Neel said-For a long time ,we didn't go anywhere.Since Riku is here for a short while,why not have a break? I said-Neel,you had enough, breakin in various book stalls.They are thinking of putting close circuit cameras.Even if you escape somewhere,you,the Book Thief ,will be caught.Manoj said-Arre,he needs a break from his usual mission,ha,ha.Neel retorted-I told you,theft of book,flower and heart is no sin.

Sudip said-I know a good place where we can go.Neel asked-Where?I won't go anywhere other than a jungle.Right place for you,can meet a lot of your types sitting and stealing fruits from trees-I said.Manoj gave a big gaffaow.Neel became serious and said-- Don't be silly. I asked-where is this place Sudip? Sudip,half closed his eyes and took a puff of smoke,and said-It is a forest indeed.At the top of Dalma Hills.Tata's have a Rest House.My uncle is in a good position in Tisco.He can book it for us.It is a beautiful place.Have been there,once, long back.From the top,you can see the deep forests around and Dimna Lake,far below.----This is an idea we all liked very much.

All arrangements are made in precision.We arrived one late autumn morning to Jamshedpur or Tatanagar, as it is known, by Steel Express.We went straight to Sudip's uncle's house.They were eagerly waiting for us.It was a great hospitality.Within a short time we became their family members.There was another attraction-Sudip's cousin sister--Rini,a very jolly and sweet girl.Manoj was only looking at her.I whispered-Beta,behave yourself, if you don't want to get thrown out by Sudip.Manoj whispered back-I am an worshipper of beautiful things.

After a nice afternoon nap we started for the hills.A jeep was arranged.Our driver-Subodh Mahato,is a local guy,who knows the ways like back of his hand.We purchased some ration from Mango.Neel bought some Hadiya,from a roadside local Haat,though Sudip already had a supply of Rum.Hadiya,is a country beer made from fermented rice and Mahua flower.we reached the Rest house almost at darkness.the area surrounding the Rest house was guarded by-Sal,Segun,Piyal,Sishu,Mahua,Eucalyptus etc. trees.The bunglow lawn was full of sweet smell of  Mahua and Hasnuhana flowers.

Budh Singh Oraon,was the Caretaker.A jolly man,who immediately started his preparations for the dinner,with  our rations.We gathered in the verandah.Sudip asked Budh Singh-Is there any jungli janwar,here?Budh Singh gave a wide smile and said-Bhalu,saab,kabhi,kabhi-Mahua khane aata hai.our kabhi,kabhi, Haathi bhi.Neel said -Ore Baba!The slight chill of autumn night,as if increased a bit more.The darkness of the forest increased their shadows,with a lone cricket making sound constantly.

Neel started with his Hadiya.We started with Rum.Budh Singh placed a plate of salad and one plate of hot pakoras before us.Neel suddenly said -I  am missing Deepa,such a romantic place!I asked -why,you are not liking our company?He said-In a romantic place, girls are must.Manoj said -Arre,Sudip,you could have invited your cousin-Rini.Sudip said in mock anger-Do not pry on my sister.How many girls you will fall for?Already I know ,you had five  of them.Manoj said-I fall for their beauty.Then?-I asked.Then-I meet another one, even better,so, I can't stop myself-Manoj lamented.Sudip said-Baba,I only stick to my love-Ronita,I can't think of anybody.

Neel asked-Riku,what about you?You never tell us anything about you?I smiled-well,I think no girl has ever given any lift to me.They feel I can be good friend only.Manoj said -Thats a tragedy!well sort of-I laughed.Neel said-Boss,you are hiding.You will have to confess today.In such a romantic place!This place must be an witness to your story.

I thought for a moment and said-Well,frankly speaking I never proposed a girl.May be I lacked the courage.Closest I came was this girl,whom I liked and I think she liked me as well.Neel almost jumped-Now,come here guru,you are a Chupe Rustam,I  knew! I said-nothing, as you are imagining.We used to meet often and chat a lot.We used to stroll together beside the river,many evenings.She had beautiful eyes and hair.One day ,she told-Riku ,now a days I feel like living,where as,in earlier days I thought of dying.I didn't know what to say.She then asked-Can you pluck that lemon flower for me.I did for her.The smell of the flower in her hair, just hipnotised me.

Days were passing very nicely.One day suddenly she asked me-Riku,why you did not opt for an Army job.I was taken aback.I said hesitantly-That army life is very tough,may not be suitable for me.After a few days I overheard my mom telling my dad-You know Runa-Chatterjee's daughter,her marriage has been fixed-The boy is an Army Captain.

Sudip said-oh ho! how sad.what did you do? I said with a faint smile-what could I  have done?I  was then not earning.Emotions may overcome you but reality is reality.I did not want to meet her again.But I met her one day accidentally.She gave her news herself.I congratulated her.I don't know for sure,but I think, I saw a gloom in her eyes.She pleaded -You must come to my marriage.I did not know what to say....

So,I went to her marriage,otherwise it would have looked odd to my parents,who were also invited.I was standing amongst the crowd.A little girl came running and called me-Dada,Runadidi ,is calling you.I went inside and there she was ,beautuful as a queen,surrounded by her friends and sisters.She smiled at me.I had a lump in my throat.She asked-Did you see him?I said-Yes,handsome like a Prince.She smiled sadly .

Neel said-Shala,your story dampened my nasha.Coward no-1.You can't do anything in life.Sudip said- You are really worthless.Manoj said -Don't worry,there are  a thousand girls available,try again.Yaar.

Neel is totally drunk now.Sudip was  half asleep and murmuring the name of Ronita at a gap.Manoj was  also in half sleep but humming a hindi love song.Dinner was served.I was  only awake.I told Budh Singh to eat and go home .In all around darkness, I wondered, whether the girls will ever imagine,  that they were being remembered here at a hilltop,so passionately by some crazy guys.

I was laughing suddenly-----well,I made up and told  them a nice story, after all. All for a romantic atmosphere in a forest night.