Author: Rajat Chandra Sarmah

An engineer by Profession. Best Emerging author of Kolkotta book carnival 24 and Golden book award for his book A SANGUINE TALE Unfolding The Life of a Project Engineer. My second book A New Dawn Adventure in the Golden years is a Amazon Best seller No #1.The short story story collection Whisper of Diverse tale and Behind the headlines , a thriller are my latest addition to my publications. A Symphony of Life , a collection of Poem is due to be released shortly .I co authored in a numbers of Anthologies

The Chaat chronicle:A tale of love and spice( part -1)

Under the sprawling banyan tree at the corner of bustling Raj Bazaar, a modest chaat cart stood as a beacon of hope and sustenance. This cart, lovingly tended by Ramesh and Sunita, a couple whose love story was as colorful as the vibrant spices they used, had become a staple in the market.

Ramesh, a lean man with a face weathered by years of labor under the sun, was known for his quick smile and witty banter. His engaging demeanor made him a favorite among the regulars of the market. Sunita, his wife, exuded warmth and energy, embodying the spirit of their small enterprise. Together, they had mastered the art of creating mouth-watering chaats that tantalized the taste buds of their customers. Each morning, they arrived at the market with fresh ingredients, ready to face the day’s challenges.

One sweltering afternoon, as Ramesh handed a plate of sev puri to a customer, he noticed Sunita looking unusually pensive. Her bright eyes were clouded with worry.

“What’s troubling you, my love?” Ramesh asked, offering her a glass of cold water.

“It’s the rent again, Ramesh. We barely scrape by each month, and now the landlord has increased it again. I don’t know how we’ll manage,” Sunita sighed, her voice tinged with anxiety.

Ramesh took her hand, squeezing it gently. “We’ll figure it out, Sunita. Maybe we can introduce a new item to the menu. How about we offer different flavors of pani puri? People love variety.”

Sunita’s eyes lit up with a spark of hope. “Flavored pani puri! That’s a wonderful idea. We could have mint, tamarind, and spicy chili flavors. You always know how to make things better.”

Ramesh chuckled. “Well, I have to keep up with my clever wife somehow.”

The next day, armed with their new idea, the couple set up their cart with an array of flavored pani puri options. Ramesh enthusiastically called out to the bustling crowd, “Come, taste the magic! Pani puri with a twist, straight from the hearts of Ramesh and Sunita!” Curiosity drew a crowd to their cart, intrigued by the promise of new flavors. The tangy tamarind, refreshing mint, and fiery chili options were an instant hit. The cart buzzed with activity, and the air was filled with laughter and satisfied sighs.

Amid the rush, a well-dressed man approached their cart. “This is exceptional! I run a food blog and would love to feature you two,” he said, handing Ramesh his card. Sunita beamed with pride. “We’d be honored! Please come anytime, and we’ll prepare our best for you.”

That evening, as they counted their earnings, Ramesh remarked, “Maybe our luck is changing. Who knows, one day we might even have our own little shop.” Sunita leaned her head on his shoulder, smiling. “As long as we’re together, Ramesh, I don’t care where we are.”

Despite the hardships, their love for each other remained a constant source of strength. They found joy in the smallest things—a shared cup of chai, a tender glance across the crowded market, or a late-night walk through the empty streets. One night, after closing the cart, Ramesh surprised Sunita with a small bouquet of marigolds. “For my queen,” he said with a theatrical bow, handing her the flowers. Sunita giggled, her eyes shining. “Where did you get these?”

“I traded a plate of bhel puri with the flower vendor,” Ramesh admitted sheepishly. Sunita hugged him tightly. “You’re impossible, but I love you for it.” Their romance was woven into their daily lives, a golden thread in the fabric of their struggles. They supported each other through the ups and downs, finding solace and laughter in each other’s company.( To be continued)

RAJAT CHANDRA SARMAH

Guwahati, Assam, India

Email : rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

Instagram : rajatchandrasarmah5

Published in National level poetry contest by S7 Poetry.

Embracing Slow Living in a Fast-Paced World

In today’s world, where speed and efficiency often reign supreme, the concept of slow living offers a compelling alternative—a way to find peace, purpose, and fulfilment amidst the chaos. Slow living is not about doing everything at a snail’s pace; rather, it’s about embracing a more intentional, mindful approach to life. It’s about savouring each moment, simplifying our lives, and prioritizing quality over quantity. In this article, I try to explore the principles of slow living, its benefits for mental health and well-being, and practical strategies for incorporating it into our daily lives.

