WRONGMEANSRIGHTEND

Author:VarshaDixit

Chapter1:Findmeadoctor

‘KabootarJaJaJa!KabootarJaJaJa!’

‘Shutup!’Snehasleepilymoaned.Jerkingalazyarmoutofthefloweryduvet,shegrabbedherincessantlyringingcellphonebeforeitawakenedherthree-year-oldson,Advey,asleepnexttoher.

‘WHAT?’Shewhisperedfiercelyinsteadoftheusualhello.Snehakepthereyesclosed,hopingtocatchafewmorewinksafterwards.

‘HiSneh!DidIwakeyouup?’Nandinicooedinherears.

‘Sundaymorning!Callingmeat,holdon,’Snehaloweringherphoneraisedtheendofthecomfortertoglanceattheslightlyscratched,whiteandgreendialofthesmallrectangularclockonherside,‘at7:45inthebloodymorning.WhatdoyouthinkSethani?’Sneharetorted,usingthenewmonikershehadanointedNandiniwithpostherweddingtoAdityaSarin,themegasuccessfulentrepreneurwhooverthelastfewyearshadbecomethegloballyrecognizedfaceofIndianbusiness.

‘Sorry!’Nandinichuckled.‘Justwantedtoremindyouaboutdinnertonig—’

‘HowmanymoreofthesetorturousthingsdoIhavetothroughbeforeyourealizeyouarenotshaadi.com?’Snehahissed.Instandardten,SnehahadoncesavedNandinifromthebulliesandafterthat,shehadvowedtoprotectNandiniforlife;fromeveryoneandeverything.However,postSneha’sdivorceandconsequentmovetoMumbaiayearandhalfago,thetableshadturned.NandiniwasnowSneha’sself-appointedguardianangelexceptforoneproblemthatSnehavoiced,‘YoumayhaveangeliclookskultaKultabutontheinsideyou’realldevil,’

‘KultaKulta?me?I’mnotpromiscuous,’Nandini’schucklesoftly.

‘Neversaynever!’Snehashotback.

‘Veryfunny!Don’tforget,7:30ishtonight.Wearsomethingsexy.’Nandinihungup.

Sighing,Snehaslidthecellbackonthetable.Sheturnedtowatchhertoddlersonwhosleptfacingher.Sneha’shazeleyessoftenedasshewatchedhimsnoresoftly,hischubbylipsslightlyapart.Hislittlechest,underawornblueandgreydinosaursleepingsuitliftedeverytimehebreathedinandout,hissoftdarkhairfallingontohisforehead.Hissmall,puckeredhandfistedtightlyaroundhisstuffedtoygiraffethatwithwearandtearnowlookedmorebrownthanyellow.

‘Youarebeautiful,’Snehawhisperedsoftly,cuppingthecurveofhisplumpcheek.Eveninhissleep,theboyfelthismother’stouchandturnedhisfaceintoherhand.Plantingasoftkissonhischeek,Snehagentlyslunkoutofherbed.Sethanihadkilledhersleep.

Yawningandstretching,Snehacameoutofthebedroom.Shesawless-her-maid-more-Advey’s-nannyAmla,sittingonthefloorinthelivingroomperusingtheEnglishnewspaper.AmlawastheeldestdaughterofadriverwhohadworkedwiththeSarinsforoverthirtyyears.Amlatoo,likeSnehaandNandini,hadaconnectiontoKanpur;herfamilyresidedtherewithAditya’smom.

‘Babasleep?’Amlaasked.TheyoungSouthIndianmaidonlyspokeeitherfluentTamilorhaltingEnglish.AyearagoSnehahadwalkedoutofhermaritalhouseinKanpurwithfoursuitcasesandtwobodies,AdveyandAmla.

‘YesBabaasleep,’Snehareplied.

‘Coffeenow?’Amlaasked,gatheringandfoldingthenewspaper.

‘Yesplease.Thanks!’SnehawalkedtotheendofthelivingroomofherapartmentinLowerParelthathadthetiniestofbalconiesjustwideenoughforhertostandwithoutbumpingherasstothewall.Oh,thejoyoflivinginthecitywherehouseswereworthmorethanthefamilieswholivedinthemandtheirassetscombined.ThegloriouscityofMumbai!IfTheEastIndiaCompanyhadacrystalballthatactuallyworked,theywouldhavechuckedtheKohinoordiamondandtakenthecity.

ItstillsurprisedSnehathatinMumbai,acitysocongestedandsocrowded,sheexperiencedsuchsoul-fillingjoyofbeingfreelikeneverbefore.Freefromashellofamarriage,freetobetruetoherson,toherdreamsandthefreedomtoleadalifethatmightmakeherquestionthehoursinadaybutneverhersanityorself-respect.

Snehapushedherdarkbrowncurls,currentlycrowdingherface,behindtheears.‘CoffeeMadam!’Amlastoodatthedoorextendingacuptoher.

‘Thanks.’Snehatookthecup.‘Nodinnertonight.WearegoingtoNandini’shouse.’

Amlasnortedandwalkedbackinside.

‘Eggjactly!’SnehaandAmlaheldsimilaropinionsaboutNandini’srecentmatchmakingefforts.Sneha’sfast-trackdivorcefromAnkitwasasoldorasnewasNandini’marriage.Ironically,thedayNandinihadmovedintoanewhousepost-marriage,Snehahadwalkedoutofhers.

‘Mama!’Snehaturnedatthegurgle.

‘Goodmorningsunshine,’Snehacrooned,pickinguphersonwithonearm,lovingthefeelofhischubbysoftbodynexttoher.Adveywastryingtogetpastherintothebalcony,theonlyspace

inthehousehewasbarredfrom.‘No,notinthebalcony.Nokiddo,’Snehaclaspedhersontightly,cominginside.ThusbeganAdvey’sfirsttantrumoftheday.

TherestofthedaypassedincompletionofchoresandactivitiescenteredaroundAdvey.Theonlydowneraboutbeingthesolebreadearnerofthehousewasthatfamilytimewaslimitedtoweekends.

Atsharp7:30thateveningSneha,AdveyandAmlawereatNandini’spalatialflatinColaba.Noneotherthanthesuaveandgorgeousmanofthehouse,AdityaSarinhimselfopenedthedoor.

‘Hi!Comein,’Adityaflashedabroadsmile.AdveysquirmedinSneha’sarmsreadytolaunchhimselfatAditya.

‘Where’sAdvey?Didyouforgethiminthecar?’Adityaactedasifhedidnotseethevigorouslymovingchild.

‘Here!Adihere!’Adveyexcitedlybouncedupanddowninhismother’sarmsandstretchedouthissmallarms,grabbingthecollarofAditya’sdenimblueshirt.

‘Ohthereyouarelittlefella!’AdityatookAdveywithcarefulease.Snehawatchedthegorgeoushunkhandlehersonlikehewashisown.Aditya’schiseledfacebrokeintoawidecreasethatpushedhischeekboneshigherrevealingasmilethatcouldwarmanyonewoman,anyageinsideout.Snehatoowasnoexception;however,herfriendshipwithNandiniwasstrongenoughforhertoofeelonlyasexual,sisterlyaffectionforAdi.

AdityaandNandinihadgonethroughatumultuousfour-yearrelationshipbeforefinallytyingtheknotalittleoverayearago.EvenacynicalpersonlikeSnehacouldnotremainunaffectedbytheirchemistry,thusshehadhappilyplayedapivotalroleinbringingtheloverstogether.

Smiling,Snehaheadedintothelargerthanlargelivingroomdividedintotwolevelscompletewithabarandanaquariumforawall.Shesankintoalarge,darkbrownrecliner.‘Where’sSethani?’sheasked.

‘Gettingready,’Adityatookaseatacrossfromher.HeputAdveydownnexttohimonthebeigesofa.

‘Hemightgetsomestainsonthesofa.Hewaseatingapplesinthecar.’SnehagesturedforAmlatopickAdveyup.

‘Don’tworry.That’swhatkidsaresupposedtodo.’AdityamotionedforAmlatostopandsaidtoher,‘Whydon’tyougoandgetsomethingtoeatfromthekitchen?’

‘YesAdityaSir,’Amlagavearare,shysmiletoAdityathatrevealedagapbetweenherfrontteethandhercrushonhim.

‘Trulyaladies’man!’SnehamutteredtakinginAditya’sfresh-from-the-showerlook,completewithtousledwetlocksbrushinghisforehead.

‘Please!’Adityareplied,histonedefensive.‘Whatwillyoudrink?’Hesmoothlyrosetohisfeet.

‘Adiwho’sthebakratoday?’Snehacametothepoint.

‘You!’AdityasmirkingquicklyscoopedAdveyoffthesofaandherdedhimtothegiganticaquarium.

Guiltymanwalking,thoughtSneha.‘Can’tyoumakeherstop?Please.’

‘Makeherstop?You’veknownmuchherlongerthanIhave,’Adipointedlyremindedheroverhisshoulder.

‘Youoweme!’Snehathreatened.

‘For?’Adityafacedher,histoneteasing.

‘Hellllooo!Iwastheonewhodidthefamousreveal.Letthecatoutofthebag?’

Adityashookhishead,stillconfused.

‘OhmyGod,didInottellyouaboutyourmomandNandini?Thebigsecret!’

‘Ohthat!’Aditya’stonewascasual.

Snehascowledathim.‘Yesthat.Thebigthatthatmadeallthishappen.’SnehagesturedattheweddingpictureofNandiniandAdityaintheglidedgoldenframeadorningthewallinfrontofher.

‘Madeallofwhathappen?’Nandinivoiceinterrupted.

SnehawavedadismissivehandinNandini’sdirection.‘OMJizzles!’Snehaexclaimedseeingtheflawless,shortsleeved,greygownNandiniwaswearing.Itfastenedatherwaistwithasilverbeltandthenfellsmoothlytothefloor,clingingtohereverycurveasshemoved.

Adityacamenexttothefewstepsbetweenthefoyerandthelivingroom.HeextendedhishandbutNandinididnottakeit.‘IcanmanageafewstepswithoutyourhelpAdi.’Adityadroppedhishand,smilinggenially.SneharebukedhersensesforreadingmoreintotheirritationthatbrieflycolouredNandini’svoice.

