The Moonchild : Part 1

The Chatterjee House in Durgapur, West Bengal, was a beautiful two-storey bungalow. Its primary guardian was Mr Mohandas Chatterjee. His wife Lakshmi, his father Ramdas, his daughter Kalyani, and his niece Samiksha were the other residents in the traditional house. He had a factory manufacturing earthen pots. The Chatterjee family was known for its hospitality. Mohandas was talking to someone on his phone with a radiant smile. The reason for this joy was that a family was expected to come to see his daughter, for marriage.

Mohandas kept the phone and walked fast towards Lakshmi.
“What is the hurry?”
“We don’t have time, Lakshmi. They are coming to see Kalyani tomorrow itself.”
“What? Why did you agree? You should have told them next week.”
“They are coming from Kolkata to Durgapur for work. So they asked if we can keep the programme tomorrow itself.”
“Dugga Dugga. I hope everything works out well. We will manage. Do not take tension. Alright, Mr Chatterjee?”
“Now that you have assured me, I am relaxed. I will go make arrangements for tomorrow’s programme. You get Kalyani ready for tomorrow’s program. The boy is a renowned lawyer. I hope all goes well. Tell Samiksha and dada also.”

Lakshmi rushed to her father-in-law’s room

and informed him about the preponing of the programme. He replied with his usual calm, “Everything will be fine. You relax, Lakshmi. God is the sole doer.” In his 70s, Ramdas acquired wisdom that he used for the well-being of others. People shared their personal and professional matters with him for advice.

Kalyani and Samiksha were on the terrace, drying clothes on the ropes fixed for the same purpose. Kalyani was just a few months older than her cousin. After graduation, their guardians were keen on getting them married at the right age.
“I think you are bad at hiding things, di(elder sister).” Samiksha teased Kalyani, pulling her legs.
“What do you mean?”
“Means, a boy is coming to see you soon. So you are thinking about him day and night, am I right?”
“You are wrong. I want to study further. How I wish Baba understands my plight!”

“Don’t worry,

I will go as the ‘girl’ in front of them.” Both started laughing loudly.
“Hmm. And Baba will teach a nice lesson to both of us then. Listen, Samiksha, why don’t you tell my dilemma to your Bandhu (Best friend)?”
Samiksha kept her finger on her chin and started pondering.
“You are right. Let him come tonight. I will discuss your problem with him.”
“Dhanyawad (Thank you), sister.” Kalyani bowed her head and joined her hands in front of her cousin and best friend, Samiksha.
“You are welcome, Di.” Samiksha also playfully raised her hand and blessed Kalyani.

“Kalyani, Samiksha,” Lakshmi called them down immediately from the terrace. Both came running down hand in hand.
“What happened, maa?” Kalyani asked her mother out of concern.
“Chachi, is everything alright?” Samiksha made her sit comfortably on the sofa and offered her water to drink. “Now tell.”
“The boy is coming tomorrow.”
“Which boy?” Both sisters asked at the same time.
“The family. I told you, right? They are coming to see Kalyani tomorrow itself.”
“Tomorrow?” Again, both shouted.

“But don’t worry, Chachi. We will manage. Where is Chacha?”
“He has gone to the market. For making arrangements for tomorrow.”
“Ma, what is the hurry? I want to study further.”
“If they agree, you can continue your studies after marriage too. Right, Samiksha?”
“But of course. Things will work properly. And my Bandhu will guide me tonight if all is well.”

In the evening,

Samiksha ran to the terrace and looked here and there for her dear Bandhu. After a few minutes, he appeared slowly behind the dark blue clouds—her best friend, her guide, the moon.
She screamed at once, “Bandhu, a boy is coming to see my sister tomorrow. What say? Things will work in her favour?”
The movement of the clouds near the moon answered her questions, answers that only she could interpret. Surprisingly, they always helped and guided her.

“Hmm. I guess you are saying yes. So will she be happy with this boy?” She started looking for signs. A big cloud covered the moon, putting Samiksha in a dilemma.
“What? I am unable to understand your hints, Bandhu. Be specific, please. Since we became friends, you have always provided me with answers when doubts surround me.” Born on the 3rd of July, Samiksha was a Cancerian, kind, empathetic and a deep thinker. She always thought of how to make someone smile with her words and actions. But moody like her moon, she often withdrew inside her shell when upset or sad. Despite this, she was known for her generous and compassionate nature in her family. For the well-being and happiness of her loved ones, she could give up anything, even her joys.

“Tell me fast.

I want to make preparations for my di.” After waiting for some more time, she gave up.
“Hmm. I think you are not in the mood to answer my questions today. Alright. I will wait for your hints, though. Goodbye. Love you, Bandhu.”
As soon as she left, the moon reappeared and shone brightly in the sky to hint at something auspicious and good.

At daybreak the next morning, each house help of the Chatterjee house was busy arranging things and cleaning every corner. Mohandas and Lakshmi were both on their toes. His sister Pooja, along with her husband, also came there for the programme. Everyone was ready to welcome the family from Kolkata, which was to arrive in the late evening. Samiksha and Kalyani were in the latter’s room getting her ready.

One of the maids, Aparna, came running to Samiksha.
“Di, come with me.”
“Where to? I am busy.”
“Your Bandhu is shining brighter than every night. Just come and see. It is looking more beautiful today. Shotti (I swear).” She pinched the centre of her neck and persuaded Samiksha.
Kalyani said finally, “Go Samiksha. I am ready now. You have adorned me from head to toe. Now go and see your Bandhu. Run.”

Samiksha kissed her sister’s forehead and ran, “Di, I will be back soon, okay.”

As soon as she stepped onto the terrace, she was spellbound. Aparna was right. The moon shone beautifully in the sky, taking Samiksha’s breath away. She got lost in his beauty, forgetting every other thing.

Meanwhile, the doorbell rang. The guests, including the boy, his parents, and his brother, arrived. Mohandas and his family gave them a warm welcome.

Stay tuned /-

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