Nomad Scholar

  “It was 3 am. Aneesha made some tea and brought a cup to Salim. They sat in the together in the moonlit balcony as the sweet melody of Rabindra Sangeet cleansed their souls. Salim looked lovingly at Aneesha. ‘What?’, she asked smilingly. ‘Nothing. You look beautiful.’, he said looking into her eyes. She punched him playfully and rested her head on his shoulder. They looked into the distance reminiscing on all the memories they had made. -The End” He stretched and got up from his chair. It was 4 in the morning and the sun had just started to rise. He walked to the kitchen and made himself a cup of tea. ‘Alexa, play Tomay Hridmajhare Rakhbo .’ He peeked into a room. In the dark, he saw that same old shelf with a dozen trophies in it many of which had failed to endure the test of time. With a sigh, he sat in the living room and sipped the tea in the dim lights. ‘Wish you were here, Aneesha.’, he said to himself.

He’s a drug addict just back from rehab. She’s a back-office clerk. They share a small apartment in a building of miscreants and criminals. Every few months, they can’t pay their bills. A few days ago, with much effort, he threw the rest of the weed and picked up a book. He started teaching kids in the neighborhood but he felt tired all the time. She would work extra shifts to make ends meet. Today is Valentine’s Day. Vendors are selling red heart-shaped balloons on the street and couples are walking on the street. From the windows of the coffee shop, you can see couples smiling, holding hands and chatting. She worked till late in the night and walked back home. On the road was a desolate vendor with one balloon left. She smiled as she paid Rs 10 for it. She opened the door to her apartment slowly hoping not to startle him. There were candles lighted in the living room. Wine glasses were on the dining table and spaghetti on two plates. He was asleep on the couch. She kissed his head, p...

  A kid in his school uniform looked back. He had a small bag with Mario's picture on it. "Bye, Ma!" "Love you, beta! Be a good boy at school!" He has returned now. He has traced his way back home. He is wearing a nice blazer and has a suitcase with him. The garden is overgrown with weeds and wild flowers have grown at the doorstep. People from all of the neighborhood have gathered to just catch a glimpse of him.  He rings the doorbell. "Ma!" There's no response. He knocks on the wooden door. "Papa! I'm home!" Again, there's no response. "Ma! Papa! I'm here! I've done it! I'm home!" There's no response. He sits down with his back to the door and lets out a primal scream. It starts pouring. All the people rush for shelter. He sits there, hands on his head and starts crying.