Chapter 56: File Disappeared!

                                    

                                          
Chameli was in the kitchen, working with Koyeli and Mala. 
All of a sudden, Trilochan hollered, "Bihari, where are you? Don't forget to clean Batuk's room before he returns. He said that specifically before going to college."
'Batuk's room?' Chameli wondered. She wanted to go to Batuk's room. She didn't know why. But without his permission, nobody dared to go to his room, except Bondita. 
Maybe... if she cleaned the room, Batuk wouldn't mind, right? Moreover, Mala did send Bihari out to the market to buy some vegetables.
"Since Bihari is out..." Chameli started speaking. "Shall I go and clean Batuk's room?" As soon as she said that, both Mala and Koyeli glanced at her at once. 
"Why, badi patni?" Mala inquired. "Bihari will do it when he returns."
"But we don't know how long it will take for Bihari to return. By then, what if Batuk comes and sees his room unclean?" Chameli pointed out.
"Chameli Malkin..." Koyeli spoke up, "Batuk Malik doesn't doesn't like it when anyone other than Bahuraniji or Bihari cleans his room. Only they know what to keep where."
"Not even you?" Mala asked curiously.
Koyeli shook her head in denial. "I am only allowed to step inside with Bahuraniji. He is very peculiar about all this."
"If Bondita is allowed, then I am pretty sure he won't have a problem with me, right?" Chameli uttered, silencing Koyeli. 
"Exactly," Mala supported Chameli, with the hope that Chameli would be distracted with that and she would do all the cooking and get appreciated. After all, her husband was angry at her since yesterday. "Badi patni, you go and clean Batuk's room, while I will handle the kitchen chores. Don't worry."
Chameli smiled widely. "Thank you, Choti patni," with that, she dashed out of the kitchen. Oh, how excited she was to clean Batuk's room!
Chameli entered Batuk's room, her heart racing with excitement and curiosity. The room was filled with the earthy scent of clay and the sharp tang of paint. 
Sculptures in various stages of completion lined the shelves, and sketches covered the walls, showcasing Batuk's talent and passion.
The room was a delightful mess. 
Paintbrushes and palettes were scattered across the floor, along with chunks of clay and bits of plaster. Chameli carefully stepped over the clutter, her eyes shining with admiration as she took in Batuk's work. Each piece was unique, full of life and emotion.
"Such talent," she murmured, running her fingers gently over the surface of a half-finished sculpture of a woman's face. The details were exquisite, capturing the softness of the skin and the depth in the eyes. 
Chameli couldn't help but feel a pang of longing. How she wished to be the subject of one of his sculptures, to be seen through his artistic eyes.
She began to tidy up, starting with the floor. She gathered the paintbrushes, rinsing them carefully in a small basin by the window. She arranged them neatly on a wooden rack, making sure each one was clean and ready for use. 
She picked up the scattered palettes, scraping off the dried paint and wiping them clean.
As she worked, Chameli found herself lost in thought. 
She imagined Batuk at work, his face intense with concentration, his hands deftly shaping the clay. She could almost hear his voice, soft and melodic, humming a tune as he created his masterpieces. The thought brought a smile to her lips.