The Lonely Waves

By Subhro Banerjee

The Lonely Waves is based on the loneliness, friendship and the crisis faced by three middle aged persons.

Narayan Sharma, Arjun Sinha and Rajeev Agarwal were very successful in their own profession. But at a particular juncture of their lives, they started to feel that no body in this world loved them any more and slowly they were becoming redundant. Loneliness gripped them. They lost the interest of life.

By different coincidences, they came close to one another. They started realizing that they were not alone in the world. With this friendship, they started to feel the joy of living. Now they knew that they were having friends, who were thinking about them and loving them. They decided that they would never get separated from one another.

They went to Kashmir, the paradise on the earth. Their main intension was to relax and enjoy the companies of the others.

But they were unaware of the fact that a conspiracy was going on to kill Rajeev by a notorious criminal. When they realized, they were scared and wanted to escapefromthe valley of Kashmir and take Rajeev to some safe place and save him.

But would they be able to do that?

They did not know what were stored in their destinies..

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Dec 1, 2008
• ISBN: 9781452057774

Subhro Banerjee

Subhro Banerjee has written since his teen age. But his dream of becoming a writer was fulfilled in 1996, when his first book was published. The book gave him good readership, which encouraged him to write more and his writings won the appreciations of the readers and the critics. Many of his writings were published in the leading magazines. He is an Electronics Engineer by profession and runs his own organisation. His profession and strong passion for traveling have taken him to various parts of the world, where he has got the opportunities to come into contact with many people of different communities. He has observed their lifestyles, day to day activities and tried to analyse their inner feelings. All these have been reflected in his various writings. Born in Kolkata, India, he lives with his wife, Tanusree and son, Sayan in Salt Lake City, near Kolkata. His family and his very good friend, Rakesh Goyle, have been his sources of inspiration for writing, besides carrying on with his regular professional activities. Besides writing and traveling, he has a great passion for music. He and his wife have a musical troupe, which performs regularly at different places.

Book preview

Prologue

It was almost 6.00P.M. But from this basement apartment it was impossible to judge what time of the day it was.

There, in a small cabin a middle-aged man was talking over the telephone. The person on the other side said, Mr. Mathews, we’ve collected the money from her family. We’re sure that they haven’t informed it to the police

How do you know that?

We’ve our informer?

Who’s he?

The driver of the car by which she was going to the college.

But the girl’ll tell everything once she returns.

No, our men who abducted the girl bit him so heavily that it looked as if he tried to save her.

But if the police interrogates, ultimately he’ll be forced to tell the truth.

So, what should we do?

Don’t take any chance with this man. Keep no trace of him.

As you say Sir. But after that shall we release her?

Let me think. By the way, has she seen any one of you? James Mathews asked.

Sir! I’m not very sure. One day when I went to her room I forgot to wear my musk. But that happened only once.

You bloody, idiot. That means the girl has seen you and will remember your face. Once she’s released, her family may go to the police. Then, according to her description, the police’ll get the picture of your face made by their artist and publish it in the newspapers and other media. John! In our profession, we can’t take any risk. Kill the girl and dispose off the body at some remote place.

O.K. Sir.

James disconnected the phone.

Another phone rang up. James picked up the phone. One of his employees, Jagdish was on the line. James asked, Yes Jagdish, any news?

Sir! The proprietor of Priya Edible Oil has contacted Mr. Rajeev Agarwal, to take up their case. Their accounts have been manipulated by some concerns through the computers. Of course, we aren’t involved in this matter, but I thought that I should inform you.

You’ve done the right thing. In our profession, everybody is inseparably associated. So, if one is identified, the others will follow. Keep an eye on this bustard at all the time and the moment you get an opportunity, kill him. But be careful. Do it in such a manner, that we don’t get involved.

Sir! Can I ask you one question?

What’s it?

Sir! We can kill Mr. Agarwal any moment in his office. There he doesn’t have any security. Why’re we taking so much time?

Are you crazy? If we try to kill Rajeev in his chamber, there’ll be severe police investigation and all of us’ll be exposed. Never try to do it.

You’re right Sir.

Jagdish switched off his cell phone.

