Bhargavi was meditating in front of the in-house goddess, sitting leg crossed in a lotus, her eyes closed, her hands joined and loosely kept on her lap, her face quiet and peaceful. It has always been a part of her daily routine, meditation, but for the first time she was doing it in front of the goddess. Since her arrival in Tulsipur, it has been a part of her integral daily chore. She learnt it from her Choto Zamindar Babu, who, choosing her as his dedicated disciple, would wake her up early every morning, and together they would customarily perform this little solemn act in the terrace in absolute silence. None would speak, yet he would teach her different forms of easy yoga, and she would marvel at how skillfully he would perform them. And when after the initial relaxation exercises are over, Batuk would pick his iron club for a much more rigorous exercise for the next half an hour. Bhargavi would then quietly leave him in his preferred seclusion.

'Dada used to teach us, Bondita and I, every morning when we were of your age... Um, or a little younger may be.'
Batuk would say to her, wiping the sweat from his glistening chiseled body with a red towel.
'This one hour in the morning is all yours. Don't let anyone steal it. And once you have mastered how to use it perfectly, the rest of the day is all yours to conquer.'

Bhargavi would listen to Batuk's advice with wrapped attention, and then she would smile in agreement, acknowledging the wisdom of his words. "Is that why you are so carefree all the time? Is that why you think so less?" she would tease him at times.

"Is that a compliment?" Batuk had asked once with a confused frown, after one of such exercise sessions.

"Compliments are earned. Have you earned one, Choto Zamindar Babu?" Bhargavi had responded mysteriously with a shrug.

'Have I not?'

Batuk had lived with his elder brother and Bondita for so many years that he had long given up minding such teasing remarks. He had smiled jovially and had turned to Bhargavi with a grin on his face.
'How about you be a good girl, run down and fetch my breakfast in the study. And then I'll give you a compliment.'

'What compliment?' Bhargavi had asked, and in response Batuk had stretched his right hand and pinched her nose gently.

No further compliments were needed that morning, as this one
insignificant act of affection had perfectly brightened the rest of Bhargavi's day, and many of her secluded thoughts.

Bhargavi sighed in her meditating state, and her lips quivered a little in suppressed emotion.
How she so dearly missed those little banter of theirs!

However, her thoughts were soon interrupted by the ringing of the telephone, jarring her out of her meditative trance. It was a late evening call, and she rose to her feet at once, wondering if it was from Barrister Dadababu.

She rushed across the hall, up the stairs, and straight to the study where Bondita had already picked up the call.

"Yes, really? When?"

Bhargavi heard Bondita gasping on the telephone.

"And now? Oh alright... That should do."

Bondita continued.
It wasn't audible what she heard from the other side of the telephone, and although Bhargavi, with all her heart and soul, wanted to go near and interrupt to ask Bondita of Batuk's whereabouts, she remained silent out of decency.

"Just tell me if he's safe?" Bondita had pressed the receiver to her ears with both hands, and suddenly her question made Bhargavi's heart thud louder.

"Dugga Dugga... God's grace Barrister Babu... I'll inform KakaSasurji at once."
Bondita was smiling.

"And she?"
The smile took shape of a frown as she heard her husband.
"Just bring them back first."

"Yes... Yes... Absolutely... I know..."

"Paul knows?"

"And you'll go to Chattagram? Do you have a plan?"

"No, no, yes, I absolutely understand."

"That's alright, I know you can't speak much, so do what needs to be done."

"Yes, he and Batuk and Mira too."

"I know you'll do your best."

"Take care Barrister Babu... I'm waiting for you all... Yes... Yes... Come home safe... Dugga Dugga..."

Bondita sighed deeply before keeping the telephone down, a smile of relief on her lips, and Bhargavi thought she just broke a fever.
She too smiled, closing her eyes a then another loud ring from the telephone shook her back to reality.

Bondita had received the call again.

"Yes... He isn't available, this is his wife."

"No... Perfectly... I know who you are... "

Bhargavi noticed the look of annoyance slowly spreading on Bondita's happy face.

"You know what... I don't have time for this... "

"My husband is perfectly... Listen Mrs. McKenzie... No you listen first... Never... "

A brief silence and Bhargavi saw Bondita sinking down on Barrister Dadababu's new revolving leather chair with the receiver pressed to her ears.