At its core, slow living is a philosophy that encourages us to step back from the relentless pace of modern life and reconnect with ourselves, our surroundings, and the present moment. It’s about being fully present and paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. Slow living is characterized by simplicity, connection, and balance—values that are often overshadowed in our fast-paced world.

Mindfulness lies at the heart of slow living. It’s about being aware of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the present moment, without getting caught up in the past or future. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty and richness of each moment.

Simplicity is another key principle of slow living. It’s about decluttering our lives—both physically and mentally—and focusing on what truly matters. By eliminating excess and distractions, we can create more time and space for the things that bring us joy and fulfilment.

Connection is essential to slow living. It’s about building meaningful relationships—with ourselves, others, and the natural world. Slow living encourages us to spend quality time with loved ones, foster deep connections, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Balance is perhaps the most crucial aspect of slow living. It’s about finding harmony between work, leisure, and rest. In a world where busyness is often glorified, slow living reminds us to prioritize self-care and honour our need for rest.( BTO BE CONTINUED)

Rajat chandra sarmah

11/06/24

Guwahati , Assam , India

Mail ID : rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

A Journey to Kaziranga National Park

Henry and Margaret had always dreamt of an adventure. Married for over forty years, the couple had traversed much of Europe and America, but their wanderlust led them to a desire for something more exotic. So, when they stumbled upon an article about Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India—home to the renowned one-horned rhinoceros and the majestic Royal Bengal tiger—they knew it was the next destination on their list.

They arrived in Assam in early November, eager to explore the vast and vibrant landscape that promised to be unlike anything they had ever seen. The air was crisp and cool, a pleasant contrast to the oppressive summer heat they had left behind. Their journey to Kaziranga National Park started with a drive from the state’s capital, Guwahati. As they travelled, they were greeted by a kaleidoscope of lush green tea gardens, mist-covered hills, and vibrant local markets.

Upon reaching the park, Henry and Margaret were awestruck by the sheer beauty of Kaziranga. Spanning approximately 430 square kilometres, the park boasted a diverse array of flora and fauna. Tall elephant grass swayed gently in the breeze, and the air was filled with the melodic calls of exotic birds. The couple checked into a quaint eco-lodge that blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The wooden cabins, set amidst verdant gardens, provided a rustic yet comfortable retreat.

That evening, as they sat on their porch sipping Assamese tea, the distant roar of the Brahmaputra River was a constant reminder of nature’s omnipresence. Their host, Mr. Dutta, a knowledgeable and passionate conservationist, briefed them about the park’s ecosystem and the challenges it faced, especially during the monsoon season when the river swelled and inundated large parts of the park.

The following morning, Henry and Margaret embarked on their first safari. Their guide, Rajiv, was a young and enthusiastic naturalist with a deep love for the park. They set off in an open jeep just as the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue over the landscape to the elephant riding point. Rajiv dropped them there and both of them took the Elephant ride to visit the park. The Mahut ( the elephant handler) can speak good English as he used to take foreign tourists for the safari. They started the tour and the mahut goes on explaining. Margaret asked him one question after another.

The couple’s first encounter with wildlife came in the form of a herd of elephants. Henry marvelled at their sheer size and grace as they moved through the tall grass. Margaret, an avid photographer, clicked away, capturing the gentle giants against the backdrop of the misty dawn.

As they drove deeper into the park, Rajiv pointed out various species of birds, including the Great Hornbill and the Crested Serpent Eagle. But the highlight of the morning was their sighting of a one-horned rhinoceros. The massive creature grazed calmly by a waterhole, its armoured body glistening in the sunlight. Henry and Margaret watched in silent awe, appreciating the tranquillity of the moment. They soon saw a lot of barking deer buffaloes and wild pigs. The mahout told them that the wild pig is a dangerous animal and to keep their distance from them

The couple’s quest to see the Royal Bengal tiger, however, proved to be more elusive. The Mahut explained that tigers were solitary and territorial creatures, often hard to spot due to their nocturnal habits and the dense foliage of the park. Undeterred, Henry and Margaret signed up for an evening jeep safari, hoping that dusk would bring them better luck.( TO BE CONTINUED)

Rajat chandra sarmah

Guewahati 07/06/2024

Mail ID: rajatchandrasarmah@ gmail .com