CHANDER PAHAR !!!

The depth of a human life is important, not the length of a human life. Beasts don’t kill humans. Greed and Hunger kill humans. While staying in a Hotel of Salisbury City (currently Harare City) of Rhodesia Nation (currently Zimbabwe Nation), Shankar wrote a letter to his mother at Naihati of West Bengal and started thinking about his past days. Few years back, Prasad Das sent a letter to India. Shankar got a job offer from Africa and that’s why; he resigned from a clerical job in Shyamnagar. Shankar reported at the Uganda Railways Office at Mombasa of Kenya Nation. Being a resident of Kimberley, Mr. Prasad Das had an overall idea about Durban.

Dinesh Patel handed over the charge to Shankar. The Nakuru Rift Valley Station got a new Station Master. Why no one stayed here for long if this job is a very secure one? In the jungles near the border areas of Kenya and Uganda, the lions are still very famous worldwide due to their man-eating attitude. How many of you have read or heard about the real story of the Man-Eating Lions of Tsavo? Shankar had to face a man-eater lion at Nakuru Rift Valley, though, he survived luckily. The very next morning, Mobiru and other Africans understood that something is creating problems for the new station master.

There is an old Masai saying that Foolishness first and Wisdom later. On a night, a Black Mamba attacked Shankar, but he survived. Snakes are holy, not men. Mobiru helped Shankar by providing him a Bolt Rifle and a Hunter Horse. The place, Bahati was nearer to Nakuru Rift Valley. Uganda had a Bahati Batallion under British Rule, where Somalis, Masais and Indians were also recruited as military men. Tirumalappa of Madurai, who worked in Bahati Batallion was sent as a Security Guard for the Station Master of Nakuru Rift Valley. Tirumalappa had a plan to go back to Madurai, but, that man-eater lion had some other plans.

Mr. Choudhury decided to take the sweet revenge. The age-old rivalry between Masai tribal people and the man-eater Lions of Kenya still continues and is widely known worldwide. Masais supported Shankar to kill that man-eater Lion. In Masai language, ‘Empika’ means a warrior. At that juncture, Shankar became a warrior. Masai tribal people of Kenya are so courageous that they use themselves as a bait of man-eater lions to kill those lions. It is risky but in most of the cases, the man-eater lions get killed after applying this strategy. A Masai don’t give a reward so easily to anyone. Why Shankar got rewarded by the Masai Chief?

‘Shanti taar jiboner sahajato dharma noy.’ A Portuguese explorer was lying senseless on a tree. The cheetahs and hyenas were trying hard to enjoy the meat of that senseless human. Diego Alvarez, the Portuguese person who was born and brought up in Chinsurah district of West Bengal started recovering his health after getting some good caring treatment from Mr. Choudhury. Few years back, Diego Alvarez and Jim Carter started expedition from the banks of Orange River to explore Africa. They passed through Drakensberg Mountain and across Atlantic Hudson River to enter a Zulu village.

Jim Carter gave some medicines to the patients of that village of Zulu tribal people. King Beza, the chief of Zulu tribe of the Zulu Kingdom of South Africa were very impressed with these two European Explorers and gifted them a precious diamond. After hearing the fact that within the Mountains of the Moon, there are so many precious diamonds, Jim Carter decided to go for an expedition along with Diego Alvarez in search of those diamonds. But, it was a high risk as a Bunyip used to protect the diamonds of the Mountains of the Moon. They ignored the warning and went to Richtersveld Range of Africa. Was Jim Carter still alive?

Can we explore it again? The Station Master resigned from his job. Shankar Choudhury and Diego Alavarez started the expedition. They crossed the Victoria Lake from Kisomo to reach the Mwanza area at the other side of the lake. After reaching Mwanza Port, they headed towards Mt. Kilimanjaro where Shira and Mawenzi are the two dormant volcanoes of the mountain. After a few days, they reached Lake Tanganyika, the 2^nd largest and 2^nd deepest freshwater lake of the world. Do you have any idea about the concept of Fossil Water? Tanganyika gamblers are more dangerous than Tanganyika lions? See the fun!

