THE PACT BETWEEN US

ch-1 :The Two and The City of Calcutta

The Calcutta of the 1880s was a haplessly romantic city. Chaotic people, chaotic roads, protests by numerous patriots against the white-skinned rulers. But can chaos ever stop anyone from appreciating Life itself ? The clever creations of nature prevails and enchants us all even in a black and white era. 

In the loud and restless city, even the Mighty Mother of all Rivers - The Ganga slows down obediently, and seeks penance to the Glorious Sun God who, with His gaze over the river, over the rice fields, over the people, brings prosperity. The whole lot of people take due advantage of this, constructing numerous Ghats or "staircases" for their own needs.

It is these sacred Ghats, constructed years and years ago, that witness the most heartwarming, painful and happy stories of life.

One such story was of the youngest son of the Roys and the only daughter of the Ghose's - two of the most aristocratic families of Old Calcutta- the Jewel of the Raj.

The Roys had done pretty fairly in the materialistic race, their Big House in Bhowanipore was just enough to shame the majestic houses of the English Governors. The owner of the house, Sir Nagendra Nath Roy, had earned a good name as a government pleader and lived a lavish life with his numerous sons and daughters and his uneducated wife who was known for losing temper. But remember, she was but a victim, being married at a tender age of 10.

The Ghose's were not behind in the race, the master of this Family, the old Madan Mohan Ghose, was well known in the city as a 'pucca'(meaning pure) Englishman, without even having been to England - thanks to his numerous friends amongst the English population in Calcutta. He was a rich Zamindar, who's wife died while giving birth to yet another heir to his extensive wealth. But he had no regrets, his life was already full with a family of 3 sons and a daughter to take care of.

The Youngest son of the Roy's did not, unfortunately seem fit to be a heir to the high level aristocracy of his family. Debendranath, shortened Deb was a wayward, idler and "good-for-nothing" young man who had no idea what he wanted to do with life. All he did was read impossible English plays, go to the theatre and when he had nothing better to do, sit in one of the quiet ghats of the Golden river of the afternoon. 

He would spend hours of his time, brooding over his aimless life and daydream of being a rich barrister or a doctor....or a governor perhaps ?? A rich husband of a heiress seemed more fitting to his idle persona..... He wouldn't have to do anything, just keep accounts, make his wife do the chores and sit back and smoke hookahs, and along with it smoke the pathetic worries of his life....That had to be a lavish life.....

And it would be almost dark before the ship of his dream reached the shore of practical life. He would rise sleepily still, and go back home.

What he didn't know was that he wasn't all alone in his day dreams- he had a secret companion...perhaps behind the old banyan tree ....?

Ch-2: Reluctant Confrontation 

Nonetheless, as the MAN that he was, Deb finally decided to face the "stalker" who would observe him, every moment as he sat lazily at the old ghats of the Ganga while all the respectable folks went about with their work.

"Who is it, cowering behind the sacred tree ? Be a man and face me...".....said he and in the back of his mind, he expected to see either a sneaky CID agent of the British or another damned khadi-clad nationalist youth.

But oh!! Our protagonist's fancies did not even match the child-like face of a young girl,trembling, with a carefully handled book in her delicate hands.

She came forth, lips trembling, gait shaky and worried about the consequences of stalking a young man.

Deb remained silent. He couldn't speak for a while. And then his expression changed to that of childish mischief. In mock anger he asked, "Pray, what purpose does this behavior of yours serve, young lady ?"

The girl was scared to even remain silent. Forcefully she said, "I...My father and my brothers are the only people who can read at home....I wanted to read the Gita, but they don't have time to teach.....I have seen you sitting idle for hours...so I thought..."

 "What ?? So you thinking I am a mere idler ? So impudent you are to observe a strange man.... You must be punished"

The girl was horrified. She came down the stairs hurriedly and fell at his feet. Deb burst out laughing and asked her to get up.

"I just wanted to read the book. Our family priest says the Gita has the answers to all questions in Life" she said

"Another one of these....Gita is just another of those plain books written by a great sage, but translated by fools who have now ruined the true essence of God and his divine Orders."

The girl mustered up courage for the first time. "But you just have to read it to me, I will take from it whatever I want, however I want, I will not be fooled by such mistakes. You are my Guru from now on".....she said and handed over the grand book to Deb.

"What do they call you ?"...Deb asked

The girl turned away embarrassed, and covering her head with her saree's end, she protested-

"This is not appropriate for you to ask a strange woman's name and identity...."

"And it isn't appropriate to spy on other people. Besides, what kind of a teacher is ignorant about his student's identity...."

"I live at the Ghose's.....Shree Madan Mohan Ghose is my father"

"You are Charulata...."

"But how did you..."

"The whole town knows about you.....the jewel of the Ghose's who is known for stalking boys..."

And their simple laughter rippled the peaceful waters of the Ganga, and the wind blew in appreciation of the childish love in the air....

Ch-3: Slepless...

The reading lessons on the river stairs commenced every bright afternoon but there was no predictable ending time. Every now and then, a certain fish in the waters would make a splash and Charulata... would be distracted until Deb would mockingly take her to task. Or a soothing breeze would involuntarily close the two pair of eyes in bliss. 

