Tale of a Deserted(Suchita Sarcar) Chapter 1:

Today, there was an earnest bustling in our Mumbai Crime Branch Office. The important witness of the ongoing sensational smuggling case- Snifa George, was arriving for the final call. A thirty-year-old fair-skinned woman with slightly brown short hair knocked on the door and met me in my cabin. She is the wife of the culprit Stevan George. She was constantly biting her lower lip- her rawboned body was trembling. Her oval-shaped face turned red during the final signature. But somehow, she managed herself with bravery and submitted all the required documents as enough proof for the case closure. Three days ago, her phone call to me was at around 8:30 pm, which brought the actual limelight to the case and helped us apprehend the real culprit. During the investigation, I discovered that she is the younger daughter of a late captain-general and one of the finest aspiring pianists. But this high-profile scandal almost ruined her dreamy career. I believe the patriotism in her blood has caused her lifetime emotional bruise.

Snifa sat right in front of me; biting her nail- looking around my cabin as her final statement was yet to be: her rheumy eyes stuck in one of the photos of my idol Netaji. Suddenly tears rolled down her red cheeks. I felt the silent pain of her heart, the dilemma of her mind. I was very sorry to see a young & talented wishful, now psychologically traumatized.

‘Please, have some water & calm down.’ I offered her a glass of water to minimize her tension.

My junior assistant- Misha, entered and whispered in my ear to take her to the investigation cell for a final formal settlement.

‘Madam, please come with me. Sir will join us shortly.’ Misha said sweetly but formally.

Snifa hesitated a little but then accompanied Misha courageously to the cell for the case closure investigation.

As per the medical record, Snifa has been suffering from panic disorder and social phobia due to acute depression. Therefore, a bottle of antidepressant pills, a tissue paper box & jar of chilled water with a plastic glass- were kept on the table for precaution, a clinical psychologist- Mr. Saxena, waited outside the cell, in the conference room- to attend to the patient in case of any emergency.

‘Okay, let’s start.’ I said: ‘Snifa, please take a deep breath and sip water. How do you get to know about the anti-social activities of Stevan? I mean, the very first time..! Did you notice something fishy?’

Snifa stared at me bluntly. She was sweating heavily at that time in a highly air-conditioned room.

She took an antidepressant with a glass of water & replied- ‘I had an interview with the famous V-band at 10:00 am that day. As an aspiring pianist, that was a golden opportunity for me. That was about 8:00 am- I was preparing breakfast for Stevan in the kitchen. He came to me anxiously & said- ‘Honey-- I have some emergency-- I am going outside for some work. Sorry, I am unable to drop you to the venue. Help yourself.’

‘Poor you!!’ I sighed, ‘then?’

‘That was the 2nd time he left me alone in my crucial time.’

‘When was the 1st time, Snifa?’

‘During the funeral.’ Snifa wept.

‘Funeral!! Of whom? What happened?’

‘Of my elder sister & her family, they died during a massive car accident. That time, I was literally in shock & could not handle myself. But, Stevan---ahh!’ She shed tears. ‘He was absent; my one & only family was not there for me.’

‘Why?’

‘One day before the funeral, Stevan’s phone rang. He picked up the call. Then he came to me and said: Honey, I have some emergency, going outside. Help yourself. I was quite dumbfounded by hearing his words. I did not know what to do, how to react.’

‘That’s very saddening---umm.’ Misha uttered suddenly.

‘During our one year of arranged marriage, Stevan was never there for me in my critical time; I was all alone whenever I needed him the most. He neither listened to me during his emergency nor explained the reason for his absence. He always used to inform me briefly and then left me behind.’

‘Stevan was the biggest failure as a husband.’ I murmured.

‘Time is running out. Please tell us what happened next on your interview day?’ Misha interrupted.

‘Pardon, I am taking so much of your time.’

‘That’s okay. Take it easy.’ I said gently.

‘May I have some water?’

‘Yes, please. Relax & tell.’

