180
AN UNFINISHED SONG
passing along the river Padma father suddenly said:
"Do you remember Chotu?"
"Yes, father, I do."
"His mother wishes to make you her daughter-in-law, and I, too, would like to take Chotu as my son. It is not every day such a desirable bridegroom is to be had. If fortune favours us, we will celebrate the marriage with as little delay as possible after we arrive at Dacca."
I felt like one struck by lightning. I remembered the time when being married to Chotu was the one vision of my youthful life, but now!