My Paper Half

I once dreamt of a man handing out rupee notes instead of handbills …”
Not only did Upal have such a dream, it was something he actually believed in and wished to accomplish someday. From a meagre background of almost non-existent means, Upal was plagued by unremitting and unpredictable hunger pangs. They drove him to abandon his scruples and grasp any and every opportunity which so much as flickered with the promise of money.

He trampled his self-respect and clung like a parasite to childhood friend Subinoy’s household … all for a square meal a day.He slunk into the role of middleman in Subinoy’s extra-marital affair with sister-in-law, Preeti. Upon Subinoy’s orders, Upal romanced his friend’s wife to prepare the ground for Subinoy’s escape from wed- lock, all for the crunch of crisp notes in his pocket.

From time to time, his conscience did attempt to awaken the human in him; but it was no match for the combined drive of Upal’s need and greed.
Yet, was it worth? Did it open the doors to happiness? Or did Upal get taken for a ride in his own cart? (jacket)