Asha continued her work without care. She let the oyster’s stock boil and added the fish, other spices, except the coconut milk and the clam meat. "Hey, how much time did they give us?" She asked a participant in front of her. The boy ignored her.
"What the ... still giving me a cold shoulder?" She couldn't believe this was how the males treated the female cont
Asha was indignant to herself and ashamed for deceiving a judge where she was an entrant. Her thoughts led that way with no inkling on what was in Ronjon's mind.As for Ronjon, his excitement and interest jumped a notch after tasting her dish. Yet, it never occurred to him she was the cook of the elusive Bapa Pitha and chicken torkari he craved. Neither did he connect
Twilight fell. Oil lamps lit at every corner. A few from the audience called out at the top of their lungs, "Hey! When are you going to announce the winners? "The judges went back to their seats, but the last one to sit astounded the people. Gasps resounded to see a young man in his twenties, wearing a white tunic and pants with a garland of yellow flowers sat in th
Asha halted as the man, whom she knew well, looked at her in the eye with a grim face. Her heart pumped faster while her spine tingled. This man had no good intentions and his target was her.The people loudly gasped. Ronjon wondered what was happening. The judges stood up. Fishal got nervous. He knew the man, the son of the late magistrate who died after eating the po
"That guy was ridiculous." Mukti placed a bowl of soup on the table for Asha and another for herself. They sat opposite each other in Mukti's kitchen. "I hope what happened won't affect you and the restaurant." Asha took a sip of hot soup as they squatted on the wooden floor beside a short table.
Fishal, wearing a thick golden night coat, sat in his comfy office chair. He clasped on his chest a pretty lace handkerchief with an especially embroidered name, Fultushi."What should I do with your daughter? I need to help her. This is the only way I can have peace to amend my wrongs." Ninu's kind face surfaced in his mind. "I could have helped him, but..." He breathed deeply with misty eyes. "Sorry, Fultushi, I have to do what I need to do for my family." He closed his eyes, tears fell. He caressed the hanky on his wet cheek. "Sorry, Ninu. Sorry, Fultushi. Sorry, Asha."Grief hollowed his heart. He sobbed quietly for a while. Later, he opened his eyes and twirled his wedding ring with his fingers."Marry her to my Monojit to protect her. Would you agree, Fultushi? But this is the best way I know." He looked out at the foggy garden outside. "He will arrive soon for winter vacation. I need to do this. It’s the only way."---- o ----Asha woke up feeling warm. She could feel calm breat
Ronjon drove the car at a turtle's pace again but at peace deep within his heart for the sun would shine soon. He looked up into the rear mirror. "Just guide me where to go, either go straight or turn left or right. Okay?" Asha nodded in silence with eyes fixed at the roadside.
Fishal heard the news. He was frantic and on edge. He couldn't settle even for a meal. "What could have happened to Asha? I should have done something after the competition. Adrisar, Adrisar?"A thirteen-year-old lad came in the study. "Yes, Sir?"
Binoba hastened his steps and bumped at Asha, intentionally. His voice was soft, only Asha could hear. "Why are you still here? Where is Mister Ronjon? And don't approach the police officers or someone can leak your presence."Asha was so shocked by his words that she almost tripped. Binoba pulled her with him and talked loudly for Netratav and other's ears. "Chotto Bh