Mr.Bairagi:- From this year onwards, our school management has decided to introduce two new outdoor games; Hockey and Basketball. I know that these two games are completely new to you all because you people are fond of playing cricket and football only. Don’t worry; in our PT classes, we will play these games and gradually in that process, we will select the best 16 players in the afternoon session for both the games. Today, we will play basketball. Can you all see the two baskets at the two points of the playground? The team which can put the ball inside that basket for more times than their competitor is the winner of this game. There are 4 rounds in this game for 15 minutes each. If there is a tie after fourth round, then we will go for a 5th round. If no one wins after the 5th round, then we will go for direct net where each team will get 5 chances to put the ball inside the basket without any obstruction. Whoever wins there is the winner. But for you people, let there be two rounds of 10 minutes each, as our PT period is for 45 minutes only. Girls, you will play basketball in the next PT class, not today. You all can go and play skipping or whatever you feel like, but don’t enter the basket ball court. Boys, you are 22 in number. Boys with even numbered roll numbers form the 1st team and boys with odd numbered roll numbers form the 2nd team. When I blow the whistle, start the game.
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Mr.Bairagi:- Hey you, yes you, come out of the basketball court. You are continuously fouling.
Chinmoy:- No Sir.
Mr.Bairagi:- What, no Sir. In basketball, you cannot hold the ball in your hand for more than 30 seconds. You need to keep on bouncing it on the ground and make your way. But, you were holding the ball in your hand and running. It is not a game of rugby. It is basketball. And another thing; when a striker of the opponent team is trying to put the ball at your basket, you cannot hold his hand, but can only obstruct the ball. You are holding their hands; what is this?
Chinmoy:- Frankly speaking, Sir. I do not like this game. This is an American game. Football and Cricket are far more interesting to play.
Mr.Bairagi:- Ok, then you don’t have to play this game. By the way, I am not forcing anyone to play this game. Those who are interested, they can play this game and represent our school.
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Prakash:- Just a week left for the Half-yearly exam. I have not studied anything. I don’t know, how I will pass in the Half-yearly exam.
Meenakshi:- Every time, before the exam, you say like that and when the results get declared, you always remain at the top 5 positions.
Prakash:- Ha ha ha…no, actually, I start studying just 1 week before the exam and before every examination day, I go to sleep at around 1 AM. That’s enough for me.
Meenakshi:- You are a very intelligent boy. That’s why; 1 week is enough for you. But look at me. I study hard for the whole year. I do my homework in time. Even, I am having private teachers at home. Still, I am yet to get into the top 5 positions in the class.
Arindam:- hmm…Meenakshi…remember one thing…the last lap is always the deciding lap. When we run in a 400m or 800m heat race, we don’t run fast in the 1st lap or 2nd lap but in the last lap only. In this case, Prakash is not so studious like you but smarter than you.
Prakash:- No, no, don’t say like that. Meenakshi is also smarter. Meenakshi, when you study all the chapters of a book, your brain will automatically give you an idea, which chapters are important in that book. Spend more time on important chapters because most of the questions will come from those chapters only.
Meenakshi:- So, you want me to take the cream out of the cake. But, Prakash, maybe till Class VI or VII, your strategy will work, but after class VIII, you have to regard each and every chapter as important, otherwise, you cannot score good marks. My private teacher has told me about it.
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Joseph:- Questions will come from the chapters of ‘Alexander-The Great’ and ‘Egyptian Civilization’. I have micro-xeroxed (photocopied with smallest fonts) the two chapters.
Ganga:- Guru…Guru…today we will surely pass the History exam. Only I pray to God, that we should get a liberal teacher as an examination guard at our examination hall.
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Mr.Richards:- It is 11.30 AM now. I will distribute the answer sheet first. Write your name, class; roll number, date and subject of the examination. At 11.45 AM, I will give you the question papers. A bell will ring at sharp 12 noon. After that bell, you will start writing your papers.
Ganga (whispering):- Joseph, I think we will not pass this exam today.
Joseph (whispering):- We have to rely heavily on the objective questions.
Mr.Richards:- Hey, who is talking in this class. I want pin drop silence inside the class. If I find anyone talking or trying to cheat; I will just throw him out of the class. In every bench, there will be three students, one from Class VI, one from class VII and one from class VIII. If I find any senior student helping their junior during the exam, I will cancel the paper of that senior fellow. So, whatever you know, you write. Forget about pass or fail. Unless you fail, you will never study hard to pass in any exam. Now, it is 11.45 AM, I will give you the question papers.
Ganga (whispering):- Ei Joseph, not a single question is there from ‘Alexander-The Great’ and ‘Egyptian Civilization.’ Just throw away your micro-xerox. It is of no use. You are sitting in front of me. Please show me the answers, whatever you can write. Please.
Joseph (whispering):- ok, ok, don’t talk now.
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Mrs.Poddar:- Oh! You people got very poor marks in history. 52 is the highest number out of 100. Tiya got the highest marks. Only 13 students got marks above 40 and what to say about the rest of you. Horrible writing! Let me tell you one thing. Class VI is the toughest class in High School because students coming from the primary level take time to adjust in class VI. That’s why; majority of students in our school fail to pass class VI.
