ONE NIGHT @ THE CALL CENTER

CHETAN BHAGAT
[Typeset by: Arun K Gupta]
This is s!e"ay !y stry# A $reat %un& inspiratina' One(
Be%re yu be$in this b)& I ha*e a s!a'' re+uest# Ri$ht here& nte ,"n three
thin$s# -rite ,"n s!ethin$ that
i. yu %ear&
ii. !a)es yu an$ry an,
iii. yu ,n/t 'i)e abut yurse'%#
Be hnest& an, "rite s!ethin$ that is !eanin$%u' t yu#
0 nt thin) t !u1h abut "hy I a! as)in$ yu t , this# 2ust , it#
One thin$ I %ear:
3333333333333333333333333333333333
One thin$ that !a)es !e an$ry:
3333333333333333333333333333333333
One thin$ I , nt 'i)e abut !yse'%:
3333333333333333333333333333333333
O)ay& n" %r$et abut this e4er1ise an, en5y the stry#
Ha*e yu ,ne it6
I% nt& p'ease ,# It "i'' enri1h yur e4perien1e % rea,in$ this b)#
I% yes& than)s 7rry %r ,ubtin$ yu# 8'ease %r$et abut the e4er1ise& !y ,ubtin$
yu an, en5y the stry#
8ROLOG9E
3333333333333
The ni$ht train ri,e %r! Kanpur t 0e'hi "as the !st !e!rab'e
5urney % !y 'i%e# :r ne& it $a*e !e !y se1n, b)# An, t"& it is nt
e*ery ,ay yu sit in an e!pty 1!part!ent an, a yun$& pretty $ir' "a')s in#
;es& yu see it in the !*ies& yu hear abut it %r! %rien,/s %rien, but
it ne*er happens t yu# -hen I "as yun$er& I use, t ') at the reser*atin
1hart stu1) utsi,e !y train b$ie t 1he1) ut a'' the %e!a'e passen$ers near
!y seat <:=>? t :=@A.is "hat I/, ') %r !st.# ;et& it ne*er happene,# In
!st 1ases I shar, !y 1!part!ent "ith ta')ati*e aunties& snrin$ !en an,
"ai'in$ in%ants#
But this ni$ht "as ,i%%erent# :irst& !y 1!part!ent "as e!pty# The
Rai'"ays ba, 5ust starte, this ne" su!!er train an, nb,y )ne" abut it#
7e1n,& I "as unab'e t s'eep#
I ha, been t IIT Kanpur %r a ta')# Be%re 'ea*in$& I ,ran) %ur 1ups %
1%%ee in the 1anteen "hi'e 1hattin$ "ith stu,ents# Ba, i,ea& $i*en that it "as
$in$ t be brin$ t spen, ei$ht ins!nia1 hurs in an e!pty 1!part!ent# I
ha, n !a$aBines r b)s t rea,# I 1u', har,'y see anythin$ ut % the
"in," in the ,ar)ness# I prepare, !yse'% %r a si'ent an, ,u'' ni$ht# It "as
anythin$ but that#
7he "a')e, in %i*e !inutes a%ter the train ba, 'e%t the statin# 7he
pene, the 1urtain % !y en1'sure an, ')e, puBB'e,#
CIs 1a1h AD& seat EF here6/ she sai,#
The ye''" 'i$ht bu'b in !y 1!part!ent "as a !,y ne# It %'i1)ere,
as I ')e, up at her#
CHubG/ I sai, "hen I sa" her %a1e# It "as ,i%%i1u't t "ith,ra" %r! the
$aBe % her eyes#
CA1tua''y it is# Hy seat is ri$ht in %rnt % yu&/ she ans"ere, her "n
+uestin an, hea*e, her hea*y suit1ase nt the upper berth# 7he sat ,"n
n the berth ppsite !e& an, $a*e ut a si$h % re'ie%#
CI 1'i!be, nt the "rn$ 1a1h# Lu1)i'y the b$ies are 1nne1te,&/ she
sai,& a,5ustin$ her 'n$ hair that en,e, n 1unt'ess rin$'ets# :r! the 1rner
% !y eye I trie, t ') at her# 7he "as yun$& perhaps ear'y t !i,=
t"enties# Her "aist='en$th hair ha, a 'i%e % its "n: a stran, %e'' n her
%rehea, repeate,'y# I 1u', n see her %a1e 1'ear'y& but I 1u', te'' ne thin$
she "as pretty# An, her eyesn1e yu ')e, int the!& yu 1u', nt
turn a"ay# I )ept !y $aBe ,"n#
7he re=arran$e, stu%% in her han,ba$# I trie, t ') ut % the "in,"#
It "as 1!p'ete'y ,ar)#
C7& pretty e!pty train&/ she sai, a%ter ten !inutes#
C;es&/ I sai,# CIt/s the ne" h'i,ay spe1ia'# They 5ust starte, it& "ithut
te''in$ pep'e abut it#/
CN "n,er# Other"ise& trains are a'"ays %u'' at this ti!e#/
CIt "i'' $et %u''# 0n/t "rry# 2ust $i*e it a %e" ,ays&/ I sai, a, 'eane,
%r"ar,& CHi# I a! Chetan by the "ay& Chetan Bha$at#/
IHi&/ she sai, an, ')e, at !e %r a %e" se1n,s# CChetanGI ,n/t
)n"& yur na!e sun,s %a!i'iar#/
N" this "as 1'# It !eant she ha, hear, % !y %irst b)# I a!
re1$niBe, rare'y# An, % 1urse& it ha, ne*er happene, "ith a $ir' n a ni$ht
train#
C;u !i$ht ha*e hear, % !y b)& :i*e 8int 7!ene# I/! the
authr&/ I sai,#
COh yes&/ she sai, an, pause,# COh yes& % 1urse# I/*e rea, yur b)#
The three un,erper%r!ers an, the pr%/s ,au$hter ne& ri$ht6/ she sai,#
C;es# 7 h" ,i, yu 'i)e it6/
CIt "as a'' ri$ht#/
I "as ta)en aba1)# Han& I 1u', ha*e ,ne "ith a 'itt'e !re % a
1!p'i!ent here#
C2ust a'' ri$ht6/ I sai,& %ishin$ a bit t b*ius'y#
C-e''G/ she sai, an, pause,#
C-e'' "hat6/ I sai, a%ter ten se1n,s#
C-e''# ;eah& 5ust a'' ri$htG )ay )ay types&/ she sai,#
I )ept +uiet# 7he nti1e, the e4pressin % !i', ,isappint!ent n !y
%a1e#
CAny"ays& ni1e t !eet yu Chetan# -here are yu 1!in$ %r!6 IIT
Kanpur6/
C;es&/ I sai,& !y *i1e 'ess %rien,'y than a %e" !!ents a$# CI ha, t
$i*e a ta') there#/
COh rea''y6 Abut "hat6/
CAbut !y b)yu )n" the 5ust )ay=)ay type ne# 7!e pep'e ,
"ant t hear abut it&/ I sai,& )eepin$ a s"eet tne t su$ar1at !y sar1as!=
%i''e, "r,s#
CInterestin$&/ she sai, an, turne, +uite a$ain#
I "as +uite t# I ,i,n/t "ant t spea) t her any!re# I "ante, !y
e!pty 1!part!ent ba1)#
The %'i1)erin$ ye''" 'i$ht ab*e "as irritatin$ !e# I "n,ere, i% I
shu', 5ust shut it %%& but it "as nt that Late yet#
C-hat/s the ne4t statin6 Is it a nn=stp train6/ she as)e, a%ter %i*e
!inutes& b*ius'y t !a)e 1n*ersatin#
CI ,n/t )n"&/ I sai, an, turne, t ') ut % the "in," a$ain e*en
thu$h I 1u',n/t see anythin$ in the ,ar)ness#
CIs e*erythin$ )ay6/ she as)e, s%t'y#
C;es& "hy6/ I sa,& the tne % !y C"hy/ $i*in$ a"ay that e*erythin$ "as&
in %a1t& nt )ay#
CNthin$# ;u/*e upset abut "hat I sai, abut yur b) ri$ht6/
CNt rea''y&/ I sai,#
7he 'au$he,# I ')e, at her# 2ust 'i)e her $aBe& her s!i'e "as arrestin$
t# I )ne" she "as 'au$hin$ at !e& but I "ante, her t )eep s!i'in$# I
,ra$$e, !y eyes a"ay a$ain#
CListen# I )n" yur b) ,i, "e''# ;u are 'i)e this yuth "riter an,
e*erythin$# But at ne 'e*e'G 5ust %r$et it#/
C-hat6/ I sai,#
CAt ne 'e*e'& yu are har,'y a yuth "riter#/
I turne, si'ent an, ')e, at her %r a %e" se1n,s# Her !a$neti1 eyes
ha, a s%t but insistent $aBe#
CI thu$ht I "rte a b) abut 1''e$e )i,s# That isn/t yuth6/ I sai,#
C;eah ri$ht# 7 yu "rte a b) n IIT# A p'a1e "here s %e" pep'e
$et t $# ;u thin) that represents the entire yuth6 7he as)e, an, t) ut
a b4 % !ints %r! her ba$# 7he %%ere, !e ne& but I ,e1'ine,# I "ante, t
$et this strai$ht#
C7 "hat are yu tryin$ t say6 I ha, t start s!e"here& s I "rte
abut !y 1''e$e e4perien1es# An, yu )n" the stry is nt s IIT=spe1i%i1# It
1u', ha*e happene, any"here# I !ean& 5ust %r that yu are trashin$ !y
b)#/
CI a! nt trashin$ it# I a! 5ust sayin$ it har,'y represents the In,ian
yuth&/ she sai, an, shut the b4 % !ints#
COh rea''yG CI be$an& but "as interrupte, by the nise as the train
passe, *er a 'n$ bri,$e#
-e ,i,n/t spea) %r the ne4t three !inutes& unti' the train ha, returne,
t s!ther tra1)s#
I"hat represents the yuth6/ I sai,#
II ,n/t )n"# ;u/re the "riter# ;u %i$ure it ut&/ she sai,& an,
brushe, asi,e a %e" 1ur's that ha, %a''en n her %rehea,#
CThat/s nt %air&/ I sai,& Cthat is s nt %air#/ I sun,e, 'i)e a %i*e=year=
', thr"in$ a tantru!# 7he s!i'e, as she sa" !e $ru!b'in$ t !yse'%# A %e"
se1n,s 'ater& she sp)e a$ain#
CAre yu $in$ t "rite !re b)s6/ she sai,#
CI/'' try t&/ I sai,# I "asn/t sure i% e*er "ante, t ta') t her a$ain#
C7 "hat is it $in$ t be6 IIHs this ti!e6/ she sai,#
CN#/
C-hy nt6/
CBe1ause it ,es nt represent the 1untry/s yuth#/
7he stare, 'au$hin$#
C7ee& I a! ta)in$ %ee,ba1)# An, n" yu 'au$h at !e&/ I sai,#
CN& n& she sai,# CI a! nt 'au$hin$ at yu# Can yu stp bein$ s *er=
sensiti*e6/
CI a! nt *er=sensiti*e# I 5ust "ant t ta)e %ee,ba1)&/ I sai, an, turne,
!y %a1e a"ay#
C-e''& "e'' n"# Let !e e4p'ain# 7ee& I 5ust %e't the "h'e IITian thin$ is
1' an, a''& but "hat ,es it a'' !ean in the bra,er sense6 ;es& the b)
se''s an, yu $et t $ t IIT Kanpur# But is that "hat it is a'' abut6/ she sai,#
I-e''& then "hat is it abut6/
CI% yu "ant t "rite the yuth& shu',n/t yu ta') abut yun$ pep'e
"h rea''y %a1e 1ha''en$es6 I !ean yes& IITians %a1e 1ha''en$es& but "hat
abut the hun,re, an, thusan, % thersJ/
CLi)e "h!6/
C2ust ') arun, yu# -hat is the bi$$est se$!ent % yur %a1in$
1ha''en$es in !,ern In,ia6/
CI ,n/t )n"# 7tu,ent6/
CNt thse& Hr# -riter# Get ut % the stu,ent=1a!pus % yur %irst b)
n"# Anythin$ e'se yu see that yu %in, stran$e an, interestin$6 I !ean&
"hat is the sub5e1t % yur se1n, n*e'6/
I turne, t ') at her 1are%u''y %r the %irst ti!e# Haybe it "as the ti!e
% ni$ht& but I )i, yu nt& she "as ne % the !st beauti%u' "!en I ha,
e*er seen# E*erythin$ abut her "as per%e1t# Her %a1e "as 'i)e that % a 1hi',#
7he "re a bin,i& "hi1h "as har, t %1us n as her eyes 1a!e in the "ay#
I trie, t %1us n her +uestin#
Cse1n, n*e'6 N& ha*en/t thu$h % a sub5e1t yet&/ I sai,#
CRea''y6 0n/t yu ha*e any i,eas6/
CI ,# But nthin$ I a! sure abut#/
CInteGrestin$& she ,ra"'e,#/ -e''& 5ust bas) in yur %irst b) su11ess
then#/
-e )ept +uiet %r the ne4t ha'% an hur# I t) ut the 1ntents % !y
*erni$ht ba$ an, rearran$e, the! %r n parti1u'ar reasn# I "n,ere, i% it
e*en !a,e sense t 1han$e int a ni$ht suit# I "as nt $in$ t %a'' as'eep
any"ay# Anther train nisi'y trun,'e, past us in the ppsite ,ire1tin&
'ea*in$ si'en1e behin,#
CI !i$ht ha*e a stry i,es %r yu&/ she sai,& start'in$ !e#
CHuh6/ I "as "ary % "hat she "as $in$ t say# :r n !atter "hat her
i,ea "as& I ha, t appear intereste,#
C-hat is it6/
CIt is a stry abut a 1a'' 1enter#/
CRea''y6/ I sai,# CCa'' 1enters as in business pr1ess utsur1in$ 1enters
r B8Os6/
I;es& , yu )n" anythin$ abut the!6/
I thu$ht abut it# I ,i, )n" abut 1a'' 1enters& !st'y %r! !y 1usins
"h "r)e, there#
I;es& I )n" a 'itt'e bit&/ I sai,# C7!e FKK&KKK pep'e "r) in the
in,ustry# They he'p 97 1!panies in the sa'es& ser*i1e an, !aintenan1e %
their peratins# 9sua''y yun$er pep'e "r) there in ni$ht shi%ts# Luite
interestin$& a1tua''y#/
C2ust interestin$6 Ha*e yu e*er thu$ht % "hat a'' they ha*e t %a1e6/
she as)e,& her *i1e turnin$ %ir! a$ain#
I9h& nt rea''yG/ I sai,#
C-hy6 They aren/t the yuth6 ;u ,n/t "ant t "rite abut the!6/ she
sai,& a'!st s1',in$ !e#
CListen& 'et/s nt start ar$uin$ a$ainG/
CI/! nt ar$uin$# I t', yu that I ha*e a 1a'' 1enter stry %r yu#/
I ')e, at !y "at1h# It "as >@#FK a#!# A stry "u', nt be su1h a ba,
i,es t )i'' ti!e& I thu$ht#
CLet/s hear it then& I sai,#
CI/'' te'' yu# But I ha*e a 1n,itin&/ she sai,#
CCn,itin6/ I "as intri$ue,# C-hat6 That I ,n/t te'' it t anyne e'se6/ I
as)e,#
CN# 2ust the ppsite in %a1t# ;u ha*e t pr!ise !e t "rit it as yur
se1n, b)#/
C-hat I sai,& a'!st %a''in$ %r! !y seat#
-"( N" that "as s!ethin$# O)ay& s I !eet a $ir' "h appears
interestin$ an, has a ni1e pair % eyes an, ')s 'i)e she 1an te'' !e a stry t
)i'' ti!e# H"e*er& it ,es nt !ean I "i'' spen, t" years % !y 'i%e turnin$
it int a b)#
CLi)e a %u'' b)6 Are yu )i,,in$6 I 1an/t pr!ise that# It/s a 't %
"r)&/ I sai,#
C9p t yu&/ she sai, an, turne, si'ent#
I "aite, %r ten se1n,s# 7he ,i, nt spea)#
CCan/t I ,e1i,e a%ter yu te'' !e the stry6/ I sai,# CI% it is interestin$& I
!ay e*en , it# But h" 1an I ,e1i,e "ithut 'istenin$ t it6/
CN# it is !st abut 1hi1e# I% I te'' yu& yu ha*e t "rite it&/ she sai,#
CA "h'e b)G6/ I as)e, a$ain#
C;es# Li)e it/s yur "n stry# In %irst persn5ust 'i)e in yur %irst
b)# I/'' $i*e yu the 1nta1ts % the pep'e in the stry# ;u 1an !eet the!&
, yur resear1h& "hate*er it ta)es& but !a)e it yur se1n, b)#/
C-e'' then& I thin) it/s better i% yu ,n/t te'' !e&/ I sai, n her berth&
an, then arran$e, her pi''" an, b'an)et# I $uesses she "as p'annin$ t $ t
s'eep#
I 1he1)e, !y "at1h a$ain# It "as >:KK a#!#& an, I "as sti'' "i,e a"a)e#
This "as a nn=stp train& an, there "ere n statins t ') %r"ar, t unti'
0e'hi in the !rnin$# 7he s"it1he, %% the %'i1)erin$ ye''" 'i$ht# N" the
n'y 'i$ht in the 1!part!ent "as an errie b'ue neM I 1u',n/t %i$ure ut
"here the bu'b "as# It %e't stran$e& 'i)e "e "ere the n'y t" pep'e in the
uni*erse#
As she "as s'i,in$ un,er her b'an)et& I as)e,& C-hat is the stry abut6
At 'east te'' !e a 'itt'e bit !re#/
C-i'' yu , it then6/
I shru$$e, in the se!i=,ar)ness# CCan/t say# 0n/t te'' !e the stry yet
5ust te'' !e "hat it is abut#/
7he n,,e, an, sat up# :',in$ her 'e$s beneath her& she be$an ta')in$#
CA'' ri$ht& she sai,& CIt is a stry abut si4 pep'e in a 1a'' 1enter as ne
ni$ht#/
C2ust ne ni$ht6 Li)e this ne6/ I interrupte,#
C;es& ne ni$ht# One ni$ht at the 1a'' 1enter#/
C;u sure that 1an be a %u'' b)6 I !ean& "hat is s spe1ia' abut this
ni$ht6/
7he hea*e, a si$h an, t) a sip %r! her btt'e % !inera' "ater#
C;u see&/ she sai,& Cit "asn/t 'i)e any ther ni$ht# It "as the ni$ht
there "as a phne 1a''#/
C-hat6/ I sai, an, burst ut 'au$hin$# C7 a 1a'' 1enter $ets a phne 1a'#
That is the spe1ia' part6/
7he ,i, n s!i'e ba1)# 7he "aite, %r !e t stp 'au$hin$ an, then
1ntinue, as i% I ha,n/t sai, anythin$# C;u see& it "asn/t an r,inary phne
1a''# It "as the ni$htGit "as the ni$ht there "as a phne 1a'' %r! G,#/
Her "r,s ha, !e sprin$ t attentin#
C-hat6/
C;u hear, !e# That ni$ht there "as a phne 1a'' %r! G,&/ she sai,#
C-hat e4a1t'y are yu ta')in$ abut6/
CI 5ust t', yu "hat the stry "as abut# ;u as)e,& re!e!ber6/ she
sai,#
CAn, thenG h"G I !eanG/
CI/! nt te''in$ yu any!re# N" yu )n" "hat it/s abut& i% yu "ant
t hear the stry& yu )n" !y 1n,itin#/
CThat is a tu$h 1n,itin&/ I sai,#
CI )n"# 9p t yu&/ she sai, an, 'i%te, her b'an)et a$ain# 7he 'ay ,"n
an, 1'se, her eyes#
7i4 pep'e# One ni$ht& 1a'' 1enter# Ca'' %r! G,# The phrases )ept
repeatin$ in !y hea, as anther hur passe,# At @:KK a#!# she ")e up t
ha*e a sip % "ater#
CNt s'eepin$6/ she as)e,& "ith eyes n'y ha'% pen#
Haybe there "as a *'ta$e prb'e!& but this ti!e e*en the b'ue 'i$ht in
the 1!part!ent starte, %'i1)erin$#
CN& nt s'eepy at a''& I sai,#
CO)ay& $,ni$ht any"ay& she sai,& an, be$an t 'ie ,"n a$ain#
CListen&/ I sai,# Gt up# 7it ,"n a$ain#/
CHuh6/ she sai,& rubbin$ her eyes# C-hy6 -hat happene,6/
CNthin$# ;u te'' !e "hat happene,# Te'' !e the stry/ I sai,#
C7 yu "i'' "rite it6/
C;es&/ I sai,& "ith a bit % hesitatin#
CG,&/ she sai,& an, sat up a$ain# The 1rss='e$$e, psitin "as ba1)#
The rest % the ni$ht& she t', !e the stry that be$ins %r! the ne4t
pa$e# It is a stry abut si4 pep'e& three $uys an, three $ir's "h "r)e, as
the Cnne4ins Ca'' Center# I 1hse t te'' the stry thru$h 7hya!/s eyes#
This is be1ause& a%ter I !et hi!& I %un, hi! the !st si!i'ar t !e as a
persn# The rest % the pep'e an, "hat happene, tat ni$ht"e''& I "i'' 'et
7hya! te'' yu that#
:ROH N@O
Other"ise6 Esha 7ai,#
COther"ise "e ,ie&/ Pr! sai,#
-e staye, +uiet %r a !inute#
CE*eryne ,ies ne ,ay&/ I sai,& 5ust t brea) the si'en1e#
CHaybe it is si!p'er this "ay# 2ust en, 'i%e rather than ,ea' "ith it&/
Pr! sai,#
I n,,e,# I "as ner*us an, I "as $'a, Pr! "as !a)in$ s!a'' ta')#
CHy !ain +uestin isQ "hat i% n ne %in,s us e*en a%ter "e ,ie# -hat
happens then6/ Pr! sai,#
CThe *u'tures "i'' %in, us# They a'"ays ,# I sa" it n 0is1*ery
Channe'&/ I sai,#
C7ee& that !a)es !e un1!%rtab'e# I ,n/t 'i)e the i,ea % sharp bea)s
rearin$ !y !us1'es& 1ra1)in$ !y bnes an, rippin$ !e t shre,s# 8'us& !y
b,y "i'' be s!e''in$ 'i)e he''# I/, rather be burnt in a ,i$ni%ie, !anner an,
$ up in that ne 'ast u'ti!ate pu%% % s!)e#/
CCan yu $uys stp this nnsense6 At 'east be si'ent&/ Esha sai, an,
%',e, her ar!s#
Pr! s!i'e, at her# Then he turne, t !e# II ,n/t thin)in$ Esha "i''
s!e'' t !u1h# Her Ca'*in K'ein per%u!e "i'' )eep her 1ar1ass %resh %r
,ays#/
N>
I "as sp'ashin$ !y han,s in the "ater pint'ess'y in the sea# I 1an/t e*en
s"i! in a pn,& 'et a'ne in the In,ian O1ean# I "as in the "ater "hi'e !y
bss Ba)shi "as in a bat ne4t t !e# He "as pushin$ !y hea, ,"n in the
"ater# I sa" 8riyan)a ,ri%tin$ a"ay in a 'i%ebat# I s1rea!e, e*en as Ba)shi
use, bth his han,s t )eep !y hea, sub!er$e,# 7a't "ater %i''e, !y !uth
an, nstri's as I hear, 'u, beeps at a ,istan1e#
Hy ni$ht!are en,e, as !y 1e'' phne a'ar! ran$ har, in !y 'e%t ear an,
I ")e up t its Last Christ!as rin$ tne# The rin$ tne "as a $i%t %r!
7he%a'i& !y ne" se!i=$ir'%rien,# I s+uinte, thru$h a ha'%=shut eye an, 'i%te,
n the s1reen#
C0a!n&/ I sai, an, 5u!pe, ut % be,#
I "u', ha*e '*e, t ana'yBe !y ,rea! an, its si$ni%i1an1e in !y
insi$ni%i1ant 'i%e& but I ha, t $et ,resse, %r "r)#
CHan& the Lua'is "i'' be here in t"enty !inutes&/ I thu$ht& ,i$$in$
!atter ut % !y eye# I "as sti'' tire,& but s1are, t s'eep !re be1ause I "as
$ettin$ 'ate# Besi,es& there "as a serius ris) % Ba)shi !a)in$ a 1!eba1) in
!y ,rea!s#
By the "ay& hi# I a! 7hya! Hehra& r 7a! Har1y as they 1a'' !e at !y
"r)p'a1e& the Cnne4ins 1a'' 1enter in Gur$an# <A!eri1an tn$ues ha*e
trub'e sayin$ !y rea' na!e an, pre%er 7a!# I% yu "ant& yu 1an $i*e !e
anther na!e t# I rea''y ,n/t 1are#.
Any"ay& I a! a 1a'' 1enter a$ent# There "as hun,re, % thusan,s&
prbab'y !i''ins % a$ents 'i)e !e# But this tta' pain=in=the ne1) authr
1hse !e& % a'' the a$ents in the 1untry# He !et !e an, t', !e t he'p
"ith his se1n, b)# In %a1t& he near as "e'' "ante, !e t "rite the b) %r
hi!# I ,e1'ine,& sayin$ I 1an/t e*en "rite !y resu!e r e*en ther si!p'e
thin$s in 'i%e& there is n "ay I 1an "rite a "h'e ,a!n b)# I e4p'aine, t
hi! h" !y pr!tin t the psitin % tea! 'ea,er ha, been put %% %r
ne year be1ause !y !ana$er Ba)shi ha, t', !e I ,n/t ha*e the Cre+uire,
s)i''=set/s yet# In !y re*ie"& Ba)shi "rte that I "as Cnt a $=$etter/# <I ,n/t
e*en )n" "hat C$=$etter/ !eans& s I $uess I/! nt ne %r sure#.
But this authr sai, he ,i,n/t 1arehe ha, pr!ise, s!ene he/, ,
this stry s I/, better 1perate& ther"ise he "u', )eep pesterin$ !e# I
trie, !y best t "ri$$'e ut % it& but he "u',n/t 'et $ % !e# I %ina''y
re'ente, an, that/s "hy I/! stu1) "ith this assi$n!ent& "hi'e yu are stu1)
"ith !e#
I a's "ant t $i*e yu ne !re "arnin$# Hy En$'ish is nt that $reat
a1tua''y& nthin$ abut !e is $reat# 7& i% yu are ')in$ %r s!ethin$ psh
an, hi$hbr"& then I/, su$$est yu rea, anther b) "hi1h has s!e bi$
!any=sy''abus "r,s# I )n" n'y ne bi$& !any=sy''ab'e "r,& an, I hate that
"r,C!ana$e!ent/# But "e/'' $et t that 'ater# I t', the authr abut !y
'i!ite, En$'ish# H"e*er& the pain=in=the=ne1) authr sai, bi$ e!tins ,
nt 1!e %r! bi$ "r,s# 7& I ha, n 1hi1e but t , the 5b# I hate
authrs# :r n"& 'et us $ ba1) t the stry# I% yu re!e!ber& I ha, 5ust
")en up at !y h!e#
There "ere nises in the 'i*in$ r!# 7!e re'ati*es "ere in t"n t
atten, a %a!i'y "e,,in$# Hy nei$hbr "as $ettin$ !arrie, t his 1usinGer
srry& I "as t $r$$y t %i$ure this utn& !y 1usin "as $ettin$ !arrie, t
his nei$hbr# But I ha, t "r)& s I 1u', nt $ t the "e,,in$# It ,esn/t
!atter& a'' !arria$es are the sa!e& !re r 'ess#
I rea1he, the bathr! sti'' ha'%=as'eep& it "as a'rea,y 11upie,#
The bathr! ,r "as pen# I sa" %i*e % !y aunts s1ra!b'in$ t $et a
%e" s+uare=in1hes % the "ash=basin !irrr# One aunt "as 1ursin$ her
,au$hter %r 'ea*in$ the !at1hin$ bin,is at h!e# Anther aunt ha, 'st the
'itt'e s1re" % her $', earrin$ an, "as %'ippin$ ut#
CIt is pure $',& "here is it6/ she s1rea!e, int !y %a1e# CHas the !ai,
st'en it6/ 'i)e the !ai, ha, nthin$ better t , then stea' ne tiny s1re"#
-u',n/t she stea' the "h'e set6 I thu$ht#
CAuntie& 1an I use the bathr! %r %i*e !inutes# I nee, t $et rea,y %r
%%i1e&/ I sai,#
COh he''& 7hya!# -)e up %ina''y6/ !y !ther/s sister sai,# CO%%i1e6
;u are nt 1!in$ %r the "e,,in$6/
CN& I ha*e t "r)# Can I ha*e the bathG/
CL) h" bi$ 7hya! has be1!e&/ !y !aterna' aunt sai,# C-e nee, t
%in, a $ir' %r hi! sn#/
E*eryne burst int $i$$'es# It "as their bi$$est 5)e % the ,ay#
CCan I p'easeG/ I sai,#
C7hya!& 'ea*e the 'a,ies a'ne&/ ne % !y ',er 1usins interrupte,#
C-hat are yu ,in$ here "ith the "!en6 -e are a'rea,y s 'ate %r the
"e,,in$/
CBut I ha*e t $ t "r)# I nee, t $et ,resse,&/ I prteste,& tryin$ t
e'b" !y "ay t the bathr! tap#
C;u "r) in a 1a'' 1enter& ri$ht6 Hy 1usin sai,#
C;es#/
C;ur "r) is thru$h the phne# -hy , yu nee, t ,ress up6 -h is
$in$ t see yu6/
I ,i,n/t ans"er#
C9se the )it1hen sin)&/ an aunt su$$este, an, han,e, !e !y
tthbrush#
I $a*e the! a'' a ,irty ')# Nb,y nti1e,# I passe, by the 'i*in$ r!
n !y "ay t the )it1hen# The un1'es "ere utsi,e& n their se1n, "his)ey
an, s,a# One un1'e sai, s!ethin$ abut h" it "u', be better i% !y %ather
"ere sti'' a'i*e an, arun, this e*enin$#
I rea1he, the )it1hen# The %'r "as s 1', I %e't I ha, steppe, n an
i1e tray# I rea'iBe, I ha, %r$tten sap# I "ent ba1) but the bathr! ,r
"as b'te,# There "as n ht "ater in the )it1hen& an, !y %a1e %rBe as I
"ashe, it "ith 1', "ater# -inter in 0e'hi is a bit1h# I brushe, !y teeth an,
use, the stee' p'ates as a !irrr t 1!b !y hair# 7hya! ha, turne, int 7a!
an, 7a!/s ,ay ha, 5ust be$un#
I "as hun$ry& but there "as nthin$ t eat in the huse# Be1ause they/,
be $ettin$ %, at the "e,,in$& !y !ther ha, %e't there "as n nee, t 1)
at h!e#
The Lua'is hrn s1rea!e, at R#AA p#!#
As I "as abut t 'ea*e& I rea'iBe, I ha, %r$tten !y I0# I "ent t !y
r!& but 1u', nt %in, it# I trie, t %in, !y !ther instea,# 7he "as in her
be,r!& 'st in !re aunties& saris an, 5e"e''ery sets# 7he an, !y aunts
"ere ,in$ s!e !a5r "ei$ht 1!parisns % "hi1h aunt/s set "as hea*iest#
9sua''y the hea*iest aunt ha, the hea*iest set#
CH!& ha*e yu seen !y I06/ I sai,# E*eryne i$nre, !e# I "ent ba1)
t !y r! as the Lua'is hn)e, %r the %urth ti!e#
C0a!n& there it is&/ I sai, as I %ina''y '1ate, the I0 un,er !y be,# I
pu''e, it ut by its strap an, strun$ it arun, !y ne1)#
I "a*e, a $,bye t e*eryne& but n n a1)n"'e,$e, !e# It "asn/t
surprisin$& I a! n'y 1are, %r s !u1h# E*ery 1usin % !ine is be1!in$ a
,1tr r en$ineer# ;u 1an say I a! the b'a1) sheep % !y %a!i'y# Thu$h I
, nt thin) that I e4pressin is 1rre1t# A%ter a''& "hat/s "rn$ "ith b'a1)
sheep,n/t pep'e "ear b'a1) s"eaters6 But yu $et an i,ea % !y status in
!y 1'an# In %a1t& the n'y reasn pep'e s!e"hat ta') t !e is I ha*e a 5b
an, $et a sa'ary at the en, % the !nth# ;u see& I use, t "r) in the
"ebsite ,epart!ent % an a, a$en1y be%re this 1a'' 1enter 5b# H"e*er& the
a, a$en1y pai, hrrib'e !ney# A's& a'' the pep'e there "ere pseu,s& !re
intereste, in %%i1e p'iti1s than "ebsites# I +uit& an, a'' he'' br)e 'se at
h!e# That is "hen the b'a1) sheep ter! "as ta$$e, nt !e# I sa*e, !yse'%
by 5inin$ Cnne4ins& as "ith !ney in yur "a''et the "r', $i*es yu s!e
respe1t an, 'ets 8riyan)a "r)e, there# O% 1urse& that reasn "as n 'n$er
re'e*ant#
Hy aunt %ina''y %un, the $', s1re" tappe, in her %a)e hair bun#
The Lua'is hrn s1rea!e, a$ain& this ti!e in an a$en1y tne#
CI/! 1!in$&/ I shute, as I ran ut % the huse#
N@
C-hat sahib# Late a$ain6/ The ,ri*er sai, as I t) the %rnt seat#
C7rry& srry# Hi'itary 9n1'e/s p'a1e %irst6/ I pante, t the ,ri*er#
C;es&/ he rep'ie,& ')in$ at his "at1h#
CCan "e rea1h the 1a'' 1enter by >K:KK p#!#6 I ha*e t !eet s!ene
be%re their shi%t en,s&/ I sai,#
C0epen,s i% yur 1''ea$ues 1!e n ti!e&/ the ,ri*er rep'ie,
'a1ni1a''y as he ,r*e t"ar,s Hi'itary 9n1'e/s huse# CAny"ay& 'et/s pi1) up
the ', !an %irst#/
Hi'itary 9n1'e hates it i% "e are 'ate# I prepare, !yse'% %r s!e ,irty
')s# His tu$h !anner 1!es %r! the Ar!y ba1)$run,& %r! "hi1h he
retire, a %e" years a$# A %i%ty p'us& he is the ',est persn in the 1a'' 1enter#
I , nt )n" hi! "e''& an, I "n/t ta') abut hi! !u1h# But I , )n" that
he use, t stay "ith his sn an, ,au$hter=in='a" be%re he !*e, ne <read
thrown out. t be n his "n# The pensin "as !ea$er& an, he trie, t
supp'e!ent his in1!e by "r)in$ in the 1a'' 1enter# H"e*er& he hates t
ta') an, is nt a *i1e a$ent# He sits n the s'itary n'ine 1hat an, e!ai'
statin# E*en thu$h he sits in ur r!& his ,es) is at a %ar 1rner near the
%a4 !a1hine# He rare'y spea)s !re than three "r,s at a ti!e# Hst % his
intera1tins "ith us are 'i!ite, t $i*in$ us 1n,es1en,in$ you-young-people
$'an1es#
The Lua'is stppe, utsi,e 9n1'e/s huse# He "as "aitin$ at the
entran1e#
CLate6/ 9n1'e sai,& ')in$ at the ,ri*er#
-ithut ans"erin$& the ,ri*er $t ut t pen the Lua'is ba1) ,r#
9n1'e 1'i!be, in& i$nre, the !i,,'e seat an, sat at the ba1)# He prbab'y
"ante, t sit as %ar a"ay %r! !e as pssib'e#
9n1'e $a*e !e an it-must-be-your-fault ')# O',er pep'e thin) they
ha*e a natura' ri$ht t 5u,$e yu# I ')e, a"ay# The ,ri*er t) a 9=turn t
$ t Ra,hi)a/s huse#
One % the uni+ue %eatures abut !y tea! is that "e nt n'y "r)
t$ether& "e a's share the sa!e Lua'is# Thru$h a bit % rute p'annin$ an,
,ri*er persuasin& "e ensure, that !y -estern App'ian1es 7trate$i1 Grup a''
1a!e an, 'e%t t$ether# There are si4 % us: Hi'itary 9n1'e& Ra,hi)a& Esha&
Pr!& 8riyan)a an, !e#
The Lua'is !*e, t Ra,hi)a 2ha& r a$ent Re$ina 2nes/s huse# As
usua'& Ra,hi)a "as 'ate#
CRa,hi)a !a,a! is t !u1h&/ the ,ri*er sai,& 1ntinuus'y pressin$ the
hrn# I ')e, at !y "at1h an4ius'y# I ,i,n/t "ant 7he%a'i t thr" a
tantru!#
7i4 !inutes 'ater Ra,hi)a 1a!e runnin$ t"ar,s us& 1'ut1hin$ the en,s
% her !arn sha"' in her ri$ht han,#
C7rry& srry srryG/ she sai, a ,Ben ti!es be%re "e 1u', say
anythin$#
C-hat6/ I as)e, her as the Lua'is !*e, a$ain#
CNthin$# A'!st !i') %r !!=in='a"# T) 'n$er t 1rush the
a'!n,s&/ she sai,& 'earnin$ ba1) e4hauste, in her seat# 7he ha, ta)en the
!i,,'e seat#
CAs) !!=in='a" t !a)e her "n !i')&/ I su$$este,#
CC/!n 7hya!&/ she sai,& Cshe/s s ',& it is the 'east I 1an ,& espe1ia''y
"hen her sn is nt here#/
C;eah ri$ht&/ I shru$$e,# C2ust that an, 1)in$ three !ea's a ,ay an,
huseh', 1hres an, "r)in$ a'' ni$ht an,G/
C7hhG/ she sai,&/%r$e a'' that# Any ne"s n the 1a'' 1entre6 I/! s1are,#/
CNthin$ ne" %r! "hat Pr! t', !e# -e ha*e t ne" r,ers& 1a''
*'u!es are at an a'' ti!e '" Cnne4ins is ,!e,# 2ust a +uestin %
"hen&/ I sai,#
CRea''y6/ her eyes "i,ene,#
It "as true# ;u !i$ht ha*e hear, % thse s"an)y& ne"=a$e 1a'' 1enters
"here e*erythin$ is hun)y=,ry& 1'ients are p'enty an, a$ents $et
ar!atherapy !assa$e# -e''& ur Cnne4ins "as nt ne % the!# -e 'i*e
%% ne an, n'y ne 1'ient-estern C!puters an, App'ian1es# An, e*en
their 1a'' %'" ha, ,"in,'e,# Ru!rs that the 1a'' 1enter "u', 1''apse
%'ate, in e*ery ,ay#
C;u thin$ Cnne4ins "i'' 1'se ,"n6 Li)e %re*er6/ Ra,hi)a as)e,#
9n1'e raise, an eyebr" t ') at us& but sn "ent ba1) t br,in$
by hi!se'% in the ba1) seat# I s!eti!es "ishe, he "u', say !re& but I
$uess it/s better %r pep'e t shut up rather than say s!ethin$ nasty#
CThat& r they "i'' , !a5r 5b 1uts# As) Pr!#/ I sai,#
The Lua'is !*e, pain%u''y s'" as it "as a hea*y "e,,in$ ,ate in 0e'hi#
On e*ery street& there "as a "e,,in$ pr1essin# -e e,$e, %r"ar, as the
,ri*er ,,$e, se*era' %at $r!s n their "n=bur,ene, hrses# I 1he1)e, the
ti!e a$ain# 7he%a'i "u', , s!e serius su')in$ t,ay#
CI nee, this 5b# Anu5 an, I nee, t sa*e#/ Ra,hi)a sai,& !re t herse'%#
Anu5 "as Ra,hi)a/s husban,# 7he !arrie, hi! three years a$ a%ter a
"hir'"in, 1urtship in 1''e$e# 7he n" 'i*e, in a 5int %a!i'y "ith Anu5/s
u'tra=tra,itina' parents# It "as tu$h %r ,a,,y/s n'y $ir'& but it/s a!aBin$
"hat pep'e , %r '*e#
The ,ri*er ,r*e t Esha 7in$h/s <a$ent E'iBa 7in$er/s. p'a1e ne4t# 7he
"as a'rea,y utsi,e her huse# The ,ri*er )ept the Lua'is i$nitin n as he
pene, the ba1) ,r#
Esha entere, the Lua'is an, the s!e'' % e4pensi*e per%u!e %i''e, the
*ehi1'e# 7he sat ne4t t Ra,hi)a in the !i,,'e r" an, re!*e, her sue,e
5a1)et#
CH!!Gni1e# -hat is it6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C;u nti1e,G/ Esha "as p'ease,# CEs1ape& by Ca'*in K'ein#/ 7he bent
her )nees an, a,5uste, the tasse's at the en, % her 'n$& ,ar) br"n s)irt#
COh# -ent shppin$6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CCa'' it a !!entary 'aps % reasn&/ Esha sai,#
The ,ri*er %ina''y rea1he, a stret1h % e!pty ra, an, ra1e, the Lua'is
%ast#
I ')e, at Esha a$ain# Her ,ress sense is i!pe11ab'e# Esha ,resses
better n an a*era$e ,ay than I e*er ,i, in !y "h'e 'i%e# Her s'ee*e'ess
1%%ee=1're, tp per%e1t'y 1ntraste, "ith her s)irt# 7he "re 1hun)y
br"n earrin$s that ')e, e,ib'e an, her 'ipsti1) "as a thi1) 11a& as is she
ha, 5ust )isse, a b"' % 1h1'ate sau1e# Her eyes ha, at 'east ne % these
thin$s!as1ara& eye'iner an,Jr eye=sha," <I 1an/t te''& but 8riyan)a t',
!e they are ,i%%erent thin$s.#
CThe La)!e %ashin "ee) is in %ur !nths# Hy a$ent is tryin$ t $et !e
an assi$n!ent&/ Esha sai, t Ra,hi)a#
Esha "ante, t be1!e a !,e'# 7he "as ht& at 'east a11r,in$ t
pep'e at the 1a'' 1enter# T" !nths a$& s!e a$ents in the -estern
C!puters bay 1n,u1te, a stupi, p'' in %%i1e# ;u )n"& the se1ret nes
that e*eryne )n"s abut any"ay# 8ep'e *te %r *arius tit'es& 'i)e "h is
ht& "h is han,s!e an, "h is pretty# Esha "n the tit'e % the Chttest
1hi1) at Cnne4ins/# 7he a1te, *ery ,is!issi*e % the p'' resu'ts& but %r!
that ,ay there/s been 5ust this tiny hint % *anity in her# But ther"ise& she is
%ine# 7he !*e, t 0e'hi %r! Chan,i$arh a year a$& a$ainst her parent/s
"ishes# The 1a'' 1enter 5b he'ps her earn a re$u'ar in1!e& but ,urin$ the
,ay she appra1he, a$en1ies an, tries t $et !,e'in$ assi$n!ents# 7he/s
ta)en part in s!e '"=)ey %ashin sh"s in -est 0e'hi# But apart %r! that
an, the httest=1hi1) in=huse tit'e& nthin$ bi$ has 1!e her "ay s %ar#
8riyan)a n1e t', !e <!a)in$ !e s"ear that I/, )eep it t !yse'%. that she
thin)s Esha "i'' ne*er !a)e it as a rea' !,e'# CEsha is too short and too
small-town for a real model/is "hat she sai, e4a1t'y# But 8riyan)a ,esn/t
)n" 1rap# Esha is %i*e=%i*e& n'y t" in1hes shrter than !e <an, ne in1h
ta''er than !e "ith her hee's.# I thin) that is +uite ta'' %r a $ir'# An, the
"h'e Csmall-town/ thin$& that 5ust "ent *er !y hea,# Esha is n'y t"enty=
t"& $i*e her a 1han1e# An, Chan,i$arh is nt a s!a'' t"n& it is a unin
territry an, the a,!inistrati*e 1apita' % t" states# But 8riyan)a/s
$e$raphy is 1rap as "e''# I thin) 8riyan)a is 5ust 5ea'us# A'' nn=ht $ir's are
5ea'us % the ht nes# 8riyan)a "asn/t e*en 1nsi,ere, %r the httest
1hi1)# N" I , %in, 8riyan)a ni1e ')in$& an, she ,i, $et a n!inatin %r
the C1a'' 1enter 1utie a"ar,/& "hi1h I thin) is 5ust be1ause % her ,i!p'es an,
1ure run, %a1e# But 8riyan)a ,i,n/t "in# 7!e $ir' in HR "n that#
-e ha, t pi1) Pr! ne4tM his rea' na!e is Parun Ha'htra <% a$ent
Pi1tr He''.# H"e*er& e*eryne 1a''s hi! Pr! be1ause % his '*e %r
anythin$ n "hee's#
The Lua'is turne, int the 'ane %r Pr!/s huse# He "as sittin$ n his
bi)e& "aitin$ %r us#
C-hat/s the bi)e %r6/ I sai,& 1ranin$ ut % the "in,"#
CI/! 1!in$ n !y "n&/ Pr! sai,& a,5ustin$ his 'eather $'*es# He
"re b'a1) 5eans an, tre))in$ sh"s that !a,e his thin 'e$s ') e4tra 'n$#
His ,ar) b'ue s"eatshirt ha, the :errari hrse '$ n it#
CAre yu 1raBy6/ I sai,# Cit/s s 1',# Get in& "e/re 'ate a'rea,y#/
0ra$$in$ the bi)e he 1a!e an, st, ne4t t !e#
CN& I/! stresse, t,ay# I nee, t $et it ut % !e "ith a %ast ri,e#/ He
"as stan,in$ ri$ht besi,e !e an, n'y I 1u', hear hi!#
C-hat happene,6/
CNthin$# 0a, 1a''e,# He ar$ue, "ith !! %r t" hurs# -hy ,i, they
separate6 They 1an/t 'i*e "ithut s1rea!in$ their $uts ut at ea1h ther6/
CIt/s )ay !an# Nt yur prb'e!&/ I sai,#
Pr!/s ,a, "as a business!en "h parte, %r! his "i%e t" years
a$# He pre%erre, ban$in$ his se1retary t bein$ "ith his %a!i'y& s Pr! an,
his !ther n" 'i*e, "ithut hi!#
CI 1u',n/t s'eep at a''# 2ust 'ay in be, a'' ,ay an, n" I %ee' si1)# Nee,
t $et s!e ener$y ba1)&/ Pr! sai, as he stra,,'e, his bi)e#
CBut it/s %reeBin$& ,u,eG/ I be$an#
C-hat is $in$ n 7hya! sahib6/ the ,ri*er as)e,# I turne, arun,# The
,ri*er ')e, at !e "ith a puBB'e, e4pressin# I shru$$e, !y shu',ers#
CHe/s 1!in$ n his bi)e&/ I t', e*eryne#
CC!e "ith !e&/ Pr! sai, t !e# CI/'' !a)e yu rea1h in ha'% the
ti!e#/
CN than)s&/ I sai,& an, %',e, !y han,s# I "as nt 'ea*in$ the 1By
Lua'is t $ any"here#
Pr! bent *er t $reet the ,ri*er#
CHe''& ,ri*er sahib&/ Pr! sai,#
CPr! sahib& ,n/t yu 'i)e !y Lua'is6/ the ,ri*er sai,& *isib'y
,e5e1te,#
CN 0ri*er ji& I a! in a !, t ri,e&/ Pr! sai,& an, %%ere, a pa1) %
1i$arettes t the ,ri*er# The ,ri*er t) ne# Pr! si$na'e, hi! t )eep the
"h'e pa1)#
C0ri*e the Lua'is i% yu "ant&/ the ,ri*er sai, an, 'i%te, his han,s %%
the steerin$ "hee'#
CN !aybe 'ater# Ri$ht n" I nee, t %'y#/
CHey Pr!# Any ne"s n Cnne4ins6 Anythin$ happenin$6/ Ra,hi)a
as)e,& a,5ustin$ her hair#
Apart %r! the ,ar) 1ir1'es arun, her eyes& yu "u', say Ra,hi)a "as
pretty# 7he ha, hi$h 1hee)bnes an, her %air s)in "ent "e'' "ith her "ispy
eyebr"s an, st=b'a1) eyes# Her s'eep=,epri*e, %a1e sti'' ')e, ni1e# 7he
"re a p'ain !ustar, sari& as saris "ere a'' she 1u', "ear in her in='a"s/
huse# This "as ,i%%erent appare' %r! the 5eans an, s)irts Ra,hi)a pre%erre,
be%re her !arria$e#
CN up,ates# -i'' ,i$ %r stu%% t,ay but I thin) Ba)shi "i'' s1re" us a''#
Hey 7hya!& the "ebsite !anua' is a'' ,ne by the "ay# I e!ai'e, it t %%i1e&/
Pr! sai, an, starte, his bi)e#
CC'& %ina''y# Let/s sen, it in t,ay&/ I sai,& per)in$ up#
-e 'e%t Pr! an, !*e, t ut 'ast pi1)up at 8riyan)a/s p'a1e# It "as
O#FK p#!# sti'' an hur a"ay %r! ur shi%t# H"e*er& I "as "rrie, as 7he%a'i
%inishe, her shi%t an, 'e%t by >K:@K p#!#
:rtunate'y& 8riyan)a "as stan,in$ at her pi1)=up pint "hen "e
rea1he, her p'a1e#
CHi&/ 8riyan)a sai,& as she entere, the Lua'is an, sat ne4t t Esha in the
!i,,'e seat# 7he 1arrie, a 'ar$e& "hite p'asti1 ba$ apart %r! her usua' $iant
han,ba$#
CHi&/ e*eryne rep'ie, e41ept !e#
CI sai, hi& 7hya!&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
I preten,e, nt t hear# It is stran$e& but e*en sin1e "e br)e up& I %in,
it ,i%%i1u't t ta') t her# E*en thu$h I !ust thin) % her thirty ti!es a ,ay#
I ')e, at her# 7he a,5uste, her ,upatta arun, her ne1)# The %rest
$reen sa'"ar )a!eeB she "as "earin$ "as ne"& I nti1e,# The 1'rs suite,
her 'i$ht br"n s)in# I ')e, at her nse an, her nstri's that %'are, up e*ery
ti!e she "as upset# I s"ear tiny %'a!es appeare, in the! "hen she "as !a,#
C7hya!& I sai, hi&C she sai, a$ain# 7he $ets rea''y pisse, i% pep'e ,n/t
respn, t her#
Chi&/ I sai,# I "n,ere, i% Ba)shi "u', %ina''y pr!te !e a%ter he sa"
!y "ebsite !anua' tni$ht#
C-here/s Pr!6/ 8riyan)a sai,# 7he ha, t )n" e*erythin$ a'' the
ti!e#
CPr! is ri,in$G*r!&/ Esha sai,& !a)in$ a !trbi)e nise#
CNi1e per%u!e& Esha# 7hppin$ a$ain& eh6/ 8riyan)a sai, an, sni%%e,&
pu1)erin$ up that tiny nse#
CEs1ape& Ca'*in K'ein&/ Esha annun1e, an, stru1) a pse#
C-"( 7!ene is $in$ ,esi$ner&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, bth % the!
