VERY HAPPY TO INFORM THAT MY BOOK “A SANGUINE TALE UNFOLDING IN THE LIFE OF A PROJECT ENGINEER ” IS SELECTED FOR THE GOLDEN BOOK AWARD 2024.

In a small and beautiful town nestled in the Eastern part of India, lived Mr Arjun Kalita, a retired school teacher. Widowed and finding solace in the simplicity of his routine morning walks in the serene atmosphere of the botanical garden and park with pathways facilitating morning walks by the citizens, Mr Kalita had a profound appreciation for nature’s beauty, particularly flowers.

One day, as he strolled through the town’s market, his eyes caught a glimpse of vibrant colours that seemed to dance in the sunlight. Intrigued, he followed the hues to a quaint little stall where an elderly florist, Ms. Radha, displayed an exquisite collection of flowers.

Mr. Kalita was drawn to a unique assortment of the blooms that Ms. Radha had cultivated with meticulous care and now displayed in her stall. Among them, a rare hybrid named “Morning Serenade” stood out – a delicate flower with petals that seemed to capture the essence of dawn itself. Enchanted by its beauty, Mr Kalita decided to purchase the plant, not just for himself but with a thought to share its allure with someone else.

The next morning, he carefully placed the potted “Morning Serenade” on the windowsill, allowing the first rays of sunlight to embrace its petals. Little did he know that this small act would set in motion a series of events that would weave the canvas of his life with another’s.

As Mr. Kalita continued his routine walks, he encountered Ms. Meera, an elegant and independent woman who embraced each day with a morning stroll in the town park. Their paths crossed near the orchid area where lovely orchids were blooming. Mr Kolita smiled at Ms Meera as a courtesy and she reciprocated with a warm smile back at Mr Kalita. Soon they got introduced and with the “Morning Serenade” as an icebreaker, a conversation sparked between them.

Ms. Meera, too, had a love for flowers, and the two found common ground in their appreciation for nature’s wonders. The park became a canvas where they shared stories, laughter, and the beauty of the changing seasons. As days turned into weeks, their connection deepened, transcending the boundaries of age.

One morning, Mr. Kalita surprised Ms. Meera with a small bouquet of “Morning Serenade” flowers. The delicate blooms carried not just the fragrance of the morning but also the unspoken words of companionship and understanding. Ms. Meera, touched by the gesture, reciprocated reciting a poem she had penned about the beauty of fleeting moments.

Their mornings together became a ritual, a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. They explored the park hand in hand, discovering hidden corners and creating memories that would linger like the fragrance of their favourite blooms. The park transformed into a haven of serendipity, where the “Morning Serenade” flowers bore witness to a blossoming romance. Each waits for the other at the entrance to welcome, and that becomes a ritual. They gradually spent more and more time in the park walking and gossiping in the bench provided on the way. Mr Kalita, who became a silent man after the death of his wife regained his life and Ms Meera also got solace from her solitary life after meeting Mr Kalita.

As the seasons changed, so did their lives. They faced challenges together, finding strength in each other’s company. The “Morning Serenade” flowers, with their ephemeral beauty, became a metaphor for the transient nature of life, urging Mr Kalita and Ms Meera to savour every moment they shared.

Then, one fateful morning, Ms. Meera arrived at the park, eagerly waiting for Mr. Kapoor. But as the minutes ticked by, he did not appear. Concern crept into her heart, and she frantically dialled his number, hoping for an answer. The phone rang, but there was no response.

Fear gripped Ms. Meera as she rushed to Mr. Kapoor’s house. The door creaked open, revealing an unsettling silence within. She called out his name, but there was no reply. As she explored each room, her worst fear unfolded before her eyes – Mr. Kapoor was no more.

The “Morning Serenade” flowers, once a symbol of their shared moments, now stood silent witnesses to the sudden tragedy. Ms Meera, devastated and heartbroken, clutched the bouquet tightly, finding solace in the memories of their laughter, conversations, and the beauty they had discovered together.

In the town where flowers whispered secrets and mornings painted in hues of serenity, the park, once filled with the promise of shared tomorrows, now echoed with the poignant reminder that life, like the “Morning Serenade,” can be both fleeting and beautiful. And so, in the wake of unexpected loss, Ms. Meera carried the fragrance of their moments, finding strength in the memories that bloomed in the garden of their shared mornings.

