Cocktail In The Rainbow - Chapter - 17

 

Chapter – 17

 

“You are most welcome Sir! Please take your seat.” I said.

“Oh! No problem. Your glasses are empty. Steward! Scotch please.”

Chanakya Nag requested us to keep our glasses on the tray and himself handed over to us two new glasses of Scotch. He took one and poured soda water in all the three glasses.

“Cheers! Sorry Sumanta, I could not talk to you freely during these days from the date of your joining us. I was awfully busy. Nag said and occupied one chair. “Please don’t mind for my sitting on the chair without your permission.”

“Sir, you are at your liberty to sit anywhere.” I said.

Atanu could not complete his story due to sudden arrival of Chanakya Nag amidst us. Seeking our permission Atanu left the spot and mingled in the crowd with his glass of Scotch.

“Why are you standing? Sit down please.” Nag said.

I occupied the chair lying in front of him.

“That’s good! Now you get yourself easy. Sometimes I get fed up with my job of GM. It’s like walking on toe all the time. See those boys. They are really happy. I found somebody reciting Shakespeare and somebody dancing and singing like Elvis Presley. To them ‘King is dead, long live the king’. Nobody bothers for Santanu Majumdar who loved them and fought for them. But nobody fought for him. Had they really loved Santanu, they would have boycotted this cocktail party. Even a fool can guess that Majumdar did not leave the company, he was removed.” Nag paused looking downward.

I was surprised to hear from Chanakya Nag regarding his comments on the departure of Santanu Majumdar from Rainbow. So far I heard from Atanu and Fatik Nandi, Nag was greatly responsible for the removal of Majumdar.

Nag consumed good amount of drinks, but he was not drunk. Probably drinks made him penitent and veracious.

Taking a long sip he said, “How funny! Mandakini also blamed me. She felt that owing to my good relation with Rozario, I could have convinced him to desist taking such an unjust decision. She maintained admiration for Santanu who was my good friend. See the fun! Everybody blamed me, but nobody realised my position as regional GM in Rainbow. I will tell you the story.” He paused for few seconds and continued looking at me. “I don’t know whether you have heard, I used to work for Bombay pharmaceutical company before joining Rainbow as their medical representative. At that time Rainbow did not have any office in Calcutta. Rainbow International used to get their medicines manufactured under loan license by some other medium pharmaceutical company having additional production capacity. Kipling and Kingsley were sole distributor of Rainbow medicines in India. There were only five products at that time. Cough syrup, Vitamin B Complex capsule with Vitamin C, Multivitamin syrup and drops for children and a nerve revitalization tonic. For whole of eastern region there were only two medical representatives. One of them was quite old and used to cover half of Calcutta city, Howrah, West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Another representative was of middle age and used to cover other half of Calcutta, North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan and all the northeastern states. After I had joined Rainbow regional territories were shuffled by Gregory Antony who was at that time Field Supervising Officer of the company for all the four regions.”

Chanakya Nag paused for few seconds as he lighted his favourite 555 cigarette and said, “I think, you get surprised to learn that for whole of our country there was only one field supervising officer. Yes! Rainbow’s sales promotional infrastructure was like that. Mr. Anderson was having a very small office in Flora fountain area of Bombay. Because he had to get many jobs, indoor and outdoor, to be done by one person, he recruited a male stenographer cum personal assistant and that man was Mr. Rozario, our MD. Total number of medical representatives was eight, two in each region with one Field Supervising Officer, based in Bombay. In the office, besides Mr. Anderson, there were two other persons, Mr. Rozario, his stenographer and Thomas, peon cum office attendant.

In my previous company I was medical representative for north eastern states with head quarter at Gauhati. In Rainbow besides same northeastern states I got central Calcutta as territory. Obviously my head quarter was Calcutta. My senior colleagues did not like my entry in Rainbow as I could feel they had considered me as an encroacher in their dominion, as if I had occupied a portion of their long established domicile. I tell you the pattern of daily work in Calcutta of one of my senior colleagues under whom I had the field training. He asked me to meet him at the gate of Medical College sharp at 10 a.m.. Yes! He was there waiting for me exactly at the time given to me. Then he took me round the hospital touching half dozen departments and meeting two dozen doctors including professors, readers and lecturers. Entire job was done in two hours. On his request I went to his residence for lunch and rest. We again went out in the evening and visited one dozen medical stores in two hours. Three days’ job was done in four hours! So he advised me take rest for next two days.

I was taken by surprise to hear from Chanakya Nag that twenty-four calls were made to doctors for detailing the products and twelve calls to medical stores for business only in four hours.

Probably Nag realised my amazement and said, “You get surprised, isn’t it? It’s because you did not work as medical representative. I tell you how it is done. While visiting a department of a medical college, in professor’s room, sometimes you may get more than half dozen doctors, besides the professor. Assistant professor, reader, lecturers, clinical tutors and House surgeons are found very often in professor’s room having meeting or discussion on various matters. If visiting card is sent to the professor, he grants interview to the medical representative of multinational company in no time even in presence of other doctors. Further, due to regular visits for months or years, a senior medical representative develops personal rapport with the doctors. So in single visit, multiple calls are made and in two hours, it is not at all difficult for medical representative to make twenty-four or more calls during his visit to a medical college. He does not bother whether calls are effective or not. He will fill in his call-card for doctors showing exact numbers of calls he is expected to make per day.” Taking a long puff of his half-burnt cigarette Nag said, “So you can easily understand the quantum of Rainbow sales at that time. It was only whirling round the same figures. Not only in eastern region, condition was same in other regions. Exactly in this background the great English gentleman Mr. William Anderson appeared in Indian scene. He appointed young science and pharmacy graduates with one or two year’s experience in the same line in all the regions. Within a short time Mr. Anderson succeeded in procuring licenses from both central and state governments for manufacturing few basic drugs and proprietory pharmaceutical products in the name of Rainbow India Private Limited under quality control of Rainbow International. Three floors, each having area of seven thousand square feet were occupied for registered head office of the company in lofty multistoried building at Nariman Point in South Bombay overlooking Back Bay of the Arabian Sea. A beautiful modern factory was set up in north suburban area of Bombay facing Mahim Creek. In eastern region also sales developed by leaps and bounds. When I got my independent territory, I started visiting doctors according to my own plan. I did not meet the specialists in medical colleges or hospitals. I used to meet them in their chambers, mostly in the night or according to their convenient time and general practitioners in the morning hours. I would meet each house surgeon individually and give them sample and literature. I would enquire from the medical stores regarding inflow of prescriptions from the doctors. Sometimes they used to suggest me to visit particular doctors with samples for easy flow of prescriptions.

Within a short time sales in my territory i.e. central Calcutta and northeastern states shot up by more than hundred percent. Mr. Anderson sent me a congratulation letter followed by letter of promotion carried by him personally to Calcutta. I was made Area Sales Supervisor of Rainbow India for eastern region. My senior colleagues were placed under my supervision. According to my suggestion few more medical representatives were recruited for Calcutta and upcountry towns. Gradually, changes took place in distribution system. Company’s agreement with Kipling and Kingsley regarding marketing and distribution was terminated by Mr. Anderson. Fatik Nandi was brought from Kipling and Kingsley to assist me in establishing a divisional office cum godown for Rainbow pharmaceutical products in Calcutta. I was elevated to the rank of Divisional Manager, in charge of whole of eastern region. I got chauffeur driven company car, fully furnished flat, membership card of most aristocratic club and full liberty in entertaining company’s guests in lunch or dinner in any five star restaurant. So after becoming DM I could take dinner with my family at home hardly for ten days in a month. One day Mandakini, I mean my wife, told me that she was more happy in old small flat which I had occupied on rent in a lower middle class locality in Calcutta when I was medical representative. Frankly speaking, I also agreed with what she had said. I missed badly the delicious food; she used to cook for me.