‘Isn’tthisabittoomuch?IthoughtweweresettingSnehaup,’Adityasaid,watchinghisyoungwifecloselyasshebenttopickAdveyfromthefloor.

Snehaglaredatthemboth.‘Iknewit.’

Nandini,givingAdveyasmackeroo,paused.‘GeethanksAdi!’

‘What?Youthinkshedoesn’tknow?’Adityasneered.

‘Behavechildren!Allthreeofyou,’SneharemarkedsprightlygettinguptounfurltheendofthecarpetstucktoAdvey’sshoes.

‘OMJizzles?StillwatchingHighSchoolMusical?’NandiniteasedfromAditya’sside.

‘AndwhataboutKabootarJaJaJa?’Snehavoiced,herexpressiondark.

Nandinigiggled,‘Sorry!Mybad!’ShewasunapologeticallyandsolelyresponsibleforgettingAdveyhookedtothedamnpigeonsong.

Justthen,thedoorbellchimed.Nandiniwenttothedoor.SnehatookshelterbehindAdveybracingherselftogrinandnotgrowlatthenewsuitorSethaniwasabouttothrowherway.

Andthensheheardthevoices.Snehagrimaced.Onsecondthought,shewouldratherfacetenridiculoussuitorsthanthiswoman.

‘Snehayouarehere!’Withagreetingsweetontheoutsideandpatronizingontheinside,Mona,Nandini’srecentself-proclaimedbestfriend,camethroughthedoor.HITCH!(ThankstoAdvey’shabitofpickinguponlycussfromentiresentences,SnehaandNandini’scolorfullingohaddowngradedtoageappropriatebutconfusingmaterial).

‘HiMona!Goodtoseeyou,’Snehamumbledbetweenpressedlips.Withaquickdisinterestedglance,SnehanoticedMona’sshortsatinmagenta,sheathdresswithhorizontalpintuckstoflatterherslightlyfullfigure.Mona’shairwasashort,stylishbobwithperfectlymaintainedlightbrownhighlights.Monawasblessedwithapairofbeautifuldarkeyes,aslightlyhookednoseandthinlipswhichwereusuallypursed,makingthemappeartobemerepaintedlinesinherface.

‘HiAdvey!’Monaanimatedlycalledout.Adveyignoredher.‘He’sadorable.Isn’theSam?’MonaturnedtoherhusbandwhogaveSnehaaquickcurtnod.

‘HiAditya!How’sitgoing?’Sam,aportlyfigureinbusinesssuitatleastonesizesmaller,camedownthestepsandshookhandswithAdityatooboisterously.‘Heardaboutthenewdealyousigned.Youwillbeneedingconsultants.Myfirmcanhelpyouwiththat.’Mona’shusbandonlyhadworkonhismind.Thatcouldexplainwhy,evenaftersevenyearsofmarriage,theyhadnokids.Sorry!Sneharebukedhermindforitspettiness.

‘Sure!Letmelookintoit,’Adityareplied,lightlyextricatinghishandfromtheSam’sgrip.

‘I’mgoingtocheckthehorsd’oeuvres!’Nandinismiledandwenttowardsthecorridorthatledtothekitchen.MonafollowedandsodidareluctantSnehaevenasshegesturedatAdveytobehave.

Justthen,thedoorbellchimedagain.Nandinistopped,glancingatthedoor.Snehacaughthersuddengulp.NandiniwalkedpastSnehatogetthedoor.ShewascloseenoughtoSnehaforthelattertoglowerandmutter,‘Whothehellhaveyoucalledkulta?’

‘Someoneweallknow,’Nandinichirped.SnehatrailedNandiniintothefoyerassheopenedthefrontdoor.JustasSnehahaltedbehindNandini,amansteppedin.

‘Bloodyhell.Shedidnot!’Snehasnarledtoherself,herbrowstouchedherforehead,shockwritalloverherface.

‘Sneha,Dr.Saigal!Dr.Saigal,Sneha!’Nandinitrilled,flashingthemawidesmile.

Dr.SaigaltookafewstepsinsideandSnehaobliginglyputherhandforward,‘Dr.Saigal...Advey’s...pediatrician?’Sneha’ssurprisehadherspeakdisjointedly.

‘SnehrememberlastweekwhenwehadgonetogetherforAdvey’shealthcheckup?WhileyouandAdveywerewiththenurse,Dr.SaigalandIgottalking.That’swhenIrealizedthatweallhavesomuchincommon.Thatgotmethinking,weallshouldspendsometimetogether.Sohereheis.’Withabrightsmile,andasweepinggestureofherhands,Nandinimoved,partiallyhidingbehindthedoctor.

‘Youareverykindandyouhaveabeautifulhome,’thedoctorsaid,clearinghisthroatandturningaroundtogetNandiniinhislineofvision.

Withasmilethatwasmoreofagrimaceandeyesthatshonebraveandpleadingsimultaneously,NandiniwasbusytryingtogaugeSneha’sresponse,wonderingifitwassafetoleaveherhidingplace.

‘I’llbeinthekitchen,’Snehasharplyturnedaroundandwalkedaway.Thekitchenwasatthebackofthehouseandfar,farawayfromthelivingroom,givingSnehaenoughroomfromthefewshewantedtotakeinachokehold.

Justoutsidethekitchendoor,Snehastoppedandtookafewcalmingbreaths.‘Sneh!’sheheardNandinicallouttentativelyfrombehind.

SnehaturnedtofaceNandini.OnseeingtheguiltonNandini’sface,Sneha’sangerquicklydissipated.Afteral,lkultaandherwarpedconvictionsandschemesonlyhadSneha’sgoodinmind.‘Whatareyoudoingcrazywoman?’Snehaaskedgently.

Nandiniletloosearelievedsigh.‘Youarenotmad?’

‘I’mbeyondmad.I’mstumped.Youhavetostopthisinsanematchmaking.PleaseNandini.Advey’spediatrician?Seriously?’

‘Ijustwantyoutobehappy!’Nandinistartedwithherusualdefence.

Sneharaisedherhandstotheheavens.‘Forthelasttimewoman,I’mHAPPY.Seriouslyecstatic.’

‘BecauseofDr.Saigal’sbeinghere?’Nandiniasked,herexpressionsomewhatunsure.

‘Nooo!’Snehaindulgedinafewanulom-vilomsshehadlearnedduringafreeyogasessionatwork.‘BecauseofAdvey,becauseofyou,myworkandyeah,evenmydivorce.ThereIsaidit.I’mahappilydivorcedsinglemom.’

‘Buthowcanyoureallybe...‘Nandinitrailedoff,herexpressionsayingitall.

‘YouwouldbemiserablewithoutAditya,youweremiserablewithoutAditya.Irememberthattime.ButAnkitandIwereneveryouandAdi,Sethani.Mymarriagewasapainintheassnotonlyformebutevenformyex.I’vetoldyoueverything.’Almosteverything!Snehakeptthatmusingtoherself.

‘Yaafteryouseparated,’Nandiniaccused.

Snehagaveheradirectlook.‘Youknowme,Nandini,Idealwithmyowncrap.AnkitandIgotmarriedforthewrongreasons.IfAdveyhadnothappened,wemighthavelastedonlytwomonthsratherthantwoyears,giveortake.Wedidtrytomakeitworkthough.’

‘Youtriedtomakeitwork.Hejustfreakingstartedonwithhisex-girlfriend,’Nandinisaid,herfacetightening.

‘Forgetallthat.It’sinthepast.Idon’tblamehim.Ihavemovedonbutcomingbacktoyou,Shaadi.com,pleasenomoreofthesematchmakingschemesandblinddates.Ihavesufferedsomanyoftheseclowns.I’mscaredofcomingtoyourhousenow.’

‘C'monSneh.DrSaigalisgoodmatch.He’sgoodwithkids.’

‘Duh…that’shisjob!’Snehaaddedsarcastically.

Nandinicontinuedhercause.‘He’srecentlywidowedandhasafour-year-olddaughter.Canyouimaginebeingmarriedtoyourchild’spediatrician?Adveyisgrowing.Youknowkidstendtofalllotsickerintheirgrowingyears,buildingupimmunityandall,’Nandinipausedsatisfiedshehadmadehercase.

Seemingtodeliberate,Snehascratchedherrighttemple,‘Giventhatverygoodlogic,youknowwho’dbeperfectforme?’sheaskedmatter-of-factly.

Nandiniwalkedintothetrap.‘Tellmewho?I’llhavehimovertomorrow.’

‘Mydoodhwala!’

Chapter2:Sethaniareyouokay?

Snehacontinued,‘AfterallAdveywillconsumemoremilkashegrowsup,right?Icouldsavesomeseriousdoughwiththatalliance.‘Nandinipursingherlipshuffed,givingSnehatheevileye.

Snehawasn’tdoneyet.‘MaybeIshouldtryandseeifsamesexrelationshipareforme.BecauseAmlaisirreplaceable.It’llbeperfect!Adveywillhavetwomomsandamadmassi,’Snehalightlytouchedherchininwonderment.‘It’safoolproofplan!HowdidInotthinkofthisbefore?’Sneha’sposeandfacebrieflyshonewithsheerblissandthenshesoberedup.‘Idiot!’SnehalobbedatNandini’sirkedface.

‘Veryfunny!’Nandinistalkedpastherintothekitchen.

Snehafollowedherdetermined.’Holdonmissy!Seriously,you’dbetterfindmeanotherpediatricianfirst.’

Nandinistoppedmid-step.‘Why?’

‘Becauseaftertonight,I’mnotgoingbacktoDr.Saigal.’

Grimacing,Nandinisaidoutloud,‘NowinsteadofadateIhavetofindyouadoctor.’

‘Goodluck!’Sneha,puttingonherbestsmile,turnedaroundandheadedforthelivingroom.Onherway,shepassedMonagoingintheoppositedirection.

‘Nandini?’Monaasked.

‘Kitchen!’SnehafoundSamtalkingtoAdi,AdireplyinginmonosyllablesandDrSaigalperchedawkwardlyonthesofa.AsSnehawasonadamage-controlmission,sheheadedforthedoctor.Inthekitchen,MonafoundNandinistandingnexttothecounterthatthestaffwaslayingtheappetizerson.Nandiniappearedlostinherprivatethoughts.