Rajat Chandra Sarmah

31/01/24

Mail ID :rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

Rupa, preparing to attend her high school reunion after 15 years. From the day she got the invitation, she was prepared to attend the same with great enthusiasm and willing to accept the invitation. She has been a successful architect who has been focused on her career for many years and created a  brand already for her. As she was thinking about the event, she reflected on her high school days and the touching memories of her first love, Moinak. She recalls how they were inseparable back then, but life pulled them apart after graduation.

As a successful architect, her career had taken centre stage, but tonight, she couldn’t help but reflect on the past, particularly the touching memories of her first love, Moinak. They had been inseparable back then, but life had led them down different paths after graduation. She confirmed her attendance without hesitation, the night she could not sleep as the memories of her high school days flooded back.

Rupa stood in front of the mirror, a mix of excitement and nostalgia swirling within her as she carefully chose her outfit for the high school reunion. It had been 15 years since she had walked those familiar hallways, but tonight, she was ready to step back into that world. The invitation, though unexpected, had sparked a sense of enthusiasm she hadn’t felt in years. She finally selected her pink dress without much thought but realised that Moinak liked her to wear Pink during their High School days. In her inner thought, she was expecting Moinak to be there.

As Rupa entered the reunion venue, nervousness tinged with excitement gripped her. Scanning the room, her eyes locked with some of her close friends. But it seemed her eyes were looking for Moinak. She scanned all the locations to find him and found him across the sea of familiar faces in a corner. He seems to have put some weight and some grey hairs appeared. Rupa moved towards Moinak. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and as they approached each other, a rush of emotions engulfed them both.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly as they caught up, sharing stories of the years since high school. Despite their professional successes in life, there was an unspoken sense of something missing. It became apparent that, amidst their achievements, the connection they had shared in high school had never truly faded.

As the evening progressed, Rupa and Moinak found themselves drawn to each other, seeking out moments alone to continue their conversations. They reminisced about old times and shared their dreams for the future. It became evident that the spark they once had was still alive.

Amidst laughter and nostalgia, Rupa and Moinak opened up about the challenges in their personal lives. Rupa spoke of failed relationships, confessing she never found anyone who made her feel the way Moinak did. Moinak, in turn, admitted he had always carried a deep feeling for Rupa and never stopped loving her and not yet married.

Their confessions led to a deep, emotional conversation about their feelings for each other. They acknowledged the second chance fate had given them and decided to make the most of it.

As the reunion drew to a close, Rupa and Moinak found themselves outside, under the stars. A tender moment unfolded as they expressed their love for each other. They decided to give their relationship another try, promising to take things slow and savour each moment.

They decided to stay. back there a few more days

In the days that followed, they spent more time together, rekindling their romance. They went on dates, took long walks, and enjoyed each other’s company. Rupa realized she felt truly alive again, and Moinak was overjoyed to have her back in his life.

Rupa and Moinak attended a cinema together after a long time. Just like they used to during their school days, Sitting in their seats, holding hands, they watched the movie with a renewed sense of hope and love for the future. The echoes of their past mingled with the promise of a shared future, creating a timeless love story rekindled against the backdrop of their high school reunion.

RAJAT CHANDRA SARMAH

25/01/24

MAIL ID: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

Amidst the renewed harmony in the Villa, the residents embraced a sense of togetherness that had been absent for too long. Having turned a new leaf, the once-disruptive individuals actively participated in community events and contributed to rebuilding the spirit of camaraderie.

As the days passed, the managing committee, now composed of dedicated and forward-thinking members, worked tirelessly to implement positive changes. They initiated programs to address residents’ concerns, fostered open communication channels, and organized cultural events that showcased the diverse talents within the community. In the bustling rhythm of Happy Villa Apartments, where unpredictable traditions thrived and echoes of the past coexisted with the present, a parallel narrative unfolded—a tale of urban challenges that tested the resilience of the building’s residents.

As the Happy Villa continued to bring joy and connection, the city outside evolved unpredictably. Urban development plans threatened to alter the skyline, and a corporate giant eyed the land adjacent to Happy Villa which has already become suffocated with the nearby high rises to accept another high rise next to it. The community faced the looming challenge of retaining its identity amidst the ever-changing urban landscape.