Nonigopal:- Madam, so that means, more than 50% of the class has failed in history subject.
Mrs.Poddar:- No, I had a talk regarding this with Mr. Roland. There are 11 students who got marks between 30 and 40. So, Mr.Roland told me to reduce the pass mark to 30. So, 24 students will pass in history. I know; I have made a very tough history paper. That’s why; this time, I am considering it. But next time, in Annual Exam, I will show no mercy. You all have to get above 40%, otherwise, you will remain in Class VI. Last year, the rule was that if you fail in 2 subjects, then you will not be promoted to the next class. This year, our school management has reduced it to 1. That is, if you fail in any one subject, you will remain in class VI. Therefore, start studying hard.
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Satya:- This time, Maa Durga will be coming on a Nouka(Boat). So, it is evident that there will be a heavy rainfall during the Durga Puja days.
Raghav:- Dhaash! I don’t believe in these superstitions. But, it is also true that there is a low depression in Bay of Bengal which is heading towards Kolkata. Mr. Goldar has already predicted about the heavy downpour during the puja days.
Satya:- Oh! Then there will be no rainfall because whatever Mr. Goldar predicts, the opposite thing happens.
Raghav:- Ha ha ha…well said. Accha, this year, we can plan for visiting the puja pandals together.
Satya:- Nice idea. But, will the parents of our friends allow them to go with us.
Raghav:- Why not? At least my parents allow me to go anywhere alone.
Satya:- Ok, let us talk about it with them. Let’s see, how many people give a nod to it.
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Bidisha:- I have heard that you, Satya, Prakash, Ganga, Nonigopal, Chinmoy, Dolui and Raghav are planning to go to the North Kolkata puja pandals together on Saptami afternoon (7th day of Durga Puja).
Arindam:- When you have the entire list; then why are you asking me?
Bidisha:- No, just confirming. Can we girls join you people? I mean, me, Meenakshi and Revathi.
Arindam:- Will your parents allow you all to go with us?
Bidisha:- If you convince my parents, then surely they will give us the permission.
Arindam:- My parents were not allowing me; I just somehow managed them and you are telling me to convince your parents. No, no, you don’t have to go with us. Visit the puja pandals with your parents only.
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Ganga:- Actually, people visit the College Square puja pandal at nights only to see the lighting, otherwise; there is nothing special in College Square. Now, it is 2.30 PM, that’s why; there is not so a long queue in College Square, otherwise, you have to stand in the queue for around 2 hours to have the devi-darshan.
Raghav:- Come on, Ganga daa, let us move towards Muhammad Ali Park now. This year, they have got the 1st prize for the idol. The famous Mr. Pal from Kumartuli is the creator of that idol.
Nonigopal:- Ok, after Mohammad Ali, we will go to Shimla Vyam Samiti and Nebutala.
Arindam:- Oh! Shimla Vyam Samiti…this year they have got the 1st prize for pandals.
Chinmoy:- Aah…se sab toh hobeyi…boli…don’t you people have stomach or what?
Dolui:- Yeah…I am also feeling hungry.
Prakash:- Yes, peth puja is more important than durga puja as of now. But, what should we eat?
Satya:- Oi toh…phuchka…we will eat phuchka (paani puri).
Arindam:- Ok, let us have a competition. Let us see, who can eat the maximum number of phuchkas.
Dolui:- That’s ok! But, that tamarind water always causes acidity in my stomach. Also tell that phuchkawala to wash his hands with soap before giving us the phuchka.
Ganga:- Arrey…dhaath…have you not heard the famous saying of our Ramkrishna Paramhansadev…’Sorirer naam Mahasoy…jaa sauabey, taai sauye’ (Human body always adjusts automatically with the external environment). Ei bhaiya…phuchka kato korey?
Bihari Phuchkawala:- 6 paani puri for 1 rupee.
Arindam:- arrey…give us some discount. We will have a phuchka eating competition. Don’t worry; you will easily have an income of 20 to 30 bucks today. Give us 7 phuchkas for 1 rupee.
Bihari Phuchkawala:- Aisa hain kya…thik hain…puja ke time…hum tohra discount deh hee dete hain…par har aadmi kitna phuchka khaiyega..
Chinmoy:- Bhaiya..we people are so hungry that each person will at least eat 25 phuchkas…bada bada dekh ke phuchka dijiye ga…
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Arundhati:- Ei, wake up, your phone. Bidisha has called up.
Arindam:- Oho! Etoh sokaal bela kiser janyo phone. Now, it is 11 AM only.
Arundhati:- sabai ki tor matan naaki…jeh bela egaro taar samay ghum thekey uthbey…just talk to her. She is holding the line for 5 minutes or so.
Arindam:- Hello Bidisha!
Bidisha:- Hello Arindam! Shubho Maha Ashtami. (8th day of Durga Puja).
Arindam:- Haan… same to you.
Bidisha:- So, how was the day yesterday?
Arindam:- Yeah, we enjoyed a lot. But at the same time, we are all tired also. We don’t know, how many kilometers we have walked while talking with each other…he he he…Satya won the phuchka competition. That’s why; he requested everyone to eat phuchka…he he he…accha…anyway…tell me, why have you called me?