Chanakya Nag paused for few seconds and said after sipping Whisky, “Progress of Rainbow India under Mr. Anderson was fantastic. Company started expanding speedily in all directions. Four divisions were made four regions and Divisional Managers were promoted to General Managers under whom branch offices were opened at important state capital cities headed by Branch Managers. Besides long range of proprietary medicines and few bulk drugs, company introduced various home products under licence from Rainbow International. A separate division was made for home products under all India control of Phuchkanwala. Antony got all India charge for pharmaceutical products and this poor fellow, I mean Chanakya Nag was made

General Manager, East.”

“Excellent decision of the company! You deserved the position Sir.” I said.

“Thank you Sumanta for your compliments.” Nag said. “But you know my dear friend, service is service. It’s the occupation of a servant. All are same. Even then the servants like us suffer from complexity of status. I find many senior managers carrying air of egoism around them and look down at others as if from the top of lofty tower. Fools! They do not know, tonight they are entertained with Scotch and sumptuous dinner and tomorrow they will be treated with golden handshake, of course without gold. Any way, forget about designation. I am tired of 555, please get me your Filter Wills.”

Having a long suck of the lighted Filter Wills like a hemp-smoker Nag said, “You know Sumanta, sometimes I feel myself to be guilty for departure of Santanu from Rainbow. He joined Rainbow leaving permanent job of Gujrat Chemical Co. only on my persuasion. Again, virtually on my persuasion, though I did not want it, he had to leave Rainbow. Had I not met him accidentally at Kathmandu Airport, I would not have to bear this burden of guilt consciousness.”

Nag bent down his head and paused when I said, “Sir, sorry for my interruption. Please do not injure your delicate sentiments by the recollection of bygone incidents. Let us enjoy this merry get-together.”

“Sumanta, you are absolutely right. But, you know a man feels light-hearted only when he unloads agony from his heart to some trustworthy person. I like you, that’s why I tell you all such nonsense. If you don’t like, I won’t tell.” Nag said.

“Sorry Sir. I did not mean that. Please continue.” I said.

“As I told you I met Sumanta at Kathmandu Airport where he was waiting for the announcement of departure of Calcutta flight. Mr. Anderson, Mr. Rozario, Mr. Antony and myself were also scheduled to come to Calcutta by the same flight. I introduced Santanu to my bosses and in the plane I requested Santanu to sit beside Mr. Anderson.

At that time we were looking for a Divisional Manager for our home products division, started very recently. It was decided by the company to insert advertisement in the newspaper for getting a suitable candidate. Since Santanu was working in Gujrat Chemicals for their non durable consumer products I suggested his name to Mr. Anderson who endorsed it immediately and asked me to request him to join us at dinner at Hotel Emperor Intercon.

So Santanu joined Rainbow. Since Mr. Anderson was happy with him, he got all the benefits of Rainbow DM from the date of his joining the service. Good salary, air-conditioned cabin with beautiful Anglo-Indian secretary, chauffeur driven new car and other parks. Since he had a good rented flat, he did not desire company’s flat. So he was given house rent allowance.

Within a short time Santanu became very popular in the office. Even sales people of pharma division developed love and respect for him. He captivated everybody by his sweet behaviour. That’s why I wondered why he could not win over Rozario. So you tell me Sumanta, if a multinational company’s manager can not win over the MD and other bosses, how can he retain his job? Do you know what happened once?

Nag paused and looked at me. Sipping the rest of the Whisky from his glass in one gulp, he said, “After becoming MD, Rozario visited Calcutta along with Antony and Phuchkanwala. We had conference for the whole day and in the evening gathered in the suite of Rozario at Hotel Emperor Intercon for drinks. After few drinks we went down for dinner in the Banquet Hall and again came back to his suite as Rozario had expressed his desire for playing Rummy. We were seven who participated in the card game. Rozario, Antony, Phuchkanwala, Talukdar, Santanu, Kumar Sengupta and myself. Within a short time we changed to Flush from Rummy as wished by Rozario. Though Santanu expressed noviceness in card game at the beginning, ultimately he won most and worst looser was Rozario. You can easily understand the reaction of our new MD. He could not assimilate his loss. So this was the first offence committed by Santanu. As done by others, he should have packed his cards to allow the MD to win the game.

Second offence of Santanu was heavier than the first one. Though game was over, Rozario was having chats with us. Whisky glasses were still in our hands to give him company. Suddenly Rozario looked at Santanu and said, ‘Well Mr. Majumdar, I understand you are having good number of girl friends. Why don’t you telephone somebody to join us for drinks.’

Santanu said immediately, ‘Sorry Sir! I don’t have any girl friend. You have misunderstood me.’

Rozario said, ‘That’s nice of you.’ Looking at us he said, ‘Ok gentlemen! Goodnight! We will meet tomorrow.’

Next morning entire group left for Bombay. We all saw them off at the airport.”

Chanakya Nag got up from the chair and said, “Ok Sumanta, thank you for your company. Now I will have to announce for dinner. We will meet again.”

COCKTAIL IN THE RAINBOW - Chapter – 10

After Atanu had gone out of my room, Nandi said, “Sir! I feel, it’s my duty to tell a good man like you about the two-faced snakes of this office. Hope within these few days you have already known Binoy Bhar to some extent. If you open your heart to him, he will carry your words to Chanakya Nag without any loss of time. Mr. Majumdar, though he was a sober-minded gentleman, got disturbed many times because of duplicity of Bhar. Another sly man is Tarit Ganguly. He played a big role in getting Mr. Majumdar out of Rainbow, as his only aspiration at that time was to get this cabin, white ambassador car that you are using now and Diana Gomes.”

“Diana Gomes? I can not follow,” I said.

“Yes Sir! Diana Gomes was the secretary of Mr. Majumdar. She was the most beautiful girl in the office. You know, since mid-sixties many Anglo-Indian families have been migrating to England and Australia. Young boys and girls with white skins and good appearance having passed at least school certificate examinations got fair chance in procuring jobs through their relatives already settled in these countries after independence of India. Diana also got job in a hotel at Sydney in Australia through her uncle settled there. Mr. Majumdar fell victim of Rozario’s wrath because of his failure in convincing Diana to go to his hotel room in the evening for taking dictation of urgent letters. Tarit Ganguly falsely reported to Rozario in presence of Chanakya Nag that Diana did not come to hotel, as Mr. Majumdar had not persuaded her properly though as DM he had ample opportunity to prevail upon his secretary. Chanakya Nag was so much infatuated with the false statement of Tarit Ganguly, he endorsed the same instead of asking him about the source of his information.”

I said, “Mr. Nandi, I do not understand why a big personality like Mr. Nag should approve of the mischievous disposition of Tarit Ganguly?”

Nandi retorted immediately, “Sir! I tell you something about Chanakya who was once my friend and colleague when we started operation of Calcutta office of Rainbow together. He is intelligent, diligent, aspirant and dexterous. He is also courteous and does not loose his temper outwardly by any provocation. He always says ‘Yes’ to bosses and never says ‘No’ to them. Chanakya knew that Tarit had lied, but he did not have the courage to contradict his statement as he, I mean Tarit had already become a blue-eyed boy of Rozario because of Swapna’s intimacy with him since their days in Patna.”

“You mean, Tarit was in Patna before coming to Calcutta?” I said.

“Yes Sir! You are right.” Nandi said, “Only few years back Tarit was a sales representative of cosmetics under Rainbow Home Product Division in Patna.”

