Cocktail In The Rainbow - Chapter - 16

Chapter – 16

 

Melodious solo tune on violin reverberated on the illuminated roof under moonlit sky. I was sitting alone enjoying the violin recital of unique Sonata of Beethoven, the ‘Pathetique’, having the glass of lime and soda in my left hand and patting right thigh with right palm in keeping with musical beats.

Cocktail service seemed to have attained it’s peak form. Boys and stewards were running from one end to other with drinks to rejuvenate the guests, young and old, ladies or gentlemen to their heart’s content. There was enormous gathering. Besides medical representatives, sales representatives, sales executives of ten Indian states and two neighbouring countries under the jurisdiction of Rainbow’s eastern regional organization, there were also many other guests from various government departments related to the company in day-to-day matters. Dinner was not yet announced and so drinkers were busy in consuming Scotch, French, Spanish, Polish and Russian drinks as much as they could without hesitation. It was a carnival of drinks.

I heard somebody humming Beethoven’s ‘Pathetique’ behind me. I looked back and found Atanu with his ever-smiling face and glass in hand.

“What happened with you, Atanu? I did not see you for a long time.” I said.

“I came once near to you and found you having chats with Mr. Talukdar. So I changed my direction.” Atanu said.

“You need not change your direction now, sit on that chair.” I said and asked him further, “What you are having in your glass?”

“Same material as you are having.” Atanu said smilingly.

“You mean, lime and soda?” I said.

 “You are right Sumantada. It will take another half hour to start the dinner. I have already consumed three drinks and do not like to have any more as Rikta is waiting for me. She won’t take her dinner unless I reach home and give her company.” Atanu said and his face became pale.

“That’s good spirit and should be the relation between husband and wife.” I said. Though I had already heard from Fatik Nandi that his wife was blind, I was very much careful in avoiding any reference from my side. I wanted him to speak.

“Probably you don’t know Sumantada that Rikta is blind and very much dependent on me.” Atanu said.

“I am really sorry Atanu.” I said.

“But I am not at all sorry Sumantada. I loved her when she could enjoy the visual beauty of the world. I loved her when she lost her eyesight and was deprived of her vision of everything. I love her most today as she is my wife and life partner. In my heart, she is the only lady, nobody else. You know Sumantada, she is not born-blind. She met with a serious motor accident on her marriage day. Not with me, she was to be married to a very rich groom. Instead, she fell in the hands of a petty salesman like me after losing her eyesight.”

Atanu paused for a moment and said, “Sumantada, please don’t mind. Let’s have small Whisky.”

He called the cocktail boy and picked up two small Scotch. I filled up the glasses with plain water.

“You displayed a very costly chivalry, Atanu,” I said sipping the diluted Scotch.

“No…No…Sumantada. You are mistaken. It’s not chivalry or generousity. As I told you before, I loved her, love now and will love for ever.” Atanu said.

I looked at Atanu. He was not drunk, but few drinks made him outspoken.

“Sumantada, I am sure you wonder, I am talking like a tragedy hero of a film. Truly speaking, I have not yet been able to convince Rikta that I married her because I loved her, not out of compassion that she was blind. Tell me frankly, had she not been blind, would she have come in my life? Daughter of an established wealthy Barrister would have become daughter-in-law of some other Barrister or Industrialist, not the life partner of a medicine canvasser.” Atanu said and had a sip of Whisky.

Moon in the sky was shinning with it’s full glory on the fourteenth of the bright fortnight.

“When did you meet Rikta first?” I said calmly.

Atanu smiled and said, “It’s a long story Sumantada. However since you have asked I will tell you briefly.” He paused for few seconds and said, “Standing on nearly a dozen of queues of job-seekers, I got at last a job of medical representative of Kipling and Kingsley for their Holland Pharma Division. I was posted at Cuttack and my territory was entire state of Orissa. After the training period was over I left for Cuttack with my bedding and suitcase. Two cases of physician samples and medical literature were booked by transport carrier to the address of one leading pharmaceutical distributor wherefrom I would have to collect the consignment for my use. While I was under field training of a senior medical representative, he gave the name and address of a lodging house. So on arriving at Cuttack I took shelter at that place. It was not exactly a commercial lodging house. It was resthouse founded by some senior medical representatives twenty years back as there was no good lodging house at moderate rate in those days. Medical representatives or sales representatives of pharmaceutical companies for selling their medicines or home products were eligible to stay in this rest house, known as Orissa Medical Representatives Rest House. It was really a home away from home. Whoever used to stay here, even for a day, became member of a big joint family having love, affection and mutual cooperation. Like me, there were few young medical representatives having headquarter at Cuttack. All others used to cover Orissa from Calcutta, Patna or Hyderabad. Though I got my tour programme for covering different parts of Orissa from the office, senior medical representatives guided me to the best of their knowledge.

One of my college friends gave me name of a local gentleman with his address before my departure from Calcutta. The gentleman was a friend of the elder brother of my college friend. My friend suggested me to contact the local gentleman as in an unknown place it would be always better to have a known person related to friend or relative.

So one morning I arrived at the house of Mr. Rabindra Patnaik, friend of my friend’s elder brother. Mr. Patnaik was an advocate and was known as a good man in the locality. His wife Mrs. Sakuntala Patnaik, who was also an advocate, was better known than her husband as legal practitioner.

Mr. Patnaik was sitting in his chamber, when I introduced myself; he asked me where I had put up. He got angry when I told him that I had lodged at Medical Representative Rest House. In the mean time Mrs. Patnaik entered the chamber from her living room and hearing everything asked me to bring my suitcase and other belongings to their house. Both of them almost commanded me to stay with them. They had such big hearts! However, I convinced them somehow that I would meet them very often. Mrs. Patnaik whom I used to call Sakuntaladi got words from me that the day I would visit their house, I would also take my dinner with them.

My working programme was divided in two cycles, each having ten days’ stay at Cuttack. So every month I was out of head quarter for twenty days. While working at head quarter I used to visit Patnaik couple every alternate day normally in the evening hours after completing field work and would come back to the rest house after having dinner with them. I got only one Sunday and on that day too, I had to take lunch with them. They developed so much love for me. Their seven years old daughter told me one day that she would not take her lunch if I was not at their home on Sunday. So I could not escape my lunch with them on Sunday, whenever I was at Cuttack.” Atanu paused for few seconds and looked at the moonlit sky probably to recollect the sweet moments of the past. Samuel Biswas and his orchestra raised melodious tune of Mozart’s ‘Turkish March’ just after completing Beethoven’s ‘Pathetique’.

