COCKTAIL IN THE RAINBOW - CHAPTER 9

Chapter – 9

It was a pleasant moment to look at the children sitting on dinner in the office hall. Some ladies and office staffs were also taking dinner, as probably they would not attend the cocktail party. Bhar was specially attending Jolly, daughter of Chanakya Nag and Amit, son of Ramani Talukdar. Narrow dining tables were placed in four rows on the open space in the middle of the hall. Some medical and sales representatives were looking after their children and wives. I learned afterwards that smart wives of some medical representatives would attend the cocktail party.

Nandi introduced me with his wife and daughter who seemed to be shy and could not eat in my presence. So I moved to other direction and reached near Nag’s cabin. Talukdar saw me and almost dragged me inside.

Around the big table of Chanakya Nag were seated head office first line managers like Antony, Dr. Mehta, Phuchkanwala, Subbarao and Fernandez. Besides, there were Sanyal, Ganguly and Nag himself. Talukdar, who was oft for a little, joined them again on flush. There was a mound of coins and notes at the centre of the table. Everybody invited me to join the game. I smiled and submitted my apology for utter ignorance about this interesting pastime though I knew the cards and system of Flush and Rummy.

“Mr. Bhose has missed the real pleasure of life.” Tarit Ganguly said after throwing ten rupee note on the table.

Nag put another ten rupee note on the table and said, “Why don’t you enjoy the pleasure of life yourself! Go on throwing more notes.”

By “Bhose” Ganguly actually meant me. Instead of “Bose” or “Basu” some so-called anglicised Indians pronounce “Bhose” or “Bhasu”.

Tarit packed the cards and said, “quit”.

Drawing the mound of coins and notes towards himself Nag stretched his cards open on the table. It was the flush of diamonds.

I came out of Nag’s cabin and met Atanu Samanta who was about to enter Talukdar’s cabin. He requested me to get inside Talukdar’s cabin where there had been a nice sitting on Rummy. I entered into Talukdar’s cabin and found Debu Dutta playing Rummy with some medical representatives and their wives. Debu Dutta got up from his chair and requested me to participate in the game. I thanked him and expressed regret for not knowing such an interesting game like Rummy and Flush. Here also I avoided sitting on gambling.

I came out of Talukdar’s cabin and decided to relax in my room and to change my dress for cocktail party fifteen minutes earlier. I carried extra shirt and trousers while coming to office in the morning. Fortunately Mansij brought from the car that bag containing shirt and trousers to my cabin even without my asking him to do so. Probably he knew that car would be used by other persons. Though I did not like his garrulity, in my soliloquy thanks came out of me for Mansij for his matured anticipatory action.

Besides Nandi, Mansij also told me about gambling in form of Flush and Rummy that took place in Rainbow office everyday after office hours along with serving of cold beer in presence of Chanakya Nag. This session would continue minimum for two and half to three hours. He added that no doubt for working overtime he got his extra allowance every month, but he was utterly disgusted with his wretched life. Everyday before and after his scheduled duty hours, he got to spend minimum four hours extra. When there was official party he did not know when he would go back to his wife and children. As per his version “Private company’s driver should not have any personal life.”

Nandi came out into my cabin and said, “Sir, I am free now. I sent my family home with my brother-in-law who had come earlier to pick them up immediately after dinner.”

I smiled at him and said, “So you are free to drink, dance and dine.”

Nandi bent down his head and said bashfully, “Sir, I am not a regular drinker. You know I got initiation in alcoholic drinks from Mr. Anderson.”

“Yes! Yes! I remember very well. Mr. Anderson invited you to his hotel room, offered you drinks and gave you job in Rainbow.”

Nandi closed his eyes for few seconds and said, “Yes Sir! I don’t know why. Mr. Anderson developed so much confidence in my ability, he clearly told me that I would have to get all the formalities done for opening an office and godown of a medicine company. Chanakya Nag who was appointed at that time as a field supervisor, would look after only sales and supervision of medical representatives. I don’t think anybody knows about those days. What a great task was given to me by Mr. Anderson!

