A Post From Dad

Bonny arrived in tea in the spring of 1976 and apart from yours truly, there were Junu Rana and Nandan Kilpadi at the aerodrome. On being introduced to them, they asked her if she had seen a tea bush.The moment they knew that she hadn't, Junu pointed to the Sal trees on the other side of the runway at Tezpur airport and said that ladders were used to pluck leaves from those trees to make tea. On the way to Gogra bungalow, she saw a patch of guataemala and appreciated how well corn (Bhutta) grew in these parts ! Late in the evening,Bonny seemed perturbed by the sound of drums that seemed to be approaching the bungalow and stopping at the bungalow gate. Images of Phantom and the jungle tom tom flashed across her mind despite all my assurances. I brought her to the veranda, much to her consternation but to the delight of the tea garden workers. They gifted her a basket full of rice topped up with eggs, washed her hands, sang and danced for an hour or so before leaving, after gifts were exchanged.

After a decade with the old company and a few more years at a friend's property, we left for the Dooars/Terai. Social life in these parts was largely kept alive by planters from Duncans, ex agency house planters and some vivacious people ( non planters). As usual, Bonny was among the liveliest members like in the other clubs in Assam. Friends and associates still recall her generous hospitality. Bonny's Brinjal spread has traveled far and wide and is yet to be duplicated.
During our stay in the Terai, Bonny started teaching at The Good Shepherd Convent. In the nine years of her teaching at the school, some life long bonds were formed with her colleagues who admired her for her great organisational skills, meticulous planning, her sense of humour and her beautiful golden voice that belted out English, Hindi and Bengali songs with equal felicity. One of her favourite songs was Miriam Makeba's 'Malaika'.

Our stay in the Dooars from the early 90's was beautiful too. Bonny inspired many young ladies at The Central Dooars Club. She involved herself with some cultural events at the club. She had a zest for life and a deep sense of affection for all. The bungalow at Mogulkata T.E had a menagerie of pets which included three dogs, two ganders, two rabbits, a hare, a peacock and a small aviary. The carol singing sessions by the fireplace were memorable.

Post retirement, our life in Siliguri was quite relaxed in our cozy flat. Our daughters, Madhumita (married to Pranjal Neog) and Malavika (married to Sanjeev Shukla), have settled down well and have their beautiful families. Much of our lives revolved around our adorable grandsons,Dhritiman and Aahaan.

Things started changing with Bonny's health requiring frequent medical attention. It took a turn for the worse when she was diagnosed with end stage renal disease and a weak heart condition . She had to be hospitalized several times in the last year and a half. Bonny fought on courageously with all she had in her. She left for her heavenly abode on the evening of 24th September 2014, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loved ones.

May your loving soul rest in peace Bonny..