Murmur of the Lonely Brook by Debashis Dey

but you can leave later.” Pravin’s site was just a short walk away.
    Kishen left and Pravin watched him walk down the road. He then went back and sat down on the cot. Kishen’s wife was in the kitchen. She came out after a while and set another tea next to the cot, then went back and stood at the kitchen door, her face half covered with her saree. Pravin knew that in many places it was still a custom to keep the veil on in front of outsiders. He did not mind. He silently had his tea and got ready to leave. All along, she stood silently at the kitchen door watching him.
    There were already two trucks waiting at the site, one loaded with bricks and the other with iron rods. Pravin counted the laborers and noted their names. Once the material was unloaded, he took stock and entered the count. He saw Anil and asked, “Can you give me extra work?”
    Anil looked at him and said, “Extra work is laborer work. If you can handle that, I will see where I can fit you in. Give me some time to think.”
    Pravin left feeling better with the new prospect. On the way back to Kishen’s house, he purchased some samosa and jalebi. Kishen was not yet home. Pravin walked up to the kitchen and left the packet inside near the door. Kishen came back soon. He was jovial and smiling and was carrying a small bag. Every Saturday he indulged in a few drinks as the next day was a holiday. He smiled at Pravin.
    “I got some good fish. Tonight we will have good food,” he said jovially.
    “And, I got samosas for you and bhabi.”
    “That will be great! Let’s have it with tea.”
    They had tea but Kishen left with his cup unfinished. He changed and came back with two glasses and a bottle of rum.
    “I don’t usually drink, but I will have little to give you company,” Pravin said.
    “Will we get the fried fish?” Kishen asked turning toward the kitchen.
    There was no reply but Pravin could make out the smell of the fish cooking. Kishen poured himself a large glass. Fish was served and after two drinks, Kishen broke out in a folk song native to his place. After another two drinks, his wife came and removed the bottle.
    Dinner was served but Kishen was in no condition to eat. He tried a few times to find his mouth and dropped half the food on his shirt. Kishen’s wife came and helped him inside. Pravin could listen to her scolding. After some time, the sound of loud snoring floated outside. He finished his food and cleaned the cot. Kishen’s wife came and removed the plates and left his jug of water. Pravin stretched and closed his eyes. Tomorrow was a holiday for him. He decided to meet Raju at the stall.
    After about an hour, he woke up. He had the feeling of being watched and did not move. He looked around but saw no one. Inside, Kishen was snoring out loud. Slowly, he sat up and picked up the jug of water and heard the faint sound of bangles and a door closing.

Chapter 7
    The sky had been overcast since morning. Diwakar woke up to the baritone bleat of the baby lamb accompanied by the kid. Parvati and Nisha were already up. Nisha was making pancakes.
    “Let’s cut and bring in the buckwheat before it rains,” Parvati said.
    “Yes, Aama,” said Nisha as she served food for all.
    “I am worried about Chotu,” Parvati said. Even if she did not like his temper, she always felt concern for her children.
    “Don’t worry, Aama, he should be fine,” Nisha said.
    “Yes, I have full faith in Aaté,” added Diwakar.
    Nisha looked at Diwakar affectionately—she knew that this man also had the same conviction about Pravin and her confidence increased. Everyone in the house saw that Nisha prayed with folded hands and closed eyes every morning in front of the Devta’s photo. But what she prayed for was anybody’s guess. The one and only thing she prayed for was Pravin’s success—she knew that her well-being depended on his finding employment. She also knew that she had done nothing wrong in her life for the gods not to be pleased