Chanakya Nag was only a man of the field having no experience about the formalities to be complied with for establishing office and godown of a pharmaceutical company. Trade and health licence of corporation, drug licence, sales tax registration of local government and central, fire licence, central excise registration, certificate of shops and establishment department, police licence and so on. Though in Kipling and Kingslay most of these licences and certificates had been procured long before, amendments and renewal of licences were there every year. My British bosses were not at all anxious about these matters, as they knew that Fatik Nandi would get everything done in time. Mr. Kipling and Mr. Kingsley were so much generous that I had their open permission for spending money for renewal or obtaining new licence from the respective departments. Mr. Kipling taught me to hand over money to respectable officers in white plain envelope, twenty five percent in advance and seventy-five percent after getting the job done. Afterwards I made permanent arrangement with the key-persons monthly allowance for them.”

Nandi paused, as there was knock at the door.

“Come in please.” I said loudly.

Atanu Samanta entered with smiling face and said looking at Nandi, “My intuition did not betray me. When Fatikda was not found anywhere I thought he must have taken recourse in this chamber.”

Nandi retorted immediately, “Where else I can go? I do not know anything about playing cards, specially gambling like Flush and Rummy. So, I am an unwanted person in the gambling den. Young boys may not like my company, as I am a middle-aged man devoid of any knowledge of modern jokes and feminine gossips. Young ladies may enjoy my presence in their gathering as a buffoon, but not as a man of their desire. You will be surprised, even I am not so much wanted person in my family.”

Atanu said, “Fatikda, ok! I agree with you except what you say about your family. Your wife and daughter definitely love you and you are the only much wanted person to them. Tell me frankly, did you have any time to relish and reciprocate their love? In your youth, you had to come down to Calcutta by early morning Canning-Sealdah local train and go back to your home by late night Sealdah-Canning local train, even when you were newly married. You would go to your bed almost in the mid-night and leave much before sunset. With this schedule your daughter came to this world to see everything everyday except her father who was not free even on Sundays and holidays. You must spend some time with your family. I do agree that for a daily passenger coming to Calcutta from a village beyond Port Canning, it may not be possible to have get together with family members on weekdays; but you should have kept your Sunday free for them. Am I correct Sumantada?”

Atanu looked at me for my comments.

I said, “Oh Yes! You are correct. Mr. Nandi must spend some time with his family. I met his charming daughter today.”

Nandi became serious and said, “Sir, now there is no problem. I am not required by Rainbow at all on Sundays or on holidays now. I spend my holidays with my family. But my wife taunts me very often even during our homely discussion. If for any wrong action on her part or on part of my daughter I say anything, my wife says that I feel disturbed at home and so I talk like that. It would be better for me to spend time in the office only.”

Atanu burst into laughter and restraining himself said immediately, “Mrs. Nandi is absolutely correct. Today she must have seen you spending time with Iris and Leda. So, be prepared for your next meeting with her.”

I could not check my laughter on hearing Atanu’s jokes. Nandi turned jovial and said, “Sorry Atanu! In that respect my wife never doubts me. She has got hundred percent confidence that I will not go for other woman.”

Atanu said smilingly, “Ok! I also agree with your wife that you do not go for other woman. But it does not mean you will not keep information of the women of our office. Why did Leda look so grave? I wished her, but she seemed to be without mood. She reciprocated in cold voice.”

Nandi looked at me and said, “Sir, if you kindly permit I can tell something about latest status of Leda in Rainbow.”

“Carry on please”, I said.

Nandi looked at Atanu and said in low voice, “You know, Leda was transferred to the reception desk from the secretarial chair. In her place Iris was appointed by Mr. Chanakya Nag as per direction of Mr. Rozario. First offence committed by Leda was that she had declined to accompany Mr. Rozario for marketing and also for taking dictation of confidential letter in his hotel room in the evening. Mr. Rozario was at that time one of the Directors of Rainbow. So he maintained his personal grievances against Leda. When he became MD, he took first action against her. But she was not sacked as he still had the hope that one day Leda would realise her mistake and yield to his desire.

