For dads are always like that

Rupsa was a bit sad. She had planned to do so many things today. She thought of going out with her friends for a hangout.

After all it’s a Sunday and who cares to mug things out in the first year.

But this sudden rain. It might spoil the dress she had decided to wear.

Only last night she had talked with Arko, Sandy, Hemu.

They all made a plan. The venue would be that shopping plaza at Camac Street. 

Arko was supposed to buy the movie tickets. Interestingly, she had gathered from her seniors in the college that the movie would help them very much in their studies.

The novel from which the movie had been made had been included in the syllabus.

That's another convincing reason to ask her father to allow her to watch the movie.

Her father, the least talkative person (probably in the whole world!) just asked her the name of the novel.

She replied. 'You need to see that...it might have a bearing upon you...'

He had said and started reading an old book on the history of Indian Independence.

That's how Rupsa's father always had been.

Either reading, or writing, if he is home.

On Sundays, he loved to stay at home and to utilise the time.

On weekdays, he wrote too, but not for long hours.

Contrary to her dad, her mom loved talking to people. She always had great conversations with Rupsha, telling stories of her own adolescence, her college life, her friends. She loved talking to the maids too. She asked them about their life. If she went to the market, she would strike up a conversation there too!

Rupsa would often get angry with her.

But Bipasha, her mother, would just say, 'Always try to understand people, interact with them, people are never bad...'

'Ma...it’s raining and we are supposed to meet at near that plaza at Camac Street...my new pair of palazzos...'

'It will not rain the whole day...why worry?'

Saying this Bipasha went to the study with tea cup and breakfast for Subhro, Rupsa's dad.

Rupsa got ready and went out.

Arko, Hemu, Sandy were there.

The movie hall on the third floor was not fully filled up.

The movie, though one of the best acts of her favourite hero, Leonardo, was not a typical love story.

After all who would like to see the fall of the American Dream?

But then...

Of the four Hemu and Sandy constantly bantered in the hall, while the movie was on, even getting rebuked at least for a couple of times from those who sat behind them.

Being love birds, they just ignored all those remarks as mere digs from 'intellectuals'.

Arko however was watching the movie with concentration, Rupsa noticed.

She thought she found a sudden tinge of sadness in Arko's face soon after the movie ended when they were going to the food corner.

She had never found Arko expressive.

She always looked upon him as a very studious, disciplined, sharp yet witty boy.

'That movie wasn't good, nah?' Rupsa asked Arko.

'Na...it was quite okay...'

Arko had said as he signalled Sandy to order pizza for all.

'Give money to Sandy, your share only...' Arko said.

'But of course!'

Rupsa went up to Sandy.

Hemu was also there at the counter.

Tokens were to be taken.

Standing there, Rupsa tried to observe Arko. He was writing something on a paper napkin!

After the pizzas were gobbled up and soft drink glasses emptied, Rupsa, finding Arko, absentminded still, asked, "What were you writing on a piece of paper napkin?'

Arko turned pale.

He seemed to be completely taken aback.

'Oh! Nothing!' He said.

'No... I had seen you...don't play tricks with me...' Rupsa said, raising her eyebrows.

'Do you have any intention to become Miss Marple?' Arko asked.

'Then there should be an Agatha Christie!' Rupsa quipped.

Arko looked at Rupsa.

'Do you have any Agatha Christies back home?'

'Only Agatha? We’ve got Doyle, Ray, Sidney Sheldon, John Grisham...you want them?'

'Yes!' Arko said.

'But first you would have to show me what you were doing on that piece of paper ...’

'Yes... I think, at least you will give some importance to stuff like these...'

Saying this Arko brought out the paper, folded as it was from his hip pocket.

Rupsa opened it.

Arko had drawn a face of a girl.

It looked like that Daisy who was there in the movie!

'Arko! You're a great artist!' Rupsa almost gushed.

Arko blushed.

Rupsa for the first time saw how a boy of her age could even blush.

Then she remembered what her father said at the time she was preparing to go out.

'It might have a bearing upon you...'

Rupsa smiled.

'Dads are always like that...' She thought.

The sun had come out of the clouds by then.

After a spell of rain, the dust got settled on the road too.