Agression

By Sukumar Ruj

At the time Tanima had said, ‘You make the down payment, I will take care of the instalments.’ 

Atanu looked questioningly –You will take care of the EMI..! Where will you get the money from? Tanima’s fingers had run through Atanu’s hairy chest – You can somehow pay the household expenses in instalments. By curtailing matters there somewhat, we will definitely be able to manage. The EMI will be merely seven hundred and eighty rupees.

Atanu was sleeping on his side. In this short while have you also been to the TV shop?  

Anima was lying on her back – No, no; being tired and irritable you had gone to the club in the evening. I had informed Joy at the time. He came, examined everything and said- It will not be possible Boudi, the picture tube has become weak. The television has lasted for a long time. It is taking a long time to warm up. Even if you have it mended, the pictures will not be that clear, rather, take it to ‘Citivision’, and in exchange get a new colour television. Fabulous pictures! Fifty percent advance.  They will deduct some amount from the payment for this. There will be some deduction for this. The rest will be seven hundred and eighty rupees in eight instalments. Atanu had stretched out once again – whoever makes the payment,

It will ultimately be going from the salary. The salary will not increase all of a sudden in that manner.

Once again Tania ran her fingers through his hair – that will be managed somehow or the other. Don’t behave in this fashion! Not being able to watch the match in the evening, you had stalked out if the house; I felt very hurt. Further, Tua as if possessed of nothing goes to Tia’s house every day! I feel very embarrassed.

She goes every day?

Yes, after all being a child… We do not have a cable connection and so … Joy has said that once we get a new TV, he will make the cable connection. He has said that he will not take the initial deposit.

Atanu had sighed deeply – Oh! Cartoons! Cable! What TV have they bought? 

Theirs is the ICN Coloured TV. Tina’s brother got it as part of the dowry for his marriage. It looks really snazzy. The picture com we have to wait till the current comes on… as soon as the switch is pressed.

Atanu smiled meaningfully …; their wedding garland is still fresh. The switch will immediately become heated. Ours has become old.

Tanima cast a covert glace at Atanu. There was a sparkle in her eyes, the light of the night lamp glistened on her face. She tugged at Atanu’s hand from his face and put it on her chest. Smilingly shyly she had said- then, you just make the down payment, understood! 

Atanu was in the throes of intimacy and said- but can you manage the EMI payments on the scheduled dates? If anything is stalled, it will be another problem. 

Tanima was talking, snuggled closet to Atanu. You have nothing to worry about, Sir! I have kept tabs on everything.

You are very organized and I am a complete bohemian. Look here…

TWO

Tua could not contain her joy. Henceforth she would be able to watch the Cartoon Network and National Geographic on their TV. She had called Tina Di over to have a look at their new television. After Tina had gone to sleep, it was the fashion in Paris or the sexy beauties of Los Angeles. On Atanu’s request, deep on a Friday night, Tanima also viewed REN TV. Since Tua had moved a couple of time, they had been forced to change channels. But a heat seared their bodies. That had also been satiated. In the throes of excitement Tanima had huddled close to her husband and continued to chatter on. Atanu listened sporadically. In satiated tiredness, she fell asleep at one point. Sleep did not come to Tanima. Her thoughts moved around the 300-litre fridge that belonged to Tina or the washing machine.

On hearing Tina’s mother’s footsteps on the staircase, Tanima had slightly increased the volume.  She had been successful in her intentions. 

Tina’s mother had drawn the curtains and peeped inside. What is the matter, Tania? Why is the volume of the television so loud? Tinu is finding it impossible to study!

She had looked in the direction of the room and said – Tua, just lower the volume a little dear. Since it’s a new television, the volume is a little… loud. It is a twenty-one-inch colour television. Zee TV and the serials are always on and so… Didi, don’t you watch these serials? 

Nowadays, where do I have the time to sit in front of the television? The maid does not know how to operate the washing machine. My daughter-in-law is newly married and how can I… That s why I have to wash loads of soiled clothes all the time.  Let me take my leave. Do remember to put the television on a low volume. 

Tania smiled as brightly as the new television and in her mind – there was a slight smile along with a slight note of disdain. 

In no time at all, two months passed since they had bought the machine. It was past time to pay the second instalment. Joy had come one day with a reminder. Boudi, it seems that the due for this month has gone by; Ahindaa was saying....' Tanima stammered and said – Your Dada is under a little bit of pressure and so…  We will pay up soon.  

Boudi, if you cannot pay this month, pay two months together next month.

Fine, I will go over in the evening. Listen to me Joy, there is no need to tell your Dada about this matter. How is the TV?   