'au$he,# This is s!ethin$ I "i'' ne*er un,erstan, abut her# 8riyan)a has
bit1he, %i%ty ti!es abut Esha t !e& yet "hen they are "ith ea1h ther& they
beha*e 'i)e 'n$='st sisters#
CEsha& bi$ ,ate 1!in$6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CN ,ates# I/! sti'' s sin$'e# 7uitab'e $uys are an en,an$ere, spe1ies&/
Esha sai, an, a'' the $ir's 'au$he,# It "asn/t that %unny i% yu as) !e# I "ishe,
Pr! "as in the Lua'is t# He is the n'y persn in !y tea! I 1an 1'ai! as a
%rien,# At t"enty=t" he is %ur years yun$er than I a!& but I "i'' %in, it
easiest t ta') t hi!# Ra,hi)a/s huseh', ta') is t a'ien t !e# Esha/s
!,e'in$ trip is a's beyn, !e as n ne is e*er $in$ t pay !e %r the
')s# I a! 1ertain'y nt $, ')in$: !y ,ay is !a,e i% s!ene ,es1ribes
!y ')s as Cs'i$ht'y ab*e a*era$e/#
8riyan)a "as a %rien, an, a 't !irS unti' re1ent'y# :ur !nths a$&
"e br)e up <8riyan)a/s *ersin. r she ,u!pe, !e <!y *ersin.#
7 n" I try t , "hat she "ants us t ,C!*e n/"hi1h is "hy I
han$ ut "ith 7he%a'i#
Beep Beep# Beep Beep#
T" pairs % 'u, beeps %r! !y shi%t/s p1)et start'e, e*eryne#
C-h/s is that6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
COh 7rry# It/s !y 7H7#/ I sai, an, pene, the ne" !essa$e#
Where r u my eddy teddy?
Come soon-curly wurly
It "as 7he%a'i# 7he is int 1heesy ni1)na!es these ,ays# I rep'ie, t the
7H7#
Qualis stuck in traffic
Will b there soon
C-h/s that6/ Esha as)e, !e#/
CNb,y i!prtant&/ I sai,#
C7he%a'i6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CN&/ I sai, an, e*eryb,y ')e, at !e#
CN&/ I sai, a$ain#
C;es& it is# It is 7he%a'i& isn/t it&/ Esha an, Ra,hi)a sai, t$ether an,
'au$he,#
C-hy ,es 7he%a'i a'"ays babyta')6/ I hear, Esha "hisper t Ra,hi)a#
Hre titters %''"e,#
C-hate*er&/ I sai, an, ')e, at !y "at1h# The Lua'is "as sti'' n the
NHR& at the entran1e t Gur$an# -e "ere ten !inutes a"ay %r!
Cnne4ins#
CC'& "i'' !eet 7he%a'i by >K:>K& I thu$ht#
CCan "e stp %r a +ui1) tea at In,er5eet6 -e "i'' sti'' !a)e it by
>K:FK&/ 8riyan)a sai,# In,er5eet ,habha n NHR "as %a!us %r its a''=ni$ht
tea an, sna1)s a!n$ tru1) ,ri*ers#
C-e "n/t $et 'ate6/ Ra,hi)a 1rin)'e, her %rehea,#
CO% 1urse nt# 0ri*er Ji as)e, sa*e, us t"enty !inutes in the 'ast
stret1h# C!e 0ri*er ji& !y treat&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CG, i,ea# -i'' )eep !e a"a)e&/ Esha sai,#
The ,ri*er s'"e, the Lua'is near In,er5eet ,habha an, par)e, it near
the 1unter#
CHey $uys& , "e ha*e t stp6 -e "i'' $et 'ate&/ I prteste, a$ainst the
1hai 1hrus#
C-e "n/t $et 'ate# Let/s treat 0ri*er ji %r !a)in$ us rea1h %ast&/
8riyan)a sai, an, $t ut % the Lua'is# 7he 5ust has t , thin$s I ,n/t "ant
t ,#
CHe "ants t be "ith 7he%a'i& ,u,e&/ Esha e'b"e, Ra,hi)a# They
$u%%a"e, a$ain# -hat is s ,a!n %unny& I "ants t as)& but ,i,n/t#
CN& I 5ust 'i)e t rea1h !y shi%t a %e" !inutes ear'y&/ I sai, an, $t ut
% the Lua'is# Hi'itary 9n1'e an, the ,ri*er %''"e, us#
In,er5eet ,habha ha, angithis ne4t t ea1h tab'e# I s!e''e, ht
paranthas& but ,i, nt r,er as it "as $ettin$ 'ate# The ,ri*er arran$e, p'asti1
1hairs %r us# In,er5eet/s !inins 1''e1te, tea r,ers as per the *arius
1!p'i1ate, ru'es 'ai, ut by the $ir's#
CN su$ar in !ine&/ Esha sai,#
CE4tra ht %r !e&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C-ith 1ar,a!! %r !e&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
-hen "e "ere in 1''e$e t$ether& 8riyan)a use, t !a)e 1ar,a!!
tea %r !e in her hste' r!# Her taste in !en !i$ht ha*e 1han$e,& but
b*ius'y nt her taste in be*era$es#
The tea arri*e, in three !inutes#
C7 "hat/s the $ssip6/ 8riyan)a sai, as 1uppe, her han,s arun, the
$'ass %r "ar!th# Apart %r! 1ar,a!!& 8riyan)a/s %a*urite spi1e is $ssip#
CN $ssip# ;u te'' us& thin$s are happenin$ I your 'i%e&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CI a1tua''y , ha*e s!ethin$ t te''&/ 8riyan)a sai, "ith a s'y s!i'e#
C-hat6/ Ra,hi)a an, Esha e41'ai!e, t$ether#
CI/'' te'' yu "hen "e $et t the bay# It/s bi$&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CTe'' n"&/ Esha sai,& p)in$ 8riyan)a/s shu',er#
CN ti!e# 7!ene is in a ,esperate hurry&/ 8riyan)a sai, $'an1in$
!eanin$%u''y at !e#
I turne, a"ay#
CO)ay& I a's ha*e s!ethin$ t share# But ,n/t te'' anyne& Esha sai,#
C-hat6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C7ee& Esha sai, an, st, up# 7he raise, her tp t e4pse a %'at !i,ri%%
n "hi1h there "as a ne"brn rin$#
CC'& 1he1) it ut&/ 8riyan)a sai,& Cs!ene/s turnin$ tren,y#/
Hi'itary 9n1'e stare, as i% in a state % sh1)# I suspe1t he "as ne*er
yun$& "as 5ust brn strai$ht %rty years ',#
C-hat/s that6 A na*e' rin$6/ Ra,hi)a as)e,#
Esha n,,e, an, 1*ere, herse'% a$ain#
C0i, it hurt6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
COh yes&/ Esha sai,# CI!a$ine s!ene stap'in$ yur tu!!y har,#/
Esha/s state!ent 1hurne, !y st!a1h#
C7ha'' "e $&/ I sai,& $u'pin$ ,"n !y tea#
CLet/s $ $ir's& r Hr Cns1ientius "i'' $et upset&/ 8riyan)a suppresse,
a s!ir)# I hate her#
I "ent t the 1unter t pay the bi''# I sa" Pr! "at1hin$ TP#
CPr!6/ I sai,#
CHi# -hat are yu $uys ,in$ here6/ he sai,#
I t', abut the $ir's/ tea i,ea#
CI arri*e, t"enty !inutes a$ !an&/ Pr! sai,# He e4tin$uishe, his
1i$arette an, sh"e, !e that butt# CThis "as !y %irst#/
Pr! "as tryin$ t 1ut ,"n t %ur 1i$arettes a ni$ht# H"e*er& "ith
Ba)shi in ur 'i%e& it "as i!pssib'e#
CCan yu rush !e t the 1a'' 1enter6 7he%a'i "i'' 'ea*e sn&/ I sai,#
Pr!/s eyes "ere trans%i4e, n the TP set n In,er5eet ,habha/s
1unter# The N0TP ne"s 1hanne' "as n& an, Pr! is a su1)er %r it# He
"r)e, in a ne"spaper n1e an, is $enera''y int s1ia' an, $'ba' issues an,
a'' that stu%%# He thin)s that 5ust by "at1hin$ the ne"s& he 1an 1han$e the
"r',# That& by the "ay& is his trip#
A TP reprter "as spea)in$ in %rnt % 8ar'ia!ent huse& annun1in$
e'e1tins in %ur !nths#
CHey& I )n" that $uy# He use, t "r) in !y pre*ius 5b&/ Pr! sai,#
CThe ne"spaper6/
C;es& Bnt "e use, t 1a'' hi!tta' 'ser $uy# 0i,n/t )n" he
!*e, t te'e*isin# Che1) ut his 1nta1t 'enses&/ Pr! sai,& as bth % us
pai, the bi''#
CLet/s $& !an# 7he%a'i "i'' )i'' !e#/
C7he%a'i# Oh yu !ean 1ur'y "ur'y&/ Pr! 'au$he,#
C7hut up !an# 7he has t 1at1h the Lua'is a%ter her shi%t# This is the
n'y ti!e I $et "ith her#/
COn ne han, yu ha, 8riyan)a& an, n" yu sin) t 7he%a'i 'e*e's&/
Pr! sai,& an, bent his e'b" t rest his si4=%eet=t"=in1hes %ra!e n the
,habha 1unter#
C-hat/s "rn$ "ith 7he%a'i6/ I sai,& shu%%'in$ %r! ne %t t the ther#
CNthin$& 5ust that it is ni1e t ha*e a $ir'%rien, "ith ha'% a brain# -hy
are yu "astin$ yur ti!e "ith her6/
I/! "anin$ !yse'% %% 8riyan)a# I/! tryin$ t !*e n in 'i%e&/ I sai, an,
t) a s"eat %r! the 1an,y 5ar at the 1unter#
C7 "hat/s 7he%a'i& a pa1i%ier6 -hat happene, t the re=prpsa' p'an
"ith 8riyan)a6/ Pr! sai,#
CI/*e t', yu# Nt unti' I be1!e tea! 'ea,er# -hi1h shu', be sn
!aybe tni$ht a%ter !e sub!it the "ebsite !anua'# N" 1an "e p'ease $6/ I
sai,#
C;eah& ri$ht# 7!e hpes yu 'i*e n&/ Pr! sai,& but !*e, a"ay
%r! the 1unter#
I he', n ti$ht as Pr! Bippe, thru$h NHR at >@K )! an hur# I 1'se,
!y eyes an, praye, 7he%a'i "u', nt be !a,& an, that I "u', tea1h a'i*e#
Beep Beep# Beep Beep# Hy !bi'e "ent %% a$ain#
Curly wurly is sad
Eddy teddy is very bad
I leave in 10 min :
I 5u!pe, %% the bi)e as Pr! rea1he, the 1a'' 1enter# The bi)e 5er)e,
%r"ar, an, Pr! ha, t use bth his 'e$s t ba'an1e#
CEasy !an# Pr! sai, in an irritate, *i1e# CCan yu 5ust 'et !e par)6/
C7rry# I/! rea''y 'ate&/ I sai, an, ran insi,e#
NF
CI/! nt ta')in$ t yu&/ 7he%a'i sai, an, starte, p'ayin$ "ith ne % her
si'*er earrin$s# The rin$=shape, earrin$s "ere s 'ar$e& they 1u', be ban$'es#
C7rry 7he%a'i# Hy bay pep'e !a,e the Lua'is 'ate#/ I st, ne4t t her&
'eanin$ a$ainst her ,es)# 7he sat n her s"i*e' 1hair an, rtate, it ninety
,e$rees a"ay %r! !e t sh"1ase her su')in$# The ,Bens % "r)statins in
her bay "ere e!pty as a'' the ther a$ents ha, 'e%t#
C-hate*er# I thu$ht yu "ere their tea! 'ea,er&/ she sai, an,
preten,e, t "r) n her 1!puter#
CI a! nt the tea! 'ea,er# I a! ,ue& but nt ne yet&/ I sai,#
C-hy ,n/t they !a)e yu tea! 'ea,er6/ she turne, t !e an, %'uttere,
her eyes# I hate this e4pressin % hers#
CI ,n/t )n"# Ba)shi sai, he/s tryin$& but I ha*e t brin$ !y 'ea,ership
s)i''s up t spee,#/
C-hat is up t spee,6/ she sai, an, pene, her han,ba$#
CI ,n/t )n"# I!pr*e !y s)i''s I $uess#/
C7 yu $uys ,n/t ha*e any tea! 'ea,er#/
CN# Ba)shi says "e ha*e t !ana$e "ithut ne# I he'p "ith super*isry
stu%% %r n"# But Ba)shi t', !e I ha*e strn$ %uture ptentia'#/
C7 "hy ,esn/t yur tea! 'isten t yu6/
C-h says they ,n/t6 O% 1urse they ,#/
C7 "hy "ere yu 'ateJ/ she sai,& be$innin$ her senten1e "ith a CsM %r
the thir, ti!e#
C7he%a'i 1!e n& ,rp that&/ I sai,& ')in$ at !y "at1h# CH" ,i, yur
shi%t $6/
C7hi%t "as )ay# Tea! 'ea,er sai, 1a'' *'u!es ha*e ,rppe, %r
-estern C!puters# A'' 1ust!ers are usin$ the trub'eshtin$ "ebsite
n"#/
CC'# ;u , )n" "h !a,e that ri$ht6/
C;es& yu an, Pr!# But I ,n/t thin) yu shu', !a)e a bi$ ,ea' ut %
it# The "ebsite has 1st Cnne4ins a 't % business#/
CBut the "ebsite he'ps the 1ust!ers a 'st& ri$ht6/ I sai,#
C7hh# 0n/t ta') abut the "ebsite here# 7!e a$ents are *ery upset#
7!ene sai, they "u', 1ut pep'e#/
CRea''y6/
CI ,n/t )n"# Listen& "hy are yu s unr!anti16 Is this h" E,,y
Te,,y shu', ta') t his Cur'y -ur'yJ/
I "ante, t )n" !re abut "hat "as $in$ n at Cnne4ins# Ba)shi
"as super=se1reti*ea'' the sai, "as there "ere s!e 1n%i,entia'
!ana$e!ent pririties# I thu$ht % as)in$ Pr! t spy s!e !re#
CE,,y Te,,y6/ 7he%a'i repeate,# I ')e, at her# I% she stppe, "earin$
He'' Kitty hairpins& she 1u', be passab'y 1ute#
CHuh6/
CAre yu 'istenin$ t !e6/
CO% 1urse#/
C0i, yu 'i)e !y $i%tJ/
C-hat $i%t6/
CThe rin$ tnes# I $a*e yu si4 rin$s tnes# 7ee& yu ,n/t e*en
re!e!ber&/ she sai, an, her %a1e turne, sa,#
CI ,# 7ee I put Last Christmas as !y tne&/ I sai, an, pi1)e, up !y
phne t p'ay it# Pr! "u', prbab'y )i'' !e i% he hear, it& but I ha, t %r
7he%a'i#
C7 1ute&/ 7he%a'i sai, an, pin1he, !y 1hee)s# C7 1ute it sun,s& !y
E,,y te,,y#/
C7he%a'iG/
C-hat6/
CCan yu stp 1a''in$ !e thatJ/
C-hyJ yu ,n/t 'i)e it6/
C2ust 1a'' !e 7hya!#/
C;u ,n/t 'i)e the na!e I $a*e yu6/ she sai,& her *i1e trans1en,in$
%r! sa, t tra$i1#
I )ept +uiet# ;u ne*er te'' "!en yu ,n/t 'i)e s!ethin$ they ha*e
,ne# H"e*er& they pi1) up n the si'en1e#
CThat !eans yu ,n/t 'i)e the rin$ tnes either&/ she sai, an, her *i1e
starte, t brea)#
CI ,&/ I sai,& %earin$ a run, % 1ryin$# CI '*e the rin$ tnes#/
CAn, "hat abut the na!e6 ;u 1an 1hse anther na!e i% yu "ant# I
a! nt 'i)e yur ther $ir'%rien,s&/ she sai, an, tiny tears appeare, in her
eyes# I ')e, at !y "at1h# There !re !inutes an, ti!e "i'' hea'
e*erythin$# I thu$ht# I t) a ,eep breath# A hun,re, an, ei$hty se1n,s an,
she "u', ha*e t 'ea*e %r sure# 7!eti!es 1untin$ se1n,s is a $reat "ay
t )i'' ti!e thru$h "!an/s tantru!s#
C-hat )in, % $ir'%rien,sJ/ I sai,#
CLi)e&/ she sni%%e,& Cbssy $ir's "h i!pse their "ay n yu# Li)e yu=
)n"="h#/
C-h6/ -hat are yu i!p'yin$&/ I sai,& !y *i1e $ettin$ %ir!er# It "as
trueM 8riyan)a 1u', be bssy& but n'y i% yu ,i,n/t 'isten t her#
C:r$et it# But "i'' yu $i*e !e a na!e i% I stp 1ryin$6/ her sbs "ere at
a serius ris) % trans%r!in$ int a %u''=%'e,$e, ba"'#
Cyes&/ I sai, an, be1a!e nr!a'# CGi*e !e a na!e&/
I thu$h har,# Nthin$ 1a!e t !in,#
C7he%%y6 H" abut 7he%%y6/ I sai, %ina''y#
CN# I "ant s!ethin$ 1uteeer&/ she sai,# 7he%a'i '*es t ,ra$ ut
"r,s#
CI 1an/t % anythin$ 1ute ri$ht n"# I ha*e t "r)# Isn/t yur Lua'is
'ea*in$ sn t6/ I sai,#
7he ')e, at her "at1h an, st, up#
C;es& I better 'ea*e n"# -i'' yu thin) % a na!e by t!rr"6/ she
sai,#
CI "i''& bye n"#/
CGi*e !e a )issie&/ she sai, an, tappe, a %in$er n her 1hee)#
C-hat6/
CKissie#/
C;u !ean a )iss6 ;eah sure#/ I $a*e her a pe1) n the 1he1) an, turne,
arun, t return t !y bay#
CBye bye# E,,y Te,,y&/ her *i1e %''"e, !e#
ND
The thers "ere a'rea,y at the ,es) "hen I returne, %r! 7he%a'i/s bay#
Our bay/s na!e is the C-estern App'ian1es 7trate$i1 Grup/ r -A7G#
9n'i)e the ther bay that trub'eshts %r 1!puter 1ust!ers& "e ,ea' "ith
1ust!ers % h!e app'ian1es su1h as re%ri$eratrs& *ens an, *a1uu!
1'eaners# Hana$e!ent 1a''s us the strate$i1 bay be1ause "e spe1ia'iBe in
trub'es!e an, pain%u' 1ust!ers# These Cstrate$i1/ 1ust!ers 1a'' a 't an,
are t ,u!b t %i$ure ut thin$s <a1tua''y the 'atter app'ies t a 't %
1a''ers.#
-e %e'' spe1ia'& as "e are nt part % the !ain 1!puters bay# The !ain
bay has *er a thusan, a$ents an, han,'es the hu$e C-estern C!puters/
a11unt# -hi'e the 1a''s are 'ess "eir, there& they !iss the pri*a1y "e en5y
in the -A7G#
I 1a!e an, t) !y seat at the 'n$ re1tan$u'ar tab'e# -e ha*e a %i4e,
seatin$ arran$e!ent: I sit ne4t t Pr!& "hi'e 8riyan)a is ri$ht ppsite !eM
Esha is a,5a1ent t 8riyan)a an, Ra,hi)a sits ne4t t Esha# The bay is an pen
p'an& s "e 1an a'' see ea1h thers# Hi'itary 9n1'e/s 1hat statin is at the
1rner % the r!# At ea1h % the ther three 1rners& there are&
respe1ti*e'y& the restr!& a 1n%eren1e r! an, a statinery supp'ies
r!#
H"e*er& n ne apart %r! 9n1'e "as at their seat "hen I sat ,"n#
E*eryne ha, $athere, arun, 8riyan)a#
C-hat/s the ne"s6 Te'' us n"&/ Esha "as sayin$#
CO)ay& )ay# But n ne 1n,itin# It ,esn/t 'ea*e the -A7G&/ 8riyan)a
sai,& sittin$ ,"n# 7he pu''e, ut a 'ar$e p'asti1 ba$ %r! un,er her seat#
CGuys&/ I sai,& interruptin$ their banter#
E*eryne turne, t ') at !e#
I pinte, at the ,es) an, the un!anne, phnes# I ')e, at !y "at1h#
It "as >K:@O p#!# The 1a'' syste! rutine ba1)up "as abut t %inish& an, ur
1a''s "u', be$in in a !inute#
E*eryne returne, t their 1hairs an, put n their hea,sets#
CG, e*enin$& e*eryne# 8'ease pay attentin t this annun1e!ent&/ a
'u, *i1e %i''e, ur bay# I ')e, up# The *i1e 1a!e %r! the %ire ,ri''
spea)er#
CI hate this irritatin$ annun1e!ent&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CThis is the 1ntr' r!&/ the spea)er 1ntinue,# CThis is t in%r! a''
a$ents % a %ire ,ri'' ne4t :ri,ay at !i,ni$ht# 8'ease %''" instru1tins ,urin$
the %ire ,ri'' t 'ea*e the 1a'' 1enter sa%e'y# Than) yu# Ha*e a ni1e shi%t#/
C-hy , they )eep ,in$ this6 Nb,y is $in$ t burn this p'a1e ,"n&/
Esha sai,#
CG*ern!ent ru'es&/ Pr! sai,#
Cn*ersatins stppe, !i,="ay as t" be$s n the 1!puter s1reens
si$na'e, the start % ur shi%t#
Ca''s be$an at >KTF> p#!# Nu!bers starte, %'ashin$ n ur 1!!n
s"it1hbar, as "e pi1)e, up 1a''s ne a%ter the ther#
CG, a%ternn& -estern App'ian1es& Pi1tr spea)in$& h" !ay I he'p
yu6/ Pr! sai, as he t) ne % his %irst 1a''s#
C;es& a11r,in$ t !y re1r,s I a! spea)in$ t Hs 7!ith& an, yu ha*e
the -A:=@KK ,ish"asher# Is that ri$ht6/ Esha sai,#
Esha/s C!e!ry/ i!presse, the 1a''er# It "as nt a bi$ ,ea'& $i*en that
ur aut!ate, syste! ha, e*ery 1a''er/s re1r,s# -e )ne" their na!e&
a,,ress& 1re,it 1ar, ,etai's an, past pur1hases %r! -estern App'ian1es# -e
a's ha, ,etai's n "hen they 'ast 1a''e, us# In %a1t& the reasn "hy her 1a''
ha, 1!e t ur ,es)the -estern App'ian1es 7trate$i1 ,es)"as be1ause
she "as a persistent 1a''er# This "ay the !ain bay 1u', 1ntinue t run
s!th'y#
7!eti!es "e ha, 1ust!ers that "ere ,,ba''s e*en by -A7G
stan,ar,s# I "i'' nt $ int a'' % the!& but Pr!/s >K:F? p#!# 1a'' "ent
s!ethin$ 'i)e this:
C;es s 8au'sn& % 1urse "e re!e!ber yu# Happy Than)s$i*in$& I hpe
yu are !a)in$ a bi$ tur)ey in ur -A>KK !,e' *en&/ Pr! sai,& rea,in$
%r! a s1ript that re!in,e, us abut the A!eri1an %esti*a' % the ,ay#
I 1u', nt hear the 1ust!er/s si,e % the 1n*ersatin& but Hs 8au'sn
"as b*ius'y e4p'ainin$ her prb'e! "ith the *en#
CN Hs 8au'sn& yu shu',n/t ha*e uns1re"e, the 1*er&/ Pr! sai,&
as p'ite'y as pssib'e#
CN& rea''y !a,a!# An e'e1tri1a' app'ian1e 'i)e the -A>KK shu', n'y
he ser*i1e, by traine, pr%essina's&/ Pr! sai,& rea,in$ *erbati! %r! the
-A>KK ser*i1e !anua'#
Hs 8au'sn sp)e %r anther !inute# Our strate$i1 bay har,'y ha, a
reputatin %r e%%i1ien1y& but 'n$ 1a''s 'i)e these 1u', s1re" up Pr!/s
respnse ti!es#
C7ee !a,a!& yu nee, t e4p'ain t !e "hy yu pene, the tp 1*er#
Then perhaps "e/'' un,erstan, "hy yu $t an e'e1tri1 sh1)G s te'' !eG
yesG h rea''y6 Pr! 1ntinue,& ta)in$ ,eep breaths# 8atien1e& )ey t
be1!in$ a star a$ent& ,i, nt 1!e natura''y t hi!#
I ')e, arun,M pep'e "ere busy "ith 1a''s# Ra,hi)a he'pe, s!ene
,e%rst her %ri,$eM Esha assiste, a 1ust!er in unpa1)in$ a ,ish"asher#
E*eryne "as spea)in$ "ith an A!eri1an a11ent an, sun,e, ,i%%erent %r!
h" they ha, in the Lua'is# I t) a brea) %r! the 1a''s t 1!pi'e the 1a''
statisti1 % thee pre*ius ,ay# I ,i, nt parti1u'ar'y 'i)e ,in$ this& but Ba)shi
ha, 'e%t !e "ith 'itt'e 1hi1e#
C7ee !a,a!&/ Pr! "as sti'' "ith Hs 8au'sn& CI un,erstan, yur
tur)ey ,i, nt %it an, yu ,i, nt "ant t 1ut it& but yu shu', nt ha*e
pene, up the e+uip!entG# But see that is nt the e+uip!ent/s %au'tG I 1an/t
rea''y te'' yu "hat t ,G I un,erstan, yur sn is 1!in$& !a,a!G# N" I%
yu ha, the -A>AK& that is a bi$$er siBeG CPr! sai,& be$innin$ t breathe
%aster#
Hs 8au'sn rante, n %r a "hi'e 'n$er#
CHs 8au'sn& I su$$est yu ta)e the *en t yur ,ea'er as sn as
pssib'e/ Pr! sai, %ir!'y# CAn, ne4t ti!e& $et a s!a''er tur)ey### an, yes& a
rea,y!a,e tur)ey "i'' be a $, i,ea %r tni$htG N& I ,n/t ha*e a ,ia'=a=
tur)ey nu!ber# Than) yu %r 1a''in$ Hs 8au'sn& bye#/ Pr! en,e, the 1a''#
Pr! na$$e, his %ist n the tab'e#
CE*erythin$ )ay6/ I sai,& nt ')in$ up %r! !y papers#
C;eah# 2ust a psy1h 1ust!er&/ he !u!b'e, as anther nu!ber starte,
%'ashin$ n his s1reen#
I "r)e, n !y 1!puter %r the ne4t ten !inutes& 1!pi'in$ the 1a''
statisti1s % the pre*ius ,ay# Ba)shi ha, a's assi$ne, !e the respnsibi'ity
% 1he1)in$ the ther a$ent/s eti+uette# E*ery n" an, then& I "u', 'isten in
n s!eb,y/s 1a''# At >K:D? p#!#& I 1nne1te, t Esha/s 'ine#
C;es sir# I sun, 'i)e yur ,au$hter6 Oh& than) yu# 7 "hat is "rn$
"ith the *a1uu! 1'eanerJ/ she "as sayin$#
C;ur *i1e is s sthin$&/ the 1a''er sai,#
CThan)s yu sir# 7& the *a1uu! 1'eanerG6/
Esha/s tne "as per%e1t5ust the ri$ht !i4 % p'iteness an, %ir!ness#
Hana$e!ent !nitre, us n a*era$e 1a'' han,'in$ ti!es& r AHTs# As -A7G
$t the !re pain%u' 1ust!ers& ur AHT Ben1h!ar)s "ere hi$her at t"=an,=
a=ha'% !inutes per 1a''# I 1he1)e, !y %i'es %r e*eryne/s AHTa'' % us "ere
"ithin tar$ets#
CBeep( The sun, % the %a4 !a1hine !a,e !e ') up %r! !y papers#
I "n,ere, "h 1u', be %a4in$ us at this ti!e# I "ent t the !a1hine an,
1he1)e, the in1!in$ %a4# It "as %r! Ba)shi#
The %a4 !a1hine t) three !inutes t 1hurn ut the se*en pa$es he
ha, sent# I tre the !essa$e sheet %% the !a1hine an, he', the %irst sheet
up#
!rom: "ubhash #akshi
"ub$ect: %rainin& Initiatives
'ear "hyam(
)ust !*I( I have recommended your name to assist in accent
trainin& as they are short of teachers+ I am sure you can
s,are some time for this+ -s always( I am tryin& to &et you
more relevant and strate&ic e.,osure+
*ours(
"ubhash #akshi
/ana&er( Conne.ions
I $aspe, as I rea, the rest % the %a4# Ba)shi "as su1)in$ !e int se*era'
hurs utsi,e !y shi%t t rea1h ne" re1ruits# Apart %r! the e4tra "r)& I
hate a11ent is s 1n%usin$# ;u !i$ht thin) the A!eri1ans an, their 'an$ua$e
are strai$ht%r"ar,# :ar %r! it"ith the!& ea1h 'etter 1an be prnun1e,
se*era' ,i%%erent "ays#
I "i'' $i*e yu 5ust ne e4a!p'e T# -ith this 'etter A!eri1ans ha*e
%ur ,i%%erent sun,s# T 1an be si'ent s Cinternet/ be1!es Cinnernet/ an,
Cadvantage/ be1!es Cadvannage/# The se1n, "ay is "hen T an, N !er$e
C"ritten/ be1!es C"ritn/ an, C1ertain/ is C1ertn/# The thir, sun, is "hen T
is in the !i,,'e# There& it sun,s 'i)e a 0Cdaughter/ is Cdaughter/ an,
Cwater/ in Cwauder/# The 'ast 1ate$ry& i% yu sti'' 1are& is "hen A!eri1ans say
T a1tua''y 'i)e a T# This happens "hen T is the be$innin$ % the "r, 'i)e
Ctable/ r Cstumble/# Han& it ,ri*ers !e nuts# An, this is 5ust ne 1nsnant#
The *"e's are anther& !re pain%u' stry#
C-hat/s upJ/ Pr! sai,& 1!in$ up t !e#
I passe, the %a4 t Pr!# He rea, it an, s!ir)e,#
C;eah ri$ht# He sent yu an :;I# 0 yu )n" "hat an :;I is6/ Pr!
sai,#
C-hatJ/
C:u1) yu Instea,# It is a stan,ar, "ay t ,u!p respnsibi'ity n
s!ene e'se#/
CI hate a11ent trainin$ !an# ;u 1an/t tea1h 0e'hi pep'e t spea) 'i)e
A!eri1an in a "ee)#/
C2ust as yu 1an/t train A!eri1ans t spea) "ith a 8un5abi a11ent&/
Pr! sai, an, 1hu1)'e,# CAny"ay& $ train=train& 'se yur brain#/
C-hat "i'' I ,6/ I sai,& be$innin$ t "a') ba1) t"ar,s ur ,es)#
CG train=train& 'se yur brain&/ Pr! sai, an, 'au$he,# He 'i)e, the
rhy!e& an, repeate, it se*era' ti!es as "e "a')e, ba1) t the bay#
I "as ba1) at !y seat& Pr!/s "r,sCtrain& train/e1hin$ in !y
hea,# They "ere !a)in$ !e re!e!ber anther )in, % train a't$ether# It
bru$ht ba1) !e!ries % the Rai' Huseu!"here I ha, a ,ate "ith 8riyan)a
a year a$#
NA
Hy 8ast 0ates "ith
8riyan)aI
Rai' Huseu!& Chana)yapuri
One year be%re this ni$ht
7he 1a!e thirty !inutes 'ate# I ha, seen the "h'e !useu! t"i1e&
e4a!ine, e*ery 'itt'e train !,e'& steppe, insi,e In,ia/s ',est 1a' en$ine&
un,erst, the !,ern intera1ti*e siren syste!# I "ent t the 1anteen& "hi1h
"as n an is'an, inn the !i,,'e % an arti%i1ia' pn,# It "as i!pressi*e
'an,s1apin$ %r !useu!# I thu$h % 'i$htin$ a 1i$arette& but I 1au$ht si$ht %
the si$n: COn'y 7tea! En$ines are A''"e, t 7!)e#/ I "as 1ra,'in$ a
'u)e"ar! C)e in the !useu! 1anteen "hen she arri*e,#
CO)ay# 0n/t say anythin$# 7rry& I/! 'ate& I )n"& I )n"&/ she sai, an,
sat ,"n "ith a thu!p in %rnt % !e#
I ,i,n/t say anythin$# I ')e, at her tiny nse# I "n,ere, h it a''"e,
in enu$h 4y$en#
C-hat& say s!ethin$&/ she sai, a%ter %i*e se1n,s#
CI thu$ht yu t', !e t be +uiet&/ I sai,#
CHy !ther nee,s pr%essina' he'p&/ 8riyan)a sai,# C7he rea''y ,es#/
C-hat happene,J/ I s"ir'e, the stra" in !y 1)e& !a)in$ 'itt'e %iBBy
,rps i!p',e#
CI/'' te'' yu# :irst& h" , yu 'i)e this p'a1eJ 1ute& isn/t it6/
CThe Rai' Huseu!6/ I sai,& thr"in$ !y han,s in the air# CH" ', are
"e& t"e'*e6 Any"ay& "hat happene, "ith !!6 -hat "as the %ue' t,ay6
C-e ,n/t nee, %ue'& 5ust a spar) is enu$h# 2ust as I "as rea,y t 'ea*e
t 1!e here& she !a,e a 1!!ent n !y ,ress#/
C-hat ,i, she say6/ I as)e,& ')in$ at her 1'thes# 7he "re a b'ue tie=
an,=,ye s)irt& an, a T=shirt that ha, a pea1e si$n n it# It "as typi1a' 8riyan)a
stu%%# 7he "re earrin$ "ith b'ue bea,s& "hi1h !at1he, her ne1)'a1e# 7he
ha, a hint % )h' in her eyes& "hi1h I "as 1raBy abut#
CI "as a'!st at the ,r an, then she says& "hy ,n/t yu "ear the
$', ne1)'a1e I $a*e yu %r yu yur 'ast birth,ay6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CAn, thenJ/ she b*ius'y "asn/t "earin$ any $', ne1)'a1e& as !y $aBe
turne, t the h''" % her ne1)& "hi1h I %e't 'i)e tu1hin$#
CAn, I "as 'i)e& n !!& it "n/t $ "ith !y ,ress# ;e''" !eta' is
tta''y un1'& n'y aunties "ear it# B!& ne4t thin$ "e are ha*in$ this bi$&
'n$ ar$u!ent# That/s "hat !a,e !e 'ate# 7rry&/ she sai,#
C;u ,i,n/t ha*e t %i$ht# 2ust "ear the 1hain in %rnt % her an,
re!*e it 'ater&/ I sai, as the "aiter 1a!e t ta)e ur r,er#
Cbut that/s nt the pint# Any"ays&/ she sai, an, turne, tt eh "aiter&
$et !e a p'ate % sa!sas& I/! star*in$# A1tua''y "ait& that is s %attenin$& ,
yu ha*e a sa'a,6/
The "aiter $a*e us a b'an) ')#
C-here , yu thin) yu are6/ I sai,# Cthis is the Rai' Huseu! 1anteen&
nt an Ita'ian bistr# ;u $et "hat yu see#/
CO)ay& )ay&/ she sai,& eyein$ the sta''s# CGet !e the ptat 1hips# N&
$et !e the pp1rn# 8p1rn is 'i$hter ri$ht6 7he ')e, at the "aiter as i% he
"as a nutritinist#
C2ust $et the pp1rn&/ I sai, t the "aiter#
C7& "hat e'se is happenin$6 Het Pr!6/ she sai,
CM-as suppse, t& but 1u',n/t# he ha, a ,ate#/
C-ith "h6 Ne" $ir'6/
CO% 1urse# He ne*er sti1)s t ne# I "n,er "hat $ir's see in hi!# A''
ht nes t&/ I sai,#
CI 1an/t un,erstan, the ,ea' "ith Pr!# He is the !st !ateria'isti1
an, une!tina' persn I ha*e !et in !y entire 'i%e&/ 8riyan)a sai, as the
pp1rn arri*e, at ur tab'e#
CN he isn/t&/ I sai, $rabbin$ !re pp1rn than I 1u', h',#
C-e''& ') at hi!5eans& phnes& piBBas an, bi)es# That is a'' he 'i*es
%r# An, this "h'e ne" $ir'%rien, e*ery three !nths& 1/!n& at s!e pint
yu/*e $t t stp that& ri$ht6/
C-e''& Im happy t sti1) t the ne I ha*e&/ I sai,& !y !uth
*er%'"in$ "ith pp1rn#
C;u are s 1ute&/ 8riyan)a sai,& as she b'ushe, an, s!i'e,# 7he t)
s!e !re pp1rn an, stu%%e, it int !y !uth#
CThan)s&/ I sai, as I !un1he, the pp1rn# CPr! has 1han$e,# He
"asn/t 'i)e this "hen he %irst 5ine, %r! his pre*ius 5b#/
CThe ne at the ne"spaper6/
C;eah& 5urna'ist trainee# He starte, in 1urrent a%%airs# 0 yu )n"
"hat ne % his %a!us pie1es "as 1a''e,6/
CN& "hat6 Oh 1rap&/ 8riyan)a sai,& ')in$ at s!ene behin, !e#
C-hat happene,6/
CNthin$& 5ust ,n/t ') ba1)# 7!e re'ati*es % !ine "ith their pain%u'
)i,s are here# Oh n&/ she sai,& ')in$ ,"n at ur tab'e#
N" "hen s!ene te''s yu nt t ') at s!ethin$& yu a'"ays %ee'
an in1re,ib'e ur$e t , 5ust that# :r! the 1rner % !y eye I sa" a %a!i'y
"ith t" )i,s at the 1rner % the r!#
C-h e'se , yu e4pe1t t 1!e here but )i,s6/ I sai,# CAny"ay& they
are +uite %ar#/
C7hut up an, ') ,"n# Any"ay& te'' !e abut Pr!/s pie1e&/ she
sai,#
COh yeah# It "as 1a''e, CWhy ont politi!ians Ever Commit "ui!ide6T/
C-hat6 7un,s !rbi,#/
C-e''& the arti1'e sai, a'' )in,s % pep'e=stu,ents& huse"i*es&
business!en& e!p'yees an, e*en %i'! stars1!!it sui1i,e# But p'iti1ians
ne*er ,# That te''s yu s!ethin$#/
C-hat6/ she sai,& sti'' )eepin$ her eyes ,"n#
C-e''& Pr!/s pint "as that sui1i,e is a hrrib'e thin$ an, pep'e , it
n'y be1ause they are rea''y hurt# This !eans they %ee' s!ethin$# But
p'iti1ians ,n/t# 7& basi1a''y& this 1untry is run by pep'e "h ,n/t %ee'
anythin$#/
C-"( Can/t i!a$ine that $in$ ,"n "e'' "ith his e,itr#/
C;u bet it ,i,n/t# H"e*er& Pr! ha, snea)e, it in# the e,itr n'y
sa" it a%ter it "as printe, an, a'' he'' br)e 'se# Pr! s!eh" sa*e, his
5b& but his bsses !*e, hi! t 8a$e F#/
COur Pr!6 8a$e F6/
CThey t', Pr! he "as $, ')in$& s he "u', %it in there# In
a,,i1tin& he ha, ,ne a pht$raphy 1urse# He 1u', 1'i1) the pi1tures
hi!se'%#/
CC*er 8a$e F be1ause yu are $, ')in$6 N" that sun,s ,u!b&/
she sai,#
CIt is ,u!b# But Pr! ') his re*en$e there t# He t) un%'atterin$
pi1tures % the $'itterati%a1es stu%%e, "ith %,& 1'se=ups % 1e''u'ite thi$hs&
,run) pep'e thr"in$ upthat srt % stu%% sh"e, up in papers the ne4t
,ay#/
COh !y G,&/ 8riyan)a 'au$he,# CHe sun,s 'i)e an a1ti*ist# I 1an/t
un,erstan, his s"it1hin$ t the 1a'' 1enter %r !ney#/
C-e''& a11r,in$ t hi!& there is a1ti*is! in 1hasin$ !ney t#/
CAn, h" ,es that "r)6/
C-e''& his pint is that the n'y reasn A!eri1ans ha*e say in this "r',
is be1ause they ha*e 1ash# The ,ay "e $et !ney& "e 1an s1re" the!# 7 the
%irst thin$ "e ha*e t , is $et the !ney#/
CInterestin$&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, 'et ut a si$h# C-e''& that is "hy "e s'$
at ni$ht# I 1u', ha*e ,ne !y B#E, ri$ht a%ter 1''e$e# But I "ante, t sa*e
s!e !ney %irst# Can/t pen !y ,rea! nursery s1h' "ithut 1ash# 7 unti'
then& it is t" hun,re, 1a''s a ni$ht& ni$ht a%ter ni$ht#/ 8riyan)a reste, her
1hin n her e'b"s# I ')e, at her# I thin) she "u', !a)e the 1utest nursery
s1h' prin1ipa' e*er#
C-estern App'ian1es& 7a! spea)in$& h" !ay I he'p yu6 8'ease 'et !e
he'p yu6 #leaseG/ I sai,& i!itatin$ an A!eri1an a11ent#
8riyan)a 'au$he, a$ain#
C8riyan)a ,i,eeee&/ a %i*e=year ', by/s *i1e starte, 1ust!ers %r!