Chapter 1

Arjun woke up by a thundering sound. At first he thought that again the rain would start. Then he understood that it was the sound of the aircraft, which just took off from the adjacent Kolkata Airport. He looked at his watch. It was 6.00 P.M. He realized that the flight to Delhi had just departed.

Few hours back there was a heavy shower, which had reduced the scorching heat of this mid August evening. Now the sky was clear and mild wind was blowing with a trace of moisture in it. Everyday after returning from the office, sitting in the small lawn in front of his house, Arjun liked to see the fading twilight and the approach of the night. From this he could see his own life. Today he was very tired. It had been a very hectic day. Sitting on the garden-chair he did not know when he became drowsy.

After the aircraft had gone, again there was absolute silence. The sky was slowly becoming dark. He could see few stars. He tried to see the moon. It was not there. He did not know when it would rise. Now the chirping of the birds had stopped and the monotonous drone of the crickets had replaced it. They would continue like this till the morning.

Sir! Shall I serve you the tea here? The old servant Shyam came and asked him.

No. Vinod’ll come. After that, we’ll take the tea together.

O.K. Sir. Shall I prepare some snacks for you?

No, I don’t like to eat anything right now.

O.K. Sir.

Have you served tea to Rohit? Arjun asked.

No Sir, he isn’t at home. After returning from the office, he has gone to visit one of his friends. He told me that he’ll come late and most likely he’ll have his dinner there itself.

Strange! He didn’t tell me anything about it.

Shyam kept quiet.

Arjun looked at his watch. He wondered why his neighbor Vinod was so late. Usually by this time he was present. He was not a close friend, but with him, at least Arjun could talk and spend some time. Otherwise, it was so lonely after returning home.

Arjun was feeling little impatient. He took out the cell phone from his pocket and dialed Vinod’s number. After a while, one lady picked up the phone.

I would like to talk to Vinod. Arjun said.

May I know who’s speaking?

My name is Arjun Sinha. Vinod knows me.

The lady fumbled for few seconds. Then she said, I’m his wife. He has told me many things about you.

Please put me to Vinod. Arjun suppressed his irritation and said.

Mr. Sinha! He isn’t at home.

When will he return? He was supposed to come to my house. Please tell him to give me a call once he returns.

He has gone to the market to get few things. I think today he won’t be able to go to your place.

That’s all right. Vinod never told me that he won’t come. So I was wondering what has happened to him.

Shall I tell him to call you once he returns?

He may, but it isn’t necessary. Anyway, thanks, and have a nice evening.

Arjun disconnected the line.

He got up and entered the house. Again the loneliness was gripping him. He looked at his watch. It was only 7P.M. He would have to spend the entire evening alone at home. The home – he felt laughing. Could it be called a home? There was no body – only beautiful pieces of furniture, beautiful curtains – which Nita purchased to decorate the house. Every thing was arranged meticulously – there was no dust – and there was no sign of life in any thing. These days, nobody even used these things. Could it be called a home? In this lonely evening, he started missing Nita very much.

He rang the bell placed on the table. Within a short time Shyam came. Yes Sir? Shall I bring the tea?

No. Bring the bottle of whisky, some ice and soda.

Sir, Vinodji won’t come?

No, he’s busy. Go and bring the whisky.

Shyam hesitated for a moment. He knew that Arjun did not like to drink alone. He could understand that Arjun was feeling very upset. But he did not dare to ask him anything.

Arjun sat on the sofa for some time. He was feeling very depressed. How long he would spend his days like this, sitting alone with some drinks, waiting for Rohit to come and talk to him or Vinod to come and give him some company? He was feeling disgusted. He hated to think that he had to continue living like this for the rest of his life.

He rang the bell once more. When Shyam came, he said, I’m going to the club. Tell Mansoor to take out the car from the garage.

Sir! Won’t you’ve the drinks?

No, I’ll have it in the club. I’ll take my dinner there itself. So, I’ll be late in returning. Take your dinner. Don’t wait for me.

Royal Club was one of the most prestigious and traditional clubs of the city. Arjun was a senior member of the club. Earlier he used to come here quite often. But after the demise of Nita, his visit to the club had become very rare.