‘After Stevan’s sudden departure, I was quite baffled but somehow managed to get up for my interview. I went near my piano box in the study room and started collecting my credentials in a pouch. During collection, I saw a note which stuck accidentally with my CV. I plucked it out & opened the note. It says: ‘Stevan baby, the barbeque token is coming. Your brownie arms are quite delicious. Keep up the good work.’

‘That was the hidden message... you can say! Brownie arms, what bullshit! That was brown sugar & illegal arms.’

‘Hm...But at that moment, I didn’t guess what that term meant-only puzzled as something was fishy. I was quite unsure about Stevan’s wrongdoings.’ Snifa was Pouring.

I offered her tissue paper and asked her to calm down a bit.

She wiped out her tears and said in a dried voice - ‘As I booked the cab, the driver was calling me at that time. I just put the note in my diary & was rushing to the door. Suddenly I felt something was under my bare feet. I bent down & noticed; a mere row of some powdered sugar was lying on the ground & headed towards Stevan’s study table. I sped up and checked upon his drawers.’

‘Oh my God! What did you find? Brown Sugar packets---? Weapons, Guns, any?’ Misha asked curiously.

Snifa took another antidepressant and sighed deeply.

‘Yes, the upper drawer was full of numerous sugar packets--brown sugar, as you say & a box of message notes with secret information, and some spoofing emails. An ample number of guns, riffles & other arms as well were loaded in the lower drawer. During that moment, I felt like the ground slipped under my feet. I was completely blank for a few minutes. Steadily I could relate all the happenings: phishing calls- absence: emergency, the message on the note---ah.’ Snifa whined.

‘That was so pathetic!’ Misha whispered.

‘What about your interview, Snifa, Did you attend?’ I asked.

‘Nah-unable to go. I just missed that golden chance. During that time, my life was upside down. I wanted a proper rightful answer from Stevan & was eagerly waiting for his homecoming.’

‘How did you deal with Stevan- after his return?’

‘I took him to his study table and asked an answer for this entire doings, ‘Why, Stevan? You are not only betraying your family but also the whole nation.’

‘What’s his answer?’

‘That was... quite miserably greedy: Why are you being so dramatic? We are going to play in crores very soon. We will settle down abroad, don’t worry.’

‘Then why did you decide to go against your one & only family and cooperate with us? How did you call our Sir--umm 8:30 pm approx, 3days ago right--to track down your husband’s activity & catch him red-handed?’ Misha asked peculiarly.

Snifa gave a teary look at me & replied, ‘That was always a tough decision for me to choose between the right thing & easy thing, my upbringing or my one & only family. We were going through the rough phase of our marriage due to continuous tension, fights & arguments aroused vividly between us after that day. I was eagerly waiting for the right time to stop this nuisance at once.’

‘Then...? What happened exactly- when you thought this was the right time?’

‘3 days ago, the TV was on. Stevan sat on the sofa & was staring at the News channel as the status of the ongoing smuggling case was splashing in the bulletin. Suddenly he banged on the teapoy and walked out hurriedly. I was sure from his reaction that he was- somehow linked with that scandal. That was---ahh! The most alarming situation for me. I just picked up the phone & called you as your number was continuously flashing before my eyes.’

‘I know, that was very hard for you. But---Thanks to you, we could catch the real culprit. Stevan is now in custody. Do you want to meet him or say anything to him?’

Snifa refused to meet and passed me a note to deliver to Stevan.

‘Misha, take care of the rest & ask Mr. Saxena to check upon her.’ I murmured & left the cell.

At that time, I knew I was leaving the room & the case was about to finish, but Snifa & her gloomy yet glistening last stare would remain in my heart forever.


Chapter 2:

Meanwhile, 12 years had passed. Now I was posted in Delhi Head-Quarter as got promoted. Like the other day, after finishing my daily household chores, I was getting everything ready for my duty.

'Dada, Dada--' Anna just butted into my room.

‘Yes, my darling daughter--Dada is getting late; We shall talk after your return from school, okay?’

