Akal Basanter Pakhi by Ratantanu Ghanti [Paperback]

The two novellas by Ratanatanu Ghati— "Akaal Basanter Pakhi" and "Basana Jege Ache"— were originally published in a magazine’s special Puja editions in two consecutive years. They won readers' hearts instantly. Now, both stories are compiled into a single volume under the title "Akaal Basanter Pakhi."

In Akaal Basanter Pakhi, Nibha spends her lazy afternoons tidying up her home and listening to music. One day, Malaya’s mother visits and exclaims, "Your home looks brand new! Dada Babu won’t even recognize it when he returns!" Nibha replies, "Your Dada Babu won’t be back anytime soon." Her husband, Nishith, has been in Canada since their wedding. A year has passed, and his job has not allowed him to visit India. Amidst the snow-covered landscapes of Southern Alberta and the banks of the Bow River, Nishith's life now revolves around a woman named M.K. Meanwhile, in Nibha’s world, an electrician named Palash brings both fear and a strange sense of security. And then… from behind the leaves of the Nagalingam tree, that bird calls out—the bird of an untimely spring!

In Basana Jege Ache, Anindyakumar Shashmal runs Mumtaz Marble, a marble shop in the bustling Nandapur Bazaar of Konakgarh. His younger brother Binu’s wife, Binita, spends her days tirelessly working for the political party, hoping to secure a job—something the family disapproves of. In college, Arunesh and Basana cross paths. Arunesh is a selfless soul, always helping others, often quitting stable jobs for his ideals. Basana’s son, Bakul, suffers from a severe neurological disorder. He slips away into the void.

Then comes Basana’s daughter, Bindi. By then, Arunesh is still a restless wanderer. One stormy night, Binita asks him, "Would you mind giving me a ride on your bike to the auto stand? I can take an auto from there."

"How can I leave now?" Arunesh replies. "Basana is still awake!"

As Binita walks through the darkness, she stumbles twice. Then she realizes— it is because people like Basana remain awake that this world is still so beautiful.