Bepin Choudhurys Lapse of Memory By Paresh Chanda

Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory By Paresh Chanda

• Bepin Choudhary went to new market at Kalicharan to buy books as he was fond of reading. Bepin lived alone so he read about five books in a week. One day he met a man who pretended to be an acquaintance. • Bepin was not sure so he asked him if they had met before. Then the man told him that he had arranged a car to take him that he was Parimal Ghose whom he met in Ranchi in 1958.

• Bepin knew that the man must have mistaken him for someone else as he always wanted to go to Ranchi but couldn’t make it. The man called him by his name yet Bepin wasn’t convinced. • Parimal tried to convince him by narrating some incidents. He told him that he fell in Hudroo and hurt his knee. He arranged a car but he couldn’t go because of the pain.

• He told Bepin Babu that he stayed with Mr. Dinesh Mukerji as he didn’t like hotel. He further added about his argument about the moon landing and his habit of carrying a bag filled with books while going for sightseeing. • Bepin wasn’t convinced at all. He was sure that he had spent his Puja in Oct’ 1958 with a friend in Kanpur. He then revealed his family details to which he claimed that Bepin had himself told him. Yet Bepin Babu paid no need to his talks. Parimal was surprised at his response.

• Bepin Babu, then headed towards the Strand road. He regretted for paying attention to a false story. He was sure of his memory and knew very well that he couldn’t forget an episode of his life. • Yet negative thoughts struck his mind. He started doubting his memory. His mind had conflicts because he spoke in a meeting for half an hour. Then he thought of contacting Haridas Baghchi for confirming his stay with him who had already left for Japan. • That is why he couldn’t contact him. Bepin Babu tried to recollect his memory for the scar he had on his leg but failed.

• Bepin thought of contacting Dinesh but stopped himself as Dinesh’s sarcasm and criticism would be intolerable to him. Bepin felt disgusted with the thought that took all his attention. Ben was getting restless. So he called up Dinesh who confirmed his trip after looking into his diary. Without getting further into the conversation, Bepin slammed.

Word Meanings • idle chat – unnecessary conversation • meek – quiet • utter disbelief – complete surprise • regretted – felt sad • intimate – very personal and private • deliberate – intentionally • insanity – mental illness

• bracing – stimulating • going nuts – going mad • sarcasm – satire • getting into people’s hair – interfering with and annoying people • snuggling – getting into a comfortable position • sleuthing – investigating • conscientious – careful and correct