their sa!sas#
The by runnin$ t"ar,s 8riyan)a ha, a !,e' train set an, a $'ass %
%untain 1)e pre1arius'y ba'an1e, in his han,s# He ran "ithut 1=
r,inatin: the e41ite!ent % seein$ his ,i,i "as t !u1h %r hi!# He
trippe, near ur tab'e an, I 'un$e, t sa*e hi!# I su11ee,e,& but his %untain
1)e %e'' a'' *er !y shirt#
COh n&/ I sai, e*e as I sa" anther three=year=', $ir' "ith a hu$e
'''ipp in her !uth runnin$ t"ar,s us# I !*e, asi,e %r! the trna, t
sa*e anther 1''isin# 7he 'an,e, strai$ht n 8riyan)a/s 'ap# I "ent t the
restr! t 1'ean !y shirt#
C7hya!&/ 8riyan)a sai, "hen I returne,& C!eet !y 1usin& 0r Anura$#/
The entire %a!i'y ha, shi%te, t ur tab'e# 8riyan)a intr,u1e, !e t
e*eryne# I %r$t their na!es as sn as I hear, the!# 8riyan)a t', her
,1tr 1usin I "r)e, at a 1a'' 1enter# I thin) the 1usin "as 'ess intereste,
in ta')in$ t !e a%ter that# The )i,s ha, eaten ha'% the pp1rn an, spi't the
rest % it# The by "as runnin$ his !,e' train set thru$h pp1rn %ie',s n
the tab'e an, s1rea!in$ a !1) siren "ith his sister#
C7it& 7hya!&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CN& a1tua''y I ha*e an ear'y shi%t t,ay&/ I sai, an, $t up t 'ea*e#
CBut "aitG/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CN& I ha*e t $&/ I sai, an, ran ut % the Rai' Huseu!& "hi1h ha,
turne, as 1hati1 as a rai'"ay statin#
NE
COu1h& Esha s1rea! in the !i,,'e % her 1a'' br)e !y train % thu$h
an, !e!ries#
C-hat6/ I sai,#
CI hear, 'u, stati1# Rea''y ba, 'ineG he''& yes !a,a!& Esha sai,#
Ra,hi)a "as )nittin$ s!ethin$ "ith pin) "' "hi'e she "aite, %r a
1a''# 8ep'e "ere busy& but I 1u', sense that the 1a'' *'u!e "as '"er than
usua' tni$ht#
CEe"&/ 8riyan)a sai, %i*e se1n,s 'ater#
C:rea)in$ he''&/ Pr! sai, as he pu''e, %% his hea,set %r! his ears#
C-hat/s $in$ n6/ I sai,#
CThere/s shri'' stati1 1!in$ e*ery %e" se1n,s n"# As) Ba)shi t sen,
s!ene&/ Pr! sai,& rubbin$ his ear#
CI/'' $ t his %%i1e# ;u $uys 1*er the 1a''s&/ I sai, an, ')e, at the
ti!e# It "as >K:A> p#!# The %irst brea) "as in 'ess than an hur#
I passe, by the trainin$ r! n !y "ay t Ba)shi/s %%i1e# I per)e,
insi,e: %resh trainees "ere atten,in$ a sessin# 7!e stu,ents "ere snBin$M
they "ere prbab'y sti'' $ettin$ use, t "r)in$ at ni$ht#
CFAU>K/& the instru1tr "rte in bi$ b', 'etters n the b'a1)bar,#
I re!e!bere, the FAU>K ru'e %r! !y trainin$ ,ays t" years a$# It
he'pe, a$ents a,5ust t their 1a''ers#
CRe!e!ber&/ the instru1tr sai, t the 1'ass& Ca thirty=%i*e=year=',
A!eri1an/s brain an, IL is the sa!e as a ten=years=', In,ian/s brain# This "i''
he'p yu un,erstan, yur 1'ients# ;u nee, t be as patient as yu are "hen
,ea'in$ "ith a 1hi',# A!eri1ans are ,u!b& 5ust a11ept it# I ,n/t "ant anyne
'sin$ their 1' ,urin$ the 1a''sG/
I ,rea,e, the ,ay "hen I "u', ha*e t tea1h in su1h 1'asses# Hy "n
0e'hi a11ent "as i!pssib'e t $et ri, %& an, I !ust ha*e 1!e 'ast in !y
a11ent 1'ass#
CI ha*e t $et ut % this&/ I sai, t !yse'% as I "ent t Ba)shi/s 1abin#
Ba)shi "as in his *ersiBe, %%i1e& startin$ at his 1!puter "ith his
!uth pen# As I 1a! in& he rapi,'y 1'se, the "in,"s# He "as prbab'y
sur%in$ the Internet %r bi)ini babes r s!ethin$#
CG, e*enin$ sir&/ I sai,#
COh he''& 7a!G p'ease 1!e in#/ Ba)shi 'i)e, t 1a'' us by ur -estern
na!es# I hate, it#
I "a')e, int his %%i1e s'"'y& t $i*e hi! ti!e t 1'se his %a*rite
"ebsites#
CC!e& 1!e 7a!& ,n/t "rry# I be'ie*e in bein$ an pen ,r
!ana$er#/ Ba)shi sai,#
I ')e, at his bi$ s+uare %a1e& unusua''y 'ar$e %r his A/ET b,y# The
*ersiBe, %a1e rese!b'e, the Ra*an 1ut=ut at 0usshera# His %a1e shne as
usua'# It "as the %irst thin$ yu nti1e, abut Ba)shithe i'%ie',s n his %a1e#
I thin) i% yu 1u', re1reate Ba)shi/s s)in as ur 'an,s1ape& yu 1u', s'*e
In,ia/s i' prb'e!# 8riyan)a t', !e ne that "hen she !et Ba)shi %r the
%irst ti!e& she ha, an *er"he'!in$ ur$e t ta)e a tissue an, "ipe it har,
a1rss his %a1e# I , nt thin) ne tissue "u', be enu$h thu$h#
Ba)shi "as arun, thirty but ')e, %rty an, sp)e 'i)e he "as %i%ty#
He ha, "r)e, in Cnne4ins %r the past three years# Be%re that& he ,i, an
HBA %r! s!e unprnun1eab'e uni*ersity in 7uth In,ia# He thu$h he "as
Hi1hae' 8rter r s!ethin$ <8rter is this bi$ !ana$e!ent $uruI ,i,n/t
)n" either& but Ba)shi t', !e in an :;I n1e. an, '*e, t ta') in !ana$er/s
'an$ua$es r Hana$ese& "hi1h is anther 'an$ua$es 'i)e En$'ish an, A!eri1an#
C7& h" are the resur1es ,in$6/ Ba)shi sai,& s"i*e'in$ n his 1hair#
He ne*er re%ers t us a pep'eM "e are a'' Cresur1es#/
C:ine& sir# I a1tua''y t ta') abut a prb'e!# The phne 'ines are nt
"a')in$ prperty'ts % stati1 1!in$ in the 1a''s# Can yu as) syste!sG/
C:ine& sir# I a1tua''y "ante, t ta') abut a prb'e!# The phne 'ines
are nt "r)in$ prpe'y'ts % stati1 1!in$ in the 1a''s# Can yu as)
syste!sG/
C7a!&/ Ba)shi sai,& pintin$ a pen at !e#
C;es6/
C-hat ,i, I te'' yu6/
CAbut "hat6/
CAbut h" t appra1h prb'e!s#/
C-hat6/
CThin)#/
I thu$h har,& but nthin$ 1a!e t !in,#
I ,n/t re!e!ber sirG# 7'*e the!6/
CN# I sai, bi$ pi1tures# A'"ays start at the bi$ pi1ture#/
I "as puBB'e,# What was the big pi!ture here6 There "as stati1 1!in$
thru$h n the phnes an, "e ha, t as) syste!s t %i4 it# I 1u', ha*e 1a''e,
the! !yse'%& but Ba)shi/s inter*entin "u', $et a %aster respnse#
C7ir& it is a spe1i%i1 issue# Cust!ers are hearin$ ,isturban1eG/
C7a!&/ Ba)shi si$he, an, si$na'e, !e t sit ,"n& C"hat !a)es a $,
!ana$er6/
C-hat6/ I sat ,"n in %rnt % hi! an, surreptitius'y ')e, at !y
"at1h# It "as >K:A? p#!# I hpe, the 1a'' %'" "as !,erate s the thers
"u',n/t ha*e a tu$h ti!e "ith ne 'ess persn n the ,es)#
C-ait&/ Ba)shi sai, an, t) ut a "ritin$ pa, an, pen# He p'a1e, the
pa, n the !i,,'e % the tab'e an, then ,re" a $raph that ')e, 'i)e this:
He %inishe, the $raph an, turne, the nteb) hun,re, an, ei$hty
,e$rees t !a)e it %a1e !e# He 1'i1)e, his pen shut "ith a s"a$$er& as pru,
as ,a Pin1i %inishin$ the Hna Lisa#
C7ir& syste!s6/ I sai,& a%ter stayin$ si'ent %r a %e" se1n,s#
C-ait& %irst yu te'' !e# -hat is this6/ Ba)shi sai, an, tape, his in,e4 %in$er
n the ,ia$ra!#
I trie, t !a)e sense % the 1hart an, pssib'y 1nne1tin t the stati1
n the phne 'ines# I 1u',n/t $et it#
I sh) !y hea, in ,e%eat#
CT1h=t1h& see 'et !e te'' yu&/ Ba)shi sai,# CThis 1hart is yur 1areer# I%
yu "ant t be !re senir& yu ha*e t !*e up this 1ur*e#/ He put a %in$er
n the 1ur*e an, tra1e, it& $ui,in$ !e n h" I shu', ') at !y 'i%e#
C;es sir/ I sai, ha*in$ nthin$ better t say#
CAn, , yu )n" h" t , thatJ/
I sh) !y hea,# Pr! prbab'y thu$h I "as ut s!)in$# I ,i, %ee'
s!e s!)e 1!in$ ut % !y ears#
CBi$ 8i1ture# I 5ust t', yu %1us n the bi$ pi1ture# Learn t i,enti%y
the strate$i1 *ariab'es& 7a!#/
Be%re I 1u', spea)& he ha, pu''e, ut his pen a$ain an, "as ,ra"in$
anther ,ia$ra!#
CHaybe I 1an e4p'ain this t yu "ith the he'p % a @4@ !atri4&/ Ba)shi
sai, an, bent ,"n t "rte CHi$h an, CL"/ a'n$ the b4es# I ha, t stp
hi!#
C7ir p'ease&/ I sai,& p'a1in$ bth !y han,s ,"n t 1*er the sheet#
C-hat6/ he sai, "ith irritatin& as i% Einstein ha, been ,isturbe, at
"r)#
C7ir& this is rea''y interestin$ t !e# I !ust 1!e ba1) an, 'earn this# But
ri$ht n" any tea! is "aitin$ an, !y shi%t is in pr$ress#/
C76/ Ba)shi sai,#
CThe phnes& sir# 8'ease te'' syste!s they shu', 1he1) the -A7G bay
ur$ent'y&/ I sai,& "ithut pausin$ t breathe#
CHuh6/ Ba)shi sai,& surprise, at h" %ast I spea)in$#
C2ust 1a'' syste!s sir&/ I sai, an, st, up& Cusin$ that#/ I pinte, at his
te'ephne an, rushe, ba1) t !y bay#
N?
CNi1e brea) eh6/ Pr! sai, "hen I returne, t ur bay CC/!n !an&
5ust "ent t Ba)shi/s %%i1e abut the stati1&/ I sai,#
IIs he sen,in$ s!ene6/ Pr! as)e, as he untan$'e, his phne "ires#
CHe sai, I shu', i,enti%y the strate$i1 *ariab'e %irst&/ I sai, an, sat ,"n
n !y seat# I reste, !y %a1e n !y han,s#
C7trate$i1 *ariab'es6 -hat/s that6/ Pr! sai,& "ithut ')in$ at !e#
CH" the he'' , I )n"6/ I snrte,# CI% I ,i,& I "u', be tea! 'ea,er# He a's
!a,e s!e ,ia$ra!s/
Ra,hi)a& Esha an, 8riyan)a "ere busy n 1a''s# E*ery %e" se1n,s& they
"u', turn the phne a"ay %r! their ears t a*i, the 'u, stati1# I "ishe,
the syste!s $uy "u', 1!e by sn#
C-hat ,ia$ra!6/ Pr! sai,& as he t) ut s!e 1he"in$ $u! %r! his
,ra"er# He %%ere, ne t !e#
C7!e 1rap @4@ !atri4 r s!ethin$&/ I sai,& ,e1'inin$ Pr!/s %%er#
C8r Ba)shi& he is 5ust a 'itt'e si''y but a har!'ess 1reature# 0n/t "rry
abut hi!&/ Pr! sai,#
C-here the he'' is the syste!s $uy6/ I pi1)e, up the te'ephne an,
sp)e t the syste!s ,epart!ent# They ha, nt yet re1ei*e, a 1a'' %r!
Ba)shi# CCan yu p'ease 1!e %astGyes& "e ha*e an e!er$en1yGyes& ur
!ana$er )n"s abut it#/
CI 1an/t be'ie*e Ba)shi hasn/t 1a''e, the! yet&/ I sai,& a%ter I ha, $t the
syste!s $uys t pr!ise they/, sen, s!ene ri$ht a"ay#
CThin$s are ba, arun, here& !y %rien,&/ Pr! sai,# CBa, ne"s !ay be
1!in$#/
C-hat , yu !ean6 Are they 1uttin$ 5bs6/ I as)e,& n" a 'itt'e "rrie,
an, an4ius& a'n$ "ith bein$ %rustrate,# It/s a!aBin$ h" a'' these nasty
e!tins ,e1i,e t *isit !e t$ether#
CI/! tryin$ t %in, ut&/ Pr! sai,& 1'in)in$ pen a "in," n his
s1reen# CThe -estern C!puters a11unt is rea''y su%%erin$# I% "e 'se that
a11unt& the 1a'' 1enter "i'' sin)#/
CCrap# I hear, s!ethin$ abut it %r! 7he%a'i# I thin) the "ebsite "e
!a,e "as t use%u'# 8ep'e ha*e stppe, 1a''in$ us&/ I sai,#
A *isitr in ur bay interrupte, ur 1n*ersatin# I )ne" he "as the
syste!s $uy& as he ha, three pa$es n his be't an, t" !e!ry 1ar,s arun,
his ne1)#
8riyan)a t', hi! abut the prb'e! an, !a,e hi! 'isten t the stati1#
The syste!s $uy as)e, us t ,is1nne1t ur 'ines %r ten !inutes#
E*eryne re!*e, their hea,sets# I sa" Esha a,5ustin$ her hair# 7he
,es it at 'east ten ti!es a ni$ht# :irst she "i'' re!*e the rubber ban, that/s
tyin$ up her hair an, her hair "i'' 1!e 'se# Then& she asse!b'es it a''
t$ether an, ties it ba1) a$ain#
Her hair "as 'i$ht=1're, an, intense'y 1ur'y t"ar,s the en,s: the
resu't % an e4pensi*e hair sty'in$ 5b& "hi1h 1st as !u1h as a !inr sur$ery#
It ,i,n/t e*en ') that ni1e i% yu as) !e# Natura''y 1ur'y hair is ne thin$&
but pr1esse, 1ur'y hair ')s 'i)e tan$'e, te'ephne "ires#
I sa" Pr! stare at Esha# It is ne*er easy %r $uys t "r) "ith a ht
$ir' in %%i1e# I !ean& "hat are yu suppse, t ,6 I$nre their se4iness an,
stare at yur 1!puter6 7rry& s!eh" I ,n/t thin) !en "ere ,esi$ne, t
, that#
Ra,hi)a t) her pin) "' ut %r! her ba$ an, starte, t )nt
%ranti1a''y Hi'itary 9n1'e/s syste! "as sti'' "r)in$ an, s!eh" $'ue, t his
!nitr#
C-hat are yu )nittin$6/ Esha turne, t Ra,hi)a#
CA s1ar% %r !y !ther=in='a"# 0a!n s"eet she is& %ee's 1', at ni$ht&/
Ra,hi)a sai,#
C7he is nt s"eetC Pr! be$an t say but Ra,hi)a interrupte, hi!#
C7hh Pr!# 7he is %ine& 5ust tra,itina'#/
CAn, that su1)s& ri$ht6 Pr! sai,#
CNt at a''# In %a1t& I 'i)e the 1By %a!i'y %ee'in$# They are n'y a 'itt'e
bit ',=%ashine,&/ Ra,hi)a sai, an, s!i'e,# I ,i, nt thin) the s!i'e "as
$enuine& but it "as nne % !y business#
C;eah ri$ht# On'y a 'itt'e# As in a'"ays 1*er yur hea, "ith yur sari
types&/ Pr! sai,#
CThey !a)e yu 1*er yur hea,6/ Esha as)e,& spea)in$ thru$h teeth
1'en1he, arun, her rubber ban,#
CThey ,n/t ma$e !e , anythin$& Esha# I a! "i''in$ t %''" their
1u'ture# A'' !arrie, "!en in their huse , it&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C7ti'' it is a bit "eir,&/ Esha sai,#
CAny"ay& I t' it as a 1ha''en$e# I '*e Anu5 an, he sai, he 1a!e as a
pa1)a$e# But yeah& s!eti!es I !iss "earin$ '" "aist 5eans 'i)e yu "re
the ,ay be%re#/
I "as a!aBe, Ra,hi)a re!e!bere, "hat Esha "re the ,ay be%re#
On'y "!en ha*e this spe1ia' area in the brain that )eeps tra1) % e*erythin$
they an, their %rien,s "re the 'ast %i%ty ti!es#
C;u thin) thse 5eans6/ Esha sai,& her eyes 'i$htin$ up#
CI '*e the!# But I $uess yu nee, the ri$ht %i$ure %r the!&/ Ra,hi)a
sai,# CAny"ays& srry t 1han$e the tpi1 $uys& but "e/re %r$ettin$
s!ethin$ here#/
C-hat6 The syste!s6/ I as)e,& as I ')e, un,er the tab'e# The syste!s
$uy 'ur)e, "ithin& in a 5un$'e "ires# He t', !e "u', nee, ten !re
!inutes#
I 1he1)e, !y "at1h# I "as >>:@K p#!# I "n,ere, i% Ba)shi "u', be
1!in$ %r his ,ai'y run,s sn#
CNt the stati1&/ Ra,hi)a sai, as she )ept her )nittin$ asi,e# CHiss
8riyan)a has s!e bi$ ne"s %r us& re!e!ber6/
COh yes# C/!n 8riyan)a te'' us&/ Esha s1rea!e,# Hi'itary 9n1'e ')e,
up %r! his s1reen %r a se1n,& an, then "ent ba1) t "r)# I "n,ere, i%
he/, been this +uiet "hen he 'i*e, "ith his sn an, ,au$hter=in='a"#
CO)ay I , ha*e s!ethin$ t te'' yu&/ 8riyan)a sai, "ith a sheepish
$rin& !a)in$ her t" ,i!p'es !re pr!inent# 7he bru$ht ut a b4 %
s"eets %r! her 'ar$e p'asti1 ba$#
C-hate*er yur ne"s is& "e , $et t eat the s"eets& ri$ht6 Pr!
"ante, t )n"#
CO% 1urse&/ 8riyan)a sai,& 1are%u''y penin$ the re, 1e''phane
"rappin$ n the b4# I hate it "hen she is s !eth,i1a'# 2ust trip the ,a!n
"rappin$ %%& I thu$ht# Any"ay& it "as nt !y business# I ')e, un,er the
tab'e %r a %e" se1n,s& as i% t he'p the syste!s $uy# O% Curse& !y ears
"ere %1use, n 8riyan)a/s e*ery "r,#
C7& "hat/s up6 Oh !i') 1a)e& !y %a*urite&/ Ra,hi)a sai,& e*en as
Pr! 5u!pe, t $rab the %irst pie1e#
CI/'' te'' yu& but yu $uys ha*e t s"ear it "n/t 'ea*e -A7G&/ 8riyan)a
sai,# 7he %%ere, the b4 t Ra,hi)a an, Esha# Ra,hi)a t) t" pie1es& "hi'e
Esha br)e the tiniest pie1e pssib'e "ith hu!an %in$ers# I $uess the '"=1ut
5eans %i$ure 1!es at a pri1e#
CO% 1urse "e "n/t te'' anyne# I har,'y ha*e any %rien,s utsi,e the
-A7G# N" te'' p'ease&/ Esha sai, an, "ipe, her 'n$ %in$ers "ith a tissue#
C-e''& 'et/s 5ust say& !y !! is the happier persn n earth t,ay&/
8riyan)a sai,#
CN ri,,'es !an# 2ust te'' an, the stry&/ Pr! sai,#
C-e''& yu )n" !y !! an, her bsessin %r an NRI !at1h %r her
rebe''ius ,au$hter#/
C9h=uh& Ra,hi)a n,,e, as she ate her !i') 1a)e#
C7 these %a!i'y %rien,s % urs bru$ht a prpsa' %r !e# It 1a!e %r!
ne % their re'ati*es in 7eatt'e# I "u', ha*e sai, n 'i)e a'"ays# H"e*er&
this ti!e& I sa" the pi1tures& "hi1h "ere 1ute# I sp)e t the $uy n the
phnehe sun,e, ,e1ent# He "r)s in Hi1rs%ts is ,in$ "e''# His
parents are in 0e'hi an, I !et the! t,ay# Ni1e pep'e&/ 8riyan)a sai, an,
pause, t brea) a pie1e %r herse'%# 7he 1u', ha*e br)en a s!a''er pie1e& I
thu$ht& but it "as nt rea''y !y business#
CAn,&/ Esha sai,& her eyes pene, "i,e an, startin$ at 8riyan)a#
CI ,n/t )n"& 5ust s!ethin$ 1'i1)e, r "hat&/ 8riyan)a sai,& p'ayin$
"ith her !i') 1a)e rather than eatin$ it# CThey as)e, %r !y ,e1isin up%rnt
an, I sai,yes#/
C-aaa"( Oh ""(/ the $ir's s1rea!e, at their hi$hest pit1h
pssib'e# The syste! $uy sh) in terrr un,er the tab'e# I t', hi!
e*erythin$ "as %ine an, as)e, hi! t 1ntinue# At 'east e*erythin$ "as %ine
utsi,e# Insi,e& I ha, a burnin$ %ee'in$& 'i)e s!ene ha, tsse, a ht 1a' in
!y st!a1h#
Ra,hi)a an, Esha $t up t hu$ 8riyan)a as i% In,ia ha, "n the -r',
Cup r s!ethin$# 8ep'e $et !arrie, e*ery,ay# 0i, these $ir's rea''y ha*e t
1reate a s1ene6 I "ishe, the phnes "u', start "r)in$ a$ain s I ,i, nt
ha*e t 'isten t his nnsense#
I ')e, at !y 1!puter s1reen an, sa" that Hi1rs%t -r, "as pen#
An$ri'y I 1'se, a'' "in,"s "ith the Hi1rs%t '$ n it#
CCn$ratu'atins& 8riyan)a&/ Pr! sai,& Cthat/s bi$ ne"s#/
E*en Hi'itary 9n1'e $t up an, 1a!e t sha)e han,s "ith 8riyan)a#
Gr"n ups 'i)e it "hen yun$ pep'e ,e1i,e t $et !arrie,# O% 1urse& he "as
ba1) at his ,es) in t"enty se1n,s#
CThis ,eser*es !re than !i') 1a)e# -here is ur treat6/ Esha as)e,#
Gir's 'i)e Esha har,'y eat anythin$& but sti'' 5u!p arun, as)in$ %r treats#
CTreat "i'' 1!e $uys&/ 8riyan)a sai,& her s!i'e ta)in$ per!anent
resi,en1e n her %a1e# CI ha*e n'y sai, yes# N 1ere!nies ha*e happene,
yet#/
C;u/*e !et the $uy6/ Pr! sai,#
CN& he/s in 7eatt'e# But "e sp)e %r hurs n the phne# An, I ha*e
seen his pi1ture# He is 1ute# -ant t see the pht6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CN than)s&/ I b'urte, ut in re%'e4# 0a!n& I 1u', nt be'ie*e I/, sai,
that by sheer 'u1)& I ha, nt sai, it 'u, enu$h %r 8riyan)a t hear#
CHuh6 ;u sai, s!ethin$6/ 8riyan)a as)e,& ')in$ at !e#
I sh) !y hea, an, pinte, un,er the tab'e# ;es& !y n'y %1us "as t
%i4 the phnes#
C0 yu "ant s!e !i') 1a)e6/ 8riyan)a as)e, an, shunte, the b4
t"ar,s !e#
CN& than)s&/ I sai, an, s'i, the b4 ba1)#
CI thu$ht !i') 1a)e "as yur %a*rite#/
CNt any!re# Hy tastes ha*e 1han$e,&/ I sai,# CAn, I/! tryin$ t 1ut
,"n#/
CNt e*e n a s!a'' pie1e6/ she as)e, an, tit'e, her hea,# At s!e sta$e
% !y 'i%e& I sue, t %in, that hea,=ti't 1ute& but t,ay I re!aine, a,a!ant#
I sh) !y hea,# Our eyes '1)e,# -hen yu ha*e share, a re'atinship
"ith s!ene& the %irst 1han$e is in h" yu ') int ea1h ther/s eyes# The
$aBe be1!es !re %i4e,& an, it is har, t pu'' a"ay %r! it#
CAren/t yu $in$ t say anythin$6/ 8riyan)a sai,# -hen $ir's say that&
it/s nt rea''y a +uestin# It !eans they want yu t say s!ethin$#
CAbut "hat6 The phne 'ines6 They/'' be %i4e, in ten !inutes&/ I sai,#
CNt that# I/! $ettin$ !arrie,& 7hya!#/
COh rea''y&/ I sai,& as i% this "ere %irst ti!e I ha, hear, the ne"s#
CI 5ust sai, yes t a prpsa' t,ay&/ she sai,#
CG,&/ I sai, an, turne, t !y s1reen#
C7h" us the pi1ture(/ Esha s1rea!e,& as i% 8riyan)a "as $in$ t sh"
her Bra, 8itt na)e, r s!ethin$# 8riyan)a t) ut a pht$raph %r! her
han,ba$ an, passe, it arun,# I sa" it %r! a ,istan1e: he ')e, 'i)e a
re$u'ar s%t"are $ee)& si!i'ar t the $uy un,er ur tab'e& but "ith better
1'thes# He st, strai$ht "ith his st!a1h pu''e, inan ', tri1) any $uy "ith
a paun1h app'ies "hen he $ets his pi1ture 1'i1)e,# He "re $'asses& an, ha, a
super neat hairsty'e as i% his !! 1'ut1he, his 1hee)s an, 1!be, his hair
e*ery !rnin$# A1tua''y& she 5ust !i$ht ha*e %r this Carran$e, !arria$e/
pi1ture# He "as stan,in$ "ith the statue % Liberty in the ba1)$run,&
perhaps t e!phasiBe that he "as an NRI !at1h an, this better than thers#
His %r1e, s!i'e !a,e hi! ') 'i)e a tta' 'ser i% yu as) !e'i)e the )in,
% $uy "h ne*er sp)e t a $ir' in 1''e$e# H"e*er& n" he "as ht& an,
$ir's "ith ,i!p'es "ere rea,y t !arry hi! "ithut e*en !eetin$ hi!#
CHe/s s 1ute# Li)e a 'itt'e te,,y bear&/ Esha sai, an, passe, the pi1ture
t Ra,hi)a#
-hen $ir's 1a'' a $uy Cte,,y bear/& they 5ust !ean he is ni1e but they
"i'' ne*er be attra1te, t hi!# Gir's !ay say they 'i)e su1h $uys& but te,,y
bears ne*er $et t s'eep "ith anyne# 9n'ess % 1urse their !!s hunt the
nei$hbrh, %r the!#
CAre yu )ay6/ 8riyan)a sai, t !e# The thers "ere busy ana'yBin$
the pi1ture#
C;eah# -hy6/
CN# 5ust e4pe1te, a 'itt'e !re rea1tin# -e/*e )n"n ea1h ther %r
%ur years& !re than anyb,y e'se n the ,es)#/
Ra,hi)a& Esha an, Pr! turne, their han,s a"ay %r! the pi1ture t
') at us#
CRea1tin6/ I sai,# CI/! thu$ht I sai, good#/
CThat/s a''6/ 8riyan)a sai,# Her s!i'e ha, 'e%t the bui',in$#
C-hat6/ I sai,# CI/! busy tryin$ t $et the syste! %i4e,#/
E*eryne 1ntinue, t stare at !e#
CO)ay&/ I sai,& C)ay& 8riyan)a# This is great ne"s# I a! so happy %r
yu# %$ay6/
C;u 1u', ha*e use, a better tne&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CAny"ay& I/'' 5ust
1!e ba1)&/ she !u!b'e,& an, "a')e, a"ay +ui1)'y t"ar,s the 'a,ies r!#
C-hat6 -hy is e*eryne starin$ at !e6/ I sai, an, e*eryne turne,
a"ay#
The syste!s $ut %ina''y 1a!e ur %r! un,er the tab'e#
C:i4e,6/ I sai,#
CI nee, si$na' testin$ e+uip!ent&/ he sai,& "ipin$ s"eat %% his
%rehea,# CThe prb'e! 1u', be utsi,e# Bui',ers are ,i$$in$ a'' *er
Gur$an ri$ht n"& s!e stupi, 1ntra1tr !ay ha*e ,u$ *er ur 'ines# 2ust
ta)e a brea) "hi'e I 1!e ba1)# Ca'' yur !ana$er here as "e''&/ he sai, an,
'e%t#
I pi1)e, up the te'ephne t 1a'' Ba)shi# The 'ine "as busy# I 'e%t a *i1e
!ai' %r hi! t 1!e t the ,es)#
8riyan)a returne, %r! the restr!# I nti1e, she ha, "ashe, her
%a1e# Her nse sti'' has a ,rp % "ater n tp % it#
C7un,s 'i)e an easy ni$ht# I hpe it ne*er $ets %i4e,&/ Ra,hi)a sai,&
)nttin$ %er1ius'y#
CNthin$ better than a 1a'' 1enter 5b i% the phnes are nt "r)in$&/
8riyan)a sai, an, 1'se, the b4 % s"eets#
C7 te'' us !re& "hat is he 'i)e6/ Esha sai,#
C-h6 Ganesh6/ 8riyan)a as)e,#
CHis na!e is Ganesh6 Ni1e&/ Esha sai, an, s"it1he, n her !bi'e
phne# E*eryne e'se %''"e, suit an, se*era' penin$ tnes %i''e, the r!#
Nr!a''y a$ents 1u', nt use 1e'' phnes in the bay& but it "as )ay t , s
n" as the syste! "as ,"n#
I ha, t" te4t !essa$es %r! 7he%a'i: One "ishin$ !e $,ni$ht& an,
anther ne "ishin$ !e s"eet ,rea!s an, a 1u,,'y ni$ht# I 1rin$e,#
C0es Ganesh 'i)e t ta')6 7!eti!es the s%t"are types are rea' +uite&/
Ra,hi)a sai,#
COh yes& he ta')s a 't# In %a1t& I !i$ht $et a 1a' %r! hi! n" be1ause
!y phne is n&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, s!i'e,# C-e/re sti'' $ettin$ t )n" ea1h
ther& s any 1!!uni1atins $,#/
C;u sun, sooo happy&/ Esha sai,# Her Cs/ 'aste, %ur se1n,s#
CI am happy# I 1an see "hat Ra,hi)a says n" abut $ettin$ a ne"
%a!i'y# Ganesh/s !! 1a!e h!e t,ay an, $a*e !e a bi$ $', 1hain# An,
she "as a'' hu$$in$ !e an, )issin$ !e#/
C7un,s $rss&/ Pr! sai,#
C7hut up& Pr!&/ Esha sai,# COh 8riyan)a& yu/re s 'u1)y#/
Pr! sense, that I "as nt e4a1t'y 5u!pin$ "ith 5y at the
1n*ersatin#
CCi$arette6/ he sai,#
I ')e, at !y "at1h# It "as >>:FK& ur usua' ti!e %r ta)in$ a s!)e# In
any 1ase& I pre%erre, burnin$ !y 'un$s t sti1)in$ arun, t %in, ut Ganesh/s
hbbies#

NR
Pr! an, I "ent t the 1a'' 1enter par)in$ 't Pr! 'eane, a$ainst his
bi)e an, 'it t" 1i$arettes "ith ne !at1hsti1)# I ')e, at his ta'' an, thin
%ra!e# I% he "eren/t s s)inny& yu/, say he "as a stu,# 7ti''& a 1i$arette
')e, ut % p'a1e n his byish %a1e# 8erhaps 1ns1ius % the pep'e "h
ha, 1a''e, hi! Baby :a1e be%re& he a'"ays )ept a ne=,ay ', stubb'e# He
passe, an a'rea,y burnin$ 1i$arette t !e# I t) a pu%% an, 'et it ut in the
1', ni$ht air#
-e )ept +uiet %r a !inute an, I "as than)%u' t Pr! %r that# One
%ina''y thin$ $uys , )n" is "hen t shut up#
Pr! %ina''y sp)e& startin$ "ith a neutra' tpi1# CI nee, a brea) !an#
G, thin$ I/! $in$ t Hana'i ne4t "ee)en,#/
CC'& Hana'i is rea''y ni1e&/ I sai,#
CI/! $in$ "ith !y s1h' bu,,ies# -e !i$ht ri,e up there n bi)es#/
CBi)es6 Are yu buts& yu/'' %reeBe t ,eath#/
CT" "r,s: 'eather 5a1)ets# Any"ay& "hen ,i, yu $ there6/
CLast year# -e t) a bus thu$h&/ I sai,#
C-h a'' "ent6/ Pr! sai, as he ')e, %r a p'a1e t %'i1) ash# He
%un, nne# He steppe, t a 1rner % the par)in$ 't an, p'u1)e, t" 'ar$e
'ea*es %r! a tree# -e tappe, ur 1i$arette n the i!pr*ise, ashtray#
C8riyan)a an, I&/ I sai, an, turne, si'ent# Pr! ,i, nt respn, either
%r ten se1n,s#
C:un6/ he %ina''y sai,#
C;eah& it "as $reat# Apart %r! the a1hes %r! the bus ri,e&/ I sai,#
C-hy& "hat happene,6/
C-e t) a bus at %ur in the !rnin$ %r! I7BT# 8riyan)a "as in her
anti=snb phase& s she insiste, "e ta)e the r,inary s'" bus an, nt the
,e'u4e %ast ne# 7he a's ante, t en5y the s1enery s'"'y#/
CAn, then6/
Then "hat6 The !!ent the bus rea1he, the hi$h"ay& she 'earne, n
!y shu',er an, s'ept %%# Hy shu',er 1ra!pe, an, !y b,y turne, sre# But
apart %r! that hrrib'e 5urney& it "as $reat %un#/
C7he/s a si''y $ir'&/ Pr! sai,# Lettin$ ut a bi$ pu%%& his %a1e s!i'in$
behin, the s!)e rin$#
C7he is# ;u shu', ha*e seen her then# 7he use, t "ear a'' these
bea,s an, :abIn,ia stu%% a'' the ti!e# An, then she/, sit "ith the tru1) ,ri*ers
an, ha*e tea#/
C-"# Can/t i!a$ine 8riyan)a 'i)e that n"&/ Pr! sai,#
CTrust !e& the $ir' has a "i', si,e&/ I sai, an, pause,& as her %a1e 1a!e
t !in,# CAny"ay& it/s histry n"# Gir's 1han$e#/
C;u bet# 7he/'' a'' set n"#/
I n,,e,# I ,i,n/t "ant t ta') abut 8riyan)a any!re# At 'east ne
part % !e ,i,n/t# The rest % !y parts a'"ays "ante, t ta') abut her#
CNRI 1at1h& Hi1rs%t an, a''# Nt ba,&/ Pr! 1ntinue, as he 'it
anther 1i$arette# I narr"e, !y eyes at hi!#
C-hat6/ he sai,# It/s in !y ,ai'y +uta# It is n'y !y thir, % %i*e#/ He
e4ha'e, a $iant 1'u,#
CIt/s a 'itt'e t +ui1)& isn/t it6/ I sai,#
C-hat6 The 1i$arette6 I nee, it t,ay#/
CNt theat# 8riyan)a/s "e,,in$# 0n/t yu thin) she is ,e1i,in$ t
%ast6/
C:ast6 C/!n !an& yu ,n/t $et !at1hes 'i)e this e*ery,ay# He is in
%rea)in$ Hi1rs%t# As $, as they $et# He is H7 Gr! >#>,e'u4e e,itin#/
C-hat is the ,ea' "ith Hi1rs%t6 G, 5b6/
C0u,e& I/! sure he pa1)s 1'se t a hun,re, $ran, a year#/
C-hat is that6 A hun,re, thusan, 97 ,''ars a year6/
Pr! n,,e,# I trie, t 1n*ert hun,re, thusan, 97 ,''ars t rupees
an, ,i*i,e it by t"e'*e t $et the !nth'y sa'ary# There "ere t !any Bers
an, it "as a tu$h 1a'1u'atin t , in !y hea,# I ra1)e, !y brain %r a %e"
se1n,s#
C7tp 1a'1u'atin$ in rupees&/ Pr! sai, an, s!i'e,#
CI/! nt ,in$ any 1a'1u'atins#/
C8riyan)a/s $t a 1at1h# I/! te''in$ yu&/ Pr! repeate,#
He pause, an, ')e, at !e# His eyes "ere "et 'i)e a puppy/s br"n
an, )in, t ') at# I 1u', see "hy $ir's %'1)e, t hi!# It "as the eyes#
CI/! $in$ t as) yu a +uestin# -i'' yu ans"er it hnest'y6/ Pr!
sai,#
C7ure#/
CAre yu upset she is $ettin$ !arrie,6 I )n" yu ha*e %ee'in$s %r her#/
CN&/ I sai, an, state, 'au$hin$# CI 5ust %in, it a bit stran$e# But I
"u',n/t say I/! upset# That is t strn$ a "r,# It is nt 'i)e "e/re $in$
arun, n" r anythin$# N sir& I a! nt upset#/
Pr! "aite, "hi'e I 1ntinue, t 'au$h e4a$$erate,'y# -hen I/,
stppe, he sai,& CO)ay& ,n/t bu''shit !e# -hat happene, t yur re=prpsa'
p'ans6/
I re!aine, si'ent#
It/s )ay !an# ;u 1an te'' !e#/
I si$he,& C-e''& % 1urse I %ee' %r her# But they are 5ust *esti$ia'
%ee'in$s#/
CPesti "hat6/
CLi)e *esti$ia' r$ans# They ser*e n purpse r *a'ue# But they 1an $i*e
yu a pain in the appen,i4# 7a!e "ith !y %ee'in$s %r 8riyan)a# I/! suppse,
t ha*e !*e, n& but b*ius'y it hasn/t happene,# Hean"hi'e& HR NRI
1!es an, $i*es !e a )i1) in the rear en,&/ I sai,#
CTa') t her# 0n/t te'' !e yu/re nt $in$ t&/ Pr! sai, an, e4ha'e,
t" s!)e rin$s#
CI "as p'annin$ t rea' sn# I thu$h "e/, sub!it the "ebsite user
!anua' an, hpe%u''y that "u', ha*e !a,e it easier %r Bstn t appr*e
!y pr!tin# H" ,i, I )n" there "u', be !i') 1a)e ,istributin tni$ht6
H" "as it by the "ay6 I ,i,n/t tu1h it#/
CHi') 1a)e "as $reat# Ne*er su') "hen %, is at stab'e ,u,e# Any"ays&
s1re" that# Listen& yu sti'' ha*e s!e ti!e# 7he has n'y sai, yes#/
CI hpe s# Thu$h e*en as tea! 'ea,er& it/s har, t 1!pete "ith Hr
Hi1rs%t&/ I sai,#
-e re!aine, si'ent %r a %e" !re se1n,s# Pr! sp)e a$ain#
C;eah !an& Gir's are strate$i1# They/'' ta)e abut '*e an, r!an1e an,
a''& that 1rapbut "hen it 1!es t ,in$ the ,ea'& they "i'' 1hse the
%attest 1hi1)en&/ he sai,& an, bun1he, up the 'ea% ashtray s it be1a!e 'i)e a
b"'#
CI $uess I 1an n'y be1!e %at& nt a %at 1hi1)en&/ I sai,#
C;eah& yu nee, t be %ar& %resh an, %'u%%y# Gir's )n" their stu%%# That/s
"hy yu shu',n/t %ee' s upset# -e aren/t $, husban, !ateria'5ust
a11ept it#/
CThan)s Pr!& that rea''y !a)es !y ,ay#/ I sai,# I ,i, a$ree "ith
Pr! thu$h# It "as e*'utin# Haybe nature "ante, ,i!p'e=1hee)e,&
s%t"are=$ee)& !ini=Ganesh babies# They "ere % %ar !re *a'ue t s1iety
than ,epresse,& $,=%r=nthin$ 5unir 7hya!s#
CAn, any"ay& it/s the $ir' "h a'"ays $ets t 1hse# Hen prpse an,
"!en a11ept the prpsa' r& as in !any 1ases& re5e1t it#/
It/s true# Gir's $ arun, re5e1tin$ !en 'i)e it is their birthri$ht# They
ha*e n i,ea h" !u1h it hurts us# I rea, n1e <r !aybe sa" it ,urin$ ne %
!y 0is1*ery Channe' phases. that the reasn %r this is that the %e!a'e %
the spe1ies has t beat their %%sprin$ "ith a 't % e%%rt# Hen1e they 1hse
their !ates 1are%u''y# Hean"hi'e& !en ,an1e arun,& spen, 1ash& !a)e the!
'au$h& "rite stupi, pe!s& anythin$ t "in the! *er# The n'y spe1ies "here
1urtin$ "r)s in re*erse is the sea hrse# Instea, % the %e!a'es& the !a'e
sea hrse bears the %%sprin$: they 1arry baby sea hrse e$$s in their p1)ets#
Guess "hat6 The %e!a'e sea hrses are a'"ays hittin$ n the !a'es& "hi'e the
'atter pu1)er their nses an, $et t pi1) the 1utest %e!a'e# I "ishe, i% I "ere
a sea hrse# H" har, 1an it be t 1arry a 1up'e % e$$s in a ba1)pa1)6
Pr! interrupte, !y thu$hts#
CBut "h )n"s# 8riyan)a isn/t 'i)e ther $ir's& r !aybe she is a%ter a''#
Either "ay& ,n/t $i*e up !an# Try t $et her ba1)&/ Pr! sai, an, patte,
!y shu',er in en1ura$e!ent#
C7pea)in$ % ba1)& shu',n/t "e be hea,in$ ba1) t the bay6/ I sai, an,
')e, at !y "at1h& it/s >>:DA p#!#/
-e passe, the -estern C!puters !ain bay as "e returne, %r! the
par)in$ 't# The !ain bay sun,e, 'i)e a nisy s1h'& e41ept the )i,s
"eren/t ta')in$ t ea1h ther& but t 1ust!ers# Hnitr prb'e!& *iruses&
stran$e errr !essa$ethere "as nthin$ Cnne4ins 1u', nt he'p yu
"ith#
C7ti'' ')s busy&/ I sai,#
CNt at a''# 8ep'e ha*e t', !e 1a'' tra%%i1 is ,"n %rty per1ent# I thin)
they/'' 1ut a 't % sta%%& r "rst 1ase s1enari& 1ut a'' pep'e an, shi%t the
1'ient t the Ban$a're 1enter#/
CBan$a're6 -hat "i'' happen here6/ I sai,#
They/'' 1'se this pr'y !ana$e, !a,huse ,"n# -hat e'se6 That is
"hat happens "hen pep'e 'i)e Ba)shi spen, ha'% their ti!e p'ayin$ p'iti1s
"ith ther !ana$ers&/ Pr! sai,# He sptte, a $, ')in$ $ir' in the
-estern C!puters bay an, pinte, her ut t !e#
CC'se ,"n(/ I sai,& a%ter stu,yin$ the pretty $ir' %r ha'% a se1n,#
CAre yu serius& "hat "i'' happen t the hun,re,s % 5bs here6/
CLi)e they 1are# ;u thin) Ba)shi 1ares6/ Pr! sai, an, shru$$e, his
'an)y shu',ers#
CCrap happens in 'i%e# It 1u', happen tni$ht&/ Pr! sai, as "e
rea1he, the -A7G#
NO
The syste!s $uy "as un,er the tab'e a$ain#
CN 1a''s yet# They/*e 1a''e, %r a senir en$ineer&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CIt/s an e4terna' %au't# 7!e 1ab'es are ,a!a$e, I thin)# Gur$an is
$in$ nuts "ith 1nstru1tins&/ the syste!s $uy sai,& as he e!er$e, %r!
un,er the tab'e#
CBa)shi )n"s6/ I sai,#
CI ,n/t )n"&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
Pr! an, I sat ,"n at ur ,es)#
CIt/s nt t ba,# Ni1e brea)&/ Esha sai, as she %i'e, her nai's "ith a
"eir,'y shape, nai' 1utter#
8riyan)a/s 1e'' phne be$an t run$ start'in$ e*eryne#
C-h is 1a''in$ yu s 'ate6/ Ra,hi)a sai,& sti'' )nittin$ her s1ar%#/
CLn$ ,istan1e I thin)&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, s!i'e,#
COh(/ Esha s+uea'e,& 'i)e a t"=year=', n a bun1e 1ast'e# -hat is
the bi$ ,ea' abut a 'n$ ,istan1e phne 1a''6 I thu$ht#
CHi Ganesh# I 5ust s"it1he, !y phne n&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CI 1an/t be'ie*e
yu 1a''e, s sn#/
I 1u', nt hear Ganesh/s respnse# Than) G,#
C:i%teen ti!es6 I 1an/t be'ie*e yu trie, !y nu!ber %i%teen ti!esGs
srry&/ 8riyan)a sai,& ')in$ i,iti1 "ith happiness#
C;es I/! at "r)# But it/s rea''y 1hati1 t,ay# 7yste!s are ,"nG
He''6### H" 1!e yu/re "r)in$ n Than)s$i*in$6 Oh& ni1e % the In,ians t
%%er t "r)Ghe''6 8riyan)a sai,#
C-hat happene,6/ Esha sai,#
CThere/s har,'y any net"r)&/ 8riyan)a sai,& sha)in$ her phne as i%
that "u', i!pr*e the re1eptin# I %e't 'i)e sha)in$ her#
C-e/re in the base!ent# Nthin$ 1!es int this b'a1) h'e&/ Pr!