“One Sunday,” Atanu continued, “I saw one beautiful young girl sitting in the same chamber of Rabida and Sakuntaladi. They introduced me with her. She was daughter of Mr. Samarjit Choudhury, a renowned Barrister of Calcutta, with whom Patnaik couple was associated in their profession very closely and this association turned into family friendship. Mr. Samarjit Choudhury and his family were on their way to Puri. They halted at Cuttack for few hours with a view to meeting one of their close relatives and Patnaik family. They would start for Puri in the afternoon. It was only two and half to three hours journey by car. Mr. and Mrs. Choudhury came after sometime. Sakuntaladi introduced me as usual with the Choudhury couple. From the facial expression of Mr. Choudhury I could feel that he was not happy with my status. Taking off the tobacco pipe from the grip of his teeth Mr. Choudhury said, “Medical representative! I mean medicine canvasser? Representing which firm?”

“Kipling and Kingsley, for their Holland pharma division.” I said without pretention.

 “How is your Topilal? I mean Topilal Sarbetwalla. I prepared his draft for the purchase deed of Kipling and Kingsley. He maintains respect for me. You may refer my name to him if need arises.” Mr. Choudhury said. Looking at Rabida and Sakuntaladi he said, “You are coming with us. We are having two cars. There will be no space problem.”

Sakuntaladi looked at Rabida and said, “Ok! Let us have lunch now and then we will decide.”
“Oh Kuntala (short name of Sakuntaladi)! No excuse. I will get your words and then I will take lunch with you.” Mr. Choudhury said in confidence.

“Oh my god! You are our honoured guests. You must have your lunch with us. We will give you company to Puri. But my brother will also go with us.” Sakuntaladi said and pointed her fingers towards me.

I said, “No Sakuntaladi. I have got other programme. I will have to go to Berhampur – Ganjam.”

“First class! It’s almost on the same route. You spend with us one day at Puri and then you can straight go to Berhampur, need not come back to Cuttack.” Sakuntaladi said emphatically.

After lunch I went to my rest house and brought my suitcase, bedding and the detailing bag, full of sample and literature, as I would have to be on tour for more than a fortnight starting from Berhampur.

At Puri all of us lodged in a seaside bunglow owned by Mr. Choudhury. In my previous three four visits to Puri, I stayed at Puri Hotel or Victoria Club where normally sales people used to stay during their visits to Puri on company’s work. Like medical and sales representatives’ rest houses, these two hotels also rendered the homely comfort to the sales people.

Programme was chalked out by Sakuntaladi for next two days. On the next day we would visit Sun Temple at Konarak, Khandagiri and Udaigiri hills near Bhubaneswar to see ancient rock cut Jain temples, Temple of Lord Shiva at Bhubaneswar and Zoological garden. Day after, we would visit Chilka Lake wherefrom I would proceed to Berhampur and rest of the party would come back to Puri.

We strolled on the beach, bathed in the surf dashing on the sea-shore, viewed the stone images of amorous couple on the Sun Temple at Konarak built in thirteenth century, entered the caves of the ancient Jain Temples on Khandagiri and Udaigiri hills, enjoyed the vastness of the lofty stone temple of Lord Shiva and pleasant boat ride on the lagoon at Chilka. Excepting occasional glances I did not have much opportunity to speak to Rikta, daughter of Barrister Choudhury. But I found the captivative look in her eyes and a serene smile like ‘Monalisa’ on her beautiful face. She desired to talk to me as much as I wanted to do so. We had fallen in love through our glances though we could not express.

One day at her house, Sakuntaladi asked me whether I had developed liking for Rikta. If so, she would propose to Choudhury couple during her next visit to Calcutta. Due to our cordial association for few months, I was very frank in my conversation. I told her that developing likeness for the moon, a man, whether short or tall would not be able to touch it by stretching his hand. It was like that, if a field salesman of an agency house would aspire of getting married to the daughter of a renowned and wealthy Barrister. Sakuntaladi replied sharply saying that it was true, a man, short or tall, would never be able to touch the moon by stretching his hands upwards. But through perseverance and hard work man could land on the moon. After all she was an advocate practising in the High courts of Cuttack and Calcutta with overloading briefs. So it was difficult for me to beat her in argument. Sumantada, on this wise I spent one year in Orissa under the shade of love and affection of Sakuntaladi and Rabida. I toured from one end to other of this picturesque and peaceful state several times and enjoyed the serenity of unravished nature and simplicity of the people.

I was called by my company to Calcutta to attend annual sales conference. Official stay in Calcutta was for two days; but I extended the same by another ten days as there had been accumulation of earned leave after completion of one year in company’s service. One day I happened to meet Fatikda at Esplanade on footpath below Esplanade Mansion. Fatikda was in Rainbow at that time after leaving Kipling and Kingsley. He told me that in their expansion programme Rainbow east would recruit some medical representatives for Calcutta and upcountry towns. On my request he arranged an interview for me with Mr. Chanakya Nag and I was selected. Total amount that I would get in Rainbow including salary, daily allowance and sales incentives appeared to be more than double the amount I had been getting from Kipling and Kingsley. Besides, as a medical representative of an Indian pharmaceutical agency house I always aspired for working in multinational company like other young medical representatives working for Indian medicine companies.”

“Hallow Sumanta! Having nice time with Atanu? May I join you?” Chanakya Nag stood before us with smiling face.

to be continued....

Cocktail In The Rainbow - Chapter - 15

 

Chapter – 15

 

“Sir, meet Harun-Al-Rashid.”

I was taken aback on hearing the name of the famous ‘Khalifah’ of Baghdad, immortalised in the stories of ‘Arabian Nights’.

I was actually floating in the crowd with the same glass in my hand after Atanu had gone down for toilet to ease himself. Myself being a music lover I did not feel bored as the orchestral party had been playing all along my favourite songs on their instruments. At that time I was totally mused in the sweet melody of ‘Blue Danube’ followed by ‘Waves of Danube’.

I looked back and found Nandi with a handsome young man well dressed in black trousers, white coat, black bow tie and shiny polished black shoes – complete uniform for an official dinner party.

 I shook hands with the young man and said, “Sumanta Bose.”

“At your service Sir! I am Kazi Harun-Al-Rashid Rahman from Bangladesh,” the young man said.

“Bangladesh! It’s a beautiful country.” I said.

“Did you visit our country anytime?” Rahman asked me.

“Yes! I visited Bangladesh only last year, shortly after liberation. I went there on export promotion tour on behalf of my ex-employer.” I said.

“Did you visit all the important towns of Bangladesh?” Rahman asked.

“Sorry! I could not. I visited only Dhaka and Chittagong. But I had thrilling experience. From Dhaka to Chittagong I was to go by air. My host got my air-ticket cancelled and carried me by his car and boat crossing wide rivers and paddy fields both sides right upto Chittagong. I will never forget that beautiful journey with sojourn at Cumilla and Fenny for refreshment and the warm hospitality of my host.” I said.

“Sir, next time you will be my guest.” Rahman said politely and gave me his visiting card. “My residential address and telephone numbers are mentioned on the card.”

I looked at his visiting card and came to know that he was the Branch Manager of Rainbow International for Bangladesh. I also learned from Rahman that entire operation of Rainbow in Bangladesh was controlled by Chanakya Nag on behalf of Rainbow India. Very shortly manufacturing unit would be started in Bangladesh under the name, Rainbow Bangladesh distributing public shares.