“So far I remember, Kumar Sengupta was Divisional Manager of Rainbow in Patna.” I said.

“Yes Sir! Kumar Sengupta was the manager of Patna branch and his designation was Branch Manager. There were two District Sales Managers, one for Pharmaceutical Division and another for Home Products. These District Sales Managers were reporting directly to the Divisional Manager, Pharmaceutical i.e. Ethical Products and Divisional Manager, Home Products with their head quarters in Calcutta only. As I have already told, Ramani Talukdar was the DM for Ethical Products and Santanu Majumdar was the DM for Home Products. Responsibility of Kumar Sengupta as Branch Manager was to look after branch administration, execution of orders, arranging conference of Sales and Medical Representatives as well as that of Stockists and Distributors. He was lucky guy and top favourite of both former and present MD. Former MD i.e. Mr. Anderson loved to take some young and beautiful lady with him for marketing and local sightseeing tour. But he never dragged that lady to his hotel for sharing his bed in the name of dictating urgent letters or by means of any other deceit. Ivy Sengupta, wife of Kumar Sengupta accompanied Mr. Anderson for marketing and got one Ambassador car allotted to her husband. In Rainbow, managers in the rank of DM or above are entitled to get chauffeur driven car. After becoming MD, Mr. Rozario visited Patna. Ivy Sengupta gave him company for local marketing, but due to health problem expressed her unwillingness to accompany him to Rajgir and Nalanda for a same day return sightseeing tour by car. Tarit took advantage of the situation and informed Chanakya Nag of solving this problem. Chanakya became very happy to get the offer from Tarit and wished him brilliant success in his life. Next morning Tarit Ganguly came to the hotel with his charming wife. Mr. Rozario was waiting in the lounge with Chanakya Nag and was dumbfounded to see replica of Aphrodite standing before him with smiling face. He did not waste time and requested Swapna to get into the car. They were wished bon voyage by Nag and Tarit. Next day before departure for Delhi, Mr. Rozario directed Nag to promote Tarit to the post of DSM and transfer him to Calcutta to assist Santanu Majumdar.”

Atanu came back to my room and said looking at Nandi, “Hope, I have not disturbed you!”

“Not at all! We were just passing time. Tell us about the items of dinner. I am sure, you had a round on the roof to have a glance of the arrangement.” Nandi said.

“Oh! Yes! I went up and met Gauri who showed me the menu, both for cocktail and dinner.” Atanu said.

“But I saw Gauri Chatterjee going down with Mr. Kelvin?” Nandi retorted.

“Yes! Your observation was correct. Gouri simply accompanied Mr. Kelvin to the limousine and left him under care of Iris who had been given responsibility of showing him some relics of the then British Calcutta. Gouri came back and went up to the roof for supervising the arrangement. Entire credit goes to him for procuring varieties of imported drinks for the cocktail party. It’s beyond imagination, how the guy could develop such excellent rapport with army canteen, customs and shipping agents. Mini Bar of Rainbow cocktail party that I found in one corner of the roof, can easily vanquish the “Moulin Rouge” bar of Hotel Emperor Intercon.” Atanu said and looked at me smilingly.

Nandi said with unusual gravity, “Gauri is expert in procuring Wine and Woman, although it is said by other boys that he has not yet sipped either.”

Atanu burst into his usual laughter and said, “Oh! Fatikda! You are becoming silly even before sipping Wine. Don’t worry! Only after thirty minutes from now, you will have the chance of tasting the untasted things of your choice.”

“What you are talking about? I tasted Scotch even before joining Rainbow.” Nandi rebuffed Atanu.

Atanu was smiling and said, “Ok! I do agree you are familiar with scotch; but there are many other drinks, which I will narrate all in details. You tell me afterwards whether there are more things in heaven and earth not known to you so long. Ok?”

“Ok! Atanu! I am interested to know details of the arrangement made for cocktail and dinner. I think Mr. Nandi is also interested to know all about your observation.” I said with a view to putting an end to their argumentative discussion.

“Sorry Sumantada! Please don’t mind. I was just having jokes with Fatikda. Anyway let me start with drinks. By the by, for your kind information our caterer for the cocktail party and dinner, Tiny Tavern has brought Samuel Biswas and his orchestra to entertain the guests with melodious music.” Atanu said.

It’s really thrilling! Once I had the opportunity to enjoy piano recital of Samuel Biswas when he was attached to hotel Emperor Intercon. He is equally good on accordion as I listened to his western music in radio.” I said.

“Tonight you will listen to him on accordion as it was not possible for carrying his grand piano to the roof-top.” Atanu said.

“Atanu! Time is very short. Tell us all about drinks and food items of the cocktail and dinner.” Nandi said.

“Ok! Ok! Fatikda! You told me that you had tasted Scotch Whisky! Can you tell me the name? Atanu said.

“Yes! Of course! It’s Vat 69!” Nandi retorted immediately.

“Vat 69 is too common. Besides this brand there are Ballantine’s, John Haig’s Gold label, Johnnie Walker Black label, Queen Anne, White Horse, Black and white and Highland Queen. These are not enough Fatikda! I also found some Canadian and American whiskies. If my memory does not betray, I saw Canadian Club and Old Crow Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whisky. Though there are Indian Beers like Golden Eagle and Kingfisher, there is no place for Indian Whisky in Rainbow.” Atanu said and looked at me smiling.

“Only Beer and Whisky?” Nandi said.

“Oh! Fatikda! You are getting impatient. I must go seriatim. There are two types of Gin, Gordon’s London Dry Gin and Beefeaters Dry Gin 47° besides Polish Vodka and French Brandy. I remember the labels very well. Cherry Vodka Dry 40°, Seguin French Brandy and Martineau French Brandy.”

“Sorry for my interference Atanu! Whisky, Gin, Vodka and Brandy - those are all common drinks. What’s about Sherry, Champagne, Vermouth, Cognac etc, etc?” I said.

Atanu was delighted to hear me enquiring of drinks and so with much enthusiasm said, “Thank you Sumantada! I am about to tell about Italian, French and Spanish drinks. There is Martini Vermouth of white and red varieties, four bottles each. Likewise I found two varieties of Champagne, Dry Monopole Brute and Cordon Rough Brute, four bottles each. Only two bottles of Sherry could be procured. Of course of two varieties i.e. Dry Sack Sherry of Williams and Humbert and Golden Sherry of Mackenzie. There are sparkling Wines, both French and Italian of famous brands like Chevaliers de Malte of France and Riccadonna President Reserve of Italy. There is only one brand of Cognac and that is the best available brand in Calcutta as told by Gouri Chatterjee.” Atanu paused for a moment. Probably he was tired of narrating so many names of imported drinks.

“What is that?” Nandi asked.

Atanu smiled at Nandi and said, “Very difficult to pronounce. It is Cognac Courvoisier, favourite drinks of Napoleon, ok? Now I will tell you about Rums and Beer. Besides Indian Old Monk there is Gilbey’s Governor General Jamaica Rum. To tell you frankly so far as Rum is concerned; drinkers will prefer Old Monk or any other Indian 3x Rum. But if any guest desires foreign Rum, he will not be disappointed. Similarly, along with Indian Beers like Golden Eagle and Kingfisher, there are few dozens of Tuborg and Carlsberg Beer in can and bottle. So Fatikda! Drink as much as you can, as you may not get next chance in your life. Art is long and life is short.”

I smiled at Atanu and said, “Atanu! Please do not make him drunker. He will have to go back to his wife and daughter.”

“There is no problem for Fatikda. He will come to my residence and stay with me till tomorrow morning. If he desires, he can sleep for the whole day and go back to Canning in the evening.” Atanu said.

