Nikhil Khasnabish

(“The Depart” depicts the story of the Assam Agitation. Ansuman prepares to leave Assam amid unrest. He shares emotional farewells with Sumit. At the airport, they part with heavy hearts as Ansuman departs for Calcutta.)

“Sumit, you’re facing all troubles due to me,” Ansuman said. 

      “Why do you think like that?” Sumit patted his back. 

      A tree fell inside the forest. They stopped, looked into the forest and began to walk again toward the town. “The enemies of the forest,” Sumit muttered. 

      “Sumit, I think I should leave this place soon,” Ansuman said. 

      “Is this your final decision?”  

      “Yeah.” 

      “Diganta has fully washed your brain.”  

      “That’s not right. I never thought that I would leave Assam so soon. The Assamese are really good people. They’re agitating out of fear. Try to understand that. Look, the monkey is crossing the road.” Ansuman pointed his forefinger at the monkey.  

      “They’ve become very courageous.” 

      “Our school is destroyed. There’s chaos everywhere. How can I force you to stay with us, in this situation?”

      “I’ll write you letters regularly. I’ve gathered a body of experiences here. I’ve known the Assamese closely. I’ll remember their good behaviour, simplicity and hospitality for ever.” He sighed. “I don’t know what Mitali is doing now.” 

      “Will it be easy for you, to meet Mitali?” Sumit asked. Ansuman became thoughtful. “You better convince Kaka-babu and Kaki-ma of the importance of a bride like Mitali first and then do something on your own, if they remain resolute.” 

      “That’s a fine suggestion. I won’t proceed with my plan without knowing about the things there properly.” 

      “I don’t know if she’s changed her mind in your absence.” 

      “She won’t do that. She can’t love any men in the world, except me,” Ansuman simpered. 

      “Then is your decision to leave Assam final?” 

      “It depends on what you say.” 

      “I know you’re decided about going back to Calcutta. So I think I shouldn’t compel you to change your decision.” Sumit looked up at the birds returning to their nests. 

*

Ansuman touched Parag Barkataki’s and Jonal Barkataki’s feet in obeisance. “You’re like my own Baba and Ma. I’ll miss you like anything. Keep in mind my request to visit us in Calcutta. Baba and Ma will be mighty pleased with your visit.” 

      Jonali Barkataki began to weep and held Ansuman’s hands. “You are like my own son. I have three sons. Don’t forget us. You must to come here on the weddings of Sumit, Amit and Romola. We’ll invite you.”  

      Ansuman took the handkerchief from his trouser pocket and wiped his moistening eyes. “Oh, sure, Ma! I must come. I must come.” He went near Amit and hugged him. “Don’t neglect your studies. Without education, you can’t be a successful man.” 

      Diganta emerged from the sitting-room. “Please take it, Mr Bose. A poem. I composed it on the last May Day. A poor poet can’t present his friends with anything except his pomes.” He wiped the tip of his nose. “It’s really agonizing that you haven’t been able to stay with us long. And the school is also demolished.” 

      “Don’t repeat it now, Diganta.” Sumit laid his right hand on his left shoulder. 

      “Write me letters. Don’t forget us here. Please try to find a publisher for me, in Calcutta.” Diganta shook hands with Ansuman. “An interesting chapter of our experiences is going to be closed today.” 

      “Mr Poet, this interesting chapter will never be closed.” Ansuman turned to Romola standing beside him. “Romola, give mind to your books. Sumit thinks the best for you too. He’s very soft behind his roughness.” He gazed at them all and said in a trembling voice, “Please pardon me if I did anything wrong.” He walked toward the taxi. He stopped near the taxi, looked around and then got in. 

      Sumit followed him. 

      Parag Barkataki approached the rear door of the taxi and placed his right hand on Ansuman’s head. “This old man will live long to hear the best about you,” he said in a vibrating voice and ran the palms of his hands over his eyes that filmed over. 

      Ansuman held Parag Barkataki’s right hand and delicately touched it to his eyes. Emotions came over everybody’s face. The taxi started. Ansuman earnestly waved goodbyes to the neighbours who had come out of their houses. Sumit looked back through the rear window. They were still looking at the taxi. The taxi picked up speed. 

*** 

At Borjhar Airport, Sumit held Ansuman’s hand tightly at his bosom. “Inform us as soon as you reach home.” 

      “I couldn’t meet Dolly!” 

      “I’ll tell her everything.” Sumit released his hand. 

      “Don’t be harsh with her. She’s a very good girl.” 

      “I’ll miss you much.” 

      “I think you shouldn’t go against your people. This agitation is not without a cause. India will do tomorrow what Assam is doing today.” 

      “The passengers have gone in. Our conversation won’t end.” 

      “Complete the thesis. Don’t go against your people. Answer my letters quickly. I don’t depend on the telephone line at Sunjuri. It remains erratic almost all the time.” Ansuman shook hands with him and went up to the check-in counter.   

*** 

Sumit remained standing although he could not see the passengers ascend the ramp and board the plane. Ansuman was his real friend. Luckily he met him in the National Library, at a propitious moment. He trudged up to where his taxi was standing. He got into the taxi. The taxi started and got to the highway. He looked up at the sky. The Indian Airlines plane was gradually achieving altitude.