The letter came, out of the blue. Prakash gripped the letter in his fist with his long hardy fingers. It was a summer evening; the evening which was engulfing the sultry weather of the scorching day with its soothing breeze. The calm evening was ineffective on the sizzling temperament of Prakash.
Mr. Mihir Bose assured him in his previous letter “Prakash, your story has been selected. It has pleased the editor extremely. Personally he let me know that recently, striking and amazing stories are not being written. This story is totally different”. Mihir uncle wrote again “You will be informed by the editor in time…etc…etc…”.
The letter in the fist of Prakash absolutely reversed the editor’s decision. The letter reads “….I am totally confused. I know you from your very childhood. Though there was hardly any contact between us especially after Bidyut’s death. Your father was an honest and amiable and friendly. The relation between us will never end even not after his death. Anyway, apparently all of these are irrelevant but I think an impact is there so that I am not ready to accept the editor’s opinion. He has insisted that a book named “A beautiful country” written by Merry Roberts was published by “Pan Macmillan” five years ago. The plot of one of these stories is very same as you have plotted in your story. Even some phrases having been translated, are all the same. I have to read Merry’s book otherwise I dare not to write you. I am well acquainted with our editor so I am able to convince him, at least you should be permitted to say something on your own stead. Next 5th April Sunday is fixed for your appointment. If you want you must keep up the meeting. 12 at noon. In the editor’s room. I will be there. I think, considering all of the situation you must not regard it as my obstinacy. Try to correct Merry’s book……etc….etc.”
Firsthand Prakash had to think whether he was feeling insulted or not. Surprisingly he did not feel any tint of scorn. He had a plump experience of thirty years. He had to face a tremendous adversity after his father’s death. This adversity made him street smart. Now, from his part he would try the best.
The shady allegation must be eliminated. How? He had half hoped, half expected that he would get an upper hand and trust worthy acknowledgement.
A prolonged, tedious couple of days crawled away, at last Prakash got the book “A Beautiful Country”.
By these three days he had done some urgent tasks. He had collected e-mail address of the editor of Pan Macmillan, then informed him elaborately how he was with his shattered hopes. He let him know his nervy wish and asked the authoress’ e-mail address but all in vain. The editor of Pan Macmillan answered regretfully that he was unable to get any consent of the authoress as she was merely unfamiliar to Prakash.
Surely waiting for next week, seems very interesting
ReplyDeletewaiting for the next part.... :)
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