The gambler got tackled by Diego Alvarez in a smart manner. The gambler was passionate about gambling, maybe, that’s why; the gambler gave respect to the passion of those explorers by giving them an accurate map of Africa. They floated their trawler through Congo River and then they walked through the nearby jungles to enter Rhodesia Kingdom by crossing the hanging bridge of Victoria Falls. By the way; who was David Livingstone?  Yakobus Marius welcomed them. Attilio Gati, the famous Italian Explorer along with his seven sailors got some diamonds. Why all his sailors died? Was Gati having a Holy Cross of Jesus Christ?

They were just 40 miles away from the Mountains of the Moon. Matabin tribal people didn’t support the explorers as they were scared of bunyip. ‘This is our steps of stairs to freedom!’ Rock climbing started. After two days, they reached at a height of around 7500 feet. Why Shankar became senseless? It was Diego’s turn to give a caring treatment to Shankar. Some fragrances of jungle flowers of Africa are highly suspicious and dangerous too. As an explorer, you must always keep your marks at several places of visit. Bunyip already threatened them once, but, they didn’t stop the expedition.

Africa is full of rivers like these whose waters touches the gold mines, but, still, you cannot trace out those gold mines. What a strange continent, Africa is indeed! No one told them or no one ever knew that there was an active volcano in Richtersveld Range of Africa. Explorers don’t follow other explorers but discover new things and new maps in their own way. What is the concept of Dead Circle in a jungle tour? Shankar had a desire to learn the use of Sextant, though he knew how to use a Mariner’s Compass. Who killed Diego Alvarez? Shankar stopped the expedition and tried to return back to Rhodesia.

Shankar entered inside a dangerous cave and struggled a lot. Inside that cave, were there any diamonds? Humans have brains and Mr. Choudhury utilized his brain to kill that bunyip. The Master-Trap was too good enough to kill that foolish bunyip. Shankar started walking through the Kalahari Desert of Africa. To save himself from the cold waves of Kalahari Desert, Mr. Choudhury again entered inside a cave. After seeing the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ inside that cave, Shankar read Gati’s letter and cremated Gati’s skeleton. Shankar got 5 diamonds which was kept inside Gati’s boot. Did Shankar saw those diamonds before in another cave?

The glider which was going towards Kruger Hills failed to hear his shouts. Shankar was unable to walk at that juncture due to muscle pains in his legs. That’s why; Cheetahs and Hyenas of Chimanimani Mountains planned to fulfil their hunger. The surveyors of Paul Kruger National Park rescued Shankar while on their way from Kimberley to Cape Town. The Salisbury Daily Chronicles published the real adventurous story of an Indian Explorer. Shankar sent 2 big diamonds to his mother. By selling 3 diamonds, he bought a Steamer Boat. Where was Mt. Alvarez? Who started a new expedition from Beira Port towards “CHANDER PAHAR”?

SHARREY CHUATTAR !!!

In 1950’s, Kolkata was the hub of quality education and jobs. But, the numbers of houses in Kolkata were lesser than it was actually required. Every week, Rajanibabu used to go to his village house on Saturday evening and return back on Monday morning at the ‘Annapurna Boarding House’. ‘Ehe pooro bhasiye diyeche. Jattosab Janowar er baccha.’ ‘Nijeke Janowar bolle je.’ When a married couple becomes older, they always love to quarrel with each other. Rajanibabu said, ‘Bou maane ki? Bou maane Gaachtala. Manush tetey poorey ese gachtala e bose. Aar tumi hoccho amar Khejur gaach. Kaanta ache, chaya nei.’ Rajanibabu’s wife replied, ‘Besh toh, chaya ache emon gaachtala teh giye boslei toh paaro.’ Rajanibabu sang out of frustration, ‘Kintu Batobrikkho paai kotha?’

