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Das BabuThis story may contain adult content. |
| Written by Akki Masurekar | |
| Tuesday, 26 August 2008 | |
 "Das babu, do ghosts exist?" asked Diya.
Das babu pondered the question for a minute. "Hmm...yeah they do exist," he replied. "Have you ever seen a ghost?" Diya's curiosity was aroused. "Yes, in fact, I am talking to one of them now," teased Das babu, smiling. "Very funny! Why do you enjoy being mean to me?" asked Diya. She was both annoyed and disappointed. "That's because you remind me of my younger sister, Lolita. We had a love-hate relationship. She was my best friend. I cared a lot about her," replied Das babu, a faraway look in his eyes.
"Where is she now?" asked the insatiable Diya. "She got married about two years ago and moved to America. She has not kept in touch ever since. I hope and pray that she is fine. Anyway, what has brought about this sudden interest in ghosts?" enquired Das babu. "Oh, nothing really! I have been reading ghost stories since last week, so I thought I should ask you if you knew anything about ghosts." "I have heard that departed souls do come back to meet their loved ones, especially when they die an untimely death. When I die, I will really miss you, Diya," said Das babu, softly. "Then will you come back to meet me?" "I will come back only if you love me. But I don't think you do. In any case, my blessings will always remain with you." "Why do you sound so depressed today? You don't seem like your usual self, Das babu. What brought you to Bombay so suddenly? Is everything OK?" asked Diya. "Everything will be fine, Diya, when the time is right," was Das babu's reply. "Das babu, you are scaring me! Can we change the topic, please? Tell me about your future plans. What will you do now and when will you get me my boudi[1]?" asked Diya. "I have lots of things to do but very little time. I don't think I'll be able to get you your boudi-at least not in this lifetime," replied Das babu. "But why?" asked Diya. Das babu smiled at her and said, "I was only joking. I'm afraid of ghosts, so to stop you prattling on about them, I thought I should scare you a bit." "I hate you, Das babu!" cried Diya. "You are a mean man!" She was very peeved. "Why are you reading ghost stories?" asked Das babu. "Why do you care? I'm buying them with my own pocket money," was the petulant reply.
"Read some good books, beta," advised Das babu. "Don't waste time on such trash. You have to be a doctor when you grow up, and I want to see you at the top of your profession." "Oh, do stop lecturing me! Why don't you go out and be with Dada[2] and your other friends?" Das babu smiled at her and in a tone of gentle triumph, said, "You have now proved that you hate me. You are my little angel-wherever I may be, I will always be looking after you." He then left the room.
Das babu was a well-built man in his early thirties. He was 6 feet 3 inches tall and was always seen wearing his trademark kurta-pajamas and blue sweater. He was a good friend of Diya's elder brother, Shubhanker Ghosh. Das babu was a frequent visitor at the Ghosh house and had grown very fond of Diya, who put him in mind of his younger sister. Diya also returned his affection.
Das babu had just shifted to Bombay for good. He was originally from Calcutta. Like Shubhanker and others in their group, he was a bachelor. The group would assemble at the Ghosh house upon Das babu's arrival. He was loved by everyone-they used to call him "The Entertainer." On his part, he never disappointed them. He had a great singing voice and would gladly sing for them. But he never thought of making a career out of singing. When depressed, he used to withdraw into his room and sit on his rocking chair, puffing at a cigarette. The Ghosh's had a big house and kept a separate room for Das Babu. He was family to them.
Diya regretted her outburst and immediately followed Das babu to apologize. She was surprised to see him getting into his room. Whenever Das babu visited them, he would first meet Diya, then the rest of the family, and finally all his friends, with whom he would spend the rest of the day on the terrace. On seeing that he had departed from this routine today, Diya was greatly distressed. She wondered why he had returned to his room-was he upset at her rudeness, or was he overcome by memories of his sister? She could see him sitting on the rocking chair. He lit a cigarette and began to smoke. Diya went back to her room.
A few weeks passed by and Diya forgot all about this incident.
