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 9

Chapter – 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tarit packed the cards and said, “quit”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nandi paused, as there was knock at the door.

“Come in please.” I said loudly.

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

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

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

Atanu looked at me for my comments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Carry on please”, I said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COCKTAIL IN THE RAINBOW - Chapter - 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 - 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.

COCKTAIL IN THE RAINBOW - Chapter - 3

Chapter –3

Binoy Bhar came in and said, “Sorry to disturb you Sir again.”

I said, “You are most welcome Mr. Bhar, tell me what I can do for you.”

Bhar looked at Nandi. I could understand that he wanted to talk to me something confidential in the absence of Nandi. Probably Nandi also understands Bhar’s mind and left the cabin saying, “With your kind permission Sir.”

Bhar checked up his tie knot and clearing his throat said, “Sir, is your car free and can be spared for some time?”

I said, “Yes, it’s absolutely free and you may use it without any hesitation. I am not going out anywhere.”

“Sir, you are so kind. Actually it is not for me. I will have to send to Mrs. Nag.” Bhar said.

“Of course you can send to Mrs. Nag. But I suppose Mr. Nag’s car is free for her use as he is busy in pharma conference in Hotel Emperor Intercon.” I said.

“Yes Sir! You are right. But Mrs. Nag requires two cars as she is having some guests.” Bhar said politely.

“That’s all right. You may ask my driver to go to Mr. Nag’s residence with the car.” I said.

“Sir if you kindly advise Mansij, I mean your driver, it would be better as the fellow does not obey anybody other than General Manager or Divisional Manager under whom he works.” Bhar said scratching his fatty chin.

Bhar was correct in his assessment of Mansij whom I had already known for his trickery and slyness.

I did not get the car and driver on the first day of my joining Rainbow. Some formalities were to be complied with by the office. Second day he came with the car which was parked on the road in front of the building in which I used to reside. He appeared before me in white uniform bearing insignia “Rainbow”.

 He saluted straightening his body in upright position and said, “Good Morning Sir! I am Mansij at your service.”

He took my briefcase in his hand and led me to the car. He opened the door of the back seat and requested me to get in. He behaved upto this stage like a gentleman. But on my way to office I felt little uneasy for his undesired question.

“Sir, I heard you were better placed in the previous company, why you have come to this dirty place?”

Though little irritated I said calmly, “Today will be my first day. How do I know which is dirty or which is clean? Let me go to the office and work for sometime; only then I will know whether it is dirty or clean, O.K.!”

After sometime he said, “Sir! Please excuse me for my impertinence. My only defect, I want to be free and frank with my boss.” I saw his cunning face in the rear view mirror above the driving seat. He eyelids were quivering below thick brows.

He was driving very fast. I asked him to slow down the speed.

Reducing the speed to a great extent he said, “Sir, I was scolded many times by my previous madam for the same reason. Bad luck! She was so nice lady, but I left her services. You know, now my madam is a minister. Had I stayed with her, I would have become a government servant.”

“But you should not repent. You are well paid in Rainbow.” I said.

“You are perfectly right Sir. But there is no security here. In government service even if you do not work, your service is hundred percent secured.” Mansij said touching his forehead with his right hand.

I felt very much amused with this man and said, “When you are so much repentant, you should have gone back to your Madam. I think she would have taken you back.”

Mansij suddenly looked behind and said, “Sir you have told perfectly what I had thought. But my second wife did not approve of my going back to her.”

“Why?” I said in exclamation.

“Sir, it is difficult for me to tell you the reason as I feel shy to express in words.” Mansij said with quivering eyelids as I could see in the rear view glass.

“If you feel so, you need not tell me.” I said.

 Car was held up at the traffic signal for a longer period behind so many vehicles as the police gave away smooth passage to a VIP car following pilot motor bikes and followed by a fleet of cars and police vans. I became very much impatient though there was sufficient time to reach the office, because there would be terrific jam on the streets ahead already traversed by the VIP, his foregoing and following security personnel.

“Sir, I am illiterate, uncultured and a rural man. May be I am wrong, but it’s beyond my imagination when I see these leaders of public are so much afraid of public. In my childhood I saw leaders and ministers travelling in open hood less cars taking salutation and ovation from the public.” Mansij said with seriousness. His eyelids were normal, not quivering.

