The Ingredients for Settling Down

She couldn't find any words, she stuttered, "What will I do now? What to do?" Tears rolled down her fair cheeks, and she squeezed her eyelids shut, trying to refrain from wailing. She stood in front of the refrigerator, her palms cupping the huge bone-china bowl, staring at its runny contents. She looked at her husband, who had just come in after his kaamjaari, standing there in a pair of shorts and a fleece jacket. As he switched on the lights, he gaped at his wife uncomprehending. Her breathing was choppy, and her eyes moist.

A wave of anticipation washed over Barna as the air hostess announced the landing of the flight at Kumbhirgram airport. Unbuckling her seatbelt, she stood up, stretching her legs as she navigated the narrow aisle behind her husband, Subir. As soon as they stepped out of the cacophony, the quaint, homely airport enveloped her. This was a sharp contrast from the Kolkata Airport, where they had begun their journey as a married couple after their wedding on the 28th of November 1994.

Barna & Subir Ganguly - November 1994

She looked around the airport and almost everyone seemed to know her husband. "Welcome ma'am," said Subir's colleague, handing over a bouquet to her. Subir introduced him as Manish Mehta, who led them towards the vehicle. At a distance, she spotted a tractor and trailer decorated with coleus and flowers. Around it stood a few gentlemen waving enthusiastically. Barna's heart raced with excitement and apprehension. Vivek Mondal, another colleague of Subir's, ushered her, "Please ascend the throne," pointing towards the trailer. On top of the trailer, two beautifully adorned chairs awaited them. Though flabbergasted, she followed her husband's lead as they slipped into their royal character for the day.

"Rathiya chalo," said Dr. Pradip Sharma as they began their next leg of the journey. Surrounding the tractor, the dance troupe of tribal women, clad in red and white sarees, sang and moved to the beats of the dholak played by the men dressed in their best ethnic wear. Soon, they reached her new home, the CB-3, just a kilometre away from the airport. The Burra Memsaab, Mrs. Rashmi Baruah, Sushmita Mondal, Bindu Sharma and the LWO Kushal received them and welcomed them in. Barna felt her trepidation turning into equanimity.

Gradually, she started settling in. Many parties were thrown at Coombergram and at the neighbouring estate Koomber, to welcome the new bride where she was often asked, "So how are you liking tea? How are you settling down?" with a promise of being there for her whenever needed, and she began learning the tea way of life.

Party at CB3 - Kushal Hor, Subir Ganguly, Jaggi Puri, Yatin Puri, Rashmi Puri, Manish Mehta, Dr. Bindu & Dr. Pradeep Sharma, Barna Ganguly, Mrs. Barma & Mampi

Soon, it was her turn to host a party. The December evening air buzzed with excitement as the guests from Koomber and Kumbhigram trickled into the golkamra. The scent of the freshly cooked meal mingled with the sweet aroma of Planters Punch, creating an intoxicating blend. Laughter erupted from the jaalikamra where the group of men huddled around the make-shift bar, their spirits igniting the ambience. The ladies sat nearby, sharing their stories and creating new memories. The sound of clinking glasses and cheerful chatter filled the air, punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter that echoed through the bungalow. The spirits soared and the energy surged as the night unfolded, leading to dinner.

Light instrumental music from the corner surged over the drone of conversation around the dining table. The vivid colours of the food on the table spoke of its freshness. The guests relished the meal. Rashmi, the Burra Memsaab took a small scoop of the pudding and said, "hmm that's so good... rich and creamy with a tangy kick of oranges! What's the nutty flavour?" Barna paused as if her thoughts had stopped entirely. At that moment, Barna and Subir exchanged knowing glances. Before she could answer, Mrs. Shipra Shyam added, "You have done well for your first party," motivating Barna.

Barna recalled the early evening when she stood in front of the refrigerator, on the verge of tears, cupping the bowl of runny lemon soufflé that had not set. Before she could weigh up her next steps, Subir had returned from his kaamjaari and lovingly scolded her for biting off more than she could chew. "Why attempt a complicated soufflé for such a large gathering?" he asked.

Barna wanted to replicate the soufflé they had enjoyed at the Puri guest house during their honeymoon. The Bawarchi of the guest house had even shared the recipe with her and she was definite that she would be able to match the light and fluffy soufflé. But in vain. It turned out to be a disaster! Subir, her knight with culinary fingers, quickly rustled up a yummy-looking fruit custard with a hint of praline. Each of the guests appreciated the evening and the well-balanced meal.

The party was a hit! Barna and Subir bid farewell to their guests, who thanked their hosts for their warm hospitality. Only the two of them knew the secret of the night — until three decades later!

Barna Says...