Enter Sameer, a charismatic urban planner who moved into Happy Villa. His arrival brought with it a whirlwind of ideas to navigate the challenges of urban living. As an advocate for sustainable development, Sameer sought to bridge the gap between progress and preserving the cultural heritage embodied by Happy Villa.

A community meeting was called, merging the vibrant spirit of the Happy Villa with the practical discussions led by Sameer. Residents grappled with the need for progress while preserving the unique character of their happy Villa complex. The challenge became a parallel narrative, intersecting with the quirky traditions that defined Happy Villa Apartments.

In a surprising twist, the mysterious Magic Box in the community room reappeared and played a pivotal role. Residents began to anonymously share their thoughts on the urban development challenge, contributing ideas that ranged from community gardens to sustainable architecture. The Magic Box became a platform for collective decision-making, creating a parallel narrative of the building’s response to the urban challenges it faced.

Amelia, the comedian, injected comedy into the discussions with her satirical take on the complexities of city life. She organized a street performance that humorously highlighted the challenges of navigating crowded markets and chaotic traffic—a comedic spectacle that resonated with residents and passersby alike.

As the urban challenges intensified, Mrs Patel, known for her ability to find tranquillity in chaos, organized yoga and meditation sessions on the rooftop terrace. The sessions became a sanctuary where residents could find solace amidst the uncertainties of urban development. The Management committee negotiated with the owner of the nearby plot and the multi-national company that proposed the high rise and with the metropolitan authority to resolve the issue and went for legal remedy. The company anticipating the delay in legal processes has decided not to proceed with their plan and decided to go for a different plot elsewhere.

The quirky tradition of the Happy Villa took an unexpected turn when Sameer proposed a collaborative mural project to visually represent the building’s response to urban challenges. Residents, inspired by the idea, contributed their artistic talents, creating a mural that blended the rich cultural history of Happy Villa Apartments with a vision for sustainable urban living.

Simultaneously, the Magic Box overflowed with ideas, solutions, and personal stories that reflected the building’s collective determination to face the challenges head-on. The anonymous contributions became a source of inspiration, driving the community to engage in dialogue with local authorities, environmental experts, and architects to shape the future of their urban environment. The Management committee negotiated with the owner of the nearby plot and the multinational company that planned the high rise and with the metropolitan authority to resolve the issue and went for legal remedy. In a surprising twist, the corporate giant eyeing the adjacent land decided to collaborate with the community rather than impose their vision. The urban challenge that initially threatened to disrupt the harmony of Happy Villa Apartments became an opportunity for a unique partnership, blending modernity with tradition.

The company anticipating the delay in legal processes has decided not to proceed further and decided to go for a different plot elsewhere.

A turning point was celebrated in a special Happy Villa event. The rooftop terrace, now a symbol of unity and creativity, fueled by the energy of the quirky tradition, transformed into a collaborative platform where ideas were exchanged, concerns addressed, and a shared vision for the future crafted.

The grand finale unfolded with a community-led urban revitalization project. The residents, armed with their quirky traditions, collaborated with architects to design sustainable green spaces, community-centric facilities, and artistic installations that paid homage to the building’s heritage.

As the first tree was planted in the newly developed community park, a palpable sense of achievement and unity pervaded Happy Villa Apartments. The parallel narratives of quirky traditions and urban challenges converged into a harmonious blend, showcasing the building’s ability to navigate complexities with resilience, creativity, and a shared vision for the future.

(END)

Rajat Chandra Sarmah

Mail ID : rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/rajatchandrasarmah

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/rajat.sarmah?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Continued from Part -I

The Grocery shop boy put my items in the car and I went to my car when the lady called me and returned me a 10 rupee note. I asked, what was that? She told me she made a mistake in her calculations and took 10 rupees more from me. I was so surprised with her honesty, an added inner beauty of her honesty. I thanked her and left the place. 

Her allure was undeniable, a magnetic pull that left an indelible impression from the very first glance. With every step, she moved with a sultry grace that commanded attention. 

Reaching home I was just thinking about the life of these hard-working persons, toiling the whole day in this heat and earning a little, but the middlemen are taking the bulk of the profit in the eyes of the administration who may be getting their cuts seating comfortably in their air-conditioned rooms.

