‘How are you, ako?’ Pulok asked.

‘Very well, very well. Have you eaten?’

‘Yes. What time did you come back from Narayan’s house last night?’

‘About eight o’clock. Do you know that it is Chinese New Year tomorrow?’

‘Yes, yes, of course. I’ll come over tomorrow.’

‘Have dinner with us. In fact, after bringing my wife from China, I haven’t had the opportunity to invite anyone over for a meal. You all must come tomorrow.’

Lao Thien Lee started discussing football with great enthusiasm, leaving his customers to be handled by his Chinese employees who could speak both Hindi and Assamese.

‘Has Robin come home on leave?’ he asked.

‘Yes.’

‘Well then, Seven Star will be champions again. Because of him we were able to score four goals last year, remember?’

‘Robin didn’t score a single goal. Liang scored one, Lee Chang two, and Tung Chin scored one goal. Don’t say it was because of Robin that our club scored four goals, Lee ako – Tung Chin and the rest will thrash us.’ Pulok chuckled.

‘Ah ha! Who is going to say it in front of them? You also don’t understand?’ Lao Thien Lee whispered, laughing heartily.

After some time, Pulok left for Lee Chang’s shop.

‘You had quite a chat with the old man, ha!’ Lee Chang laughed. ‘It must have been about football, right?’

‘Does he talk of anything besides football? He heard that Robin has come. He is sure that Seven Star will be champions again!’ Pulok laughed loudly.

‘You will go to Akong’s house in the evening, won’t you?’

‘Yes. What about you?’

‘So will I. We haven’t met in a long time.’

‘I’ve called Mei Lin to Chitta’s house. Give me the bag.’

Lee Chang took out a packet wrapped in paper from under a wooden box and handed it to Pulok. Opening it, Pulok was delighted to see an exquisite purse made of beads and thin strips of polished leather. Inside, it had a velvet lining.

‘Do you like it?’ Lee Chang asked.

‘Yes, very much. It’s beautiful. Did you make it yourself?’

‘Yes. It’s a masterpiece. I won’t make another – don’t worry!’

His heart filled with joy, Pulok left the shop and took the road towards Doom Dooma. A reputed Chinese carpenter named C Hoi, was standing in front of the Chinese Club, a Chinese-style one-storey house. Seeing him, Pulok stopped. It was bustling with activity. The house was like a community centre for the Chinese people of Makum and nearby areas. It was often used for hosting marriages and other festivities. Chinese people from various places often came to stay here during the holidays and on festive occasions. They would have their get-togethers there and eat and dance and make merry.

‘Come to our house tomorrow for the New Year as well as the house-warming party,’ C Hoi said happily.

‘We’ve been looking forward to seeing your new house. We’ll be there for sure. What is happening at the club now?’