Das babu was now a changed man. He had become very quiet and usually kept to himself. He didn't even sing like before. Shubhanker and his friends were worried and tried to figure out the reason for this change, but in vain. Shubhanker's father even offered Das babu a job in his company, which he politely declined. They were all worried about him now.
One windy night, Diya was alone in her house. Her parents had gone out of town and her grandma was visiting the nearby temple. Visiting the temple was an evening ritual of her grandma's. Today, however, she was kept back at the temple by the strong winds. As even the servants had been given the day off, Diya was left alone at home.
Diya was preparing for her final exams. She was deeply engrossed in her studies when she was suddenly distracted by the opening of the window behind her. Startled, she got up to close the window. As she turned around, she saw a dim light in Das babu's room. She could see the shadow of Das babu in his rocking chair. There was a smell of burning cigarettes and smoke was coming out of his room. "Das babu, are you alright? When did you come? Where are the others?" she called out. "Yes, I am fine, Diya. I came a few minutes ago. The others will be coming soon," replied Das babu. "Wait, let me come and check if you're OK," said Diya. "No," came the reply. "Stay where you are. I need to be alone for some time. I hope you don't mind. Don't worry about me." "I'm scared now!" said Diya. "Diya, you're a brave girl. You should never be afraid of anything. And remember, your Das babu will always be there for you. Wherever you may be and whatever you do, you will always have my blessings," said Das babu. She heard the doorbell ring. "Someone's at the door. I'll be right back, Das babu," said Diya, and went down to open the door.
She saw Shubhanker and his friends at the door. "Why did you get up, Diya? Where is grandma?" asked Shubhanker. "Grandma had gone to the temple. She might have had to stay back there because of the rain. What is the matter? You look worried." Shubhanker drew Diya close to him and hugged her. He then began to weep aloud. Diya sensed that something was wrong. She was worried. "What is the matter, Dada? Please tell me," she pleaded. "Diya, Das babu is no more. He committed suicide this evening," said Shubhanker, as gently as he could. Diya could not believe her ears. She pushed him back and said "What nonsense! How is that possible? I just spoke to him a few minutes ago. He is here in his room-what is wrong with you?" she screamed. "We just cremated him, Diya. Why would I lie to you about such a thing? You can ask the others if you don't believe me." Diya would not believe him and ran upstairs to prove to Shubhanker that he must be mistaken. The rocking chair was moving on its own. Diya was inconsolable. After a few minutes, she asked "Does anyone know why he took this step?" Shubhanker handed her a letter. She read:
No one is to be blamed for my death. I'm ending my life of my own will as I don't want to trouble my loved ones anymore. I'm not really a bad person; it's just that I fell into bad company. Ma, Baba-I want you to know that your son loves you. I am sorry I could not marry the girl you chose for me-I already had a family in Bombay. I didn't have the courage to tell you this. I moved to Bombay to be with my wife and son. But when I came back, I found out that my wife was cheating on me-all that she wanted from me was money. I even wonder about "our" son now; I'm not sure he is mine. As I had nowhere to go, I went to Shubhanker's place. He and his family have been very kind to me, especially my little angel Diya, who always reminded me of Lolita.
Diya, my little angel, I want you to know that I love you. I'm sorry that I did not meet you or speak to you for so many days. I wish to speak to you once before I die, but I guess it's too late now. I want you to become a good doctor. Promise me that you will be a doctor, and a good one at that!
I am now ending this letter. I have led a disgraceful life and do not deserve to live. Please forgive me if you can.
Bankim Chandra Das
Das babu had indeed come back to meet his beloved little angel. Diya was heartbroken and couldn't stop crying. "I promise you Das babu that your little angel will grow up to become a good doctor," she said softly as she hugged her brother.
It is now twenty years since Das babu's death. Diya has a flourishing medical practice in Mumbai[3]. Her practice and her twins, Bankim and Jatin, keep her busy all through the day. Legend has it that Das Babu's spirit haunts the empty Ghosh house-the villagers sometimes see his shadow lurking about the house, singing mournfully.
[1] Bengali for brother's wife [2] "Elder brother" in Bengali and Marathi [3] Bombay was renamed Mumbai in 1995 Copyright 2008 Akki Masurekar |
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