‘No, Dada...there is something important; I have to tell you now- otherwise--'

‘Ahh---okay, tell quickly.’

‘Dada, there will be Teacher-Parent meeting tomorrow & you have to be there on time-10:00 am sharp.’

‘Okay, No problem, I will be there...anything else?’

‘Dada, I don’t believe you. You have to promise me that you will be there at any cost. You are truant from the teacher-parent meeting due to your so-called duty. I know, I understand you are busy & your doings for the safety of our country; but this time you have to, as Momma is no more to cover up.’ -The tears continued to seep down Anna's cheeks, but she didn't sob.

‘Anna, don’t cry---please, for my sake.’ - I gently patted her head.

‘I am not crying, Dada---’ She dashed the tears from her eyes with her shirtsleeve.

‘I will be there at any cost, I swear. Don’t worry. I will go to your school & attend the meeting, I promise.’

‘Okay then. Dada, here are the details of my teacher- Please keep the note safe.’

‘No need, for now, give it to me tomorrow morning.’

‘Who knows, if you are going to pull an all-nighter-then, I can’t take the risk.’

‘Okay, I will keep it for now but go through the same later. Now, you go & get ready for school; otherwise, you’ll be late.’

Anna left the room with a sigh of relief.

As a single father, I have been managing somehow; to raise my daughter single-handed for one year. My wife: Amrita’s sudden death- was quite shocking plus devastating for both of us. Since then, my 11-year-old daughter- a mere child had become pretty much understanding & started pretending like a mature grown-up.

My thoughts somehow paused as it was already 9:30 am- the time on the wall clock suddenly appeared in front of my eyes. The school bus was clanging the horn in front of our main gate. I picked up my office bag, dropped Anna off the bus & left for the office.

The next day morning, I was dressing up for the teacher-parent meeting.

‘Dada-- Are you ready?’ Anna entered my room hurriedly.

‘Yes, pretty much. How am I looking?’

‘Neatly handsome as always. You are Anwesha Vedi’s father, after all. You do remember all the details of my teacher, don’t you?’

‘Hmm---Ms. Snifa D’souza- Piano major, Class Teacher of Grade-7, am I correct?’

‘Good, Dada---there will be a list on the notice board- in which class teacher-wise room number allocation is mentioned. You have to search Snifa mam’s name in the list & meet her in the allocated classroom. She is sweet & kind enough to every student. So, please be polite & gentle: Don’t be serious, okay--’

‘Don’t worry, Anna. I will handle everything & live up to your expectation.’

‘Okay, now go; otherwise, you will be late. All the best, Dada.’

I was rushing to the door, but at the same time, the name- Snifa---Piano major--- was stirring up thousands of thoughts in my mind.

However, I reached the entrance of DSM (Delhi School of Music) & headed towards the notice board for room number allocation. It says in the 3rd column as-Ms. Snifa D’souza: Piano Major: Gade-7: Room No.-VII-B.

As per the guard’s instruction, I was about to enter the room no.-VII-B, I heard someone call me from behind-Vedi Sir!!!- A familiar tone.

I turned back. Wait, What, Snifa!!--my lame guesses were turning out to be true. Countless emotions started playing in my heart. Physically, she was the same as before, tall & skinny with an oval face & short hair; now, the only yet the most significant difference was a broad smile on her face that was reaching her eyes. I was happy & stunned at the same time.

‘Vedi Sir, Please come into the classroom & have a seat. It’s a long time, more than a decade---I think.' She was confident while saying.

‘It's been 12years, Snifa. I am glad that I met you.’ I took the seat with a deep sigh.

We sat right in front of each other with a table in the middle. Now things were different. The table was occupied- with a box of chalks, a diary, two pens, and records of students instead of anti-depressant, a tissue paper box & jar of chilled water.

‘How are you doing? How are you here, in DSM?’ -I was overwhelmed.

