The Soul Dictator

By Ashish Banerjee

Sexagenarian Nalini retired from service and was a lonely man. He was living a monotonous life despite all comforts available with his family. He had never travelled outside his own city, yet one day he left home with two friends for a journey. Spooky events haunted them during their travels, while back home everyone considered Nalini to be dead.

However, all did not go according to plan and he was stranded by his two companions at Kedarnath, a pilgrimage spot in India. Despite all odds, he started enjoying the companionship of the plethora of mendicants who were living all around the Himalayas. Nalini was mesmerized to witness the strength and power inherent in the ascetics.

From there, Nalini started out on a winding journey with an illustrious sage. He witnessed the beauty of nature hidden in the deep of the Himalayas. As he travelled along with the sage, he met many people, delved into the labyrinth of their minds and acquired knowledge. At the end, a change came over him, transforming a simple nave old man into a soul dictator.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Dec 8, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450264365

Ashish Banerjee

Ashish Banerjee has been a seasoned traveler. He started his career modestly, first in the hospitality sector and soon he moved to the administrative divisions of the Government of India. With his quest for experience in the running of the government over, his desire for travel overwhelmed him. Before, his passions were moving around the corridors of several offices which afterward took transformation which led him to visiting places like Haridwar, Varanasi, Kedarnath, Kashmir, Kolkata, Mumbai, Madras and umpteen number of places in India. The places of pilgrimage and the people there had an impact on the minds of the author. Over the years, he travelled to the lanes and bylanes of Algiers, Amman, Gaborone, London, Paris, Brussels and many others to gain knowledge of human relationship. On meeting people, he engrossed himself in understanding their behavior, idiosyncrasies and virtues. Although the passion for writing has been there since young age, he was mostly involved in telling stories of his experience to his acquaintances. People known to him always insisted him to write them on paper or in diary. Finally, reaching fifty, he grabbed the white sheets and filled them up with three novels, several novellettes and scores of short stories.

Book preview

Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Soul Dictator is my first novel. Initially I started with writing of short stories and novelettes. I knew very well that the writing of novels was very tedious and required lots of concentration. In comparison, writing of short stories and novelettes are less gruesome, and can be written in shorter time. Hence, I kept myself away from writing the former. But my younger son Joy, who was only fourteen then, persisted me to begin with a novel.

Joy had promised me to help out in every way possible to figure out my novel, and that he has kept his words. Finishing his studies early, he used to come beside me, encouraging and giving inputs to write the novel. Apart, he never hesitated to come out with points which he thought would subscribe to the novel. He has a tremendous sense of creativity in the field of writing novels. The inputs that he had contributed were truly admirable.

I heartily acknowledge his commitment to the cause that he took upon himself in getting the book to shape.

Rupak Banerjee, my elder son took great initiative in getting the novel published. He has his area of commitment, but found himself more committed to his father and his creation. He too generated lots of vigour and confidence in me in accomplishing the writing and publishing of my novel. Without him being involved heartily to this project, the novel would not have seen the light of the day.

CHAPTER ONE

Nalini’s Disappearance

With his grocery bag swinging from the crook of his elbow, Nalini turned around at the threshold, to look back at the clock perched on top of the mantelpiece. A frown creased his forehead watching the time.

Muttering under his breath he cursed, To hell with it, the needle seems to be frozen. Nalini had indeed glanced at the clock at least a dozen times by now since he had woken up, and each time he was convinced that the time had been bewitched to move slowly. It was just five past nine. It would not do well if he set out for the market so early. Yet he was compelled to go since for how much longer would he sit around in the house doing nothing.

Nalini Sanyal had turned sixty-two just the last month. He had retired from service a couple of years ago. At present, his obligations were minimal. Both his sons were earning well. However, his elder son was staying outside the city while his younger son remained with him. Nalini’s peace of mind was complete when his younger son had also been able to find a job in the city itself a few months ago. Apart from his two sons, he also had an adorable daughter who too had been married off four years back.

His elder son has been married for some years now, while he was not yet perturbed about his younger son’s nuptials. Nalini’s wife, Sandhya, was a completely down to earth person. The lady of the house has been working on tirelessly from dawn to dusk in managing all domestic work for the last thirty years. Neither does she have any whims and fancies of her own, and nor does she badger about her problems. Considering all this, it would not be unfair to call Nalini a fortunate person.

