‘We have a Chinese society meeting. A teacher from Calcutta has come to see our school. He is staying at my house. He will come here after some time. The guardians of the hostel boarders are here to take them home for the holidays. We will be having a meal together. When will the football matches start?’

‘They should start by the end of this month.’

‘Our club must become the champions this year too. You must play well.’

They chatted for some time and then C Hoi went back into the clubhouse. Pulok went on his way. Cheenapatti was at a bit of a distance from the Chinese club. Before he reached, he passed two small shops standing close together. One of them belonged to Chitta Biswas, the other to Johori Khan. Chitta Biswas and Pulok used to study together. Chitta was from a poor family and left his studies midway to start a business. Saying hello to Johori Khan, Pulok went to Chitta’s shop.

‘You didn’t get any sleep, did you?’ Chitta asked.

‘How can one sleep? The bride left only a while ago. You got a chance to sneak out early because of your shop.’

‘You’ll come to our place, right?’

‘Yes. Have you seen Mei Lin?’

‘She has gone to Kaushalya’s place. She’ll be here any time now.’

‘Okay, I’ll be on my way then. You want to come with me?’

‘I’ll go after my brother arrives,’ said Chitta.

After Chitta’s, the two establishments were Mahabir Prasad Shah’s grocery and cloth shops. Mahabir Prasad was the grandson of Nandalal Shah, who had died a long time ago. This was the oldest and biggest store on the road to Doom Dooma. Alongside the store was the big house where Mahabir Prasad Shah lived with his family. One of his sons, Thakur Prasad, was of the same age as Pulok.

‘How are you? Haven’t seen you in a long time!’ Mahabir Prasad welcomed Pulok.

‘I am well, uncle. Where is Thakur Prasad?’ Pulok walked inside.

‘Oh, don’t ask me about Thakra. He is busy the whole day with wrestling, practising stick fights and spending time with the policemen. Only he knows why he does all these things. I am planning to get him married this year. Hope it will set him right!’

‘Everything will be okay, uncle. Don’t worry.’

‘There is a lot to worry about. You are of the same age. You’ve studied. Now you are working. You also play football. Everyone knows you, loves you. You don’t get yourself involved in meaningless hassles. If only my son had been like that!’

‘You should make him sit in the shop with you.’

‘Make him sit in the shop? If he sits in the shop who will get into brawls! My other sons are good. They are working and are settled. I tell him, not only the people of Makum, but people from far and wide knew my father and grandfather. The people loved them. Always keep in mind their respectful position. But he does not listen. Only bad stuff!’