A Bend in the River of Life by Budh Aditya Roy Read Free Book Online

the worst type of Hepatitis virus. He became yellow. His body temperature shot up to 106 degree Fahrenheit and the remission wasnot in sight. The family doctor, known to be the best in the town, showed signs of throwing in the towel. He offered to call his professor at the Medical College in Calcutta and a leading practitioner in the country. The family got frightened with the apprehension that Rana was in death bed. Some said it was a psychological effect of his agony on account of Devika’s departure from his immediate surroundings. Whatever might be the reason, Rana was in a serious condition.
    Sheila, Kamala, Devika, Sarojini and Padmini came to see him, perhaps for the last time. All the women cried and prayed for his life and speedy recovery. It seemed like their prayers were answered. The specialist came from Calcutta and after thorough examination changed the medication. He also changed the diet to Rana’s liking. In forty-eight hours Rana responded to the treatment. In another two weeks, Hepatitis was brought under control. He started regaining his natural complexion. On his last visit, the specialist strongly recommended that Rana be taken to a health resort for a month. Accordingly, the family took him to a resort with a hot spring known to have cured many with serious diseases and disabilities. Rana came back to life. Smile returned to his face. He became his normal self again. On his return from the sojourn after a month-long hiatus Rana went to see the river, the friendly river, the only place where he could seek solace and comfort at the hour of distress. He felt exceedingly happy to be back to its peace and tranquility. Gradually, Rana learnt to live his life without the joyful and reassuring presence of his Aunt Devika, the angel of his life.
    On the wings of time and tide the River of Life flows on relentlessly toward its distant destiny, carrying on its strides both the wounds of a stricken heart and healings; a child’s fantasy and a grown-up’s understanding.

RISING FROM THE ASHES
    T ime was passing by with the fluidity of a brook, sowing seeds of change unseen in the naked eye. Another year was coming to an end. When the family needed to spread their legs comfortably after the cramped living in the first year in exile, they moved to Rampur. Due to the uncertainties of business and income associated with the turbulence of partition that was the right decision at that time. Now that the partition was a “Fait Accompli” and going back to the good times left behind was ruled out forever, Rajani and Amit had been thinking seriously for sometime about moving to the heart of Calcutta Metropolis. After the life and death situation for Rana when the specialist had to be called all the way from Calcutta to save his life, they made up their minds to relocate to one of the newer and comfortable parts of the city at the earliest opportunity. This time they did not have to sweat to find a good place. The solution was easy. The owner of the Rampur property also had a house for sale at the southern part of Calcutta overlooking the lakes. The owner was getting older. He was already well into his seventies. He wanted to sell the property because it was difficult for him to manage it from distance. The lawyers completed the buy-sell agreement. The documents were signed and money exchanged hands. The new house would be ready for occupation from the first week of the New Year just about four weeks away.
    For months Rana had been hearing all the side talks about the move without any visible emotion. Now the move seemed to be real. In a few weeks they were supposed to leave Rampur forever. Rana feltnostalgic about Rampur; about the river; about the palaces; about the wooded streets and above all the friendly neighborhood. He knew he was going to miss the tree-lined arched streets with the chirping birds playfully capering among the green landscape. His mind was really pining for Rampur. He thought