“Is there any arrangement for light or soft drinks?” Nandi asked.

“Oh! Yes! You can have Gimlet. Half peg Gin or Vodka with lime juice and small pieces of ice.” Atanu said.

“I am sorry Atanu! Gimlet is more dangerous than Whisky or Rum. When you drink you do not feel an intoxicating agent is going inside. You feel like enjoying soft drinks. After few drinks, you get kick and get drowsy or drunken. I experienced once and decided not to touch again.” Nandi said.

“Ok! Don’t touch Gimlet or any alcoholic soft drink. Hope you are not having any objection for drinking orange, pineapple, grape or lemon juice. You can also have taste of imported apple, raspberry or strawberry juice. No problem! Any thing you want, you will get in Rainbow Cocktail party.” Atanu said. “I think we are to get ready for the cocktail. Only after fifteen minutes from now we will have to be on the roof.”

“But you did not tell anything about food, talked only about wine!” Nandi said with some disappointment.

“Fatikda! Please don’t mind, I will tell you about food when we are on the roof. Within five minutes I am coming back and all of us would go up together.” Atanu said and left my cabin. 

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.           

COCKTAIL IN THE RAINBOW - Chapter - 7

Chapter – 7

Atanu Samanta and Deb Pratim Dutta welcomed me almost jointly to occupy the same chair between them. I complied with their request though Gouri Chatterjee had earlier requested me once again to sit on the front row as Dilip Sen, sales tax consultant had left for home and would turn up sharp at 8 p.m. to join the cocktail party.

Prizes were nicely arranged on a table covered by immaculate white silken cloth at one side of the dais. Rozario, Kelvin, Nag, Mandakini and other senior managers of Rainbow head office seemed to be waiting for next announcement.

“Ladies and gentlemen, now we start the second session of our today’s ceremony. I request our beloved GM….” Looking at Chanakya Nag with smile Gouri Chatterjee announced, “I mean Mr. Chanakya Nag to inaugurate the prize distribution ceremony.”

Chanakya Nag got up from his chair and said loudly without microphone, “Ladies and gentlemen! You know that Rainbow is a worldwide international family. I am sure, you know well that some members go out for attending job or business and some look after household matters. But everybody meets in the family get-together. Same thing we do in Rainbow. We meet here on such auspicious occasion and enjoy. Tomorrow again we will be busy in our respective work. I now invite Mrs. Nag to give away the prizes to the winning members.”

Mandakini Nag got up from her chair and smilingly stood near the table on which prizes were kept for distribution. Gouri Chatterjee caught hold of the microphone mouthpiece by one hand and the list of winning candidates by other hand for announcement. One handsome young medical representative stood beside the table to help Mandakini in giving away the trophies with the announcement of Gouri Chatterjee.  

“Mr. Binoy Bhusan Bhar! Please come upon the stage for collecting your prize; Oh! I am sorry! You are getting two prizes. One, first prize in debate competition and second prize, oh! It’s MD’s special prize for arranging all the office functions systematically.” Gouri Chatterjee announced.

Binoy Bhar came upon the stage from the side door and bent forward the upper portion of his heavy body at sixty-degree angle. He collected from Mandakini Nag one Parker 51 fountain pen as first prize in debate competition and one original Japanese calculator as MD’s special prize. Holding up the prizes by his two hands he once again bent forward his body above the waistline at sixty-degree angle and turned towards the audience before exit.

Fatik Nandi already told me about Binoy Bhar who although was very fond of his family life, could not leave the office any day before 9 p.m. whenever Nag was in Calcutta. After office hours Nag had fancy in playing cards almost everyday with DMs and DSMs and also with his other favourite chaps in the big hall sitting around a convenient table. Usual games were Flush or Rummy at stakes of coins and currency notes of lower denominations. During the game, cold beer with spiced peanuts and snacks were served by Binoy Bhar as directed by Nag. After the game everybody would leave except Bhar who had the responsibility of closing and opening the office with the help of two peons.

Before joining Rainbow, Bhar used to work in a travel agency as Public Relation Executive. Though this travel agency was having office on an infamous lane of the most notorious red-light area of Calcutta, it’s tour itinerary included all famous places of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It had so much influence with rail, plane and shipping reservation counters that only with few hours’ notice confirmed tickets were delivered to the clients.

On the first day of his official visit to Rainbow as PR Executive of Transganges Travels Bhar told confidently, in Safari tour to the Jungles of North Bengal and Assam, elephants’ backs and the forest Bunglows were given preference first to his company. Even in Rajasthan deserts, best camels were reserved for the tourists booked through Transganges. There was a luxurious “Sikara”(boat) on Dal Lake of Kashmir exclusively reserved for this travel agency.

Nag was very much convinced by Bhar of Transganges Travels and very shortly opportunity stumbled down at his feet to utilize services of this agency house. He was informed by Rozario, the then Director (Marketing) over telephone from his residence at his residential number that a four member party consisting his two sisters-in-law and their husbands would visit Calcutta for a pleasure trip. He (Rozario) would be happy if Chanakya Nag could arrange their sight-seeing tour to North-Bengal, especially to Darjeeling, queen of hill stations in the Himalayas.

Though for official tour of Rainbow Managers and Executives, tickets were booked through World Wide Travels, an international travel agency as approved by Anderson, the then MD, Nag negotiated with Transganges Travels through Binoy Bhar for this private tour of the close relatives of Rozario. Nag knew well that officially being the Director (Marketing), Rozario was at the helm of administration. A blue-eyed boy of Anderson, Rozario used to interfere in the activities of Director, Commercial and Director, Technical. Anderson never hindered him in his activities beyond his jurisdiction as the white gentleman was captivated by this young man looking more like an Abyssinian than the descendant of Portuguese who ruled the tiny state of Goa for a long time.

Nag was aware of the fact that after Anderson, Rozario would become the MD of Rainbow India. Foresight of Rozario was also very sharp. He developed friendship with all four GMs who were favourites of Anderson. It was due to the recommendation of Rozario, four regional heads having designation Divisional Manager were elevated to post of General Manager – East, South, west and North.

Nag told Bhar that he would arrange payment of the entire expenses of the tour of MD’s relatives by cash only, not by cheque. Transganges Travels were delighted for getting entry into Rainbow and assurance of cash payment without bill from GM. Obviously such payment would not be liable for any tax.

Relatives of Rozario enjoyed the tour very much. One medical representative having headquarters at Siliguri was advised to receive the party at Bagdora airport and accompany them during their tour to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok and Jaldapara forest. After going back to Bombay they expressed their happiness to Rozario for the excellent hospitality extended to them by Nag and his boys.

Since then Bhar became a person of Nag’s confidence. Within a month he was appointed by Nag as the Administrative Officer of Rainbow Calcutta office with kind permission of Rozario who in the meantime had become Managing Director Designate of Rainbow India after abrupt retirement of Anderson.

“Ladies and gentlemen! I now invite Mr. Deb Pratim Dutta, I mean our beloved Debu Dutta to come upon the stage to collect the prize of best cricketer.” Gouri Chatterjee announced on microphone.

Debu went up to the dais to collect his prize from Mandakini Nag who seemed to be stunned to look at the handsome tall young man with reddish white complexion and well shaped body wearing bright crimson tight T-shirt on white trouser. He looked like a romantic Hollywood hero. He became District Sales Manager, Home Products very recently after Tarit Ganguly had been promoted to DM of this division. Debu did not hesitate to admit that his wife Sikha had brought him luck as immediately after their marriage he got his promotion as DSM from Senior Sales Representative. Sikha was sitting with other ladies behind us, which I could know afterwards. I met her for the first time only in the cocktail party.

