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DurgaPuja 2020

VII
As Soumik was halfway through his little journey towards the girl, when the girl stood up and
started walking towards the door. This was not what Soumik had anticipated, so his planned line of
action and the rehearsed speech was in disarray. He shook his head and as soon as the train
stopped, he descended onto the platform and made his way to the nearest stairs of the Central
metro station.

As he was about to climb the stairs, a female voice startled him, “Aapni Soumikda na? Sujata-r
dada?”
Soumik’s heart stopped beating for a moment as he clung on to the banister for support. He
turned and faced the girl from the train. She was sporting a bright smile, “I am Mandakranta,” the
girl continued, “Sujata’s friend, I have joined your office in the HR department, this is my first
day.”
Soumik’s heart was still racing. “Did my sister know that you will be joining our office,” he said,
returning the smile.
“Oh yes,” Mandakranta replied, “It was she who mentioned about this job opening in the first
place.”
VIII
The guy approached Pinky with a big smile and said, “Hey, you must be Pinky, Dolly Mashi’s
daughter. I am Amit. You have not changed much since we last met fifteen years back. Well, your
recent photo also helped and the knowledge that you have taken up a new job at the Chrysler
building.”

Pinky: “Hey nice to meet you, I wouldn’t have recognized you. But it is a pleasant surprise. Do you
work nearby?”
Amit: “Yes, my office is just across the street from the Chrysler in JP Morgan Chase. My boss is
hosting a celebratory lunch for the department and I can bring a friend. Would you like to join me
rd
th
for lunch today? It is at the little place close to our office at the corner of the 3 and the 34 .
They serve the best kebabs in all of Manhattan. I can pick you up just before lunch time.”
Pinky: “Well I can come if you are sure it is ok. I like middle-eastern food.”
Amit: “Oh sure, I would really like you to come. I will pick you up at 12.15. Here’s my number, just
give me a buzz when you are free.”
Pinky: “See you then.”

Pinky and Amit entered the “Ali Baba” restaurant and were led by a courteous waiter to their
table where already a few of Amit’s colleagues and their friends were seated. A tall man sitting
with

his back to them slowly turned as they approached. “This is my boss, Priya,” said Amit, “Rahul,
this is Priya, a friend of mine.” A strong clasp closed over Priya’s extended hand and she felt
suddenly immobilized by the strong lingering touch which she knew so very well.
Everything else around the restaurant seemed to fade out for her and she heard Amit’s voice
from far away. “Priya, Priya what would you like to drink?,” Amit was asking.
Rahul handed her an iced lemon tea, her favorite. His eyes bored into hers. “Would you like an
Iced Tea, Priya?” he asked in a slightly amused voice. Then he lowered his head and whispered to
her “Let’s drink to new beginnings this Pujo”.

Central Ohio Bengali Cultural Association