sai,# He "as sur%in$ the internet& an, "as n the :r!u'a I "ebsite#
CLan,'ine&/ Esha sai,& pintin$ t the spare phne n ne ,es)# E*ery
tea! in Cnne4ins ha, a spare in,epen,ent 'an,'ine at their ,es) %r
e!er$en1y use# CTe'' hi! t 1a'' n the 'an,'ine#/
CHere6/ 8riyan)a as)e,& ')in$ t !e %r per!issin#
Nr!a''y this "u', be unthin)ab'e& but ur syste!s "ere ,"n s it
,i, nt rea''y !atter# A's& I ,i, nt "ant t ') 'i)e a sre 'ser pre*entin$
a ne" 1up'e %r! startin$ their r!an1e#
I n,,e, an, preten,e, t be absrbe, by !y 1!puter s1reen# As the
a,=h1 tea! 'ea,er& I ha, s!e p"ers# I 1u', appr*e any persna' 1a''s# I
1u', a's 'isten in n any 'ine n the ,es) n !y hea,set# H"e*er& I 1u',
nt 'isten in n the in,epen,ent e!er$en1y phne# Nt un'ess# I "ent un,er
the tab'e an, tappe, it#
C&ap the landline&/ a %aint *i1e e1he, in !y hea,#
CN& it/s "rn$&/ I sai, an, !enta''y repri!an,e, !yse'%#
I 1u', sti'' hear ne si,e % the 1n*ersatin thu$h#
CHe''G Ganesh& 1a'' the 'an,'ineG yes @@DEFDF an, >>& %r 0e'hiG Ca''
a%ter ten !inutes& ur bss !i$ht 1!e n his run,s snG I )ne" ten
!inutes is si4 hun,re, se1n,s& I/! sure yu/'' sur*i*e& she 'au$he,
un1ntr''ab'y an, hun$ up# -hen "!en 'au$h nn=stp& they/re %'irtin$# I
hate 8riyan)a#
CHe sun,s s !ute&/ Esha sai,& stret1hin$ the 'ast "r, t %i*e ti!es its
nr!a' 'en$th#
CEnu$h is enu$h& I/! $in$ t 1a'' Ba)shi# -e nee, t %i4 the syste!s&/
I sai, an, st, up# I 1u',n/t bear the syste!s $uy 'ur)in$ un,er the tab'e
any!re# Hre than that& I 1u', nt bear si4=hun,re,=se1n,s="ithut=yu
sur*i*a' stries#
I "as "a')in$ t"ar,s Ba)shi/s %%i1e "hen I nti1e, hi! "a')in$
t"ar,s !e#
CA$ent 7a!& "hy aren/t yu n yur ,es)6/ Ba)shi sai,#
CI "as ')in$ %r yu sir&/ I sai,#
CI/! a'' yurs&/ Ba)shi sai, as his %a1e br)e int a s!i'e# He 1a!e an,
p'a1e, his ar! arun, !y shu',er# I hate it "hen he ,es that#
Ba)shi an, I returne, t -A7G# E*eryne hear, the sun, % Ba)shi/s
hea*y steps# Ra,hi)a hi, her )nittin$ $ear un,er the tab'e# Esha put her nai'
%i'e in her ba$# Pr! pene, his s1reen t an e!pty H7-r, ,1u!ent#
The syste!s $uy 1a!e ut %r! un,er the tab'e an, 1a''e, his bss& the
hea, % the IT ,epart!ent#
CL)s 'i)e "e ha*e te1hn'$y issues here/ Ba)shi sai, an, the syste!s
$uy n,,e, his hea,#
The hea, % IT 1a!e sn a%ter# He an, the syste!s $uy ,is1usse, $ee)
stu%% bet"een the!se'*es in s=1a''e, En$'ish# -hen the ,is1ussins "ere
*er& the IT hea, rante, ut in1!prehensib'e te1hni1a' ,etai's t us# I n'y
un,erst, that the syste! "as un,er a strain: ei$hty per1ent % the -A7G
1apa1ity "as ,a!a$e,& an, the re!ainin$ t"enty per1ent 1u', nt han,'e
the 1urrent 'a,#
CH!!!&/ Ba)shi sai,& his 'e%t han, rubbin$ his 1hin Ch!!!Gthat/s
rea''y ba,& isn/t it6/
C7& "hat , yu "ant us t ,6/ the IT hea, as)e,#
A'' eyes turne, t Ba)shi& it "as a situatin Ba)shi hate,t be as)e, t
ta)e a ,e1isin r re1!!en, a1tin#
CH!!!&/ Ba)shi sai, an, %'e4e, his )nees& )nee by s'" )nee& t buy
ti!e# C-e rea''y nee, a !eth,i1a' $a!e p'an here#/
C-e 1an shut ,"n the -A7G syste! tni$ht# -estern C!puters !ain
bay is runnin$ %ine any"ay&/ the 5unir IT $uy su$$este,#
CBut& -A7G has ne 'st a'' its 1apa1ity# Bstn "n/t 'i)e it i% "e shut
the bay&/ the IT hea, sai,& re%errin$ t the -estern C!puters an, app'ian1es
hea,+uarters in Bstn#
CH!!!&/ Ba)shi sai, a$ain an, presse, a s"eaty pa'! n !y ,es)#
C9psettin$ Bstn "i'' nt be $, at this ti!e# -e are a'rea,y n a s'ippery
s'pe at Cnne4ins# Let/s try t be pra1ti*e'y riente, here#/
Pr! 1u',n/t resist a sni$$er at Ba)shi/s 5ar$n# He ')e, a"ay an,
1'en1he, his teeth#
C7ir& 1an I !a)e a su$$estin&/ I sai,& e*en thu$h I shu', ha*e )ept !y
trap shut#
C-hat6/ Ba)shi sai,#
C-e 1u', ta)e Ban$a're/s he'p&/ I sai,& re%errin$ t the '1atin % the
se1n, -estern App'ian1es an, C!puters 1a'' 1enter in In,ia#
CBan$a're6/ Ba)shi an, the IT hea, sai, in unisn#
C;es sir# It is than)s$i*in$ an, 1a'' *'u!es are '"# 7 Ban$a're "i'' be
runnin$ 'i$ht as "e''# I% "e pass !st % ur 1a''s there& it "i'' $et busier %r
the!& but it "n/t *er'a, the!# Hean"hi'e& "e 1an han,'e a 'i!ite, %'"
here&/ I sai,#
CThat !a)es sense# -e 1an easi'y s"it1h the %'" %r a %e" hurs# -e
1an %i4 the syste!s here in the !rnin$&/ the 5unir IT $uy sai,#
CThat/s %ine&/ I sai,# CAn, pep'e "i'' start their Than)s$i*in$ ,inner in
the 7tates sn& s 1a'' *'u!es "i'' %a'' e*en !re#/
E*eryne n the ,es) ')e, at !e an, n,,e,# 7e1ret'y they "ere
thri''e, at the easy shi%t tni$ht# Ba)shi& h"e*er& ha, %a''en int si'ent
1nte!p'atin#
C7ir& yu hear, "hat 7hya! sai,# Let/s as) Ban$a're# That is ur n'y
ptin&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
Ba)shi re!aine, si'ent an, pn,ere, %r a %e" !re se1n,s# I "ant t
)n" "hat he a1tua''y thin)s in these !!ents#
C7ee& the thin$ is&/ Ba)shi sai, an, pause, a$ain&/Garen/t "e 1!parin$
app'es t ran$es here6/
C-hat6/ Pr! ')e, at Ba)shi "ith a ,is$uste, e4pressin#
I "n,ere, "hat Ba)shi "as ta')in$ abut# -as I the app'e6 -as 0e'hi
the ran$e6 -hat %ruit "as Ban$a're6
CI ha*e an i,ea# -hy ,n/t "e use Ban$a're6/ Ba)shi sai, an, snappe,
his %in$ers#
CBut that is "hat 7hya!C the 5unir IT $uy be$an& but Ba)shi
interrupte, hi!# 8r 5unir IT $uy& he isn/t %a!i'iar "ith Ba)shi/s "ays#
C7ee& it sun,s unusua'& but s!eti!es yu ha*e t , ut=%=the=b4
thin)in$# Ba)shi sai, an, tappe, his hea, in se'%=a,!inistratin#
C;es sir&/ I sai,# CThat is a $, i,ea# -e ha*e it a'' srte, n"#/
CG,&/ the IT $uys sai, an, starte, p'ayin$ "ith the 1!puter !enus#
Ba)shi ha, a s!u$ s!i'e n his %a1e#
Be%re the IT $uys 'e%t they t', us the -A7G 1a'' *'u!e "u', be
super='i$ht& !aybe e*en 'ess than t"enty 1a''s an hur# -e "ere *er5ye,&
but )ept a strai$ht %a1e be%re Ba)shi#
C7ee& prb'e! s'*e,&/ Ba)shi sai, an, sprea, his han,s# CThat is "hat
I/! here %r#/
CLu1)y us& sir&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
-e thu$ht Ba)shi "u', 'ea*e& but he ha, ther p'ans# C7hya!& as yu
are %ree tni$ht& 1an yu he'p !e "ith s!e strate$i1 ,1u!ents6 ;u )n"&
it "i'' $i*e yu s!e e4psure#/
C-hat is it& 7ir6/ I sai,& nt happy abut sa1ri%i1in$ !y ni$ht#
CThese are ten 1pies % the !nth'y ,ata sheets I 5ust printe, ut&/
Ba)shi sai, an, he', up s!e ,1u!ents in his ri$ht han,# C:r s!e reasn
the sheets ,i,n/t 1!e in r,er# It is ten pa$e nes& then pa$e t"s an, s
n# Can yu he'p %i4 this6/
C;u ,i,n/t 1''ate the!# ;u 1an 1hse the ptin "hen yu print&/
Pr! sai,#
C;u 1an 1hse t 1''ate6/ Ba)shi as)e,& as i% "e/, t', hi! abut an
ptin %r brain transp'ants#
C;e&/ Pr! sai, an, t) s!e 1he"in$ $u! %r! his ,ra"er# He
pppe, a pie1e int his !uth# CAny"ay& it is easier t ta)e ne printut an,
pht1py the est# 1!es ut stap'e, t#/
CI nee, t up$ra,e !y te1hni1a' s)i''s# Te1hn'$y 1han$es s %ast&/
Ba)shi sai,# CBut 7hya!& 1an yu he'p arran$e an, stap'e the! this ti!e6/
C7ure&/ I sai,# As i% I ha, a 1hi1e#
Ba)shi ,u!pe, the sheets n !y tab'e an, 'e%t the r!#
8riyan)a ')e, at !e "ith her !uth pen#
C-hat6/ I sai,#
CI 1an/t be'ie*e it&/ 7he sh) her hea,# C-hy , yu 'et hi! , this t
yu6/
CC/!n 8riyan)a& 'ea*e 7hya! a'ne# Ba)shi runs his 'i%e&/ Pr! sai,#
CE4a1t'y# Be1ause he 'ets hi!# -hy 1an/t pep'e stan, up %r
the!se'*es6/
I ,n/t )n" "hy I 1an/t stan, up %r !yse'%& but I ,e%inite'y 1an/t stan,
8riyan)a/s rhetri1a' +uestins# 7he ,esn/t un,erstan, the pint& an, then
as)s the "r', ut a'u,#
I trie, t i$nre her# H"e*er& her "r,s ha, a%%e1te, !e# It "as
,i%%i1u't t %1us n the sheets# I sta1)e, the %irst set an, "as abut t stap'e
the! "hen Pr! sai,& He 1an/t ta)e n Ba)shi ri$ht n"# Nt at this ti!e&
8riyan)a& they are in the !, t %ire pep'e#/
C;es than)s Pr!# Can s!ene e4p'ain rea'ity6 I nee, t !a)e a
'i*in$# I ,n/t ha*e Hr Hi1rs%t 8"er8int "aitin$ %r !e in 7eatt'e&/ I sai,
an, presse, the stap'er har,# I !isse, an, stap'e pin pier1e, !y %in$er#
CO""(/ I s1rea!e, 'u, enu$h t uprt Hi'itary 9n1'e %r! his ,es)#
C-hat happene,6/ 8riyan)a sai, an, st, up#
I 'i%te, !y %in$er t sh" the strea)s % b',# A 1up'e % ,rps sp'it
nt Ba)shi/s ,1u!ent#
The $ir's s+uea'e, Cee"s/ in rapi, su11essin#
C7y!b'is!& ,u,e# Gi*in$ yur 'i%e b', t this 5b&/ Pr! sai,# CCan
s!ene $i*e this $uy a ban,=ai, be%re he !a)es !e thr" up6/
CI ha*e a ban,=ai,&/ Esha sai, as the $ir's 1a!e up an, surrun,e, e#
-estern '*e t repair an in5uryas 'n$ as it is nt t $rss#
CThat/s ba,&/ Esha sai,& ta)in$ ut a ban,=ai, %r! her ba$# 7he ha, 'i)e
%i%ty % the!#
CIt/s nthin$# 2ust a !inr 1ut&/ I sai,# I 1'en1he, !y teeth har, as it
hurt 'i)e he''#
8riyan)a t) ut a %e" tissues %r! her ba$# 7he he', !y %in$er an,
1'eane, the b', arun, it#
COu1h(/ I s1rea!e,#
COh& the stap'e is sti'' in there&/ she sai,# C-e nee, %r1eps# :r1eps
anyne6/
Esha ha, %r1eps in her han,ba$& "hi1h I thin ) she uses t rip her
eyebr"s ut# Gir'/s han,ba$s ha*e enu$h t !a)e a sur*i*a' )it %r
Antar1ti1a#
8riyan)a he', the %r1eps an, "ent t "r) !y %in$er "ith a sur$en/s
1n1entratin#
CHere/s the 1u'prit&/ she sai, as she pu''e, ut a stap'e pin ,ren1he, in
b',# I s"ear& e*er sin1e I/*e ,e*e'pe, a %ear % stap'estap'phbia& yu
1an 1a'' it#
8riyan)a "ipe, !y %i$ure an, then stru1) the ban,=ai, n it# -ith n
!re %un& b',y si$hts t see& e*eryne returne, t their seats# I "ent ba1)
t 1''atin$ sheets# 8erhaps !y abi'ities rea''y ,i, 'ie in !in,'ess 'abr#
Esha an, Ra,hi)a be$an ta')in$ abut Ba)shi#
CHe ha, n i,ea "hat IT "as sayin$&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C;eah& but ,i, yu see his %a1e6/ Esha sai,# CHe ')e, 'i)e he "as ,in$
a CBI in*esti$atin#/
I ')e, at 8riyan)a# The "r, CBI bru$ht ba1) !e!ries# E*en as I
1''atin Ba)shi/s sheets& !y !in, ,ri%te, t 8an,ara Ra,#
N >K
Hy 8ast 0ates "ith
8riyan)aII
Ha*e!re Restaurant& 8an,ara Ra,
Nine !nths be%re this ni$ht
C7hya!&/ 8riyan)a sai, as she trie, t push !e a"ay# CThis is nt the
p'a1e t , these thin$s# This is 8an,ara Ra,#/
COh rea''y&/ I sai,& re%usin$ t !*e a"ay# -e "ere sittin$ n a 1rner
tab'e# A 1ar*e, ",en s1reen partia''y hi, us# C-hat/s "rn$ "ith 8an,ara
Ra,6/ I sai,& 1ntinuin$ t )iss her#
CThis is a %a!i'y p'a1e&/ she sai,M she sprea, a pa'! n !y %a1e an,
pushe, !e ba1) a$ain& %ir!'y this ti!e#
C7& %a!i'ies $et !a,e by ,in$ these thin$s#/
CPery %unny# Any"ay& yu 1hse this p'a1e# I hpe the %, is as $, as
yu sai, it "as#/
CIt/s the best in 0e'hi&/ I sai,# -e ha, 1!e t Ha*e!re Restaurant&
ne % the ha'%=,Ben *erpri1e, but e41e''ent restaurants n 8an,ara Ra,#
-e ha, ,ne enu$h !useu!s# A%ter the Rai' Huseu!& "e ha, $ne t the
8'anetariu! <the ,ar) e!pty theatre "ith its r!anti1 pssibi'ities "as %un& I
a,!it.& the Natura' Histry Huseu!& the 0'' Huseu! an, the 71ien1e
!useu!# A11r,in$ t 8riyan)a& !useu! %%ere, $, pri*a1y& $reat $ar,ens
an, 1heap 1anteens#
CA hun,re, an, thirty bu1)s %r ,aa'/ 8riyan)a e41'ai!e, as she pene,
the !enu# Her )h'='ine, eyes e4pressin % a stunne, 1artn 1hara1ter# It
"as e!barrassin$& espe1ia''y as the "aite#= "as a'rea,y at ut tab'e t ta)e
the r,er#
C2ust r,er )ay6/ I sai, in a hushe, *i1e#
8riyan)a t) %i*e !re !inutes t p'a1e the r,er# Here is h" she
,e1i,es# 7tep t": r=srt the 1heaper nes base, n 1a'ries#
COne naan& n butter# ;e''" ,aa'&/ she sai, as I $'are, at her#
CO)ay& nt ye''"& b'a1) ,aa'&/ she sai,# CAn,G/
CAn, ne shahi paneer&/ I sai,#
C;u a'"ays r,er the sa!e thin$& b'a1) ,aa' an, shahi paneer&/ she
!a,e a %a1e#
C;es& sa!e $ir'& sa!e %,# -hy bther e4peri!entin$ "hen yu a'rea,y
ha*e the best&/ I sai,#
C;u are s 1ute&/ she sai,# Her s!i'e !a,e her eyes 1rin)'e# 7he
pin1he, !y 1hee)s an, %e, !e a 'itt'e *ine$ar=nin %r! the tab'e# Har,'y
r!anti1& but I 'i)e, it#
7he !*e, he han, a"ay +ui1)'y "hen she sa" a %a!i'y bein$ 'e, t the
tab'e a,5a1ent t us# The %a!i'y 1nsiste, % a yun$ !arrie, 1up'e& their
'itt'e ,au$hters an, an ', 'a,y# The ,au$hters "ere t"ins& prbab'y %ur
years ',#
The entire %a!i'y ha, !rse %a1es an, n ne sai, a "r, t ea1h
ther# I "n,ere, "hy they ha, 1!e ut "hen they 1u', be $ru!py %r
%ree at h!e#
CAny"ay&/ 8riyan)a sai,& C"hat/s the ne"s6/
CNt !u1h& Pr! an, I are busy "ith the trub'eshtin$ "ebsite#/
CC'& h"/s it 1!in$ a'n$6/
CRea''y "e''# Nthin$ %an1y thu$h: the best "ebsites are si!p'e# Pr!
e*en 1he1)e, ut !any sites !eant %r !enta''y han,i1appe, pep'e# He sai,
i% "e 1an !,e' it n su1h "ebsites# A!eri1ans "i'' sure'y be ab'e t use it#/
CThey/re nt that ,u!b&/ 8riyan)a 'au$he,# CA!eri1ans in*ente,
1!puters re!e!bers re!e!ber6/
The "aiter 1a!e "ith ur %,#
C;eah& A!eri1an has 'i)e ten s!art $uys# The rest 1a'' us at ni$ht&/ I
sai,& as I tre a pie1e % !y naan an, ,ippe, it in the ,aa'#
CI a$ree the pep'e "h 1a'' us are pretty thi1)# I/! 'i)e%i$ure ut
"here the p"er buttn is& he''J/ she sai,#
7he put !i1r=prtins % %, n her p'ate#
CEat prper'y&/ I sai,# C7tp ,ietin$ a'' the ti!e 'i)e Esha#/
CI a! nt that hun$ry&/ she sai,& e*en as I %r1e%u''y $a*e her hu!an
prtins % %,#
CHey& ,i, I te'' yu abut Esha6/ 0n/t te'' anyne&/ she sai,& her *i1e
,ippin$& eyebr" ,an1in$#
I sh1) !y hea,# C;u '*e t $ssip# 0n/t yu6 ;ur na!e shu', be
Hiss Gssip :H OO#A&/ I sai,#
CI ne*er $ssip&/ she sai,& "a*in$ a %r) at !e s'e!n'y# COh !y G,&
the %, is s $, here#/
Hy 1hest in%'ate, "ith pri,e as i% he ha, spent a'' ni$ht 1)in$ the
,ishes !yse'%#
CO% Curse yu '*e t $ssip# -hene*er s!ene starts "ith I,n/t yu
any!re/& that t !e is a 5ui1y tit=bit % $ssip 1!in$&/ I sai,#
8riyan)a b'ushe, an, the tip % the nse turne, t!at=re,# 7he ')e,
1ute as he''# I "u', ha*e )isse, her ri$ht then& but the $ru!py %a!i'y ne4t t
us "as be$innin$ t ar$ue !ur!urs# I ,i, nt "ant t spi' the s!ber
a!bien1e %r the!#
CO)ay s !ay be I $ssip& but n'y a 'itt'e bit&/ 8riyan)a re'ente,# CBut I
rea, s!e"here& $ssip is $, %r yu#
COh rea''y6/ I tease,#
C;es& it/s a si$n yu/re intereste, in pep'e an, 1are %r the!#/
CThat is s 'a!e&/ I burst ut 'au$hin$& pintin$ !y spn at her#
CAny"ay& "hat abut Esha# I )n" Pr! has the hts %r her# But ,es she
'i)e hi!J/
CN 7hya!& "hi1h is ', ne"s# 7he has re5e1te, Pr!/s prpsa'
be%re# The 'atest is that she ha, si$ne, up %r the :e!ina Hiss In,ia 1ntest#
Last "ee) she is %i*e=%i*e& the !ini!u! is %i*e=si4# Ra,hi)a sa" her 1ry in the
ti'et#/
COh ""( Hiss In,ia6/
CC/!n& she is nt that pretty# 7he shu', rea''y stp this !,e'in$ trip
% hers# G,& she is s thin thu$h# O)ay& I/! nt eatin$ any!re#/ 7he
pushe, her p'ate a"ay#
C7tupi,& eat# ;u "ant t be happy n thin6/ I sai,& pushin$ her p'ate
ba1) t"ar,s her#
CThin#/
C7hut up& eat prper'y# The na!e % the restaurant shu', te'' yu
[s!ethin$# An, s %r Esha& "e'' t ba, Hiss In,ia ,i,n/t "r) ut# H"e*er&
tryin$ ,esn/t hurt&/ I sai,#
C-e''& she "as 1ryin$# 7 it hurt her' A%ter a''& she/s 1!e t 0e'hi
a$ainst her parent/s "ishes# It/s nt easy stru$$'in$ a'ne&/ she sai,#
I n,,e,#
-e %inishe, ur !ea' an, the "aiter reappeare, 'i)e a $enie t 1'ear
ur p'ates#
C0essert6/ I sai,
CN "ay# I/! t %u''&/ 8riyan)a sai,& p'a1in$ her han, n her ne1) t
sh" 5ust h" %u''# 7he is "ay t ,ra!ati1 s!eti!es& 5ust 'i)e her !!# Nt
that I ,are te'' her that#
CO)ay& ne )u'%i p'ease&/ I sai, t the "aiter#
CN& r,er $u'ab 5a!un& n6/ she sai,#
CHuh6 I thu$ht yu ,i,n/t "antG)ay& ne $u'ab 5a!un p'ease#/
C7a!e# -e ha*en/t ha, a 1ry %est sin1e 'ast "ee)/s sh","n& s that
a'ne is a reasn t 1e'ebrate# Haybe I "i'' ha*e ha'% a $u'ab 5a!un#/
CAn, "hat happene, 'ast "ee)6/
CLast "ee)6 Oh yes& !y un1'es "ere *er %r ,inner# 7 pi1ture this:
,inner en,s an, "e are a'' ha*in$ butters1t1h i1e 1rea! at the ,innin$ tab'e#
One un1'e !entine, that !y 1usin "as $ettin$ !arrie, t a ,1tr& a
1ar,ia1 sur$en r s!ethin$&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
The "ater 1a!e an, $a*e us the $u'ab 5a!uns# I t) a bite#
COu1h& 1are%u'& these are ht&/ I sai,& b'"in$ air ut CAny"ay& "hat
happene, then6/
C7 I/! eatin$ !y i1e 1rea! an, !y !ther s1rea!s I8riyan)a& !a)e
sure yu !arry s!ene "e'' sett'e,T#/ The 'atter phrase "as sai, in %a'sett#
CI/! $in$ t be a tea! 'ea,er sn&/ I sai, an, %e, her a s'i1e % $u'ab
5a!un#
CRe'a4& 7hya!&/ 8riyan)a sai,& as she t) a bite an, patte, !y ar!# Cit
has nthin$ t , "ith yu# The pint is h" 1u', she sprin$ it n !e in %rnt
% e*eryne# Li)e& "hy 1an/t 5ust ha*e i1e 1rea! 'i)e the thers# -hy ,es
!y ser*in$ ha*e t 1!e "ith this ht $ui't sau1e# Hy yun$er brther&
nb,y says anythin$ t hi! "hi'e he stu%%s his %a1e#/
I 'au$he, an, si$na'e, %r the bi''#
C7 "hat ,i, yu , then6/ I sai,#
CNthin$# I s'a!!e, !y spn ,"n n the p'ate an, 'e%t the r!#/
CHa5r ,ra!a& yu are n 'ess&/ I sai,#
CGuess "hat she says then& t e*eryne& IThis is "hat I $et %r brin$in$
her up an, '*in$ her s !u1h# 7he ,esn/t 1are# I near'y ,ie, in 'abur "hen
she "as brn& but she ,esn/t 1areT#/
I 'au$he, un1ntr''ab'y as 8riyan)a ,i, an utstan,in$ i!itatin % her
!ther# The bi'' arri*e, an, !y eyebr"s sht up %r a se1n, as I pai, the
%ur hun,re, an, si4ty three bu1)s#
-e st, up t 'ea*e an, the $ru!py %a!i'y/s *i1es rea1he, us#
C-hat t ,6 7in1e the ,ay this "!an 1a!e t ur huse& ur %a!i'y/s
%rtunes ha*e been ruine,&/ the ', "!an "as sayin$# CThe A$ra $ir'/s si,e
"ere %%erin$ t set up a %u'' 1'ini1# I ,n/t )n" "here ur brains "ere
then#/
The ,au$hter=in='a" ha, tears in her eyes# 7he ha, nt tu1he, her
%,# The !an "as eatin$ nn1ha'ant'y#
CL) at her n"& sittin$ there "ith a sti%% %a1e# G& $ t he'' n"# Nt
n'y ,i, yu nt brin$ anythin$& n" yu ha*e ,u!pe, these t" $ir's 'i)e
t" 1urses n !e&/ the !ther=in='a" sai,#
I ')e, at the 'itt'e $ir's# They ha, i,enti1a' p'aints "ith 1ute pin)
ribbns in the!# The $ir's "ere h',in$ ne han, % their !ther ea1h# They
')e, s1are,#
8riyan)a "as startin$ at the!# I nti1e, they ha, r,ere, )u'%i an,
"n,ere, i% I shu', ha*e ,ne the sa!e an, at 'east sa*e, !y n" s1a',e,
tn$ue#
C7ay s!ethin$ n"& yu si'ent statue&/ the !ther=in='a" sai, an,
sh) the ,au$hter=in='a"/s shu',ers#
C-hy ,esn/t she say anythin$6/ 8riyan)a "hispere, t !e#
CBe1ause she 1an/t&/ I sai,# C-hen yu ha*e a ba, bss& yu 1an/t say
anythin$#/
C-h "i'' pay %r these t" 1urses6 7ay s!ethin$ n"&/ the !ther=in=
'a" sai,# The ,au$hter=in='a"/s tears 1a!e ,"n %aster#
CI/'' say s!ethin$&/ 8riyan)a shute,& %a1in$ the !ther=in='a"#
The $ru!py %a!i'y turne, t ') at us in astnish!ent# I ')e, %r a
,eep t hi,e !yse'% %r! the e!barrass!ent#
C-h are yu6/ she husban, as)e,& prbab'y his %irst "r,s ,urin$ the
entire !ea'
C-e/'' "rry abut that 'ater&/ 8riyan)a sai,& Cbut "h the he'' are yuJ
her husban, I presu!e6/
CHuh6 ;es I a!# Ha,a!& this is a %a!i'y !atter&/ he sai,#
COh rea''y6 ;u 1a'' this is a %a!i'y6 0esn/t ') 'i)e a %a!i'y t !e&/
8riyan)a sai,# CI 5ust see an ', shre" an, a 'ser "i!p "h are trub'in$
these $ir's# 0n/t yu ha*e any sha!e6 Is this "hat yu !arrie, her %r6/
C7ee& here is anther ne&/ the !ther=in='a" sai,# CL) at the $ir's %
t,ayT ,n/t )n" h" t ta')') at her& eyes !a,e up 'i)e a herine#/
CThe yun$ $ir's )n" h" t ta') an, beha*e# It is yu ', nes "h
nee, t be tau$ht a 'essn# These are yur $ran,,au$hters& an, yu are
1a''in$ the! 1urses6/ 8riyan)a sai,& her nse a 1uter re, than be%re# I
"ante, t ta)es pi1ture % that nse#
C-h! are yu !a,a!6 -hat is yur business here6/ the husban, sai,&
this ti!e in a %ir!e, *i1e#
CI/'' te'' yu "h I a!&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, %u!b'e, in her han,ba$# 7he
t) ut her 1a'' 1enter i, 1ar, an, %'ashe, it %r a nanse1n,# C8riyan)a
7inha& CBI& -!en/s Ce''#/
C-hat6/ the husban, sai,& in ha'%=,isbe'ie%#
C-hat is yur 1ar nu!ber6/ 8riyan)a sai,& ta')in$ in a %'at *i1e#
C-hat6/ -hy6/ the be"i',ere, husban, as)e,#
COr shu', I $ utsi,e t 1he1)&/ she sai, an, $'an1e, at the )eys n
the tab'e# C7antr& isn/t it6/
C0GI DEF# -hy6/ the husban, sai,#
8riyan)a t) ut her 1e'' phne an, preten,e, t 1a'' a nu!ber#
CHe''6 7inha here# 8'ease retrie*e re1r,s n 0GI DEF###yes###7antrGthan)s#/
CHa,a!& "hat is $in$ n6/ the husban, sai,& his *i1e +ui*erin$#
CThree years# Harassin$ "!en in punishab'e %r three years# Lui1)
tria'& n appea'&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, starte, t the !ther=in='a"#
The ', "!an pu''e, ne % the t"in $ran,,au$hter nt her 'ap#
C-hat6 Ha,a! this is 5ust a %=%=%=%a!i'y a%%air an,G/ the husban,
sta!!ere,#
C0n/t/ say %a!i'y(/ 8riyan)a sai,& her *i1e 'u,#
CHa,a!&/ the !ther=in='a" sai,& her tne n" s"eet& as i% s!ene
ha, sa)e, her *1a' 1r,s in $u'ab 5a!uns& C"e are 5ust here t ha*e a !ea'#
I ,n/t e*en 'et her 1) see& "e 5ust ha,/
C7hut up( -e ha*e yur re1r,s n"# -e "i'' )eep tra1)# I% yu !ess
arun,& yur sn an, yu 1an ha*e 'st % !ea's t$etherin 5ai'#/
C7rry !a,a!&/ the husban, sai, "ith %',e, han,s# He as)e, %r the
bi'' an, %u!b'e, %r 1ash# -ithin a !inute& they ha, pai, an, 'e%t#
I ')e, at 8riyan)a "ith !y !uth pen#
C0n/t say anythin$&/ she sai,& C'et/s $#/
CCBI6/ I sai,#
C0n/t# Let/s $#/
-e sat in the Lua'is I ha, brr"e, %r! the 1a'' 1enter ,ri*er#
C7tupi, ', "it1h&/ 8riyan)a sai,# I starte, t ,ri*e# :i*e !inutes 'ater&
8riyan)a turne, t !e# CO)ay& yu 1an say "hat yu "ant n"#/
CI '*e yu&/ I sai,#
C-hat6 -hy this n"6/
CBe1ause& I '*e it "hen yu stan, up %r s!ethin$ that yu %ee' %r#
An, that yu , su1h a hrrib'e 5b % a1tin$ 'i)e a CBI inspe1tr# I '*e it
"hen yu "ant t r,er the 1heapest ,ishes n'y be1ause I/! payin$ %r
the!# I '*e the )h' in yur eyes# I '*e it "hen yur eyes 'i$ht up "hen yu
ha*e $ssip %r !e# I '*e it that yu say yu ,n/t "ant ,essert an, then as)
!e t 1han$e !ine s yu 1an ha*e ha'%# I '*e yur stries abut yur
!ther# I '*e it that yu be'ie*e in !e an, are patient "ith !y 1areer#
A1tua''y& yu )n" "hat& 8riyan)a6/ I sai,#
C-hat6/
CI !ay nt be a heart sur$enbut the ne 'itt'e heart I ha*e& I ha*e
$i*en it t yu#/
8riyan)a 'au$he, a'u, an, put her han, n her %a1e# C7rry&/ she sai,
an, sh) her hea,& sti'' 'au$hin$# C7rry& yu "ere ,in$ s "e''& but %r the
heart sur$en 'ine# N"& that is serius'y 1heesy#/
C;u )n" "hat&/ I sai, an, re!*e, ne han, %r! the steerin$ "hee'
t t"ea) her nse# CThey shu', put yu in 5ai' %r )i''in$ r!anti1 'ines#/
N>>
CI 1an/t be'ie*e this&/ Ra,hi)a sai, an, thre" her !bi'e phne n her
,es)& brea)in$ up !y 8an,ara Ra, ,rea!#
E*eryne turne, t ') at her# 7he 1*ere, her %a1e "ith her han,s
an, t) a 1up'e % ,eep breaths#
C-hat/s up&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CNthin$&/ Ra,hi)a sai, an, hea*e, a si$h# 7he ')e, upset& but a's
yun$er at the sa!e ti!e# :i*e years a$& Ra,hi)a !ust ha*e been pretty& I
thu$ht#
CTe'' n&/ Esha sai,#
CIt/s Anu5# 7!eti!es he 1an be s unreasnab'e#/ 7he sai, an, sh"e,
her phne t Esha# On the s1reen "as an 7H7 !essa$e#
C-hat is it6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CRea, it ut&/ Ra,hi)a sai, as she %u!b'e, thru$h her ba$ %r her anti=
!i$raine pi''s# C,a!n& I n'y ha*e ne pi'' 'e%t#/
CRea''y6 O)ay#/ Esha sai, an, starte, rea,in$ the !essa$e:
0"how elders res,ect+ -ct like a dau&hter-in-law should+
1oodni&ht+0
C-hat ,i, I , "rn$J I "as in a hurry& that is a''& Ra,hi)a !u!b'e, t
herse'% as she t) her pi'' "ith a sip % "ater#
Esha put a han, n her shu',er#
C-hat happene,6/ Esha as)e, s%t'y# -!en , this s "e'': a %e"
se1n,s a$ she "as s+uea'in$ in e41ite!ent *er Ganesh& n" she "as
"hisperin$ in 1n1ern *er Anu5#
CAnu5 is in K')ata n tur# He 1a''e, h!e an, !y !ther=in='a" t',
hi! IRa,hi)a !a,e a %a1e "hen I t', her t 1rush the a'!n,s a bit %inerT#
Can yu be'ie*e it6 I "as runnin$ t 1at1h the Lua'is an, sti'' !a,e her !i')&/
Ra,hi)a sai, an, starte, t press her %rehea,#
CIs this "hat !! an, sn ta') abut6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
Ra,hi)a 1ntinue,& CAn, then she t', hi!& II a! ',& i% the pie1es are
t bi$ they "i'' 1h)e !y %, pipe# Haybe Ra,hi)a is tryin$ t )i'' !e#T -hy
"u', she say s!ethin$ s hrrib'e6/
CAn, yu/re sti'' )nittin$ a s1ar% %r her6/ Pr! sai,& pintin$ at the
)nttin$ nee,'es#
CTrust !e& bein$ a ,au$hter=in='a" is har,er than bein$ a !,e'&/
Ra,hi)a sai,# The pi'' "as startin$ t ha*e an e%%e1t: her %a1e "as ')in$
1a'! a$ain# CAny"ay& 'ea*e !y brin$ 'i%e an, !e# -hat/s up6 Ganesh 1a''in$
sn r "hat6/
CAre yu )ay6/ Esha sai,& sti'' h',in$ Ra,hi)a/s ar!#
C;es& I/! %ine# 7rry $uys& I *errea1te,# It/s 5ust a 'itt'e
!is1!!uni1atin bet"een Anu5 an, !e#/
CL)s 'i)e yur !ther=in='a" 'i)es !e',ra!a# 7he shu', !eet yu
!ther&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CRea''y6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
COh yes# 7he is the Hiss 9ni*erse % !e',ra!a# -e 1ry t$ether at 'east
n1e a "ee)# Thu$h t,ay& she is n 1'u, nine&/ 8riyan)a sai,# 7he pu''e,
the 'an,'ine 1'ser t her#
Hy attentin "as ,i*erte, by a 1a'' %'ashin$ n !y s1reen#
CI/'' ta)e it&/ I sai,& raisin$ !y han,# C-estern App'ian1es& 7a! spea)in$&
h" !ay I he'p yu6/
It "as ne % !y "eir, 1a''s % the ni$ht# The 1a''er "as %r! Pir$inia
an, "as ha*in$ trub'e ,e%rstin$ his %ri,$e# It t) !e %ur !inutes t %i$ure
ut the reasn# Turns ut the 1a''er "as a Cbi$ persn/& "hi1h is "hat
A!eri1ans 1a'' %at pep'e# Hen1e his %in$ers "ere t thi1) t turn the tiny
)nb in the %ri,$e/s 1!part!ent that "u', a1ti*ate the ,e%rstin$
!e1hanis!# I su$$este, that he use a s1re",ri*er r a )ni%e# :rtunate'y& that
s'utin "r)e, a%ter se*en atte!pts#
CThan)s yu %r 1a''in$ -estern App'ian1es& sir&/ I sai, an, en,e, the
1a''#
CHre p'iteness& a$ent 7a!# Be !re 1urteus&/ I hear, Ba)shi/s *i1e
an, %e't his hea*y breath n !y ne1)#
C7ir& yu a$ain6/ I sai, an, turne, arun,# Ba)shi/s %a1e "as as shiny as
e*er# 7 i'y& he prbab'y s'ippe, %% his pi''" e*ery ni$ht#
C7rry& I %r$t s!ethin$ i!prtant&/ he sai,# CHa*e yu $uys ,ne by
the -estern C!puters "ebsite !anua'6 I a! %ina''y sen,in$ the pr5e1t
reprt t Bstn#/
C;es sir# Pr! an, I %inishe, it yester,ay#/ I sai, an, t) ut a 1py
%r! !y ,ra"er#
CH!!&/ Ba)shi sai, as he s1anne, the 1*er sheet#
Western computers troubleshooting Website
User Manual and Project Details
Developed by Connexions, Delhi
Shyam Mehra and Varun Malhotra
Sam Mason and Victor Mell!
C0 yu ha*e a s%t 1py that yu 1an e!ai' !eJ/ Ba)shi sai,# CBstn
"ants it ur$ent'y#/
C;es sir&/ Pr! sai,& pintin$ t his 1!puters& CI ha*e it stre, here#
I/'' sen, it t yu#/
CA's& ,i, yu ,t eh 1''atin& 7a!6/
C;es sir&/ I sai, an, passe, hi! the ten sets#
CE41e''ent# I e!p"ere, yu& an, yu ,e'i*ere, the utput# A1tua''y& I
ha*e anther ,1u!ent& the bar, !eetin$ in*ite# Can yu he'p6/
C-hat , I ha*e t ,6/ I sai,#
CHere is a 1py&/ Ba)shi sai, an, $a*e !e a %i*e=pa$e ,1u!ent# CI
,i,n/t print !re this ti!e# Can yu Ver4 ten 1pies %r !e p'ease6 Hy
se1retary is %% t,ay#/
CErr# 7ure 7ir& 5ust Ver4in$ ri$ht6/
Ba)shi n,,e,#
C7ir&/ Pr! sai,& C"hat is the bar, !eetin$ %r6/
CNthin$& 5ust rutine !ana$e!ent issues&/ Ba)shi sai,#
CAre pep'e $in$ t $et %ire,6/ Pr! as)e,& his ,ire1t +uestin !a)in$
e*eryne sprin$ t attentin#
CErrG CBa)shi sai,& at his usua' 'ss %r "r,s "hen as)e, s!ethin$
!eanin$%u'#
CThere are ru!rs in the -estern C!puters !ain bay# -e 5ust "ant t
)n" it "e "i'' be %ine&/ Pr! sai,#
C-estern App'ian1es "n/t be a%%e1te,& ri$htJ/ Esha sai,#
Ba)shi t) a ,eep breath an, sai,& CI 1an/t say !u1h# A'' I 1an say is "e
are un,er pressure t ri$ht siBe urse'*es#/
CRi$ht siBe6/ Ra,hi)a as)e, in $enuine 1n%usin#
CThat !eans pep'e are $ettin$ %ire,& ri$ht6/ Pr! sai,# Ri$ht siBe
ne*er !eant ther"ise#
Ba)shi ,i, nt respn,#
C7ir& "e nee, t in1rease ur sa'es %r1e t $et ne" 1'ients# :irin$
pep'e is nt the ans"er&/ Pr! sai,& "ith a b',ness that "as hi$h e*en by
his stan,ar,s#
Ba)shi ha, a s!ir) n his %a1e as he turne, t Pr!# He put his han,
n Pr!/s shu',er# CI 'i)e yur e41ite!ent Hr Pi1tr&/ he sai,& Cbut a
seasne, !ana$e!ent has t stu,y a'' un,er'yin$ *ariab'e an, 1!e up "ith
an pti!a' s'utin# It is nt s si!p'e#/
CBut sir& "e 1an $et !reG/ Pr! "as sayin$ as Ba)shi patte, his
shu',er t"i1e an, 'e%t#
Pr! "aite, t ensure that Ba)shi "as ut % the r! be%re he
sp)e a$ain#
Cthis is insanity# Ba)shi/s %u1)e, up the p'a1e an, they are %irin$
inn1ent a$ents he sai,& his *i1e at shutin$ 'e*e's#
C7tay 1'a!&/ I sai,& an, starte, asse!b'in$ the sheets#
C;es stay 1a'!# Li)e Hr Ver4 By here%in,s a11eptan1e in e*erythin$&/
8riyan)a sai,#
CE41use !e&/ I sai, ')in$ up# CAre yu ta')in$ abut !e6/
8riyan)a )ept +uiet# I %e't a$itate, insi,e an, 5ust ha, t respn,#
C-hat is yur prb'e!6 I 1!e here& !a)e %i%teen $ran, a !nth an, $
h!e# It shu1)s that pep'e are bein$ %ire,& an, I a! tryin$ t , !y best t
sa*e !y 5b# O*era''& yes I a11ept !y situatin# An, Pr!& be%re I %r$et&
1an yu e!ai' Ba)shi the user !anua' p'ease6/
CI/! ,in$ it& Pr! sai,& as he 1'i1)e, his !use& Cthu$h "hat is
happenin$ here is sti'' "rn$#/
C0n/t "rry# -e/*e ,ne the "ebsite# -e shu', be sa%e&/ I sai,#
C;u ha*e piBBa that %ten6/ Esha sai,#
CIsn/t it unhea'thy6/ Ra,hi)a as)e,# 0espite the 7H7 ar$u!ent& she "as
ba1) t )nittin$ her s1ar%# Knittin$ habits ,ie har, I $uess#
CN "ay# 8iBBas are the u'ti!ate ba'an1e, ,iet# L) at the 1ntents:
$rain in the 1urst& !i') prtein in the 1heese& *e$etab'es an, !eat as
tppin$s# It has a'' the %, $rups# I rea, it n the InternetpiBBa is $, %r
yu#/
C;u an, yur Net&/ Esha sai,# It "as true# Pr! $t a'' his in%r!atin
%% the internetbi)es& 5bs& p'iti1s&& ,atin$ tips an,& as I ha, 5ust 'earnt&
piBBa nutritin as "e''#
C8iBBas are nt hea'thy# I $ain "ei$ht s %ast i% I ha*e a 't % it&/
8riyan)a sai,& Cespe1ia''y "ith !y 'i%esty'e# I har,'y $et ti!e t e4er1ise# On
tp % that& I 5ut sit an, "r) in a 1n%ine, spa1e#/
C8riyan)a/s 'ast t" "r,s !a,e !y heart s)ip a beat# CCn%ine, spa1e/
!eans n'y ne thin$ t !ethat ni$ht at the F@n, Hi'estne ,is1#
N>@
Hy 8ast 0ates "ith
8riyan)aIII
F@n, Hi'testne& Gur$an Hi$h"ay
7e*en !nths be%re this ni$ht
I shu', nt rea''y 1a'' this ne a ,ate& sin1e this ti!e it "as a $rup
thin$ "ith Pr! an, Esha 5inin$ us# I ar$ue, ear'ier "ith 8riyan)a abut
$in$ ut "ith "r) pep'e& but she t', !e I shu', be 'ess anti=s1ia'#
Pr! pi1)e, F@n, !i'estne an, the $ir's a$ree, be1ause the ,is1 ha, n
,r=bit1h# A11r,in$ t 8riyan)a& a ,r=bit1h is the hstess "h stan,s
utsi,e the ,is1# 7he s1reens e*ery $ir' "a')in$ in& an, i% yur "aist is !re
than t"enty=%ur in1hes& r i% yu "ere nt "earin$ s!ethin$ ri$ht ut % an
ite! nu!ber& the ,r=bit1h "i'' raise an eyebr" at yu 'i)e yu are a %i%ty=
year=', aunty#
CRea''y6 I ne*er nti1e, thse ,r $ir's be%re&/ I sai, as "e t) st's
at the bar#
CIt/s a $ir' t $ir' thin$# They siBe yu up& an, un'ess yu are ,rp ,ea,
$r$eus& yu $et that !enta' s!ir)&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
C7 "hy shu', yu 1are6 ;u are $r$eus&/ I sai,# 7he s!i'e, an,
pin1he, !y 1hee)#
CHenta' s!ir)6 Gir's an, their 1,e, 1!!uni1atin# Any"ay& ,rin)
anyne6/ Pr! sai,#
CLn$ Is'an, I1e tea p'ease&/ Esha sai, an, I nti1e, h" stunnin$ she
')e, "ith !a)e=up# 7he "re a b'a1) %itte, tp an, b'a1) pants# Her pants
"ere s ti$ht& she "u', prbab'y ha*e t r'' the! ,"n "hen re!*in$
the!#
CLn$ Is'an,6 -ant t $et ,run) +ui1) r "hat6/ I sai,#
CC/!n# I nee, t ,e=stress# I ran arun, 'i)e !a, 'ast !nth 1hasin$
!,e'in$ a$en1ies# Besi,es& I ha*e t "ash ,"n 'ast "ee)/s ne thusan,
1a''s&/ Esha sai,#
CThat/s ri$ht# T"e'*e hun,re, 1a''s %r !e&/ Pr! sai,# CLet/s a'' ha*e
Ln$ Is'an,s#/
CP,)a 1ran %r !e p'ease&/ 8riyan)a sai,# 7he "re 1a!e'=1're,
pants an, a pista1hi=$reen se+uine, )urti# I ha, $i*en her the )urti as a $i%t
n her 'ast birth,ay# 7he ha, 5ust a hint % eye'iner an, a $i%t n her 'ast
birth,ay# I pre%erre, it t Esha/s Asian 8aints 5b#
CAny 'u1) "ith !,e'in$ assi$n!ents6/ I i,'y as)e, Esha#
CNt !u1h# I ,i, !eet ta'ent a$ent# He sai, he "u', re%er !e t s!e
,esi$ners an, %ashin sh" pr,u1ers# I nee, t be seen in thse 1ir1'es&/
Esha sai, as she pu''e, her tp ,"n t 1*er her na*e'#
Pr! "ent t the barten,er t 1''e1t ur ,rin)s# I s1anne, the ,is1#
The p'a1e ha, t" 'e*e's: a ,an1e %'r n the !eBBanine an, a 'un$e bar n
the %irst %'r# A re!i4e, *ersin % il Chahta (ai p'aye, in the ba1)$run,#
As it "as 7atur,ay ni$ht& the ,is1 ha, !re than three hun,re, 1ust!ers#
They "ere a'' ri1h& r at 'east ha, ri1h %rien,s "h 1u', a%%r, ,rin)s at *er
Rs FKK a 11)tai'# Our bu,$et "as a 'a*ish thusan, bu1)s ea1h: a treat %r
!a)in$ it thru$h the e4tre!e'y busy su!!er peri, at the 1a'' 1enter#
I nti1e, s!e sti1)=thin !,e's n the ,an1e %'r# Their st!a1hs
"ere s %'at& I% they s"a''"e, a pi'' yu "u', prbab'y see an ut'ine % it
"hen it 'an,e, insi,e# Esha/s ')s are si!i'ar& e41ept she is a bit shrt#
CChe1) it ut# 7he is tta''y anre4i1# I 1an bet n it&/ 8riyan)a sai,&
pintin$ t a pa'e=1!p'e4ine, !,e' n the ,an1e %'r# 7he "re a tp
"ithut any s'ee*es r ne1) r 1''ar# I $uess the $ir's 1a'' it C%%=shu',er/#
0e%yin$ physi1s& it ,i, nt s'ip %%& thu$h !st !en "aite, patient'y#
The pa'e=1!p'e4ine, !,e' turne,& ,isp'ayin$ a 1!p'ete'y bare
ba1)#
C-"& I "ish I "ere that thin# But& h !y $,& ') at "hat she is
"earin$&/ Esha sai,#
CI 1an/t be'ie*e she is nt "earin$ a bra& !ust be tta''y %'at&/ 8riyan)a
sai,&
CGir's/ I sai,#
C;es6 Esha an, 8riyan)a turne, t !e#
CI/! bre,# Can yu 1hse !re in1'usi*e 1n*ersatin tpi1s&/ I
p'ea,e,# I ')e, %r Pr!& he ha, 1''e1te, the ,rin)s an, "as "a*in$
!ani1a''y at us %r he'p#
CI/'' $&/ Esha sai, an, "ent *er t Pr!#
:ina''y& t !y re'ie%& it "as n'y 8riyan)a an, I#
C7&/ she sai, as she 'eane, %r"ar, t pe1) at !y 'ips# C;u/re %ee'in$
'e%t ut "ith ur $ir'ie ta')6/
C-e''& this "as suppse, t be a ,ate# I %r1e, !yse'% t 1!e "ith
the!# I ha*en/t 1au$ht up "ith yu in a$es#/
CI t', yu& Pr! as)e, !e an, I ,i,n/t "ant t be anti=s1ia'&/
8riyan)a sai, as she ru%%'e, !y hair# CBut "e/'' $ ut %r a "a') in a bit# I
"ant t be a'ne "ith yu t& yu )n"6/
C8'eas& 'et/s $ sn#/
C7ure& but they/re here n"&/ 8riyan)a sai, as Pr! an, Esha arri*e,#
Pr! passe, us ur ,rin)s# -e sai, C1heers/& an, trie, t sun, 'i*e'y an,
happy& as e*eryne in a ,is1 a'"ays shu',#
CCn$rats n the "ebsite $uys# I hear, it/s $,&/ Esha sai, as he t) a
sip#
CThe "ebsite is 1'&/ Pr! sai,# CThe test 1ust!ers '*e it# N !re
,ia'in$# An, it/s s si!p'e5ust ri$ht %r thse spn=%ee,=!e A!eri1ans#/
C7& pr!tin %ina''y 1!in$ %r Hr 7hya! here&/M 8riyan)a sai,# I
nti1e, she ha, %inishe, a thir, % her ,rin) in 5ust t" sips#
CN" Hr 7hya!/s pr!tin is anther stry&/ Pr! sai,# CHaybe Hy
7hya! "u', 'i)e t te'' it hi!se'%#/
C8'ease !an# 7!e ther ti!e&/ I sai, e*en as 8riyan)a ')e, at !e
e4pe1tant'y#
CO)ay& "e'' Ba)shi sai, he is ta')in$ t Bstn t re'ease hea,1unt# But
it "i'' ta)e a "hi'e#/
C-hy 1an/t yu 5ust be %ir! "ith hi!6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CLi)e h"6 H" 1an yu be %ir! "ith yur "n bss6/ I sai,& !y *i1e
'u, "ith irritatin#
CC' it $uys&/ Pr! sai,# CIt/s party ni$ht an,C
A bi$ nise interrupte, ur 1n*ersatin# -e nti1e, a 1!!tin n
the ,an1e %'r as the 02 turne, %% the !usi1#
C-hat/s up6/ Pr! sai, an, "e a'' "ent t"ar,s the ,an1e %'r#
A %i$ht ha, br)en ut n the %'r# A $an$ % ,run)en %rien,s ha,
thu$ht s!ene ha, pa"e, ne % the $ir's "ith the!# They a11use, that
s!ene e'se an, $rabbe, his 1''ar# 7n& Hr A11use,/s "n $an$ 1a!e t
his ,e%ense# As the ,an1e %'r "as t nisy %r *1a' ar$u!ents& pep'e
e4presse, the!se'*es n'y "ith %ists an, )i1)s# The !usi1 stppe, "hen
s!ene )n1)e, ne $uy %'at n the %'r# 7e*era' thers "ere n tp %
ea1h ther# Bun1ers %ina''y ,isentan$'e, e*eryne an, restre, pea1e# A
stret1her e!er$e, t 1arry a"ay the )n1)e,=ut $uy#
CHan& I "ish it ha, $ne n a bit 'n$er&/ Pr! sai,#
It/s true# The n'y thin$ better than "at1hin$ beauti%u' pep'e in a ,is1
is "at1hin$ a %i$ht# A %i$ht !eans the party is tta''y r1)in$#
:i*e !inutes 'ater the !usi1 "as ba1) an, 11upyin$ the %'r a$ain "as
the anre4i1 $ir'/s bri$a,e#
CThat is "hat happens t )i,s "ith ri1h ,a,s an, t !u1h !ney&/
Pr! sai,#
CC/!n Pr!# I thu$ht yu sai, !ney is $,# That is h" "e/'' beat
the A!eri1ans& ri$ht6/ 8riyan)a sai, "ith the 1n%i,en1e that 1!es a%ter
,rin)in$ a Ln$ Is'an, I1e, Tea in se*en !inutes#
C;es& ,esn/t !ney pay %r yur !bi'e phnes& piBBas an, ,is1s6/ I
as)e,#
C;es& but the ,i%%eren1e is that I/*e earne, it# These ri1h )i,s& they ha*e
n 1'ue h" har, it is t !a)e 1ash&/ Pr! sai, an, he', up his $'ass# CThis
,rin) is three hun,re, bu1)sit ta)es !e a'!st a %u'' ni$ht % t" hun,re,
irritatin$ A!eri1ans s1rea!in$ int !y ear t earn it# Then I $et this ,rin)#
-hi1h is %u'' % i1e=1ubes any"ay# These )i,s 1an/t !a)e that 1!parisn#/
COh& I %ee' s $ui'ty ,rin)in$ this n"& 8riyan)a sai,#
CC/!n& yu $et $, !ney# 7i$ni%i1ant'y !re than the ei$ht $ran,
yu !a,e as a 5urna'ist trainee&/ I sai,#
C;es&/ Pr! sai, as he t) a bi$ hun,re,=an,=t"enty=rupees sip# C-e
$et pai, "e''& %i%teen thusan, a !nth# :u1)& that is a'!st t"e'*e ,''ars a
,ay# -" I !a)e as !u1h a ,ay as a 97 bur$er by !a)es in t" hurs# Nt
ba, %r !y 1''e$e ,e$ree# Nt ba, at a''# :u1)in$ near'y ,ub'e % "hat I
!a,e as a 5urna'ist any"ay#/ He pushe, his e!pty $'ass an, it s'i, t the
ther en, % the tab'e#
E*eryne "as si'ent %r a !inute# Pr! n his te!per trip is
unbearab'e#
C7tp bein$ s ,epresse,# Let/s ,an1e&/ Esha sai, an, tu$$e, at Pr!/s
han,#
CN&/ Pr! sai,#
CC!e %r ne sn$&/ Esha sai, an, st, up %r! her st'#
CO)ay& but i% anyne teases yu& I/! nt $ettin$ int a %i$ht&/ Pr!