MonawavedahandinfrontofNandini’sface.Thediamondringonthethirdfingerandthechunkydiamondbraceletonherwristcaughtthelightandglimmeredbrightly.‘SowhatdidSnehasay?Isshegoingtobeasporttonight?’

NandinifocusedhereyesonMona.‘Idon’tknow,maybeinvitingherpediatricianwasn’tthesmartestthingtodo,’sheconfessed.

‘Excuseme,’Monatwitchedhermauvepaintedlips,‘Iwishmyotherfriendswouldbehalfascaringasyou.Youareonlythinkingofhergoodandofherson’s.’

Nandinishookherhead.‘I’mnotsosure.Snehakeepsreiteratingthatsheishappy.MaybeIshouldn’tbuttin.’

Monautteredapriggishsnort.‘C'mon.Nowomanlikestobeonherown.It’slonelyandcripplingforherself-confidence.I’mapsychologist,IknowwhatI’msaying.Sneha’sindenial.Youhavetohelpher.’

Nandini’sfaceheldawrygrin,‘HelpSneha?She’sthedamselwhokicksass.’

Pursingherlips,Monapressedon,‘Iknowshe’sstrong,oratleastshe’sgoodatpretendingtobe.’NandiniopenedhermouthbutMonacontinued.‘Moreover,beingaroundyouandAdityaandallyourcouplefriendsprobablymakesitworseforher.IfIwereyou,Iwouldnotinvitehertomyparties.’

‘Excuseme!’Nandini’sfaceandtonewereaffronted.

‘Letmerephrasethat.Notinvitehertoallyourparties.Youdon’twanthertofeelworseabouthersituationdoyou?AmsureSnehafeelslonelybeingarounduscouples.Shejustwon’tadmitit.’

‘Sneh’sfine,’Nandinirepliedfirmly.Thistimeherlipsclampedclosely.

Monaletlooseakittenishlaugh,‘Ijust—’

‘Let’sgobacktothelivingroom,everyonemustbewonderingwhereweare,’Nandinisoftlysuggested.Andshewasright.SnehahadthatexactthoughtasshewasabouttoexhaustthetopicsshecouldconverseonwithDr.SaigalorPradeep,ashepreferredtobecalled.

AdityaappearedatSneha’ssidewithadrink.‘Foryou?’Heheldafunnelshapedglass.Snehacaughtthecherryandgratedcoconutswimmingintheblueliquid.

‘Strong?’shewhispered,keepinghersmilebrightandfixed.

Leaningclosetoherinlieuofhandingovertheglass,Adityawhisperedback,hisfacebland,‘Twooftheseshallknockyouout.’

‘Perfect!’Snehatookabiggulpofthedrink.

AdityafixedaglassofredwineforPradeepasthelatterinsistedonsharingthecardiovascularbenefitsofdrinkingredwine.

‘Maybetheyshouldmakeitmandatorywhileworkingout,’Snehavoicedsweetly.

‘ThatisonegymIwouldn’tmindfrequenting,’Adityasmirked.

‘Whichgym?’NandiniandMonajoinedtheothers.

‘TheoneSnehaisplanningtoopenthatwouldhavethepatronsdrinkingredwineastheyworkedout,’Adityareplied.

‘Signmeupforthatonetoo!’Monareplied.

NandiniandMonaheadedtowardstheothersofa.Snehamovedherfeettomakewayforthem.

‘Ohgoshherskirthasatear,’MonawhisperedfiercelynearNandini’sear.

NandinitooknoteoftheholeinthehemlineofSneha’ssimplekhakiskirt.‘Shemustn’thavenoticedit,’Nandinidefendedquietly.

‘Getheranewwardrobe.She’salwaysdressedupforworkorinjeans.’Monamadesuretokeephervoicefreeofanyjudgments.‘Shoppingshouldpepherup.WorksforeveryfemaleIknow.Trustme,I’mapsychologist,’Monathrewinastheysatdown.

Unawareofhowinterestingherskirthadsuddenlybecome,Snehatuckingherfeetunderherknees,struckademureposewhilecarryingonforcedconversationwithPradeep.AdityadulyprovidedthedrinksandNandinithefood.

Afterdinner,Snehafollowedtheothersbacktothelivingroom.Pradeeptrailedbehindher.Heevenjoinedherontheloveseatsheoptedfor.‘I’mgladthatNandinigotustogether,’Pradeepspoke,shiftinghisglassesfurtherupthebridgeofhisnoseashefellbackintothecomfortableleather.

‘Hmm.’Snehasmiled,tryingnottofocusonthelargeblackheadsglisteningaroundhisnostrils.

‘Adveyissuchanicekid,’Pradeepremarked.

‘Thankyou.’Snehahidherfaceinherdrink—thistimeitwasaglassofwater.

‘SoAdvey’sfather...?’Pradeepprobedfurther.

Snehalipsstilledneartherimofthecrystaltumblersheheld.‘Whatabouthim?’shehedged.

Pradeep’slaughwasawkward.‘YouknowwhatImean.’

Loweringherglassandtakingadeepbreath,Snehalookedathimsquarelyintheeyes.‘I’mdivorced.Advey’sfatherworksinHyderabad.I’mhisex-wifeandhisex-girlfriendishispresentspouse.’Snehawasthankfulthattheotherswereengrossedintheirownconversationsoratleastpretendingtobe.Thiswastheonlypartshehatedaboutherdivorcedstatus;revealinghowquicklyyourexhadmovedon.

Pradeepexhaled.‘I’msorry!’

‘Don’tbe.I’mnot,’Snehareplied.

‘Well,Ilostmywifetocancerlastyear.’Pradeepconfided.

‘I’msorry!Wereyouclose?’Snehaalmostbitoffhertongueatthedoctor’ssurprisedlook.Justbecauseshedidnotunderstandclosenessbetweenamanandawomandidnotmeanthatitdidnotexist,herkultabeingaliveandkickingexample.‘I’msorry.Pleasedon’tanswerthat.’Snehaapologized.Shestoodup.‘Excuseme.IneedtocheckonAdvey.’

ShefoundAdveyrollickingonthecarpetnexttothetrainsetAdihadsetupespeciallyforhiminoneofthefiveguestrooms.AmlawaskeepingaclosewatchasBen10playedloudlyonthegiganticflatscreenonthewall.

‘Mama!’Adveygotupandrushedtoheronhisshortlegs.Grabbinghimoffthefloor,Snehahidherfaceinhissoftlightbrownhairandinhaledhisbabysmell.Heaven!

‘You’reok?’Nandinicalledoutfrombehind.

SnehaturnedwithAdveystillinherarms.‘Mathi!’AdveylungedforNandinijustasshelungedforhim.

SnehalookedatAmla.‘Whydon’tyougoandhaveyourdinner?I’llwatchAdvey.’

‘OkayMadam!’Amlarolledhereyesasshewentout,lettingthemknowthatsheknewwhenshewasbeingpolitelykickedout.

‘Sogivemeanumberkulta,’Sneharemarkedsinkingdownonthebed.Thebloodythingalmostateherwhole.Shequicklymovedtoacarvedandupholsteredmahoganychair.

‘Number?What?’NandiniletAdveytughertothetrainset.

‘HowmanymoreoftheseblinddatesdoIhavetogothrough?’

Sheepishly,Nandinimethereyes.

Snehacontinued,herfaceunknowinglyglum,‘YouknowwhatisreallyhardformeisnotthatI’mdivorced,buthavingtotellcompletestrangerswhyIfailedatsomethingeverywomanisexpectedtoadapttolikeasecondskin.’

InasecondNandiniwasacrosstheroom,sinkingtothefloorinfrontofSneha,herexpressionguilty.‘Crap!I’llbackoff,Ipromise,ifyouagreetosomething.’

Snehagrimaced,‘OhGod,whatnow?’

‘Let’sgoshopping!Howabouttomorrow?’Nandiniimplored.

Snehacouldnothelpaninadvertentsmile.’Ihavetowork.’Snehasliddown,joiningNandiniandAdveyonthefloor.

‘AndIdon’t?’Nandinisuddenlybristled.

‘Notforaliving!’Snehapointedoutinallhonesty.

‘Soyourworkismoreimportantthanmine?’

Snehamadeamends,‘Nokulta.Ididnotmeanitlikethat.Seriously.’

Noyoudid,justlikeAditya,Nandinithoughtasherhandsstraightenedasectionofthetoyrailwaytracks.

‘Sethaniareyouokay?’Snehaasked,closelywatchingNandini’sface.

‘I’mfine,’Nandinibrushedoff.

Thetwofriendswerenotasaloneastheythoughtthemselvestobe.Theymissedthepersonhidingbehindthepartiallyopendoor.Monahadasmugsmileasshewentbacktothelivingroom.Hermindgameswereworking,theyhadto.Afterall,shewasapsychologist.

Chapter3:Youguysknoweachother?

Nextday,lateafternoon,asSnehainthegraphicseditingsoftwareopenonhercomputerwastryingtorazorlayersoveranimage,herdeskphonerang.Sheknewtheextension.Itwasthereceptiondeskofheradvertisingagency.

‘SnehaGupta!’

‘Ms.Gupta,ummm...’thereceptionisthadtroublefinishingthesentence.Snehagaveanimpatientsigh.Thereceptionistspokehurriedly,‘Sethaniiswaitingforyouhere,’andhungup.

Snehagazedatherwristwatch.‘Shoot,it’sfouralready.’Shehurriedlysavedtheopenfile,loggedoffherPCandgrabbedherbag.Shegottothelobby,dishingouthurriedgoodbyestoherteamandcolleagues.AsSnehaenteredthelobby,shestoppedshort,hermouthopen.Sethaniwasplanninganotherweekendmassacre.

‘Nandini!’Snehacalledoutwithmoreforcethanusual.

‘HiSneh!’Nandinismilewasahealthymixtureofguiltandsomemoreguilt.‘Iwasjusttalkingtoyourcolleague,Jigar!’Shepointedatthebespectacledyoungmanwithcurlydarkhairinapastelpinkshirt.

‘Wereyoutalkingtohimorexchangingnumberswithhim?’Sneha’ssmilewasghoulishasshejoinedthem.