“Hallow Fatikda, how are you?” said another well-dressed young man with Mongolian countenance and yellowish complexion.

“Fine. How are you Gautam? Meet Mr. Bose, our Divisional Manager for Agro Chemicals Division.” Nandi said. “Sir, meet Mr. Gautam Thapa our Sales Executive in Nepal for Pharmaceutical Division.

“How do you do Mr. Thapa?” I said.

“Fine! I am happy to meet you Sir” Gautam Thapa said.

“You are posted at Kathmandu?” I said.

“Yes Sir! Have you visited Nepal?” Gautam said.

“Oh yes! I visited your lovely country several times since Nineteen Sixty, of course on company’s business. But during each visit to Kathmandu and Pokhara Valley, I enjoyed some thrilling Himalayan excursion and sight seeing tours to the temples and palaces built by the medieval Kings.”

“Hallow brother! Having good time with Thapa?” Ramani Talukdar said with a full glass of Whisky in his hand.

“Yes Mr. Talukdar.  I got acquainted with Mr. Rahman and Mr. Thapa. Mr. Nandi introduced with them.” I said.

Nandi moved away tactfully from the place. Rahman and Thapa also followed him.

“Brother, I feel you should have fresh drinks.” Talukdar said.

“It would have been my pleasure to give you company in fresh drinks. I don’t know the reason; but my stomach is causing obnoxious eructation time to time. May be for changing drinks.” I got to tell him lie to avoid more drinks.

Talukdar nodded his head and said, “ Brother! That’s why I suggest everybody not to change wine and woman. Stick to one brand and enjoy to your heart’s content. You will never belch. You will always live in healthy body and tranquil mind.”

Looking at my glass he said further, “You need not consume whatever is left in your glass. I am getting for you fresh lime with soda. You will be alright in no time.”

Talukdar called the cocktail boy and asked him to bring lime and soda for me. Sipping almost half of the Whisky in a gallop, Talukdar said, “Brother! How do you feel as a peripheral manager?”

“Peripheral! I exclaimed.

“You don’t know the term? No problem. I will explain. Regional GMs or DMs are all peripheral managers. It’s like a solar system. Planets are revolving round the sun and the satellites are also revolving round the planets. In a professionally organised system of a multinational or national company, both regional GMs and DMs are the peripheral managers. GMs are the planets and the DMs are the satellites. Head office is the nucleus of this professional infrastructure like the sun of the solar system.” Talukdar said and looked at me with self-satisfaction.

“Really marvellous! You have clarified our position nicely.” I said.

“No brother! I have not clarified in details about the position of a peripheral manager, better to say DM of Rainbow India, look that side.”

I saw according to his direction. Keya Talukdar was having chats with Gregory Anthony, all India manager of pharmaceutical division.

Talukdar said with a smile, “The lady does not know that her husband is to carry suitcase containing dirty garments and linens of the man she is talking to.”

I could not follow and hence looked at Talukdar with curiosity.

“I guess you don’t follow me. Ok! I will tell you, whenever head office boss comes to Regional office, depending upon status GM or DM or both will have to receive him at the airport. If both GM and DM are there at the airport, GM will accompany the VIP to car waiting outside leaving the baggage tag with the DM. DM will lift the suitcase or bag from the conveyer belt and carry the same to his car. You know, many times I saw dirty old garments and linens being handed over to hotel laundry man for washing. Since senior managers of Rainbow travel on actual expenses to be paid by the company, they get their suits and linens washed in five star hotel laundry, hair cut in hotel saloon and body massaged in hotel health clinic.”

Talukdar said that in such a style I could not check my laughter. He was senior to me in age and from the day of my joining the office he had been very affectionate to me with full cooperation as colleague. He used to address me as ‘Brother’, not Mr. Bose or Sumanta, my first name.

“Why don’t you come to my residence next Sunday for dinner?” Talukdar said.

“I will see my week-end programme and tell you tomorrow.” I said.

“For a bachelor week-end programme can be fixed instantly. So keep aside ‘tomorrow’ and confirm right now.” Talukdar said.

“Ok Mr. Talukdar, I am coming to your residence next Sunday for dinner. What will be your convenient time?” I said.

“You are coming for drinks and dinner. So best time will be 8 p.m. if not inconvenient to you, you can come earlier. We will have chats and my son Amit will entertain you with Tagore songs.” Talukdar said with confidence. 

“It will be my pleasure to be at your residence and listen your son singing Tagore songs.” I said.

“It will be also my pleasure to get you at my residence. My family and Nirapada will welcome you.” Talukdar said.

“Nirapada!” I exclaimed.

Talukdar said smilingly, “Nirapada is my affectionate dog.”

“First time in my life I hear such name of a dog.” I said.

“Oh yes! Nirapada was a common name of Bengali man in olden days. Even now this name may be found in the rural areas. Do you know who christened my dog?” Talukdar said and without waiting for my reply added “Santanu Majumdar.”

“Santanu Majumdar? I mean our former DM – Home Products?” I said.

“Yes. Santanu, my ex-colleague. He christened my pet. Since the puppy was calm and gentle, Majumdar suggested me to call the little creature ‘Nirapada’ i.e. safe in English.” Talukdar said.

“Really good name.” I said.

“But Keya did not like this rural Bengali name for a pet. She almost shouted at Santanu, as he did not suggest any good western name. Santanu was smiling, but did not argue with Keya. I told her, since creature was born in West Bengal and it’s ancestor’s identity was not established, how it was possible to christen it by western name! However Keya was not at all satisfied with my explanation. So I suggested various western names like Tom, Tusi, John, Johnny, Dick, Dicky, Tiger, Lion and so on. But my loving wife did not like these common names as many of her relatives and friends were having dogs of such names. She wanted some special name for her pet. Since dog played important role in Indian Mythology like ‘Mahabharata’, Santanu suggested some mythological names which were rejected by Keya who ultimately agreed to retain the earlier name ‘Nirapada’ or safe.”

“It’s a good name.” I repeated my appreciation of the name.

“But even by mistake please don’t admire this name before Keya. Then you may miss specially fried Pomphret with drinks at my residence on next Sunday. You will have to munch only roasted peanuts.” Talukdar said jokingly.

“Oh no! I don’t like to miss specially fried Pomphret. You may rest assured I won’t repeat this mistake. By the by, is Nirapada the first pet at your residence?” I said.

“You are absolutely correct. Nirapada is the first pet at my new flat given to me by Rainbow as my official residence. Previously I used to stay at my ancestral home at Salkia in Howrah city where we had many pets like cats, mice, rats and cockroaches which used to move freely in the old house of our joint family. After getting company’s flat, I moved there with my wife and son. Flat was well furnished with beautiful cushions and curtains. I spent further amount to beautify it as per demand of Keya. But you know, desire does not have limitation. One day Keya told me that during my tour and Amit being in school she had felt many times absolutely lonely in the flat and so she must get a pet to spend the lonely hours. She further told me that she had seen a nice Pekingese dog on the lap of Mandakini Nag during our last visit to their flat.” Talukdar paused for few seconds and had another long sip of Whisky.

