Chilekotha

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The 'chader ghor'.

A non-Bengali daughter but being a Bengali daughter-in-law, I always wondered about the small room in the corner, near the steps of the terrace. Out of curiosity, I asked my mother-in-law,'whats so special about this small room like structure ?' Is it a store room? But its arranged so systematically that it actually doesn't look like a store room.' While I continued throwing my inquisitiveness into her, I noticed she was smiling at its mention. 

She answered, 'its the chader ghor. So many memories are attached to it. U must have seen a huge radio over there. It was my grandfather's. This was the only means of information in those pre-independence days. It doesn't work but still its a rememberance of my family. If you open the huge iron trunk kept near window, you will find so many old photographs, cameras, albums, music instruments; all belonging to my ancestors.'

I engrossed myself into her world of reminiscence. She had excitement and happiness which had suddenly embarked her face. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, ' in Bengal, chilekotha or the chader ghor is a very important element of our lives. It carries a slice of our heart. Let me explain you properly. Basically, its the space between the ceiling of the top floor of a building and its roof which is slanting down. It looks awkward though. In simpler words its the attic.' She chuckled. 'Chilekotha is usually about nostalgia. Things to be treasured and never to be measured with money. I can't tell you how many stories are hidden in those small walls. I remember in my father's house, whenever we girl cousins wanted to try something controversial dresses or drinks, we would rush to chilekotha.' She giggled, 'even I used to write my love letters to your father-in-law, sitting inside this secret room and in one or two occasions, it was our dating place too.' 

I said in astonishment, 'Ma, I have been married for 11 years now, and all this while, I was unknown about this wonderful unique space of a house. Its good that I asked you about it. Its not just a concrete structure, as I have been thinking, but a place filled with passion and romance.'

Later, I again climbed the stairs leading to chilekotha, but, filled with respect, love and emotions for this special place inside my heart and mind. 

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