"THE ROAD NOT TAKEN" || A BB [OS]🌸

REUNION

"तेरे बिना कहीं भी न व्याकुल मन लागे,
विरहन, सुर, ताल, साज आज तेरे आगे। नैनन को चैन नहीं रैन रैन जागे,
इक पल में टूट जाएं सांस के ये धागे।।"

What is the cruelest punishment one can give to a deep down lover? Being miles away from their other halves. However, distance never separates them , for their souls are entwined in each other and with every humming of breath, what they hear is the name of the person they love. It brings them even closer and binds
them in a string which is unbreakable.

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With a deep breath of contempt and satisfaction, Bondita stepped down the ship at the port with her luggage. Finally, she was at my homeland.

The horizon was ablaze with the golden hues of the setting sun. The sky, painted with shade of orange, pink and purple, casted a warm, ethereal glow over the bustling port. The gentle waves of hoogly river reflected this mesmerizing palette, created a dazzling display of light and colours.

The port of Kolkata was a hive of activities. The sounds were a symphony of life : the creaking of wood docks, clanking of chain, the rhythmic pounding of hammers as the workers unloaded boxes from ship.

On the dock, a multitude of activities unfolded. Coolies in simple dhoti and turban, carried heavy sacks on their backs. British officers, dressed in crisp uniforms, oversaw the proceedings with a stern eye, ensuring the efficient flow of goods.

Among the throng of people, Bondita stood out. Her attire, influenced by her years in London, was a blend of western fashion and traditional Indian elegance. Her glimmering eyes, teared up a bit with nostalgia and happiness of returning back to her motherland, her family and her 'pati babu'. She scanned the crowd, seeking for some familiar faces.

As the sun dipped lower,casting longer shadows, the port began to take up on a magical quality. The golden light bathed everything in a soft glow, almost surreal.

Bondita could feel the pulse of the city,it's vibrant life force. She took a deep breath, savouring the unique blend of scents, sounds and sights that could only belong to her homeland.

As she trodded to the exit of the dock, she saw a quite rare, yet, a familiar Rolls Royce Phantom XI, that could only belong to the Roy Chowdhury's.

As she approached the car, a man in his late 50s came out of the driver seat and greeted Bondita.

"Namaste choti Bahurani ji, asha karta hu apki yatra surakshit rahi ho ( Salutations madam, I hope your journey was safe and comfortable) ", the man added "apko vapas dekh kar hame bahut prassanta hui. Bade malik or Ghar ke baki sabhi log kabse apki prateeksha kar rahe the ( I'm very happy to see you back. Master and rest of the family members were waiting eagerly for your arrival).

Bondita smiled and said, " hame bhi aap sab ki bohot yaad aai Ramesh kaka, aaj apni matrabhumi par wapas aake mera hridya utna hi prasanna hua jitna apne parivar se milke hoga ( I missed everyone too, Rameah kaka. Coming to back to my homeland gave me the same amount of happiness, as I'll get when I'll meet my family after so long)"

Without wasting any time, Ramesh kept her luggage in the trunk of the car.

As they drove through the bustling streets of Kolkata, Bondita couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over her. The city had changed much, yet remained the same. The street vendors selling colourful arrays of sweets, specially her favourite "ek badam wale roshgulle", brought tears in her eyes as she was reminded of her Pati Babu.