“So my search for foreign puppy began. Santanu Majumdar came forward to help me. One day he took me to the bank of the Ganges near Princep Ghat where some Gypsies had been living for few months. Though I did not meet before any Gypsy, I heard that these Romany people earned their livelihood by selling puppies, musks, taxidermic figures of birds of Prey and Mongoose, aphrodisiac herbs etc. One elderly fellow brought from his tent nearly a dozen of puppies, all of which looked like the offspring of street dogs abandoned in Calcutta city. He touched each small creature and said smartly Alsatian, German Shepherd, Greyhound, Foxhound, Dingo, Lurcher, Mastiff, Terrier, Spaniel, Bull dog, Great Dane, and so on which I can’t remember. Santanu told him that he did not find any difference in appearance and so it was not possible for him to select any one. If he had any pure Indian puppy, he would buy immediately. The Gypsy fellow with his fully expressed laughter said, ‘Sir, all these puppies are of purely Indian origin. You may choose any of these creatures. All are same. But I tell you, if you domesticated properly, any one of these puppies will become your obedient servant.’ So we bought one puppy that day and the little creature grew up to full form of an Alsatian male dog with meat, milk and maize dough mixed with Rainbow multivitamin capsules as fed by Keya with her motherly care everyday. But I tell you brother, the fellow is hundred percent safe. Santanu rightly christened it’s name ‘Nirapada’.” Ramani Talukdar put an end to his dog’s story, but not to his drinks. He picked up another glass of Scotch from the tray of a passing cocktail boy and said, “Meet you again brother, some guests are waiting for me, bye.”  

to be continued....

Cocktail In The Rainbow - Chapter - 14

 

Chapter – 14

 

Samuel Biswas and his orchestra were playing on their instruments another classic “Over the waves”, a waltz piece composed by J.Rosas and one of my few top favourites. The symphony was so sweet and serene that I did not walk further. Near by some upcountry medical representatives were having chats and laughter with their drinks. I occupied a chair behind them and started listening the music beyond their knowledge. I was still having half glass Scotch Whisky mixed with soda water as offered by Ramani Talukdar and decided not to have more. Already the mixture of Brandy, Sherry, Scotch Whisky and few pieces of chicken sik kabab, fish finger and cheese cube in my stomach had formed an alcoholic chemical compound, which rejuvenated my brain to be little serious and tactful in dealing with the well-wishers and advisers in a cocktail party.

“Boy! What are you having on your tray?” asked one medical representative.

“Scotch, Sir,” the boy replied.

The MR was bit intoxicated. He said, “Scotch will not suit us. Bring country liquor.”

“Sir, there is no country liquor with us. If you desire, I can bring Polish Vodka or Jamaica Rum. Both are very strong.” The cocktail boy replied.

“Ok! Bring both Vodka and Rum and we will make punch.” The MR said and asked his friend, “Do you know where did Swapna Ganguly go with MD?”

Another MR said, “Don’t start like that. Reduce your volume, otherwise some sycophants may overhear what you say and transmit the same to GM through triple B.”

He lowered down his voice and said, “Ok! Ok! Thank you. But you have not replied to my question.”

“I don’t know. Better you tell us where did she go with MD.” Said the second MR.

Meanwhile the cocktail boy brought drinks for them. Since I was sitting with my back towards them. I did not see whether it was Vodka or Rum. I could understand only from their conversation that their desired drinks had come. Instead of adding plain water or soda water they punched Vodka and Rum. After taking a sip, the first MR said, “I have got the latest news. They went to the strand of the Ganges near Princep Ghat and parked the car at a lonely place. Mansij was given a ten-rupee note and was asked to stay away for sometime. After an hour they went to Hotel Emperor Intercon. Mansij could not tell what happened afterwards as he was asked by Mr. Rozario to go back to office.”

“What’s about Iris? We heard, she had given company to Mr. Kelvin to show him some heritage buildings and monuments of old British Calcutta. Few minutes back I saw her sipping Gimlet and chatting with Gauri Chatterjee.” The second MR said.

The first MR said, “Yes! You are right. They travelled a lot in the air-conditioned Limousine from Victoria Memorial to Dalhousie square and finally went to Hotel Emperor. The Limousine driver also could not tell what happened afterwards.”

All the boys burst into laughter. I left the place silently and started moving again in the crowd.

“Sir! How do you like the party?” I heard Nandi’s voice and looked back. He was smiling with a glass of whisky in his hand.

“After Sherry this is your first Whisky I suppose.” I said.

“Sorry Sir, this is the second. I did not want to have more. Anil Phukan, our senior medical representative of Gauhati offered me this glass. I could not say ‘No’ to him for his loving nature.” Nandi said bashfully.

“That’s nice of you. Now you can go slow in drinks as so many items are there for you to eat.” I said, “You could not complete Atanu’s story, as I had to leave you to meet Mr. Rozario.”

“It’s a pathetic story. One day I was sitting in Mr. Majumdar’s cabin, I mean now your cabin. Suddenly Atanu entered and requested us to be present at the Entally Marriage Registrar’s office at 7 p.m. in the same evening. He told us further that besides Debu Dutta, some of his well wishers would also be present there as witness. We reached the marriage registry office exactly in time and joined the bridal party. On the side of the bridegroom, there were only three persons including Debu Dutta who were introduced us with Atanu’s elder brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Mohanty. I was little struck by wonder how Atanu Samanta’s elder brother could be Mr. Mohanty. However, I thought immediately they might be closely related. That was for the first time in my life I had visited a Marriage Registry office. I was only acquainted with social marriage. I did not find the bride and members of her side. Atanu became restless to some extent and went down in search of them.

They arrived at last and we were dumbfounded to see the beauty of the bride. Though it was not the social marriage the bride was in her full bridal dress. In red silk Varanasi saree, gold ornaments and well-designed marks by sandal paste on the forehead she looked like a fairy. Mr. Majumdar said with exclamation, “Atanu! I must admire your choice! You are marrying a princess!”

Suddenly the bride stumbled down and Atanu caught hold of her left hand and brought her near the Registrar’s table. We were then surprised to see the movement of her right hand and the eyes which seemed to be in search of something, like blind or insane person. Atanu told us in extremely low voice, “Sorry, she does not see anything. She is blind.”

Nandi paused, probably seeing Atanu coming towards us. He whispered, “Sir, please do not tell Atanu what I have said. He may be hurt.”

“Ok! Don’t worry.” I said.

Atanu came in front of us and said loudly, “Oh! Fatikda! Changed over to Whisky?” I stared at him. He was the same jolly fellow.