‘I am doing good somehow: you can see, trying hard to cope with all situations. After my recovery, there is only a sure thing in my mind to fix the broken wings of my dream. I had been applying for the post of piano major for four years but got rejected repeatedly. By God’s grace: I got lucky this year. DSM appointed me as a class teacher for Grade-7. Well, Vedi Sir, I don’t think- you remember me that precisely- I was just a mere witness at that time.’

‘I remember you very clearly. Snifa- your broken but bold enough attitude has all of my heart---Well, I wanna apologize to you for some reason.’

‘Why, Vedi Sir? Sorry for what?’

‘Hmm---Sorry, Snifa. But, that was part of my duty. That last note to Stevan, you passed on to me that day- I read it all: You are going to be a Dad-soon. Be good for the sake of your flesh, Stevan.’ : That was the reason- why Stevan accepted all his crimes one at a time. How can I forget? So, what about your child? Is it boy or girl? ey may be of Anna’s age, right?’

‘No need to say Sorry, Vedi Sir. I can understand your concern about duty & respect that. I had an early miscarriage within 3months due to an overdose of anti-depressant pills- I was unable to safeguard my flesh & blood.’

‘Oh my God---That was pathetic. So Sorry, Snifa.’ I uttered in a lower voice.

‘No, Sir, it’s okay. At that time, my health was deteriorating. I was not in the position to raise a child in my womb. I know I was the biggest failure as a mother that I could not protect my child, but I have never regretted that as I was helpless. They say, whatever happens, happens for good.’

I was awestruck by seeing Snifa, by hearing her thoughts, and her pledge to live.

‘By the way, I was grateful for your selfless help. So, Thank you, Vedi Sir. I wanna say it to you for a very long time.’

‘Help...what help? I can't get you.’

‘It was indeed a poor acting, Vedi Sir. I have already known that it was you: Who took mercy upon me & arranged free treatment confidentially in Saxena Sir’s clinic. He has disclosed everything accidentally during my release.’

‘Ah---That was nothing, Snifa. That Saxena...we were schoolmates. I only put some words for you. He was only paying off the debt as I helped him in many cases.’

‘And now, I am indebted to you, Vedi Sir. If you did not help me then, I would have been struggling with depression till my death instead of 7 years.’

‘Stop the crap, Snifa. What about Stevan? Are you in touch with him?’ I asked curiously.

‘No, not at all. But yes, Stevan met me once after his release from jail, last to last year- I think. After listening about the miscarriage things, adoption of my patrilineal surname & all, he left without a single word & never returned- That was the last time- I saw him.’

‘Oh, I see---life is always tough for you, Snifa. But the way you handled it: is quite inspirational & praise-worthy as well.’

‘They say- Life is unexpected. What comes our way unfolds itself as it comes. So, let it be, Vedi Sir. Leave all these things & let us move forward. Here is Anwesha's report card- Please have a look. Well, Anwesha is the topper of our major. There is no second thought that she is performing incredibly well consistently. Nevertheless, growth is the essence for every aspirant & she is in her primary stage of learning. So, here is the action plan: I have prepared for her advancement, any suggestions?’

I took a brief look at all the pieces of stuff. I was proud of Anna for her hard work & dedication to the art & grateful to the teacher-Snifa for the minute details, which can encourage a student to the core.

‘Take a bow- everything is to the point---Snifa. As a parent, I allow you to proceed with this action plan. Now I get it- The future of a very young aspirant is in the experienced hands, so how can I disappoint.’

‘Okay then-- We shall proceed as per your compliance. Please sign under your consent.’

‘By the way, where are you staying?’ I asked while signing.

‘In ladies hostel of DSM, why are you asking, Vedi Sir?’

'I know, I am pretty late in saying this; however, if anything happens or you require anything anytime, please let me know. Here is my new number- save it. From now on, please treat us like your family, if you can. Anurag Vedi-your Big Brother will be there for you at any cost. Oh, yes, we will celebrate- Birthday of Anna- this Sunday. Join us, Snifa.'

I patted her back while leaving the classroom.

Snifa nodded. Her jaw trembled & tears filled her eyes again.

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