In the heart of the bustling city, where the sun beat down relentlessly, there existed a lively market square. Here, amidst the vibrant colours of fresh produce, the vegetable vendors toiled under the scorching heat, their lives woven with threads of struggle and despair.

Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight bathed the city, the vendors would set up their humble stalls. The aroma of ripe fruits and the vibrant hues of vegetables would fill the air, creating an illusion of abundance. Yet, the reality beneath the surface was one of hardship and meagre earnings.

Among the vendors, an elderly woman named Leela stood out. Her sun-worn face told the tale of years spent battling the elements. With her weathered hands, she arranged her vegetables meticulously, hoping to attract customers in the sea of competition. Next to her, a young man named Raj, barely in his twenties, struggled to make ends meet. Each sale he made added a few coins to his paltry earnings, but the scorching sun seemed to burn away any hope of prosperity.

As the vendors tirelessly plied their trade, middlemen like Vikram hovered in the background. His sleek demeanour and polished words belied his cunning nature. Vikram had established himself as the link between the producers and vendors here. He bought the produce from the village producers at a fraction of its worth, promising convenience and access to a broader customer base. He also arranged for the local vendor like the lady to occupy the footpaths illegally due to his connection with the authority.

The government official, Gupta who is in charge of this place hardly visible in these areas and impervious to the heat, is kept happy by Vikram. Instead of aiding the struggling vendors, Gupta exploited their vulnerability through people like Vikram. He regularly gets his cut and fresh vegetables from these hardworking street vendors through Vikram and turns a blind eye to these vendors’ plight and no action is taken to make necessary arrangements for the convenience of the vendors and the public. The ordinary vendors, like Leela( the beautiful lady) and Raj, found themselves caught in a web of corruption, where survival meant paying a toll to those in power.

One sweltering afternoon, as the vendors wiped sweat from their brows, Gupta approached Leela’s stall. His eyes gleamed with greed as he assessed her meagre offerings. Leela, aware of the routine, nervously handed him a small envelope containing what little money she could spare. Gupta smirked, tucking it away without a word, and continued his stroll through the market.

As Gupta strutted away, Vikram sidled up to Leela, a smirk mirroring that of the corrupt official. “Leela, my dear, I’ll take the rest of your stock at a generous price,” he declared, feigning benevolence. Leela, exhausted and disheartened, agreed, knowing that resisting would only lead to further trouble.

Unbeknownst to Leela, Raj observed the entire exchange from his neighbouring stall. Anger burned in his eyes as he realized the extent of the exploitation. Determined to expose the corruption that stifled their livelihoods, Raj decided to seek justice for himself and his fellow vendors.

That evening, Raj gathered a group of vendors who had suffered at the hands of Gupta and Vikram. United by a common struggle, they allied with the shared goal of breaking free from the chains of corruption.

Their first move was to document the injustices they faced. With the help of a sympathetic journalist, they exposed Gupta’s illicit demands and Vikram’s unscrupulous dealings in a local newspaper. The story sent ripples through the community, sparking public outrage and drawing attention to the plight of the vegetable vendors.

Fueled by the support they received, the vendors approached a principled lawyer named Kapoor. Kapoor, appalled by the depth of corruption, agreed to take their case pro bono. Together, they sought justice for the years of exploitation and extortion.

The battle against corruption became a rallying cry for the vendors, and the winds of change began to blow through the market. The community, once silenced by corruption, found strength in unity and resilience. The vendors, once oppressed, now stood as a symbol of resistance against exploitation.

The city’s market square, once a battleground of despair, began to transform. With Gupta and Vikram removed from the equation, the vendors gained the opportunity to thrive independently. The sunlight that had once seemed harsh and unforgiving now illuminated a path of hope and change.

As Leela and Raj tended to their stalls, they could feel the winds of transformation blowing through the market. The ordinary vegetable vendors, once squeezed by the forces of corruption, were now sowing the seeds of a better future—a future where their hard work and dedication would be rewarded, and where the scorching heat of injustice would no longer cast a shadow over their lives. For the first time, I saw a smile on the face of Leela as she came to drop my bag at my car. (END)

Rajat Chandra sarmah

06/01/2024

Mail ID: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com