The dining room was spic and span. All the crockeries were neatly kept in the cupboard. The dining table was all set for six people with mats, plates, fork, spoon, knife, cloth napkin laid all in their respective places. The dining chairs were looking very comfortable with cushions and silk cover without a single crease on them. The decor was impeccable with two flower vase and the fragrance of the flowers filling the room. The ceiling lamp was complimenting the decor and the lighting was perfect for the room. If anyone entered the room would have got an impression that the dining room was all set and waiting for some special guests.

She enters the dining room from the kitchen with serving bowls in her hand. One by one places them on the table. Whole day she was busy preparing delicacies which the guests preferred to eat. She checked everything and checked the time it was exactly 1.00 pm. Lunch time she announced. She then pulled the chair, her usual place to sit at the other end of the table across the place where the head of the house sits. She serves herself some of the food prepared by her takes her seat and tries to bite a morsel. Instead she breaks down and starts crying unconsolably.

The room which was completely silent just few seconds back was now filled with her sobs and moans. After a while she pours herself a glass of water and takes a few sips to control herself. The sobbing stopped, she sits back with her hands on her hand and eyes closed. Tears still rolling down, she goes down the memory lane.
Today is Pohela Baishakh, the first day of the month of Baishakh as per the hindu calendar and marks the beginning of a new year. One of the most auspicious days for Bengalis. The day was all the more special as it was her birthday too.

The dining room is filled with aroma of delicacies cooked by her. The food is served on the table and the table is all set. She announces lunch...