Previous cut:-Sarmistha had already made up her mind about what she would do next. Tomorrow morning, she had to meet that man. He was the only one who could reveal Rupam's true identity.
The next morning, Sarmistha went to the same tea stall in search of the man. But even after standing there for a long time, she couldn't spot him and began to feel disheartened. After a while, the boy working at the stall asked, "Are you looking for someone?"
"Yes, brother," Sarmistha replied. "Actually, a gentleman spoke to me here the other day." She then described the man's appearance and clothes as best as she could remember.
The boy immediately understood whom she was talking about. He gave her an address and clear directions on how to get there.
Sarmistha murmured to herself, "I must find out the truth today itself." Following the boy's instructions, she walked on. After crossing two narrow lanes, she reached a paved road. At the far end of that road, another alley began. It wasn't very long—only three houses stood there, and the alley ended right in front of the third one.
According to the address the boy had given, the second house belonged to the man she was looking for. When Sarmistha reached it, she saw an old two-storeyed building from a bygone era. One room on the first floor had an attached balcony. The paint on the walls had faded badly. There was no doorbell, only a metal chain hanging on the door. She pulled it.
The door opened, and the same man she had seen at the tea stall stepped out. At first he didn't recognise her. As soon as Sarmistha introduced herself, he remembered and invited her inside.
Once she was seated, the man said, "Please wait. Let me get you something to eat."
"There's no need," Sarmistha replied. "I've come only to talk. Besides, I've already eaten."
The man smiled and said, "Alright, no problem if you don't want food. But you must at least have some sweets and water. It's your first time at our home."
Sarmistha didn't protest further.
He brought a plate of sweets and a glass of water, placed them in front of her, and sat down. Then he introduced himself: "My name is Suresh Majumdar. I live here alone. My wife and daughter—both are no more. My wife passed away from cancer. And my daughter… she took her own life. At sixty-five, I'm just dragging myself through the days. The moment the call comes, I'll go."
Sarmistha introduced herself and asked gently, "Your daughter committed suicide? Why? Was it because of too much pressure from studies, or was there something else?"
Suresh Majumdar's jaw tightened. His eyes turned slightly red. "My daughter was always excellent in her studies," he said. "She died because of that bastard Rupam."
Sarmistha noticed how the mere mention of Rupam's name changed the man's expression completely.
"What did he do?" she asked. "What could he have done that led to your daughter's tragic end?"
Suresh Majumdar said in a heavy voice, "Listen, then, and I'll tell you what he did…"
To be continued..