When Arjun reached the club, it was almost 9 P.M. The gatekeeper saluted him with a broad smile. He opened the door of the car and welcomed him.

Enjoy the evening Sir.

Thanks. Arjun smiled and moved towards the reception. Near the reception there were some notices, mentioning the different events, the club would be organizing in the coming few days. Every day the programs were followed by dinners, and the menus were displayed.

Arjun remembered that earlier whenever these types of programs were held, he made it a point to attend. But today, he did not feel the slightest urge to book his seat and come to see the programs. He was lost in his own thoughts; suddenly he was brought back to the reality by a tap on his shoulder.

Arjun! What a pleasant surprise! Seeing you after a long time. How are you?

Arjun was startled and looked back. He found that it was Mr. Ahmed, another senior member of the club.

Arjun smiled. He did not say anything.

Mr. Ahmed went on saying, Arjun, we all miss Nita. But this is life. You’ve to accept it. At least remember that you’ve your son. Come here regularly. All of us are here and I’m sure that you’ll feel better.

Arjun kept the smile on his face and nodded. He moved forward to the main lobby. He found that some of his fellow club members were there. Seeing him, Rajeev Agarwal and his wife came forward. Arjun remembered that Rajeev’s wife Rina was a good friend of Nita. They used to talk over the telephone quite often. Even after her death, both Rajeev and Rina came to his house. Although Rajeev was never a very close friend of Arjun, but today seeing them Arjun felt better.

Hi, Arjun, how’re you? Rajeev asked.

I’m all right Rajeev. Rina! How’re you? How’s your daughter?

Arjun! There’s good news. Rina said, We’re going to be grandparents soon.

Congratulation! Give your daughter my love.

Rajeev said, How’s Rohit? I haven’t seen him for quite some time.

He’s fine. Enjoying his life. Arjun said.

He’s such a nice boy.

Arjun smiled. He did not make any comment. Rajeev said, Why don’t you tell him to pursue for the higher studies?

Arjun said, He’s an adult now. He should take his own decision.

But still you must give him some guidance. Send him abroad for few years to do his higher studies. He’ll be able to know so many things there.

Arjun did not say anything. Now he had stopped giving any advice to anybody, including his son. But he could not tell it to Rajeev.

Rajeev said, Arjun! I’m going to Germany within a few days. I’ve to give a speech at the German Chamber of Commerce.

Both of you’re going? Arjun asked.

Rina said, No, I can’t go. My daughter, Rupa’ll come and stay with us. She’s having some health problem. So, Rajeev’s going alone.

Can’t your son-in-law or his family, look after her for few days?

No, Rupa wants to come to our house and stay. We may again travel to Europe in the future.

Yes, that’s also true. This is more important.

Rajeev said, Just now, I was talking to my friend in Germany. I’m thinking that since Rina isn’t going, I’ll spend few days with him. He has asked me to come to his place several times. But I didn’t have the opportunity to go there. But now, unfortunately my cell phone got disconnected and I’m unable to connect him. From here it’s showing ‘No Network’.

Why don’t you go towards the lawn? May be from there you’ll get the tower. Arjun said.

You’re right Arjun. Let me go to that side. Thanks

Rajeev went towards the backside balcony adjacent to the lawn. Some other club members came forward and said certain formal things to Arjun.

Arjun was about to go to the Bar Counter, when he saw Rajeev was beckoning him from the balcony. Arjun walked towards him. Rajeev told him, Arjun! My friend from Germany is calling. But as my cell phone is giving lot of problems, I can’t hear him properly. Would you mind if I give your cell phone number to him? It’s little urgent.

Sure. Arjun gave the number, which Rajeev conveyed, to his friend in Germany.

After a few minutes, Arjun’s cell phone started ringing. He saw that the display was showing Private Number. He switched on the phone. From the other side a deep baritone voice said, Good evening Sir! Can I talk to Mr. Rajeev Agarwal please? This is a call from Germany.

Oh sure, please talk to him. I’m his friend.

So kind of you.

Arjun handed over his phone to Rajeev and moved away a little, so that he could talk freely. After a while, Rajeev finished his conversation and handed it back to him. Thanks Arjun. It was urgent.