‘HiSneha!DidnotknowMrs.Sarinandyouwerechildhoodfriends,’Jigar’ssmilespilledoutofhisface.

‘Yatilldeath-do-us-apartkind!’SnehafeltsomesatisfactionassheheardNandini’snervoustitter.‘Seeyoulater!Gottago.’ShespiedNandinisayingaquickgood-byeandwhisperingsomethingtoJigarthatsheobviouslywasn’tmeanttohear.

Astheygotintotheelevatorandthesteeldoorsclosedonthem,Sneha’sfirstwordstoNandiniwere,‘Nofriggingway.Nothim.’

‘Buthe’ssoniceSneh,’Nandinitriedherbestpoutingexpression.

‘ThatJigarisfreakin’vyingforthenewpromotion.He’smycompetition.’

Nandini’ssmilewasdazzling.‘Wellthendinner’saperfectwaytoburythehatchet.Youknow,blurthelinebetweenenemies.’

Sneha’ssmilewasthreatening.‘Ishallblurbothyouandhim.’

Nandinisnorted,‘Fine!Lookingforwardtoshopping?’shechangedthetopic.

‘Sure.’Sneharummagedthroughherbagandpulledouthercell.‘Youdidpromisewewillgrabadrinkandabite.’

NowNandinithreatened,‘Yesbutaftershopping.Withemphasisonafter.’

‘Ya,Yawhateverkulta.’Snehawasbusytypingamessage.

‘IalreadyspoketoAmla.Adveyisfineandhehashadhiseveningsnackandshewasabouttotakehimtothepark.’

Sneha’ssmilewasgenuine.Sheputhercellbackinherbag.‘ThanksSethani!Sowherearewegoing?’

‘You’llsee!’Nandiniansweredastheelevatorscametoahalt.

Halfanhourlaterjustasthetraffic,likeanoverflowingdamthankstotherushhour,wasabouttoburstuponMumbai’sroads,NandiniandSnehaingoodtimereachedPhoenixMallfromSneha’sofficeinMahalaxmi.

‘Whataweddingpresent!’SneharemarkedasshecaughtthereflectionofNandini’smaroonAstonMartinVanquishintheadjoiningthickglasswall.

‘Ilikedmyolderonejustfine!’Nandinisaidwhilelookingforchangeinoneofthenumerousslotsintheconsolebetweenthem.‘AdikickedupsuchafusswhenIthoughtofgettingmyoldcarhere.’

Sneha’slaughwasrude.‘IcanjustimaginethatcarparkedbetweenthefleetofobscenelyexpensivecarstheSarinshave.’

Nandiniroundedonher,herexpressionresentful.‘YabutI’mnotaSarin.ShouldIsimplydiscardeverythingIholdpreciousjustbecauseImarriedrich?’

‘Don’tbesuchamirchi-ka-pakodakulta.I’llwillinglytrademycarforthisoneifyouwish.I’llevenpaintitagarishred,’Sneharemarkedcalmly.

Nandinimadeaface.‘Forgetit.Whythehellisthecheckingtakingsolong?’

‘Askandyoushallbeanswered.’Snehabroughtthewindowonhersidedowntohaveashorttête-àtêtewithoneoftheuniformedguardsnearby.‘Somebigassjewelleryexhibition!It’llbecrowded.Youstillwannago?’

‘Heckyeah!’Nandiniworkedthestickshiftandmovedthecarforward.‘Toshopping!’Nandiniexclaimedandpromptlyclippedthesideofthecaragainstthesecuritypost.‘Oops!’

‘Andthatmakesitseven.Stoppunishingthepoorcarjustbecauseit’snotyourotherkhatara.’Snehasawtheslightdentfromthesideviewmirror.‘WillAdibemad?’

‘Nah!He’lljustaskifI’mokayandagaintrytopresstheneedtokeepadriver,’Nandinigrumbled,pullingintoanemptyparkingspot.

Anhourandahalflater,thetwofriendsfloppedintothecaneseatsofachicbaronthetopmostfloorofthemall.

‘Twomeaslybags,that’sit!YouareimpossibleSneh.Anyotherwomanwouldhaveboughtastoreinthistime.’

‘Chillya!YouknowI’mnotmuchofashopper.Iappreciatetheeffort,butIknowtherealreasonwearehere,’Sneharemarked,grinningasshewentoverthelaminatedredandblackmenucard.

‘You’resuchatwenty-nine-going–on-fifty.’Nandinifrownedconfused,‘Whatreason?’

‘Nearlythirty-going-on-sixty,’Sneha’ssmilewasgoading.‘Youjustwantedtohangoutwithmoi!’

‘Yathattoo.ButIdidwantyoutobuyanewwardrobe.’Nandinishouldhavebeenmorecarefulwithherwords.‘Monasuggestedamakeover—’

Losingherhappyface,Snehasmackedthemenucardonthetable,loudly.‘Mona!Shesuggestedawhat?’

Nandinibacktracked,‘OfcourseIwantedtochillaxwithyou.’

‘Un-freakin’believable’Snehasatbackinherchair,herlipspursed.‘WhoisthatMonatocritiquemyclothes?Andyoulistenedtoher?’Hertonewasaccusing.

‘Ohman!Whatacrowd.Lookthere!’NandinitriedherbesttodistractagloweringSneha.Sheknewshehadjustputherentirearrayoffootwearinhermouth.

‘What!’Snehapeeved,tossedacarelesslookoverhershoulder.Theywereseatedrightacrossfromthepubdoor.Justthen,Sneha’seyesfellonthegroupofpeopleenteringthepub.HerbreathcaughtinherthroatandSnehafelttimejustfreezearoundher.Herbodywentslack;hadshenotbeenholdingthearmrestsofthechairshewouldhavesurelyslidtothefloorinatidyheap.Themaninthemiddleofthecrowdseizedallofherattentionandbreath—theonewithslightlywavythickravenhairthatsatuponasculptedfacewitharcheddarkeyebrowsoverpiercinggreeneyesthatsheknewbymemoryweredarkgreenattherimandamixtureofpalergreen,yellowandbrowninthecenter,shieldedbylonglashes.Shehadnotforgottenthoseeyes.Thenoseinastraightlinestartedinagentleslopeunderhiseyesandendedfirmlyoveragenerousmouthwithaslightlyplumperlowerlip.Thechubbyboysherememberedhadbeenchippedawayintoatallandleanspecimenofrawmasculinity.Hisstrideswerelong,gracefulandconfident,commandingotherstofallinastepbehind.

NowayJosé!Snehathoughtwatchingtheman,hermouthagape.Hisrecentpicturesdidnojusticetohisactualpersonaorphysicalaura.

‘Sneh!Sneha!’Nandini’svoicebrokeintohercatatonicstate.

SnehaturnedtofaceNandini,hereyesroundassaucers,‘Supercanaryshit!Idon’tbelieveit.’

‘WhathappenedSneh?’

‘Justdon’tlookthatwayokay?’Snehaorderedvehemently.

‘Jaltijawanicalmdown?’AconcernedNandinireachedouttopokeSneha’shand.Shestruckherglassofwaterinstead.Theglasstippedoverthesideofthetablespillingallthewateronthetablebeforeitshatteredonthefloor.

‘Hitkulta!’Snehawinced.‘Loodybell!Youjusthadtodidn’tyou?’

‘Youareactinglikeyouhaveafireinyourpants.Youwantthiswater?’Nandiniteasedgiggling.

Awaiterappearedattheirtable.‘Noproblem,Mrs.Sarin.Wewillgetyouadifferenttable.’Hebrisklybegancleaningthemess.Anothersmilingserverstoodattheirside,readytowhiskthemaway.

‘I’mreallysorry!’Nandinistraightenedtoherfullheight.Snehatoostoodup,makingsurethemenucardcoveredherface.‘I’llpayforit,’Nandiniinsisted.

‘NoworriesMrs.Sarin!’Eventhemanagerjoinedtheparty.‘Pleasecome,Ihaveatablereadyforyou.’

‘Isthereanyonewhodoesn’tknowyou?’Snehamockedquietly,quicklyfallinginstepbehindastill-apologeticNandini.

Snehacaughtaglimpseoftheirnewtableandtheothersinitsvicinity.Keepingthemenuinfrontofherface,SnehagrabbedNandini’selbowandpulledherback’Hammit!Nokulta.Notthere,pleaseanywherebutthere.’ThemenucarddribbledthelastfewdropsofwateronSneha’swrist.ReflexivelyshebroughtthemenucarddownanditcaughtNandini’swrist.

‘Oww!’Nandini’ssoftyelpwasloudenoughtobeheardbythepeoplearoundthem.

Panicking,Snehaclosedhereyes.Andwhensheopenedthemasecondlater,hereyesoftheirownaccordslippedtothenexttablewheresatapartyofthreebusinessmeninsimilardarksuits.However,oneofthemwasstaringatSneha,asifsomeoldforgottenmemorywaswakingupinhishead.Inananosecond,realizationdawnedinthefamiliarlightgreenirises,andinresponse,Sneha’sfaceturnedabrightshadeofred.Shebroketheeyecontact.

Snehawatchedfromthecornerofhereyesastheman,whosheknewtobethreeyearsolderthanher,comeoutfrombehindhistable.Turningherfaceaway,Snehacursedunderherbreath,‘Hit!’.

Themandidtheunexpected,hegreetedNandini.‘Nandini?Right?’Surprised,Snehaturnedtogazeathimandthenquicklyavertedherfaceashisrapierglancecollidedwithhereyes.Snehaavertedhereyes,thinkingandprayingthathehadnotrecognizedherafterall.Shehadchangedalotsincetheyhadlastmet.

Nandinistaredathimforafewsecondsandthenherwordscameoutinarush,‘Nikhil.NikhilChandel.Gayatri’sfriend?’

Snehakepthercuriousitytoherself.Howdidtheyknoweachother?

‘Howareyou?’Nandinitriedtoeclipsethesuddenstabofguiltonherfaceandconsciencebutfailed.

Sneha,inspiteofherownunease,feltatwingeofanger.ShedidnothavetoseeNandini’sfacetoimaginewhatshewasfeeling.Herkultawasguiltyofnothing.