“After Sherry this is the second glass of Whisky.” Nandi said proudly. “It’s good, you have come. Let me see what is happening elsewhere.” He left.

“Sumantada! How do you find the party?” Atanu asked me.

“Wonderful!” I said. “Everybody is enjoying drinks and having nice get together. Even medical or sales representative of small town has got free access to the MD and other VIPs of Bombay and London office. This is something very much commendable and I admire Rainbow Management.”

“Sumantada, I am very happy to learn that you are enjoying cocktail party of Rainbow. I do not like to discourage your enjoyment. But I feel, definitely you will not like boss and supreme boss asking you about your expected sale and collection during the month while offering you drinks merrily,” Atanu said.

“Does it happen it here?” I asked him.

“Yes, such thing does happen here. In the party Rozario meets all DMs, DSMs, and Sales Executives individually. He offers drinks and then after few words asks straightway about sale and payment collection from their territories. Probable figures told by the gentlemen are noted down either by GM or by any Head Office Manager. Within a week confirmatory letters come from Head office regarding the figures committed to the MD. If the figures in respect of sale and payment collection are achieved, MD sends congratulation letters. If not, warning letters are sent by the Departmental Managers, followed by same letters by GM.” Atanu said and looked at me smilingly. He said further, “Chanakya Nag will always repeat what is said and written by Rozario to the DMs, DSMs for his personal gain and self-existence. When Tarit Ganguly managed to get the position of DM-HOME PRODUCTS from Rozario by offering his wife to his bed on several occasions, Chanakya Nag never said a word to him in favour of Santanu Majumdar who was removed wrongly from Rainbow. Let us sit on those two empty chairs. I will tell you about the fact as said to me in confidence by Santanuda.”

This place was quite far from the southeast corner of the roof where Rozario, surrounded by sycophants, was having chats with Gurujee. Atanu told me that so long Gurujee was there in the party, Rozario and Nag would not let him remain alone as he would consume one full bottle of Scotch in one continuous sip like a frustrated film hero. Nobody in the party would object upto this stage. They would have objection only when Gurujee would start dancing in alcoholic intoxication as he did in the ballroom of Hotel Emperor. As told by Santanu Majumdar who was also in that dinner party that they had to forgo food that night. Entire Rainbow group including Rozario and first line managers of Bombay and Calcutta toiled hard to convince Gurujee and take him to his room like putting an unbridled and untamed horse back into the stable. Even then Rozario requested everybody to stay in his suite for rest of the night lest the sleeping giant woke up again to knock at his door. Though everybody spent sleepless night, nothing happened as apprehended. Gurujee had a long slumber till following afternoon and by that time Rozario and his head office troop were in Bombay.

“Sorry Sumantada, while talking about Santanu Majumdar’s humiliation in Rainbow I opened up the scandalous chapter of self-made Gurujee regarding whom I will talk to you afterwards.” Atanu said and paused for few seconds. “One day Santanuda told me, Atanu probably my last day in Rainbow is coming shortly.” “I asked him why did he feel like that.”

Santanuda told me that he had received one letter from Chanakya Nag stating that according to appraisal report of manpower and man management department his rapport with the customers was too poor. Since Tarit Ganguly was transferred from Patna to Calcutta as DSM, with his excellent rapport with the distributor, Home Product Division could survive some how. Santanuda said in reply, it was his pleasure to learn about appreciation of Tarit Ganguly who was DSM under him. As regards rapport with customers, he was unable understand anything as he had dealt with everybody so far with respect.

Chanakya Nag was excited and said, “Santanu, you are my friend. You had left a good job and joined Rainbow as DM only on my request. I maintain respect for you personally. I simply conveyed to you observation of our management. For some reason known to them, Mr. Rozario and Mr. Phuchkanwalla are not happy with your performance. According to them you also lack significantly in your managerial function. By the by, this time in DM conference in Bombay, Tarit Ganguly will be present.

Santanuda said surprisingly, “This time in DM conference in Bombay, all DSMs will be present?”

Nag said, “Not all. Only Tarit Ganguly will be there.”

Santanuda said, “But I have not been informed by head office till now.”

“I also did not know till this morning. I came to know only an hour back. Santanu, I have not yet been able to convince you that one should never question about management’s directive. As customer is always right for a salesman when he is in the market, management is always right when he is in the office. Say thanks to management when you here ‘yes’. Say ‘thanks’ to management when you hear ‘No’. No argument with management.” Nag said.

After few days Santanu Majumdar came back from Bombay along with Tarit Ganguly. He was mostly confined to office and Tarit started touring the region with the sales representatives. In Calcutta also, Tarit used to visit Saha Distributing Agency. Santanu Majumdar became almost like a correspondence clerk, only by name he remained as Divisional Manager.

Santanuda told me that in Bombay, after the second session of the first day conference had been over, he was called inside boardroom. Phuchkanwalla and Nag were sitting on both sides of Rozario. He was asked to sit on the chair opposite to Rozario.

Rozario said, “Gentleman! I have called you here to tell you something frankly. I have received report from manpower and man management department that you are devoid of required competence as a senior manager, especially what is expected from DM of a multinational company like Rainbow India.”

He looked at Phuchkanwalla and Nag by turning his head and said, “Am I correct?”

Both Nag and Phuchkanwalla said almost jointly, “You are hundred percent correct Sir!”

Rozario continued, “Because of your negligence and some unsolicited interference in activities beyond your jurisdiction, we were about to lose our great friend like Mr. Gajendra Saha. Mr. Tarit Ganguly some how managed the situation with his excellent strategy and customer relation. By God’s grace our company could avoid an impending disaster.”

He paused for few seconds and looking at both Phuchkanwalla and Nag, said, “Gentleman! I can not take further risk in keeping the growing division in the hands of an incompetent person. However, according to generous policy of Rainbow India, I would like to give you further opportunity to improve in your performance and for the purpose, Mr. Tarit Ganguly will help you independently to develop Home Product Division in the Eastern zone. Mr. Ganguly will report directly to Mr. Nag and I hope you will extend your best possible cooperation to him. Am I clear to you? Good luck!”

 to be continued.....

 

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Cocktail In The Rainbow - Chapter - 13

 

Chapter – 13

 

Samuel Biswas raised his melodious concerto on accordion for an unforgettable musical composition of Lara’s theme from Dr. Zhivago, the book I had read twice and the film I saw thrice.

Though I was having chats with Nandi, I could not resist my desire of listening the music.

I was so much obsessed in Lara’s theme, I could not afford to stand like that in a party. So I moved on keeping glass in hand with Nandi and passed Atanu who was having a nice get-together with a group of medical representatives. We went further and I asked Nandi, “What’s about Atanu’s wife? I find him single in the party.”

Nandi’s smiling face changed to some extent and he said, “Atanu does not bring his wife to office party. Has he not told you anything during these days?”

“No. Atanu did not tell me anything about his family. Sorry! I was also busy and did not ask him.”

Nandi said in low voice, “Rikta, I mean Atanu’s wife is blind.”

