One day, Nrityakali heard a rumor that her husband was having an affair. That day their bickering reached new heights, and Nrityakali’s broom found Shibu’s back. Poor Shibu spent the night in anger, pain, and humiliation, then caught the 6 am train to Kolkata.

From Sealdah station Shibu went straight to the temple in Kalighat. There he made an offering of five rupees and prayed: “O Mother Goddess Kali, please, please make that hellcat suffer from cholera and die. I promise you I’ll sacrifice a pair of goats. I cannot tolerate this anymore. Please Mother . . . give me a solution so I can start a new family. This bitch can’t even have children. Please oh please, Mother.”

Back from the temple, Shibu feasted on a large packet of fried snacks, half a seer each of curd and sweet jalebis. He then spent the rest of the day touring Alipore zoo, the museum, Hogg market, the High Court. Later that evening, he checked into Hotel-de-Orthodox on Beadon Street and dined on one plate of curry, two plates of roast chicken, and eight deviled eggs. Fully satiated, he spent the night watching the late shows and returned to his village by the early morning train.

But Goddess Kali must have misunderstood his prayers, because soon after he got home, Shibu got diarrhea and began to vomit. The kabiraj came. The doctor came. So nothing much was accomplished. After eight hours of suffering while his wife cried at his feet, Shibu left this world for good.

                                                           From 'In Bhushandi’s Fields'