“Those were the bygone days which you can not get back.” I said.

VIP fleet was gone. As anticipated even after getting green signal, car was crawling at a snail’s pace. Mansij kept silent for sometime. Suddenly he said, “Sir, do you know what was my wife before marriage?” His eyelids started quivering.

I was bit confused for his odd query as how could I know what had been his wife before their marriage.

“She was lady’s-maid of my Madam, I mean my ex-employer.” Mansij said without waiting for my reply.

I kept silent and looked at my wristwatch being worried of reaching office in time.

The chatterbox could not remain silent for a long time. He said, “That was the only reason why she did not allow me to go back to my Madam. She was envious of Madam’s affection for me. Madam was never beautiful, rather her face looked ugly due to her protruding foreteeth. But she was very young having robust health and well-shaped body even at her middle age, which made her attractive specially……” He could not finish his lecture as the car was about to hit a Rickshaw-puller crossing the road suddenly. I asked Mansij to be careful and not to talk further before reaching office.

Bhar was awaiting my instruction to Mansij who entered my cabin with clasped hands.

“Mansij, take the car to General Manager’s house and meet “Memsaab”.” I told him.

“Thank you Sir.” Bhar said.

Looking at Bhar obliquely with concealed rage Mansij left my cabin saying, “Thank you Sir!”

“So your problem is solved.” I told Bhar.

“Terribly Sir! You are great.” Bhar said and left my cabin.

Within few days it was not possible for me to know much about office environment as I got to be busy whole day for planning the marketing strategy of the new division to make it a profit center. That was my answer when I was interviewed by Rozario in Bombay in his chamber.

“Tell us why we should select you for the position?” asked Rozario.

“Because I will make the Agro-Chemical Division a profit center.” I replied.

“Any other question, Mr. Gupta?”  Rozario asked Chandra Nath Gupta, all India Manager of Rainbow Agro-Chemicals.

“No more Sir. We have got the correct answer.” Gupta said.

Shaking hands with me Rozario said, “So Mr. Bose! You are selected for the post of Divisional Manager, Eastern Region for our Agro-Chemicals. We will shortly start laboratory chemicals which will also be looked after by you in your area. Congratulations!”

After coming back to Calcutta from Bombay initially I recruited one Sales Executive namely Chandan Purakayastha for my division. Chandan was recommended by Chanakya Nag. When I would appoint Area sales Representatives, Chandan would become District Sales Manager. Nag advertised for a lady secretary for my division and assured of recruiting a beautiful girl for me.

I was very happy to get cordial and friendly treatment from Chanakya Nag who was overall head of eastern regional establishment of Rainbow India. He was meticulous in maintenance of office, manager’s cabins, conference room, anteroom, toilet, etc. he left strict instructions with Binoy Bhusan Bhar to move around the office everyday for a check up fifteen minutes before the beginning of office hours.

On the first day of my joining the office I reported to Nag who after introducing with all the staff members accompanied me to my cabin.

“You like your room?” Chanakya Nag asked me.

“Thank you sir. It’s excellent.” I said.

I leaned from Nandi afterwards that Santunu Majumdar, ex-Divisional Manager, Home products used to sit in this cabin which was specially designed by Nag for his good friend. After his departure from Rainbow, Chanakya Nag did not allot this cabin to his successor Tarit Ganguly who was given the cabin of Ramani Talukdar. All these changes were done very recently.

That was about allotment of cabins. I could learn further from Mansij regarding reallotment of cars. After being elevated to the post of GM (East), Chanakya Nag got one new Mercedes Benz car sent from Bombay. His brand new Ambassador car was allotted to Ramani Talukdar who had been using so long one four door standard Herald. Santunu Majumdar got a new Ambassador car for his use which I got along with his driver Mansij. Tarit Ganguly got the old four door standard Herald so long used by Ramani Talukdar.

Fatik Nandi entered my cabin and said, “Sir! Mansij is down with diarrhea. He could not go to Mr. Nag’s house with your car.  