Bidisha:- Do I always need to have a reason to call you up on telephone?
Arindam:- No, generally, without any reason, no one calls at our telephone. That’s why; I am saying. Don’t mind.
Bidisha:- Actually, Arindam, tonight I, mom, dad and our neighbors have hired an ambassador for a whole night program. Will you join us? Please, I want you to join us.
Arindam:- Whole night program! Sorry! My parents will never allow me. Better you talk to my mom. If she gives the permission, then I have no problem.
Bidisha:- I have already told about it to your mom and she has no problem. She told me to talk with you only.
Arindam:- See the fun! Why my mom is not so strict, I really wonder! Ok, I have no problem. But, I don’t know how to reach at your house.
Bidisha:- My dad knows your house. We will pick you up from your house. Our hired ambassador will reach near your house at around 10.30 PM; be ready and please don’t go to sleep.
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Chandrani:- Oh! I am so happy to see you Noni. Generally, you don’t want to come to your village during Durga puja time. Today is Bijoya Dashami (10th day of Durga Puja). Just change your dress and come out. We are all going near the river to perform the Bisarjon.
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Nonigopal:- He he he…everyone is dancing like mad persons.
Chandrani:- They are not mad…actually, that special drink is having its own effect. If you drink that drink, you will also start dancing like them. Their dances are not as branded as the traditional Dhunuchi dance of Maha Asthami, but you will still like their dances.
Nonigopal:- In Babughat also, people dance in a similar fashion. But, I had no idea that in this village also, people enjoy themselves fully during Bijoya Dashami.
People at the Bisarjon Ghat:- Durga Maai ki Jai…aschey bachor abar hobey…Durga Maai ki Jay…
Chandrani:- Baash…for this year, the Durga puja has ended. Tomorrow, everyone will hug each other or take pranams of the elders with some lovely sweets.
Nonigopal:- Just after Durga Puja, there is Lakkhi (Laxmi) puja, right?
Chandrani:- Yeah. We also celebrate that puja.
Nonigopal:- Just 2 days after the lakkhi puja, our school will open. This year, I will stay here to enjoy the lakkhi puja.
Chandrani:- Wow! That’s great.
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Chandrani:- Every year, during lakkhi puja, we have cards playing competition, Kabbadi competition and Bahurupi (fashion show) competition. In Cards playing competition, your grandfather is still the champion. While playing the game of 29, your grandfather is so expert in calculation, then before the start of the game, he will say which card is in whose possession. Till date, no other village has won the Cards competition other than Narendranagar village. Accha, if you want you can also participate in the Kabbadi competition.
Nonigopal:- Yeah, my name is already there.
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Anchor of Kabbadi competition:- In the final match between Narendranagar and Vikramgarh, the Narendranagar team has defeated the Vikramgarh team by 7 points to win the Kabbadi competition.
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Chandrani:- Congrats! Noni. Narendranagar kabbaddi team won the competition after a gap of 3 years. You also played well, but you sweat too much. 1 or 2 players of Vikramgarh team were also using slangs as they were unable to grab you properly due to your sweating skin.
Nonigopal:- Ha ha ha…yeah…I sweat too much but don’t tell anyone that I rubbed too much mustard oil on my legs also. That’s why; they were slipping. The sweat and the mustard oil made my legs slippery for them to grab.
Chandrani:- You are very smart. Accha, eat these coconut laddoos. I have prepared these especially for you.
Nonigopal:- Umm…thanks! These laddoos are so tasty. Thanks, Thanks! Also prepare some more laddoos. I will take those laddoos to Kolkata also.
Chandrani:- Ok, don’t worry; I will prepare more laddoos for you. Accha, now come on; let us go and watch the Bahurupi competition. In this competition, whoever can do a great make-up will win the competition. Look there, that boy has dressed like a Charlie Chaplin. Wow! Look at that man…fantastic…he has mud on his head, a stick on his hand and a white cloth. Uff…he is looking like a real Mahatma Gandhi…
Nonigopal:- I think that the 1st prize should go to the ‘Radha-Krishna’. Those two little girls have really dressed up fantastically to depict the Radha-Krishna.
Chandrani:- Aaha! The 1st prize went to that man for depicting a skeleton. He has used paints to make-up as a skeleton. Well done! 2nd prize goes to Mahatma Gandhi, though not the real one…he he he…and your sweet Radha & Krishna got the 3rd prize. Come on, now, there will be a cultural program (Gajan & Yatra) followed by Video.
Nonigopal:- Really, one thing, I like in this village culture. During festival time, everyone gets united and enjoy every festive moment in a true spirit. For watching videos, all have taken their seats and all those eyes are on that television only. You will not find these things in city life.
Chandrani:- Look at that beautiful poornimar chand…and the stars in the sky. You cannot see so many stars in the sky while staying in the city.
Nonigopal:- Hmm…just after this night, there will be another day, when all will become busy in their own work.
Chandrani:- Hmm…even you will also back to the city tomorrow to attend your school, day after tomorrow.
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