Nonetheless, the lessons would continue until when Charu would realize that she had left behind some task undone and would run away giggling...while Deb would just look up while his eyes would follow her foot steps up the stairs.

One day though, Deb, the most inconsistent student at College decided to present himself. The rough Scottish professor WOULD make fun of him in front of the whole class. 

"What a fine day it is....My!! I can even see non-existent students in the classroom!! Mr. Debabrata Roy....is that your desolate spirit wandering in class ?"....he mocked

"No Sir, It is me....and it is an absolutely normal day...for I find your lectures equally boring.... " Deb shot back and the whole class couldn't help but giggle.

The only smart friend Deb had in this awful place was Sunil Majumdar.....the topper of the class...who...err....had a queer taste in friends. For in the ocean of jewels, he had chosen the ugly stone in the form of Debabrata as his prime companion.

"Well what is the matter with you Deb ? Why don't you come to College regularly ? I am sure you would have moulded into a fine ICS officer under my guidance...." laughed Sunil

"Don't push it...I beg you.....But tell me Sunil...what are our 'friends' upto ?"

"Oh those impossible fellows.... They will probably apply for their MA somewhere in India itself....staunch nationalists of sorts...but my friend...you and I will be going to England, aren't we ?"

"London ?" The name of the city grabbed Deb's attention

"Yes, Deb. In London we shall apply for the Bar....or if you please you can go for the ICS or anything."

"But I am poor in studies and you know that..."

"Well then, get a normal degree then and marry some rich English heiress....when you come back you will probably get a good post in the Government through acquaintances that's what you want...isn't it ?"....said Sunil grimly

"What nonsense !!"

"What nonsense? Does the idea of marriage offend you ? Tell me, who is this frenzied hussie who has caught your attention ?"...Sunil broke into a concerned smile and put his arms around his friend.

But Deb won't have it. He simply walked off, leaving Sunil behind.

That night a vision came to him. That of a small girl, of about 12 sitting at the river stairs and waiting for him.....and he turned to the other side.....

"Who has caught your attention, Deb?"....a voice trailed off

and Deb woke up.....Dawn was just breaking.

Ch-4: The Guru's Dakshina

Deb had had enough. How much longer will he have to put up with titles like "good-for-nothing" the "best idler in the whole wide world" and other sorts ? No, he too will venture out to London and seek his success out there and would not return before he became a pucca Englishman.

He got out of bed, the latest one to wake up as usual and went straight to the drawing room where his father smoked fine cigars and his mother was cutting fruits for her husband.

"Baba !" said Debendra, in a fit to make a strong impression 

"I shall go to London to become a barrister"

"Ha! As if...." said the impeccable Nagendranath and continued smoking

"I have made up my mind"

"I will tell you what you are thinking. You plan to go to London only to have fun....not study...take part in mindless parties and plays and eventually return with an English wife who....I believe will be, but a rich heiress".....said Deb's father in one single breathe.

"But, we will let you go on one condition. You have to get married before you go"...the mother spoke up.

"But mother..."

"This or nothing"

"Fine, I shall think about it"

Deb dashed back to his room and sat down. Closing his eyes, he tried to find a solution, clear his thoughts perhaps. But what did he see with his soul's eye ?- a little girl, sitting at the river stairs, gaily laughing at the flowing water, mocking it for being its own slave.

The river is arrogant. It flaunts it's strength by creating its own passage on the hard, dry crust and donating life and greenery as it moves on. But then it realizes, that it has to feel the brunt of it's own doing- it has to follow the same path for eternity- unless Nature lends a lending hand.

And thus the river is angry at the little girl, it suddenly starts swelling. The colour of the water turns grey and uglier. Giant trees and corpses float in it. Soon it rises up to the river stairs and engulfs the girl, whose screams are lost somewhere in the chaos.

That little girl is Charulata.

Deb stood up. Gravely he decided, it was time for the Teacher to demand his fees from the student. The Guru Dakshina.

Ch-5: The Guru's Dakshina

The afternoon sky looked more fiery than ever, the trees danced with the rhythm of the wind, the peaceful waters of the Ganga more quiet, it was just another perfect afternoon.

As usual, the teacher awaited the arrival of his little student, on one of those forgetful river stairs. Silent, not thinking, just silent. 

And she came, with a rather clever gait, and sat down with the book in her hand. 

Both remained silent for a while.

Then, Charulata spoke up "Teacher, I was able to read the whole Gita to my mother. And my, was she happy! I am forever grateful"

"Good"

"Thus, there remains no reason for us to meet here everyday anymore"....said Charu, rather sad with what she said.

"Not until you have given me my Guru Dakshina"...

Guru Dakshina ? The divine fee to the teacher !! No lessons stay forever unless the student has paid respect to the teacher by offering Dakshina- anything that satisfies a teacher's need.

"But....I have no money. My father may be rich, but the women in my family live upon the money given by the men. I cannot ask my father for money. He would not like the idea of a girl learning to read and write. I had kept it a secret.....please...something else.....anything"

"Who said anything about money ? Does not the same Gita you read out to your mother yesterday teach us how less value material thing posses ? " Deb thundered

"Then?..."