After Debu Dutta, P.K. Sanyal came on then dais to collect his prize as best chess player. Prodyot Kumar Sanyal, commonly known as PK, liked to be addressed like that by his seniors. He was jolly and ever smiling with burning cigarette gripped by his fingers. Nandi told me that PK could prepare instant story to pamper Talukdar, his immediate boss and Chanakya Nag. I remember the day Chanakya Nag introduced me with PK, a plump young man of short height and dark complexion, “PK, meet Sumanta Bose, our DM Agrochemicals and Sumanta please meet PK our DSM, Ethical Products.”

Shaking hands with me PK said, “ Welcome Sir to Rainbow.”

Turning his head to Nag he said, “Boss! You are great! Your forecast regarding railway tender has come true. We will get the business.”

“Thank you. Come to me after getting the business.” Nag said.

Prize distribution ceremony was progressing fast. Nag seemed to be feeling uneasy on the dais. Bhar, who was standing near the side door, came before Nag getting his signal. Nag whispered something to him. Bhar left the auditorium immediately.

“Ladies and gentlemen! I now request Mr. Atanu Samanta to come upon the stage to collect his prize as a best actor in the last drama presented by Rainbow sports club.” Gouri Sankar announced.

Atanu went upon the dais and collected a complete volume of the works of Shakespeare from Mandakini as his prize.    

Atanu Samanta, Product Manager of Pharma Division was a cultured literary young man of medium height and fair complexion with thinning hair above forehead and bright eyes. He was humorous and smiling. For a short period Atanu worked in Kipling and Kingsley as a field supervisor for pharmaceutical products.

In Rainbow Pharma Division, medical representatives would report to District Sales Manager who would again report to DM. So I was to some extent curious about job responsibility of Atanu who told me a very interesting story in my cabin in presence of Nandi.

It was the story of an old pharmaceutical company in Calcutta. Though a private limited company, it was wholly owned by a Jewish family. For some of their ethical products there was good demand in rural areas as in the villages and suburban towns most of the doctors used to own medical stores which were attached to their clinics. These doctors placed regular orders with medical representatives of this company who got to empty their detailing bag containing physician samples on their tables. They got meagre salary and commission on sale. In spite of personal and joint appeals, company did not settle their demands. So one fine morning, management of this company saw ‘stop work’ notice submitted by the medical representatives. MD was at that time in USA for a special training in man power and man management. He came back by earliest flight to Calcutta on being informed by his office of the grave situation as the sales supervisors had also endorsed the agitation of the medical representatives.

Mr. MD, a staunch worshipper of Jehovah, was a man of cool brain. He further equipped himself with the recent training in man management during his short visit to U.S.A. he met the leading members of the striking medical representatives and sales supervisors and appreciated their action very much. He further told them that had he been in their position he would have taken recourse to same action. However, he admitted that all these problems had cropped up due to absence of any sales conference for a long time. So he invited all the medical representatives and sales supervisors to join him in a conference to be followed by buffet lunch. Everybody was delighted with the munificent attitude of the MD just returned from U.S.A. They heard about sales conference accompanied by lunch or dinner held by multinational or big Indian pharmaceutical companies. It would be an eventful occasion for them to attend sales conference to be accompanied by lunch for the first time.

Morning session ended with gala lunch. Fish being the top favourite of Bengali people, fish fry was in abundance with chicken leg ‘Biriyani’ and mutton ‘Kabab’. Last item was “Rosogolla” a favourite Bengali sweet.

Afternoon session was fixed for personal discussion with MD. One after another sales supervisors and medical representatives went inside MD’s cabin and came out smiling. It was known afterwards that all sales supervisors were promoted to Sales Managers and all medical representatives were made Territory Managers, their salaries and commission remaining unaltered. Since commission was paid in terms of percentage, more sales would fetch more money as per very simple mathematical formula. Atanu paused for a moment and I burst into laughter. Nandi also joined me. Being a humorist Atanu did not laugh and said seriously, “Sorry! I have not yet finished my story.”

“An upcountry sales supervisor rushed towards MD’s chamber when all the new managers left the office. The poor fellow was awfully late as his train had been held up at a railway station by the agitating passengers travelling without tickets in the previous train and punished instantly with heavy penalty by the mobile checking staffs.

Mr. MD listened to the gentleman with patience and said, “My boy! I am sorry, there is nothing left for you as you are late.”

“Sir, I have told you everything. Please do something for me.” The sales supervisor said desperately.

Mr. MD consoled him by patting his back and said, “Ok boy! I will give you promotion. But are you prepared for less salary?”

“I don’t mind Sir! Please give me promotion.” Sales supervisor almost cried.

“Ok! My boy! From today you are my Product Manager! Congratulations!” Mr. MD said with ecstasy.

COCKTAIL IN THE RAINBOW - Chapter - 6

Chapter 6

Rozario enjoyed very much the laudatory clapping of the audience. Sitting on his chair he was talking to Mandakini Nag and Kelvin occasionally ogling at Swapna Ganguly. Swapna also responded to him by erecting upper portion of her body for proper exposition of her protruding breast.

He was in steel grey coat and trousers made of lustrous synthetic cloth which seemed to be glittering under high powered neon light. His thick dyed curly hair with partition line exactly in the middle above narrow forehead looked like much popular picture of the advertisement of hair-dye inserted in different newspapers or magazines. His sunken eyes on his black complexion below joined wide eyebrows and above long pointed nose were piercing like that of falcon in search of prey.

Fatik Nandi told me one day in my cabin that a perfect English gentleman like Mr. Anderson, founder of Rainbow India had to fall down as a most unfortunate prey of his trusted personal assistant Leo who caused his infamous departure from India. Nandi further added that a steno-typist becoming the Managing Director of a multinational company Rainbow India was probably a world record.

Following the programme, Gauri Sankar invited Haladhar Jana, oldest peon of Calcutta office. I learned from Fatik Nandi that like him Haladhar was also the appointee of William Anderson who picked him up from Hotel Emperor Intercon. Haladhar was not a regular staff of the hotel. But he used to work in the garden attached to the swimming pool everyday. While relaxing beside swimming pool, one day Anderson watched the young man working very attentively in trimming grasses and plants. He could know from a bar waiter serving him beer that this man was on ‘no work no pay’ basis. Next day Chanakya Nag met Anderson beside the swimming pool. Haladhar was also trimming the grasses at that time. Anderson advised Nag to ask Haladhar whether he was interested to get a permanent job. Haladhar agreed and next day he was appointed as peon of Rainbow’s new office in Calcutta. So long William Anderson was the Managing Director of Rainbow India; Haladhar Jana was very powerful man of Calcutta office. He would always carry on ego of being the personal appointee of MD. After departure of Anderson from Rainbow India, Ramchandra Mondol, personal peon of Chanakya Nag exercised more power and almost eclipsed Haladhar with the change of situation. Ramchandra Mondol became powerful man in the office, as he was previously a favourite household servant of Mandakini Nag on whose recommendation Chanakya Nag appointed him as his personal peon. His extra job was to serve tea or coffee to the Divisional Managers. But in all household occasions like family get together or entertainment of official guests at homely lunch or dinner Ramchandra would be in Chanakya Nag’s flat to assist Mandakini and her cook. So Divisional Managers, other executives and office staffs had to depend mostly on Haladhar Jana and another peon Netai Chand.

Haladhar came on the dais and saluted everybody bending upper portion of his body at hundred eighty degree angle. He then looked at the audience and stood in standstill position. Binoy Bhar prompted from the side door of dais. But Haladhar could not follow him and forgot what he was to say. He again bowed at hundred eighty degree angle and came down from the dais. Though the audience started laughing, Chanakya Nag seemed to be irritated as could be seen on his facial expression. Rozario murmured something looking at Nag. Probably he expressed his displeasure.