‘Verywell.Thankyou.Congratulationsonyourwedding!’NikhilChandel’svoicewasdeepandsuave,hittingalltherightnotesofaloofness.Snehascowledyetshedidnotlookathim.Jerk!Sheformedanopinionofhimrightthen,rightthere.

‘Thanks...Howis...’Nandinitrailedoffawkward.Thecolourinherfacerose.

‘Howis?Who?’NikhilaskedwithbanalcuriositybuttherewasnothingbanalabouttheglintinhiseyesashekeptthemfixedonNandini’sface.

Sneha,atNandini’sside,stiffened.Nikhilmusthavenoticedthetinymovement.HefinallyswivelledhiseyestoSneha.

Nandiniobliginglymadetheintroductions,‘Thisismygoo—’

Nikhilcutheroff.‘HelloSneha.Ithasbeenawhile.Yourememberme?’

Pullinginadeepbreathevenasherhandsfistedathersidesandherchincameoutathim,SnehagaveNikhilherfullattention.Sheschooledherexpressiontomatchtheindifferenceshesawonhisarrogantface,‘HiNikhil!Itreallyhasbeenawhile.’

‘Youguysknoweachother?’Nandiniaskedsurprised.

‘Hardly!’

‘Maybe!’

SnehaandNikhilansweredsimultaneously.

Chapter4:Worriedface,anxiouseyes!

ObservingNandini’scomicalexpression,Snehasheepishlyrectified,‘Itwasagesago.He’safriendofmycousininAmsterdam.’Nikhildidnotaddtoherstatement.Hewatchedthemhiseyescold,faceimpassive,notgivinganyofhisthoughtsaway.SnehakepthereyesfixedonNandini.

‘YourtableMrs.Sarin!’Theserverinterrupted.

‘Wellitwasnicemeetingyou,’Nandinimadeamovetowardsthetable.Snehahadalreadygrabbedachairforherself.Nikhildidnotmove,promptingNandinitomurmur,‘Wouldyoucaretojoinus?’SnehabitherlipinannoyanceandthennoticedNikhilwatchingnotNandinibutherwithhoodedeyes.

‘Howcanhejoinus?Healreadyhascompany,’Sneharemindeddefiantlythumbingherchinathim.

Slidinghishandintohisblacktrouserpocketsthatsatwellonhismuscularandleanbuilt,Nikhilsmoothlydisagreed,‘Iwouldliketo.Thankyouforasking.’Theflash-in-the-pansmilethatstartedandendedathismouthwassolelyforNandini.Snehaheignored.ThatonlyaddedtothebuildingirritationinSneha,eventhoughsheknewshewasn’thersmartestwhenirked.

‘Wewerealmostdone.’Nikhilglancedatthetwomenonhistable.Theypromptlyimmersedtheirfacesintheirphones.Atseeingthealacritywithwhichthemenreacted,Snehadeducedthattheyworkedforhimratherthanwithhim.

NikhilmovingforwardtookthechairfromthewaiterandpulleditoutforNandini.BeforehecouldextendthesamecourtesytoSneha,shehurriedlypulledoutherownchairandsatdownwithathump.Thetableshudderedslightly.

‘Sneh!’Nandinireproached,grabbingherglassbeforeitfellagain.

‘Sorry!’Farfrompolite,Snehashotback,busyingherselfwiththemenuagain.Bythetimetheywereoutofhere,Snehahadafeelingshewouldrememberthismenubyheart.Allhisloodyfault,Snehacribbedtoherself.

Nikhiltookaseatbetweenbothofthem.Forfewminutes,therewascompletesilenceatthetable.SnehakepthermouthclosedandeyesexclusivelyonthemenupurposelyignoringNandini’sfranticgaze.SorrykultaKulta,inthisyou’reonyourown;ifIstepinyoumighthavetoruemorethanabrokenglass,Snehathought.

Nikhilforhispartappearedtositquietlyandstareindifferently,hiseyesfixatedonSneha’sloweredhead.

Clearingherthroat,Nandinibroketheice,‘SowhatbringsyoutoMumbai?’

‘Work!’Nikhilturnedhisheadtogiveherthebriefestofsmiles.‘Myfirmhasorganizedthejeweleryexhibition.’

Saalasunhaar(goldsmith)!Snehathoughtacerbically,refusingtocontributetotheconversation.Snehawassurprisedbytheintensityofangstshefeltforthecoldmansittingacrossfromher.Arationalpartofhercouldnothelpbutwonder,wasitdislikeforhimordislikeoftheembarrassingmemoriesheawakened?

‘Whatever!’SnehablurtedscowlingfiercelyatthetablelinenbutbothNikhilandNandiniheardandmisunderstoodher.

Nandinihurriedtosmoothentheawkwardmoment‘Yourfirm?’

Nikhil’snodwasbrisk.WithefforthemovedhiseyesoffSnehawhoavoidedmeetinghisgazeasifhehadthepinkeye.

AbruptlyNandinilostthenervouslookinhereyesandaslowsaintlysmileclimbedallthewayfromherlipstohereyes.‘Asinyouownfirmoryouworkthere?’Nandiniaskedbrazenly.Snehawidenedherdowncasteyes.ShecouldstrangleSethani.

Nikhil’ssmilewasdownrightfrosty,‘Abitofboth.’

‘Ohhok!’Nandinireplied,smug.Thewaiterappearedonherside.‘Mangotiniforme,’Nandinisaid

‘Makethattwoplease,’Snehasaid,keepinghereyespinnedtothemenu.

Nikhilhadasuddenurgetograbthatblastedmenufromherhandsandflingitacrosstheroom.YearsofrigidlypracticedselfcontrolcameintoplayandNikhilinstantlythrustallemotionawayfromhisfaceandmind.

ThewaiterglancedatNikhil.‘Glenlivetwithclubsoda,’Nikhilemphasizedinadeepervoice,hiswordssoundingmoreclippedthanusual.

Astheservermovedaway,NandinitrampledoveralletiquettesofPC.‘SoNikhildidyoure-marry?’Snehanearlychokedonherbreath.SheshotNandiniawarninglook.ItfelloffNandinilikewateroffaduck’sback.

NikhilwatchedNandini.Hisanswerwasasneeraccompaniedbyasingleword,‘Never.’

Nandiniwasn’tfinished.‘Seeinganyone?Anythingserious?’

Asuddenshakeenvelopedthetable.NandiniandNikhilgrabbedwhatevertheycould.Thankfullynothingspilledorshattered.

‘Whydidyoujustkickme?’NikhilaskedlevellinghisindifferentglanceatSneha.However,themereglancealteredtoareluctantgazeashiseyesranoverSneha’sfeatures.Herforeheadwasclearandcurrentlyhousedafewlinesoftensionwhichheknewweretherebecauseofhim.Herdeep-sethazeleyesfringedbythickdarklashesandanaturalupwardtiltattheendofhernosealwaysgaveherfaceaperpetualsaucyexpression.Moreover,thenosewasthinandpetite,thekindthatsuitedanoseringorastud.Herlipsfreeofanycolourwerealightpink,welldefinedwithanaturalupwardtiltandroundedtips,thekindthatcouldalterfromagrimacetoagrininseconds.Hastily,Nikhilswunghisfaceaway,angryathimselffornoticingdetails.Hehadseenandknownfarmorealluringwomenwithbettermannersandopinions.

Snehagrudginglysaid,‘Thatwasn’tmeantforyou.’Thenextwordwasevenhardertoutter,‘Sorry!’

NikhilansweredherwithasilencethatfurthermaddenedSneha.Hemovedhishandfromthetabletolettheserverplaceasinglemaltscotchinfrontofhim.‘Sohowoftendoyouplayfootsiewitheachother?’HekepthissomberfaceturnedtoNandini,histonedisparaging.Therewasnoemotionvisibleonhisface.Hecouldhavebeentalkingaboutanythingfromtheweathertoabomb.

‘Ha!Ha!’Snehamuttereddarkly,tuckingherfeetunderthechair.Hadsheleftherwitsbehindinofthetrillionshopstheyhadvisited?Whatwaswrongwithher?HowcouldsheletNikhilspeaktoNandiniandherlikethat?AngrilySnehalookedupandopenedhermouththeverysecondNikhilshiftedhisfaceandmethereyes.Herhazeleyeswidenedatthecausticexpressionthatbrieflylightenedtheinnercirclesofhisirises.Confused,Snehashuthermouthwithoututteringasinglewordandreachedouttotakeadesperatesipofthemangotini.

‘WhichcousinofyoursisNikhilfriendswith?’askedNandini.

Snehaobstinatelyclampedherlipsandpickedupherglass.

GivingNandinihissignaturecoolsmilethatdidnotspilloutofhislipsorcausecreasesaroundhiseyes,Nikhilstayedmum.

Snehafinallyvoicedsoftly,‘Kimdi.Myfirstcousinonmom’sside.You’vemetherafewtimes,’sheremindedNandini.

Nandininodded.‘OhKimdi.Ofcourse,Iremember.Shecamedownforyour—’Nandinibitthewordoff.Justthen,Nandini’scellbuzzed.Sheglancedatit.‘It’sAdi.Againandofcourse,’hersmilewasquick.‘Excuseme.’NandinigotupandwalkedawayleavingSnehaandNikhilalone.SnehanearlyputoutherhandtostopNandini.AsuddenboutofawkwardnesssurgedinherasshewasleftalonewithNikhil.FreshcolourclimbedfromhernecktoherfaceasshefeltNikhil’seyesscrutinizingher.

Afterafewsecondsofsilence,Nikhilfinallyventuredaquestion,‘Adi?’

Snehadeignedtoshoothimaquickpointedlook,‘Aditya.Herhusband?Ithoughtyouknewthat?’SnehaglancedatNandiniwhowasbusytalkingonhercell.Sheshifteduneasilyinherchair.C’monkultacomeback!SnehatriedsendingNandiniafewcusswordstelepathically.

‘Howwellyouknowme,’Nikhil’stonewaslazyandmocking.

TakingadeepbreathSneharesignedlyfacedhim,‘Wewerejustkidsbackthen.Ican’tbelieveyouarestillmadaboutit.’Shewatchedhisfacecloselyforareaction.Shedidn’tseeany.