"You must marry me."

Charulata was stunned. It was clear Deb had no feelings for her, his student. Nor was their any affection in his voice when he placed the proposal, looking away into the deep water. Then why? How will she be able to live with such a man ?

Tears flowed down the dark beautiful eyes, just like the waters of the river. She stood still like a rock.

"I will come to your house tomorrow with the marriage proposal. I will send the message to your parents immediately." saying, he started leaving, up the stairs.

This time Charu was the last to leave the staircases. She sat for long, her mind thoughtless thus.

Ch-6: Auspicious Things

A little bird learnt how to fly

She thus spread her new wings, tender skill

Unknown of the iron chains that bound her 

Unknown of the rust that yet made them rough

The cage that bound dictated to her,

And showed her deserved place in the world.

On that Auspicious day, the old grand Madan Mohan's face glowed like the Sun- after all, how many are honored enough to welcome a son-in-law from a house as respected as the Roy's ? He thought about the fate of his youngest daughter while his usually tempered wife prayed profusely before the Goddess to seek guidance through the auspicious wedding that was to be held that day.

Deb felt nothing but raw ambition- ambition that had consumed his sense of judgement and he was exhilarated at being one step closer to his goal. 

Charu was grief's own. Though she obeyed every little thing told to her, every little ritual she was made to do, her heart grieved the loss of her freedom- the loss of her innocence

The little bird realised she was now caged.

Ch-6: Realisation 

On the night they were wed, Charu found Deb sitting on the steps of the ghat of their house- yes,- the Roys were so privileged that the Mighty River Goddess was obliged to flow by their backyard and bless them eternally. 

The River had been forever summoned to the steps of material prosperity- and she obeyed timidly.

But Deb was not looking at the river like he used to - no- his ambition made him look up at those unreachable stars which every night look familiar to those who know them. 

He told Charu- no, made her understand very coldly the purpose of the circumstance which he had. He meant to go away.

He told her- now that he was married, or rather, bound by the rules of loyalty to his wife as per tradition his father gave him the permission to go. His father was now assured that he would not indulge himself in any other profanities in the strange land where they worshipped wine and women ( or so they thought) . He won't- for his young wife's sake.

Charu said nothing- she had no reasons to feel the sorrow of separation when there was no form of attachment.

Deb said" Promise me. You would never be an obstacle to my goals and ambitions. You would never object to anything I do and always compromise your position. You owe me."

She put her head down towards the river like the wife she was told to be. 

Thus it was arranged. He would go to England to study.

Ch-8: The Last Letter

Deb left very soon. Even though he took a month's time- it felt so to Charu due to his eagerness to leave as early as possible and the chaos of a large family. Though all the family members loved their little bride, she felt like a bird that was caged up and shown to the public by proud owners who pretended to know her and dictate her personality.

She wrote letters to her husband. Every week, sometimes more often, sometimes a little less- all by the river-side staircase. She had chosen the ever present river to be the wiitness of her obedience and sense of duty. The River responded by being silent and flowing calmly as if she was silenced by a Great fear

But she received some too. Mostly from friends from her girlish days- a few from her relations and rarely from her husband. But she dared not ask for more- lest her husband may be overburdened with responsibilities.

Months passed. The letters decreased in numbers- her friends forgot her, her relatives were assured of her new home and her well-being and Deb became more and more studious- or so she thought. The letters from Deb stopped altogether- with a last letter telling that his exams had commenced and he was terribly busy. It also said that he would soon return home- in two months time.

A smile escaped her still girlish face. She rushed to inform this to her in-laws who too rejoiced at that vague piece of intelligence- indeed, that was all you could expect from a loved one far away in that era.

They all waited anxiously for him to return home and finally take charge of his own life and his little wife.

Ch-9: The River's Refuge

On one glorious day, a young gentleman- fresh from the Bar- shadowed the steps of Roy's magnificent mansion. The residents looked at him in disbelief- how could anyone believe that this was the same boy who used to sit idle for hours on the ghats of the river and dream so high that he seemed to talk to stars?

But look here! Who is the young maiden beside him? She stood like a Goddess consort beside the gentleman. Her fair bosom made the white daisies wilt in shame- her hair resembled the ripe crop in the countryside and her face glowed while her long skirt flowed- unknown of what she had done.

She looked up from the bottom of the stairs with her huge extravagant overshadowing her beauty. She was English.

Everyone was shocked. They realised what he had done.

Deb's father was red- half in shame and half in anger

"You went to a foreign land to study and you dare to come back and blemish our family's reputation? You married another woman while your child-wife was still alive!"

"Another ABLE woman- a woman who will really understand my tastes, my life and my habits. This woman beside me, my wife Clara, is the daughter of a well established man from London. She deserves respec-"

"Enough, boy! Your idle dreams have instilled such tremendous ambition that you can barely think right! Where is Charulata?"

A commotion arose. They looked for her in the walls and floors of the huge mansion. Perhaps she was lost in the melee, they thought.

Only the quiet River spoke. The little bird had sought refugee in her. Charu had drowned a while ago during her daily dip in the river.