father's ancestral house as their neighbours could recognise him and inform the former captain. The taxi stopped near a old house, most probably made in 1950's or 60's decade. Walls are cracked in multiple areas, frames of windows aren't good in condition but Abhi liked the old structure. May be when a wealthy, modern society boy sees old era's milestones, every single thing seems nice to him.

A boy gave the keys to Mayank. May be Mayank's bangali friend as Abhi couldn't understand their conversation. The boy was surely larking with Mayank. Then he greeted Abhi calling him "bhabi" and introduced himself as Adiraj, a college student and Mayank's childhood friend. He himself arranged the rented house for his friend and now he have to go or he'll be late in coaching class.

***[Jahan Abhi wahan Adi. Matlab apne Abhi bhabi ka pichha nahi chhodega yeh😒]

"Zid karke bhaag aaya, ab reh payega yahan ?" Mayank asked Abhi seeing inside's condition. Sooted, dusted and rusted.

"I have already said, tumhare saath footpath me bhi reh sakta hun"

"Chal naha le. Main bahar se lunch mangwata hun, Afternoon mein groceries kharid ke raat ko kuchh bana lenge"

Abhi thanked the boy Adi in his mind as he not only arranged the house but also brought a stove and some other necessary accessories too. The bathroom he used wasn't like bathroom to him at all. As he is habituated with tiled modern bathroom with bathtub and showers, here the so called rusty bathroom is too small in size with a door made of asbestos.

When he came out taking bath anyhow, saw Mayank sleeping on floor; couldn't sleep properly in train. Abhi unzipped his bag and took out the only one cotton sheet he brought. Then softly stroke Mayank's sweaty forehead.

"Utho zara, is sheet ke upar so jao"

Mayank replied before closing tired eyes again, "nahi, floor pe hi thik hun. Bohot garmi hai yahan"

He is quite right. Abhi is also sweating even just after bath. They have no cooling system except a second hand stand fan which is also given by Adi. Abhi wiped Mayank's sweat with his wet towel and said;

"Tum bhi naha lo, phir lunch karke so jana"

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At afternoon they sat with notepad to list their groceries. As expected Mayank had no idea which thing is needed in what amount. Abhi said, "mujhe pata hai, do main likhta hun"

"Par tujhe kaise pata ?"

"Maine dekha hai papa ko online se groceries order karte hue"

"Lekin tujhe amount ka idea kaise milega. Tere papa to full family ke order karte the, or yahan sirf hum dono"

"Simple, papa jitna order karte the uske ¼ bhaag kharidenge"

Mayank praised his little lover's wit through his gaze, making the cute boy blush. After preparing a good long list they went for market. In the road Abhi saw hand-pulling rickshaw for the first time. Despite being a megacity, ancient British capital is still carrying mediaeval memorials.