"I absolutely have no interest... No... Not my brother in law... How dare you..."

"Don't you dare come to my house... No... No Mrs. McKenzie... Listen... "

Bhargavi heard her and then let out another sigh. She knew who was one the other side of the telephone, and she knew how heartless that woman can be.

"I'm illiterate? How dare you!" Bondita was almost screaming.
"I've not only learned the grammatical nuances of my own language but everything about your language too, and here I'm speaking to you in your language... Yes... Precisely..."

Bondita continued, waging a battle of words, and Bhargavi didn't wait her to finish. She slowly walking away from the study towards Rudhita's room, and the last thing she heard was Bondita asking the lady to shut up over the telephone in her vernacular language.

"Shame on you, two bengali men you claim to be with, yet fumbling with the meaning of a simple bengali word... "

"Exactly, Boka, that's just being dumb..."

"And yes, I'll have a baby when I wish to have one, and definitely not as a freck accident as you claim."

Bhargavi didn't wish to hear the banter any longer.

.....................................

The final notes of the dance set lingered in the air, as the colossal chandelier above cast a dim glow upon the middle-aged men seated around the ornate dance floor. Bhromor Bai, the ever spirited, enigmatic woman, personally poured the crimson elixir into silver-stemmed glasses, her delicate eyebrows arched with a hint of mystery. She was the belle of the ball, captivating the attention of Raibahadur Shashi Chandra, the groom, a man well into his twilight years embarking on his fifth nuptial journey. This night marked the celebration of his ill-fated union with a child bride of twelve summers. His eyes exuded a despicable blend of depravity and lust, as he repeatedly extended his arms in an attempt to claim Bhromor Bai. Each time she evaded his grasp, leaving him yearning for more.

'Just a little more...' Bhromor Bai kept pouring the expensive liquor

Glasses brimming with the expensive libation continued to descend Shashi Chandra's throat, and with each sip, his bloodshot eyes grew fiercer. Bhromor Bai's lips curved into a seductive and enigmatic smile, a dance of intrigue upon her visage. Unbeknownst to the revellers, the conniving Raimoti had cautioned Bhromor earlier in the day, "The old bastard must not retain his senses when he enters his chamber tonight." And so, just as she had done the previous night, Bhromor surreptitiously mixed potent sleeping potions into the guests' drinks, ensuring their deep slumber. However, Shashi Chandra was served a diluted dose, leaving his eyes heavy-lidded and his limbs unsteady as he rose to his feet.

With a touch tainted by lecherous intent, Shashi Chandra brushed against Bhromor Bai's bosom, his hand squeezing with force.

"No... Not... Not You my darling..." Shashi Chamdra's words were slurry.
"Tonight, I shall fuck my new bride," he uttered, his lips moist with a predatory anticipation. Weaving on unsteady legs, he stumbled out of the grand hall, heading towards his inevitable tryst. Observing his departure, Bhromor Bai's vigilant gaze swept over the figures strewn upon the long cushioned mats, their bodies surrendered to the blissful embrace of sleep. The guests were oblivious to the unfolding events, and the host was now en route to the lion's den. This was the opportune moment that Bhromor had been patiently awaiting. She inhaled deeply, her crimson lips parting slightly before issuing a sharp, piercing whistle. Another followed suit, affirming her accomplishment in executing her task dutifully.

Not far away, two Krantikaris rose with determination, their figures emerging from the shadows.

"Vande Mataram, Girish, Mono," one of them proclaimed, their words carrying the weight of reverence for their motherland.
A dark silhouette clenched a fist in the air, a symbol of unwavering resolve.
"Vande Mataram, Satya Da... May we triumph or meet our demise," one of the boys bravely declared, a courageous smile gracing his countenance.

......................................

The office door of Shashi Chandra cracked open, revealing a sliver of light as a mysterious figure draped in a flowing black shawl emerged, gliding silently through the entrance. With deft movements, he discreetly tucked a white envelope into the folds of his dhoti's waistband, and then hastened towards the staircase, his steps quickening as he made his way to the east wing of the majestic Chattagram Raybahadur palace.
The entire palace was asleep, as if in a deathly slumber, engulfing the guests and host and all the servants in a spell.

