Part 2: A Tale of Reunited Memories

Early morning, the next day me and my brother set off for Durgapur. This journey was special. This was the first time only the two of us were travelling together by road. With my brother at the wheel, we set off on the journey with miles to go before the destination. 

It usually takes three and a half hours, on the road from Kolkata to Durgapur. But it was not just about covering the distance. It was about the journey itself. As we traversed the roads on which I had travelled a million times, it still gave a sense of anticipation bubbling in the air.  Our conversations were endless, giggles and fun banters while going down the familiar paths didn’t make us weary at all. 

We stopped at the famous Shaktigarh for a few minutes, a place where delectable ‘Langcha’ and the mouthwatering kochuri and dal had tempted the travellers for ages. We were no different. Despite the sweltering heat, the temptation of the irresistible flavours made us stop at one of the outlets. Each bite created a symphony of spices and sweetness as the simple flavours danced on my palate. This can never get old. Also, everything about the place was about nostalgia. Of the times, when my younger self eagerly waited for the bus to stop here so that I could have a taste of the iconic flavours of Shaktigarh.  So many times, I have done it, but the excitement is still the same. Like the essence of Shaktigarh, some things never change for good. 

As we neared our destination, I saw my school. The buildings and the gates were still the same. Every wall and corridor had a story, while the silent street around it had thousands of whispered secrets of the old days. 

Reaching my house, a warm welcome was waiting for me. As the car parked in front of the gate, I could see my mother’s face, filled with eagerness and a wide smile. Right at that moment, I realized how much she needed to see me. Reuniting with my whole family after quite some time truly brought the essence of a true homecoming. 

The few days were spent trying to revisit memories. We went on unplanned long drives, watched movies through the whole night, or just walked around the streets that had once paved my way to the future. 

However, nothing beats my mother unceasingly cooking up a storm in the kitchen, making sure I have all my favourite dishes to eat and my dad bringing my favourite snacks every evening. Yes, the visit was also mostly about feeding me! 

But on the other hand, from endless conversations at the dinner table to spending quiet nights on the terrace talking to my little brother, it all happened, just like old times.