‘I’mnot.’Nikhiltookasipofhisdrinkandputitbackonthetablewithanairoffinality.Hesmoothlygottohisfeetandlookeddownather.Snehaunconsciouslytippedherfacebackathimrealizinginthatinstantthateveniftheywerestandinghe’dbetoweringaboveher.Nikhileyesranoverherupturnedfaceframedbysoftdarkbrowncurlsthatfellbelowhershoulders.AsuddenexpressioninNikhil’seyeshadSnehafeelsomenervousfluttersinherstomach.Shockedbyherreactiontohim,shehurridlylookedaway.

‘GayatriisbackfromEurope.Andshe’snotoverAditya.’

Withthoseominouswords,wastingnotimeNikhilwalkedaway.Andtheycallqueensdramatic,Snehathoughtevenasshetriedtofullyabsorbthemeaningofthosethreateningwords.NikhilpassedNandiniwhowasstillonthephoneandwavedheracasualbye.Hedidstoptohandoverafewnotestotheserverattheirtable.

Inseconds,thetwomenattheothertablefollowedhimout.Nikhilmighthavefreedherandtheroomofhismagneticphysicalpresence,yetthosegreeneyesandhispartingwordshauntedSneha’sanxiousmind.

Chapter5:Waitingforsomeone?

Inafewminutes,Nandinicamebacktothetable.Snehahadregainedhercomposurebythen.

‘Sowhatwasallthatabout?YouandNikhil?’Nandiniaskedsittingdowninherchair.

‘BORING!’Snehawavedherhanddismissively.Thelessshesaidorthoughtaboutthatinsufferablemanthebetter.HoweverSnehawasstillsurprisedbytheintenserevulsion,anxietyandeverythingelseshehadexperiencedaroundNikhil.Hastobetheshockofseeinghim,itwon’thappenagain,Snehadecidedwithafirmshakeofherhead.

‘BS!’Nandinidisagreedloudly.

‘What?’Snehaaskeddistracted.

‘Youbothwerepositivelyrubbingsparksoffeachother.Tellmewoman!NOW!’Nandiniwhined,shakingherstylishdarkhairvigorously.

‘HedidmentionGayatriwasintown.’Snehaknewhowtodistractherfriend.

Sneha’swordshadthedesiredeffect.Nandinisatbackchewingthesideofafinger.‘NikhilisextremelyclosetoGayatriandherfamily.Theywerealwaystight.Ifhe’ssayingitandit’saboutGayatrithenit’strue.’Nandinigrimaced,‘Tit.’

Sneharolledhereyes.‘Thewholeideaofmispronouncingcusswordsistobringthemdownalevel,notmakethemworse.’

‘What?’.

‘Idon’tsaydammit,Isayhammit.ForbloodyI’llsayloodyorpoody.ForshitI’llsayhitorbit,nottit.Yuckkk!’

‘Sorry!’NandinigrumbledevenassheflippedSnehathebird.

Snehasighed,‘Don’tbescaredofGayatri.Getthattattooedonyourheadifyoumust!ButrememberyouandAdididnowrong.AdityawasalwaysinlovewithyouandevenablindpersonintheroomwithyouandAdicansensethat.Ok!’Snehademandedananswer.

‘Iknow,buthedidbreakofftheengagementwithherbecauseofme!’Nandinireplieddully.

Snehasnorted,‘IfIremembercorrectly,Adibrokeofftheunofficialengagementevenbeforetheofficialannouncementoftheirweddingdate.Hedidtherightthing.’

Nandiniexhaled,‘Ohwell.’Sheshookherheadasiftoclearitandcontinued,‘Adicalled.Ihavetogohome.Wehavetogooutwithsomeonefromwork.’

‘Cool!’Snehagrabbedherbagsandgotup.

‘Soyoudidn’ttellmehowyouandNikhilmet,’saidNandinimatchingSneha’sstrides.

‘BORING!’Snehareiteratedastheyexitedthepub.Thetwoheadedfortheelevators.Snehafirmlykeptherfaceangledofftheexhibitiongoingonacrossfromthem.ThusshemissedNikhilstandingattheentrance,hisenigmaticglancesteadilywatchingSneha.

AsNandinipulledupfrontofSneha’sapartmentcomplex,hernaggingwasstillverymuchon.‘Whythefudgearen’tyoutellingme?’

Sneharaisedashakingfistinfrontofher,‘OhGodkultaforthelasttime,heandImetagesagoandvery,verybriefly.Willyoupleasequitit?CanIgonow?Adveywillbewaiting!’

GrumpilyNandinipressedtheautounlockbutton.‘Fine.WaitandseewhoIinvitethisweekend,’shemutteredunderherbreath.

‘Whatdidyousay?’Snehaasked,grabbingherbagsfromthebackseat.

‘Nothing.’Nandini’ssmilewasaghostlyspectre.

NarrowinghereyesmomentarilyandmenacinglyatherBFF,Snehaalightedandaquickgoodbyelaterheadedforthebuildingelevators.Therestofeveningwaslostincuddling,bathingandfeedinghersonfollowedbyanhourorsoofpendingofficeworkbeforeshehitthesack.

Nextday,Snehaheadedstraightforanexhibitionafterwork.Averyexpensiveandcrowdedexhibition.

Shewentuptothetopmostfloorandwalkedstraighttotheentranceofthelargehall.Forsomestrangereasonthesong‘Singham,Singham’clankedloudlyinhermind.Sheswungopenthetintedglassdoorsonlytobeinstantlyengulfedbyhumanity.Thekindthatworeexcessiveperfume,spokesoftlyandcarriedsmallclutchbagsthathousedmultiplecreditcards.ThepersonSnehasoughtstoodclosetothedoorsconversingwithayoungcouple.

NikhilnoticedSnehajustasshesawhim.AslightlyraisedeyebrowwasallSnehareceivedasagreetingandthenhewentbacktotheconversation.

Uncertainly,Snehamovedtothesideassheallowedotherscominginbehindhertopass.

Awomanapproachedher.‘Couldyouopencasenumber14?Mysisterwouldliketakealook.’

Snehastraightened.‘I’msorry.Idon’tworkhere,’shereplied.

‘Ohsorry!’camethereply.‘It’sjustthatyourclothes...’thewomantrailedoffandhurriedlywalkedaway.Sneharuefullyglancedatherclothes.Acrispwhiteshirttuckedintoslim-fittingblackpantsmaymakeherlooktallerandtakesomevoluptuousnessawayfromhercurves,yetitwasthemostcommondresscodeforstaffintheserviceindustry.

Singhamnowplayedas‘Chewinggum’‘chewinggum’inherhead.AbemusedSnehawasaboutlookforaplacetositwhenNikhilapproachedher.‘Waitingforsomeone?’

Snehaimmediatelyalteredherexpressiontosevere,‘Yes.You!’Unconsciously,Sneha’shandsballedintofistsatherside.Whydidshefeelasifshehadafightonherhands?‘Istheresomewherewecantalkforafewminutesinprivate?’Snehaaskedevenly.

‘I’vealreadyacceptedyourindirectapologyyesterday,’Nikhilremindedhercoolly.Heknewhewaspurposelygoadingthewomaninfrontofhimbuthecouldnothelphimself.Nikhilwasnolongertheeagertoplease,alwayspolitekindofbloke.ThesoonerSneharealizedthatthebetter.Heknewbetternow,lifeitselfhadtaughthimthatharshlesson.Onlygiveaninchifyoucantakeamile!

Snehafeltlikegnashingherteethbutshewouldnotgivetheexasperatingmaninfrontofherthatsatisfaction.‘Verygenerousofyou,’shequippedsarcastically.‘It’ssomethingelse.’

Nikhilseemedtodebateforafewseconds,allthewhilestaringatSneha;hislookpiercingasifitwastryingtopickonherthoughts.Snehamethisstareandstoodherground.ThesignalwascleartoNikhilthatIfSnehawantedtotalkthenthetalkwouldhappen.

‘Let’sstepout.’NikhildidnotwaittoseeifSnehafollowedhim.Withquick,familiar,longstridesheheadedoutofthealreadyopenglassdoors.Snehaassumedthattheywouldbeheadingtothepubacrossfromtheexhibitionhall.Onthisfloorthatwastheonlyotherplacewithchairs.Shewaswrong.Nikhilmarchedstraightuptotheelevatorsandwaitedforherthere.

‘Here?’Snehamurmuredsurprised.

‘Yousaiditwon’ttakelongsoI’mguessingyouhavesomewheretogo,’Nikhilshotback.TheicytoneofhisvoicetoldSnehaanotherstory;hewaseagertogetridofher.

Snehatriednottofeelinsultedbutfailedcompletely.Herhazeleyespositivelyshotsparksathim.‘Whatdidyoumeanyesterdaywhenyousaid“Gayatrihasn’tgottenoverAditya?”’

‘Imeantexactlywhatyouheard,’Nikhil’sreplywassmootheven

Snehahadherhandspulledback,herstancedefiant.Theactiononlystrainedherblousetighteracrossherchestdrawingattentiontoherattractivecurves.

‘Wasitawarning?’Snehademandedcrossingherhandsoverherchest,oblivioustothefactthatithidapartofherthatNikhilhadsuddenlydiscoveredtobeveryfetching.

Pity!Nikhilpushedthatthoughtawayfromhismind.’Areyougoingtochallengehertoaduel?’NikhilkepthisexpressionboredashiseyesskimmedoverSneha’sheadbacktotheentrancehall.

Snehasawwhathewantedhertosee—hiseagernesstogetbacktowork.‘Ofcoursenot.IjustwanttomakesurethatGayatriknowsherboundaries.AdityaandNandiniaremarried.’

‘Andmarriageslastforever?’Nikhilshotback.Abruptlyhiseyesintensely,andverybriefly,clashedwithhers.Snehanoticedthebrownflecksinhisgreeneyes.

‘Yessomeare,’Sneharetorted.‘AndasGayatri’sfriendyoushouldgivehercorrectadvice.’

‘Isthatall?’Nikhilwasterse.

Snehawastakenabackbyhiscurtness.‘Ya...that’sall.’Nottoomanypeopleonthisplanetlefthertongue-tied.TheNikhilsherememberedwasn’toneofthem.Whathappenedtohim,Snehawondered,staringathischiseledfacethatheldnosoftness.