Despite all comforts, Nalini was not too satisfied with his life. During his service life, in spite of his efforts, he had been unable to go to the market before seven thirty. He used to hurry pell mell to the market and buy whatever vegetables he could put his hands on. While striding back, nagging thoughts crept up in his mind if only I could start off a bit earlier, I would have managed to procure whatever I desire. Yet now that he had ample time to spare, he wished to leave for the market as late as possible. In these last few years, he had observed that the prices of the daily needs came down considerably as the morning wore on. Moreover, he had also realized that it was not too difficult to sort through the leftovers of the market, if a person could put in enough time. This served as a dual purpose of saving a few bucks as well as consume away some part of the long drawn day.

So, it would not be too wondrous to expect Nalini’s temper edging, on finding the time moving at a snail’s pace. His ardent wish was to leave for the bazaar not before ten. Notwithstanding his endeavours, he failed to achieve this day after day. Even the slumberous sleep that he used to have before had deserted him long back. During his office days, he had tried his utmost, but had been unable to rouse himself before seven. Yet now he finds himself buoyant with glee when he wakes up to find it to be six o’ clock. After answering nature’s call, and going through front to back of the newspaper thoroughly, having several cups of tea littering the centre table, yet he could not outstrip the clock more than eight in the morning. He knew well enough that till nine thirty, the office goers usually infested the marketplace, and tempers ran high, along with the prices.

His gentle, calm and composed demeanour, and a lean figure, looked shorter than most Indians. Along with his age, he too had become a bit chubby. His hair had thinned as they grew grey. Till a few years back, he had shied away from the prospect of wearing long robes, as his ribs used to stick out through the thin cloth. This shame had been heightened when one of his young colleagues, Umapati, had once joked with him.

Mr. Sanyal, I feel ravenous whenever I see you in robes.

Without getting the gist of this comment, Nalini had naively asked, Why?

Your stuck out ribs remind me of a lamb’s! Umapati had replied in a voice shaking with glee. Nalini had blushed furiously, while his colleagues roared with laughter. Reminiscing back on this occasion, he had never worn robes to office. Instead he preferred to put on formal attire, a full sleeved shirt and a dark coloured trouser. However, after crossing the age of fifty, he noticed flab adorning his previously attenuated body. From then on he had shunned the formal attire, and grabbed at the silky robes.

His crinkled eyes were least noticeable compared to his complexion and the crooked nose. In his younger days the elderly ladies had complemented Nalini to be an English for his fairness and the sharp nose. Yet, the children had never missed a chance to ridicule him by calling him an English dwarf.

Anyhow, once he had set off, he could not turn back and so directed his steps towards the bazaar. As he crossed the road at the end of his alley, he saw Shikhar coming out of the adjoining alley. On meeting the latter’s eyes, Nalini exclaimed, Hello Shikhar! How are you keeping? We seldom find you coming to our home these days!

Nalini was fond of Shikhar who was a bit out of the ordinary kind of boys, and seemed to be clever. The latter was a childhood friend of Nalini’s younger son, Sandip. Upon seeing Nalini, a grin lit Shikhar’s face, Hi Uncle, I am great. Sorry, but I can’t spare even a minute. Got to catch the train of nine seventeen. See you later. Shikhar mumbled without waiting for an answer and moved ahead.

Feeling exasperated, Nalini scowled and muttered under his breath, What’s your hurry laddie? One should have seen what we had to go through during our times. We had seen people like you reaching office as late as eleven thirty. Nalini tottered ahead, his brow furrowed. A small park stretched out in front of him. The slight breeze lifted his wispy hair. Usually, he refrains from going through the winding pathways in the park as this would be a shortcut towards the market. Instead, he prefers the footpaths along the roadside. It serves both the purposes; first, it took some more time to reach the market than from any other route, and second of all, it was highly likely to confront some other acquaintances who might be strolling past him. However, while returning back with his hands full of merchandise, he takes the shortcut through the park.

Strangely, he did not come in contact with a single known face on his way. With a sigh, he entered the market. Looks like, a slight drizzle has fallen in the night. For what else could have created all this mud in front of the bazaar. Though I did smell a musty odour, must have overlooked it at that time. Nalini pondered to himself. A few steps on, he came in face to face with Jagannath, the beetle nut vendor who welcomed him with a smile. Just like any other day, Nalini halted for a while before the kiosk and engaged in light gossip for a few minutes. All the same, still the same people milling around the market.

Oho, what a crowd near the fish vendor, Nalini moaned, after a glance at Montu, who was selling fish in one corner. Let’s begin with the vegetables. Potatoes and bitter gourd are must for everyday. Then we’ll tackle the rest.

