Suddenly in Class XI, thanks to the tuition classes; got a
free exposure to the world beyond New Graphite colony. Finding the correct
tuition was not a challenge as we followed the market ratings and trend. But
the major challenge was to find out health, cozy eateries for the stop-gap
between two classes. After all, an empty stomach can never support a rigorous
schedule. Some of the options were Nimai’s stall, Arambagh and Ramji’s fuchka. But,
very soon we got bored with these few options and we craved for more. That is
when came this enlightening savior: Paramounts. It was one of its kind in our
small town which served us with patties, pizzas, cakes and all could be savored
while soothing our eyes on the beautiful emotional cards and gifts. The main
attraction of this shop was not the confectionaries but the heartwarming love
cards.
It might have been just a shop, but for me: It was my den
for all moods; be it happiness, sadness or loneliness. Standing at this place,
we have created so many memories. The first flavours of adda, the love for
paneer patties, the joy of being loved and the pain of heartbreak all have been
hidden in this shop. Generations after generations this shop has seen so much.
The faces have changed, but the gusto of emotions this name brings is
unmatchable.
Had first celebrated the birthday of my hubby here and seems
like a history! It was the first birthday party that I was attending, jointly
given by two friends who shares the same birthday. There was so much of fun and
frolic everywhere. NePaTis was enjoying their usual paneer patties, when Soumo
came and said that the guest of honour for evening has arrived and we were
entrusted with the responsibility of entertaining her. She was no one else but
my (dear) hubby’s crush. We being the ‘jagatmata’, dutifully took her inside
the shop and started displaying the items in such a manner as if we owned the
shop. She was flabbergasted with the various gifts and the meaningful cards
that this little place had. Soon the gift giving ceremony was over and the bday
boys took complete charge of their friend. As an appreciation we were treated
with coke cans, which was priceless for us back then. Those days were so naïve,
we could be pleased with so little. Hardly did I know then that the boy for
whom I was entertaining an unknown girl would soon become my life.
Love was in the air. Everyone seemed to have a partner with
whom she was decided to spent the life. Few months after this grand birthday,
came Valentines’ day. All had a reason to buy cards and gifts for this special
day except the juvenile me. But, my singlehood couldn’t demean my enthusiasm
and love for the beautiful red cards and the small pretty red hearts that were
so beautifully displayed. While my friends managed to buy one card and gift, I
managed to buy some 4 cards and a dozen of hearts. I blackmailed my friends
into buying me cards. I had to help Payal & Tista to buy the most
meaningful and touchy cards for their boyfriends and the favour was returned
with a card of my choice. For Soumo, I had to make a doggy face as I was lonely
and l had none to gift a card with, so he bought me one of my choice. One was a
gift from the staff of the shop. The ‘didi’ really loved me (might be pitied
me). One was a gift for me to myself. I am sure if I dig into my suitcase it
will still be lying there as gorgeous as ever. But, not just the cards, the
little hearts had also taken away a part of my mind. So, I managed my mom to
buy me a dozens of those. Somehow it was very easy convincing her that they
were all for me and no boyfriend!
How could my heart be unblemished from the wind of affection
and love? But, the person for whom I had wanted to handpick a card for the
first time was a complete mystery to me. It was this erudite guy in our class,
whom I had used hate with all my sincerity. Do not remember when and why and
how this hatred turned into a deep attraction. It was nearly end of Class XII
and I was desperate to let him to know that he was no more my enemy. A card was
the best way to say it all and his birthday was also nearing. So, I walked up to
my favorite den, The Paramounts. It always had that one card which was only for
me and my feelings. But, that day in the midst of all those lovely quotes I was
lost for once. Some were either too bold or were too meaningless. Some were too
bright while the others were too dull. Seeing me so lost for the first time,
the ‘didi’ of the shop came to my rescue. As a hideout, I poured my heart to
her and she helped me to buy that One card for him. I am still grateful to her
as that card was the start of a journey which has with time seen many facets of
relationship with one human being.
Some friendships had died out and some had stood the test of
time, I was no more a naïve school student. I had started experiencing the
vastness of the world. It was in the 3rd year of my graduation, when
I was again in Durgapur, standing on my uncle’s porch reminiscing the good and
bad old days, when Rahul emerged from nowhere. He stood facing me with that
same warm smile dancing in his eyes. Childhood rushed through my veins and I
demanded a treat for his Class XII results which had been pending since long.
He swiftly accepted and wanted to treat me with anything I wished. I was
completely unprepared for this and not being sure where to go, Paramounts was
the only option. From our house, Paramounts is just a 15 mins walk, but that he
took me through a new route as there was renovation going on in the usual
route. So, we walked for some good half an hour. Do not even remember what we
ate or what we spoke. The place was no more the same, the faces had got
replaced, the tastes had changed. We stood under the bright red light for
sometimes engulfed in our own thoughts and walked back home again. I was at the
best of my random blabbering when just was just 10 feet away from our home he
abruptly stopped and looking at me said, “Why don’t you grow up lady?!” That
was the last time we met.
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