Snehathoughtshesawaflickerofamusementsparkleinhisdead-as-a-fishstarebutitwassobriefthatshewassureshehadimaginedit.

‘I’mnottheonlywhohaschanged!’Nikhilcountered,hislookastute.

Snehainwardlycringed.Crap!Hadshesaidthatoutloud?Thatmightshowthatshecaredenoughtonotice.NowayJosé!‘Bye,’beatingahastyretreatSnehapunchedthebuttontocalltheelevator.Nikhildidnotstopher.

Eventhoughtheydidnotexchangeanotherword,NikhilquietlystoodathersideuntiltheelevatorcameandtookSnehaawayfromhim.‘Horribleman!’Snehablurtedtoanemptyelevator.

AsNikhilwalkedbacktotheexhibitionhecouldnothelpbutrecalltheSnehahehadmetagesago.Eventhen,shehadbeenapeskyslipofagirlwithanequallypeskyafflictionofwanderingintootherpeople’slives.Shehadwornherhairdifferentlythen.Shortcurlsthatframedherfaceandendedabovehershouldersunlikethetightbuntoday.Thenherbodyhadbeenthatofagirl’s,lean,withthegaitofachild.However,nowherbodywasthatofawomanwithgenerouscurvesandinherentgraceasshewalked.Herecalledthewayherblousehadpulledtautoverhertorso.Frowning,Nikhilstoppedshortoftheglassdoors.Howhadherbodyofthenandnowstayedinhismemory?Histastewasdifferent.Nikhil’sguttoldhimthatSnehawouldnotknowunclutteredorfunctional,thecharacteristicshesoughtinawomanandarelationship,eveniftheywereherfirstandlastname.Sheseemedlikethekindtobringknivestoagunfightanditwouldmakenodifferencetoherifthecausewashersornot.ThatveryinstantNikhilmadeasolemnresolutiontonotthinkaboutSnehaandstayasfaraspossiblefromthemeddlingwomanwhosoeasilygotunderhisskin.

HoweveronethingthatNikhilmissedaboutSnehawasthatshewasn’teasilythwarted.AttheexhibitionSnehahaddiscreetlypickedupabusinesscardofNikhil’sfirm,D.C.Inc,whichprovidedhisofficeaddressinWorli.

‘IwillfindoutwhereGayatriisandmeetthattartface-to-face,onceandforallandwithoutanyofthatinsufferablejerk’shelp,’Snehamutteredheadingoutoftheelevator.TheexhibitionwasonuntiltomorrowsosheknewNikhilwouldbehereandnotinhisoffice.

Thenextdayaroundnoon,feigninganappointmentinWorli,Snehaleftheroffice.Awomanonamission,allshewasmissingwasacapeandaplan.Afterashortdrive,Snehapulledintotheparkinglotofthemultistoreybuildingwithacompletelytintedglassexterior.Asshewalkedintothelobby,Snehamadesuretoreadthenamesoffewotherofficesinthebuilding.SevenoftheuppermostfloorsinthebuildingbelongedtoD.C.Inc.

CasuallySnehaslidintotheelevatorbehindagroupofprofessionallyattiredpeople.Afterpressingthebuttonforthetopmostfloor,shehoveredintheback.

Snehawasnervous.Bythetimetheelevatorreachedthetopfloor,shewasaloneinit.

‘Ohhh!’Sneharecoiledjustasshesteppedout.

Chapter6:A.PatelandAssociates

Didthebuildinghouseaprison?Whyweretheresomanysecuritypersonnel?Neartheelevatoralone,shecountedfour.

‘Youareheretomeet?’askedtheguardclosesttoher,brandishingaforbiddinglookinggun.

Snehagulped,‘Uhhumm,NikhilChandel.’

‘YouhaveanappointmentMa’am?’Heaskednext.

‘Ummyes,kindof.ImeanyesIdo,’Sneharepliedwithmoreconfidencethatshefelt.

‘Thecodenumberplease,’herequested,asanotherguardwithapaperandpenjoinedhim,readytojotitdown.

‘Whatcode?’Bewildered,Snehafumbled.

‘WhenevermeetingsarescheduledwithMr.Chandeloranyotherdirectors,acodeMa’amissentviaemail.’

‘WellIwasn’tsentanycode.Noproblem.I’lljustcomebacksomeothertime.’

Anotherguardsteppedbetweenherandtheelevator.

‘Justaminute.Weneedtocheckyou.’

‘Excuseme!Checkme?Whatrubbish!’Snehanervouslypulledherbagandfoldersinfrontofherbody.Wheretheheckhadshecome?

‘Pleasecomethisway!’Theguardrepliedsternly.

‘Nofriggin’way!’Snehamadeamovetojabthebuttontocalltheelevator.Astrongvice-likegriponherelbowstoppedher.Shewasabouttoscreamherlungsoutordosomethingequallyrashwhenawomanpoppedherheadoutfromaroomattheendofthecorridor.

‘What’sgoingon?’Theelderlywomandressedindrapedcottonsariaskedsteppingoutofthedoor.

‘Helpme.Please!’Snehawailed.Thewoman,withhersaltandpepperhairtiedneatlyinabunathernape,beckonedtheguardswithsomeauthority,‘Bringhertomyofficeplease.’Shedisappearedbackintoherroom.

‘Youheardher.Iwanttogotoheroffice.’Snehabroughtoutrepressedindignation.Theguardhustledherintotheroom.Snehacaughtaglimpseofaclean,expansiveroominmutedshadesofcreamwithasmallfountainandexpensivelookingartonthewalls.

Thewomansatbehindaclearglassdeskthatappearedasspotlessandwell-keptasherappearance.‘YournameMiss?’

‘Who’sasking?’Snehafidgetedbetweentheguards,buyingtime.

‘Who’sthat?’

Snehalookedaround.ItwasNikhil’svoice,soundingsomewhatmuffled.‘Whereishe?’Snehawhisperedtothewomaninthesari.Asananswer,sheswivelledhercomputerscreentowardsSneha.SnehaandNikhilcameface-to-facewitheachotheryetagain.Nikhil’sexpressionwasincredulousandSneha’ssmileflustered.‘Hi!’Sneharaisedherhandawkwardlyingreeting.

‘Whatareyoudoingthere?’Nikhilbarked.Hisexpressionturneddarkandominousashisgreeneyesglowedhostile.Theguardslefttheroom.

Sneha’schinrosedefiantlyand,purposelyignoringNikhil’sangryeyesburningaholeinher,sheaddressedthewomanbehindthemonitor,‘IwasactuallylookingforA.PatelandAssociatesandcameherebymistake.APatelandAssociateshaveanofficehereright?’

Nikhilspokewithobviousimpatience,‘WhoatAPatelandAssociateswereyougoingtomeet?’

Snehawasagoodchessplayerwithabadpokerface.‘I’mheretomakeapresentationtothemanagingdirector.A...AdarshPatel.’Shewavedthefolderinherhandsinfrontofher.‘I’mtryingtogettheirbusiness.’

Nikhilwasnotimpressed.‘Mrs.Ali!’

Thewomanswivelledthemonitortoher.‘YesSir.’

‘PleasehaveSnehatakeaseatinmyoffice.I’monmyway.I’llbethereinafewminutes.’

Snehaleanedforward,speakingurgentlytoMrs.Ali,‘PleasetellhimIhavetobesomewhereelse.’Snehaheardanimpatientcluckfromthemonitor.

‘Seriously.Ishouldbeonmyway.’Snehapointedatthedoor.

‘Mrs.Ali,callHiren,’Nikhilemphasizedonthename,‘theM.D.ofA.PatelandAssociatesandtellhimSnehaisgoingtobedelayed.’Nikhildidnotgetthesatisfactionofseeingtheexpressiononherface.

‘Sure!’Mrs.Aliputaheadpieceinherear.

Snehahastilyputherhandsoutsurrendering.‘Fine.I’llwait.I’llsendMr.HitenPatelanemailfrommyphonerightnow,’sheheldupherBlackBerry.SnehagaveMrs.Alihermostwinsomesmile.Mrs.AlirotatedthemonitorbacktoSneha.

Feigningcoolnessthatbeliedtheanxietyeatingatherinsides,SnehacoollymetNikhil’srapier-likegaze.‘HirenandnotHiten,’Nikhilsaid.HesawSnehainadvertentlysinkherteethintoherlowerlip,amindlesslyendearinggesturethatrevealedhernervousnesseventhoughshebravelyglaredbackathim.‘I’llseeyouinabit.’Nikhilpurposelymadehiswordsandtoneratherimperiousandchilly.Shecouldseenosoftnessinhim.

‘Fine!’Snehavoiced,herfacecomposedexceptforthethinlineofsweataboveherupperlipandaratherredchewed-outlowerlip.Nikhil’seyesslippedtohermouth,again.Bitingoffacusswordthatwasdirectedmoreathistreacherousmindthanthebothersomebusybodyinhisoffice,hecuttheconnectionandthescreenwentblank.

Haramchor!Noharamkhorpersonified!Snehafumed.Itwasn’therfaultthatthefirstnameofA.PatelandAssociate’sM.D.wasHirenandnotsomethingwithanA.

MrsAligottoherfeet.‘ThiswayMs.?’

‘Gupta.SnehaGupta.’

Mrs.AliandSnehawalkedintothefoyer.Thesecurityguardswerebackattheirpostoutsidetheelevator.Shecaughtoneortwosmirksasshepassedthem.Snehaignoredthemforshehadabiggerproblemcomingherwayinafewminutes.

SnehaandMrs.Alistoppedatthelastdoorthatstoodapartfromtheothersforitwastheonlyonemonogrammedwithtwosmallgoldleavesentwinedatthestems.

Openingthedoor,Mrs.Aliusheredherin.‘Mr.Chandel’soffice.Pleasehaveaseat.CanIgetyousomething?Cappuccinoortea?’