Nandi paused for a little and continued with serious facial expression, “Today again offer came to her through Iris who tried to allure her of immediate promotion to the post of lady executive to be placed directly under GM. MD was to buy something from New Market and come back to office via Hotel Emperor Intercon where she could freshen herself in the Beauty Parlour for the cocktail party.”

“But Mr. Rozario picked up Swapna Ganguly, I mean Tarit’s wife for marketing.” Atanu said.

“Yes! That is true. But this time Leda was the first choice of Rozario as he had already enjoyed company of Swapna in the past. Leda had refused the big offer placed before her by Iris; Mr. Rozario selected Swapna as his companion for marketing. I do not know what is stored in Leda’s fate for her second offence.” Nandi said bending his head towards the tabletop.

Rubbing softly his wide forehead by his right hand forefinger Atanu said, “Letters inscribed here can not be changed by human being. These are the inscriptions of God. What worst thing may happen to Leda? Her services will be terminated, this much? You know, sometimes curse turns into blessing. She may get better employment in some other organization just like Santanuda, I mean our beloved Mr. Santanu Majumdar. Do you know? In Rainbow, he was the Divisional Manager, Home Products of a particular region i.e. Eastern Region. Today he is the all India Manager of a reputed processed food manufacturing company having additional responsibility of exporting their products to Middle East and South East Asia besides Nepal, Bhutan, Srilanka and Bangladesh. He is of course not employed in a multinational company having at the top so called anglicised licentious Indian boss surrounded by band of sycophants who got promotions by sending their wives or girl friends to share his bed. Santanuda is employed in a middle-sized Indian company based in Calcutta and having distributors network throughout India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. His Directors regretted for not being able to offer him perquisites at par of multinational company; but they assured him of taking care of his abode and kitchen throughout his life provided he did not leave their service.”

“Sorry for interference Atanu; why did Mr. Majumdar leave such covenanted position of Rainbow?” I said.

Before Atanu could reply to my question, Nandi said, “Sir, please don’t mind for my interference. Atanu was not present in the office when Mr. Majumdar had handed over charge to Mr. Chanakya Nag. Diana Gomes was the secretary to Mr. Majumdar. After the resignation letter had been typed by her and signed by Mr. Majumdar, same came to me for despatch. As per despatch system of Rainbow, even internal letters or memos are to pass through despatch department as entries are to be made in the register. Though the resignation letter was submitted to GM by DM and obviously of confidential nature, Mr. Majumdar advised Diana to send the open letter to GM only through despatch department. It was a simple letter stating resignation was submitted on personal ground. But so far I know and everybody in the office knows, Mr. Majumdar was asked to submit resignation, as he could not please Mr. Rozario.”

“But I heard some other story.” Atanu said. “Mr. Rozario had to please some other person aspiring for the position of DM, Home Products as per his commitment given to somebody.”

“Should I tell you, who is ‘some other person’ and who is ‘somebody’? Nandi asked Atanu.

“Sorry Fatikda! I don’t want you to be so much naked. Sumantada has understood what you have said right now.” Atanu said smilingly, “Excuse me. I take leave for fifteen minutes.”

COCKTAIL IN THE RAINBOW - CHAPTER - 8

Chapter – 8

Swapna Ganguly went upon the dais to collect the prize as joint winner in Bridge tournament. Her co-winner was Chanakya Nag who was out of the auditorium. Rozario was sitting on his chair with serious face ogling at Swapna’s heavy hips and protruding breasts. When Mandakini was about to hand over the prize, a leather case containing two packets of cards to Swapna, Chanakya Nag came upon the dais from the side door and collected the same jointly. Nag of course handed over the leather case to Swapna saying “Keep it for your practice to win the next year’s trophy.” Swapna Ganguly almost sprang like a baby waving her bobbed hair, hips and breasts and came down from the dais with the trophy.

Other recipients of prizes got to wait for sometime as Rozario and Nag were engaged in serious discussion. After few minutes Nag got up from his chair and announced without microphone, “Ladies and Gentlemen! After the prize distribution is over, please do not leave your chairs as there is another important item which I will announce shortly. Thank you!”