COCKTAIL IN THE RAINBOW - Chapter - 2

Chapter – 2

In the morning hours all pharma sales people, including Ramani Talukdar and Chanakya Nag were out of the office. They were busy in pharma sales conference. Though there was an official holiday for the office, managers of other divisions and essential staff members like Binoy Bhar, Fatik Nandi, Jagabandhu Adhikari and Leda Joseph, telephone operator cum receptionist were requested by Chanakya Nag to remain in the office.

So I was there in my air-conditioned cozy cabin relaxing on the soft revolving chair in an inclined position with my eyes fixed on the slow moving fan.

“Sir, may I come in?” Nandi appeared before me. “Sorry to disturb you. Should I come after some time?”

“Oh! No! Please take your seat Mr. Nandi.” I said.

Nandi sat on the chair opposite to me across the table and said, “Thank you Sir!”

“Welcome, it’s my pleasure Mr. Nandi.” I said, “You didn’t finish the story of Kipling and Kingsley. I am interested to know more about the company. What happened to those two English gentlemen?”

I relaxed on my chair again and started smoking. I offered a cigarette to Nandi. He refused with thanks as in Rainbow no office staff used to smoke in the presence of senior managers.

“What should I tell you, Sir,” Nandi said and paused for a moment closing his eyes.  “Entire office of Kipling and Kingsley was a garden of flowers. Except very few male members office was full of beautiful Anglo-Indian, Armenian and Jewish ladies. Secretary of Mr. Kingsley was such a paragon of beauty, all the male staff members were eager to have her eye-glance. I saw her other day in the Esplanade-Park Circus tram-car. Middle age could not eclipse her beauty. Miss Martin caught hold my both hands and expressed her immense pleasure of meeting me after a long time. Passengers of the tram-car were looking at me with curiosity.

“And I am looking at you with jealousy,” I said with a smile. Instantly I told him, “Sorry I am just joking with you, please continue.”

Nandi said, “Sir, I remember very much my days in Kipling and Kingsley and often become nostalgic for that period of my life, I can never get back.”

Nandi paused for a while and then said, “Worst disaster came down to Kipling and Kingsley office with the sudden death of Mr. Kipling, who was a confirmed bachelor. I mean unmarried, having no legal issue. Mr. Kingsley’s health broke down shortly after the death of his loving friend. His wife came to India once, only for a short period as she was very much afraid of Indian malaria which had taken the life of    Mr. Kipling in its malignant form. She constantly persuaded Mr. Kingsley to leave India disposing of his company and the property. Ultimately, the company along with all assets and liabilities was purchased by Mr. Topilal Sarbatwala.”

“Was there any change in salary structure or benefit, the staff members used to enjoy before the change over of management?” I asked.

Nandi said, “No Sir. There was no change for anybody. Rather Mr. Sarbatwala assured us of five-percent increase in salary after six months. All male staff members were happy and thanked Mr. Sarbatwala for his generosity. The ladies kept standing with their pale white faces. They seemed to be very much unhappy. Of course, when asked by Mr. Sarbatwala, they smiled.”

“Why the ladies were not happy?” I asked. Nandi started laughing and said, “Sir, I feel shy to tell you. Ladies used to earn much more from Mr. Kipling and Mr. Kingsley besides their salary depending upon their capacities in pleasing them and their guests.”

Suddenly Binoy Bhusan Bhar entered my cabin with Ramchandra and carpenter Khodabox having screw-driver in one hand and measuring tape roll in another hand.

“Sorry to disturb you Sir. I have come just for a check-up of the cabin. Is there any defect with your furniture Sir?” Bhar asked me.

“No thanks! Everything is all right. Nothing is defective.” I said with a smile, though I did not like his entering my cabin in such fashion.

 Before leaving my cabin Bhar looked at Nandi with vexation, probably because he did not like his sitting before me. In Rainbow no office staff except personal secretaries used to sit inside GM’s and DM’s cabins. Though I did not like this system or norm, as I was new in the company I did not break that. Since it was a holiday and everybody was in festive mood, I requested Nandi to sit before me.

After departure of Bhar I told Nandi, “Be easy. You need not worry for Bhar. If he reports anything to Nag, I will take care of you.”