No, you can rest assured!

One of the owners if City Vision, Ahin Nag, with a sparkling smile said- Welcome Madam! How is the TV functioning? 

Carefully not messing up the lipstick, Tanima wiped off her sweat and said with a woebegone smile- It is functioning fine! 

Then, is there any problem?

No, there is nothing the matter with the TV… it is just that the dues of this month… 

That is perfectly alright, Madam! If not this month, give it next month. Please be seated. Premlal, please get some coffee for Madam and, also give me some. Come with me to my chamber, Madam. It is extremely hot here. 

Why coffee. I am just an ordinary customer.

What are you saying, Madam?  Customers herald prosperity. Besides, you are not at all ordinary. You are extremely beautiful!

Tanima blushed scarlet. Anish’s eyes sparkled with mischief – Madam, I hope you did not take this amiss. 

Tanima gave a broad smile – Indeed no, you are praising me!

That’s good, you are very sporting! I spout whatever comes to mind. Let us go to my chamber, it is right at hand. Tanima took a quick glance at her reflection in the chromatic glass. 

Madam, please take a seat; you have not brought your daughter along? 

She is in school; I am going to pick her up. 

A sweet child! Your daughter had a very cute appearance, just like her mother. That day I had felt like drawing her close and caressing her. But just in case you took umbrage, I did not…

Tanima was overwhelmed with delight –her father is quite handsome, like you. 

No Madam, I have no daughter. Let me tell you Madam, I long to have a sweet daughter like that.

Tanima muffled her smile- Why don’t you fulfil your dream, who is stopping you?

No, nobody forbade me. Is just having the desire enough? If fate does not decree

Does it just happen you have to put in an effort! Saying this Tanima giggled aloud.

Premlal came in with the coffee. Steam emerged from the hot coffee and merged into the air. An aroma spread all over the room. They both savoured the fragrance. Taking a sip if the coffee, Tanima looked around the room beside the glass door, a scantily clad young Japanese girl was giving a pearly teeth smile. The cut-out in this caption was – Somebody chooses the best!

Behind him there were a number of old TVs. A lot of dust had collected over them. 

Tanima suddenly burst forth- Beside that white coloured television, had not that black one belonged to us?  

Ahinbabu bit his lip and smilingly lightly said- It had belonged to you, and now it is mine. You have a sparkling new set now. 

Tell me, what do you do with the second-hand televisions? Tanima could not help laughing at Ahin’s manner of speaking. It is a trade secret that cannot be revealed. But you can be told in strict secrecy.

Tanima could not help laughing aloud at his manner of speaking. Ahin too laughed in tune. From the love locket hanging around Tanima’s neck, lights seemed to sparkle. That light shone in Ahin’s eyes. He gazed directly at her chest- Is that a diamond?

Not a genuine one, an American diamond.

A beautiful glaze! Come with me Madam, let me show you something. 

What is it?

It is there, right in front.

Both left after pushing open the glass door. 

This is the latest technological washing machine. The colour is gorgeous, a lovely colour and dryer accommodated. 

Indeed it is truly beautiful; but what good will it does if I see it! That are all for the wealthy how can I afford it?

Definitely you can Madam; it is the desire that is the main thing. Try and enjoy life. You will be successful.

Tanima heaved a deep sigh. It was as if she had consoled herself that everything was alright. She looked towards Ahin in a regretful fashion and said- Then, let me take my leave today. Next month I will definitely…

That’s perfectly alright. But I hope to see this beautiful face at least a couple of times before that. 

Tanima did not say anything more and left with a smile.

THREE 

Tua was sitting on a revolving tool. Her eyes were glued on the television in front, the National Geographic Channel. A gigantic snake was slowly swallowing a blue bird, slowly at a time. The bird had become kind of limp.

After picking up her daughter from school, Tanima had gone to CTVN. She was supposed to be paying the last instalment of the television. After seating Tua next to the cashier, Anima entered Tuhin’s chamber. She took a long time in coming out.

Tua seemed to be scared. She had goose pimples all over. The snake was absolutely terrifying. Tua felt like crying seeing the condition of the bird. When the entire bird had disappeared, she started crying. 

On coming out, Tanima saw tears in her daughter’s eyes. As soon as she drew close, her daughter hugged her close. 

Tuhina patted he daughter – Silly girl! You must not cry. I am done, let us go home. Buying a washing machine!  Talking to your Ahinkaku about this matter, it took a long time.

Through tears, Tua’s eyes sparkled – What fun! Tina Didi has a washing machine and now, we will also have one!