“What? I almost shouted.”

“Yes Sir! She is totally blind. Can not see anything.” Nandi said.

“Oh my god! Since when?” I said.

 Taking a light sip of Sherry Nandi said, “Not long. She lost eye-sight on the day of her scheduled marriage ceremony in a car accident.”

“So Atanu married the blind girl?” I said.

“Yes Sir. But not on that day. Rikta was betrothed to some other boy and was scheduled to marry him on the day of her accident. But the boy’s family ignored the betrothal and denied to accept the blind girl. Atanu married her long after and that’s also a long love story.” Nandi said. He could not proceed further as Gauri Chatterjee came to me and said, “Sir! Mr. Nag calls you. He is sitting in that corner with Mr. Rozario and Mr. Kelvin.”

I moved to that direction nodding my head and waving my glass to the persons I had met before. Samuel Biswas concluded Lara’s theme on his accordion.

I reached the corner where on a big sofa Rozario was sitting with Kelvin and Gurujee. Nag was sitting on a chair in front of them and said, “Hallow Sumanta, how do you enjoy the party. Mr. Rozario wants to know whether you are comfortable in Rainbow.”

“It’s thrilling to be in this party. I feel quite homely in Rainbow.” I said looking smilingly at Rozario.

“I am very happy to learn what you said about. What’s about business? Rozario said.

“Sales are going up. I am confident of capturing the market shortly.” I said.

Kelvin and Rozario shrugged smilingly. Nag said, “Very good. What you are having in your glass?”

“Brandy” I said.

“Oh! No! Have Sherry. Steward! Sherry please!”

Nag himself replaced my glass of brandy with a glass of Sherry and raising his glass said, “Cheers! Rainbow Agro Chemicals!

Rozario and Kelvin looked at Nag with adoration. They also said, “Cheers!”

I said, “Cheers!” and left the place seeking kind permission of Rozario, Kelvin and Nag. Though they did not introduce me with Gurujee, I bowed my head towards him as a mark of respect. He smiled at me waving his right hand to shower his blessings.

I was searching for Nandi or Atanu with whom I had become much familiar within few days and moved on in the crowd. I saw Debu Dutta talking to Mandakini Nag and beside him there was a smart beautiful young lady. Debu also saw me and introduced me with his wife Sikha and Mandakini to whom Chanakya Nag had already introduced me earlier.

Mandakini asked me, “Where is your wife?”

“Sorry madam! I am not married.” I said.

I could not talk to her further as Gajendra Saha appeared before us and saluted Mandakini.” Madam! Can you recognize me? During last visit of Mr. Rozario to Calcutta I was one of the guests at dinner at your residence. I am that Gajendra Saha.”

“Oh! Yes! Yes! I remember you. How are you Mr. Saha?” Mandakini said.

Looking crookedly at Sikha Dutta, Gajendra said, “You are great madam! That’s why you remember a small man like me.” He then looked at Debu and said, “Mr. Dutta is also great! Son of a rich man having own multi-storied house at Jodhpur Park and District Sales Manager of a multinational company married a door-to-door sales girl without knowing her origin and character.”

Debu Dutta roared like a lion and said, “Mr. Saha! You are our guest tonight. Had you uttered such words at any place in front of me, I would have punctured your well-bred tummy with my single fist. Hope, you have not forgotten the weight of my fist!”

Debu and his wife left the place and mingled in the crowd. After their departure Saha shouted like a street dog after a big animal and said, “Madam! You have heard what that bloody fool said. You are my witness. I will report to Mr. Rozario regarding audacity and misbehaviour of his petty DSM whom I can export and import many times. The poor fellow does not know what it costs to his company in disturbing Gajendra Saha. No other agency house in Calcutta will distribute Rainbow Home Products if Gajendra Saha says ‘Good bye’ to the company.”

With kind permission of Mandakini Nag I left the place. I did not know what was told by Mandakini to please Gajendra Saha, a very important person to Rainbow and about whom I learned afterwards from Ramani Talukdar.

Samuel Biswas and his orchestra were playing on their instruments “La Paloma”. I was just strolling in the crowd when I heard somebody saying “Hallo Brother!”

I looked around and found Ramani Talukdar on my left smiling at me. “So by now you know the eminence of Gajen Saha in Rainbow.” Talukdar said.

“Yes I do.” I said.

“But do you know this man and his company?”

“I met this man for the first time. But I saw advertisement in newspapers of spice powders manufactured by Saha Spice and Consumer Products Company. I do not know whether he is the same man.” I said.

“Yes! You are right brother! He is the same man.” Talukdar said. “But I find your glass empty. Steward! Come here please!”

Steward came and Talukdar ordered for two Scotch, which we got immediately as the cocktail boy was just behind him. Taking a long sip Talukdar said, “I tell you brother, in drinks there is nothing like Whisky, specially if it is Scotch. By the by, let me tell you about Gajendra Saha and his company.”

He paused for few seconds and said, “This is between you and me. I will tell you the fact, not a fiction.”

I heard the story of Gajendra Saha and his company from Ramani Talukdar who was in very good mood after consuming already three pegs of Scotch and enjoying the fourth one.

Founder of his company was Rajendra Saha, his grand father. In old days, there was no office, but a grocer’s shop namely Saha Stores. Though Debendra Saha, son of Rajendra Saha used to assist his father, he was more interested in wholesale rather than retail business. He expressed his desire to his father who gladly made some space for his son for carrying on wholesale business in the same shop. In one corner of the shop accomodation was made for one small table, two chairs and one wooden cupboard for files. Within very short time wholesale business progressed by leaps and bounds. For wholesale business, initially they used to buy goods from Burra Bazaar (Big Bazaar) and Jaan Bazaar. With the rapid progress, Rajendra Saha negotiated with some soap and talcum powder manufacturers for direct agency. He was successful and renamed the wholesale department of Saha Stores as Gajendra Saha and company after the newly born grandson Gajendra. Name was further changed to Saha Distributing Agency in course of time.

So long Rajendra Saha was alive; he used to look after only retail business. After his death Debendra Saha rolled up the retail business and shifted his distribution office to Trade Centre of Biplabi Sarani. With the help of good interior decorator and fabricator he made a modern office of Saha Distributing Agency. Old shop of his father was initially converted into a godown and thereafter a small spice powder factory. Demand for spice powders grew up day by day and Debendra Saha could not manage production in a small area. So he acquired bigger space in north suburb of Calcutta, set up a big factory for spice powders and marketed both in small and big packings. Since Gajendra was still a school boy, Debendra got to shuttle between his office at Trade Centre and his factory at Dum Dum to manage all by himself. Within another four or five years Debendra became terribly sick with asthma and heart problem. By that time Saha Distributing Agency became one of the leading Agency houses for consumer goods in Calcutta. Even Kipling and Kingsley Company used to indent Rainbow cosmetics and home products from Rainbow International specially for Saha Distributing Agency. When Gajendra could not pass the School Final Examination three times, Debendra decided to place him at his office at Trade Centre to look after the agency and wholesale trade. He concentrated mostly in supervision of his spice powder factory at Dum Dum. But Debendra did not live long like his father. One day in the factory he started coughing and sneezing until his lungs and heart stopped functioning forever.  He was declared dead by the Doctor.