With two heavy bags weighing him down, Nalini crossed the road in front of the market. Putting his baggage down on the stairs up to Chandi’s bakery, he ousted out the cigarette packet from inside his pocket. After taking one out and sticking it between his lips, he put his hands in his robe pocket to fetch the matchbox. Just as he was about to light a match, his eyes fell upon Samolendu, who was idling outside Canon Happy Homes. The latter was shooting furtive glances around him. Nalini could sense Samolendu’s restlessness. Absentmindedly, Nalini had already put the unlit cigarette and matchbox inside his pockets, and proceeded to cross the road towards the young man.

Oho! What a pleasant surprise! How come you are here Samol? Nalini queried with a grin from ten yards apart. He staggered across the road, finding it difficult to carry both the bags.

Yes, I am fine. Samolendu said curtly. What about you? Nalini could understand that the reply was just perfunctory and lacked enthusiasm. Yet, he ignored this impertinence and continued towards him. He knew Samolendu for a long time now, and was aware of his altruistic nature. Whenever, the latter had heard of any difficulty anyone might have come across, he had rushed to their aid. Samolendu was nearing thirty five, yet a strange liveliness appeared on his disposition.

Coming closer, Nalini asked in a kind way, You look fidgety. Are you waiting for someone or what?

You’ve got it right. Since the last half an hour, I have been waiting for Jeevan to come but in vain. Samolendu elaborated.

Which Jeevan? Is he the husband of Tuku?

Yes! Yes!

Then what are you waiting for? They just live two blocks away. Just go there. Nalini urged.

It’s not that simple. I had asked for a loan from him, but I dunno whether Jeevan has disclosed it to his family. So I can’t just go rushing to their house and reveal the secret. I have no other way other than to wait for him. Samolendu explained in a whisper.

Hmmm….. Nalini murmured, looking somber. After a moment, he looked up and said, How about this? I will go to Tuku’s house, and if I meet Jeevan there, I will impress upon him, to give you the money latest by tomorrow. It is better now that you leave for work.

No sooner had Nalini finished elucidating his plan, Samolendu yelled, "What are you talking about? I am leaving for Benaras by tomorrow morning’s train. I have to get the money today. Samolendu looked furious. Look at the man. After giving his word, he has just backtracked. I feel more anxious as the time is flying by. I don’t think he would really come now." Despite his outburst, Samolendu looked downhearted. Nalini felt disturbed, looking at him.

How he pines inside himself, Nalini thought. In order to pacify Samolendu, he asked, Why are you off to Benaras?

Against his volition, Samolendu replied, "Actually I and one of my friends are going to Kedarnath and Badrinath for a trip. Say for fifteen, twenty days. I go there every year. It’s wonderful. The ambience is awesome. The whole place is surrounded by mountains, and streams trickle past. It is set far away from the monotony of city life. Samolendu was speaking with a sparkle in his eyes, People come there from various places, all eager to watch the beauty of nature and devotion in their hearts. You know very well, how fond I am of these pleasant itineraries. So this time around, we decided to just touch Benaras as well. That’s why I mentioned Benaras to you."

While speaking, Samolendu had been gazing around for a glimpse of Jeevan. Nalini could not help wondering that he is such a kind hearted person who helps out everyone, yet now he is besieged with problems.

People hardly ever keep their promises these days, Nalini blurted out. He had said it in an undertone, which evaded Samolendu. However, he could measure that Nalini had uttered something.

Glaring at Nalini, he retorted, What? What have you said?

Nothing. I meant to say how much money do you need? I mean, Nalini clarified, how much Jeevan had promised to give you?

"Five thousand rupees." Samolendu said shortly.

With a moment’s hesitation, Nalini asked, Er, what time does your train depart for Benaras?

Nine in the morning.

Samol, rest assured. I myself will deliver to you the five thousand rupees tomorrow morning at the station.

But why you?

Yes, just give me back the money after you return from your trip.

After asking Samolendu the basic queries of where they would meet the next day in the station, Nalini stooped down to pick up the groceries and started out towards home. On his way back, he met with Sricharan, Gangapad, and Kunal. After sparing some casual words with them, he moved on. The thoughts of the beauty of Kedarnath, Badrinath and pious Benaras swirled in his mind, and he was engrossed in these thoughts even as he chatted with the acquaintances.

Upon reaching home, he handed Sandhya the bags, and sat down on the sofa after switching on the fan. Yet, he could not keep calm for too long, and left the room. Taking his shirt off, he went outside for a bath beside the well. Even though they had a well drawn bathroom, yet he preferred to take the bath outside from the well. The cold water from the deep cooled him as the tap in the bathroom never did. It was a pleasure to bathe outside. Nalini kept pouring buckets of water over his head, as he fetched it with the bucket from inside. With that, he inadvertently squealed with pleasure.

