Life and Lies of M R Maiti

  “So that’s why the name Varanasi,” Vishal uttered his epiphany out loud. “Varuna plus Assi?” “Obviously,” replied Somnath. “Didn’t you know that?” “Never thought about it. I guess, for me, it has always been Benares.” That was then, more than two years ago. As of this moment, Vishal could give a personalized tour of Benares, all by himself. And that is exactly what he has been doing with Sheth and Ajay for the past few days while Somnath was making arrangements for his wedding. Still, Vishal won’t go as far as comparing himself with the resident Benaresi, who according to his plan, has joined the three of them tonight. A day after he got married, miracle, huh? Well, things always line up for Vishal when it comes to these sorts of things. In this case, a custom called: Kaalratri, where the boy – scratch that – groom – no – husband cannot see his wife, post-dusk, one day after marriage. So here was Somnath, the oldest one of them, telling stories about the oldest city known; an o