Gajendra Saha became all in all of the company. Though having a bulky body like baby elephant, he was a regular visitor to night clubs and massage clinics with his friends. However, under any circumstance he did not neglect his family business. He would attend his office everyday from morning till late evening excepting Sundays and holidays and expanded agency lines. Sometimes during the day he used to visit his spice factory which was kept under the supervision of a wholetime factory manager. Spice powders as manufactured by his company were moving well though formula was changed. During lifetime of Debendra Saha, he never mixed adulterants with his spice powders. But Gajendra Saha made the formula fifty fifty. Original spice fifty percent and adulterant fifty percent. So he could reduce the prices of his spice powders and captured the market. Since his adulterated spice powders did not cost anybody’s life he did not bother for complaints received time to time from the retailers. He used to compensate the retailers with much higher discount than his competitors and satisfy the Food Inspectors to their heart’s content. These gentlemen did not lift anytime, samples of GS brand spice powders from the market dealers for laboratory test. GS was the brand of spice powders manufactured by Saha Spice and Consumer Product Company and marketed by Saha Distributing Agency.

“So brother! Get some idea of GS, I mean Gajendra Saha? A multifarious genious!” Talukdar finished his Whisky in one sip and said, “Let me see how others are progressing in drinks! Ok! We will meet again.” He left.    

to be continued....

 

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COCKTAIL IN THE RAINBOW - Chapter –12

 

Chapter-12

 

“Good evening!” Welcome to this evening party!” I greeted the VIPs and shook hands with Kelvin, Rozario and Nag who whispered “Well said Sumanta. I am proud of you.”

Nag suggested Talukdar to stand beside me to welcome few more very important guests of the company as being almost new in the organization I was not expected to know them. Though being vexed to some extent as he could not stay with the VIPs, Ramani Talukdar stood beside me and said, “It’s my pleasure to be with you. Don’t worry, you will know everybody and everything very shortly.”

A middle aged tall, handsome, robust and fair complexioned gentleman in blue coat and trousers wearing crimson bow-tie and handkerchief of the same colour peeping out of the chest pocket came before us smilingly along with a beautiful lady, slightly bulky, dressed in blue chiffon georgette and blouse matching her escort.

“Welcome! Welcome! Mr. Bhatia! How are you? How are you Mrs. Bhatia?”

Talukdar received the couple and requested them to proceed further. Nag came forward and accompanied them to the spot where Kelvin, Rozario and other head office bosses were chatting.

“Have you heard of Bhatia and Sons pharmaceutical distributors of Lord Clive Street, now renamed Biplabi Sarani?” Talukdar asked me.

“Of course! I know. They are very big pharmaceutical distributors in Calcutta like Kipling and Kingsley of bygone days.” I said.

“You are right.” The man you met is Om Prakash Bhatia, key-person of this pharmaceutical distribution company who are super stockist of Rainbow ethical products for Calcutta and suburbs. His wife Manju Bhatia, one of top socialites of Calcutta and active member of Venus club.” Talukdar said with a crafty smile.

“Hallow Mr. Saha! Welcome! Welcome! Both Tarit Ganguly and Ramani Talukdar shouted together.

The man who got such a warm ovation from both Talukdar and Ganguly, was of short stature having enormous bulky body and large tummy vibrating under his glossy silk kurta. His over-oily hairs were parted from the middle and teeth were blackened for chewing betel and tobacco leaves. With the exception of two thumbs and two little fingers, other six of his two hands were decorated by gold, silver and copper rings studded with fortune stones of different colours subjugating major planets. Ganguly escorted Mr. Saha to the spot where the VIPs had been waiting for more wanted guests to join the inauguration of the cocktail party.

“He is Gajendra Saha, sole proprietor of Saha Distributing Agency, a division of Saha Spice and consumer products company. SDA, I mean Saha Distributing Agency are the sole distributor of Rainbow Home Products for Calcutta and greater Calcutta. Not only Phuchkanwala and Rozario, Anderson also used to visit the office of Gajendra Saha, whenever he was in Calcutta. So you can well understand the importance of this hippo in Rainbow.” Talukdar said. “I am expecting another important person, oh! He has come.”

“Namaste! Namaste! Gurujee! Welcome to Rainbow! Hallow Rakesh! How are you? Please escort Gurujee to that side. Mr. Rozario and others are awaiting him eagerly.” Talukdar said.

Seeing Gurujee from distance, Nag came forward and welcomed Gurujee. He then escorted him to Rozario and Kelvin.

Gurujee as addressed by both Talukdar and Nag was also a man of enormous size both in length and breadth. He was having long hairs and beards with matching thick moustache and cloaked in long silk kurta and pyjama of deep orange colour. With round vermilion mark of almost one-inch diameter on his forehead above the eyebrows and half a dozen necklaces of wooden and glass beads hanging down his big tummy, he looked like tantrik monk, one of the self-made saviours of mankind.

“Very very important person to Rainbow. Gurujee is from Darbhanga of Bihar state and discovery of Rakesh Tiwari, our Institutional Executive for ethical products in Bihar. Through Gurujees’s influence over state and central ministers, Rainbow got business of several lakhs of rupees. I will tell you more about him afterwards. Talukdar said.”

“Good evening Mr. Khan! Welcome to Rainbow. Please go that side, Mr. Nag and our big bosses are waiting for you. Oh! PK! Please escort Mr. Khan.” Talukdar said.

After Mr. Khan had gone inside with P. K. Sanyal, Talukdar said, “He is very powerful senior police sergeant and good friend of Nag and mine. Khan looks after the traffic regulation of our office area. Rainbow cars always escape penalty for traffic violation only due to courtesy of Nawab Khan.”

Nawab Khan was really like Nawab in appearance. He was tall and handsome having well shaped muscular physique. I saw him twice on the road junction controlling traffic in his white uniform. This evening he was clad in casual dress i.e. half-sleeved printed shirt and black trousers.

“Good evening Dilip! Where is Mrs. Sen?”

Talukdar asked Dilip Sen, sales tax consultant who was accompanied by a middle aged gentleman.

“Sorry! She is not well this evening. Meet Mr. Mondol, commercial tax officer of our area.” Sen replied.

After they had gone inside, Talukdar said, “We do not bother for sales tax problems as Dilip has got tremendous hold with the department.”

Binoy Bhusan Bhar escorted one gentleman and introduced him with Talukdar and me. He was Mr. Pal Choudhury, superintendent of excise vigilance.

“Good evening Sir! You are most welcome to Rainbow. Bhar! Please look after Mr. Pal Choudhury.