sai,#
C0n/t "rry& n ne "i''# There are prettier $ir's here&/ Esha sai,#
CI ,n/t thin) s# Any"ay& 'et/s $&/ Pr! sai, as they "ent tt eh
,an1e %'r# The sn$ p'ayin$ "as "harara "harara& ne % Esha/s %a*rites#
8riyan)a an, I "at1he, the! ,an1e %r! ur seats#
C-ant t $ %r a "a') n"6/ 8riyan)a sai, a%ter a %e" !inutes#
C7ure&/ I sai,# -e he', han,s an, "a')e, ut % F@
n,
Hi'estne# The
bun1er at the ,r sta!pe, ur pa'!s s that "e 1u', re=enter the ,is1#
-e hea,e, t the par)in$ 't& as the !usi1 "as s%ter there# Hy ears ne*er
%e't s ni1e#
CIt/s s 1a'! here&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CI ,n/t 'i)e it "hen Pr! $ets a''
"r)e, up# The by nee,s t 1ntr' his te!per# Tp !u1h un1he1)e,
a$$ressin $in$ n there#/
CHe/s yun$ an, 1n%use,# 0n/t "rry& 'i%e "i'' s'ap hi! int shape# I
thin) he re$rets !*in$ t Cnne4ins s!eti!es# Besi,es& he ha, nt ta)en
his ,a, an, !!/s separatin s "e''# It sh"s n" an, then#/
C7ti''& he shu', $et a $rip n hi!se'%# Get a stea,y $ir'%rien, !aybe&
that "i'' he'p hi! re'a4#/
CI thin) he 'i)es Esha&/ I sai,#
CI ,n/t )n" i% Esha is intereste,# 7he/s +uite %1use, n her !,e'in$
trip#/
-e rea1he, ur Lua'is# I pene, the ,r t ta)e ut a pa1) %
1i$arettes#
CN s!)in$ near !e&/ she sai, an, $rabbe, the pa1) %r! !e#
C7ee& !aybe it is nt su1h a $, i,ea t ha*e a stea,y $ir'%rien,&/ I
sai,#
CRea''y6 7 Hr 7hya! is ha*in$ se1n, thu$hts6/ she sai,& ti'tin$ her
hea,#
CN&/ I sai,& an, pene, the Lua'is a$ain# I t) ut a btt'e#
C-hat/s that6/ she as)e,#
C7!e Ba1ar,i "e )eep han,y# It/s three hun,re, bu1)s %r a ,rin)
insi,e& the 1st % this "h'e btt'e#
CC'# ;u $uys are s!art&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, pu''e, at !y 1hee)# Then
she t) a sip %r! the btt'e#
CCare%u'# There/s n nee, t $et ,run) 5ust be1ause it/s %ree#/
CTrust !e# There is a nee, "hen yu a ha*e a psy1h parent#/
C-hat happene, n"6/
CNthin$# I ,n/t "ant t ta') abut her t,ay# Let/s , a sht#/ The
btt'e/s 'i, a1te, as ne 1up& an, I br)e the tp % a 1i$arette pa1)et %r the
ther# -e pure, Ba1ar,i int bth an, "ar!th tra*e'e, ,"n %r! !y 'ips
t !y insi,es as "e tsse, ,"n ur %irst sht#
CI/! srry abut the Ba)shi 1!!ent I !a,e insi,e&/ she sai,#
CIt/s a'ri$ht# 0esn/t !atter&/ I sai,& an, "n,ere, i% "e shu', , sht
nu!ber t" n" r 'ater#
CI 1an be a bit1h s!eti!es# But I , !a)e it up t yu# I/! a '*in$
persn& n6/ she sai,& hi$h %r! !i4in$ her ,rin)s#
C;u/re 5ust %ine&/ I sai, an, ')e, at her !ist eyes# Her nse
pu1)ere, up a bit an, I 1u', ha*e ')e, at it %re*er#
C7& she sai,#
C7 "hat6/ I sai,& sti'' hypntiBe, by her nse#
C-hy are yu ')in$ at !e 'i)e that6/ she sai, an, s!i'e,#
CLi)e "hat6/
CThe 1!e=hither ')# I see !is1hie% in yur eyes& !ister&/ she sai,
p'ay%u''y& $rabbin$ bth !y han,s#
CThere is n !is1hie%that/s 5ust yur i!a$inatin&/ I sai,#
C-e/'' see&/ she sai, an, 1a!e up 1'se# -e hu$$e, as she )isse, !e n
!y ne1)#
CListen&/ she sai,#
C-hat6/ I !u!b'e,#
C-hen "as the 'ast ti!e "e !a,e '*e6/
COh& ,n/t e*en as)# It/s rea''y patheti1*er a !nth a$#/
It "as true# The n'y p'a1e "e !a,e '*e "as !y huse "hen it "as
e!pty# H"e*er& re1ent'y !y !! ha, starte, stayin$ !re at h!e be1ause
% the 1',# 7he ha, e*en $i*en up her %a*rite past ti!e % !eetin$ re'ati*es#
CHa*e yu e*er !a,e '*e in 1n%ine, spa1es6/
C-hat6/ I sai, 'u,'y& ri$ht int her ear#
COu1h(/ she sai,& rubbin$ her ear# CHe''6 ;u hear, !e ri$ht6/
C-hat are yu ta')in$ abut6/
C-e''& "e ha*e the ti!e& s%t !usi1 an, a ,es'ate spt#/
C76/
C7& step int the Lua'is& !y %rien,&/ she sai, an, pene, the ,r# I
1'i!be, int the ba1)seat an, she %''"e, !e#
Our Lua'is "as par)e, ri$ht behin, the ,is1& an, "e 1u', hear the
!usi1 % "e "ere +uiet# The sn$ 1han$e, t )ahi *e %r! the !*ie
+aante#
CI '*e this sn$&/ she sai, an, sat astri,e !y 'ap& %a1in$ !e#
CIt/s a p'e ,an1er sn$# ;u )n" that6/ I sai,#
Cyes# But I 'i)e the 'yri1s# Their '*e is true& but %ate has s!ethin$ e'se
in stre#/
CI ne*er %1us n the 'yri1s#/
C;u 5ust nti1e the s1anti'y 1'a, $ir's in the *i,e&/ she sai, an, ran her
%in$ers thru$h !y hair#
I staye, si'ent#
C7& yu ,i,n/t ans"er !y +uestinha*e yu !a,e '*e in 1n%ine,
spa1es6/ she sai,#
C8riyan)a& are yu 1raBy r are yu ,run)6/
7he unbuttne, the tp %e" buttns % !y shirt# CBth& O)ay !ister& the
thin$ abut 1n%ine, spa1es is that yu ha*e t 1perate# N" !*e yur
han,s ut % the "ay&/ she sai,#
-e "ere +uiet& apart %r! ur breathin$#
7he 1n%ir!e, that the "in,"s "ere shut an, r,ere, !e t re!*e
!y shirt# 7he t) %% her )urti %irst& an, then s'"'y unh)e, her bra#
Cbe 1are%u' "ith yur 1'thes& "e/'' nee, t %in, the! +ui1)'y
a%ter"ar,s&/ she sai,#
CAre yu !a,G/ I $aspe, e*en as I raise, !y ar!s s she 1u', pu'' !y
shirt *er !y hea,# 7he !*e, t )eep !y shirt asi,e an, her %t 'an,e, n
!y 'e%t baby te#
COu1h(/ I s1rea!e,#
COps& srry&/ she sai, in a nau$hty=ap'$eti1 tne# As she !*e, her
%t a"ay& her hea, hit the r%#
COu1h&/ she sai,# C7rry& this isn/t as e'e$ant as in the &itani! movie#/
CIt/s a'ri$ht# C'u!sy se4 is better than 1hre$raphe, se4# An, 1ertain'y
better than n se4&/ I sai, as I pu''e, her 1'se#
CBy the "ay& , yu ha*e a 1n,!6/ she sai,#
C;es sir# -e 'i*e in 1nstant hpe&/ I sai, as I pu''e, ut !y "a''et#
-e 'au$he, as she e!bra1e, !e# 7he starte, )issin$ !e n !y %a1e# I
)isse, her shu',ers# In a %e" !!ents& I %r$t I "as in the 1!pany Lua'is#
T"enty !inutes 'ater "e 1''apse, in ea1h ther/s ar!s n the
ba1)seat#
CA!aBin$# That is si!p'y a!aBin$& Hs 8riyan)a#/
CHy p'easure& 7ir&/ she sai, an, "in)e, at !e# CCan "e 'ie here an, ta')
%r a "hi'e6/
C7ure&/ I sai,& rea1hin$ %r !y 1'thes#
7he 1u,,'e, !e a$ain a%ter "e ha, ,resse,#
C0 yu '*e !e6/ she as)e,# Her *i1e "as serius#
CHre than anyb,y e'se n this p'anet& an, that in1'u,es !e&/ I sai,&
1aressin$ her hair#
C;u thin) I/! a 1arin$ persn6/ she sai,# Her *i1e t', !e she "as
1'se t tears#
C-hy , yu )eep as)in$ !e that6/ I sai,#
CHy !ther "as ')in$ at ur %a!i'y a'bu! t,ay# 7he stppe, at a
pi1ture % !e "hen I "as three years ',: I/! sittin$ n a tri1y1'e an, !y
!ther is pushin$ !e# 7he sa" that pi1ture& an, yu )n" "hat she sai,6/
C-hat6/
C7he sai, I "as s 1ute "hen I "as three#/
C;u/re 1ute n"&/ I sai, presse, her nse 'i)e a buttn#
CAn, she sai, I "as s'*in$ an, 1arin$ then an, that I "asn/t s '*in$
any!re# 7he sai, she a'"ays "n,ere, "hat ha, !a,e !e s heart'essG/
8riyan)a sai, an, burst int tears#
I he', her ti$ht an, %e't her b,y sha)e# I thu$ht har, abut "hat I
1u', say# Guys 1an ne*er %i$ure ut "hat t say in su1h e!tina' !!ents
an, a'"ays en, up sayin$ s!ethin$ stupi,#
C;ur !ther is 1raByG/
C0n/t say anythin$ abut !y !ther# I '*e her# Can yu 5ust 'isten t
!e %r %i*e !inutes6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CO% 1urse# 7rryG/ I sai, as her sbs $re" 'u,er# I s"re t !yse'% t
stay +uiet %r the ne4t %i*e !inutes# I starte, 1untin$ !y breath t pass the
ti!e# 7i4teen a !inute is !y a*era$eM ei$hty breaths "u', !ean I ha,
'istene, t her %r %i*e !inutes#
C-e "eren/t a'"ays 'i)e this# Hy !! an, I "ere best %rien,s# 9nti'
1'ass ei$ht I thin)# Then as I be1a!e ',er& she be1a!e 1raBier&/ she sai,#
I "n,ere, i% I shu', pint ut that she ha, 5ust t', !e nt t 1a'' her
!u! 1raBy# H"e*er& I ha, pr!ise, !yse'% I "u', )eep +uiet#
C7he ha, ,i%%erent ru'es %r !e an, !y brther# An, that be$an t
bther !e# 7he "u', 1!!ent n e*erythin$ I "re& e*ery"here I "ent&
"hereas !y brtherGshe "u', ne*er say anythin$ t hi!# I trie, t e4p'ain it
t her& but she 5ust be1a!e !re irritatin$& an, by the ti!e I rea1he,
1''e$e& I 1u',n/t "ait t $et a"ay %r! her#/
C9h=uh&/ I sai,& 1a'1u'atin$ that a'!st ha'% !y ti!e !ust ha*e passe,#
Hy 'e$ "as 1ra!pin$# -hen se4 is *er& 1n%ine, spa1es are a pain#
CA'' thru$h 1''e$e I i$nre, her an, ,i, "hat I "ante,# In %a1t& this
"h'e ,n/t=1are phase "as brn ut % that# But at ne 'e*e'& I %e't s $ui'ty#
I trie, a$ain t 1nne1t "ith her a%ter 1''e$e# But she ha, a prb'e! "ith
e*erythin$!y thin)in$& !y %rien,s& !y by%rien,#/
The 'ast "r, 1au$ht !y attentin# I ha, t spea)& e*en thu$h n'y
%i%ty=se*en breaths ha, passe,#
C7rry& but ,i, yu say by%rien,6/
C-e'' yeah# 7he )n"s I/! "ith yu# An, she ha, this thin$ abut !e
%in,in$ s!ene sett'e,#/
"ettled6 The "r,s re"un, an, repeate, itse'% in !y hea, se*era'
ti!es# What does that mean anyway6 2ust s!ene ri1h& r s!ene "h
$ets pre,i1tab'e 1ash %'"s at the en, % e*ery !nth# E41ept parents , nt
say it that "ay be1ause then it rea''y sun,s 'i)e they/re tra,in$ their
,au$hter t the hi$hest bi,,er# But in s!e "ays& they are# They , nt $i*e
a ,a!n abut '*e r %ee'in$s r 1rap 'i)e that# C7h" !e the !ney an, )eep
ur ,au$hter %r the rest % yur 'i%e#/ That is the arran$e!ent in an arran$e,
!arria$e#
C-hat are yu thin)in$ abut6/ she sai,#
CI/! a 'ser a11r,in$ t yur !!& isn/t it6/ I sai,#
CThat is nt "hat I sai,#/
C0n/t yu brin$ up Ba)shi an, !y pr!tin e*ery ti!e "e ha*e a
1n*ersatinJ/ I sai,& !*in$ a"ay#
C-hy , yu $et s ,e%ensi*e6 Any"ay& i% Ba)shi ,esn/t pr!te yu&
yu 1an ') %r anther 5b#/
CI/! tire, % 5b huntin$# There is nthin$ $, ut there# An, I/! tire,
% re5e1tins# Hre*er& "hat is the pint % 5inin$ anther 1a'' 1enter6 I/''
5ust ha*e t start as a 5unir a$ent a'' *er a$ain"ithut yu& "ithut !y
%rien,s# An, 'et !e te'' yu this& I !ay nt be tea! 'ea,er& but I a! happy I
a! 1ntent# ;u rea'iBe that6 An, te'' yur ,ra!a +ueen !! t 1!e say it
t !y %a1e that I a! a 'ser# An, she 1an sen, yu %% "ith "hi1he*er %u1)in$
sett'e, annuity in1!e earner she 'i)es# I a! "hat I a!###/ I sai,& !y %a1e
beetrt=re,#
C7hya!& p'ease 1an yu try an, un,erstan,6/
C9n,erstan, "hat6 ;ur !ther6 N& I 1an/t# An, yu 1an/t either& but I
suspe1t ,eep ,"n yu !i$ht a$ree "ith her# Li)e& "hat a! I ,in$ "ith this
'ser&/ I sai,#
C7tp ta')in$ nnsense&/ 8riyan)a shute,# CI 5ust !a,e '*e t yu %r
$,/s sa)e# An, stp usin$ that 'ser "r,M she sai, an, br)e int tears
a$ain#
T" brie% )n1)s n the "in," ,isturbe, ur 1n*ersatin# It "as
Pr!M Esha "as stan,in$ ne4t t hi!#
CHe''6 I thu$ht "e 1a!e t$ether# ;u '*e bir,s are inseparab'e& eh6/
he sai,#
N>F
The 'u, rin$ % the 'an,'ine te'ephne bru$ht !e ba1) %r! F@n,
Hi'estne# 8riyan)a $rabbe, the phne# CHiiii Ganesh&/ she sai,& her stret1he,
tne t %'irty& i% yu as) !e# But then& "h the he'' 1ares %r !y pinin
any"ay#
I "n,ere, "hat his tne 'i)e# /,et under the table' &ap the phone'
"hyam&/ a *i1e t', !e# I i!!e,iate'y s1',e, !yse'% %r the hrrib'e
thu$ht#
CO% 1urse I )ne" it "as yu# N ne e'se 1a''s n this e!er$en1y 'ine&/
8riyan)a sai, an, ran her %in$ers thru$h her hair# -!en p'ayin$ "ith their
hair "hi'e ta')in$ t a $uy is an aut!ati1 %e!a'e preenin$ $estureM I sa" it
n1e n 0is1*ery Channe'#
C;eah&/ 8riyan)a sai, a%ter a %e" se1n,s& CI 'i)e 1ars# -hi1h ne are
yu p'annin$ t buy6###Le4us6
CLe4us( The ,u,e is buyin$ a Le4us&/ Pr! s1rea!e,& 'u, enu$h %r
!e t un,erstan, that this "as an e4pensi*e 1ar#
CAs) hi! "hi1h !,e'& as) hi! p'ease&/ Pr! sai, an, 8riyan)a ')e,
at hi! start'e,# 7he sh) her hea, at Pr!#
CLet the! ta')& Pr!# They/re $t better thin$s t ,is1uss than 1ar
!,e's& /Esha sai,#
C-hat 1'ur6 C/!n it/s yur 1ar# H" 1an I ,e1i,e %r yu6/ 8riyan)a
sai, as her %in$ers starte, p'ayin$ "ith the 1ur'e, te'ephne "ire# O*er the
ne4t %i*e !inutes Ganesh ,i, !st % the ta')in$& "hi'e 8riyan)a )ept sayin$
!nsy''abi1 Cyes/ r e+ui*a'ents#
C&ap the phone&/ the *i1e )ept ban$in$ in !y hea,# I hate, !yse'% %r
it& but I )ne" I "u', t , it# I "n,ere, "hen 8riyan)a "u', step a"ay
%r! the ,es)#
CN& n& Ganesh& it/s %ine& $ %r yur !eetin$# I/! here n'y& 1a'' !e
'ater&/ 8riyan)a sai, as she en,e, her 1a''# I $uess Hr Hi1rs%t ,i, ha*e s!e
"r) t , a%ter a''#
CPr! is Le4us a ni1e 1ar6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
Pr! "as a'rea,y n the Net& sur%in$ Le4us pi1tures# He turne, his
!nitr t 8riyan)a# CChe1) this ut# Le4us is ne % the 1'est 1ars# The $uy
!ust be 'a,e,#/
8riyan)a ')e, at Pr!/s s1reen %r a %e" se1n,s an, then turne, t
the $ir's# CHe "ants !e t 1hse the 1'ur# Can yu be'ie*e that6 I ,n/t
thin) I shu', thu$h&/ she sai,#
Pr! pushe, hi!se'% ba1) in his s"i*e' 1hair# CG %r b'a1) r si'*er#
Nthin$ is s 1' as the 1'assi1 1'rs# But I/'' 1he1) ur s!e !re %r yu&/
he sai,# CAn, te'' hi! the interirs ha*e t be ,ar) 'eather#/
Hean"hi'e& !y interirs "ere n %ire# I %e't 'i)e thr"in$ up# I
"n,ere, "hen I 1u', tap the phne# It "as tta''y "rn$& an, 8riyan)a an,
the rest % the $ir's "u', prbab'y )i'' !e i% they %un, ut# But I ha, t ,
it# It "as !as1histi1& but I 5ust ha, t hear that ass !y e4=$ir'%rien, a"ay
"ith the pr!ise % e4pensi*e 1ars#
I trie, t set the sta$e s I ha, s!e e41use t $et beneath the tab'e#
-hy ha*e there been n 1a''s in the 'ast ten !inutes6/ I sai,# CI shu',
1he1) % the 1nne1tins are %ine#/
CLet it be&/ Esha sai,# I/! en5yin$ the brea)#/
C;es !e t&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# CAn, the 1nne1tin is )ay# Ban$a're is
5ust *er=ea$er an, pi1)in$ up a'' the 1a''s#/
CBi6/ 8riyan)a sai, t Esha it "as their 1,e "r, t $ the ti'et
t$ether %r a pri*ate 1n*ersatin#
C7ure#/ Esha sense, the nee, %r $ssip an, $t up %r! her 1hair#
CI/'' 1!e t&/ Ra,hi)a sai, an, st, up# 7he turne, t !e: CThe $ir's
"ant a bi brea)& tea! 'ea,er#/
C;u/re all $in$6/ I sai,& preten,in$ t be re'u1tant& but se1ret'y
thri''e,# This "as !y 1han1e# C-e''& )ay& sin1e nthin$ !u1h is happenin$
ri$ht n"#/
As sn as the $ir's "ere ut % si$ht I ,i*e, un,er the tab'e
C-hat are yu ,in$6/ Pr! sai,#
CNthin$# I ,n/t thin) the 1nne1tins are %ir!&/ I sai,#
CAn, "hat the he'' , yu )n" abut the 1nne1tins&/ Pr! sai,# He
bent ,"n t ') un,er the tab'e# CTe'' !e hnest'y "hat yu/re ,in$#/
I t', hi! abut !y un1ntr''ab'e ur$e t tap the phne# Pr!
s1',e, !e %r %i*e se1n,s& but then $t e41ite, by the 1ha''en$e an, 5ine,
!e un,er the tab'e#
CI 1an/t be'ie*e I/! he'pin$ yu "ith this# The $ir's "i'' )i'' us i% they
%in, ut&/ Pr! sai,#
CThey "n/t ha*e a 1'ue&/ I sai,& an, 1nne1te, the "ires# CL)& it/s
a'!st ,ne#/
Pr! pi1)e, up the 'an,'ine an, "e teste, the arran$e!ent# I 1u',
se'e1t an ptin n !y 1!puter an, 'isten in n the 'an,'ine *ia !y hea,set#
Hr Hi1rs%t "as in the ba$#
C-hy are yu ,in$ this6/ Pr! sai,#
CI ,n/t )n"# 0n/t as) !e that#/
CAn, "hy are the $ir's ta')in$ s 'n$6/
C;u )n" the!& they ha*e their $ir' ta') in the ti'et#/
CAn, yu ,n/t "ant t hear "hat they/re sayin$6 I/! sure they/re
,is1ussin$ Hr Hi1rs%t there#/
COh n&/ I sai,& "rrie, abut "hat I 1u', be !issin$# CA'thu$h h"
"u', "e be ab'e t ea*es,rp6/
C:r! the 1rner sta'' % the !en/s ti'et&/ Pr! sai,# Cit shares a "a''
"ith the $ir'/s ti'et# I% yu press yur ear har, a$ainst the "a''& yu 1an hear
the!#/
CRea''y6/ I sai,& !y eyes 'i$htin$ up#
Pr! n,,e,#
CIt/'' be "rn$ thu$h& ea*es,rppin$ thru$h a sta''&/ I sai,#
C;es it "i''#/
CBut "h 1ares# Let/s $&/ I sai, an, Pr! an, I 5u!pe, %% ur 1hairs#
Pr! an, I s+ueeBe, in an, b'te, the ,r in the 1rner sta'' % the
-A7G !en/s ti'et# -e presse, ur ears a$ainst the "a''# I 1u', hear
Ra,hi)a/s *i1e#
C;es& he sun,s 'i)e a rea''y ni1e $uy&/ she "as sayin$#
CBut I shu',n/t te'' hi! the 1'r& n6/ it/s his 1ar an, it is s
e4pensi*e# But yu )n" "hat he sai,W/ 8riyan)a sai,#
C-hat6 Ra,hi)a sai,#
CHe sai, In& it is our 1arT& an, then he sai, Iyu ha*e bru$ht 1'ur
t !y 'i%e& s yu $et t 1hse the 1'rT#/
COh& he sun,s s r!anti1&/ Esha sai,#
CThat is su1h a 'a!e 'ser 'ine# C'r % !y 'i%e& !y ass&/ I sai, t Pr!#
C7hh# They/'' hear us& stupi,# Keep +uiet&/ Pr! sai, an, put his han,
n !y !uth#
CAny"ay& h"/s Anu56/ 8riyan)a sai,# I 1u', hear the 5in$'e % her
ban$'es# 7he "as prbab'y brushin$ her hair#
CAnu5 is %ine&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# CHe is at a ,ea'er 1n%eren1e in K')ata# I
thin) he has t be up 'ate as s!e ,ea'ers 1an/t see! t ha*e enu$h t
,rin)#/
C7a'es 5bs are tu$h&/ Esha sai,# CO)ay& e41use !e& but I ha*e t
1han$e thisGu1h(/
C-hat/s happenin$6/ I sai,
Pr! shru$$e, his shu',ers#
CEsha& yur "un, has nt hea'e, %r ,ays# 2ust a ban,=ai, is nt
enu$h&/ 8riyan)a sai,# I $uesse, Esha "as 1han$in$ the ban,=ai, n her shin#
CN& I/! %ine# As 'n$ as it hea's be%re the La)!e %ashin "ee)&/ Esha
sai,#
CLet/s $ ba1) $ir's& it is a'!st >:KK a#!#&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# COther"ise the
bys "i'' $ru!b'e#/
CThe bys a'"ays $ru!b'e# Li)e they ne*er ha*e their 1i$arette brea)s&/
Esha sai,#
CBut t,ay they are e4tra $ru!b'y# At 'east someone is&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
Pr! pinte, a %in$er at !e# ;es& the $ir's "ere ta')in$ abut !e#
I $ru!b'e, in 'ip syn1#
C;u thin) 7hya! is nt ta)in$ the ne"s "e''6/ 8riyan)a sai, her *i1e
be1!in$ %ainter as they "a')e, t"ar,s the ti'et/s e4it#
C;u te'' us# ;u )n" hi! better than "e ,&/ Esha sai,#
CI "ish I )ne" hi! n"# I ,n/t )n" "hy he su')s an, a1ts s 1hi',ish
s!eti!es&/ 8riyan)a sai, as they 'e%t the ti'et#
CChi',ish6 He6 I a! 1hi',ish6/ I sai, t Pr!& 5u!pin$ up an, ,"n in
the sta''# C-hat the he''# Hr Hi1rs%t $i*es these 1heesy 'ines an, he is 1ute
an, r!anti1# I say nthin$ an, I a! 1hi',ish&/ I ban$e, a %ist n the sta'' ,r#
C7hya!& ,n/t beha*e 'i)e a )i,&/ Pr! sai,#
-e 1a!e ut % the sta''# I 5u!pe, ba1) a step as I sa" Ba)shi by the
sin)
Thru$h the !irrr& Ba)shi sa" bth % us# His 5a" ,rppe, as he
turne, t"ar,s us#
CHe'' 7ir&/ Pr! sai, an, "ent up t the sin) ne4t t hi!#
C7ir& it is nt "hat yu thin)G/I sai,& pintin$ ba1) at the sta''#
CI a! nt thin)in$ anythin$# -hat yu , in yur persna' 'i*es is up t
yu# But "hy aren/t yu at the ,es)6/ Ba)shi sai,#
C7ir& "e 5ust t) a shrt brea)# Ca'' tra%%i1 is *ery '" t,ay&/ I sai,#
C0i, yu '$ yur brea)6 The $ir's are !issin$ %r! the bay as "e''&/
Ba)shi sai,# His %a1e "as turnin$ %r! a shiny pin) t a shiny re,#
CRea''y6 -here ,i, the $ir's $J/ Pr! sai,#
Ba)shi turne, a"ay %r! us an, "a')e, t the urina' sta''s# I "ent t the
sta'' a,5a1ent t hi!#
C0i,n/t yu 5ust use the ti'et6/ Ba)shi sai,#
C7ir&/ I sai, an, hesitate,# C7ir& that "as ,i%%erent& "ith Pr!#/
C8'ease# I ,n/t "ant t )n"&/ Ba)shi sai,#
C7ir& n&/ I sai,#
N" this is s!ethin$ "!en ne*er ha*e t ,ea' "ithM stan,in$ ne4t t
yur bss in the ti'et as he pees is ne % the "r',/s !st a")"ar,
situatins# -hat are yu suppse, t ,6 Lea*e hi! a'ne r $i*e hi!
1!pany an, entertain hi!6 Is it )ay t ta') t hi! "hi'e he is ,in$ his
business r nt6
C7ir& h" 1!e yu are usin$ this restr!6/ I sai,& as I ha, nt seen
hi! there be%re#
C0i,n/t !ean t# I a'"ays use the e4e1uti*e ti'et&/ Ba)shi sai,&
e!phasiBin$ his superir psitin t !e#
C;es sir&/ I sai, an, n,,e, !y hea,# I ha, a1)n"'e,$e his
!a$nani!us $esture % peein$ in the sa!e bay as us# -ut why was he here6
CAny"ay& I 1a!e t yur ,es) t ,rp %% a 1urier %r Esha#/
CCurierJ/ Pr! sai, %r! his psitin at the sin)# CAt this ti!e6/
CI/*e )ept the par1e' n her ,es)# 2ust te'' her&/ Ba)shi sai, as he Bippe,
up#
CA's& 7hya!& 1an yu te'' the *i1e a$ents t 1!e t !y %%i1e %r a
tea! !eetin$ 'ater& say @:FK a#!#& )ayJ/ Ba)shi sai,#
C-hat/s up sir6/ Pr! sai,#/
CNthin$# I "ant t share s!e pertinent insi$hts "ith the resur1es#
Any"ay& 1an I as) yu a 1up'e % +uestins n the "ebsite6 ;u )n" it "e''&
ri$ht6/
C;es sir# An, !st +uestins "i'' be ans"ere, in the :AL se1tin % the
user !anua' "e sent yu&/ Pr! sai,#
C:AL6
C:re+uent'y as)e, +uestins#/
CG,# Bstn !ay ha*e s!e +uestins# I "i'' re'y n yu s!art pep'e
t ans"er the!# :r instan1e& h" , yu up,ate the site %r ne" 1!puter
!,e's6/
CIt/s easy& 7ir# Any syste!s persn 1an !,i%y the "ebsite ba1)en, an,
1han$e the +ueries t suit the !,e'&/ Pr! sai,#
Ba)shi as)e, us a %e" !re +uestins# They "ere si!p'e enu$h %r
Pr! r !e t ans"er the!# Espe1ia''y as "e ha, bui't the "ebsite %r!
s1rat1h#
CG,& $,# I a! i!presse, by yur )n"'e,$e# Any"ay& than)s %r the
user !anua'& I ha*e a'rea,y sent it t Bstn&/ Ba)shi sai, an, sh) his han,s
,ry# I !*e, a"ay t a*i, any ,rp'ets %ai'in$ n !e#
C;u ,i,J/ bth % us sai, in unisn#
C7ir& i% yu 1u', ha*e 1pie, us n the e!ai'G"e "u', 'i)e t be in
the 'p&/ Pr! sai,# G, ne& he "as usin$ Ba)shi/s phrases ba1) at hi!#
COh& I ,i,n/t6 I a! s srry# I a! nt $, "ith e!ai's any"ay# I/'' 5ust
%r"ar, it t yu# But yu $uys !an the bay n"& )ay6/
CO% 1urse& 7ir&/ I sai,#
CAn, ha*e yu %inishe, the a,=h1 tas) I $a*e yu&/ Ba)shi sai,#
C-hat& 7ir6/ I sai,& an, then rea'iBe, he !eant the pht1pyin$ % the
bar, !eetin$ in*ite# CA'!st ,ne& 7ir# I "i'' sen, it t yu#/
Ba)shi n,,e, an, 'e%t us behin, in the restr!# I %e't "eir, that
Ba)shi ha, nt 1pie, us n the e!ai' sen,in$ ut the "ebsite prpsa'#
H"e*er& it ,i, nt surprise !e#
CIs he a tta' !rn r "hat6 Can/t 11 pep'e n an e!ai'6/ Pr! sai,#
CEasy !an# Let/s $et ba1) t the bay&/ I sai,#
N>D
-e returne, %r! the !en/s r!# Ca'' %'" ha, resu!e, at the -A7G#
Ra,hi)a e4p'aine, t a 1a''er h" t pen his *a1uu! 1'eaner# 8riyan)a
a,*ise, a 'a,y nt t put ht pans in the ,ish"asher# Esha tau$ht an ', !an
t pre=heat an *en an, si!u'taneus'y ,,$e, his te'ephni1 Cyur=*i1e=is=
s=se4y/ pass#
Anther 1a'' %'ashe, n !y s1reen#
CI )n" this $uy# Can I ta)e this 1a''6/ Pr! sai,#
C-h is it6/ I raise, !y eyebr"s#
CA pri1) 1a''e, -i''ia! :4# Listen in i% yu "ant&/ Pr! sai,#
I se'e1te, the ptin n !y 1!puter#
CG, a%ternn& -estern App'ian1es& Pi1tr spea)in$# H !ay I he'p
yu t,ay& Hr :4&/ Pr! sai,#
C;u b',y "e'' he'p !e s!art ass&/ the !an n the phne sai,# He ha,
a ru$h *i1e& "ith a hea*y suthern A!eri1an a11entM he sun,e, 'i)e he
"as in his !i,=thirties# I 1u', $uess he "as ,run)#
C-h is he&/ I "hispere,& but Pr! shushe, !e#
C7ir& i% I !ay 1n%ir!& I a! spea)in$ t Hr -i''ia! :46/
C;u bet yu are# ;u thin) 5ust C1s yu )n" !y na!e it/s )ay t se''
!e 1rap h*ers6/
C-hat is the prb'e! "ith yur *a1uu! 1'eaner& 7ir6 It/s a PV=>KK6/
C/7ir& , yu re!e!ber "hen yu 'ast 1han$e, the ,ust ba$s6/ Pr!
sai,#
CLi)e %u1) I re!e!ber "hen yu 'ast 1han$e, the ,ust ba$s# It/s 5ust a
1rap !a1hine yu ,u!bass#/
Pr! t) three ,eep breaths# He re!e!bere, the su$$este, 'ine in
su1h a situatin# C7ir& I re+uest yu t nt use that 'an$ua$e#/
COh rea''y6 Then !a)e yur %u1)in$ h*er "r)#/
Pr! presse, a buttn n his phne be%re he sp)e a$ain#
C:u1) yu %irst yu sn%abit1h pri1)hea,G/ he sai,#
C-hat are yu ,in$6/ I sai,& pani1)in$#
C2ust *entin$& ,n/t "rry it is n !ute&/ Pr! s!ir)e,# CBa1) t
nr!a' n"#/ He presse, the buttn a$ain an,& tryin$ his best t )eep his
tne 1a'!& sai,& 7ir& yu nee, t 1han$e the ,ust ba$s "hen they are %u''#/
C-h a! I spea)in$ t6/ the *i1e n the phne be1a!e a$itate,#
CPi1tr& sir#/
CTe'' !e yur %u1)in$ na!e# ;u/re s!e )i, in In,ia& isn/t it6/
C7ir& I a! a%rai, I 1an/t ,is1'se !y '1atin#/
C;u/re %r! In,ia# Te'' !& by#/
C;es sir# I a! in In,ia&/ Pr! $a*e in#
C7 "hat ,i, yu ha*e t , t $et this 5b6 :u1)in$ ,e$ree in nu1'ear
physi1s6/
C7ir& , yu nee, he'p "ith yur 1'eaner r nt6/ Pr! sai,#
CC/!n sn& ans"er !e# I ,n/t nee, yur he'p# ;eah& I/'' 1han$e the
,ust ba$# -hat abut yu $uys6 -hen "i'' yu 1han$e yur ,usty 1untry6/
CE41use !e& sir& but I "ant yu t stp ta')in$ 'i)e that&/ Pr! sai,#
COh rea''y& n" s!e br"n )i, "i'' te'' !e "hat t , -i''ia! :4/s
*i1e stppe, abrupt'y as I 1ut %% the 1a''#
Pr! ,i,n/t !*e %r a %e" se1n,s# His "h'e b,y tre!b'e, an, he
"as breathin$ hea*i'y# Then he p'a1e, his e'b"s n the tab'e an, 1*ere, his
%a1e "ith his han,s#
C;u ,n/t ha*e t ta') t thse pep'e# ;u )n" that&/ I sai, t
Pr!#
The $ir's $'an1e, at us "hi'e sti'' n their 1a''s#
CPr!& I/! ta')in$ t yu&/ I sai,#
He raise, his %a1e an, s'"'y turne, t 't at !e# Then he ban$e, a %ist
n the tab'e# C0a!n&/ he s1rea!e, an, )i1)e, har, un,er the tab'e#
C-hat the###/ 8riyan)a sai,# CHt 1a'' 5ust $t 1ut#/
Pr!/s )i1) ha, ,is',$e, the p"er "ires& ,is1nne1tin$ a'' ur 1a''s#
I "ante, t 1he1) the "ires& but ha, t 1he1) n Pr! %irst# Pr! st, up
an, his si4=%t=p'us %ra!e t"ere, ab*e us#
CGuys& there are t" thin$s I 1annt stan,&/ he sai, an, sh"e, us t"
%in$ers# CRa1ists# An, A!eri1ans#/
8riyan)a starte, 'au$hin$#
C-hat is there t 'au$h6/ I sai,#
Cbe1ause there is a 1ntra,i1tin# 0esn/t 'i)e ra1ists& but 1an/t stan,
A!eri1ans&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
C-hy6/ Pr! sai,& i$nrin$ 8riyan)a# C-hy , s!e %at=ass& ,i!="itte,
A!eri1ans $et t a1t superir t us6 0 yu )n" "hy6/
CNb,y ans"ere,#
Pr! 1ntinue,& CI/'' te'' yu "hy# Nt be1ause they are s!arter# Nt
be1ause they are better pep'e# But be1ause their 1untry is ri1h an, urs is
pr# That is the n'y ,a!n reasn# Be1ause is ri1h an, urs is pr# That is
the n'y ,a!n reasn# Be1ause the 'sers "h ha*e run ur 1untry %r the
'ast %i%ty years 1u',n/t , better than !a)e In,ia ne % the prest
1untries n earth# Great 5b& than) yu& ,ear $reat %u1)in$ 'ea,ers#/
C7tp *errea1tin$ Pr!# 7!e stupi, $uy 1a''s an,G/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C71re" A!eri1ans&/ I sai, an, $a*e hi! a btt'e % "ater# CL)& yu/*e
br)en ,"n the entire syste!#/ I pinte, t the b'a1) 1a'' s1reens#
C7!ene )i1)e, the A!eri1ans a bit t har,# N !re 1a''s %r n"&/
8riyan)a sai,& r''in$ her eyes#
CLet !e ta)e a ')&/ I sai, an, "ent un,er the tab'e# I "as !re
"rrie, abut the "ires tappin$ the e!er$en1y phne# H"e*er& they "ere
inta1t#
C7hya!& "ait&/ Esha sai, C" ha*e a $reat e41use %r nt ta)in$ 1a''s# Let
it be %r a "hi'e#/
E*eryne a$ree, "ith her# -e ,e1i,e, t 1a'' syste!s a%ter t"enty
!inutes#
C-hy "as Ba)shi here6 I sa" hi! 1!e ut % the !en/s ti'et&/ 8riyan)a
sai,#
CT ,e'i*er a 1urier %r Esha&/ I sai,# CAn, he sai, there is a tea!
