' Paradox ' by Dipanjan Datta
'' Social friend '' - Minu was attracted deeply by the word, while preparing her lessons from the text book. Minu is seven years old and is the only daughter of Kamalbabu and Shiladevi. Like every morning, Shiladevi was busy in her kitchen room, but her works got a pause while Minu rushed into the kitchen room and curiously asked her '' Mother, who are called social friends ? '' Shiladevi gleefully interpreted, '' My dear, farmers, sweepers, masons, shop keepers, doctors - they are called social friends because we are benefited by them.''
From that day, Minu hankered after meeting with a social friend. Both inside and outside, people became indignant on facing her various childish questions about her newly grown topic -
''social friend '' .
The morning was a holiday morning. Shiladevi was busy with her domestic works and Kamalbabu was engaged in reading newspaper. Little Minu was playing with her dolls at a corner.
Suddenly the calling bell rang on. Minu opened the door. Ramu, the sweeper was waiting for collecting garbage with a basket and broom. Every week, he collects those from room to room as it is his duty. After watching Ramu, little Minu shouted, '' What a fun ! I have got a social friend. We shall be friends from today. ''
Ramu got entertainment through Minu's childish simplicity and funny gesture. In a few minutes Minu befriended Ramu. Sitting outside, Minu showed her toys and dolls to Ramu while Ramu also showed peculiar gestures and patted Minu's back. He totally forgot his duty as he was enjoying the company of his little friend to his heart's content. In the mean time, Kamalbabu came outside and watched Ramu playing with Minu and touching her with dirty hands. Being angry, he gave Ramu a big slap and beat him up mercilessly for not doing his duty. Shiladevi rushed out from the kitchen and supported her husband. Minu repeatedly tried to convince her parents, but all went fruitless. Ramu bitterly wept and ran away.
A drop of tear trickled down Minu's cheeks and she asked frustratingly, '' Should we behave with our social friends like this? '' Kamalbabu and Shiladevi stood perplexed without reply.
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