Benaras Hindu University (B.H.U) page 2

I greeted everyone and asked, "It is a surprise for me. How this visit is planned in such a haste? I even not had an iota of thought of this in Kolkata. And also why I am in Varanasi."

My sister told, "Ranjan, this programme is unplanned. But we know that you are here and for what. And we also know that on every Saturday where you pay visit. We are also aware about the timing of your lecture. We reached here at 7 am., and have our breakfast in that restaurant. And when we saw you coming out the temple, we also came out."

I told, "Didi, tell me where you're halting, after the class is over, Salim and I will come and have fun."

This time it was brother-in-law's turn, "Oh! Ranjan, I am going to tell you in detail. We are staying at my friend, who was residing at Dashashwamedh, died of heart attack. His funeral is scheduled by 12.30 pm., at Manikarnika Ghat. That is why we came here to meet you first, because your sister is dying to meet you. And after the funeral is over, we will straight go to Mughalsarai railway station from the crematorium. You complete your course, then came to Kolkata and there we will all have great fun."

There was not much to talk after that. After some time, we pay farewell to each other and parted.

But while coming back to university, few thoughts were disturbing me. Didi has not taken me into her arm. When they came to meet me, then why had breakfast without me? Without bath, without changing dress, they are going to catch train straight from crematorium. By the time I have reached the hostel, the thought process halted.

Salim was waiting for me. We had our breakfast in the canteen, then attended the lecture.

When reached the hostel room after lecture, I told about every happening in the morning and my concerns also. 

Salim started shouting upon me, "See Ravi, the sooner you get rid of your rubbish imaginations, you will be happy."

Then I also closed that chapter.

We both by the time became nostalgic about our respective homes. We were both around 21. Never stayed far away from home that much. And at that time, communication was very costly. Today's generation is well-equipped.

Three months is passed.

We reached Kolkata at 12.30 pm. It was Saturday. Salim  headed for Calcutta University hostel. I reached home. After got fresh, I went to temple.

My grandmother sat in front me while I started my lunch. After few moments my mother also came there. We started chatting about my course, experience, foods, hostel and more. After a long time, I was relishing upon homemade foods.

I saw mom was telling something to my granny in very slow voice, which I failed to guess.

I only heard granny saying, "No, Tomorrow."

I asked what Tomorrow.

But granny suggested me to take a good rest, after a hectic journey. I was also feeling very tired. Started for my bedroom, suddenly sister Ranjana came to my mind. 

I told, "I forgot to tell one thing, Ranjana didi, jeejaajee and his brother and wife met me at Varanasi."

But their reaction was like I have just dropped a bomb.

Granny asked when? I told everything.

Granny came to me, holding me she told, "The day you left for Varanasi with Salim, the same night both the fours met with an accident at Dull housie Squire in car and died. They were partying at their friend's house."

I started crying uncontrollably. With some efforts, both succeeded in consoling me.

I was offered water and then tea. I came to my sense. And then only I realized each and every word of my late brother-in-law.

Even Today, after the end of four decades, whenever the memory of my beloved Ranjana didi comes to my mind, eyes become wet.

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