*

The next morning, Nalini woke up early, had tea, and went to the toilet. He knew that he would have to start early, to deliver the money to Samolendu. Otherwise the latter would be in considerable predicament, Nalini felt.

Just like any other day, he put on his clothes, and took off with his grocery bag, as if to go to the market. He had not mentioned anything to Sandhya. His wife very well knew that Nalini kept many secrets clutched to his heart. She had many grudges against this man during the initial days of marriage, but all her tantrums had been in vain. She had not been able to change Nalini. Before leaving, he simply asked Sandhya about the articles to bring.

As he hurried towards the stairs leading inside the Howrah Station, the massive clock showed twenty five minutes past eight. The clamour of the trains, the crowd’s restlessness and the porters’ din excited Nalini to a crescendo. He had not been a visitor to this place, and it was to be expected that his heart beat faster upon looking at the commotion inside. The station was being cleaned up with vigour. Tiptoeing across the wet floor, Nalini moved forward cautiously. He felt bewildered at the magnitude of the crowd criss crossing past him. He could not comprehend what exactly he should do in this situation. Whom shall I ask for help? Nalini thought desperately. He darted to the side and waited helplessly.

Nalini could barely remember his first train journey from Howrah. He had been twelve years old at that time. When his father had fallen ill, Dr. Sushil had suggested for a change of air. Then, all of the family members had visited Deoghar, a place in Bihar. Other than his parents, his three siblings, and two aunts alongwith their family had been with him on that occasion. They had spent nearly two months in the new place. It was an amazing time they had spent in Deoghar. Nalini still remembered the days and pondered on them for long. Thereafter he had once again gone outside the city a second time. It had been just a few years after marriage that he had plucked up courage to go to Puri with his wife and elder son on the entreaty of his friend, Vidhu. That had been the last time that he had traveled to any place other than his office and home. After this he had never set away for any other place, not even inside Howrah Station. Looking now, after so many years, he felt awed. In these few years, so much has developed, wondered Nalini.

After looking around furtively, he spotted the enquiry counter on the other side of where he was standing. He saw a couple of passengers milling outside the peephole. Without waiting any longer, Nalini strode towards the counter.

Er, can you tell me about the train going to Benaras now? Er and from which platform? Nalini stuttered to the person sitting behind the window.

Nine, was the reply that came from inside.

Nalini hurried towards the front of the station and moved towards the desired platform. He was happy to find the Howrah–Mughalsarai express standing in the platform. A couple of steps ahead, he found Samolendu.

I have come, I have come. Sorry that I am a bit late. Actually, I hardly ever come here, so lost my way. Nalini said.

To vent the excitement that had been building inside him Samolendu cut to the essential, Uncle have you brought the money or not?

Yes, of course. That’s the purpose for which I am here. Saying so, Nalini put his right arm into the shopping bag and quite freely took out a packet in a white sheet, and handed it over to Samolendu who was completely flabbergasted as he received the money.

Uncle, you saved the day by advancing the money to me. I will see to it that it is returned the moment I come back.

That would happen my dear. I have no hurry. Better you move and come back safely. Nalini felt contented. While pocketing the packet, Samolendu realized that his friend was waiting just beside him. He immediately introduced him to Nalini.

Let me introduce you to my friend. This is Raghav, just that I call him Raghu. He is a very old friend of mine. Turning towards Raghav, Samolendu said, This is my Uncle. You see we live in the same locality. His full name is Nalini Sanyal. He has retired from service for a few years.

Raghav folded his hands out of respect towards Nalini. At the first glance, Nalini felt that Raghav was younger to Samolendu; more or less his elder son’s age. The trio started speaking amongst themselves.

There was still fifteen minutes to go till the train left. The crowd in the platform was surging gradually. By this time, Nalini had come to know that Raghav and Samolendu have had berths booked on the coach in front of them. Just a few minutes more, and these boys will be gone where they want. But not I; I will just have to tread the path home. I will have to visit the market as well while going back. The same monotony…… This thought had made him dejected and felt miserable.

As he was immersed in these thoughts, Samolendu’s voice reached him from afar, Uncle, we’ll just hop on to the train, it is better you go back home. It’s quite a distant place. Without waiting for an answer, Samolendu turned back towards Raghav and said, Let’s go.

Hearing Samolendu, a cold wind swept Nalini’s heart and he felt crestfallen. A bout of loneliness overcame him, as he watched both of them getting ready to leave. In order to say goodbye, Raghav stepped forward towards Nalini. In the space of a heartbeat, he had felt a strong emotion for Nalini for leaving him behind. Clutching his hand tightly, Raghav murmured, Why don’t you come along with us, Uncle?

