‘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?’

‘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?’