!eetin$ at @:FK a#!# Oh !an& I sti'' ha*e t Ver4 the bar, !eetin$ in*ite#/
I asse!b'e, Ba)shi/s sheets a$ain#
C-hat 1urier&/ Esha sai,# CThis6/
7he 'i%te, a br"n pa1)et that "as 'yin$ near her 1!puter#
CHust be&/ Pr! sai,& Cthu$h "hi1h 1urier ,e'i*ers stu%% at this
ti!e6/
Esha pene, the pa1)et# 7he t) ut t" bun,'es % hun,re, rupee
ntes# One bun,'e ha, a s!a'' ye''" pst=it nte n it# 7he rea, the pst=it
an, her %a1e "ent pa'e#
C-"& s!ene/s ri1h&/ Pr! sai,#
CNt ba,# -hat/s the !ney %r6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CIt/s nthin$# 2ust a %rien, returnin$ !ney she brr"e, %r! !e&/
Esha sai,#
7he ,u!pe, the pa1)et in her ,ra"er an, t) ut her !bi'e phne#
Her %a1e "as pensi*e& as i% she "as ,ebatin$ "hether r nt t !a)e a 1a''# I
1''e1te, !y sheets t $ t the Ver4 r!#
C-ant t he'p6/ I 1a''e, ut t Pr!#
CN than)s# 8ep'e I "r)e, "ith are be1!in$ natina' TP reprters&
but ') at !e# Ta)in$ 1a''s %r! 'sers an, bein$ as)e, t he'p "ith 'ser
5bs&/ Pr! sai, an, ')e, a"ay %r! !e#
N>A
I s"it1he, n the Ver4 !a1hine in the supp'ies r! an, put Ba)shi/s
sta1) in the ,1u!ent %ee,er# I ha, 5ust presse, the Cstart/ buttn n the
a$en,a ,1u!ent "hen the 1pier 1rea)e, an, $rane, t a ha't# C8aper 2a!:
Tray @/ appeare, in bi$& b', 'etters n the s1reen#
The 1pier in ur supp'ies r! is nt a !a1hine# It is a persn# A
persn "ith a psy1hti1 su' an, a $ru!py attitu,e t"ar,s 'i%e# -hene*er
yu 1py !re than t" sheets& there is paper 5a!# A%ter that& the !a1hine
teases yu: it $i*es yu syste!ati1 instru1tins n h" t un=5a! itopen
!over. remove tray. pull lever# N" i% it )n"s this !u1h& "hy ,esn/t it %i4
itse'%6
C0a!n&/ I !u!b'e, t !yse'% as I bent ,"n t pen the paper trays# I
turne, a %e" 'e*ers& an, pu''e, ut "hate*er paper "as in si$ht#
I st, up an, rearran$e, the ,1u!ents n the %ee,er tray# I presse,
Cstart/ a$ain& nt rea'iBin$ that !y I0 "as restin$ n Ba)shi/s ri$ina'
,1u!ent# as the !a1hine re=starte,& it su1)e, in the I0 a'n$ "ith the
paper# The I0 pu''e, at !y strap& "hi1h ti$htene, arun, !y ne1)#
CAaar$&/ I sai, as I 1h1)e,# The I0 "ent insi,e the !a1hine/s $uts& an,
the strap 1ur'e, ti$hter arun, !y ne1)# I s1rea!e, 'u,'y an, pu''e, at !y
I0# H"e*er& the !a1hine ha, !re stren$th# I "as sure it "ante, t )i'' !e
an, prbab'y !a)in$ a 1py % !y I0 %r !y bituary "hi'e it "as as it# I
starte, )i1)in$ the !a1hine har,#
Pr! 1a!e runnin$ int the r!# C-hat theG/ he appeare,
nnp'usse,# He sa" AD sheets sprea, a'' *er the r!& a $ranin$ Ver4
!a1hine& an, !e 'yin$ ,"n n tp % the pht1piers& ,esperate'y tu$$in$
at !y strap#
C0 s!ethin$&C I sai, in a !u%%'e, *i1e#
CLi)e "hat6/ he sai, an, bent *er t ') at the !a1hine# The s1reen
"as %'ashin$ the peti1 "r,s C8aper 2a!/# Hy I0 strap ran ri$ht int the
!a1hine#
Pr! ')e, arun, the supp'ies r! an, %un, a pair % s1issrs#
C7hu', I6/ he sai, an, s!i'e, at !e# CI rea''y "ant the thers t see
this#/
C7hutGupGan,G1ut&/ I sai,#
7nap( In ne snap& !y breath 1a!e ba1)#
CO)ay n"6/ Pr! as)e, as he thre" the s1issrs ba1) in the supp'ies
tray#
I n,,e, as I rubbe, !y ne1) an, t) "heeBin$ breaths# I reste, !y
hea, ,"n n the "ar!& sthin$ $'ass % the pht1py !a1hine# I !ust
ha*e reste, it t har,& r !aybe !y hea, is t hea*y# I hear, a 1ra1)#
C:u1)&/ Pr! sai,& Cyu br)e the $'ass#/
C-hat6/ I sai, as I 'i%te, !y hea,#
CGet %%&/ Pr! sai, an, pu''e, !e %% the !a1hine# C-hat is "ith yu
!an6/ ha*in$ a ba, %%i1e supp'ies ,ay6/
C-h )n"s6/ I sai,& 1''e1tin$ Ba)shi/s ,1u!ent# CI rea''y a! $, %r
nthin$# Cannt e*en , these 'ser 5bs# I a'!st ,ie,# Can yu i!a$ine the
hea,'ineICpie, ,e1apitates !an& ,up'i1ates ,1u!entT#/
Pr! 'au$he, an, put his ar! arun, !y shu',er#
C0n/t ta)e tensin ,u,e# An, I ap'$iBe#/
C:r "hat&/ I sai,# Nb,y has e*er ap'$iBe, t !e in the past t"enty=
si4 years % !y 'i%e#
CI/! srry I "as ru,e an, ,i,n/t 1!e an, he'p yu# :irst these ru!rs
abut the 1a'' 1enter 1'sin$ ,"n# Then Bnt !a)es it t N0TP# An,
Ba)shi sen,s the ,1u!ent "ithut 1pyin$ us# Hean"hi'e& s!e psy1h
1a''er s1rea!s 1urses at !e# 2ust $ets t yu s!eti!es#/
C-hat $ets t yu6/ I as)e,# I "as tryin$ t 1py Ba)shi/s ,1u!ent a$ain&
but the Ver4 !a1hine "as hur'in$ abusi*e !essa$e n the s1reen e*ery ti!e
I presse, a buttn# 7n it se'%=,ete1te, a 1ra1) in the $'ass an, s"it1he,
itse'% %%# I thin) a 1!!itte, sui1i,e#
CLi%e&/ Pr! sai,& sittin$ ,"n n ne % the st's in the supp'ies
r!& C'i%e $ets t yu# ;u thin) yu are per%e1t'y happyyu )n"& $,
sa'ary& ni1e %rien,s& 'i%e is a partybut a'' % a su,,en& in ne 'itt'e snap&
e*erythin$ 1an 1ra1)& 'i)e this stupi, $'ass pane % the Ver4 !a1hine#/
I ,i, nt %u''y un,erstan, Pr!/s $'ass pane thery % 'i%e& but his %a1e
t', !e he "as upset# I ,e1i,e, t sthe the !an "h ha, 5ust sa*e, !y 'i%e#
CPr!& yu )n" "hat yur prb'e! is6/
C-hat6/
C;u ,n/t ha*e rea' '*e in yur 'i%e# ;u nee, t %a'' in '*e& be in '*e
an, stay in '*e# That is the $ap yu are %a1in$&/ I sai, %ir!'y& as i% I rea''y
)ne" "hat I "as ta')in$ abut#
C;u thin) s6/ Pr! sai,# CI/*e ha, $ir'%rien,s# I/'' !a)e anther ne
snyu )n" that#/
CNt thse )in, % $ir's# 7!ene yu rea''y 1are abut# An, I thin) "e
a'' )n" "h that is#/
CEsha6/ he sai,#
I )ept +uiet#
CEsha is nt intereste,# I ha*e as)e, her# 7he has her !,e'in$ an, says
she has n ti!e %r a re'atinship# Besi,es& she has ther issues "ith !e&/
Pr! sai,#
C-hat issues6/ I sai,#
C7he says I ,n/t )n" "hat '*e is# I 1are %r 1ars an, bi)es !re than
$ir's#/
I 'au$he,# C;u ,#/
CThat is su1h an un%air 1!parisn# It/s 'i)e as)in$ "!en that they 1are
%r !re& ni1e shes r !en# There is n easy ans"er#/
CRea''y6 7 "e are ben1h!ar)e, t %t"ear6/
CTrust !e& "!en 1an i$nre !en %r se4y shes# But 1!e t the pint
Esha#/
C0 yu thin) yu '*e her6/ I sai,#
CCan/t say# But I/*e %e't s!ethin$ %r her *er a year n"#/
CBut yu ,ate, ther $ir's 'ast year#/
CThse $ir's "ere ne*er i!prtant# They "ere 'i)e TP 1hanne's yu sur%
"hi'e ')in$ %r the rea' pr$ra! yu "ant t see# ;u are "ith that Cur'y
-ur'y 1hi1)& an, yu sti'' ha*e %ee'in$s %r 8riyan)a&/ Pr! sai,#
The state!ent start'e, !e#
C7he%a'i is there t he'p !e !*e n&/ I sai,#
C71re" !*in$ n# That 1hi1) 1an put yu %% "!en %re*er# Haybe
that "i'' he'p yu $et *er 8riyan)a&/ Pr! sai,#
C0n/t 1han$e the tpi1# -e/re ta')in$ abut yu# I thin) yu shu', as)
Esha a$ain %r a rea' re'atinship# 0 it !an#/
Pr! ')e, at !e %r a %e" se1n,s# C-i'' yu he'p !e6/ he sai,#
CHe6 ;u/re the e4pert "ith $ir's&/ I sai,#
CThis ne is ,i%%erent# The sta)es are hi$her# Can yu be arun, "hen I
ta') t her6 2ust 'isten t ur 1n*ersatin# Haybe "e 1an ana'yBe it 'ater#/
CO)ay& sure# 7& 'et/s , it n"#/
CN"6/
C-hy nt6 -e ha*e %ree ti!e# A%ter"ar,s 1a''s "i''& be$in an, "e/'' be
busy a$ain# -rst 1ase& !ana$e!ent !ay %ire us# Better a1t %ast ri$ht6/ I sai,#
CO)ay# -here , "e , it6/ Pr! sai, as he put his han, n his
%rehea, t thin)# CThe ,inin$ r!6/
The ,innin$ r! !a,e sense# I 1u', be nearby& but in1nspi1uus#
N>E
CE*erythin$ )ay6 I hear, nises&/ Esha sai,& as "e returne, %r! the
supp'ies r!# 7he stret1he, ba1) n her 1hair# Her tp s'i, up an, the na*e'
rin$ t"in)'e,#
CThe Ver4 !a1hine ,ie,# Any"ay& anyne %r a sna1)6/ I sai,#
C;es& 'et/s $# I nee, a "a')# C!e& 8riyan)a&/ Esha sai, an, trie, t pu''
8riyan)a up by her upper ar!#
CN& I/'' stay here&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, s!i'e,# CGanesh !i$ht 1a''#/
A s1p % ht !'ten 'ea, entere, thru$h !y hea, an, 'e%t !y tes#
&ry to move on& I re!in,e, !yse'%# At the sa!e ti!e& I ha, the ur$e t pi1)
up that 'an,'ine an, s!ash it t %i%ty pie1es#
Ra,hi)a "as abut t $et up "hen I stppe, her#
CA1tua''y Ra,hi)a& 1an yu stay ba1)6 I% Ba)shi "a')s by& at 'east he/''
see s!e pep'e n the ,es)&/ I sai,#
Ra,hi)a sat ba1) puBB'e, as "e 'e%t the r!#
The ,inin$ area
The ,innin$ area at Cnne4ins is a 1rss bet"een a restaurant an, a
1''e$e hste' !ess# There are three r"s % 'n$ $ranite=1*ere, tab'es& "ith
seatin$ n bth si,es# The 1hairs are p'ushM they/re uph'stere, in b'a1)
'eather in an atte!pt t $i*e the! a hip ,esi$ner ')# The tab'es ha*e a
s!a'' *ase e*ery three %eet# Hana$e!ent re1ent'y ren*ate, the p'a1e "hen
s!e *erpri1e, 1nsu'tin$ ' % HBAs. re1!!en,e, that a bri$ht ,inin$ r!
"u', be $, %r e!p'yee !ti*atin# A !u1h 1heaper ptin "u', ha*e
5ust been t %ire# Ba)shi& i% yu as) !e#
Pr! t) a 1heese san,"i1h an, 1hips <"e ,n/t ser*e In,ian %,
a$ain %r !ti*atin reasns. in his tray an, sat at ne % the tab'es# Esha 5ust
t' s,a "ater an, sat ppsite Pr!# I thin) s'i1e % eats n1e e*ery three
,ays# I t) an unhea'thy siBe, s'i1e % 1h1'ate 1a)e# I shu',n/t ha*e& but
5usti%ie, it as a "e''=,eser*e, re"ar, %r he'pin$ a %rien,#
I sat at the a,5a1ent tab'e& t) ut !y phne& an, starte, typin$ %a)e
7H7 !essa$es#
C-hy isn/t 7hya! sittin$ "ith us6/ Esha sai, t Pr!& t"istin$ n her
seat t ') at !e#
C8ri*ate 7H7in$&/ Pr! sai,# Esha r''e, her eyes an, n,,e,#
CA1tua''y Esha& I "ante, t te'' yu s!ethin$&/ Pr! sai,& %in$erin$
the 1hips n his p'ate# I ha, a'rea,y %inishe, ha'% !y 1a)e# I "as prbab'y a
pi$ "ith a re*erse eatin$ ,isr,er in !y pre*ius 'i%e#
C;eahJ/ Esha sai, t Pr!& ,ra$$in$ the "r, as an eyebr" rse in
suspi1in# The in*isib'e %e!a'e antennae "ere ut an, su$$estin$ 1autin#
CTa') abut "hat6/
CEsha&/ Pr! sai,& 1'earin$ his thrat# CI/*e been thin)in$ abut yu a
't 'ate'y#/
CRea''y6/ she sai, an, ')e, si,e"ays t see i% I "as ea*es,rppin$# O%
1urse I "as& but I !a,e an e4tra e%%rt t ,isp'ay a %a1ia' e4pressin that
sh"e, I "as rea''y %1usin$ n !y 1a)e# 7he "at1he, as I 5y%u''y 1nsu!e,
"hat "as prbab'y her "ee)'y 1a'ri%i1 1nsu!ptin in a %e" se1n,s#
C;es rea''y& Esha# I !ay ha*e !et a 't % $ir's& but n ne is 'i)e yu#/
7he $i$$'e, an,& ta)in$ a %'"er ut %r! the *ase& be$an p'u1)in$ ut
its peta's#
C;es&/ Pr! 1ntinue,& Can, I thin) rather than %' arun,& 1u', ,
"ith a rea' re'atinship# 7& I/! as)in$ yu a$ain"i'' yu $ ut "ith !e6/
Esha "as +uiet %r a %e" !inutes# C-hat , yu e4pe1t !e t say6/
CI ,n/t )n"# H" abut a yes6/
CRea''yJ "e'' un%rtunate'y that "r, ,i, nt 11ur t !e&/ Esha sai,&
her e4pressin serius#
C-hy6/ Pr! sai,# I 1u', te'' he thu$h it "as *er a'rea,y# He ha,
t', !e n1e& i% a $ir' hints she is nt intereste,& it/s ti!e t 1ut 'sses an,
+uit# Ne*er try the persuasin $a!e#
CI/*e t', yu be%re# I ha*e t %1us n !y !,e'in$ 1areer# I 1an/t
a%%r, the 'u4ury % !a)in$ a by%rien,&/ she sai,& her *i1e unusua''y 1',#
C-hat is "ith yu& Esha6 0n/t yu "ant s!ene t supprt yuG/
Pr! sai,#
Cthat/s ri$ht& "ith three ,i%%erent $ir'%rien,s 'ast year& I a! sure yu "i''
a'"ays be there %r !e&/ Esha sai,#
CThe ther $ir's "ere 5ust %r %un# They !eant nthin$& they/re 'i)e
piBBa r !*ies r s!ethin$# They are 1hanne' sur%in$& yu are !re
serius&/ Pr! sai,#
C7 "hat serius 1hanne' a! I6 The BCC6/ Esha sai,#
CI ha*e )n"n yu %r !re than a year# -e ha*e spent hun,re,s %
ni$hts t$etherG/
I thu$h Pr!/s 'ast phrase 1a!e ut ,,& but Esha "as t
pre11upie, t nti1e#
C2ust ,rp it& Pr!&/ Esha sai, put the %'"ers ba1) in the *ase# Her
*i1e "as brea)in$& thu$h she "as nt 1ryin$ yet#
CAre yu )ay6/ Pr! sai, an, e4ten,e, his han, t h', hers# 7he
sense, the !*e an, pu''e, her han, a"ay nanse1n,s be%re he rea1he, it#
CNt rea''y&/ Esha sai,#
CI thu$ht "e "ere %rien,s# I 5ust "ante, t ta)e it t the ne4t 'e*e'G/
Pr! sai,#
C8'ease stp it&/ Esha sai,& an, 1*ere, her eyes "ith her han,s# C;u
1hse the "rst ti!e t ta') abut this#/
C-hat/s "rn$ Esha6 Can I he'p6/ Pr! sai,& his *i1e n" he', !re
1n1ern than the ner*usness % r!an1e#
7he sh) her hea, %ranti1a''y#
I )ne" Pr! ha, %ai'e, !iserab'y# This $ir' "as nt intereste, an, "as
in a stran$e !, tni$ht any"ay# I %inishe, !y thusan,=1a'rie 1h1'ate
1a)e& an, "ent t the 1unter t $et "ater# By the ti!e I returne,& they ha,
'e%t the ,inin$ r!#
N>?
I returne, t the -A7G bay "ith the taste % 1h1'ate 1a)e 'in$erin$ in
!y !uth# I sat ,"n at !y ,es) an, be$an sur%in$ irre'e*ant "ebsite#
Ra,hi)a "as $i*in$ 8riyan)a re1!!en,atin n the best shps in 0e'hi %r
bri,a' ,resses# Esha an, Pr! "ere si'ent# Hy $ui't %r eatin$ the 1h1'ate
1a)e 1!bine, "ith !y $ui't %r nt reprtin$ the syste!s %ai'ure# -hen $ui't
1!bines& it !u'tip'ies !ani%',# I %ina''y 1a''e, IT t %i4 ur ,es)# They "ere
busy& but pr!ise, t 1!e in ten !inutes#
The spare 'an,'ine/s rin$ start'e, us a''#
CGanesh&/ 8riyan)a sai, as she s1ra!b'e, t pi1) up the phne# I )ept a
1a'! %a1e "hi'e I se'e1te, the ptin t 'isten in n the 1a''#
CH!&/ 8riyan)a sai,& C"hy aren/t yu s'eepin$6 -h $a*e yu this
nu!ber6/
C-hat s'eepin$6 N ne has s'ept a "in) t,ay&/ her !ther sai, in an
e41ite, *i1e# I ha, ne*er !et her# H"e*er& thru$h 8riyan)a/s stries& I %e't
I )ne" her inti!ate'y#
The tappe, 'ine ha, e41eptina' 1'arity# Her !ther sun,e, e'ate,&
"hi1h "as unusua' %r a "!an "h <a11r,in$ t 8riyan)a. ha, spent !st
% 'i%e in se'%=i!pse,& bsessi*e=1!pu'si*e ,epressin#
8riyan)a/s !ther e4p'aine, h" Ganesh ha, 5ust 1a''e, her an, $i*en
her the e!er$en1y 'ine nu!ber# Ganesh/s %a!i'y in In,ia ha, a's nt s'eptM
they ha, been 1a''in$ 8riyan)a/s parents at 'east n1e an hur# Ganesh ha,
t', 8riyan)a/s %a!i'y that he "as Cn tp % the "r',/# I $uess the sa, ,u,e
rea''y ha, n ther 'i%e#
CI a! s happy t,ay# L) h" G, sent su1h a per%e1t !at1h ri$ht t
ur ,r# An, I use, t "rry abut yu s !u1h&/ 8riyan)a/s !ther sai,#
That/s $reat !!& but "hat/s up6/ 8riyan)a sai,# I/'' be h!e in a %e"
hurs# H" 1!e yu 1a''e, her6/
C2ust 'i)e that# Can/t a !ther 1a'' her ,au$hter6/ 8riyan)a/s !! sai,#
CCan/t a !ther/ is ne % her 1'assi1 'ines#
CN !!& I 5ust "n,ere,# Any"ay& Ganesh an, I sp)e a %e" ti!es
t,ay#/
CAn,6/
CAn, "hat6/
C0i, he te'' yu his p'ans6/
C-hat p'ansJ/
CHe is 1!in$ t In,ia ne4t !nth# Ori$ina''y he/, p'anne, the trip s he
1u', see $ir's# But n" that he has !a,e his 1hi1e& he "ants t $et !arrie,
n that trip&/ 8riyan)a/s !! sai,& her *i1e turnin$ breath'ess "ith
e41ite!ent#
C-hat6/ 8riyan)a sai,& Cne4t !nthJ/ an, ')e, arun, a a'' % us "ith
a sh1)e, e4pressin# E*eryne returne, puBB'e, ')s& as they ,i, nt )n"
"hat "as $in$ n# O% 1urse& I a's preten,e, t ') 1n%use,#
CH!& n(/ 8riyan)a "ai'e,# CH" 1an I $et !arrie, ne4t !nth6 That is
'ess than %i*e "ee)s#/
COh yu ,n/t ha*e t "rry abut that# I a! there t r$aniBe
e*erythin$# ;u "ait an, see& I "i'' "r) ,ay an, ni$ht t !a)e it a $ran,
e*ent#/
CH! I/! nt "rrie, abut r$aniBin$ a party# I ha*e s be rea,y t $et
!arrie,# I har,'y )n" Ganesh&/ 8riyan)a sai,& ent"inin$ her %in$ers
ner*us'y in the te'ephne "ire#
CHuh6/ O% 1urse& yu are rea,y %r it# -hen the %a!i'ies ha*e %i4e, the
!at1h& bri,e an, $r! are happy& "hy ,e'ay6 An, the by 1an/t 1!e a$ain
an, a$ain# He is in an i!prtant psitin a%ter a''#/
;eah ri$ht& I thu$ht# He "as prbab'y ne % the thusan,s % In,ian
$ee)s 1,in$ a"ay in Hi1rs%t# XBut t his in='a"s& he "as Hr Bi'' Gates
hi!se'%#
CH!& p'ease# I 1annt , it ne4t !nth# 7rrybut n&/ 8riyan)a sai,&
Can, I ha*e t )eep the phne ,"n n"#/
C-hat , yu !ean n6 This is t !u1h# ;u ha*e t ,isa$ree "ith !e
a'"ays r "hatJ/
CH!& h" ,es this ha*e anythin$ t , "ith ,isa$reein$ "ith yu6/ in
%a1t& h" ,es it ha*e anythin$ t , "ith yu6 It is !y 'i%e& an, srry& I 1an/t
!arry anyne I ha*e n'y )n"n %r %i*e "ee)s#/
8riyan)a/s !ther staye, si'ent %r a "hi'e# I thu$ht she "u',
reta'iate& but then I %i$ure, ut: this si'en1e "as "r)in$ !re e%%e1ti*e'y
than "r,s# 7he )n"s h" t put an e!tina' stasher )ni%e ti$ht at
8riyan)a/s ne1)#
CH!& are yu there6/ 8riyan)a as)e, a%ter ten se1n,s#
C;es& I a! sti'' here# -i'' be ,ea, sn& but un%rtunate'y sti'' here#/
CH! 1/!n n"G/
C0n/t e*en !a)e !e happy by !ista)e&/ 8riyan)a/s !ther sai,# -hat
a )i''er 'ine& I thu$ht# I a'!st app'au,e,#
8riyan)a thre" a han, up in the air in e4asperatin# 7he $rabbe, a
stress ba'' 'yin$ near Pr!/s 1!puter a1rss the tab'e an, s+ueeBe, it har,#
I tu$$e, the hea,set 1'ser t !y ear as 8riyan)a/s *i1e turne, s%ter#
CH!& p'ease# 0n/t , this#/
C;u )n" I praye, %r ne hur t,ayGprayin$ yu stay happyG
%re*er&/ 8riyan)a/s !ther sai, as she br)e int tears# -he*er starts
1ryin$ %irst a'"ays has an a,*anta$e in an ar$u!ent# This "r)s %r 8riyan)a/s
!ther& "h at 'east has be,ient tear $'an,s& i% nt an be,ient ,au$hter#
CH!& ,n/t 1reate a s1ene# I/! at "r)# -hat , yu "ant %r! !eJ I
ha*e a$ree, t the by# N" "hy is e*eryne pushin$ !e6/
CIsn/t Ganesh ni1e6 -hat is the prb'e!6/ her !ther sai, in a tra$i1
tne that 1u', put any B''y", her/s !ther t sha!e#
CH!& I ,i,n/t say he isn/t ni1e r there is a prb'e!# I 5ust nee, ti!e#
C;u aren/t ,istra1te,& are yu6 Are yu sti'' ta')in$ t that use'ess 1a''
1enter 1hap& "hat is his na!eG7hya!#/
I 5u!pe, "hen I hear, !y na!e#
CN !!# That is *er# I ha*e t', yu s !any ti!es I ha*e a$ree, t
Ganesh ri$ht6/
C7& "hy 1an/t yu a$ree %r ne4t !nth%r e*eryne/s happiness6
Can/t a !ther be$ her ,au$hter %r this6/
There yu $: C1an/t a !therG/ nu!ber II %r the ni$ht#
8riyan)a 1'se, her eyes t 1!pse herse'%# 7he sp)e s'"'y& CCan I
thin) abut it6/
CO% 1urse# Thin) abut it# But thin) %r a'' % us# Nt 5ust yurse'%#/
CO)ay# I "i''# 2ustG 5ust $i*e !e s!e ti!e#/
8riyan)a hun$ up the phne an, )ept sti''# The $ir's as)e, her %r
,etai's#
7he ')e, arun, an, thre" the stress ba'' at her !nitr#
CCan yu be'ie*e this6 7he "ants !e t $et !arrie, ne4t !nth# Ne4t
!nth(/ 8riyan)a sai, an, st, up# CThey bru$ht !e up %r t"enty=%i*e
years& an, they 1an/t "ait !re than t"enty=%i*e ,ays t $et ri, % !e# -hat
is "ith these pep'ea! I su1h a bur,en6/
8riyan)a repeate, her 1n*ersatin t Esha an, Ra,hi)a# Pr!
1he1)e, his 1!puter t see i% Ba)shi ha, sent us any e!ai's#
CIt ,esn/t !atter ri$ht6 ;u ha*e t !arry hi! any"ay# -hy ,ra$ it
ut6/ Ra,hi)a sai, t 8riyan)a#
C;es& yu $et t ,ri*e the Le4us sner t&/ Pr! sai,& "ithut
')in$ up %r! his s1reen# 71re" Pr!# I $a*e hi! a %ir! $'are ut % the
1rner % !y eye#
C-hat "i'' I "ear6/ Esha sai,# Her s!ber !, ha, 'i$htene, "ith the
ne" annun1e!ent# Gi*e her a 1han1e t ,ress up an, she "i'' i$nre pep'e
,yin$ arun, her# CThis is t shrt a nti1e&/ she 1ntinue,& C I nee, a ne"
,ress %r e*ery 1ere!ny#/
CGet yur designer friends t 'en, yu a %e" ,resses&/ Pr! sai, t
Esha& "ith a hint % sar1as! in his *i1e#
Esha/s %a1e ,rppe, a$ain# On'y I sa" it& but her eyes be1a!e "et# 7he
t) a tissue %r! her purse# 7he preten,e, t %i4 her 'ipsti1) an, 1asua''y
"ipe, her tears#
CI/! s nt rea,y %r this# In ne !nth I/'' be s!ene/s "i%e# Gsh&
'itt'e )i,s "i'' 1a'' !e auntie&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
E*eryne ,is1usse, the prs an, 1ns % 8riyan)a $ettin$ !arrie, in
%ur "ee)s# Hst % the! %e't $ettin$ !arrie, s +ui1)'y "asn/t su1h a bi$
,ea' n1e she ha, 1hsen the $uy# O% 1urse& !st pep'e ,n/t $i*e a ,a!n
abut !e as "e''#
In the !i,st % the ,is1ussin the syste!s $uy returne, t ur ,es)#
C-hat happene, here6/ he sai, %r! un,er the tab'e# CL)s 'i)e
s!ene rippe, these "ires apart#/
CI ,n/t )n"&/ I sai,# C7ee i% "e 1an $et s!e tra%%i1 a$ain#/
8riyan)a/s !ther an, her "r,sCthe use'ess 1a'' 1enter by/
resun,e, in !y !in,# I re!e!bere, the ti!e "hen 8riyan)a t', !e her
!ther/s *ie"s n !e# It "as nt 'n$ a$: it "as ne % ur 'ast ,ates at
H1ha Ca%S#
N>R
Hy 8ast 0ates "ith
8riyan)aIP
H1ha Ca%S& Greater Kai'ash I
:i*e !nths be%re this ni$ht
-e pr!ise, t !eet n ne 1n,itin"e "u', nt %i$ht# N brain
$a!es& n sar1asti1 1!!ents an, n 5u,$!enta' re!ar)s# 7he "as 'ate
a$ain# I %i,,'e, "ith the !enu as I ')e, arun, !e# H1ha/s ,S1r ha, a
Hi,,'e Eastern t"ist& "ith h)ahs& *e'*et 1ushins an, 1're, $'ass 'a!ps
e*ery"here# Hany % the tab'es "ere 11upie, by 1up'es& sittin$ "ith
intert"ine, %in$ers& b*ius'y ,eep'y in '*e# The $ir's 'au$he, at "hate*er
the $uys sai,# The $uys r,ere, the !st e4pensi*e ite!s n the !enu# E*ery
n" an, then their eyes nee,e, t be happy "as ea1h ther# The si''y
,e'usin in the initia' sta$e % a re'atinship: aren/t they a!aBin$6
Hy 'i%e "as n"here near per%e1t& % 1urse# :r starters& !y $ir'%rien,&
i% I 1u', sti'' 1a'' her that& "as 'ate# 8'us& I 1u', sense she "as it1hin$ t
,u!p !e# 8riyan)a an, I ha, en,e, ei$ht % ur 'ast ten 1a''s "ith s!ene
han$in$ up the phne n the ther#
I ha, nt s'ept the entire ,ay& "hi1h is nt a bi$ ,ea' %r !st pep'e&
but 1nsi,erin$ I "r) a'' ni$ht& it ha, n 'e%t !e %ee'in$ t $,# Hy 5b "as
$in$ n"here& "ith Ba)shi bent n su1)in$ e*ery 'ast ,rp % !y b',#
Haybe he "as ri$htI 5ust ,i, nt ha*e the strate$i1 *isin r !ana$eria'
'ea,ership r "hate*er 1rap thin$s yu are suppse, t ha*e t , "e'' in
'i%e# Haybe 8riyan)a/s !! "as ri$ht ther ,au$hter "as stu1) "ith a
'ser#
These thu$hts en*e'pe, !e as she 1a!e in# 7he ha, 5ust ha, a
hair1ut# Her "aist='en$th hair "as n" 5ust a %e" in1hes be'" her shu',ers#
I 'i)e, her "ith 'n$ hair& but she ne*er 'istene, t !e# I t', yu& I ,i,n/t
ha*e the 'ea,ership s)i''s t in%'uen1e anyone# Any"ay& her hair sti'' ')e,
ni1e# 7he "re a "hite 'inen tp an, a %'"in$ 'a*en,er s)irt "ith 'st %
1rin)'y e,$es# 7he ha, n a thin si'*er ne1)'a1e& "ith the "r',/s tiniest
,ia!n, pen,ant han,in$ %r! it# I starte, at !y "at1h as a si$n % prtest#
C7rry& 7hya!&/ she sai, as she put a $iant br"n ba$ n the tab'e& Cthat
ass hair,resser t) s 'n$# I t', hi! I ha, t 'ea*e ear'y#/
CN bi$ ,ea'# A hair1ut has t be !re i!prtant than !e&/ I sai,&
"ithut any e!tin in !y *i1e#
CI thu$ht "e sai, n sar1as!&/ she sai,& Can, I ,i, say srry#/
CThat/s ri$ht# On1e srry %r ha'% an hur see!s %air& in %a1t& $ $et a
t"=hur %a1ia' ,ne as "e''# ;u 1an 1!e ba1) an, say srry %ur ti!es#/
C7hya!& p'ease# I )n" I/! 'ate# -e pr!ise, nt t %i$ht# 7atur,ay is
the n'y ,ay I $et ti!e %r a hair1ut#/
CI t', yu t )eep yur hair 'n$&/ I sai,#
CI ,i, %r a 'n$ ti!e# But it/s sp har, t !aintain it& 7hya!# I/! srry&
but yu nee, t un,erstan, s!eti!es# I ha, the !st brin$ hair in the
"r', an, I 1u', , nthin$ "ith it# An, it t) ne hur t i' the ,a!n
thin$# An, it %ee's s ht in the 0e'hi heat#/
C-hate*er&/ I sai, in a bre, *i1e& ')in$ at the !enu# C-hat , yu
"ant6/
CI "ant !y 7hya! t be in a $, !n&/ she sai, an, he', !y han,# -e
,i,n/t intert"ine %in$ers thu$h#
CHy/ 7hya!# I $uess I sti'' 1unt& I thu$ht# Gir's sure )n" h" t s"eet
ta')#
CH!!G/ I sai, an, 'et ut a bi$ si$h# I% she "as tryin$ t !a)e pea1e& I
$uess I ha, t , !y bit# C-e 1an ha*e their spe1ia' Ha$$i n,'es#/
CHa$$i6 ;u/*e 1!e a'' this "ay t eat Ha$$i6/ she sai,& an, t) the
!enu %r! !e# CAn, 1he1) this ut: ninety bu1)s %r Ha$$i6/ she sai, the 'ast
phrase s 'u,'y that the tab'es an, a %e" "aiters ne4t t us hear, us#
C8riyan)a& "e earn n"# -e 1an a%%r, it&/ I sai,#
COr,er 1h1'ate br"nies an, i1e 1rea!&/ she sai,# CAt 'east s!ethin$
yu ,n/t $et at h!e#/
CI thu$ht yu sai, yu/'' ha*e "hate*er I "ant&/ I sai,#
C;es& but Ha$$i6/ she sai, an, !a,e a +uir)y %a1e# Her nstri's
1ntra1te, %r a se1n,# I ha, seen that %a1e be%re& an, I 1u', nt he'p but
s!i'e# I sa*e, !yse'% ti!e by r,erin$ the br"nie#
The "aiter bru$ht the 1h1'ate br"nie an, p'a1e, it in %rnt %
8riyan)a# Ha'% a 'iter % 1h1'ate sau1e ,rippin$ *er a b'b % *ani''a i1e
1rea! p'a1e, pre1arius'y *er a hu$e s'i1e % ri1h 1h1'ate 1a)e# It "as a
heart atta1) ser*e, n a p'ate# 8riyan)a ha, t" spns an, s'i, the ,ish
t"ar,s !e#
CL) at !e& eatin$ a"ay 'i)e a 1"&/ she sai,#
C0i, yu ha*e a heart t heart "ith yur !!6/ I sai,#
8riyan)a "ipe, her 1h1'ate='ine, 'ips "ith tissue# I %e't 'i)e )issin$ her
ri$ht then# H"e*er& I hesitate,# -hen yu hesitate in '*e& yu )n"
s!ethin$ is "rn$#
CHe an, !y !!&/ she sai,& Care in1apab'e % ha*in$ a ratina'& sane
1n*ersatin# I trie, t ta') t herabut yu an, !y p'ans t stu,y %urther#
It sun,s 'i)e a si!p'e 1n*ersatin& ri$ht6/
C-hat happene,6/
C-e "ere 1ryin$ in se*en !inutes# Can yu be'ie*e it6/
C-ith yur !ther& I 1an# -hat e4a1t'y ,i, she say6/
C;u ,n/t "ant t )n"#/
CBut I ha*e t )n"&/ I insiste,#
C7he sai, she has ne*er 'i)e, yu# Be1ause yu are nt sett'e,& an,
be1ause sin1e the ,ay I starte, ,atin$ yu I ha*e 1han$e, an, be1!e an
una%%e1tinate an, 1', persn#/
C9na%%e1tinate6 -hat theG6/ I shute,& !y %a1e turnin$ re,# CH" the
he'' ha*e I 1han$e, yu6
The se1n, 1!!ent 1ut !e int thin s'i1es# 7ure& I hate, the Cnt
sett'e,/ ta$ t& but there "as s!e truth t that# H" 1u', she a11use !e
% turnin$ 8riyan)a int a 1', persn& thu$h6
7he ,i, nt say anythin$# Her %a1e s%tene, an, I hear, tiny sbs# It "as
s un%air& I "as the ne bein$ insu'te,: I shu', be the ne $ettin$ t 1ry#
H"e*er& I $uess n'y $ir's ') ni1e 1ryin$ n ,ates#
CListen 8riyan)a& yur !! is a psy1hG/ I sai,#
CN she is nt# It is nt be1ause % yu& but I have 1han$e,# Haybe it is
be1ause % !y a$ean, she 1n%uses it "ith !y bein$ "ith yu# -e use, t be
s 1'se& an, n" she ,esn/t 'i)e anythin$ I ,&/ she sai, an, br)e ,"n
int %u''=n=1ryin$# E*eryne in the 1a%S !ust ha*e thu$ht I ha, 1heate, n
!y $ir'%rien, an, "as ,u!pin$ her r s!ethin$# I $t s!e Cyu=hrrib'e=
!en/ ')s %r! $ir's at ther tab'es#
CCa'! ,"n& 8riyan)a# -hat ,es she "ant6 An, te'' !e hnest'y& "hat
, yu "ant6/ I sai,#
8riyan)a sh) her hea, an, re!aine, si'ent#
It ,i*es !e nuts# The e%%rt it s!eti!es ta)es t !a)e "!en spea) up
is har,er than interr$atin$ terrrists#
C8'ease& ta') t !e&/ I sai,& ')in$ at the br"nie# The i1e 1rea! ha,
!e'te, t a $ey !ess#
7he %ina''y sp)e# C7he "ants !e t sh" that I '*e her# 7he "ants !e
t !a)e her happy an, !arry s!ene she 1hses %r !e#/
CAn, "hat , yu "ant6/ I sai,#
CI ,n/t )n"&/ she t', the tab'e1'th#
-hat the he''6 I thu$ht# A'' I $et %r %ur years % t$etherness is an CI
,n/t )n"6
C;u "ant t ,u!p !e& ,n/t yu6 I a! 5ust nt $, enu$h %r yur
%a!i'y#/
CIt isn/t 'i)e that 7hya!# 7he !arrie, !y ,a, "h "as 5ust a $*ern!ent
e!p'yee n'y be1ause he see!e, 'i)e a ,e1ent hu!an bein$# But her sisters
"aite, t !arry better=+ua'i%ie, bys an, they are ri1her t,ay# Her 1n1ern
%r !e 1!es %r! there# 7he is !y !ther# It is nt as i% she ,es nt )n"
"hat is $, %r !e# I "ant s!ene ,in$ "e'' in his 1areer as "e''#/
C7 yur !ther is nt the n'y 1ause %r the strain in ur re'atinship#
It is yu as "e''#/
CA re'atinship ne*er %'un,ers %r ne reasn a'ne# There are !any
issues# ;u ,n/t ta)e %ee,ba1)# ;u are sar1asti1# ;u ,n/t un,erstan, !y
a!bitins# 0n/t I a'"ays te'' yu t %1us n yur 1areer6/
C2ust $et 'st )ay&/ I sai,#
Hy 'u, *i1e attra1te, the attentin % the nei$hbrin$ tab'es# A'' the
$ir's at H1ha "ere prbab'y 1n*in1e, I "as the "rst pssib'e !a'e
1hau*inist pi$ e*er#
Her tears "ere ba1)# H"e*er& she nti1e, pep'e "at1hin$ us an,
1!pse, herse'%# A %e" "ipes "ith a tissue an, she "as nr!a' a$ain#
C7hya!& it is this attitu,e % yurs# At h!e& !y !ther ,esn/t
un,erstan,# O*er here& yu ,n/t# -hy ha*e yu be1!e 'i)e this6 ;u ha*e
1han$e, 7hya!& yu are nt the sa!e happy persn I %irst !et&/ she& her
*i1e restraine, ut 1a'!#
CNthin$ has happene, t me# It is yu "h %in,s ne" %au'ts in !e
e*ery,ay# I ha*e a ba, bss an, I a! tryin$ t !ana$e as happi'y as pssib'e#
-hat has happene, t yu6 ;u use, t eat at tru1) ,ri*ers/ ,habas# N" a''
% a su,,en yu nee, an NRI 1ar,ia1 sur$en t !a)e en,s !eet6/
-e starte, at ea1h ther %r t" se1n,s#
CO)ay& it/s !y %au't# That is "hat yu "ant t pr*e& ri$ht6 I a! a
1n%use,& se'%ish& !ean persn ri$ht6/ she sai,#
I ')e, at her# I 1u',n/t be'ie*e I ha, '*e, her an, thse %'are,
nstri's %r %ur years# An, n" it "as ,i%%i1u't t say %ur senten1es "ithut
,isa$reein$#
I si$he,# CI thu$ht there "as t be n ar$uin$& b'a!in$ an, sar1as!#
But "e ha*e ,ne it a''#/
CI 1are a 't %r yu&/ she sai, an, he', !y han,#
CHe t&/ I sai,& Cbut I thin) "e nee, t ta)e 1are % ther thin$s in ur
'i%e as "e''#/
-e as)e, %r the bi'' an, !a,e 1ursry 1n*ersatin abut the "eather&
tra%%i1 an, the ,S1r % the 1a%S# -e "ere ta')in$ a 't& but "e "eren/t
1!!uni1atin$ at a''#
CCa'' !e in the e*enin$ i% yu/re %ree&/ I sai, as I pai, the bi'' an, $t up
t 'ea*e#
It ha, 1!e t this: "e ha, t te'' ea1h ther t 1a''# 8re*ius'y& nt a
"a)in$ hur passe, "ithut ne % us 7H7=in$ r 1a''in$ the ther#
CO)ay& r I "i'' 7H7 yu&/ she sai,# An 7H7 see!e, si!p'er than ,ea'in$
"ith anther 1n*ersatin#
-e ,i, a basi1 hu$& "ithut rea''y tu1hin$# A )iss "as ut % the
+uestin#
C7ure&/ I sai,& Cit/s a'"ays ni1e t $et yur !essa$e#/
7ar1as!# Han& "i'' I ne*er 'earn6
N>O
H1ha Ca%S an, its 1're, Arabian 'i$hts %a,e, a"ay %r! !y !in, as it
returne, t -A7G/s tube 'i$ht='it interirs# I 1he1)e, the ti!e: it "as 1'se t
@:KK a#!# I $t up t ta)e a shrt "a')# I ,i, nt )n" "hat "as !re
,is$ustin$thin)in$ abut 8riyan)a/s !ther r hearin$ the $ir's bsess abut
8riyan)a/s !arria$e# I "ent t the 1rner % the r! "here Hi'itary 9n1'e
sat# -e n,,e, t ea1h ther# I ')e, at his s1reen an, sa" pi1tures %
ani!a's1hi!ps& rhins& 'ins an, ,eer#
CAre thse yur 1ust!ersJ/ I sai, an, 'au$he, at !y "n nn=%unny
5)e#
Hi'itary 9n1'e s!i'e, ba1)# He "as in ne % his rare $, !,s#
CThese are pi1tures I t) at the Ber# I s1anne, the! t sen, t !y
$ran,sn#/
CC'# He 'i)es ani!a's6/ I sai, an, beet *er t ta)e a 1'ser ') at the
1hi!p# It bre an un1anny rese!b'an1e t Ba)shi#
C;es& I/! sen,in$ it by e!ai' t !y sn# But I/! ha*in$ trub'e as ur
e!ai's , nt a''" !re than %ur !e$abyte atta1h!ents#/
I ,e1i,e, t he'p 9n1'e& i% n'y t a*i, $in$ ba1) t the bay unti' the
syste!s $uy ha, %i4e, the phnes#
CH!!G these are 'ar$e %i'es&/ I sai,& as I t) *er his !use# CI 1u',
try t Bip the!thu$ht that "n/t 1!press i!a$es !u1h# The ther "ay is
t !a)e the pi1tures '" res'utin# Other"ise& yu 1an 'ea*e a %e" ani!a's
ut#/
Hi'itary 9n1'e "ante, t )eep the! hi$h res'utin# -e a$ree, t 'ea*e
ut the ,eer an, the hipps as thse "ere nt his $ran,sn/s %a*rite ani!a's#
CThan)s s !u1h& 7hya!&/ Hi'itary 9n1'e sai,& as I su11ess%u''y presse,
Csen,/ n his e!ai'# I ')e, at his %a1e: there "as $enuine $ratitu,e# It "as
har, t be'ie*e he ha, been bte, ut be1ause he "as t bssy "ith his
,au$hter=in='a"a pie1e % $ssip Ra,hi)a ha, n1e passe, n t !e#
C;u/re "e'1!e&/ I sai,# I nti1e, Pr! si$na' t !e t 1!e ba1)#
Hpin$ that the tpi1 % 8riyan)a/s "e,,in$ "as *er& I returne, t the ,es)#
Ba)shi has sent us a 1py % the prpsa'&/ Pr! sai,#
I sat at !y ,es) an, pene, !y inb4# There "as a !essa$e %r!
Ba)shi#
The 1a''s ha, nt resu!e,M the syste!s $uy ha, $ne ba1) t his
,epart!ent a$ain t $et ne" "ires#
CLet/s see "hi1h "hit e bBs he su1)e, up t# -h has he sent it t6/
Pr!/s *i1e "as e41ite,#
I pene, the !ai' t see "h ha, been the ri$ina' re1ipients# It "as the
"h/s "h % -estern C!puters an, App'ian1es in Bstn: the sa'es
!ana$er& the IT !ana$er& the peratins hea, an, se*era' thers# Ba)shi ha,
sent it t the entire ,ire1try % pep'e in ur 1'ient base# I ha*e t say& he is
better at bein$ a !ass=su1)=up than a $an$ban$ prn star#
CHe has 1pie, e*eryne# 7enir !ana$e!ent in Bstn in the ItT
%ie',& an, then In,ia senir !ana$e!ent in the I11T %ie',&/ I sai,#
CAn, yet s!eh" he %r$t t 1py us# Ba)shi the $reat&/ Pr! sai,#
I rea, ut the 1ntents % his shrt !ai':
C0ear A''&
Atta1he, p'ease %in, the !u1h=a"aite, user !anua' % the 1ust!er
ser*i1e "ebsite that 1han$e, the para!eters % 1ust!er ser*i1e at -estern
App'ian1es# I 5ust "rappe, this up t,ay# I "u', '*e t ,is1us this !re
"hen I/! in BstnG/
I 'et ut a si'en1e "hist'e#
CBstn6 H" is that ass $in$ t Bstn&/ Pr! sai,#
CBa)shi/s $in$ t Bstn&/ Pr! sai,# CAny % yu 'a,ies "ant t ta$
a'n$6/
C-hat6/ Esha sai,# C-hat is he $in$ t Bstn %r6/
CT ta') abut ur "ebsite# Hust ha*e s"un$ a trip %r hi!se'%&/ I sai,#
C-hat the he'' is $in$ n here any"ay6 On ne han, "e are ,"nsiBin$
t sa*e 1sts& n the ther han, there is 1ash t sen, i,its n trips t the
976/ Pr! sai, an, thre" his stress ba'' n the tab'e# It hit the pen stan, an,
the 1ntents %e'' ut#
CCare%u'&/ Esha sai,& sun,in$ irritate,& as a %e" pens r''e, t"ar,s
her# 7he ha, her !bi'e phne in her han,& prbab'y sti'' tryin$ t 1a''
s!ene#
CHa,ness# That is "hat this Cnne4ins is# Bstn(/ 8riyan)a sai, an,
sh) her hea,# 7he "as sur%in$ the Internet# I "n,ere, "hi1h sites she "as
')in$ at"e,,in$ ,resses& 'i%e in the 97& r the Le4us %%i1ia' "ebsite#
I "as abut t 1'se Ba)shi/s !essa$e "hen *r! stppe, !e#
COpen the ,1u!ent&/ Pr! sai,& C5ust pen the %i'e he sent&
CIt/s the sa!e %i'e "e sent hi!# The user !anua'&/ I sai,#
C0i, yu pen it6/
CN& "hat is the nee,G/
C2ust pen it&/ he sai, s 'u,'y that Esha ')e, at us# I "n,ere,
"h! she "as 1a''in$ this 'ate& but Pr!/s *i1e "as batterin$ int !e#
I pene, the %i'e& "hi1h "as ur user !anua'#
CHere& it is the sa!e&/ I sai,& an, s1r''e, ,"n# As I rea1he, the btt!