The words sent adrenaline coursing through Nalini’s veins. An excitement sent goose bumps erupting on his skin and he exclaimed, What are you saying? How can I come? I haven’t said a single thing at home about where I am going.

Raghav had deftly understood Nalini’s deep seated desires. In a jiffy he was ready with his answer, You need not worry about that Uncle. Just drop in a letter at the next station, and your family would know by today evening or tomorrow morning. I have got the postcards with me. With a moment’s hesitation, he continued, Just sit inside the train with Samol, while I run and get you a ticket.

Without further discussion, Raghav ran towards the counters. Nalini was dumbfounded at the change of events and stood rooted. Samolendu too seemed confounded and words failed him.

At five past nine, the train’s wheels screeched and started moving. Soon it was hurtling along and had gone past the platform. Raghav had managed to get the ticket and returned just before the train left. All the three of them were sitting shoulder to shoulder with their backs against the compartment. Nalini was still in a trance about the turn of events. The grocery bag was still swinging from his hand.

Uncle, Raghav broke Nalini’s silence, Here’s your postcard. Write a note to Aunt that it would take you about twenty days to finish your daily shopping.

Nalini came out of his reverie and stuttered, Yes, yes, I will just write it down.

From beside him Samolendu asked him in a snide voice, Uncle, do you have some more money? I mean to say, that the expenses would be a little higher now that we are three.

Just then, Raghav interjected sharply, What is this Samol? Uncle is our guest now and I am sure that we’d be able to manage with this money.

Before Raghav had anything more to say, Nalini astounded them with another piece of information. Don’t worry, I have got five thousand more in my pocket. You need not worry about money.

With a sharp whistle that rang through the corridor, the train suddenly moved on with a higher speed. Glancing towards his left, Nalini saw through the window that they had just crossed Liluah station. The green landscape that surrounded the train, gave him a thrill of happiness.

Banana trees, lemon trees, coconut trees, weeds on the lakes, shrubbery were flashing by the train, and more scenic beauty kept replacing the ones which had raced by moments back. The exquisite nature and the aesthetics amazed Nalini, and made him wonder how he had not noticed it before. What was more bewildering was that all these nature’s gift was so close to him, yet he had somehow been ignorant of them. Now he thought back, his own house was immersed in a sea of greenery, yet he had never before appreciated it as he did now.

*

Why hasn’t he returned by now? Sandhya muttered to herself as she gave sidelong glances at the wall clock. He has been out at the crack of dawn to go to the market. It is ten now!

Sandhya had been moving around the house for the last hour in her absentmindedness. She very well knew that it was not in the nature of her husband to stay away from the house for long. An hour or two was the maximum he could stay outside at a stretch after he had retired from office.

After completing her chores in the kitchen for the morning, and having given breakfast to Sandip, quite earlier, she had come out of the kitchen to find that Nalini had not yet come. Her younger son had gone to work at nine. He had also not met his father and had been inquiring about where he had left so early. Sandip had not pestered her after he had been told that his father was off to the market. After Sandip had left, Sandhya grew anxious and unbidden thoughts crept in her mind. As the hour needle had gone around, the more perturbed she had become. She could not rest, or keep her mind off ominous thoughts. She had already gone to her room, and prayed in front of the idol to make sure her husband came back in fine condition.

However, when the clock showed the perfect noon, she could no longer keep her mind stable. She became restless and paced about in the room, twisting the cloth she wore, and frayed it. She could not comprehend what she should do, and kept looking outside to look for Nalini.

Where has he gone? He has never been so late before! This was all she could say incessantly.

In Nalini’s house, a boy of thirteen years was working throughout the day as a domestic. His name was Bishu. Without waiting anymore, Sandhya set out with Bishu to look for her husband. Putting a lock on the door, and clutching a diary, she left. The diary had a whole list of all the telephone numbers of the near and dear ones. After reaching the end of the lane, they took off the path for the market.

After perusing the whole market, Sandhya could not see any inkling of her husband that might show where he was. As she was coming back, she came through the park and checked in the corners. Nothing was seen which was worthwhile. She even considered going inside the shops around to inquire whether anyone had seen him in the morning. Yet, by a sudden impulse she refrained from doing so. They directed their steps back home.

It might even be that he has come back home by now, and waiting outside. Sandhya told Bishu.

She came back home with Bishu with a longing in her heart, but in vain. Nope, he has not returned yet. Sandhya sighed. The lock was just as they had left it. She again went out.

We should visit Kundu’s house. Sandhya thought to herself. From there I will phone Sandip. She had never phoned anyone from the Kundu’s before. Generally, Nalini and his sons had always managed the phone calls they