Holding her daughter’s hand, Tanima stepped onto the ramshackle road. Her heart reverberated with her daughter’s joy.  

Her daughter was extremely thrilled at the thought of buying a washing machine, even though it would be of no use to her. Even in her mind there were waves of joy. The other day she had continuously flaunted their machine. Henceforth she would also do the same as regards Tina’s mother. It was because of Tuhinbabu that all this had happened. He had said- Madam, life is a magical game, enjoy it! Even if there is no money, the desire is there. 

From the footpath, Tanima stepped out in the direction of her home. She thought, Oh no! Oh no! Ahin’s manner of talking is not in any way similar to Atanu. Atanu said– Tanu, Your dreams should never be too grand. Your eyes will hurt. Do not look too below either, that will pain you. 

Atanu was always spouted principles. Was that really of any use? Ahin said that he would send it over in the evening. Atanu would return in the evening and get a real surprise.

FOUR

While returning, Atanu came face to face with his friend Tilak. In a honey sweet voice Tilak said– So Atanu, what’s the news? 

What news, it is all the same!

Why are you whining? You are moving ahead quite speedily; honestly, you are flourishing! A few months ago, it was a colour television and today a washing-machine! A double door fridge will be the next. 

Washing machine, fridge, what are you talking about?

Such a hypocrite! It seems that you do not know anything! These entire do not comes fly in the sky! It takes this very route. It is this Sharma who had to point out your house. You are some lucky man! A government job and you have also managed to marry a beautiful woman. Thanks to your wife for a good television and today for a washing-machine. 

Atanu was quite irritated– what is this nonsense you are talking? Just get out of my way…   

Tilak smiled foxily – go home and you will find out. Washing-machine should be good. It is from CITIVISION! Everything will be cleaned by it.     

Atanu’s face darkened. Then gradually it grew flushed. He started walking faster. The street light in front of the house had not been switched on. 

As he continued to press on the bell impatiently, Tanima looked through the eye-hole. Half of Atanu’s bust could be seen.  It seemed that Atanu was standing quite far away and seemed to be miniscule in size. Tani opened the door and Atanu entered with a stormy look on his face. Tanima could sense the impending storm. Then, could he have already got the news on the road itself!  It looked like he was incensed at not having been informed before. Actually, she had intended to surprise him and so ….

Atanu threw the sweat drenched shirt in the direction of the bathroom. It landed right beside the washing machine. The colour was a shining pista colour. The washing machine had been placed beside the washroom door. Tanima entered the room and switched on the fan. Atanu had opened his vest by then and was absolutely bare chest. He had a hairy body.  His face was fiery and stormy. Some he looked like a bear! He somehow looked like a bear. ‘I have a surprise for you– somehow, I have bought a washing machine, in instalments. You do not have to get hassled.  I will ensure that all payments are made. 

Atanu wanted to bring up a lot of issues. But it was impossible to voice anything. Tanima spoke – Are you angry because of this purchase? 

What Tilak had said was running through Atanu’s mind. You have managed to nab a beautiful wife and thanks to your wife – a TV and washing machine.  

After saying this, Tilak had smirked meaningfully.  That smirk and laughter had created a bomb-shell in Atanu’s mind. The bomb shell just might explode in a very short while. Tua suddenly entered the room.  She had gone to give to the second floor to give Tina the good news. Seeing Atanu she burst out – Papa-Papa, you are home! Come and have a look at what mother has bought.

At the unadulterated joy of his daughter, the anger Atanu was feeling gradually simmered down. Tua tugged at his fingers – Come on and see it!

Though unwillingly, Atanu took a few steps forward. Tua’s white frock was hanging from a line that had been put up near the window. Tanima said –Tua, just see how sparkling clean the frock seems after washing it in the machine. I had also put in my saris, but it has torn a bit. I could not adjust the time frame. I will also wash your shirt in the machine. 

Tilak’s words pricked Atanu sharply. Initially the machine washes everything. Had Tua’s frock become mud stained? That is why it had been put in the machine! It was a matter if adjusting to tiles and cement. Apparently, the sari had torn. The beautiful sari seems somewhat dull and washed out now. The soiled shirt seemed somewhat depressed and mournful. It was splattered with mud all over. It would never be cleaned n the machine. Atanu’s eyes fell on Tua’s white frock hanging on the line. It was hanging like one beheaded. It was a depressed kind of white colour. There was not the vestige of any colour. Staring at it Atanu suddenly burst into tears. But Tanima could not hear those tears.

By Sukumar Ruj