The Parting Gift
Mouth watering Green Mango
Transfer To a Rural Office
I was resting under a mango tree in a remote village in Bankura after doing the Bank’s development jobs on a stifling midsummer day when suddenly a big green mango fell on my head. As I writhed in pain a boy cringing in terror emerged from the tree. My pain and anger seemed to fade away seeing him exuding the look of a typical innocent lad with apologetic gesture. First aid over, he took me to his nearby house when his father scolded his son and said “We are extremely sorry, sir. Please have some rest here” I took the offer immediately and intimated him that I was in search of a suitable house for my accommodation. “From today you will be residing in my child’s room with him. I hope this will stop his naughtiness”. He declared with a grin.
A Child Watching Rural Activities
Find A Friend
His interest hovered around playing games in abundant areas of delight, swimming and fetching mangoes for me since he had noticed that I relished mango pickle. As I gradually got quite familiar with rural life, I came to learn from him farming procedures, manuring, harvesting and ridges in between the plot of tillage lands. His fantastic memory allowed me to forget to use the cell phone for reminders. Even in matters relating to the Bank’s business he was of great help in choosing the right potential customers as he knew everyone in my area of operation. On holidays he would take me to important sightseeing places and I soon overcame the initial homesickness and Tito in turn proved to gradually improve in all realms which impressed his parents to the hilt much to their embarrassment at times as they had initially refused to accommodate me in their house which provided shelter for their cattle and birds. I gifted him picture books to build the ability to read, think and dream. Tito in turn would collect eggs hatched by the hens and would invariably set aside one for my consumption. Slowly we seemed to be bound by ties of kindred.
Rural wall paintings
Bidding Adieu
Time flew by and as my tenure at the branch came to a close, I was transferred to my home town in Kolkata soon. With this turn of events the news reached him since I had intimated the matter to his father well in advance as I would soon vacate the room. On the scheduled day of my departure I took leave of every member of the family who fondly recounted the memorable moments of our association but Tito was nowhere to be seen. We frantically looked out and enquired anxiously for him as I had feared he would not take such separation easily and despite our best efforts we could not locate him anywhere. But since everything was arranged I had to board the hired car to reach the railway station and came back home feeling happy to be reunited with my family members. My luggage was quite heavy and gradually I emptied all my bag and baggage. As I was taking out the clothes and other belongings from my favourite suitcase I noticed something tucked away in a corner. It was a carefully closed packet covering a bottle of mango pickle made from the choicest fruit.
Copyright–RESERVED BY THE AUTHOR
© 2013 ARUN KANTI CHATTERJEE
Comments
AUTHORCheryl Woods - Thank you for reading my story and such wonderful comments which can only enrich my hub.
This was an interesting story of how a small boy named Tito, helped you transition into the town of Bankura where you were working, gaining temporary accomodation and simultaneously an extraordinary friendship.
Tito was a mischievous lad who partook of normal amusement and fun for a boy of his age. Although he was falling behind in school work, he possessed an outstanding memory which should serve him well with future career and job opportunities. The story books you gifted Tito will help increase his self esteem and confidence as well as educational attainment.
Saying “goodbye” was too difficult for the small boy so he chose to hide on your day of departure, yet Tito had very carefully tucked away in your favourite suitcase a small present of mango pickles to show you the kindred spirits that had be born from your time together.
Dealing with ‘change’ can present a challenge as well as learning opportunities at the same time.
A memorable story of a special connection in friendship between a man and a small boy.
This was an interesting story of how a small boy named Tito, helped you transition into the town of Bankura where you were working, gaining temporary accomodation and simultaneously an extraordinary friendship.
Tito was a mischievous lad who partook of normal amusement and fun for a boy of his age. Although he was falling behind in school work, he possessed an outstanding memory which should serve him well with future career and job opportunities. The story books you gifted Tito will help increase his self esteem and confidence as well as educational attainment.
Saying “goodbye” was too difficult for the small boy so he chose to hide on your day of departure, yet Tito had very carefully tucked away in your favourite suitcase a small present of mango pickles to show you the kindred spirits that had be born from your time together.
Dealing with ‘change’ can present a challenge as well as learning opportunities at the same time.
A memorable story of a special connection in friendship between a man and a small boy.
I once again enjoyed reading your posts!
- AUTHOR
Sandy Mertens-Thank you very much for reading my story and I am glad that you have found it interesting.
Very interesting story.
- AUTHOR
Peggy Woods-Thank you very much for reading my story and making such comments which will only enrich my story.Sorry for the belated response.
Your presence obviously had an effect on the boy as well as you. Touching story!
- AUTHOR
Thanks for your visit and wonderful comments.
Good story. Reminds us of the story 'Post Master'
- AUTHOR
Chitrangada-Sorry for the belated response. Thank you for your visit and
compliments. Have a great week.
Wonderful hub and so touching!
You are a great story teller.
Thanks for sharing this! Voted up!
- AUTHOR
Sanjay -Thank you very much for your visit and comments which are encouraging.
I could not find appropriate words for the comment section. You are a marvelous story writer and the present one is very touching, with the shades of rural aroma. I feel nostalgic about Tito. This is the power of story telling. Good luck.
- AUTHOR
@DDE -I am so glad for such a comment which is encouraging for me.
Most interesting and such a way of writing thanks for sharing this story.
- AUTHOR
@Sarra Garrett- I am humbled by your such kind words! As you will come to know after reading my stories I have ventured into the realm of writing only recently and your encouragement can only give me the necessary impetus to stick to it. Thank you very much. May God bless you.
What a wonderful story! I wish everyone was so kind as the world would be a better place. You need to write a book! voted up and Awsome
- AUTHOR
@unknown spy-I also wish to visit Never Never land with never ending areas of delight to enjoy the bliss of eternal childhood. I am over whelmed by your encouraging response and thank you very much.
P.S. I shall surely carry your fav. fruit when I visit the exciting place.
thank you for sharing us your story. PS: I really love the picture of the green mangoes. My fave fruit.
- AUTHOR
@CrisSp- I always appreciate your visit and such heartfelt comments. Thank you very much and wish you all the best.
P.S. This is the time for mouth watering green mangoes in West Bengal and my brother is carrying a few of the tasty fruit to Kansas city on a short visit next month.
Oh, that's a very touching story of kindness back and forth, which all started from the fallen mango!
What a surprising treat throughout your journey, eh?
Thank you for sharing.
P.S. I love green mangoes and that photo looks very yummy!
- AUTHOR
Thank you very much for your visit and such a comment which is encouraging and gives me the impetus to stick to such creative works.
What a lovely story. We never know what life has in store for us. Imagine the wonderful friendship and learning that happened all because of a fallen mango! Thank you for sharing this with us.
Voted up, awesome and interesting.
- AUTHOR
@Rajan-Many thanks for your comments! I am humbled.
What a touching gesture! Love this story. Thanks for sharing a leaf from your book of life.
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