‘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!’

A middle-aged Chinese woman entered the shop. She was wearing long trousers and a long top. Mahabir Prasad stopped talking and looked at her.

‘I want a bar of Sunlight soap,’ the woman said with a courteous smile. She took the soap, handed Mahabir Prasad one anna and left the shop with silent, graceful steps.

‘That was Ho Wang’s wife. They don’t have children – it’s very sad.’ Mahabir Prasad sighed.

‘I’ll take your leave, uncle.’ Pulok stood up to go.

‘Alright. Come again.’

Pulok stepped out. This happened whenever he came through this road. Exchanging pleasantries with everyone took up a lot of his time. While crossing the lane he looked towards his left. The road through Cheenapatti was lively with people. A few Chinese women were chatting in front of their houses.

Many Chinese inhabitants had gone to the market to shop for the New Year festivities. The Makum market would be crowded with Chinese people today. Everyone knew that the Chinese loved food. In fact, many shops in the market depended mostly on the Chinese customers.