Chapter Eight- Dinner Time

After the understandings, Sania (Mathin's mother) fed him with food that was cooked by Daud (Mathin's Father). The meal had few items such as aloo vhajee (potato fried curry), dal (lentil curry), steamed rice and fish curry. It was so delicious that Limon ate it in a manner that he did not eat for a long time. He burped a bit louder than ever as Mathin's parents stared at him.

"Pardon me" said Limon for burping loud. Mathin's parents smiled at him.

Mathin's presence paused their moments. She looked as if she was frustrating and tired. Limon was reminded of Salam's clownish antics. After that he whispered the plan to Daud.

"Eh! Boy...Bring my tool" said Daud.

He brought a hammer.

"You eeeediot! I haven't said hammer" said Daud.

"Sir, you haven't mentioned any tool. That's why I brought a hammer" said Limon.

"Put the hammer on my head" shouted Daud.

He put a hammer on Daud's head slowly but he got such an electric shock that he danced. Mathin laughed by shutting her mouth by her right hand because she hardly laughs and always was strict due to the situations she faced in both the past and present.

"You made her laugh! Dear son. Our Mathin hardly laughs. Hey Mathin! (pointed at her) Remember Ataur? Your favorite uncle Humayun's friend?" asked Daud.

"Yes, father. That angry kid! He scratched me a lot. How did you become so handsome and rough? How is uncle Humayun and Aunt Suhana?" asked Mathin.

"They are no longer with me. Passed away" said Limon.

"Sorry for your loss, Ataur. Since how many years?" asked Mathin.

"It's been 7 years. Now it's 2003, years passed more" said Limon.

"Yeah, quite true. The famous thief in Dhaka---" said Mathin.

"Huh! That famous thief killed himself" lied Limon.

"How?" asked Mathin.

"He did not want to survive in the society because of those who framed him" said Limon.

"Oh poor fellow! He should overcome his sufferings. He killed himself, what a shame!" exclaimed Mathin.

"There is nothing to be ashamed about. He deserves that" said Limon.

"If he were alive, I would have said 'get an honest life'. I am harsh for the criminal doesn't mean I will be that harsh to throw away from home. But I hate liars" said Mathin.

Limon went out of the house. He saw the surroundings of the marketplace which was open but overcrowded. He covered his face with a gamcha (light colorful towel), he just went to the marketplace secretly. He was hearing the news of Salam and Farid who were arrested. The only missing person was none other than Limon. He changed his voice to a voice of a female.

"Breaking news: Our Thief, Limon is dead. He committed suicide in a road. The news was heard from one of the victims who saw the accident. Thank you for hearing it" shouted Limon in a female voice. The slum people had mixed opinions about Limon's death.

An hour later, meanwhile Salam and Farid were sitting in the jail. They shared their old times about Limon and their funny incidents while they steal things. Suddenly, a constable came towards the duo.

He said "sad news for you folk. Your friend is drowned dead".

Salam cried "Limon! Dosto! Why?"

"He killed himself in the road right after murder" said the constable.

"How did you get this news? YOU MISER! You and your friend killed our only live. We will start living like a half-dead people, man" shouted Farid who jumped with negative excitement. He pulled the bars with anger but it was so strong that he could not break it.

"Calm down Farid! We cannot move on. It is also unconfirmed news. My heart said he's alive" consoled Salam.

"Yes, it's vague. My friend is also a strong character. He cannot commit suicide. Let us see what happens" said Farid in a calm voice but sighed with relief.