Kolkata: An unnatural silence descended on the busy arteries of Central and North Kolkata. As the TV screens flashed saffron, signaling the BJP’s historic and decisive victory, the chaos of Smith Lane, Deedar Box Lane and Abdul Hamid Lane in central Kolkata was replaced by watchful, heavy silence, report Zeeshan Javed and Krishnendu Bandyopadhyay. For the first time since independence, Bengal’s Muslim community – about 27% of the state’s population – is grappling with a political reality where the party in office is the one with which the “trust factor” has historically been weak. In Wards 29, 43 and 65, spread from Narkeldanga to Park Circus, the normal rhythm of life has slowed down. At tea shops, the clinking of cups fell silent and groups huddled around mobiles in a state of disbelief. “Naturally, this is not what we expected,” said leather trader Mohammed Khalid. By afternoon the disappointment was evident. The concern stemmed from a high-decibel campaign that many felt was polarizing. However, voices of pragmatism emerged. It seems that the community is now looking for a way to bridge its differences with the new government.