Anirudh- The Story Of A Misread Barrister

Chapter-33: On Bondita's Sixteenth Birthday

11th February, 1925, Madras

"Alai payuthe kannaa...en mann alai paayuthe....

Un ananda mohana venu gaanamathil...

Alai paayuthe kanna...."

{ Krishna, my mind is overflowing like the waves,

By listening to the happy tune of your flute..

My mind is overflowing, Krishna...}

I heard this as the first thing in the morning that day, when I was still trying to open my eyes fully. On hearing the song being sung by the most melodious voice, I got up from the bed and walked towards the window like a possessed soul to see what the owner of that sweet voice was doing. She was watering the flower plants that were on my side of the house, while she hummed the song with a sweet smile adhered to her lips. Looking at her early in the morning fills my heart with immense happiness. It was a way of assuring my heart that she is absolutely fine and I got another happy day as a gift from the almighty.

It was Bondita's sixteenth birthday that day, which means it has already been fifteen years since she came to this earth. They say 'time and tide wait for none', probably for this reason. I feel like it was yesterday that I held her little hand in mine and all of a sudden there came this day when I have to maintain enough physical distance from her, as she is not that ten year old child anymore with whom I can behave as one, but a teenager who needs privacy and space of her own. Over the years Bondita became taller, smarter and more confident than ever. Besides, she was able to understand many things which obviously she couldn't as a child. Then coming to her reasoning ability and debating skills, I am sure my vocabulary wouldn't suffice to describe. If she could convincingly debate at the age of ten when she didn't even know an alphabet, should I tell how she would be in her fifteenth year, after getting the primary education? Still, her intelligence did not taint her innocence. The smarter she grew, the purer she remained.

While watering the plants she gently caressed their flowers, giving her beautiful smile to them. To be precise, she was greeting each one of them personally. One thing that remained constant all through her work was the song. She had been learning Bharatnatyam for two years by then and along with dance she learnt some beautiful songs from her teacher as well. With Bondita's efforts, many of her friends who are apparently my students too, joined the dance class. This was her final year at school and so for the dance training as well. After schooling I want to take Bondita to London for law studies.

Suddenly she stopped her song and greeted, "Good morning, sakha babu.", with a beaming smile as she waved her hand.

"Good morning Bondita. Wish you a very happy birthday.", I reciprocated.

"Ma is making roshogullas for us. Get ready quickly and come fast. My stomach is already grumbling.", she said.

"I am coming. Just give me an hour. I have a surprise for you too.", I said and left the window to head towards the bathroom.

After the completion of regular morning chores, I took an envelope from the drawer of my table and went to Bondita. As soon as I went, she dropped to the ground to touch my feet. I placed my hand on her head and wished the best for her. In spite of my constant rejection, she came with undeniable reasons to touch my feet occasionally. Even though I am much against it, I can't help but allow her to do it. The reason she often stated was that she needed my blessings. My best wishes and blessings will undoubtedly be with her always, for which she doesn't have to touch my feet. However, she is too sentimental in such aspects.