Snehawastemptedbythecappuccinobutshedeclined.Mrs.Alileftheraloneinthelargeroomthathousedsleek,contemporaryfurniture.Thewallsallaroundwerelitupwithlightslineddiscreetlyatthebottomofthewalls.Asleekrectangularglasstablesatinthemiddleofthe

room.Awiremeshblackchairsatemptybehindit.Ontheupperhalfofthewallbehindthetablewassomekindofamuralpaintedinmutedcolourswithanunevensurface.Onthelowerhalfofitaquietwaterfallthatcascadedmakingsoftlappingnoisesasthewaterflowed.ThefloorunderSneha’sfeetwasdarkandechoedherfootstepsmorethanshewouldhavelikedtohear.Nikhil’sofficewasoverwhelminglymodernandstark.Justlikehim!Snehafumed.

Apartfromthedominantdeskandchairshewasstaringat,therewasanotherseatingarrangementintheroom.JusttothesideofwhereSnehastoodlaytwo,ratherlarge,blackleatherchairs,ablackleathersofa,anoddlyshapedglasstablethathadasilvercolouredstumpforitsbase.Snehagingerlyputherstuffonthetableandsankintooneoftheblackleatherchairs.

AsofthummingsounddistractedSnehafromherscatteredthoughts.Itcamefromthedesk.Curiously,shewalkedovertotheothersideoftheglasstable.The27-inchAppleflatscreenlayblankexceptfortheminisculeblinkinggreenlightatthebottomrightcorner.AtemptedSnehachewedherbottomlipandsmoothedsomeimaginarycreasesinherclothes.Herrighthandshotoutforamouse.Excepttherewasnothingonthetable.Herhandssearchedtheglasssurfaceforakeyboard,orsomethingtobringthemonitortolife.Itwasthenthatshenoticedthefaintpalebluelightonthesurfacenexttoher,ashiningfaintimprintofahand.Tentativelylookinguptomakesureshewasstillaloneintheroom,Snehaplacedherhandontheimprint.

‘Whoa!’Thescreensprungtolife.Herluckhadjustchanged:Nikhil’sdayplannerwasopenonthescreen.Usingtheimprint,whichwasamouseofsorts,Snehaquicklyturnedthepages.‘Jackpot!’sheexclaimed,herfacelitupasshecaughttheentryforthedayafter.Snehascannedafewmoredatesandthenquicklyshuttheplanner.

Shemovedbacktotheleatherchair,hermoodmuchmorebuoyantthanwhatitwasminutesago.Snehadidnothavetowaitforlong.Soon,Nikhilwalkedin,hisstepssureandglanceseethingashesankintothechairbehindhisdesk.WithtrepidationSnehawouldnotshow,shewatchedtheanimal-likegraceofhistautmuscularbodyfurtherenhancedbyhissmoothgreyandblackpin-stripedtrousersandawhiteshirtthatsatwellonhisbroadshoulders.Hishairlookedtousledasifhadrunhisfingersthroughitmultipletimes.Snehafeltsomesatisfactionhopingshewasthereasonforthoserunningfingers.Nikhilglaredatherbeforeshecouldhideherunexpectedsmile.

‘Youwantedmyattention?Youhaveit.Whyareyouhere?Don’tgivemetheA.Patelnonsense,’Nikhilsnapped.Hedidnotraisehisvoicebuteverywordhespokesoundedmenacing.

Snehahidherirritationbutnotallofit,‘Wellhellotoyoutoo.’Herwordsearnedherthenarrowingofthoseglimmeringgreeneyes.Unfazedshecontinued,‘LikeImentionedearlier,Iamherebymistake.A.Pateland—’

‘Showmethepresentation,’NikhilcutSnehaoffmid-sentence.

‘Excuseme?Whatpresentation?’SnehaaskedjustassherealizedwhatNikhilwasalludingto.BeforeNikhilcouldsaymore,shewavedherhandsdismissively.‘Ohthatpresentation.TheoneforA.PatelandShahassociates?’Nikhilnodded,hiseyesglinting.‘Sorrycan’tdo.It’sconfidential.’

‘Whatcanyouradvertisingcompanydoforataxaccountant?’Nikhilfirednext.

‘Ughh,wellyouknow—’

‘Whatisthenameofyourcontactthere?TheM.D.isnoHirenPatel.ThecompanyisrunbyAnandPatel.A.PatelandAssociates,’Nikhil’sinformedhercaustically.

‘Iknewit,’Snehareflexivelysnappedherfingers.‘ThenamehadtobeginwithanA.’Sneha’sself-righteoussmilewasbriefanddiedaslow,torturousdeathunderhisscrutiny.

‘I’llrepeatmyquestion.Whyareyouhere?BearinmindIhaveonlysomuchpatience.’Again,Nikhildidnotraisehisvoicebyasingledecibelbuthisnostrilsbecamepinched.Sneha’sfacestayeddefiantbutNikhilsawtheslightflushonhercheeksandhowherpinklipspartedtotakeaquickgulpofair.Shewasnervous.Good!Hethought.Sheshouldbe!

‘WhatwillyoudoifIdon’t?’Snehaspokequietlyandtookastepbackasthoughshewasanticipatinghimtolungeacrosstheroomather.

Lungingmightbeatadtoomuch,butNikhildefinitelywantedtogiveherathoroughshaketillallherhare-brainedschemesfelloutofherhead.Silentlycountingtillten,Nikhilranahandthroughhisthickdarkhair.Afewofthosedarklocksfellontohisforehead.

Snehadraggedhereyesawayfromhisface.Acoldmanwithcoldermanners,shedubbedhim.EvenstillwaterheldmoreripplesincomparisontoNikhil’simpassiveface.‘IwanttomeetGayatri,’Snehacameclean.

Notsayingaword,NikhilleanedbackinhischairandwatchedSnehawithhoodedeyesrevealingnothingofhisthoughts.Snehawasthefirsttolookaway.

‘AreyouafriendofGayatri’s?’Nikhilasked,emphasizinghiswords.

ArudesnortfromSnehaansweredthatquestionbetterthanwords.

‘Thoughtso.AreyoumarriedtoAditya?’

‘C'mon!Really?’Snehaslungherbagonhershoulder.Talkingtohimwasfutile.Shehadtogetoutoftheroom.Nikhil’spresencewasstiflingandoverwhelming,especiallywhenhestaredatherwiththosehoodedlids.Thatlookwasonceagaingivingherfluttersinherbelly.

‘ThenwhateverhappensbetweenGayatriandanyoneelseisnotyourbusiness,’NikhilretortedjustasMrs.Alibroughtinatraywithtwocupsfilledwithsteamingliquid.ThecoffeeteasedSneha’snostrils.

‘Youcantakeonecupaway.Snehawasjustleaving,’Nikhilorderedtheolderwoman,hissmileasusualstartingandendingathislips.

EvenMrs.Aliseemedalittletakenbackatherboss’smanners.NikhilnoticedthehurtonSneha’sface.Herefusedtofeelsorryforher,yethecontinuedtostareatSnehawantingtoseealltheemotionsthatchasedacrossherfaceandeyes.Mrs.Alimadeaquickexitwiththeextracup.Snehawaitedjustlongenoughforthesecretarytoexittheroom.

‘YourreasonsforprotectingGayatriandmyreasonsforprotectingNandiniarethesame,’Snehasaid,gettingtoherfeet.

‘Itrulydoubtthatbutdoenlightenme.’Nikhiltoreofftheedgeofapacketofsweetenerashepoureditintohiscup.Hewonderedifheshouldofferheracupofcoffee.Afterallitwasthecivilthingtodoandhewasacivil,rationalman.Excepthehadafeelingthatafterhisearlierrudeness,thehotcoffeemightjustendupbeingthrowninhisface.

OblivioustoNikhil’sthoughts,Snehareasoned,‘NandiniismybestfriendjustlikeGayatri—’

‘Gayatriisfamily,’Nikhilcutheroff‘Anythingelse?’Evenashishandliftedthetinyspoontostirhiscoffee,hisunblinkingeyesdidnotleaveherfaceforasecond.

Snehavaliantlyfoughttheurgetoupturnthehotcoffeeonhishead.SomaybeNikhilwasaclosetpsychic.Givinghimalast,quellinglookwithhernoseintheair,Snehaturnedawayandwordlesslywalkedout.Shetriednottostomponthewoodenfloor.

Snehawasoblivioustotheelderlybespectacledman,whoafterafewfloorsenteredtheelevatorshewasgoingdownin.

‘ZeroIQbehaviorandbuffoonswithweapons!YoujustwatchChandel,youjustwatch.Ha!’Shethreatenednooneinparticularastheelevatorcontinueditsdescent.

Theelderlybespectacledmanstandingnexttohergaveherawarylook.

‘What?’Snehacounteredbelligerently.

‘Nothing!’Mr.AnandPatelofA.PatelandAssociatesmeeklycountered,movingalittleawayfromher.

AfewminutesafterSnehaleft,NikhilbuzzedMrs.Aliontheintercom.

‘IneedtheCCTVfootageofthetimeshewasaloneinmyoffice,’Nikhilaskedcasually,readinghisemails.

‘YesSir.’Asanafterthoughtsheadded,‘sheseemsharmless.’

NikhilwasquietforamomentinwhichhewassureMrs.Aliwassquirming.‘Thefootage.’Hehungup.

Mrs.Alihurriedtothesecurityroom.Herbosswasamanofveryfewwordswhotoleratedevenfewermistakes.Theturnoverratiooftheircompanywashigh,notbecauseoftheemployeesbuttheemployer.

Inlessthantenminutes,sheknockedonNikhil’sdoor.

‘Comein.’

Mrs.Aliopenedthedoor.‘TheCCTVfootage.’ShecarriedathinopaqueCDcaseinherhand.Nikhilnodded.SheplacedtheCDnexttohim.

‘Thankyou.’Nikhilgaveherhisusualsmilethatwasforbiddentotouchhischeeksandeyes.

‘Thankyou.’Mrs.Alilefthisroom.

NikhilinsertedtheCDandwatchedthevideo.AtthepointwhenSnehashouted,‘Jackpot’,hefrowned.Nikhilre-openedhisplannerwhichheknewheusuallyleftopenonhiscomputerbyhabitandwentbackandforthovertheappointmentsofthenextfewdays.

‘Hellno!’Frustrated,Nikhilrubbedhistemples.HeknewwhathadSnehasoexcited.SnehaGupta─thewomanhedidnotwanttomeetagainasheranticsandactions,andnottoforgetherblouses,causedacannonballsizedchinkinhisarmour─heknew,wouldbesoonpayinghimavisit.