% the %irst pa$e& !y 5a" $re" 'a4& part'y in hrrr an, part'y in re%'e4
preparatin t *i1e s!e !a5r 1urse "r,s#
Western Com,uters %roubleshootin& Website
2ro$ect 'etails and 3ser /anual+
'evelo,ed by Conne.ions( 'elhi
"ubhash #akshi
/ana&er( Conne.ions
CLi)e %u1) it is the sa!e&/ Pr! sai, an, thre" the pens he ha,
1''e1te, ba1) n the tab'e# One 'an,e, n Esha/s 'ap& "h by this ti!e ha,
trie, t 1nne1t t a nu!ber at 'east t"enty ti!es# 7he thre" an an$ry ')
at Pr! an, hur'e, the pen ba1) at hi!# He i$nre, her as his eyes "ere n
!y s1reen#
CIt says it is by %u1)in$ 7ubhash Ba)shi&/ Pr! sai,#& tappin$ his %in$er
har, n !y !nitr# CChe1) this ut# Hr Hrn& "h 1an/t te'' a 1!puter
%r! a pian& has ,ne this "ebsite an, this !anua'# Li)e 1rap he has#/
Pr! ban$e, his %ists n the tab'e# In a !ini=%it& he *i'ent'y s"ept the
tab'e "ith his han,s# A'' the pens %e'' n the %'r#
C-hat is "rn$ "ith yu6/ Esha sai, an, pu''e, her 1hair a"ay t a*i,
t sh"er % pens# 0esperate'y sha)in$ the phne t $et a 1nne1tin& she $t
up an, "ent t the 1n%eren1e r!#
CHe passe, %% ur "r) as his& 7hya!# 0 yu rea'iBe thatJ/ he sai, an,
sh) !y shu',er har,#
I "as nu!b as I starte, at the %irst pa$e % ur& r rather Ba)shi/s&
!anua'# This ti!e Ba)shi ha, bypasse, hi!se'% in stea'in$ 1re,it# Hy hea, %e't
,iBBy an, I %u$ht t breathe#
CThis is s 1rap# 7i4 !nths % "r) n this !anua' a'ne&/ I sai, an,
1'se, the %i'e# CI ne*er thu$ht he "u', stp this '"#/
CAn,6/ Pr! sai,#
CAn, "hat6 I ,n/t rea''y )n" "hat t ,# I/! in sh1)# 8'us& ri$ht n"
there is this %ear he !ay ,"nsiBe usG/ I sai,#
C0"nsiBe us6/ Pr! sai, an, st, up# C-e "r)e, n it %r si4
!nths !an# An, a'' yu 1an say is "e 1an/t , anythin$ as he !ay ,"nsiBe
us6 This %u1)in$ 'ser Ba)shi is turnin$ yu int a 'ser# Hr 7hya!& yu are
turnin$ int a !usepa,& pep'e are r''in$ *er yu e*ery,ay# 8riyan)a te''
hi! t say s!ethin$# G t Ba)shi/s %%i1e an, h', his ,a!n 1''ar#/
8riyan)a ')e, up at us& an, %r the se1n, ti!e that ni$ht& ur eyes
!et ban$ n# 7he ha, that ')M that sa!e $aBe that ha, !a,e !e %ee' s!a''
be%re# Li)e "hat "as the pint % e*en shutin$ at !e#
7he sh) her hea, an, $a*e a "ry s!i'e# I )ne" that "ry s!i'e by
heart& t# Li)e she ha, )n"n this "as 1!in$ a'' a'n$# I ha, the ur$e t $
sha)e her by the 1''ar# It is %rea)in$ easy t $i*e thse ')s "hen yu ha*e a
Le4us "aitin$ %r yu& I "ante, t say# But I ,i,n/t say anythin$# Ba)shi/s
!*e ha, hurt !eit "asn/t 5ust the si4 !nths % e%%rts& but a's that the
prspe1ts %r !y pr!tin "ere $ne# An, that !eantpr%(8riyan)a "as
$in$ t# But ri$ht n" the pep'e see yu as "ea) i% yu e4press hurt# They
a'"ays "ant t see yu strn$& !eanin$ in a ra$in$ te!per# Haybe I , nt
ha*e it in !e# That is "hy I a! nt a tea! 'ea,er# That is "hy n $ir's
,istribute s"eets in the %%i1e %r !e#
CAre yu there& Hy 7hya!6/ Pr! sai,# CLet/s e!ai' a'' the pep'e this
"as sent t an, te'' the! "hat is $in$ n#/
C2ust 1' ,"n Pr!# There is n nee, t a1t 'i)e a her&/ I snappe,#
COh rea''y6 7& "hat shu', "e a1t 'i)e6 Lsers6 Te'' us 7hya!& yu
shu', be the e4pert n that&/ Pr! sai,#
A sur$e % an$er 1h1)e, !e# C2ust shut up an, sit ,"n&/ I sai,# C-hat
, yu "ant t ,6 7en, anther !ai' t the "hites6 An, te'' the! there/s in=
%i$htin$ $in$ n here6 An, "h! are they $in$ t be'ie*e: s!eb,y "h is
$in$ t Bstn t !eet the! r s!e %rustrate, a$ent "h 1'ai! he ,i, a''
the "r)6 Get rea' Hr Pr!# ;u/'' $et %ire, an, ntin$ e'se# Ba)shi is
!ana$e!enthe !ana$es& yes& he ,es# But n'y his "n e*en nti1e
Ra,hi)a# 7he "as stan,in$ ne4t t !e "ith a btt'e % "ater in her han,#
CThan)s&/ I sai, an, t) a %e" nisy sips#
C:ee'in$ better6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
I raise, !y han, t stp her %r! sayin$ !re# CI ,n/t "ant t ta')
abut this any!re# It is bet"een us an, Ba)shi# An, I ,n/t "ant s!e
ran,! pep'e& "hse 'i%e is ne bi$ party& t $i*e their pinin n it# ;es&
!y bss su1)s# Hst bsses su1)# It isn/t su1h a bi$ ,ea'&/ I sai, an, sat ,"n# I
$'are, at Pr!# He sat ,"n as "e''#
Pr! pene, a ntepa, an, ,re" a @4@ !atri4#
C-hat the %u1) is thatJ/ I sai,#
CI thin) I/*e %ina''y %i$ure, Ba)shi ut# Let !e e4p'ain "ith the he'p % a
,ia$ra!&/ Pr! sai,#
C0n/t !ess "ith !e# I ,n/t "ant any ,ia$ra!s&/ I sai,#
C2ust hear !e&/ Pr! sai, as he 'abe'e, the !atri4#
On the hriBnta' a4is he "rte C$,/ an, Ce*i'/ ne4t t ea1h b4# On
the *erti1a' a4is& he "rte Cs!art/ an, Cstupi,#/
CO)ay& here is !y thery abut pep'e 'i)e Ba)shi&/ Pr! sai, an,
pinte, "ith his pen t the !atri4# CThere are %ur )in,s % bsses in this
"r', base, n t" ,i!ensins: a. h" s!art r stupi, they are& an, b.
"hether they are $, r e*i'# On'y "ith e4tre!e $, 'u1) , yu $et a bss
"h is s!art and a $, hu!an bein$# H"e*er& Ba)shi is the !st ,an$erus
but 1!!n 1ate$ry# He is stupi,& as "e a'' )n"# But !re than thathe is
e*i'&/ Pr! sai,& tappin$ his pen in the re'e*ant +ua,rant % the !atri4#
C7tupi,=e*i'&/ I e1he,#
C;es& "e un,erstan, hi!# He is s1ary ne# He is 'i)e a b'in, sna)e: yu
%ee' srry %r it& but it sti'' has a pisnus bite# ;u 1an see ithe is stupi,&
hen1e the 1a'' 1enter is s !is!ana$e,# But he is a's e*i'& s he "i'' !a)e
sure a'' % us $ ,"n instea, % hi!#/
I sh) !y hea,#
C:r$et it# 0estiny has put an assh'e in !y path# -hat 1an I say&/ I sai,
an, s!ir)e,#
Ra,hi)a t) the btt'e %r! !y ,es)# C7rry t interrupt yur
,is1ussin $uys& but I hpe yu "eren/t ta')in$ abut !e "hen yu sai,
pep'e "hse 'i%e is a party# Hy 'i%e is nt a party& !y %rien,# It rea''y isn/tC
CIt "asn/t yu& Ra,hi)a# 7hya! !st 1'ear'y !eant !e#/ 8riyan)a
interrupte, Ra,hi)a#
COh %r$et it&/ I sai, an, st, up# I !*e, %r! the ,es) 5ust t $et
a"ay %r! these na$$in$ pep'e# As I %e't& I 1u', hear Pr!/s "r,s: CI% I
1u', 5ust n1e ha*e the pprtunity t %u1) this Ba)shi/s happiness& I/,
1nsi,er !yse'% the 'u1)iest persn n earth#/
N@K
I "a')e, a"ay %r! the -A7G ,es)# Hy !in, "as sti'' !esse, up# I %e't
'i)e 1uttin$ Ba)shi int 'itt'e bits an, %ee,in$ thse bits t e*ery street ,$ in
0e'hi# I appra1he, the 1n%eren1e r!# The ,r "as shut# I )n1)e, an,
"aite, %r a %e" se1n,s# E*erythin$ see!e, +uiet insi,e#
CEsha6 I sai, an, turne, the )nb t pen the ,r#
Esha "as sittin$ ne % the 1n%eren1e r! 1hairs# Her ri$ht 'e$ "as
bent an, restin$ n anther 1hair# 7he "as e4a!inin$ the "un, n her shin#
7he he', a b',=tippe, b4 1utter in her han,# I nti1e, a use, ban,=
ai, n the tab'e# There "as %resh b', 1!in$ ut % the "un, n her shin#
CAre yu )ay6/ I sai,& !*in$ 1'se t her#
Esha turne, t ') at !e "ith a b'a1) e4pressin#
COh hi 7hya!&/ she sai, in a 1a'! tne#
C-hat are yu ,in$ here6 E*eryne/s ')in$ %r yu#/
C-hy6 -hy "u', anyne ') %r !e6/
CN parti1u'ar reasn# -hat are yu ,in$ here any"ay6 An, yur
"un, is b'ee,in$& , yu "ant s!e 'tin r a ban,a$eJ/ I sai, an, ')e,
a"ay# The si$ht % b', nauseates !e# I ,n/t )n" h" ,1trs sh" up t
"r) e*ery,ay#
CN 7hya!& I 'i)e it 'i)e this# -ith 'tin& it !ay stp hurtin$&/ Esha sai,#
C-hat6/ I sai,# CIsn/t that the i,ea6 ;u "ant the pain t en,& ri$ht6/
CN& Esha s!i'e, sa,'y# 7he pinte, t the "un, "ith the b4 1utter#
CThis pain ta)es !y !in, a"ay %r! the rea' pain# 0 yu )n" "hat rea' pain
is& 7hya!6/
I rea''y ha, n i,ea "hat this $ir' "as sayin$# But I )ne" i% she ,i,n/t
1*er the "un, sn& I/, thr" up !y re1ent'y 1nsu!e, 1h1'ate 1a)e#
CListen& I/'' $et the %irst=ai, )it %r! the supp'ies r!#/
C;u ,i,n/t ans"er !y +uestin# -hat is the rea' pain& 7hya!J/
CI ,n/t )n"G"hat is it6/ I sai,& shi%tin$ an4ius'y as I sa" %resh ,rps
% b', tri1)'e ,"n her s!th 'e$#
CRea' pain is !enta' pain&/ Esha sai,#
CRi$ht&/ I sai,& tryin$ t sun, inte''i$ent# I sat ,"n n a 1hair ne4t t
her#
CE*er %e't !enta' pain& 7hya!6/
CI ,n/t )n" i% I ha*e# I/! a sha''" $uy& yu see# I ,n/t %ee' a 't %
thin$s&/ I sai,#
CE*eryne %ee's pain& be1ause e*eryne has a ,ar) si,e t their 'i%e#/
C0ar) si,e6/
C;es& ,ar) si,es!ethin$ yu ,n/t 'i)e abut yurse'%& s!ethin$ that
!a)es yu an$ry r s!ethin$ that yu %ear& a'' this !a)es up ur ,ar) si,e#
0 yu ha*e a ,ar) si,e& 7hya!J/
COh 'et/s nt $ there# I ha*e s !any'i)e ha'% a ,Ben ,ar) si,es# I a!
'i)e ,ar)=si,e, he4a$n&/ I sai,#
CE*er %e't $ui't& 7hya!6 Rea' har,& pain%u' $ui't6/ she sai, as her *i1e
be1a!e "ea)#
C-hat happene,& EshaJ/ I sai,& as I %ina''y %un, a psitin that a''"e,
!e t ') at her %a1e but a*i, a *ie" % her "un,#
CCan yu pr!ise nt t 5u,$e !e i% I te'' yu s!ethin$6/
CO% 1urse&/ I sai,& as it t) !e a se1n, t %i$ure ut "hat Cs'ept/
!eant# It ,i,n/t !ean CBBBs#/
C;es& !y a$ent sai, this !an "as 1nne1te,# I 5ust ha, t s'eep "ith hi!
n1e t $et a brea) in a !a5r %ashin sh"# Nb,y %r1e, !e# I 1hse t ,
it# But e*er sin1e& I %ee' this a"%u' $ui't# E*ery sin$'e !!ent# I thu$ht it
"u', pass& but it hasn/t# an, that pain is s ba,& this "un, in !y 'e$ %ee's
'i)e a ti1)'e&/ she sai, an, t) the b4 1utter t her shin# 7he starte,
s1rappin$ s)in arun, the "un,#
C7tp it Esha& "hat are yu ,in$J/ I sai, an, snat1he, the b4 1utter
%r! her# CAre yu insane6 ;u/'' $et tetanus r $an$rene r "hate*er ther
hrrib'e=thin$s they sh" n TP in thse *a11inatin a,s#/
CThis is ta!e# I/'' te'' yu "hat is ,an$erus# ;ur "n %u1)e, up brain&
the ,e'usina' *i1e in yu that says yu ha*e it in yu t be1!e a !,e'#
;u )n" "hat this !an sai, a%ter"ar,sJ/
C-hi1h !an6/ I sai, as I sh*e, the b4 1utter t the ther si,e % the
tab'e#
CThe $uy I s'ept "itha %rty=year=', ,esi$ner# He t', !y a$ent 'ater I
"as t shrt t be a ra!p !,e'&/ Esha sai,& her *i1e risin$ as an$er
!in$'e, "ith sa,ness# CLi)e the bastar, ,i,n/t )n" that "hen he s'ept "ith
!e#/ 7he be$an 1ryin$# I ,n/t )n" "hat is "rsea shutin$ $ir' r a 1ryin$
ne# I/! a"%u' at han,'in$ either# I p'a1e, !y han,s n Esha/s shu',ers&
rea,y %r a hu$ in 1ase she nee,e, it#
CAn, that sn % a bit1h sen,s s!e 1ash as 1!pensatin a%ter"ar,s&/
she sai,& n" sbbin$# CAn, !y a$ent te''s !e& this is part % 'i%e# 7ure it is
part % 'i%epart % Esha the %ai'e, !,e'/s %u1)e,=up 'i%e# Gi*e !e !y b4
1utter ba1)& 7hya!&/ she sai,& sprea,in$ a pa'!#
CN& I "n/t# Listen& n" I a! nt rea''y sure "hat t , in this
situatin& but 5ust ta)e it easy&/ I sai,# It "as trueM nb,y "u', e*er ,e!an,
t ha*e se4 "ith !e# There%re& %ee'in$=$ui'ty=a%ter=,e!an,e,=se4 "as
1!p'ete'y un%a!i'iar territry#
CI hate !yse'%& 7hya!# I 5ust hate !yse'%# An, I hate !y %a1e& an, the
stupi, !irrr that sh"s !e this %a1e# I hate !yse'% %r be'ie*in$ pep'e "h
t', !e I 1u', be a !,e'# Can I $et !y %a1e a'tere,6/
I ,i, nt )n" % any p'asti1 sur$ens "h spe1ia'iBe, in turnin$ pretty
$ir's u$'y& s I )ept +uiet# 7he stppe, 1ryin$ a%ter ninety se1n,s& arun, the
ti!e any $ir' "u', stp 1ryin$ i% yu i$nre, her# 7he t) a tissue %r! her
ba$ an, "ipe, her eyes&
C7ha'' "e $6 They !ust be "aitin$&/ I sai,# 7he he', !y han, t stan,
up#
CThan)s %r 'istenin$ t !e&/ Esha sai,# On'y "!en thin) there is a
reasn t than) pep'e i% they 'isten t the!#
N@>
T !y ,is$ust& 8riyan)a/s "e,,in$ "as sti'' the tpi1 % ,is1ussin "hen
Esha an, I returne, t the bay#
Esha sat ,"n +uiet'y#
CN" "here "ere yu6/ 8riyan)a as)e, Esha#
CHere n'y# -ante, t !a)e a pri*ate 1a''&/ Esha sai,#
CI/! ta)in$ !ther=in='a" tips %r! Ra,hi)a&/ 8riyan)a sai,# I/! s nt
')in$ %r"ar, t that part# 7he see!s ni1e n"& but "h )n"s h" she "i''
turn ut#/
CC/!n& yu are $ettin$ s !u1h !re in return# Ganesh is su1h a ni1e
$uy&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CAny"ay I/, ta)e three !thers=in='a" %r a Le4us# Brin$ it n !an/
Pr! sai,#
Ra,hi)a an, 8riyan)a starte, 'au$hin$#
CI/'' !iss yu Pr!&/ 8riyan)a sai,& sti'' 'au$hin$& CI rea''y "i''#/
C-h e'se "i'' yu !iss6/ Pr! sai, an, a'' % us %e'' si'ent#
8riyan)a shi%te, n her seat: Pr! ha, 1au$ht her n the spt# 7he ,i,
nt "ant t say !y na!e& I )ne" it#
COh I/'' !iss a'' % yu&/ she sai,& ,ip'!a1y +ueen that she 1an be "hen
she "ants t# 7he thin)s she 1an uts!art the "r', "ith her brin$ rep'ies#
C-hate*er& Pr! sai,#
CAny"ay& ,n/t "ish %r three !thers=in='a"& Pr!# It 1an be 'i)e
as)in$ %r three Ba)shis# -e''& at 'east it 1an be %r "!en& Ra,hi)a sai,#
C7 yur !ther=in='a" is e*i'6/ Pr! sai,#
CI ne*er sai, she is ba,# But she ,i, say thse thin$s t Anu5# -hat "i''
he thin)6/
CNthin$# He "n/t thin) anythin$# He )n"s h" 'u1)y he is t ha*e
yu&/ 8riyan)a sai, %ir!'y#
CIt is har, s!eti!es# 7he isn/t !y !!& a%ter a''#/
COh& ,n/t $ there# I 1an $et a'n$ "ith anyne e'se/s !! better than
!y "n# Hy !!/s neursis has !a,e !e !ther=in='a" pr%&/ 8riyan)a
sai,& an, e*eryne n the ,es) 'au$he,# I ,i, nt& as there is nthin$ %unny
abut 8riyan)a/s !! t !e# E!tina' !anipu'atrs 'i)e her shu', be put in
5ai' an, !a,e t "at1h sappy TP seria's a'' ,ay#
CAnu5 shu', be )ay& ri$ht6 Te'' !e $uys: he "n/t hate !e6/ Ra,hi)a
sai,#
CN&/ 8riyan)a $t up an, "ent t Ra,hi)a# CHe '*es yu an, he "i'' be
%ine#/
C;u "ant t 1he1) i% he is )ay6/ Pr! sai,# CI ha*e an i,ea#/
C-hat6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
I ')e, at Pr!# -hat the he'' ,i, he ha*e t say abut Anu5 an,
Ra,hi)a6
CLet/s p'ay ra,i 51)ey&/ Pr! sai,# Cit/s rea''y %un#/
C-hat is ra,i 51)ey6/ Ra,hi)a "as ba%%'e,#
C-e''# I 1a'' Anu5 an, preten, I 1a! 1a''in$ %r! a ra,i sh"# Then I te''
hi! he has "n a priBe& a 'ar$e bu+uet % rses an, a b4 % 7"iss
1h1'ates that he 1an sen, t anyne he '*es& any"here in In,ia& "ith a
'*in$ !essa$e# 7 then& "e a'' $et t hear "hat r!anti1 'ines he says t
yu#/
CC/!n& it "i'' ne*er "r)&/ 8riyan)a sai,# C;u 1an/t sun, 'i)e an R2#/
CTrust !e# I a! a 1a'' 1enter a$ent# I 1an !a)e a 1n*in1in$ R2#/ Pr!
sai,#
I "as 1urius t see h" Pr! "u', , his R2 a1t#
CO)ay&/ Pr! sai, as he $t rea,y& CIt/s sh" ti!e& %')s# Ta)e 'ine %i*e
e*eryne# An, n nise: breathe a"ay %r! the !uthpie1e& )ay6/
Ra,hi)a $a*e hi! the nu!ber as "e t) 'ine %i*e# Pr! ,ia'e, Anu5/s
!bi'e phne#
-e $'ue, the earpie1e t ur ears# The te'ephne ran$ %i*e ti!es#
CHe/s s'eepin$&/ 8riyan)a "hispere,#
C7hhh&/ Pr! "ent& as "e hear, s!ene pi1) up#
CHe''6/ Anu5 sai, in a s'eepy *i1e#
CHe'' there& !y %rien,& is this OR>K>=DEFK>6/ Pr! sai, in an insane'y
1heer%u'& ra,i 51)ey *i1e#
C;es& "h is it6/ Anu5 sai,#
CIt is yur 'u1)y 1a'' %r tni$ht# This is R2 Ha4 1a''in$ %r! Ra,i City
OR#A :H& an, yu !y %rien, ha*e 5ust "n a priBe#/
CRa,i City6 Are yu tryin$ t se'' !e s!ethin$6/ Anu5 sai,# I $uess
bein$ a sa'espersn hi!se'%& he "as s)epti1a'#
CN !y %rien,& I a! nt se''in$ anythin$n 1re,it 1ar,s& n insuran1e
p'i1ies an, n phne p'ans# I a! 5ust $in$ t %%er yu a s!a'' priBe %r!
ur spnsr Inter%'ra an, yu 1an re+uest a sn$ i% yu "ant t# Han& pep'e
,ubt !e s !u1h these ,ays&/ Pr! sai,#
C7rry& I "as 5ust nt sure&/ Anu5 sai,#
CHa4 is the na!e# -hat/s yurs6/ Pr! sai,#
CAnu5&/
CNi1e ta')in$ t yu Anu5# -here are yu ri$ht n"6/
CK')ata#/
COh& the 'an, % s"eets& e41e''ent# Any"ay& Anu5& yu $et t sen, a
,Ben re, rses "ith yur !essa$e t anyne in In,ia# This ser*i1e is bru$ht
t yu by Inter%'ra& ne % the "r',/s 'ar$est %'"er ,e'i*ery 1!panies#/
Pr! "as 'i)e a pr& I !ust a,!it#
CAn, I ,n/t ha*e t pay anythin$6 Than)s Inter%'ra&/ Anu5 sai, "ith
suitab'e $ratitu,e#
A'' % us ha, ut !uths shut ri$ht an, the hea,set !uthpie1e 1*ere,
"ith ur han,s#
CN !y %rien,& n pay!ent at a''# 7 are yu rea,y "ith yur spe1ia'
persn/s na!e an, a,,ress6/
C;es sure# I/, 'i)e t sen, it t !y $ir'%rien, 8aya'#/
I thin) the earth sh) beneath us# I ')e, at Pr!/s %a1e& his 5a"
ha, ,rppe, "i,e pen# He "a*e, a han, in 1n%usin#
C8aya'6/ Pr! sai,& his *i1e ,rppin$ t !re nr!a' 'e*e's& 'ess
e4uberant than that % a hypera1ti*e R2#
C;es& she is !y $ir'%rien,# 7he 'i*es in 0e'hi# 7he is !,ern type % $ir'&
s p'ease !a)e the bu+uet tren,yG/ Anu5 sai,#
Ra,hi)a 1u', nt stay si'ent any 'n$er#
C8aya'6 -hat ,i, yu 5ust say& Anu56 ;ur $ir'%rien, 8aya'6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C-h is that6###Ra,hi)aG6/
C;es& Ra,hi)a# ;ur %u1)in$ "i%e Ra,hi)a#/
C-hat is $in$ n here6 -h is this Ha4 $uy& hey Ha46/ Anu5 sai,#
I thin) the Ha4 $uy 5ust ,ie,# Pr! put his han, n his hea,&
"n,erin$ "hat t say ne4t#
C;u ta') t !e& yu assh'e&/ Ra,hi)a sai,& prbab'y 1ursin$ %r the
%irst ti!e sin1e she $t !arrie,# C-hat !essa$e "ere yu $in$ t sen, this
8aya'6/
CRa,hi)a& hney# Listen this is a pran)# Ha46 Ha46
CThere is n Ha4# it is Pr! here&/ Pr! sai, in a b'a1) *i1e#
C;u bastarC Anu5 be$an be%re Ra,hi)a Qst, up an, 1ut the 'ine# 7he
set ba1) ,"n n her 1hair& stunne,# A %e" se1n,s 'ater& she br)e int
tears#
Pr! ')e, at Ra,hi)a# C,a!n& Ra,hi)a I a! s srry&/ he sai,#
Ra,hi)a ,i, nt ans"er# 7he 5ust 1rie, an, 1rie,# In bet"een& she 'i%te,
the ha'%=)nit s1ar% t "ipe her tears# 7!ethin$ t', !e Ra,hi)a "u', ne*er
%inish the s1ar%#
Esha he', Ra,hi)a/s han, ti$ht# Haybe the tear bu$ passe, thru$h
han,s be1ause Esha starte, 1ryin$ as "e''# 8riyan)a "ent an, bru$ht ba1)
"ater# Ra,hi)a pure, ut a $'ass%u' % tears& an, ,ran) the $'ass % "ater#
CTa)e it easy# It/s prbab'y a !isun,erstan,in$&/ 8riyan)a sai,# 7he
')e, at Esha& puBB'e, abut "hy Esha "as s upset *er 8aya'& I $uess
Esha/s Crea' pain/ "as ba1)#
Ra,hi)a ri%'e, thru$h her ba$ ')in$ %r her hea,a1he pi''s# 7he n'y
%un, an e!pty b'ister pa1)# 7he !uthe, s!e 1urses an, thre" it asi,e#
CRa,hi)aJ/ 8riyan)a sai,#
C2ust 'ea*e !e a'ne %r a %e" !inutes&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CGir's& I rea''y nee, t ta')&/ Esha sai,& a she "ipe, her tears#
C-hat/s up6/ 8riyan)a sai, as she ')e, at Esha# They e41han$e,
$'an1es: Esha use, the %e!a'e te'epathi1 net"r) t as) 8riyan)a t 1!e t
the ti'et# 8riyan)a tappe, Ra,hi)a/s shu',er an, the $ir's st, up#
CN" "here are yu $ir's $in$6/ Pr! sai,# CI 1ause, this situatin#
Can/t yu ta') here6/
C-e ha*e ur pri*ate stu%% t ,is1uss&/ 8riyan)a sai, %ir!'y t Pr! an,
'e%t the ,es)#
C-hat/s up6 -hat/s the ,ea' "ith Esha6/ Pr! sai, t !e a%ter the $ir's
"ere ut % si$ht#
CNthin$&/ I sai,#
CC/!n te'' !e& she !ust ha*e t', yu in the 1n%eren1e r!#/
CI 1an/t te'' yu&/ I sai, an, ')e, at !y s1reen# I trie, t 1han$e the
tpi1# C0 yu thin) Ba)shi e4perts us t prepare %r his tea! !eetin$6/
CI thin) Esha is sa, be1ause she re$ar,s sayin$ n t !e&/ Pr! sai,#
I s!ir)e,
CI% nt that& then "hat is it6/ Pr! sai,& ')in$ at !e "ith a puBB'e,
e4pressin# I shru$$e, !y shu',ers#
C:ine# I/'' use ur ear'ier te1hni+ue# I a! $in$ t the ti'et t %in, ut&/
Pr! sai,#
CN Pr!& n&/ I sai,# I trie, t $rab his shirt& but he pu''e, a"ay an,
"ent t the !en/s r!#
I ,i, nt 1hase a%ter hi!# I ,i, nt 1are i% he %un, ut# I %i$ure, he
u$ht t )n" "hat his 'i*e interest "as up t any"ay# I 1a''e, syste!s an,
t', the! the 1a''s ha, nt resu!e, yet# They pr!ise, t 1!e t !y ,es)
"ith the ne" 1ab'e "ithin C%i*e !inutes !a4i!u!/# I $uess syste!s $uys are
busy# C!puters are suppse, t he'p !enbut enu$h 1!puters nee, he'p
%r! !en as "e''#
-ith n ne at the ,es) an, syste!s ,"n& I ,e1i,e, t ta)e a "a')
arun, the r!# I passe, by Hi'itary 9n1'e/s raise, his hea,# I ')e, at his
%a1e: his "rin)'es see!e, !re prnun1e,& !a)in$ hi! ') ',er#
CHy sn rep'ie, t the !ai' I sent&/ he sai,# CI thin) the %i'e "as t bi$#/
CRea''y6 -hat ,i, he say6 I sai,#
Hi'itary 9n1'e sh) his hea, an, put his hea, ba1) n the ,es)# The
!essa$e n his s1reen 1au$ht !y eye# It "as an e!ai' %r! his sn#
'ad+++ you have cluttered my life enou&h( now sto,
clutterin& my mailbo.+ I do not know what came over me that I
allowed communication between you and my son+ I don0t want
your shadow on him+ 2lease stay away and do not send him any
more emails+ !or literally or otherwise( we don0t want your
attachments+
CIt/s nthin$&/ 9n1'e sai,& as he 1'se, a'' the "in,"s n his s1reen# CI
shu', $et ba1) t "r)# -hat happene,6 ;ur syste!s are ,"n a$ain6/
CA 't is ,"n tni$ht& nt 5ust the syste!s&/ I sai, an, returne, t !y
seat#
N@ @
C0i, yu )n"6/ Pr! "hispere, t !e as he returne, %r! the !en/s
ti'et#
C-hat6/ I sai,#
CEsha/s bi$ ba, stry#/
CI/, rather nt ,is1uss it## it/s her pri*ate !atter#/
CN "n,er she "n/t $ ut "ith !e# 7he nee,s t r!p her "ay t
the ra!p ,esn/t she6/ Bit1h#/
CHin, yur 'an$ua$e&/ I sai,& Can, "here are the $ir's6/
CC!in$ ba1) sn# ;ur 1hi1) "as 1ns'in$ Ra,hi)a "hen I 'e%t#/
C8riyan)a is nt !y 1hi1) Pr!# -i'' yu 5ust shut up6/ I sai,#
CO)ay& I "i'' shut up# That is "hat a $, 1a'' 1enter a$ent ,es ri$ht6
Crap happens arun, hi! an, he 5ust s!i'es an, says h" 1an I he'p yuJ
Li)e& s!ene 5ust s'ept "ith the ne $ir' I 1are %r# But it is )ay ri$ht6 8ass
!e the ne4t ,u!b 1ust!er#/
CThe $ir's are 1!in$&/ I sai, as I sa" the! return# C8reten, yu )n"
nthin$ abut Esha#/
The ,es) "as si'ent as the $ir's t) their seats# Pr! "as abut t say
s!ethin$& but I si$na'e, hi! t be +uiet# The syste!s $uy %ina''y sh"e, up
"ith ne" )i1)=pr% "ires an, re=insta''e, ur syste!s# I "as re'ie*e, as 1a''s
be$an t tri1)'e in# srtin$ A!eri1ans/ *en an, %ri,$e prb'e!s "as easier
then s'*in$ ur 'i%e/s prb'e!s#
I ')e, at 8riyan)a n1eM she "as busy "ith a 1a''er# CHy !hi!$./ I
s!ir)e, t !yse'% at Pr!/s 1!!ent# 7he "as n 'n$er !y 1hi1)# 7he "as
$in$ t !arry a ri1h& su11ess%u' $uys!ene "h ha, n 1!petitin %r!
a 'ser 'i)e !e# Certain'y nt a%ter Ba)shi ba1)stabbe, !e "ith his "ebsite& I
thu$ht# But ha, I $i*en up6 id I still feel for her6 I sh) !y hea, at the
irre'e*ant +uestins# H" ,i, it !atter i% I sti'' %e't %r her6 I ,i, nt ,eser*e
her& an, I "as nt $in$ t $et her# That "as rea'ity& an, as is %ten the 1ase
"ith !e& rea'ity su1)s&
Esha "as sti'' +uite sub,ue, a%ter returnin$ %r! the ti'et# 8riyan)a
"as tryin$ t 1heer her up#
CGet a %'"in$ 'ehn$a %r the en$a$e!ent# But "hat "i'' yu "ear %r
the "e,,in$6 A sari6/ 8riyan)a as)e, Esha bet"een 1a''s#
CHy na*e' ri$ "i'' sh"&/ Esha sai,#
I a! 1nstant'y a!aBe, at the abi'ity % "!en t 1a'! ,"n# A'' they
nee, t , is ta')& hu$ an, 1ry it ut %r ten !inutesan, then they 1an %a1e
any % 'i%e/s 1rap# Esha/s Crea' pain/ "as b*ius'y !u1h better& r she "as at
'east ,istra1te, %r! it& $i*en she 1u', ,is1uss her ,ress p'ans %r 8riyan)a/s
bi$ ,ay#
C0n/t , anythin$ e'abrate&/ 8riyan)a sai,& CI/! $in$ t te'' !y
!ther I "ant a si!p'e sari# O% 1urse& she "i'' %rea) ut# Hey Ra,hi)a& are
yu )ay6/ 8riyan)a sai,& as she nti1e, Ra,hi)a !assa$in$ her %rehea,#
CI/'' be %ine# I a! 5ust ne % !i$raine pi''s&/ Ra,hi)a sai, as she pi1)e,
up a 1a''# C-estern App'ian1es& Re$ina spea)in$# H" !ay I he'p yu6/
The 'an,'ine te'ephne/s rin$ 1au$ht e*eryne/s attentin#
This is !y 1a''# Guys I )n" syste! is 'i*e& but 1an I ta)e this 1a''6/
8riyan)a sai,#
C7ure# Ca'' %'" is s 'i$ht any"ays&/ Pr! sai, as the 'an,'ine
1ntinue, t rin$#
8riyan)a/s han, rea1he, %r the te'ephne# I 1asua'ty s"it1he, the
ptin n !y s1reen t 'isten in t the 1n*ersatin#
CBy the "ay& ,ar) b'ue !i1e is a's a $, 1'ur&/ Pr! sai, as
8riyan)a 'i%te, the re1ei*er#
C-hat6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CI sa" the Le4us "ebsite& ,ar) b'ue !i1a is their best 1'ur&/ Pr!
sai,#
I thre" Pr! a ,is$uste, $'an1e#
CAt 'east that is "hat I thin)&/ Pr!/s *i1e ,rppe, as he inter1epte,
!y ')#
CHe''& !y 1enter % attentin&/ Ganesh/s bea!in$ *i1e 1a!e *er
8riyan)a an, !y phnes#
CHi Ganesh&/ 8riyan)a sai, se,ate'y#
C-hat/s up& 8riya6 ;u sun, serius&/ Ganesh sai,#
8riyan)a hates it "hen pep'e shrten her na!e t 8riya# This !rn
,i, nt )n" that#
CNthin$# 2ust ha*in$ a ru$h ,ay###srry ni$ht# An, p'ease 1a'' !e
8riyan)a& she sai,#
C-e''& I a! ha*in$ a r1)in$ ,ay here# E*eryne in %%i1e is s e41ite,
%r !e# They )eep as)in$ !e Is "hen is the ,ate6T& I-here is the
hney!n6T/
C;eah Ganesh& abut the ,ate&/ 8riyan)a sai,& C!y !! 5ust 1a''e,#/
C7he ,i,# Oh n# I thu$ht I/, $i*e yu the $, ne"s !yse'%#/
C-hat $, ne"s6/
CThat I a! 1!in$ t In,ia ne4t !nth# -e shu', $et !arrie, then
n'y# -hat say& hney!n strai$ht %r! there6 8ep'e sai, the Baha!as is
a!aBin$# But I/*e a'"ays "ante, t $ t 8aris# Be1ause "hat 1u', be !re
r!anti1 than 8aris#/
CGanesh&/ 8riyan)a sai,& her *i1e %ranti1#
C-hat6/
CCan I say s!ethin$6/
C7ure# But %irst te'' !e& 8aris r Baha!as6/
CGanesh#/
C8'ease te'' !e "here yu/, rather $#/
C8aris# N" 1an I say s!ethin$6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
Esha an, Ra,hi)a raise, their eyebr"s "hen they hear, the "r,
8aris# It "as nt ,i%%i1u't t $uess that hney!n p'annin$ "as in pr$ress#
C7ure# -hat , yu "ant t say6/ Ganesh sai,#
C0n/t yu thin) it is a 'itt'e rushe,6/
C-hat6/
COur !arria$e# -e ha*e n'y ta')e, t ea1h ther %r a "ee)# I )n"&
"e sp)e +uite a bit& but sti''#/
C;u/*e sai, yes t !e ri$ht6/ Ganesh sai,#
C;es& butG/
CThen "hy "ait6 I ,n/t $et !u1h 'ea*e here# An, 1nsi,erin$ I n"
spen, !y e*ery 'i*in$ !!ent thin)in$ abut yu& I/, rather $et yu here at
the ear'iest#/
CBut& this is !arria$e Ganesh# Nt 5ust a *a1atin# - ha*e t $i*e ea1h
ther ti!e t $et rea,y %r this&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, t"ir'e, a stran, % hair
"ith her %in$er# I use, t '*e p'ayin$ "ith her hair "hen "e "ere t$ether#
CBut&/ Ganesh sai,& Cyu sp)e t yur !ther& ri$ht6 ;u hear, h"
happy she is abut us $ettin$ !arrie, ne4t !nth# Hy %a!i'y is e41ite, as
"e''# Harria$e is a %a!i'y 11asin t& ri$ht6/
CI )n"# Listen& !aybe I a! 5ust ha*in$ a ru$h ni$ht# Let !e s'eep *er
it#/
C7ure# Ta)e yur ti!e# But ,i, yu thin) % a 1'r6/
C:r "hat6 The 1arJ/
C;eah& I a! $in$ t pay the ,epsit t!rr"# 7 it is there "hen yu
arri*eassu!in$ yu a$ree t ne4t !nth& % 1urse#/
CI 1an/t say# -ait& I hear, ,ar) b'ue !i1a is ni1e#/
CRea''y6 I )in, % 'i)e b'a1)&/ Ganesh sai,#
C-e'' then ta)e b'a1)# 0n/t 'et !eG/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CN& ,ar) b'ue !i1a it is# I 'i)e that 1'ur# I/'' te'' the ,ea'er it is !y
"i%e/s 1hi1e#
The "r,s Cmy wife/ siBB'e, !y insi,e the "ay they %ry :ren1h %ries at
H10na',/s# I 1'se, !y eyes %r a %e" se1n,s# I 1u', nt bear t hear
anther !an ta') 'i)e this t 8riyan)a#
CHey Ganesh& it is @:@A a#!# here# I ha*e t $et rea,y %r a @:FK !eetin$
"ith the bss# Can "e ta') 'ater6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
C7ure# I !i$ht 'ea*e "r) ear'y t,ay# Haybe see s!e ne" ti'es %r the
p'# But I/'' 1a'' yu "hen I $et h!e )ay6/
C8'6/ 8riyan)a sai,& as she t) the bait#
C;es& "e ha*e a s!a'' s"i!!in$ p' in ur huse#
COur huse6 ;u !ean yu ha*e a pri*ate p'6/
CO% Curse# ;u )n" h" t s"i!6/
CI ha*e ne*er steppe, insi,e a p' in !y 'i%e&/ 8riyan)a sai,&#
C-e''& I 1an tea1h yu# I a! sure there are !any interestin$ pssibi'ities
in the p'#/
The :ren1h %ries "ere burnt 1har1a' b'a1) %r! bein$ *er %rien,#
CBye Ganesh&/ 8riyan)a s!i'e, an, sh) her hea,# C;u $uys are a'' the
sa!e#/
7he hun$ up the phne#
C-hat/s up&/ Esha sai, as she %i'e, her nai's#
CNthin$& sa!e stu%%# :irst te'' !e& yu )ay6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CI a! %ine p'ease )eep !e ,istra1te,# I hear, 8aris#/
C;es& hney!n ,estinatin# An, % 1urse& !re pressure t $et
!arrie, ne4t !nth# I ,n/t "ant t& but I 5ust !i$ht ha*e t $i*e in#/
C-e''& i% it !eans seein$ 8aris sner rather than 'aterG/ Esha sai, an,
')e, *er at us# CRi$ht $uys6/
C7ure&/ Pr! sai,# C-hat , yu thin) 7hya!J/
7tupi, ass& I hate Pr!#
CHe6/ I sai, as e*eryne 1ntinue, t ') at !e# Esha )ept starin$ at
!e %r %i*e se1n,s nn=stp# I ,i, nt "ant t 1!e a1rss as su')in$ %r
1hi',ish& !y ne" ta$ %r the ni$ht.& s I respn,e,#
C7ure& !i$ht as "e'' $et it ,ne# Then $ t 8aris r Baha!as r
"hate*er#/
0a!n# I )i1)e, !yse'% as the "r,s 'e%t !y !uth# 8riyan)a hear, !e
an, ')e, at !e# Her nse t"it1he, as she thu$ht har,#
C-hat ,i, yu 5ust say 7hya!6/ 8riyan)a sai, s'"'y& ')in$ strai$ht at
!e& her nstri's %'arin$ bi$=ti!e#
CNthin$&/ I sai,& a*i,in$ eye 1nta1t# CI 5ust sai, $et !arrie, an, $ t
8aris sner#/
CN& yu a's sai, Baha!as# H" ,i, yu )n" Ganesh !entine,
Baha!as6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
I )ept +uite#
CAns"er !e& 7hya!# Ganesh a's su$$este, Baha!as& but I ,i,n/t te''
yu $uys# H" ,i, yu )n" he/, sai, that6/
CI ,n/t )n" anythin$# I 5ust ran,!'y sai, it&/ I sai,& tryin$ t be
1n*in1in$& but !y sha)in$ *i1e "as $i*in$ !e a"ay#
C-ere yu 'istenin$ t !y 1n*ersatin6 7hya!& ha*e yu p'aye, arun,
"ith the phne6/ 8riyan)a sai, an, $t up# 7he 'i%te, the 'an,'ine phne an,
pu''e, it a"ay %r! the tab'e# The "ires %''"e, her# 7he ')e, ,"n un,er
the tab'e an, tu$$e, at the "ires a$ain# A 'itt'e "ire tense, up a'' the "ay
ba1) t !y seat# amn. busted& I thu$ht#
C7hya!&/ 8riyan)a s1rea!e, at the tp % her *i1e an, ban$e, the
'an,'ine instru!ent n the tab'e#
C;es&/ I sai,& as 1a'!'y as pssib'e#
C-hat is $in$ n here6 I 1annt be'ie*e yu 1u', sin) s '"# This is
the hei$ht % in,e1en1y&/ she sai,#
At 'east I ha, a1hie*e, the hei$hts in s!ethin$# I thu$ht#
Ra,hi)a an, Esha ')e, at !e# I thre" up !y han,s& preten,in$ t be
i$nrant % the situatin#
Pr! st, an, "ent up t 8riyan)a# He put his ar! arun, her
shu',er& CC/!n 8riyan)a& ta)e it east# -e are a'' ha*in$ a ru$h ni$ht here#/
C7hut up# This is insane&/ she sai, an, turne, t !e# CH" 1u', yu tap
int !y persna' 1a''s6 I 1an 1!p'ain abut this an, $et yu %ire,#/
CThen , it&/ I sai,& C"hat are yu "aitin$ %r6 Get !e %ire,# 0
"hate*er6/
Pr! ')e, at 8riyan)a an, then at !e# Rea'iBin$ he 1u', nt , t
!u1h t he'p& he returne, t his seat#
Esha pu''e, 8riyan)a/s han,& !a)in$ her sit ,"n a$ain#
C-hat theGheG/ 8riyan)a sai,& an$er an, i!pen,in$ tears sh"in$ in
her *i1e# CCan/t n1e e4pe1t 5ust a 'itt'e ,e1ent %r! their 1''ea$ues6/
I $uess I "as 5ust a 1''ea$ue n"# An in,e1ent 1''ea$ue at that#
C7ay s!ethin$&/ 8riyan)a sai, t !e#
I staye, si'ent an, ,is1nne1te, the tappe, "ire# I sh"e, her the
unh)e, 1ab'e an, thre" it n the tab'e#
Our eyes !et# E*en thu$h "e "ere si'ent& ur eyes 1!!uni1ate,#
Hy eyes sai, t her: -hy are yu hu!i'iatin$ !e6
Her eyes sai, t !e: -hy are yu ,in$ this 7hya!6
I thin) eye=ta') is !re e%%e1ti*e than "r,=ta')# E*ery n" an, then&
hu!an bein$s shu', shut up an, 'et their eyes spea)# But 8riyan)a "as in n
!, t be si'ent#
C-hy 7hya! "hy6 -hy , yu , su1h 1hi',ish& i!!ature thin$s6 I
thu$ht "e "ere $in$ t !a)e this a!i1ab'e# -e a$ree, t s!e ter!s an,
1n,itins& ,i,n/t "e6/
I ,i, nt "ant t ,is1uss ur ter!s an, 1n,itins in pub'i1# I "ante,
her t shut up an, %r !e t s1rea! instea,# H"e*er& I "as in the "rn$&
'i)e the 1ar ,ri*er "h hits a bi1y1'e# I ha, n 1hi1e but t stay +uiet# I ha,
t pay %r !y C1hi',ishness/#
/-e sai, "e 1u', 1ntinue t "r) t$ether# An, that e*en i% "e ha*e
en,e, ur re'atinship& "e , nt ha*e t en, ur %rien,ship# But this6/ she
sai, an, 'i%te, the "ire t the tab'e# Then she thre" it ,"n a$ain#
C7rry&/ I sai,& r rather "hispere,#
C-hatJ/ she sai,#
C7rry&/ I sai,& this ti!e 'u, an, 1'ear# I hate it "hen she ,es this t
hu!i'iate !e# :u1) it& i% yu ha*e hear, an ap'$y5ust a11ept it#
C0 !e a hu$e %a*ur# 7tay ut % !y 'i%e p'eas# -i'' yu6/ 8riyan)a sai,&
her *i1e hea*y "ith the sar1as! she ha, pi1)e, up %r! !e#
I ')e, up at her an, n,,e,# I %e't 'i)e puttin$ her an, Ganesh in their
,ar) b'ue !i1a Le4us& "rappin$ it "ith the 'an,'ine "ire an, ,r"nin$ it in
Ganesh/s ne" p'#
Pr! sni$$ere,& e*en as he 1ntinue, 1'i1)in$ his !use# A s!i'e
ripp'e, *er Esha an, Ra,hi)a as "e''#
C-hat/s s %unny6/ 8riyan)a sai,& her %a1e sti'' re,#
CIt/s )ay& 8riyan)a# C/!n& 1an/t yu ta)e it in a bit % $, hu!r6/
Pr! sai,#
C;ur hu!r&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, pause,& Chas a tu!r# It isn/t %unny t
!e at a''#/
CIt/s @:FK $uys&/ Esha sai, an, 1'appe, her han,s& Cti!e t $t Ba)shi/s
%%i1e#/
8riyan)a an, I $a*e ea1h ther ne %ina' $'are be%re "e $t up t
'ea*e#
CIs Hi'itary 9n1'e re+uire,6/ Esha sai,#
CN# 5ust the *i1e a$ents&/ I sai,# I ')e, at Hi'itary 9n1'e at the en,
% the r!# I 1u', see he "as busy at the 1hat he'p'ine#
CLet/s $ Ra,hi)a&/ Pr! sai,#
C0 yu thin) he '*es her6 Or is it 5ust se46 7!e $,& "i', se4 that
they share6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C;u )ay Ra,hi)a6/ I sai,#
C;es& I a! %ine# I a! surprise, that I a!& a1tua''y# I thin) I !ust be in
sh1)# Or !aybe nb,y has tau$ht !e an apprpriate rea1tin %r this
situatin# Hy husban, is 1heatin$ n !e# -hat a! I suppse, t ,6 71rea!6
Cry6 -hat6/
CNthin$ %r n"# Let/s 5ust atten, Ba)shi/s !eetin$&/ Pr! sai, as "e
turne, t $ t Ba)shi/s r!#
Hy brain "as sti'' %u!b'in$ at 8riyan)a/s "r,sC"e ha, ter!s an,
1n,itins/# Li)e ur brea)=up "as a business 1ntra1t# E*ery !!ent % ur
'ast ,ate rep'aye, itse'% as I "a')e, t Ba)shi/s %%i1e# -e ha, $ne t 8iBBa
Hut& an, piBBas ha*e ne*er taste, as $, e*er sin1e#
N @F
Hy 8ast 0ates "ith
8riyan)aP
8iBBa Hut& 7ahara Ha''& Gur$an
:ur !nths be%re this ni$ht
7he 1a!e n ti!e that ,ay# A%ter a''& she "as 1!in$ "ith a purpse#
This "as nt a ,ate"e "ere !eetin$ t %r!a''y brea) up# A1tua''y& there
"as nthin$ 'e%t in ur re'atinship t brea) any!re# 7ti''& I ha, a$ree,& i%
n'y t see her %a1e as she t', !e# 7he a's "ante, t ,is1uss h" "e "ere
t intera1t "ith ea1h ther an, !*e %r"ar,# 0is1uss& intera1t& !*e
%r"ar,"hen yu start usin$ "r,s 'i)e that& yu )n" the re'atinship is
,ea,#
-e 1hse 8iBBa Hut n'y be1ause it "as& "e''& 1n*enient# :r brea)=
ups& '1atin ta)es pririty *er a!bien1e# 7he ha, 1!e t shp in 7ahara
Ha''& "here ha'% % 0e'hi ,es1en,s "hene*er there is a pub'i1 h'i,ay#
CHi&/ she sai, an, ')e, at her "at1h# C-"( L)& I ha*e a1tua''y
1!e n ti!e t,ay# H" are yu6/ she he', her shirt 1''ar an, sh) it %r
*enti'atin# CI 1an/t be'ie*e it is s ht in 2u'y#/
8riyan)a 1annt t'erate a")"ar, si'en1esM she "i'' say anythin$ t %i''
in the $aps# Cut the bu''shit& I "ante, t say& but ,i, nt#
CIt/s 0e'hi# -hat e'se , yu e4pe1t6/ I sai,#
CI thin) !st pep'e "h 1!e t !ai's 5ust 1!e %r the air=
1n,itinin$C
CCan "e , this +ui1)'y6/ I sai,& interruptin$ her# Cnsu!er !ti*es %
!a'' *isitrs ,i, nt interest !e#
CHuh6/ she sai,& start'e, by !y tne#
The "aiter 1a!e an, t) ur r,er# I r,ere, t" separate s!a''
1heese Cn !ushr! piBBas# I ,i, nt "ant t share a 'ar$e piBBa "ith her&
e*en thu$h& n a per s+uare in1h % piBBa basis& the 'ar$e ne "r)e, ut
"ay 1heaper#
CI a! nt $, at this brea)=up stu%%& s 'et/s nt ,ra$ this ut&/ I sai,#
C-e/*e !et %r a purpse# 7 n" "hat6 Is there a brea)=up 'ine that I/!
suppse, t say6/
7he stare, at !e %r t" se1n,s# I a*i,e, ')in$ at her nse# Her
nse& I ha, a'"ays %e't& be'n$e, t !e#
C-e'' I 5ust thu$ht "e 1u', , it in a p'easant !anner# -e 1an sti'' be
%rien,s& ri$ht6/ she sai,#
-hat is "ith "!en "antin$ t be %rien,s %re*er6 -hy 1an/t they
!a)e a 1'ear ,e1isin bet"een a by%rien, an, n=%rien,s6
CI ,n/t thin) s# Bth % us ha*e enu$h %rien,s#/
C7ee& this is "hat I ,n/t 'i)e abut yu# That tne % *i1eG/ she sai,#
CI thu$ht "e ,e1i,e, nt t ,is1uss ea1h ther/s %'a"s t,ay# I ha*e
1!e here t brea) up& nt t !a)e a %rien, r $et an in=,epth ana'ysis % !y
beha*ir#/
7he )ept si'ent unti' the piBBas arri*e, n ur tab'e# I starte, eatin$ a
s'i1e#
C8erhaps yu %r$et that "e "r) t$ether# That !a)es it a 'itt'e !re
1!p'i1ate,&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CLi)e h"6/
CLi)e i% there is tensin bet"een us& it "i'' !a)e it ,i%%i1u't t %1us n
"r)%r us an, %r the thers&/ she sai,#
C7 "hat , yu su$$est6 I ha*e br)en up a'rea,y& n" shu', I resi$n
as "e''6/ I sai,#
CI ,i,n/t say that# Any"ay& I a! $in$ t be in this 5b n'y nine !re
!nths# By ne4t year I "u', ha*e sa*e, enu$h t %un, !y B#E,# There%re
the situatin "i'' aut!ati1a''y 1rre1t itse'%# But i% "e 1an a$ree t 1ertain
ter!s an, 1n,itins'i)e i% "e 1an re!ain %rien,'y in the interi!G/
CI 1an/t %r1e !yse'% t be %rien,'y&/ I interrupte, her& C!y appra1h t
re'atinship is ,i%%erent# 7rry i% it is nt pra1ti1a' enu$h %r yu# But I 1an/t
%a)e it#/
CI/! nt te''in$ yu t %a)e it&/ she sai,#
CG,# Be1ause yu are past the sta$e % te''in$ !e "hat t ,# N"& 'et
us 5ust $et this *er "ith# -hat are "e suppse, t say6 I n" prnun1e
urse'*es br)en up6 Then "e say& I ,& I ,6/
I pushe, !y p'ate a"ay# I ha, 1!p'ete'y 'st !y appetite# I %e't 'i)e
tssin$ the piBBa 'i)e a :risbee t the en, % the r!#
C-hat& say s!ethin$&/ I sai,& a%ter she ha, re!aine, si'ent %r ten
se1n,s#
CI ,n/t )n" "hat t say&/ she sai,& her *i1e 1ra1)in$#
CRea''y6 N "r,s % a,*i1e& n 'ast !inute prea1hin$& n !ra' hi$h
$run, in these %ina' !!ents %r yur $,=%r=nthin$ unsett'e, by%rien,s6
C/!n 8riyan)a& ,n/t 'se yur 1han1e t s'a!!in$ the 'ser#/
7he 1''e1te, her ba$ an, st, up# 7he t) ut a hun,re,=rupee nte
an, put it n the tab'eQher 1ntributin %r the piBBa#
CO)ay& she 'ea*es in si'en1e a$ain# On1e a$ain I $et t be the pri1)&/ I
!u!b'e,& 'u, enu$h %r her t hear#
C7hya!&/ she sai,& s'in$in$ her ba$ n t her shu',er#
C;es6/ I sai,#
C;u )n" h" yu a'"ays say yu are nt $, at anythin$6 I ,n/t
thin) that/s true# Be1ause there is s!ethin$ yu are +uite $, at&/ she sai,#
C-hat6/ I sai,# 8erhaps she "ante, t $i*e !e s!e 'ast !inute praise
t !a)e !e %ee' better& I thu$ht#
C;u are ,a!n $, at hurtin$ pep'e# Keep it up#/
-ith that& !y e4=$ir'%rien, turne, arun, an, 'e%t#
N@D
-e rea1he, Ba)shi/s %%i1e at @:FK AH# The siBe % a ne=be,r! %'at&
it is prbab'y the 'ar$est unpr,u1ti*e %%i1e in the "r',# His ,es)& n "hi1h
he ha, a s"an) %'at s1reen O8C& is at ne 1rner# Behin, the ,es) is a
b)she'% %u'' % hea*y !ana$e!ent b)s % a s1ary thi1)ness# 7!e % the!
are s hea*y yu 1an use the! as assau't "eapns# The thu$ht % s'a!!in$
ne har, n Ba)shi/s hea, ha, %ten 1rsse, !y !in, ,urin$ pre*ius tea!