Gauri Sankar came on the dais and dispersed the sultriness of the auditorium. He took the mouthpiece of the microphone and said smilingly glancing at Rozario and Kelvin, “Ladies and Gentlemen, first session of our function has come to an end. I will now recite a poem specially composed by me for this occasion.”

He paused for few seconds. Touching his well groomed French cut beard on the chin and tightening up neck tie knot he said,

Rainbow in the sky, emits seven colors

Rainbow on the earth, it’s only ours.

Kelvin and Rozario clapped loudly followed by all other on the dais and in the auditorium.

Second session would start after ten minutes. Most of the ladies and gentlemen came out of the auditorium along with children to ease themselves. In air-conditioned auditorium smoking was not permitted. So the smokers lighted their cigarettes outside without any loss of time. Smoking and easing were to be completed within ten minutes. I was smoking standing beside a window of the big hall just opposite to my cabin. Chanakya Nag had already escorted Kelvin and Rozario to his cabin. Bhar also rushed in Nag’s cabin followed by Ramchandra carrying Gin and Lime. Antony was talking to Talukdar. Both of them were non-smokers. Ganguly lined up with Phuchkanwala. Chandranath Gupta was joking with Chandan. Prodyot Sanyal was having chats with other head office executives.

In such crowd of office staffs and their family members it was difficult to identify the persons excepting those I had met during these few day in Rainbow office. Such persons were very few in numbers. 

No young man can forget Iris Stephen once seen. So it was not difficult for me to identify her when she came out of Nag’s cabin where Kelvin and Rozario were resting on Gin and Lime. Probably Chanakya Nag called her for getting some paper or file.

Gouri Sankar and Bhar were standing in front of Nag’s cabin. Iris talked to them for a moment and went to Leda Joseph, the telephone operator cum receptionist. Being holiday, Leda was not sitting on her chair. She was talking to Accounts officer Jagabandhu Adhikari and Fatik Nandi. She was well shaped beautiful tall Anglo-Jewish girl in early twenties having reddish complexion and curled light brown hair resembling a Greek beauty. She was soft-spoken having always a sober smile on her charming face. She was attractive, but not seductive like Iris Stephen.

Adhikari and Nandi got dispersed in the crowd with the arrival of Iris before Leda. Iris was an appointee of Rozario. Immediately on becoming Managing Director of Rainbow India, he visited Calcutta on special request of Chanakya Nag and selected Iris. Leda Joseph was an appointee of Anderson as private secretary-cum-steno-typist of Nag because of her serene beauty.

Nandi told me once that Anderson was always fond of serene beauty, sober habits and surroundings. He himself was soft-spoken and liked soft-spoken people. Out of ten girls interviewed, probably for that quality Leda was selected by Anderson. But things changed after his departure. Leda was made receptionist-cum-telephone operator and Iris was appointed as secretary of Chanakya Nag. Simple reason for this change was Leda’s unwillingness to accompany Rozario for marketing some garments for his wife in New Market and thereafter to his hotel in the evening for taking dictation of some important letters. When proposed, Leda could understand the ultimate desire of Rozario instantly and regretted her inability point-blank, as she had to attend some household celebration.

Obviously Rozario decided to do away with Leda tactfully, as he had never expected to get such rebuff from an office girl who according to him was expected to follow the order of her immediate boss. He expressed his displeasure to Nag and asked him for taking necessary action tactfully. Chanakya Nag was an intelligent guy. He did not want to displease any party, either Rozario or Anderson. So Nag also expressed his artificial anger and displeasure for Leda’s imprudent attitude and act of disobedience, though personally he liked her.

However he advertised in the leading English daily of Calcutta for attractive young female secretary and short-listed half a dozen girls for final selection of one by Rozario during his next visit to Calcutta. Iris got place in this list and was finally selected by Rozario during his first visit to Calcutta as Managing Director of Rainbow India. On the first day of her appointment as secretary to Chanakya Nag, she cheerfully agreed to go to hotel in the evening to take dictation from Rozario on some important management matters. Nag consoled Leda saying that because of her pleasing personality her services were required on the reception desk, which had so far been occupied by Rupa Banerjee who had been transferred to pharma godown. Leda was not unhappy for this change; rather she emitted sigh of relief.

It was time for second session and everybody started entering the auditorium. I was about to follow them. Fatik Nandi rushed towards me and said, “Sir, I have got a funny news for you.”

I looked at him with curiosity.

Looking at all sides by moving his body and head Nandi said, “Mr. Majumdar has not yet turned up. Mr. Chanakya Nag is very worried.”

I said, “Why?”

Nandi said, “Sir, it is extremely confidential. After the prize distribution ceremony there will be a small function which will be announced publicly by Mr. Nag. But I have collected the secret information from Adhikari that arrangement has been made for Farewell reception of Mr. Santanu Majumdar, ex-Divisional Manager, Home Products. Mr. Rozario and Mr. Nag would congratulate Mr. Majumdar for his yeoman’s services rendered to Rainbow in developing sales of Home Products in Eastern Region for last five years. At the end of this function Gauri Chatterjee will recite a poem composed by him in honour of Mr. Majumdar.”

I said, “But this function could have been celebrated some other day! Why in such haste?”

Nandi inclined his head towards me and said in low voice, “Mr. Rozario desired that farewell reception of Mr. Majumdar should be held in presence of Mr. Kelvin. Accordingly he informed Mr. Nag few days’ back and advised him to purchase one farewell gift for Mr. Majumdar. Adhikari told me that he had already paid to Bhar for buying a good watch for Mr. Majumdar as per advice of Mr. Nag. After all Mr. Kelvin should go back with excellent impression regarding Indian management of Rainbow.”

Fatik Nandi wanted to tell me something more. But he slipped away towards the auditorium gate, probably observing Nag coming out of his cabin.

I saw Chanakya Nag coming with Kelvin and Rozario. Before their arrival I entered the auditorium.  

COCKTAIL IN THE RAINBOW - Chapter - 5

Chapter 5

On the dais there were six chairs. As per earlier arrangement two middle chairs were meant for Kelvin and Rozario. Two chairs beside Rozario were to be occupied by Antony and Nag. Other two chairs beside Kelvin were meant for Phuchkanwala and Gupta.

Entering the auditorium, I found Mandakini sitting beside Rozario and Nag. Other two chairs beside Kelvin were occupied by Antony and Phuchkanwala. So Chanakya Nag directed Bhar to place one extra chair on the dais beside him for Gupta. However Gupta politely told Nag that he would feel quite comfortable to sit with other managers on first row facing the dais. But Nag did not comply with his request. He came down and escorted Gupta to the dais to occupy his seat beside him.

First row of seats for audience was filled up. There were Tarit Ganguly and his wife Swapna, Ramani Talukdar and his wife Keya, Subbarao Naidu, Pradip Mehta, William Fernandez, Mahendra Soni, sales tax consultant Dilip Sen and clearing and forwarding agent Panchu Saha. I took my seat on the second row between Atanu Samanta and Deb Pratim Dutta in spite of Gauri Sankar’s request for sitting on the first row. Gouri told me that he would send Panchu Saha to second row. I convinced Gouri that Panchu Saha was our guest and as such it would not be proper for us to ask him to leave his seat and go behind.

On the third row, just behind my seat Fatik Nandi was sitting. He whispered, “Sir, I am so lucky! You are sitting close to me!”

“I am also lucky.” I said. Atanu and Deb Pratim glanced behind and whispered, “Here is Fatikda, the great. We are lucky!”

