LITERARY

 

I spent about 28 years of my lifespan in RNPR. The prime time of my life was spent there and it was a remarkable change from the din and bustle of Calcutta to the quiet
and serene Chhota Nagpur plateau. I came to RNPR in 1969 when there were few Bungalows, Type V, Type IV (only one row) and the hutments. The COC was a part of the Guest House, and the medical centre. Of course, the Old Colony and Upper Keshia and Lower Kesia flats were there, but we never went there, somehow.
The Cables Officers Club (COC) was the lifeline of the social activity after the factory. There used to be Annual Picnic, Annual Sports Meet, Bingo every month and some other indoor games competitions between the officers. There was a library and we used to go there to go through the magazines. There was a Ladies Club or the Officers’ Wives Club which used to meet every Wednesday evening after the men came back from the office. The Annual Fete organised by the Ladies Club was a big event and it was a great attraction where the ladies participated with much enthusiasm.
One evening in 1974, I had gone to one of my friend’s marriage anniversary and I was told that someone was waiting for me outside. I went out and surprisingly found Sunilda (Late Sunil Mitra) waiting outside. Very seriously he asked me how much quantity of meat and veggies for salad would be needed for 25 Persons. In good faith I told him the quantity. I didn’t ask him why he was asking me suddenly. After an hour I came back home.
Suddenly around 10 pm the doorbell rang. As my husband opened the door Sunilda came in with two huge bags and told that there would be a Cricket Match the next day and I have to cook 5 kg of meat and Russian salad for 25 people. I was dumb founded and told him I will make the Russian salad for all but would cook half of the meat as there was no gas and that amount can’t be cooked in Pressure cooker. I sent the rest of the meat to his wife.
Next day from the morning I was busy with my house hold chores, looking after my small child and making Russian salad which was extremely time taking. The meat was also there plus cooking our lunch. I had to finish them by 12 ‘o’ clock. After cooking so much I finished cooking our dinner and got ready to go to see the match.
My son and myself finished our lunch and went to the Company’s field to watch the match as my husband was the captain of one team. Many officers wanted more elaborate lunch, but everyone appreciated the food. My husband knew everything but kept quiet as he thought if he asked me, I might turn down his proposal.
Just imagine my plight! Still the warmth and friendship were much more than my extra burden of work! How I miss them…..

-Anuradha Gupta