“Here comes Chotan Dastidar, our local guardian.” Talukdar whispered to me.

“Good evening Mr. Dastidar! You are most welcome to Rainbow.”

“Where is your Nag? Hope Rozario has also come.” Dastidar said in his hoarse voice.

“Oh yes! Everybody is there. We will meet them right now.” Talukdar escorted Dastidar to the VIPs and came back immediately.

He said, “Have you heard of Chotan Dastidar anytime?”

“Yes! I saw his name in the newspapers.” I said.

“He is the same man and local don of our office area. Any transaction regarding house, flat, construction of new building, demolishment of old building or opening of a new office, Chotan must be informed, as his approval is necessary. You know, our office area was once a purely residential area of well-to-do families. Old palatial buildings are being demolished and high rise buildings are coming up. Private companies and government departments are shifting or opening their offices in these new buildings. Some old buildings are renovated and housing offices of big companies like Rainbow. So, persons like Chotan Dastidar are making their fortune. Without being member of state assembly or parliament, he moves like a minister with red light on his car and gets salute from the traffic police. He is personal friend of senior police officers and trusted person of a powerful minister who always protects him from rape and murder cases.

Without support of Chotan Dastidar, candidate for assembly or parliamentary seat will never win the election from the constituency.

Such a man like Chotan Dastidar is a patron of Rainbow. Besides Scotch whiskey bottle time to time, Nag has arranged a permanent monthly levy for Dastidar and Rainbow is free from all local problems including staff agitation.” Talukdar paused as probably another VIP appeared before us.

“Hallow Sir! Good evening! Welcome to Rainbow.” Talukdar said and without knowing his identity I also smiled and said, “Good evening Sir!”

A middle-aged man with square-cut stern face and hairless scalp was a senior officer of the local office of defence store and supply. He was escorted by Uttam Das, Institutional Executive Rainbow Pharma Division. By courtesy of this officer i.e. Major Batra, entire order for multivitamin tablet and cough syrup comes to Rainbow. Though officially, Uttam Das is under Ramani Talukdar, DM of Pharma Division, for all matters i.e. commission and gifts for government officers, the former discusses directly with Chanakya Nag. Talukdar does not know anything about such transaction and also does not dare to know either from Nag or from Uttam. “This is the system of Rainbow.” Talukdar said. “Majumdar wanted to know the reason for anomaly of the system, and so, he got to leave the company.”

Without waiting for the direction of Talukdar, Uttam went inside with Major Batra. I looked behind and saw Nag coming forward to receive Major Batra and Uttam Das.

“Bose! Be very careful of the hypocrites.” Talukdar whispered.

“Sirs! Please do come to the inaugural ceremony of the cocktail party.” Gouri Chatterjee requested us.

Rozario, Kelvin, Nag, Mrs. Nag, head office managers, various honoured guests as received by us were standing in semi-circular form with Rainbow office and field staffs, some with their wives behind them.

Rozario was wearing a full sleeved casual printed shirt having pictures of the wild animals of African jungle. Kelvin was wearing white sports banian with a red heart printed on the chest pierced by a green arrow. All other head office managers were in the same dresses, only without their neckties. Nag and Talukdar changed dresses in their cabins like me and were wearing casual shirts and trousers.

Chief service steward of Tiny Tavern was standing nearby. Nag looked at Rozario and getting his signal told the chief steward, “Gentlemen! Service please!” Within a minute half a dozen steward came forward with drinks on their trays. As per direction of Nag, the chief steward himself handed over the glasses of Sherry to Rozario, Kelvin and Gurujee. Head office managers and other important guests got Scotch. Kelvin inaugurated the cocktail party by raising his right hand with the glass and said, “Cheers!” From all sides and corners of the roof there had been reverberation of ‘Cheers’ for few minutes.

 “Che Sara Sara – what will be, will be”, Samuel Biswas and his orchestra started their melodious music on a very popular old song. Twisting legs and shrugging his shoulders Kelvin said, “Thrilling! I feel at home!”

Most of the field staffs dispersed with their glasses like the bees of the pierced honeycomb to different corners of the roof. Sky was absolutely clear and the bright stars could be seen atop with the glorious moon. That evening, was also the fourteenth of the light fortnight, ‘Sukla Chaturdashi’ as is said which I could learn from Binoy Bhar. He told me further that he had personally collected information from Alipore Meteorological office that weather would be favourable for an open-air party and there was no possibility of rain or thunderstorm till next morning. So the decorator did not cover the whole roof by canopy. However to remain on the safe side some emergency folding canopies had been kept at one corner of the roof beyond anybody’s view. All sides of the roof along the parapet were fenced by six feet high plywood sheet decorated gorgeously with magenta red velvet and primrose yellow satin.

Opposite to cocktail service counter and on the other side of the roof there was long buffet service counter table covered by milk white linen. On the table there were silver trays containing various items and slowly heated by brass stoves fitted below. Behind each tray there was a service boy standing like a statue in his red and white uniform. On the starting point, glass plates, forks, knives, spoons and napkins were heaped side by side. There were small plastic slabs placed before each tray on which names of the food items were written in bold letters. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian items were separated by the sweets kept in the middle of the long service table. So vegetarians and non-vegetarians would meet at the middle starting from opposite ends. Plates, knives, forks, spoons and napkins were kept at both the ends of the service table.

Though there were so many ladies and gentlemen scattered here and there I was moving alone with glass of brandy. Excepting the managers, I did not know much of the office and field staffs. Field staffs of pharma and home products division coming from Bihar, Orissa, Nepal, North Bengal and North Eastern states were absolutely unknown to me. There were many coloured plastic chairs and sofa sets placed along the parapets on two sides of the roof. But nobody was sitting on the chairs; some were standing or strolling with glasses in their hands and chatting amongst themselves. Some formed groups like honeycombs and were discussing about latest national and international events.

Nandi came beside me with his glass and said, “Sir, please don’t mind. I saw you moving alone and that’s why thought of giving you company.”

“So nice of you Mr. Nandi. What’s there in your glass?”

“It’s Sherry. When the big bosses went to other side, I requested the cocktail steward to get me Sherry.” Nandi said with low voice.

“Why should you be shy in choosing your drinks? In a party you can have anything as per your choice.” I said.

“You are right Sir. But I heard that Sherry, Champagne and Cognac were specially reserved for VIPs. Just to have a taste of this Spanish wine I managed to have one.” Nandi said.

“I am sorry Mr. Nandi to learn about such discriminating arrangement. But how could you know about that? I think service of drinks started only few minutes back!” I said.

Nandi almost whispered, “One medical representative wanted to have Sherry from the cocktail steward after he had served to Rozario, Kelvin and Gurujee. Gouri Chatterjee asked him to go for Scotch Whiskey, Rum or Beer.”

I did not ask him further regarding this matter as I had already developed distaste for such arrangement. Colours of Rainbow seemed to have lost brightness, that’s what I felt at that moment.

to be continued........

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