Gauri Sankar went up to the dais and announced on microphone, “Ladies and gentlemen! Miss Iris Stephen will garland Mr. Kelvin and Mr. Rozario and after that Mr. Chanakya Nag would deliver his welcome speech. Since the function begins, please stop your mutual conversation. Thank you.”

Immediately after Gauri Sankar had finished his announcement, Iris Stephen started walking up to the dais vacillating her round hips and protrusive breasts carrying two garlands on two hands drawing everybody's attention, particularly of male members present in the auditorium. Her tight half sleeved red velvet banyan with open armpit and fitting blue trousers specially tailored for exposition of her heavy swaying buttocks made her so attractive, both Kelvin and Rozario seemed to be dumbfounded as if a fairy had come down from the blue to garland them.

Probably as a woman Mandakini could guess the mental disbalance of the menfolks sitting beside her, including her husband. She almost snatched the garlands from iris and put on the same herself around the necks of Kelvin and Rozario. With the clapping of Bhar and Gauri Sankar, whole auditorium almost burst into loud clapping. Iris also started clapping while coming down from the dais with pale face. Chanakya Nag clapped little late as probably he did not approve of sudden action of his wife beyond the schedule and minimum civility.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! I now request Mr. Chanakya Nag, GM, East to deliver his welcome speech.” Gouri announced and placed the microphone mouthpiece in front of Nag.

“Thank you Gouri. Mr. Kelvin, Mr. Rozario, Mr. Antony, Mr. Phuchkanwala, Mr. Gupta and all my colleagues of head office, Eastern Regional establishment, Ladies and Gentlemen!” Nag said, “I welcome everybody present here on the auspicious occasion of the foundation day of Rainbow Eastern Regional office. I thank Mr. Rozario, specially for bringing amongst us Mr. Kelvin, Overseas Director of Rainbow International, who looks after entire global business of our parent company. You will be surprised to learn, he is so busy, if on Monday he is in London, on Wednesday he will be in New York and on Friday he will be in Singapore.”

Both Kelvin and Rozario started laughing and others sitting on the dais followed them.

Nag paused for a moment and narrated in brief how he had sowed the seed of Rainbow in Eastern India and how did the seed germinate and finally take shape of a big tree having so many branches thickened with green leaves and colourful flowers like the ladies and gentlemen sitting in the auditorium.

Rozario clapped loudly and everybody followed. There were loud reverberations of clapping inside the auditorium. In his speech Chanakya Nag did not mention the name of Anderson, founder of Rainbow India and reason I had already known from Fatik Nandi. Rozario, who was elevated from the post of stenographer to Administrative Manager, then to General Manager of Rainbow India and within a short time to Director by Anderson, never liked after becoming Managing Director that anybody should refer the name of his benefactor as it would erase his personal identity. There was also strong hearsay that Anderson was marked with infamy in the board of the parent company i.e. at the headquarters of Rainbow for his princely life style and licentious activities in India. Such an infamous downfall of Anderson was caused by his once trusted and most favourite man, Leonidus Rozario, affectionately called by him as Leo who obviously became overambitious to sit in the cabin of Managing Director without much loss of time. Opportunity came to him when as Director he was sent to Rainbow headquarters in England by Anderson for attending a special meeting in his place. After coming back to Bombay, Rozario did not have to wait long. Anderson was called back and Rozario was made the first Indian Managing Director of Rainbow India.

Chanakya Nag now requested Rozario to deliver his inaugural speech. Rozario thanked him and requested Kelvin personally to speak something about his feelings as a chief guest of the function. Bhar immediately placed the microphone in front of Kelvin who got up from his chair and shrugged looking at the audience.

He said, “Ladies and Gentlemen! Namaskar! It’s my pleasure to be with you and I feel proud to see the development of Rainbow India under the leadership of Mr. Leonidus Rozario. I am also happy to find tremendous organizational capability of Mr. Chanakya Nag in arranging such a beautiful function on the foundation day of Rainbow office in Calcutta. I will be delighted to be with you every year in future. Thank you.”

Rozario, Chanakya Nag and all others on the dais started clapping loudly and audience in the auditorium followed them. Gouri Sankar came on the dais from the side door and announced, “Ladies and Gentlemen! Now our beloved Managing Director, Mr. Leonidus Rozario will deliver his long awaited inaugural speech. Please clap loudly and welcome Mr. Rozario.”

Rozario got up from his chair and said after the loud sound of clapping had sunk down, “Mr. Kelvin, Ladies and Gentlemen!” He glanced at Mandakini smilingly and continued, “I am very happy to be here with you in this pleasant evening. My heartiest thanks to Mr. Nag and his colleagues for such nice arrangement. I thank all the members of Rainbow family for taking so much trouble in assembling in this auditorium to make the function a wonderful success. Though our esteemed government has requested us for family planning, I feel there should not be any family planning in Rainbow. Let Rainbow family spread throughout our country and all over the world.” Chanakya Nag and Kelvin along with other head office dignitaries started clapping loudly and were followed by everybody in the auditorium.

“Thank you, Thank you,” said Rozario and continued, ”Only few years back Rainbow India started operation with few medicines under license of Rainbow International and with the cooperation of the government and the people, today Rainbow India is included in the list of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the country. Two more divisions of Rainbow, Home products and Agro-Chemicals are progressing rapidly. We are planning to put two new feathers on the cap of Rainbow India, I mean the bulk drugs and laboratory chemicals for which we have already got approval from our parent company and the local government.”

Everybody started clapping and in the meantime Rozario cleared his throat by making light cough and sipping gin with lime as given by Binoy Bhar.

Rozario said again, “Probably you have heard, some of our imprudent workers in head office and factory have taken recourse of indiscipline and are trying to disrupt normal work of the peace loving members of Rainbow family. This has caused great concern to us and to our headquarters in England.”

He paused for few seconds and said, “Do you know the reason? It is absolutely ridiculous and unreasonable. They claim that they should get same bonus as they used to get when Mr. Anderson was Managing Director. Not only so, they further claim that the difference in bonus for last two years should be paid at a time. Ladies and Gentlemen! Rainbow is your company. Why should you ask for your bonus? It will come automatically. We are now giving bonus exactly as per government rule i.e. 8.33% though we are not making any profit because of our reinvestment in new projects. I tell you once again, it is your company. You earn more for the company and take more to your home. Thank you! Namaskar!”

“Three cheers for Mr. Rozario.” Gouri Sankar said loudly.

Everybody on the dais started clapping. As usual, audience inside the auditorium also clapped loudly, probably without knowing the reason what for they made loud sound by beating their palms rhythmically.     

COCKTAIL IN THE RAINBOW - Chapter - 4

Chapter – 4

Family members of office and field staffs assembled in the main office hall. Binoy Bhar requested ladies and children loudly to enter the auditorium and take their seats, as the head office bosses would arrive at any moment. They would be accompanied by Chanakya Nag. Ramani Talukdar had already come to office to arrange for the reception of foreign and Indian dignitaries.

Talukdar showed me the blueprint of the protocolic reception as outlined by Chanakya Nag seven days back. Three Divisional Managers i.e. Divisional Manager Ethical Products alias Ramani Talukdar, Divisional Manager Home Products alias Tarit Ganguly and Divisional Manager Agro Chemicals alias Sumanta Basu i.e. my poorself would stand in front of the reception group at the office gate.

