Mangoes at 6B in 2015

One of the mango trees my maternal grandmother (didima) planted decades ago.

The view from the first floor balcony facing south of this house built by my maternal grandfather (dadu) nearly 90 years ago. The portion behind the house used to be a big garden with mango, fig, bel, coconut, banana and some more trees - all planted by didima. She even had ducks as pet, who would waddle around the house and then go back to the garden in the evenings. Didima loved duck eggs.

I remember this garden used to be dark at nights since there never was any electric connection here. it was a huge 2 katha backyard (still is) with trees and an underground water reservoir and the water pump (got stolen in 1990!).  Boro Mama was allowed to hold the annual kali puja on these grounds, but I could never have the mutton next day for lunch. Not after my dada and I played with the little kid goat the previous day before it was tied down. I never liked this idea of sacrifice and thankfully, the sacrifice was changed to huge pumkins gradually. Now of course there is no puja held here for years.

Dadu built this house on his inspector of schools salary. He had eleven children, unfortunately five of my aunts passed away in their youth - lovely looking ladies judging from their photos. I have heard dadu never accepted anything from anyone, not even in the form of 'bhet' during festivals. Can't say he lived frugally, because he and all in the family are great food lovers. And dadu enjoyed his egg-nog in the morning. But he was very careful with money, kept track of even a paise.

Dadu was born on the 9th of September sometime in the 1800s, went through ups and downs and eventually built a house in an elite part of the city. (it is not elite or bhadralok any more - thanks to the 'you-know-who' people). Generations have taken refuge in this house, stayed here whenever it suited them but till date I have not seen even one of my many well-to-do aunts, uncles, cousins build such a grand house. Dadu is no more but his house remains. I have seen so much jealousy, greed and plottings among the inheritors but not one bothers to remember the man who gave them such an elite address.

Dadu a very happy birthday to you. Bless us all to have good sense and a sense of gratitude. I keep saying 'this is the house that Jack built'. I love you dadu. Thanks a zillion for all that you taught me. You were my greatest teacher in this life. God bless your soul. Amen!