Lemon Pickle

Mr. Dubey is 62 year old police man. Soon he is going to retire. His date of birth in department’s official record is not the real one. As per the official record he is 56 years old. He is regular visitor to my residence. He is my father’s colleague. An extra dose of respect had to be offered by we the children in the form of bowing to touch his feet just because his surname. It was a custom in my family to touch the feet of Brahmins only. Let me describe him precisely, I would say a dark tall man with problem of hearing with weak eyesight. We had to nearly sought to be audible him.  

Those were the times when we used home- made pickles especially Lemon. We were unaware that pickles were also sold in the market. My mother use to prepare in such large quantity that it was sufficient for the whole year. Preparing pickle was a very meticulous work those days. Lemons were first washed and dried then were mixed with salt.

It was usual practice that he will leave only after taking tea. He will wait till tea is served. My father asked us to give 2 piece of Lemon pickle to him which he will share with his wife too. My sister brought 2 pickles and offered him. Then she went to bring tea for Mr.Dubey so that he can sign off now. In the meantime, Mr. Dubey concentrated on those pickles kept in place. There was dim light in the room and he had some problem of weak eyesight. He imagined that there are two sponge Rosgullas (Indian Sweet dish) Before we could offer him tea and my father understands something he puts one lemon in his mouth. Due to the taste of lemon his face changed, I could see and then he told me Nowadays Rosgullas are also tangy in taste. He also laughed, we laughed together. Even whenever, I remember I still laugh. After having his tea at our place, when he decided to leave that day, my sister came running and offered one more lemon pickle which he had left. She said, “Uncle, Your Rosgulla, No, No Lemon Pickle for Dubey aunty.