Gouri Chatterjee called Budhadeb Sinha of stores department to come upon the stage for collecting his first prize for recitation in Bengali. Mandakini handed over to him complete works of great revolutionary Bengali poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. After Budhadeb came Jolly, daughter of Chanakya Nag and Mandakini to collect her prize for “Bharat Natyam” dance and Amit, son of Ramani Talukdar and Keya for vocal music. Consolation prizes were given to Badal, son of Jagabandhu Adhikari and Basabi, daughter of Fatik Nandi. Lastly Ramchandra, personal peon of Chanakya Nag got a special prize for his obedience and sincerity.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! I am now happy to announce about the farewell party of Mr. Santanu Majumdar, our ex-Divisional Manager, Home Products. After serving Rainbow India for five glorious years, Mr. Santanu Majumdar left us for betterment in his personal career. We extend our best wishes to him. Today, I mean, this evening we have arranged a farewell party for Mr. Majumdar. Unfortunately he has not been able to attend this function, as we understand, suddenly he got indisposed.” Chanakya Nag paused for few seconds.

Rozario spoke something to Kelvin who shrugged occasionally.

Nandi whispered from behind, “Sir, it’s an absolute imposture.”

Nag said again, “Ladies and Gentlemen! We would have been happy had Mr. Majumdar been with us at this auspicious moment. Anyway since he has not yet turned up, we will send the farewell gift to his residence.” Nag showed a wristwatch to the audience.

He further said, “Third session of our today’s function is cocktail and dinner. Perhaps most of you have come here with your children and some from distant place. So I request those members, especially ladies with small children to wait for few minutes for dinner in the office hall. Those who desire to participate in the cocktail party may kindly be present on the terrace of our office building sharp at 8 p.m. However on behalf of Rainbow Calcutta I invite all adult members to join us at cocktail this evening. Thanks!”

Audience who remained seated in the auditorium with so much patience and discipline started moving out through the main door like stampede as seen in the cinema halls after the end of film shows. We, I mean managers and executives got to remain inside till the departure of VIPs from the dais through side door. Before going out Nag advised Tarit Ganguly and Gouri Chatterjee to see him in his cabin.

Gouri Chatterjee, the thin and tall bearded young man was a personal appointee of Chanakya Nag as recommended by his wife Mandakini who got to oblige one of her co-joggers in front of Victoria Memorial. Being the student of a Calcutta English medium school, Gouri could speak English fluently in Anglo-Indian accent. Very often he used the word “Bloody” even while talking to seniors. He spoke some words in his own accent and sounded something else to others. As for example instead of speaking ‘Well’ he would utter ‘Boel’ and similarly ‘Buil’ instead of ‘Will’. Nag was very much impressed by spoken English of Gouri and appointed him as a Medical Representative in pharma division under P.K. Sanyal. Within a short time Gouri became a top favourite of Chanakya Nag as he was the only person who could procure original Scotch whisky and virgin girl friend in shortest time for entertainment of Rainbow guests and big bosses. There was a confidential rumour that Iris Stephen was one of such virgin girl friends of Gouri Chatterjee. She applied for the post of secretary to GM (East) of Rainbow India as per direction of Gouri who had brought her to Chanakya Nag long before her final selection by Rozario. Gouri once told his immediate boss Prodyot Sanyal that as per prediction of his family-astrologer, he would rise up to a senior position in Rainbow very shortly. Fatik Nandi was standing nearby and he heard Sanyal saying pointing towards Nag’s cabin, “I also foresee, you are occupying that room very soon.”

Gouri came out of Nag’s cabin and approached Iris who was chatting with Leda, Rupa and some other ladies standing near to me.

“Iris! You have got an exciting responsibility! Do you know what is that? You are to show Mr. Kelvin some of the historical relics of British Calcutta. Go down and get inside the air-conditioned limousine for a nice time to Victoria Memorial. From there you will proceed to Dalhousie Square and show Mr. Kelvin G.P.O., Writers’ building and Octorlony monument before taking him to Hotel Intercon for freshening. However, you must see that you come back to Rainbow house at 8 p.m., as Mr. Kelvin is the guest of honour in the cocktail party. Anyway I am coming down with Mr. Kelvin within a minute.”