Air-conditioned foreign Limousine carrying Robert Kelvin, Lionidus Rozario and Chanakya Nag would be attended by Ramani Talukdar. Other two Ambassador cars carrying Gregory Antony, all India Manager for Ethical Products, Homi Rustam Phuchkanwala, all India Manager for Home Products, Chandranath Gupta, all India Manager for Agro-Chemicals, Narayana Govinda Subbarao Naidu, Manager – Manpower and Man-Management, Dr. Pradip Kiran Mehta, Manager – Ethical Technical Service, William Vincent Fernandez, Manager – Sales Promotion and Mahendra Lalchand Soni, Assistant Manager – Audio Visual Training System would be attended by Tarit Ganguly and myself.

Behind Divisional Managers would stand second ranking managers like Atanu Samanta, Product Manager – Ethical Products Division, Prodyot Sanyal, District Sales Manager – Ethical Products Division, Deb Pratim Dutta, District Sales Manager-Home Products Division and Chandan Purakyastha, Sales Executive of my division i.e. Agro-Chemicals.

Binoy Bhusan Bhar would stand just at the gate of Rainbow House along with Haldhar Jana and Ramchandra Mondol on his right and left sides.

On the first floor entire group of dignitaries would be received by Mandakini Nag, wife of Chanakya Nag. She would be aided by Keya Talukdar, wife of Ramani Talukdar and Swapna Ganguly, wife of Tarit Ganguly at the main door of the auditorium.

This year’s special attraction was the Rainbow’s own auditorium. Till last year foundation day of Eastern Regional office of Rainbow India used to be celebrated at the banquet hall and the attached lawn of nearby three star hotel. This would normally cost high to the company and cause inconvenience to the family members.

Opportune moment came to Chanakya Nag when the adjacent block on the same floor was about to be disposed of by a Delhi based company willing to wind up their business in Calcutta. He convinced head office bosses and tackled the landlord very efficiently by paying him handsome non-refundable advance money. Entire floor with huge area came under occupation of Rainbow with exclusive right of the roof. Except two big shops, one departmental store and another automobile distributor on the two sides of main gate, whole building appeared to be owned by Rainbow. Being so happy with big amount of non-refundable advance amount, landlord of the building changed its name to Rainbow House from old name Jagattarini Bhawan.

Nandi said, “Sir, landlord got the overall benefit. Besides getting huge amount, he succeeded in getting a job in Rainbow for his son-in-law staying with him. It’s the job of stamp clerk having no worry, no tension!”

“Stamp clerk?” I exclaimed.

“Yes Sir. His job is to stamp the medicine packets or bottles scheduled for government supply.” Nandi said.

“But such stamping is the job of the government Inspectors!” I said.

“You are right Sir. So far as the system is concerned, Inspectors will check up the medicine in respect of specifications mentioned on the labels, order form and challan. If everything is O.K., packets or bottles will be stamped by the Inspectors before final packing in cardboard cartons or wooden cases, not the suppliers.” Nandi said and smiled at me. Without waiting for my next question he said further, “If the system is followed, both the parties will be losers.”

I could not follow Nandi and hence looked at him with curiosity. He said with seriousness on his face, “Sir, one thing I must tell you, Rainbow is very much particular about maintaining quality of the medicine. Because it is for government supplies, quality is not degraded. Multinational company like Rainbow is always conscious about quality, dignity and popularity. But these three virtues can not fetch business. For procuring government order two essential factors play important role. One, the lowest price and another, unofficial arrangement starting from top to bottom including these Inspectors. To cope with the second clause, only alternative is to supply less quantity with the cooperation of the Inspectors who are normally overwhelmed with the warm hospitality of Rainbow.”

Ramani Talukdar entered my cabin and said, “Bose, let us go down. They are coming.”

We stood like army regiment in “attention” position as per blueprint on the footpath in front of the gate. Everybody was silent and checked up necktie knot. Within five minutes, the large air-conditioned black Limousine followed by two white Ambassador cars arrived below Rainbow House. Chanakya Nag was beside the driver of the Limousine. He got down from the car and opened the door of the rear seat to help Rozario and Kelvin get down. Though Talukdar tried to throw his body for opening the rear door, he missed the big catch. Chanakya Nag advised him to look after other guests and proceeded towards the gate along with Rozario and Kelvin.

Talukdar introduced me with Gregory Antony, Homi Rustam Phuchkanwala and other guests. I knew Chandranath Gupta as he had been with Rozario during my interview in Bombay.

Chanakya Nag showed Kelvin and Rozario the new glow-sign board of Rainbow House and company’s nameplates written in English, Hindi and Bengali on both sides of the gate. Glossy brass letters shining like polished gold were fixed on black stone. Entire group reached the first floor walking up slowly on the thickly carpeted wide staircase.

Mandakini Nag was waiting at the auditorium gate with smiling face along with Keya Talukdar and Swapna Ganguly standing on her both sides. Their faces seemed to be glittering with more brilliant smile like the smiling stage girls standing on both sides of the magician exhibiting his magic skill.       

On arriving at the auditorium main gate Rozario shook both fair and soft hands of Mandakini Nag by his blackish hard hands and said, “Halloo…Halloo Mandakini! How are you?”

“Very good! Thank you Sir!” replied Mandakini.

Though waiting for warm “shake hands” from the two big dignitaries, both Swapna Ganguly and Keya Talukdar were disappointed as Rozario and Kelvin did not do that. Instead, Rozario entered the auditorium along with Kelvin keeping his left hand on Mandakini’s lower back. However Rozario did not disappoint Swapna Ganguly. While entering the stadium he patted softly Swapna’s plump cheek with his finger and rubbed her protruding breasts with his right elbow as if not intentionally. Being excited with sudden ecstasy Swapna jerked her bobbed hair and said “Thank you, Sir.” Keya Talukdar stood aside with pale face and looked at Swapna. Tarit Ganguly observed the entire episode standing beside me and seemed to be delighted with the performance of his wife. He introduced Swapna with Homi Phuchcanwala, his all India boss who shook hand with her and entered the auditorium hand in hand. Tarit Ganguly followed them.

Ramani Talukdar seemed to be thoughtful, whether due to poor performance of his wife or his failure in attending Rozario and Kelvin as per blueprint, I could not make out at that moment. But this much I could understand that he was a practical salesman. He changed his facial expression instantly seeing his divisional all India Manager Gregory Antony talking to Chandranath Gupta before entering the auditorium. He almost dragged his wife Keya and brought her before Antony for introduction.

With ready-made smile Talukdar told Antony, “Sir, I told you many times about my wife Keya? Here she is.”

Gregory Antony shook his masculine hands with thin dry hands of Keya and said, “How do you do fair lady? I am so glad to meet you.”

Keya almost jumped up an inch above the ground and said “Thank you, Thank you.”

Talukdar seemed to be tremendously happy and escorted his wife and Antony to the auditorium. So far I studied Talukdar within few days, he would prefer to be satisfied with buttermilk to pure milk not available when desired.

“Nice door-ballad! How do you feel Mr. Bose?”

I looked behind and found my departmental boss Chandrakanth Gupta smiling. He seemed to have enjoyed the reception of big bosses. I did not comment anything, simply smiled at him. I requested Gupta to enter the auditorium as I got to take care of other head office managers. Fortunately Gouri Shankar Chatterjee, who was given charge of conducting the function along with Binoy Bhar, came out and escorted Gupta into the auditorium.

Though Atanu Samanta, Prodyot Sanyal, Deb Pratim Dutta, Chandan Purokayastha and Binoy Bhar were standing behind me, I requested Subbarao Naidu, Pradip Mehta, William Fernandez and Mahendra Soni to get inside the auditorium. After they had gone, I requested all my other junior colleagues to enter the auditorium in spite of their resistance. However they complied with my request.

I felt a pat on my shoulder and looked back.

“Bravo Sumanta! Well done! I am happy with you.” Chanakya Nag said.