Madan, the servant of ‘Annapurna Boarding House’ was fond of counting the staircases. ‘Ei moreshe, eeni abaar cha khan na, doodh. Babu! Doodh’. ‘Tara! Byom Kali!’ Akhil Babu was a die-hard devotee of Goddess Kali. Kedar was feeling the pressure, but, alas, Mr. Shib was taking a long time in the latrine. ‘Jahon er upay ase, jakhoni jaao, dorjaaye khil meira boisa ase.’ ‘Oi dakh, Madan abaar cha niye eseche.’ Kedar passed a comment at Kamakhya, ‘Baro besi saak paata khaon arambha korsosh. Dekhish, gutaish na.’ Wherever Bachelors or Heartbroken men live together, there has to be some romantic music and songs. ‘Amaar e Jouban Champa Chameli boney akarono ucchala beenito. Aanchal dolaaye hai ke go aasey, ke go jaaye. Surey surey beje othe jiboner ee beenito. Ke baa sei lalona, chander o jharona? Bhalobasa jodi paao bhalobese mauro na.’ Shib Babu felt disturbed after seeing those young gentlemen who were dancing and singing. But, Rajanibabu was very happy with them. ‘Eha Ha Ha Ha...baah! baah! Besh! Besh! Ei toh chaai! Ei rakom bhabhe roj amod ahlaad kora chai.’

‘Babu, dujon maaiyachele. Aggey! Edike asche.’ A family got kicked out from a rented house of Kolkata for not paying the hiked rent to the landlord. Aghore’s wife planned to take the help of her Kakababu. Aghore and his family members decided to stay at the ‘Annapurna Boarding House’ till they get a new rented house. Aghore had a deal with Rajanibabu. Rajanibabu started the construction of a room on the 2^nd floor of that building. After seeing Ramala, all the men of that boarding house called up a meeting whether an unmarried girl should live in that boarding house or not. Almost everyone showed some sympathy on Ramala and her parents. Shibbabu’s comment added fuel to the fire. ‘Ekhane praaye sab ee abibahito cheleder kaarbaar, kaajei amaar ashonka hocche jeh boarding er shanti bhanga hobe.’ All the bachelor boys shouted, ‘I Protest!’ Kedar said, ‘Alright, I accept his challenge. Amra proman koira dimu jeh amra beya na koriya o charitrabaan.’ In the voting process, Shibbabu and Panchananbabu accepted defeat. Akhilbabu confirmed, ‘Pass! Pass! Pass!’

Rampreeti called up at the telephone number of ‘Annapurna Boarding House’. ‘Aah! Ki mushkil! Meyecheler gola sunchi ar bolchen, Annapurna Boarding. Nonsense!’ Ramala replied, ‘Apni ekta Idiot.’  Sometimes, love story begins with a fire of fights and quarrels to pave the way for the fire of romance and affection. Akhilbabu started singing a devotional song, ‘Yeh maya prapanchamoy, bhabaranga mancha majhe rang er o noy, natabar o hari; jaare jaa saajaan se taai saaje.’ When Rampreeti was telling the story of telephone cross-connection to Kedar, Ramala entered inside his room and blasted at him, ‘Aar apni kothakar bhadralok moshai. Apni amake Nonsense bolen ni.’ Rampreeti became furious now. ‘Boarding e meyechele elo kotha theke?’ Again, the quarrel started. It was Rampreeti Vs. Other Bachelor Boarders. ‘E rakam korle, boarding ar boarding thakbe na, flat baari hoye jaabe.’ Akhilbabu said, ‘Kono dictator ee kichu korte paare na bhai. Jeeni korbaar teeni thik hee korchen. Maa Tara! Byomkali!’ Due to these quarrels, Ramala was feeling sad. Madan understood the feelings of Ramala and gave assurance, ‘Jakhon pyanch maarbo, takhon gughu chakkar dekhiye charbo. Hanuman Madan jakhon ache, takhon apnaar kono bhabna nei.’