“Thank you, Sir!” Nandi said with an expression of gratitude.

On my first day in Rainbow, Chanakya Nag introduced me with all the Managers, officers and staff members of the office. When we went to Nandi’s table, he said, shaking hands with me, “Good morning Sir, welcome to Rainbow India. Always at your service, Sir.”

After half an hour Nandi entered my cabin and told me, “Sir! Please consider me as your own person as you are from Kipling and Kingsley, my old company. I will remain always at your service.”

Since that day I have enjoyed company of Fatik Nandi, who used to come to me somehow or other evading falcon looks of Binoy Bhar.

Getting himself very homely again, Nandi told me more about his days in Kipling and Kingsley.

“After the changeover, almost all the ladies left the company for the future. Even some of the sales and medical representatives joined the services of the other companies. I remained along with few more office staffs. Mr. Topilal Sarbatwala recruited some new persons, both in the office and the field. He finalized new agency agreements with some Indian companies.

One day I heard that Rainbow International would terminate their agency agreement with Kipling and Kingsley as they had already finalized their factory site in Bombay after getting a license from the government. I too heard that Mr. William Anderson, overseas manager for Southeast Asia of Rainbow International got the charge of setting up factory in India and he would become the first managing director of Rainbow India.”

Nandi paused for a second and said, “When gossips regarding Rainbow cooled down, one day I was very surprised to find Mr. William Anderson in our office. Mr. Sarbatwala came out from his chamber to receive Mr. Anderson. I was standing very much near to the door of Mr. Sarbatwala’s chamber. While going into the chamber Mr. Anderson saw me and said loudly, waving his right hand, “Hallow Fatik? How are you?”   

Not only Mr. Sarbatwala, everybody in the office got stunned.”

“Did you meet Mr. Anderson beforehand?” I asked.

“Not once, many times” Nandi said with gravity and told further, “Whenever Mr. Anderson used to come to Calcutta, Mr. Kipling and Mr. Kingsley entertained him at their Alipore Bunglow. Though there had been official room booked in Hotel Emperor Intercon, Mr. Anderson was a special guest in Alipore Bunglow. Only two trusted persons were engaged to look after William Anderson. For indoor comfort Helen Martin, personal secretary of Kingsley and for outdoor job, this poor man, Fatik Nandi.” Nandi said with confidence.

There was a phone call for me. It was from my residence. My sister informed me that a letter had come from American Agro-Chemicals. It was about my appointment letter and obviously I dropped the receiver with a smile.

“Sir any good news?” Nandi asked me.

“Nothing special, please continue your interesting episode of Kipling and Kingsley.” I said.

“Oh! Really interesting. That was the golden time of my life. Do you know what happened that day?” Nandi asked me.

“How can I know unless you tell me?” I said with a smile.

“After having meeting with Mr. Sarbatwala, when Mr. Anderson was going out, he dropped his visiting card on my table. On the back hotel room number was written. I was sure he desired me to see him in his hotel room.”

Nandi did not complete his story, suddenly he got up from the chair and with my permission left the cabin.

I sank in my soft revolving chair with high backrest and closing my eyes thought about my new assignment in American Agro-Chemical. Within a fortnight I would have to complete passport, visa, foreign exchange and other various documents, besides making some new arrangement for my family.

Within ten or fifteen minutes Nandi entered my cabin and said, “Sir, I am sorry to go out abruptly. My wife and daughter were to come here to attend the function. So I went out to see whether they had come.”

“Have they come?” I asked.

“Not yet, Sir. They will come by local train from Canning. My brother-in-law will pick them from my residence and leave at the office. That was the arrangement.” Nandi said.

I said, “Please do not worry about them. Canning is quite far from Calcutta. Sometimes local trains are irregular. They will come in no time. Please take your seat.”

Nandi sat on the chair and said, “Some interesting news! Binoy Bhar may come to you very shortly.”

“He is most welcome. Anything special?” I asked Nandi.

Nandi looked at the closed door of my cabin and said in low voice, “Car politics.”
I stared at him and said, “Sorry, can’t follow you.”

Before Nandi could say anything there was a gentle knock at the cabin door.

I said, “Yes, come in.”