Both of us looked out in horror. That same small face .. round eyes .. thick eyebrows .. high forehead .. plump cheeks .. heart-shaped lips .. flat depressed chin . Soon the differences started manifesting themselves .. dark circles under eyes .. dry, unkempt hairs. The pink dress gone, it was now wearing a silk frock similar to Isha's with the same embroidery and a big circular broach near the neck. A necklace of silver beads embraced it's neck, which actually belonged to Isha's mother. It seemed Isha had shrunk into a smaller size, just like Alice of Lewis Carroll's classic novel.
As I rang her school's number, my worst fears seemed to come true. The class teacher said that Isha had not turned up that day. Trying to keep my cool in the face of adversities, I contacted the bus operator and came to know that my daughter had suddenly halted the bus in the middle of the road, stating an emergency and got off near the market. My wife grew hysterical hearing the news and started screaming, while never stopping to blame me for everything .
The teacher who accompanied my daughter later told the bus driver that Isha was not feeling well, so she had sent her home. I immediately set off for the teacher's house but when I reached Mrs. Gomes's complex, an one hour drive from my place, she was not there. I had the class teacher's number and learnt from her that on the way to school Mrs Gomes came to know of her mother-in-law's heart attack and immediately had to return back, pack her bags and go. 'And where did her mother-in-law stay ?' I asked excitedly. 'Versova, Mumbai', Isha's class teacher said matter-of-factly.
After lodging a formal FIR at the local P.S. I was wondering how to face my wife back home, when I suddenly remembered that I still had the info about the seller on the app's Order list . Opening the mobile app, I was surprised to find the address to be near the supermarket we frequented. I lost no time in reaching the shop only to find a closed board. The footpath peddlars told me that the man had shut down his shop once and for all. I jotted down the address of Raghu, the one famous for selling children's toys in the area. 'What made him decide to close his flourishing business of years ? I felt devastated.
'Raghu mainly sold online and made a fortune in a couple of years of opening his tiny shop. He mainly bought made in China products smuggled through the Kidderpore docks. His offers being the cheapest, he had no trouble in procuring the orders. Since couple of months Raghu was disturbed. His consignments were suddenly being rejected by customers one by one . There were negative feedback on online shopping sites. The police had also raided his shop a couple of times. I guess there was some business rivalry. The products were getting tampered midway. Yesterday he looked completely shattered'. 'One glass special with extra malai' a young man orders siding off his bike and the man excused himself. 'Make It quick man, if you want to catch him. Raghu had told me he'll be going home tonight. His train leaves in two hours from now'. Hari, a local tea seller seemed to be a close confidante of Raghu, both hailing from the same village in Rajasthan.
The address showed South Kolkata and going by the traffic at that hour of the day. it'd take minimum two hours to reach. I knew I couldn't allow so much time. So I rode like a maniac dodging traffic signals and ignoring police sirens behind me . As it was the time of festivals, Kolkata was having a facelift resulting in blockades and traffic detours to facilitate construction of marquees, festooning of public spaces and carrying out lighting arrangements.
Coming halfway through I remembered that I haven't given a call home when my mobile rang. 'Isha had come back by herself' It was my wife's excited voice at the other end. I heaved a sigh of relief. But the next moment I failed to let go of a sneaking suspicion. 'Where is that thing now ? I demanded. She took time to answer. 'Actually Isha called out Mamma in her typical tone. Won't a mother recognize her child ? I had no doubt it was her. Maybe there is nothing eerie and this has something to do with her health. Come home and we'll take her for a check-up' my wife blurted put. 'But it was decided between us that you'd not open that door ' .. I clenched my teeth inadvertently.. ' .. That goddamn store room door till I returned' I spat out my frustration, cursing myself before cutting the line off.
Should I continue riding towards my destination or take a turn back to check my home ? I was in a dilemma now. On one hand I'd got to find my daughter, while on the other that doll .. that creature was let loose in my house. My wife's life was in danger. Without taking my foot from the accelerator I dialled my wife's number. Once. Twice. Thrice. But why wasn't she picking up the phone ?
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