Gouri delivered lengthy instruction to Iris and proceeded towards Nag’s cabin. Within two minutes he came out with Kelvin and went downstairs for Limousine and Iris.

I decided to spend the period of intermission in the office only. I was not married at that time. My mother was quite old and my sister was allergic to cocktail party. She never opposed my taking drinks in official parties of previous employers, as I would always keep myself confined within limits. But she questioned me many times why official parties could not be confined within tea, coffee and soft drinks. Though I had tried to quote many historical royal parties and modern banquets arranged by country or state heads in honour of visiting heads of other countries where French Champagne, Spanish Sherry and Scotch Whisky were served, I was unable to convince her of the utility of alcoholic drinks.

Chandan, sales executive of my division came to me and asked me when he would be promoted to the rank of DSM. Though I did not like his untimely quest for career development, I smiled at him and said, “Oh yes! Why not? Very shortly.”

Tactfully I avoided his further question and moved towards my cabin.

I had been relaxing on my chair stretched in inclined position for ten minutes or so when Nandi entered my cabin and said, “Sir, sorry to disturb you.”

I said, “Not at all Mr. Nandi! Welcome! So what are the news? Please take your seat.”

“Most disturbing news Sir!” Nandi said comfortably.

I brought my chair in normal position and looked at him curiously.

“Sir! Do you remember Swapna Ganguly? I mean Tarit’s wife?

“Yes I do.”

“She accompanied Mr. Rozario for marketing.”

“It’s alright! What’s the problem?” I asked Nandi.

“No problem Sir. You asked me about latest news and I told you about that.” Nandi said with depression.

I realised that ever jubilant Nandi did not appreciate my total indifference towards latest news provided by him. As a matter of fact though I welcomed Nandi and offered him to sit before me, I was totally preoccupied with my new assignment in USA. Fortunately, I did not accept official flat of Rainbow as one of the perquisites besides official chauffeur driven car for twenty four hours as I had four roomed rented flat in an excellent locality of central Calcutta. My landlord was a NRI settled in USA like millions of immigrants from all the countries of the world who had migrated to this golden continent in search of platinum currency i.e., US dollars. USA also sheltered these immigrants as their citizens. My landlord used to visit Calcutta once in a year and meet us normally on the day before his departure for USA. He was very friendly to me. So in my absence there would not be any problem for my family to stay in the same flat. I decided to inform some of my distant relatives and close friends to look after my mother and sister for some time.

“Mr. Nandi, you did not finish your story of Kipling and Kingsley. So far I remember, you stopped somewhere when Mr. Anderson indirectly invited you to meet him in his hotel room.” I said to make the situation light.

Nandi smiled and said, “Sir! You remember everything so vividly!”

“Yes! I met Mr. Anderson in the hotel same evening. Such a great man he was! Immediately on being informed by reception, I was asked to go to his room. Door was kept open for me. When I entered into the room, Mr. Anderson almost jumped from his chair and said, “Hallow Fatik! Welcome to my room. Like some drinks?”

“What did you say?” I asked.

Nandi became shy to some extent and said with a smile, “I said, most welcome! I am at your service.”

I was about to burst into laughter but restrained on hearing a knock on the cabin door. Nag entered my cabin and said, “Sumanta, I am extremely sorry to tell you, without your permission I asked your driver to take out Mr. Rozario for marketing. If you need car, I will arrange something for you.”

I got up from my chair and said, “Sir, you have done excellent job. There was really no necessity of asking for my permission. I will not go out anywhere before the end of the cocktail party. Mr. Nandi is giving me jocund company.”

Nandi had got up before Nag entered my cabin and seeing him in person felt very much uneasy. Probably Nag understood the mind of Nandi and said, “Well done Nandi. Why don’t you take out Mr. Bose to the hall, some ladies and children are taking dinner. I am sure, he will enjoy.”

Nag further said, “Sumanta, you can come afterwards to my cabin and enjoy cards.”

I said, “Thank you Sir!”

Nag left my cabin.