Bari-phera - Away from Home, but Not Far from Heart ( A Durga Puja Tale) "Hello Maa, I don't think I will be able to come home for this puja. Boss has not granted me any leave" "But MumMum you never have been alone during puja." I knew that my maa had never been without me during puja and somewhere in between those lines she was being teary. "All your friends are also coming home. Won't you be able to come home for just two days?" "Na maa... Seems like it will not be possible this time. Work is important. I will try to come home during Diwali." Though my mother was not happy, she said, "OK MumMum, I understand. I will tell Baba that you won't be able to come this time. Take care Beta and don't worry about us. We will be fine". Saying this she hung up the phone. I kept the phone aside. How could I not worry? I could feel a drop of tears rolling down my left cheek. I was still in my office clothes. I quickly got up and we...