Neelmoni Mukherjee of course was awake in his room, away from all the gaiety of the nightly celebration, and was abruptly interrupted from his reverie when his chamber door burst open, shattering the tranquility of his thoughts. Caught off guard, he turned to face the intruder, his grip tightening on the iron grills of his confined space, reminiscing about his days of grandeur. The burden of his current house arrest had left him weakened and weary.

Neelmoni shifted his gaze towards the doorway and let out a deep sigh, a frown etched upon his face. Weary from the monotony, he settled into a chair beside the window, seeking solace in the view outside.

"Shashi Chandra wishes to bring about your demise," the caller revealed, removing the black shawl to unveil his face.

Neelmoni sighed wearily, his weariness accentuated by the weight of the news. "You think I am unaware of Shashi's intentions, Probir?"

"He desires your signature on the property deeds for your Birmingham estate. Once accomplished, he will no longer impede your path," Probir continued, his voice laced with urgency. "Furthermore, he intends to eliminate your daughter."

"My daughter?" Neelmoni gasped, his voice tinged with shock, his knees trembling as he attempted to rise. Overwhelmed, he sank back into his chair once more. "Where is my daughter?"

"Somewhere close by," Probir's voice carried a grave tone, evoking a sense of helplessness in the old man as he gazed up at the man's face.

Probir approached Neelmoni slowly, placing an envelope upon the table.
"I know the whereabouts of your daughter, and I can save you from these perils, Mukherjee Sir," he paused briefly, allowing his words to settle. "However, you must save me in return."

"How?" Neelmoni's voice cracked, and following Probir's gaze, he reached out with trembling hands to retrieve the envelope.

"This document is your escape from the country—a coveted invitation from your brother-in-law in Scotland. By identifying me as your son, we can journey together," Probir explained.

"My son?" The old man gasped, stunned by the revelation.

"Only blood relations are granted passage aboard the ship based on foreign invitations, evading further scrutiny," Probir clarified. "Moreover, the letter extends the invitation to both you and your ward."

"What about my daughter then?" Neelmoni clutched the letter against his chest, but Probir swiftly reclaimed it, understanding its value as his only leverage.

"I suspect she may not be inclined to accompany you," Probir responded. Neelmoni contemplated the situation, his expression pensive.

"Something of significant magnitude is set to occur tonight. I can sense it," Neelmoni spoke slowly, his voice filled with foreboding.

"I am aware," Probir affirmed. "A group of Krantikaris are present here, plotting something immense. Your daughter appears to be involved."

"Raimoti with the Krantikaris!" Neelmoni's eyes widened, and anger consumed his countenance.
"Of course she is! That treacherous doctor!" He clenched his teeth to express his indignation.

Probir stood in stoic silence, his presence a testament to the gravity of the situation. Neelmoni, sensing the weight of their precarious alliance, directed his final inquiry at him.

"Why do you extend your aid to me?" Neelmoni's voice resonated with a mixture of curiosity and desperation, as he sought to understand Probir's motivations.

"Because it is the right thing to do," Probir replied promptly and with unwavering conviction. In his mind, he wrestled with a response he dared not utter aloud.
'Because I am left with no choice. Shashi would surely end my life regardless. I am destitute, with no means or place to escape. You represent my sole chance at survival!'

Probir released a soft sigh, folding his arms across his chest, assuming an air of confidence, even if it masked a pretense. "So, Mukherjee Sir, what shall be your decision?" he inquired, his voice laced with anticipation.

"Allow me to see my daughter first, and then I shall comply with your wishes," Neelmoni asserted, rising from his chair, determination etched upon his features.

"I shall fulfill that request," Probir assured him.
"But before that, there is one task you must undertake. Shashi Chandra keeps his wealth locked away in a safe within his bedroom."
Placing an iron key upon the table, he continued, "We require money, and you need to gain access to that small vault."

"Why can't you do it?" Neelmoni queried, accepting the key into his trembling hands.

"I thought you wanted to see your daughter," Probir replied, a sly smile gracing his lips as he produced a small vial of chloroform from his pocket, teasingly insinuating his intentions.

.........................................

Dear Readers,
If you are reading this, then despite all these days of absence, you are still with me in this journey.
I thank you from my heart for the same.
I'll keep my updates regular provided you all respond to this update with love.
I missed you all.
❤