Durga Puja was going on. The night of Navami. Many guests at home. That’s when a call came from an unknown number. Upon answering, I heard from the other end, ‘Himel, my child, how are you?’
I said, ‘Fine. I didn’t quite recognize you…’
‘That hurts, child… I’m your Akbarputra (pseudonym) Sir!’
‘Ohhh, sorry sir, actually I bought a new phone so…’
‘No worries, child. So, will you study tomorrow at the private tuition? You’re already behind…’
I replied, ‘Yes sir. I will. 7:30 in the morning would be good.’
‘Will you really study, child? Tomorrow is your puja day… Never mind, don’t study. Let me not pressure you.’
‘But sir, I’m an atheist… I don’t do religious stuff…’
‘You’re joking, child. Let me not waste any more of your time. Studies are getting gaps now, you’ll need to cover up ahead!’
‘Salaam, sir!’
(The call ended)
(This time, the Friday-Saturday combination gave us a pretty long Durga Puja holiday. I know the great Akbarputra Sir has gone to either Cox’s Bazar or Sajek on this holiday. Most probably Cox’s Bazar. Sir also knows that I know he’s currently on tour.)