Oh! Come on. That’s O.K. One thing I must admit, your friend is having a very good voice.

Do you know that he’s an Indian, staying in Germany?

Is he? His accent and voice aren’t like an Indian.

His name is Narayan Sharma. He’s from Kashmir.

Is it? Please give him my regards, when you’ll talk to him next.

Sure. Now we must make a move. See you again. Rajeev shook his hand with Arjun and left. Arjun moved towards the Bar Counter and ordered for his favorite brand of Whisky with ice and soda.

Arjun looked at his watch. It was almost 11 P.M. He remembered that he had told Shyam that he would take his dinner at the club. But now he did not feel like eating anything.

He finished his drinks and got up. He found that his driver was chatting with some other drivers. Arjun signaled him to bring the car.

In the car Arjun was staring outside without actually looking at anything. His mind was crowded with many thoughts. He remembered that earlier when he used to return late from the club, Nita always remained awake, waiting for him, without taking her food. Regarding this he had scolded her many times but she had never listened to him. Today, after returning home, invariably he would find that every body was sleeping. He knew that no body would wait for him any more.

He thought about Rohit. Where had he gone? He did not even bother to inform him! Rohit had changed so much that sometimes Arjun felt that he did not know him. Particularly after his mother’s death, he had become somewhat indifferent. He had joined Arjun’s farm, but he was very casual about the work. He was leading his own life with his friends. Time and again he was not coming to the office. At times Arjun wanted to talk to him about it. But on a second thought he had decided to wait for some more time and watch. But now he felt that he should not avoid the discussion. Otherwise it would be late.

Chapter 2

It was almost 11 P.M., when Rajeev finished his dinner. While returning from the club, Rina wanted to visit one of her friends. Although Rajeev was not interested, he did not tell anything and accompanied her. It was in his mind that next morning he was having a meeting with an important client. He had submitted all the papers to Rajeev few days back. But because of his heavy schedule he could not go through those. Now, before meeting the client, he wanted to study those. But seeing Rina’s interest he agreed to go. Recently, he had observed that whenever he had gone against her wish, she had become very upset.

After having a light dinner, Rajeev sat with the papers on his bed. A little later Rina entered. Seeing Rajeev studying the papers, she said, Are you going to work now?

Tomorrow, there is an important appointment. I want to go through the papers.

Will you feel disturbed, if I watch the T.V.? A good movie is there.

But how can I study, if you watch the T.V.?

O.K., I won’t see. Rina said and went to the adjacent balcony.

Rajeev felt bad. He should not have said it to Rina. He could have easily gone to his library and studied. He closed the file and went to the balcony, where Rina was standing. He stood next to her and said in a soft voice,Rina! I’m sorry.

That’s O.K. I’m always used to it. Whenever I say something, you’ll oppose. I’ve learnt to accept this.

I told you that I’m sorry.

I know, whenever you’ll see that I’m upset, you’ll say sorry. But next day you’ll repeat the same thing.

I promise you that I’ll not tell you anything. Now if you want to watch the T.V. you can do.

No, I don’t have the mood to see the T.V. any more. You may go and do your work.

Leave it. I’ll do it tomorrow morning.

As you please. But don’t tell me later that because of me, you haven’t been able to do your work.

O.K. I won’t tell it. Now come to the room.

You go. I’m coming a little later.

Rajeev hold Rina’s hand and drew her towards him. Rina pushed him away and said, Please leave me alone, I don’t like it.

What has happened to you Rina?

I don’t like these types of things any more.

"But why? Is there something wrong with you?’

Rajeev! Please leave me alone. I don’t like to talk now.

Please tell me, what’s the problem?

Nothing! Please go from here.

Rajeev did not extend the conversation any more. He was also feeling bitter in his mind. He tried to think whether he had done something that had made Rina so upset. He could not remember anything. He told to himself, She’ll never change. She doesn’t think about me. She’s only concerned about herself. She doesn’t realize that tomorrow, I’m having a very important appointment. Now, instead of studying the case, I’m busy with some nonsense thing. I’ve seen that Rina doesn’t like even my touch. God knows, when she’ll change herself.

Rajeev thought that it was enough that he had tolerated such