‘Hai re kothay galo sei Pranonath, Praneswar, Hridayballav!’ Rajanibabu was feeling fed up of his wife and he started his journey towards Kolkata at midnight itself out of anger. ‘Oi dekho, andhokaare pare ki mare ki hoy, O Chaaru! Abhiram ke bol na lonthon na niye sangey jete. Challo!’ Almost all the men of the boarding were trying to impress Ramala. Madan uttered, ‘O Baba! Bhor thekei dekhi railing bhorti. Baba! Setar poreche! Gaan hocche! Holo ki?’ Rampreeti was trying to get some information from Madan about Ramala. Madan was trying to create a patch-up between Rampreeti and Ramala. But, Ramala heard everything and again bombarded on Rampreeti by saying, ‘Apni toh moshai atyonto eetor, samanya bhadrota bodh o ki apnaar moddhe nei. Boarding e thakar janyo apnaar maton ekta baaje lok er kache okaloti korte pathabo na.’Rampreeti was about to leave the boarding house that Rajanibabu cooled him up diplomatically. ‘Ei Aghore! Sono edike eso. Ki tomar meyer kando sono dekhi sab. Ki kore gache, ki bole gache, jacchetai kore gaalmando kore gache.’ 

Every morning, almost all the boarders stand by the side of the railings to have a glimpse of Ramala. Rampreeti was about to collide with Ramala that Akhilbabu shouted, ‘Byomkali’. Everyone laughed at it. Ramala thought that everyone laughed at her. Shibbabu complained about the boys to Akhilbabu. ‘O Shikari beral er gofh, dekhlei ami bujhte paari.’ Kedar shouted, ‘Shikari keu ee kom na moshai. Oi chokh ghuriya naak jharon er artha ta ki?’ To soften up the situation, Ramala’s mother invited Kedar to have a cup of tea. Everyone was pointing fingers at Ramala. Ramala showed an emotional outburst at Rampreeti. Rampreeti understood his mistakes and repented. Ramala and her family members got shifted to the room at 2^nd Floor. Slowly and steadily, Ramala and Rampreeti started loving each other. ‘Kabhu baa megher chaya, kabhu baa chander o alo, alo aandharer khelaye, diyo go baasite bhalo.’ Kedar was eating Maalpuya at Ramala’s house. Rampreeti felt jealous on Kedar. ‘Dekhechish jwala dhoreche.’ Kamakhya was insulted! ‘O Baap Kedar amaar. Ekbaar neme aaye, neme aaye, O Baap Kedar amar.’ 

The competition of love letters started. Madan acted as the Postman. In those days, love letters had its own romantic importance with its beautiful literary contents. One love letter got hacked. The letter created a sensation in the boarding. Boarders were in favour of giving a final shape to this love relationship. Rajanibabu’s wife read whose letter? ‘Briddher upodesh diyo na. Likhecho tumi gyanbriddho, kintu ami o kochi khukhi noi. Bhalobaasa r moddhe hiseb nei. Aar jano hiseb koro na.’ Rajanibabu talked with Rampreeti and started acting as the marriage organizer. Why Rajanibabu’s wife did a make-up to look more beautiful? After coming back home, Rajanibabu was surprised to see his wife’s new make-up but felt too impressed. The Tantrik confirmed that Rajanibabu would again start loving his wife like before. Haran Dutta gave the information that someone was going to get married in ‘Annapurna Boarding House.’ Rajanibabu’s wife and children started their journey towards Kolkata. ‘Iti gandhe pushpe, namah, prajapataye namah.’ In the marriage ceremony, Didima scolded Dadu, ‘Taule taule etoh chalana.’ Didima became too dangerous at that juncture. Kedar rightly said, ‘Byomkali.’ ‘Sei briddher upodesh diye onaar sei chithi. Rajanibabu r shtri bhebechen buro bujhi abaar biye korte choleche.’  To laugh heartily and loudly, there is no need to visit any laughing club, just simply watch the Bengali evergreen comedy movie, “SHARREY CHUATTAR.”