Kolkata looks different during the month of October. Everyone seems a little happier. The chaos in the city is a little chirpier. The flowers infuse a festive scent in the air. Not just the people, the city itself welcomes Goddess Durga.
The sixth house on the third lane in the main Ballygunge was happy for another reason. Mouli was visiting.
Mouli is the daughter of this house, home to Bidisha and Utkal. After four years, she is back for four weeks in the embrace of her father and mother. It was just yesterday when she announced that she will go to the US to pursue a career in technology. Last ten years, she completed her post-graduation in Computer Science and started working for an MNC. The first few years, she would visit her parents at every possible occasion, but times changed. Got promoted in her job a couple of times. More responsibilities beget more workload. She moved in with her boyfriend. Marriage is on the cards for years without any plan in place. Bidisha and Utkal adore their daughter. She is independent, educated, and a savvy young woman with immense talent and great future ahead. They were happy that she was home.
Bidisha knew the importance of being career-oriented. She valued the changing winds that saw more girls carving a life for themselves rather than ceding ground to the patriarchy. Utkal had no inkling of the feminist aspect of his daughter’s progress. All he wanted was to see her happy and jolly. She was her Baba’s daughter, after all.
Mouli’s flight landed early morning. Utkal was waiting outside the arrival terminal. In due time she came out and hugged her father. Utkal didn’t like the tattoo on her neck, he knew better than saying anything about the Chinese ink allegedly meaning ‘The Bengal Tigress.’ His daughter was home, safe, and healthy. The caution about Hep C would be reserved for some other day. And, even more importantly, he had no interest in knowing if there were more and where they were. Certain things are not suitable for a father’s fragile heart.
She hopped into the car and looked at her father. Utkal pulled out a pack of Phantom cigarettes. She instantly popped one out and said, “Baba, somethings should never change.” Utkal smiled. “Just don’t finish all of them. That much sugar is not good.”
Bidisha was ecstatic after seeing her daughter. For a moment, she stood still at the door after opening it. Four years is a long time for a mother. Overwhelmed with emotions, she uttered – “Durga Durga.” Her Mini was all grown up with wrinkles showing up under her dark circles. “You should get married now before Alec finds some cocktail waitress for a Vegas wedding.”
Mouli started chuckling. Somethings should never change. Touché.
Sujoy Ghosh 
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