!eetin$s# Apart %r! b'n,e threes!es& I thin) hittin$ yur bss is the
u'ti!ate In,ian !a'e %antasy#
At anther 1rner % the r! is a 1n%eren1e tab'e an, si4 1hairs# In
the 1enter % the tab'e is a spea)erphne %r !u'tiparty 1a''s "ith ther
%%i1es#
Ba)shi "as nt in his %%i1e "hen "e rea1he, his r!# C-here the he''
is her6/ Pr! sai,#
CHaybe he/s in the ti'et6/ I sai,#
CE4e1uti*e ti'et& it is a ,i%%erent %ee'in$&/ Pr! sai, as I n,,e, in
a$ree!ent#
-e sat arun, Ba)shi/s 1n%eren1e tab'e# A'' % us ha, bru$ht
nteb)s t the !eetin$# -e ne*er rea''y use, the!& but it a'"ays see!s
ne1essary t sit in !eetin$s "ith an pen nteb)#
C-here is he6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CI ,n/t )n"# -h 1ares&/ Pr! sai, an, st, up# CHey 7hya!& "ant
tt 1he1) ut Ba)shi/s 1!puterJ/ he "a')e, *er t Ba)shi/s ,es)#
C-hat6/ I sai,# CAre yu 1raBy6 He "i'' 1!e any !inute# -hat 1an yu
see s %ast any"ay6/
C2ust %r %un# 0 yu "ant t )n" "hat "ebsite Ba)shi *isits6/ Pr!
sai, an, 'earne, *er s he 1u', rea1h Ba)shi/s )eybar,# He pene, up
Internet E4p'rer an, presse, Ctr'YH t pu'' ut the histry % *isite,
"ebsites#
CHa*e yu $ne nuts6/ yu/'' $et in trub'e&/ I sai,#
CC!e ba1) Pr!&/ Esha sai,#
CO)ay& I/*e 5ust %ire, a printut&/ Pr! sai, an, sprinte, a1rss the
r! t Ba)shi/s printer# He %et1he, the printut an, 'eape, ba1) t the
1n%eren1e tab'e#
CAre yu stupi,6/ I sai,#
CO)ay $uys 1he1) this ut&/ Pr! sai, as he he', the AD sheet in %rnt
% hi!# CTi!es%in,ia#1!& re,i%%#1!& an, then "e ha*e& Har*ar, business
re*ie" "ebsite& Bstn "eather "ebsite& Bstn p'a1es t see& Bstn rea'
estateC
C-hat "ith hi! an, Bstn6/ Esha sai,#
CHe is $in$ there n a business trip sn&/ Ra,hi)a re!in,e, her#
CAn, "hat ther "ebsite6/ I sai,#
CThere is !re# Aha& here is "hat I "as ')in$ %r: a"es!ein,ia#1!
the best prn site %r In,ian $ir's& a,u't%rien,%in,er#1!a se4 persna's site&
1abaret'un$e#1!a strip 1'ub in Bstn& prninspe1tr#1!G he''& the 'ist
$es n this ,epart!ent#/
C-hat/s "ith hi! an, Bstn6/ I repeate, Esha/s "r,s#
C-h )n"s6/ Pr! sai, an, 'au$he,# Chey 1he1) this ut: the %%i1ia'
"ebsite %r Pia$ra& *isite, si4 hurs a$#/
CI/'' try an, as) hi! abut Bstn&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
-e hear, Ba)shi/s %tsteps an, Pr! +ui1)'y %',e, the sheet# -e
turne, +uiet an, pene, ur nteb)s t %resh b'an) pa$es#
Ba)shi t) %ast steps as he entere, his %%i1e#
C7rry tea!# I ha, t *isit the 1!puters bay tea! 'ea,ers %r s!e
pertinent !ana$eria' a%%airs# 7i& h" is e*eryne ,in$ tni$ht6/ Ba)shi sai, as
he t) the 'ast e!pty seat at his 1n%eren1e tab'e#
N ne respn,e,# I n,,e, !y hea, t sh" I "as ,in$ %ine& but
Ba)shi "as nt ')in$ at !e#
CTea!& I ha*e 1a''e, yu t,ay t te'' yu abut a %e" 1han$es that !ay
happen at Cnne4ins# -e nee, t ri$ht siBe pep'e#/
C7& pep'e are $ettin$ %ire,# It "asn/t a ru!r&/ Pr! sai,#
Ra,hi)a/s %a1e turne, "hite# 8riyan)a an, Esha ha, a sh1)e,
e4pressin#
C-e ne*er "ant t %ire pep'e& Hr Pi1tr# But "e ha*e t ri$ht siBe
s!eti!e#/
C-hy6 -hy are "e %irin$ pep'e "hen 1'ear'y there are ther thin$s "e
1an ,&/ *r! sai,#
C-e ha*e 1are%u''y& e*a'uate, a'' the p'ausib'e an, %easib'e a'ternati*es&
I a! a%rai,& CBa)shi sai, an, t) ut a pen# E*eryne !*e, ba1) ner*us'y#
The 'ast thin$ "e nee,e, "as anther Ba)shi ,ia$ra!#
CCst=1uttin$ is the n'y a'ternati*e&/ Ba)shi sai, an, be$an t ,ra"
s!ethin$# H"e*er& the pen ,i, nt "r)# He trie, t sha)e it int a1tin& a
pint'ess thin$ t , "ith a ba'' pen# The pen re%use, t 1perate& perhaps
si1) % Ba)shi/s abuse#
I "as $in$ t %%er y "n pen but Esha& "h "as sittin$ at !y si,e&
sense, the !*e!ent an, +ui1)'y pu''e, at !y e'b" t stp !e# Ba)shi
1ntinue, t 'e1ture us# He sp)e nn=stp %r si4 !inutes <r ninety=si4
breaths.# He "ent int *arius !ana$e!ent phi'sphies& s1h's % thu$ht&
1rprate $*ernan1e !eth,s an, ther ,eep'y 1!p'i1ate, stu%% that I )n"
nthin$ abut& his pint "as that "e shu', !a)e the 1!pany !re
e%%i1ient# He 5ust ,i, nt ha*e an e%%i1ient "ay t say it#
Pr! ha, pr!ise, !e he "u', nt !entin the "ebsite t Ba)shi
tni$ht& at 'east unti' the 'ay=%%s "ere *er# H"e*er& this ,i, nt stp hi!
%r! ta)in$ n Ba)shi#
C7ir& but 1st=1uttin$ is use'ess i% "e ha*e n sa'es $r"th# -e nee,
!re 1'ients& nt nn=stp 1uts unti' there is n 1!pany 'e%t&/ Pr! sai,&
a%ter Ba)shi ha, %inishe, his spee1h# I $uess s!e"here "ithin hi! "as a ,ie=
har, pti!ist "h rea''y thu$ht Ba)shi "u', 'isten t hi!#
C-e ha*e thu$h % e*ery a'ternati*e&/ Ba)shi sai,# CA sa'es %r1e is t
e4pensi*e#/
C7ir& "e 1an 1reate a sa'es %r1e# -e ha*e thusan,s % a$ents# I a!
sure s!e % the! are $, at sa'es# -e ta') t 1ust!ers e*ery ,ay& s "e
)nK" "hat they "antG/
CBut ur 1'ients are in the 97& "e ha*e t se'' there#/
C7 "hat6 -hy ,n/t "e sen, s!e a$ents t the 97 t try an, in1rease
ur 1'ients base# -hy nt $uys6 Pr! sai, an, ')e, at us& as i% "e "u',
%urius'y n, ur hea,s in appr*a'# I "as the n'y ne 'istenin$& but
re!aine, +uiet#
Ra,hi)a "as ,,'in$ n her pa,& ,ra"in$ a pattern that ')e, 'i)e
this:
8riyan)a "as !a)in$ a tab'e % nu!bers n her ntepa,# I thin) she "as
!a)in$ a 1a'en,ar t %i$ure ut the ,ay she "as $ettin$ !arrie,# I %e't 'i)e
rippin$ her nteb) t shre,s# Esha "as ,i$$in$ her pen/s nib ,eep int her
ntepa, s that it 1a!e ut at the ther en,#
C7en, a$ents t the 976 H*e the! t Bstn6/ Ba)shi sai, an, 'au$he,#
C-e'' a %e" % the!& at 'east n tria' basis# 7!e % the! are rea''y
s!art# -h )n"s& they !ay $et that ne 1'ient that 1u', sa*e a hun,re,
5bs# Ri$ht 7hya!6/ Pr! sai,
CHuh6/ I sai, start'e, t hear !y na!e#
CHr Pi1tr& as a %ee,ba1)=riente, !ana$er I appre1iate yur inputs#
H"e*er& I , nt thin) it is su1h a $, i,ea&/ Ba)shi sai,#
C-hy nt6/ Pr! ,e!an,e, "ith the inn1en1e % a pri!ary s1h'
)i,#
CBe1ause i% it "as su1h a $, i,ea& s!ene "u', ha*e thu$ht % it
be%re# -hy ,i,n/t it stri)e !e %r instan1e6/ Ba)shi sai,#
CHuh6/ Pr! sai,& 1!p'ete'y %'abber$aste,# I ha, hear, it a'' be%re s
it ,i, nt !*e !e# I "as a"are % e*ery re,& "hite& an, b'a1) b', 1e'' in
Ba)shi/s b,y#
C-hat/s the p'an sir& "hen , "e %in, ut "h $ets %irGI !ean ri$ht=
siBe,6/ I sai,#
/7n# -e are %ina'iBin$ the 'ist& but "e 'et yu )n" by this !rnin$ r
ear'y t!rr" ni$ht&/ Ba)shi sai,& his %rehea, sh"in$ re'ie% as I ha, nt
1ha''en$e, hi!#
CH" !any pep'e "i'' 'se their 5b& 7ir6/ "hat per1enta$e6/ Ra,hi)a
sai,& her %irst "r,s in the !eetin$#
CThirty t %rty is the p'an as % n"&/ Ba)shi sai, in a pra1ti1e,& 1a'!
*i1e as i% he "as annun1in$ the te!perature utsi,e#
CThat/s hun,re,s % pep'eZ/ Pr! sai,# As i% it "as su1h a ,i%%i1u't
1a'1u'atin#
C7u1h is 1rprate 'i%e& !y %rien,&/ Ba)shi sai, an, $t up& in,i1atin$
that the !eetin$ "as *er# C;u )n" "hat they say# It is a 5un$'e ut there#/
I ,n/t )n" "h sai, that& but "hen I ')e, at Ba)shi& I rea'iBe, there are
bu%%ns in that 5un$'e as "e''#
The $ir's 1''e1te, their nteb)s pri!'y an, st, up# Pr! sat
there %r a %e" !re se1n,s# He 1rushe, the printut % "ebsites *isite, by
Ba)shi an, put it in his p1)et#
CThan) yu& 7ir&/ Esha sai,#
C;u/re "e'1!e# As yu )n"& I a! an e*er=appra1hab'e !ana$er#
Here r Bstn& yu 1an rea1h !e anyti!e#/
-e "ere at the ,r "hen 8riyan)a as)e, a +uestin#
C7ir& are yu $in$ t Bstn snJ/
Ba)shi "as ba1) at his ,es)# He ha, pi1)e, up the te'ephne but pause,
"hen he hear, 8riyan)a/s +uestin# COh yes& I nee, t te'' yu abut that# Nt
that it/s *ery i!prtant# I a! trans%errin$ t Bstn sn# Haybe in a !nth
r s#/
CTrans%errin$ t Bstn6/ Pr!& Ra,hi)a& Esha& 8riyan)a an, I a'' sp)e
t$ether#
C;es# ;u see I , nt 'i)e t b'" !y "n tru!pet# But ')s 'i)e they
re1$niBe, !y 1ntributin in the *a'ue=a,,itin 1y1'e % the 1!pany&/
Ba)shi sai,& a s!u$ s!i'e s'i!in$ a1rss his shiny %a1e# I thu$h % tpp'in$ the
entire b)she'% n his hea,#
CBut ,etai's "i'' 1!e 'ater# Any"ay& i% yu , nt !in,& I nee, t !a)e
a 1a''# I/'' )eep yu pste, 'ater i% "e ha*e !re ne"s#/
Ba)shi si$na'e, us t shut the ,r as "e 'e%t# As I 1'se, the ,r& I %e't
'i)e s!eh" ha, s'appe, !y %a1e# In s'" !tin& "e "a')e, a"ay %r! his
%%i1e#
N@A
-e returne, t -A7G a%ter ur !eetin$ "ith Ba)shi# Ca''s %'ashe, n
the s1reen& but n ne atten,e, t the!# I sat at !y seat an, pene, !y
e!ai'# I 1u', nt rea, anythin$ as !y !in, "as ha*in$ a syste!s *er'a,#
I ')e, at the ti!e& it "as @#DA a#!#
Pr! sat at his ,es) an, !u!b'e, inau,ib'e 1urses# He pene, the
interna' "eb pa$e % Cnne4ins n his 1!puter# it ha, the !ap % the 97 n
it# He he', up a pen an, tappe, at a pint n the 97 east 1ast#
CThis& this is Bstn&/ he sai, an, 1'en1he, his %ist ti$ht arun, the pen#
CThis is "here r bss "i'' be "hi'e "e are n the ra, ')in$ %r 5bs#/
E*eryne staye, +uiet#
CCan I as) "hy e*eryne is s b',y +uiet6/ Pr! sai,#
CI thin) "e shu', start pi1)in$ up s!e 1a''s&/ I sai, starte, %u!b'in$
"ith the 1ntr's n the te'ephne#
CLi)e %u1) "e shu',&/ Pr! sai, an, 5abbe, his pen har, n the
!nitr# A 'u, pin$ start'e, e*eryne n the ,es)# 7hattere, $'ass !a,e a
nine=in1h "i,e& spi,er="eb pattern n Pr!/s !nitr# The rest % his
s1reen "r)e, as i% nthin$ ha, happene,#
C-hat happene,&/ the $ir's sai, an, 1a!e arun, t Pr!/s 1!puter#
C0a!n it&/ Pr! sai, an, thre" his pen har, n the $run,# It br)e
int t" pie1es# 7!e pep'e brea) int tears "hen they are upset# 7!e
brea) "hate*er is arun, the!#
COh n# the !nitr is tta''y $ne&/ Esha sai,# 7he put her han, n
Pr!/s shu',er& CAre yu )ay6/
C0n/t yu ,are tu1h !e& yu s'ut&/ Pr! sai, an, pushe, her han,
a"ay#
C-hat6/ Esha sai,# C-hat ,i, yu 5ust sai,6/
CNthin$# 2ust 'ea*e !e a'ne& a' ri$ht6 G pray %r yur 5bs r
"hate*er# B',y bit1h n her "ay t be1!in$ a h)er&/ Pr! sai, an,
!*e, his 1hair a"ay %r! Esha#
:r a %e" se1n,s the $ir's st, there& stunne,# Then& s'"'y& they
"a')e, ba1) t their seats#
C-hat/s "rn$ "ith hi!6/ 8riyan)a as)e, Esha in a "hisper& "hi1h "as
au,ib'e t us#
CI t', yu he prpse, a$ain# Haybe he/s nt ta)in$ !y re5e1tin s
"e''&/ Esha sai, t 8riyan)a#
COh rea''y6/ Pr! shute, an, st, up# C;u thin) this is abut the
prpsa'6 Li)e I ,n nt )n" abut yur es1apa,es# E*eryne here )n"s it
7hya!& Ra,hi)a an, 8riyan)a# ;u thu$ht I "u', nt %in, ut6 I "ish I/,
)n"n be%re I prpse, t a 1erti%ie, s'ut "h/'' ban$ %r bu1)s# I %ee' si1)#/
Esha ')e, at a'' % us& sh1)e,# Tears appeare, in her eyes# 7he
starte, sha)in$& an, Ra,hi)a he'pe, her sit ,"n# It is "ay !re e'e$ant t
1ry sittin$ ,"n than stan,in$ up#
8riyan)a "ent up t Pr!/s seat# 7he stare, at hi!& her %a1e re,# 7'ap(
7he ,epsite, a har, s'ap a1rss Pr!/s %a1e#
CLearn h" t ta') t "!en yu say ne !re nasty thin$ an, I/'' s1re"
yur happiness& un,erstan,6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
Pr! stare, at 8riyan)a& his han, *er his 1hee)# He "as t stunne,
t reta'iate# I inserte, !yse'% bet"een the t" % the!# Guys& 1an "e ha*e
s!e pea1e here&/ I sai,# CThin$s are a'rea,y +uite !esse, up# 8'ease 'et/s sit
,"n an, , s!e "r)#/
CI 1an/t "r)# I ,n/t )n" i% I/'' sti'' ha*e a 5b in a %e" hurs&/
8riyan)a sai, an, !*e, ba1) t her seat# 7he 1ntinue, t %'are at Pr!#
CAt 'east sit ,"n&/ I sai,#
CI "ant hi! t ap'$iBe t Esha# The i,it has t "at1h "hat he is
sayin$&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
Esha 1ntinue, t 1ry as Ra,hi)a trie, t 1ns'e her#
C-hat , yu 1are abut a 5b6 ;u are $ettin$ !arrie, -!en ha*e it
easy&/ Pr! sai,#
-hat6 0n/t yu start that "ith !e n"&/ 8riyan)a sai,# 7he ha,
rea1he, her seat but re%use, t sit ,"n# C;u thin) this is easy6/ she pinte,
a %in$er t Esha an, Ra,hi)a#
Pr! )ept +uiet an, ')e, ,"n#
CRa,hi)a %un, ut her husban, is 1heatin$ n her# This "hen she "r)s
%r hi! an, his %a!i'y ,ay an, ni$ht# An, Esha 1an/t $et a %air brea) un'ess
she s'eeps past 1reepy !en# But they are nt brea)in$ !nitrs an, shutin$
1urses& Pr!# 2ust be1ause "e ,n/t !a)e a nise ,esn/t !ean it is easy&/
she sai,& shutin$ 'u, enu$h s yu 1u', 1a'' it nise#
CCan "e nt ta') %r t" !inutes# 0 nt ta)e 1a''s# But at 'east )eep
+uiet&/ I p'ea,e,#
Esha stppe, 1ryin$ as Ra,hi)a $a*e her a $'ass % "ater# 8riyan)a sat
,"n an, pene, her han,!a,e 1a'en,ar# Pr! be1a!e +uiet as he ')e,
at the shattere, bits % $'ass n his ,es)#
The si'en1e $a*e !e a 1han1e t re%'e1t n Ba)shi/s !eetin$# If I lost my
job. what would I do/ -e!ome an agent again/ I 1u', prbab'y %r$et abut
bein$ a tea! 'ea,er#
CI/! srry&/ Pr! sai,#
C-hat6/ Esha sai,#
CI/! srry& Esha&/ Pr! sai,& 1'earin$ his thrat# CI sai, hrrib'e an,
hurt%u' thin$s# I "as ,isturbe, !yse'%# 8'ease %r$i*e !e#/
CIt/s )ay Pr!# It n'y hurts be1ause there is a bit % truth in it&/ Esha
sai, "ith a "ry s!i'e#
CI !eant t say thse hrrib'e thin$s t !yse'%# Be1ause&/ Pr! sai,
an, ban$e, t" %ists si!u'taneus'y n the tab'e& Cbe1ause the rea' h)er is
!e& nt yu#/
C-hat6/ I sai,#
C;es& this sa'ary has h)e, !e# E*ery ni$ht I 1!e here an, 'et pep'e
%u1) !e&/ Pr! sai, an, pi1)e, up the te'ephne hea,set# CThe A!eri1ans
%u1) !e "ith this& in !y ears hun,re,s % ti!es a ni$ht# Ba)shi %u1)s !e "ith
his !ana$e!ent theries& ba1)stabbin$ an, threats t %ire us# An, the %unny
thin$ is& I 'et the! , it# :r !ney& %r se1urityI 'et it happen# C!e %u1)
!e s!e !re&/ Pr! sai, an, thre" the hea,set n the tab'e#
C0 yu "ant "ater6/ Ra,hi)a sai, an, han,e, hi! a $'ass % "ater#
Pr! t) the $'ass an, ,ran) the "ater in ne $u'p# I "n,ere, i% he
"u', thr" the e!pty $'ass n the %'r an, shatter it t pie1es# Lu1)i'y& he
5ust ban$e, it n the tab'e#
CThan)s&/ Pr! sai,# CI nee,e, that# In %a1t& I nee, a brea)# Other"ise
I/'' $ !a,# I 1an/t ta)e this ri$ht n"#/
CI nee, a brea) t&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CIt/s a'' ri$ht Pr!# On'y a %e"
!re hurs 'e%t %r the shi%t t $et *er#/
CN# I "ant a brea) n"# I "ant t $ %r a ,ri*e# C/!n pep'e& 'et/s a''
$ %r a ,ri*e# I/'' $et the Lua'is&/ Pr! sai, an, st, up#
CN"6 It is 1'se t F a#!#&/ I sai,#
C;es& n"# -h $i*es a ,a!n abut the 1a''s6 ;u !ay nt e*en ha*e a
5b# Get up#/
CA1tua''y& i% s!ene is $in$& 1an yu p'ease $et s!e pi''s %r !e %r!
the @D=hurs 1he!istJ/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CN& a'' % us are $in$&/ Pr! sai,# CGet up 7hya!# I% yu 1!e
e*eryne "i'' 1!e#/
CI/! $a!e&/ Esha sai,#
CO)ay& I/'' 1!e t# 2ust %r a bit % %resh air&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
I ')e, at the!# E*eryne "ante, t $et ut % his r her !iseries& i%
n'y %r a %e" !!ents# I "ante, t $et a"ay %r! Ba)shi& Ganesh an,
Cnne4ins#
CO)ay& "e 1an $# But "e ha*e t be ba1) sn&/ I sai,#
C-here are "e $in$6/ Esha sai,& CI hear, the ne" 'un$e bar Be, is
1'se by#/
CN "ay& "e/re 5ust $in$ %r a ,ri*eG/ I sai,& but Pr! interrupte,
!e#
CGreat i,ea# -e are $in$ t Be,,a!n 1' p'a1e#/
CI nee, a rea' be, t s'eep&/ Ra,hi)a sai, an, stret1he, her ar!s#
A'' % us $t up# -e ,e1i,e, t 'ea*e in,i*i,ua''y t pre*ent suspi1ins#
CGet up& Hi'itary 9n1'e&/ Pr! sai,& as he "ent t his ,es)#
CHuh6/ 9n1'e sai, $ettin$ up# Nr!a''y he "u', ha*e s1%%e, at Pr!&
but I $uess he "as in t !u1h pain *er his sn/s e!ai' t $i*e a 1ns1ius
rea1tin#
C-e/re a'' $in$ %r a ,ri*e# The thers "i'' te'' yu e*erythin$# I/'' $et
the Lua'is&/ Pr! sai, an, s"it1he, %% 9n1'e/s !nitr#
N@E
At F:KK A#H# share "e "ere utsi,e the !ain entran1e % Cnne4ins# A
"hite Lua'is 1a! up an, ha'te, near us#
CGet in&/ Pr! sai,& rea1hin$ *er t pen the ,rs#
CIt/s s 1',# -hat t) yu s 'n$&/ Esha sai,& $ettin$ int the %rnt#
C;u try shi%tin$ a sun,=as'eep ,ri*er t anther Lua'is&/ Pr! sai,#
Ra,hi)a& 8riyan)a an, I t) the !i,,'e r"M Hi'itary 9n1'e pre%erre, t
sit by hi!se'% at the ba1)# He ')e, s'i$ht'y ,aBe,# Hay be "e a'' ,i,#
Pr! ,r*e pr*e past the e4e1uti*e par)in$ area as "e 'e%t
Cnne4ins# -e sa" Ba)shi/s "hite Hitsubishi Lan1er#
CBa)shi/s $t a %'ash 1ar&/ Esha sai,#
CC!pany pai,& r 1urse&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
Pr! in1he, the Lua'is %r"ar, an, stppe, 1'se t the 'an1er# He
s"it1he, n the Lua'is hea,'i$hts# Ba)shi/s 1ar shne bri$ht#
CCan I as) a +uestin6 -hat/s the punish!ent %r runnin$ pep'e *er6
Pr! sai,#
CE41use !e6/ I sai,#
C-hat is "e ran this Lua'is *er Ba)shi6 -e 1u', , it "hen he 1!es
t pi1) up his 1ar in the !rnin$# H" !any years % 5ai' are "e ta')in$6/
Pr! sai,#
It "as a si''y 1n*ersatin& but 8riyan)a 'e, hi! n any"ay#
C0epen,s n h" the 1urt sees it# I% they see it as an a11i,ent an, nt
as h!i1i,e r !ur,er& abut t years&/ she sai,#
Pr! restarte, the 1ar an, turne, t"ar,s the e4it $ates#
CT" years is nt a 't# Can "e ,i*i,e it a!n$ the si4 % us6 :ur
!nths ea1h6/ Pr! sai,#
CI ,n/t )n"# As) a 'a"yer&/ 8riyan)a shru$$e,#
C:ur !nths is 'i)e nthin$ t $et ri, % Ba)shi %r! this earth&/ Esha
b'e" a stran, % hair that ha, %a''en a$ainst her 'ips#
C2ust si4teen "ee)en,s % sa1ri%i1e# -ee),ays are 'i)e 5ai' any"ay&/
Pr! sai,# C-hat say "e , it6/
By n" "e ha, 'e%t the 1a'' 1enter an, "ere n" n the hi$h"ay# Apart
%r! a %e" tru1)s& the ra,s "ere e!pty In,ia has a bi''in pep'e& but at
ni$ht& ninety=nine per1ent % the! are %ast as'eep# This 'an, then be'n$s t a
1hsen %e": tru1) ,ri*ers& 'ater shi%t "r)ers& ,1trs& hste' sta%% an, 1a''
1enter a$ents# -e& the n1turna'& ru'e the ra,s an, the 1untry# Pr!
a11e'erate, the Lua'is t ei$hty )i'!eters an, hur#
CI ,ubt yu 1an sp'it the punish!ent# CThe ,ri*er $ets the %u'' ,ea'&/
8riyan)a sai,& sti'' n the stupi, Ba)shi=h!i1i,e tpi1& Cp'us i% they )n" it/s
pre!e,itate,& yu are ta')in$ ten years p'us#/
CH!!!# N" ten years is a tta''y ,i%%erent e+uatin# -hat yu say
7hya!& sti'' nt t ba, t $et ri, % Ba)shi6/
CO)ay& enu$h % this stupi,ity&/ I sai,# CI thu$h yu "ere ta)in$ us ut
% %r a ,rin)#/
CI/! 5ustG/ Pr! sai,& raisin$ ne han, %r! the steerin$ "hee'#
C7hut up an, ,ri*e# I nee, a ,rin)&/ I sai,#
CChe!ist %irst p'ease# Can "e p'ease stp at a 1he!ist&/ Ra,hi)a sai,&
$i*in$ herse'% a hea, !assa$e#
-e ,rppe, the tpi1 % )i''in$ Ba)shi# Thu$h i% the 'a" a''"e, !e n
e %ree !ur,er in !y 'i%e& I a! +uite 1'ear "h "i'' tp the 'ist# N "ait& I a!
%r$ettin$ !y e4=$ir'%rien,/s !! here# I rea''y "u',n/t )n" "h! t )i''
%irst& that/s the truth# 8erhaps the 'a" "u', see !e as a spe1ia' 1ase an,
a''" !e t" !ur,ers#
Pr! t) a sharp ri$ht turn n t a ra, that 'e, t a @D=hurs
1he!ist#
Ra,hi)a "as +uiet as she "aite,# I $uess 8aya' 11upie, ha'% her !in,M
the ther ha'% ha, !i$raine#
CThere it is&/ Esha sai,& as "e si$hte, a nen re, 1rss#
CTrust !e# I )n" this area&/ Pr! sai, an, a11e'erate, the Lua'is t a
hun,re,# CHan& ra,s an, $ir's are s !u1h !re %un at ni$ht#/
CThat/s si1)&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
C7rry& 1u',n/t he'p it&/ Pr! sai, an, $rinne,#
Pr! par)e, the Lua'is near the 1he!ist# A s'eepy by& n !re than
se*enteen& !anne, the !e,i1ine shp# A %e" !e,i1a' entran1e e4a! $ui,es
'ay n the 1unter in %rnt % hi!# A %'y s"atter ser*e, the %un1tin % a
b)!ar)# He ')e, bre, an, $rate%u' t see us& !re %r the 1!pany&
prbab'y& than the business#
Pr! an, Ra,hi)a $t ut % the Lua'is# I steppe, ut t stret1h !y
'e$s as "e''#
Ra,hi)a "a')e, +ui1)'y upt the by#
C-hat , yu "ant& Ra,hi)a6 7ari,n6/ Pr! sai, as "e rea1he, the
1unter#
CN&/ she sh) her hea,# Turnin$ t the by& she sai,# CThree strips %
:'u4etine& an, %i*e strips ea1h % 7ertra'ine an, 8ar4etine# Ha)e it %ast
p'ease#/ 7he be$an t tap n the 1unter an4ius'y# Her ree, ban$'es 5in$'e, a
'itt'e#
The by $ape, at Ra,hi)a# Then he turne, arun, an, starte, ri%'in$
thru$h the she'*es#
Pr! an, I !*e, a %e" steps a"ay % es1ape the s!e'' % !e,i1ine#
Pr! 'it a 1i$arette an, "e share, a %e" pu%%s#
The by returne, "ith a sta1) % tab'ets an, p'a1e, the! n the
1unter# Ra,hi)a rea1he, ut t $rab the!& but he put his ri$ht han, n tp
% the pi'e % !e,i1ines an, s'i, the! a"ay %r! her# CThis is pretty strn$
stu%%& !a,a!# ;u ha*e a pres1riptin6/ he as)e,#
CIt/s three in the !rnin$&/ Ra,hi)a sai, in an irritate, *i1e# CI ran ut
% pi''s at "r)# -here the he'' , yu e41ept !e t %in, a pres1riptin6/
C7rry !a,a!# 2ust that s!eti!es these yun$ )i,s 1!e here t pi1)
up stran$e !e,i1ines be%re $in$ t ,is1sG/
CL) at !e& Ra,hi)a sai,& pintin$ t her %a1e& C, I ') 'i)e a
teena$er in a !, t party6/
N& Ra,hi)a ,i, nt ') 'i)e a teena$er ut t party t !eshe ')e,
i''& "ith ,ar) 1ir1'es un,er her eyes# I "ishe, the by "u', $i*e her the
!e,i1ines sn#
CBut these are sti'' a 't % strn$ !e,i1ines& !a,a!# -hat , yu nee,
these %r6 I !ean& "hat is "rn$ "ith yu6/ the by sai,#
C:u1) yu&/ Ra,hi)a sai, an, ban$e, her %ist har, n the $'ass 1unter#
The $'ass sh) but sur*i*e, the i!pa1t# H"e*er t" % Ra,hi)a/s re,
ban$'es br)e int a !i''in pie1es# 7hattere, bits % bri$ht $'ass s1attere,
a'n$ the 1unter#
The nise s1are, the byM he 5u!pe, ba1) t" steps# Pr! 1rushe, his
1i$arette an, "e 5ine, the! at the 1unter#
CE41use !e& !a,a!&/ the by sai,#
C:u1) yu# ;u "ant t )n" "hat is "rn$ "ith !e6 ;u 'itt'e pun)&
yu "ant t )n" "hat is "rn$ "ith me6/
C-hat/s up Ra,hi)a& e*erythin$ )ay6/ Pr! sai,#
CThis ,u!bass "ants t )n" "hat is "rn$ "ith !e&/ Ra,hi)a sai,&
pintin$ her %in$ers at the by# C-h the he'' is he6 -hat ,es he )n" abut
!e6/
/Ca'! ,"n Ra,hi)a&/ I sai,& but she prbab'y ,i, nt e*en hear !e#
That is the stry % !y 'i%eM ha'% the thin$s I say $ unnti1e,#
C-hat ,es he )n" abut "rn$ an, ri$ht6 E*erythin$ is "rn$ "ith
!e yu !rn!y husban, is ban$in$ s!e bit1h "hi'e I s'$ !y $uts ut#
Happy n"6/ Ra,hi)a sai,& her %a1e !re re, than her br)en ban$'es# 7he
he', her hea, %r a %e" se1n,s# Then she re!*e, her han,s %r! her hea,
an, $rabbe, the !e,i1ines# The by at the 1unter ,i, nt prtest this ti!e#
C-ater# Can I ha*e s!e "ater6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
The by ran insi,e his shp returne, "ith a $'ass % "ater#
Ra,hi)a tre a %e" pi''s ut % her ne" sta1)# One& t"& threeI thin)
she pppe, in three % the!# 7!e !i$raine 1ure this "as& I thu$ht#
C:ur hun,re, si4ty three rupees& !a,a!&/ the by sai,& his *i1e
tre!b'in$ "ith %ear#
CI a! a'i*e be1ause % this stu%%# I nee, it t sur*i*e& nt t party&/
Ra,hi)a sai,#
7he pai, %r the !e,i1ines an, "a')e, ba1) t the Lua'is# Pr! an, I
%''"e, a %e" steps behin, her#
C-hat !e,i1ine is that6/ I sai,#
C-hat the he'' , I )n"6 I a! n ,1tr&/ Pr! sai,#
C;u sure she has a pres1riptin %r thseJ/ I sai,#
CAs) her& i% yu ha*e the $uts&/ Pr! sai,#
CN "ay# Let/s $et t the 'un$e bar sn#/
CE*erythin$ )ay6/ Esha sai, as "e $t int the Lua'is# C-e hear,
ar$u!ents#/
CNthin$# As Ba)shi "u', say& "e 5ust ha, s!e 1!!uni1atin issues#
But n"& 'et/s put the! t Be,&/ Pr! sai, an, turne, the Lua'is arun,#
Ra,hi)a put the !e,i1ines in her ba$# Her %a1e "as 1a'!er as the three
pi''s starte, t )i1) in#
Pr! pushe, the Lua'is t ne hun,re, an, ten& the !a4i!u! it
"u', $ "ithut the en$ine 1ryin$ %r !er1y#
C7'" ,"n Pr!&/ Esha sai,#
C0n/t use the "r,s s'" an, Pr! in ne senten1e& Pr! sai,#
C0ia'$ue&/ I sai,& Cshu', "e 1'apJ/
A tru1) stu%%e, "ith ba$s % hay 'pe, past us 'i)e an ine'e$ant
e'ephant# Our hea,'i$hts !a,e the $unny ba$s $'" in the ,ar)#
C7ee& e*en the tru1) "as $in$ %aster than us# I a! a sa%e ,ri*er&/ Pr!
sai,#
C7rry $uys&/ Ra,hi)a sai,& her *i1e be1!in$ !re nr!a' as the ,ru$s
t) e%%e1t# CI ap'$iBe %r 1reatin$ a s1ene there#/
C-hat ,i, yu buy Ra,hi)a6 -hy ,i, the 1he!ist !a)e a %uss6/ I sai,&
unab'e t 1ntr' !y 1urisity#
CAnti=,epressants# Che!ists as) +uestins& as they/re pres1riptin
,ru$s# But !st % the ti!e they ,n/t 1are#/
C-"( Pr! sai,# C;u !ean happy ,ru$s 'i)e 8rBa1 an, stu%%#/
C;es& :'ue4etine is 8rBa1# E41ept it is the In,ian *ersin& s a 't
1heaper#/
CLi)e a'' % us&/ Pr! sai, an, 'au$he, at his "n 5)e#
CBut it/s ,an$erus t ta)e it "ithut !e,i1a' super*isin&/ 8riyan)a
sai,# CIsn/t it a,,i1ti*e6/
CIt/s 'e$a' a,,i1tin# I 1an/t 'i*e "ithut it an,& yes& it/s is rea''y ba, %r
yu# But it is sti'' better than ha*in$ t %a1e !y 'i%e&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CLea*e it Ra,hi)athey "i'' har! yu&/ Hi'itary 9n1'e sp)e %r the %irst
ti!e n ur ,ri*e#
CI ha, 1ut ,"n& Hi'itary 9n1'e# But s!eti!es ne nee,s a bi$$er ,se#
Can e*eryne p'ease s"it1h t anther tpi16 H" %ar is this Be,6/
C5ust t" )i'!eters %r! here# Ninety se1n,s i% I a! ,ri*in$& a 't
!re his 1!!ent& as I pre%erre, %r hi! t )eep his eyes n the ra,# 7!e
inebriate, tru1)ies ,r*e past as Pr! ,,$e, the!#
CI hear, the Be, is rea''y snty&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CI/! nt ,resse, at a''#/
7he a,5uste, her sa'"ar )a!eeB# I nti1e, the br,er % $'itterin$ stne="r)
n her ,ar) $reen 1hi%%n ,upatta#
C;u ') %ine&/ Esha reassure, her& Cthe 1hi%%n ') is rea''y in# I
shu', be "rrie,# I ') s $run$y#/
C0n/t "rry Esha# Anyne "ith a na*e' rin$s t ne*er ,enie, entry in a
,is1&/ Pr! sai,#
C-e''& i% yu $ir's are in ,ubt& they ,e%inite'y "n/t 'et in a brin$
huse"i%e 'i)e !e&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C0n/t "rry# As 'n$ as "e/re rea,y t spen, 1ash& "e "i'' be
"e'1!e# 8'us& the 02 at Be, is !y 1'ass!ate %r! s1h'&/ Pr! sai,#
CA'' yu s1h' 1'ass!ates ha*e su1h %un)y 5bs&/ I sai,#
C-e''& that is the prb'e!# They a'' ha*e ri1h ,a,s# I ha*e t "r) har,
t !at1h their 'i%esty'e# I% n'y !y ri1h ,a, ,i,n/t ha*e t 'ea*e us&/ Pr!
sai,# CAny"ay $uys& "e'1!e t Be,# An, 1urtesy yur hu!b'e ,ri*er& it is
5ust F:@F a#!# He %'ashe, the hea,'i$hts at a si$n# It sai, CBe, Lun$e an,
Barr: ;ur 8ersna' 7pa1e/#
COh n& ,i,n/t rea'iBe "e/re there a'rea,y&/ Esha sai,# 7he %ishe, ut a
!irrr %r! her purse an, e4a!ine, her 'ips# (ow did women manage before
mirror were invented/
CH" is !y hair6 It is a"%u' as usua'6/ 8riyan)a sai, t Ra,hi)a#
I ')e, at her 'n$ 1ur'y hair# 8riyan)a a'"ays sai, h" she ha, the
C!st brin$ %air in the "r',/& an, h" 1u',/ , nthin$ "ith it/# I %e't the
ur$e t run !y %in$ers thru$h it 5ust as I ha, ,ne a hun,re,s ti!es be%re#
But I 1u',n/t& as s!ene 1a''e, Ganesh "u', be ,in$ it %r !e in a %e"
"ee)s/ ti!e# The i' %r the H1 0na',/s :ren1h %ries starte, si!!erin$ a$ain
in !y $ut# -hat is the i' they use at H10na',/s any"ay6 It burns 'i)e he''#
C;ur hair is per%e1t# Any"ay& it/'' be ,ar) insi,e# Let/s $&/ Ra,hi)a
sai,# CC/!n Hi'itary 9n1'e& "e/re $in$ insi,e#/
N@?
-e %''"e, Pr! t a hu$e b'a1) ,r& the entran1e % Be,# The ,r
"as painte, s that it !er$e, "ith the "a''# An u'tra bee%y bun,er an, a
!a'nurishe, "!an st, besi,es it#
CAre yu a !e!ber& sir6/ the !a'nurishe, "!an a,,resse, Pr!#
7he "as the hstess <r ,r=bit1h.& a11r,in$ t 8riyan)a. an, "re a b'a1)
,ress# 7he "as abut %i*e %eet %ur in1hes& but ')e, "ay ta''er be1ause %
her thin %ra!e an, hee's the siBe % a 1)e btt'e#
C7& "e/*e 5ust 1!e %r a +ui1) ,rin)&/ Pr! sai, an, t) ut his
1re,it 1ar,# CHere& yu 1an pen the tab n this#/
CI/! srry sir& tni$ht is %r !e!bers n'y&/ she sai,# The bee%y bun1er
')e, at us "ith a b'a1)& ,a%t $'are# Li)e Ba)shi& he be'n$e, t the nn=
hu!an spe1ies % !an)in,#
CH" , yu be1!e a !e!ber6/ I sai,#
C;u ha*e t %i'' a %r! an, pay the annua' !e!bership %ee % %i%ty
thusan,&/ the hstess sai,& as 1a'!'y as i% she/, as)e, us %r s!a'' 1han$e#
C-hat6 :i%ty $ran, %r this p'a1e in the !i,,'e % n"here6/ 8riyan)a
sai, an, pinte, her %in$er t the ,r# 7he ha, ,rape, her ,upatta in
re*erse& in an atte!pt t ') hip#
CI su$$est yu $ s!e"here e'se then&/ the hstess sai,# 7he ')e, at
8riyan)a s1rn%u''y# A %u''y=1'a, %e!a'e is a n=n at ,is1#
C0n/t yu ') at !e 'i)e that&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CHey 1' it& 8riyan)a& Pr! sai, an, turne, t the bun1er# C-hat/s
the ,ea'& ,u,e# Is 02 2as insi,e6 I )n" hi!#/
CHuhG"hatG/ the bun1er sai, "ith a ,u!b& ner*us e4pressin# It "as
the !st 1ha''en$in$ +uestin anyne ha, as)e, hi! in !nths#
C;u )n" 2as6/ the hstess sai,& her *i1e "ar!er n"#
C71h' bu,,y % se*en years# Te'' hi! Pr! is here&/ Pr! sai,#
CC'# -hy ,i,n/t yu te'' !e that be%re& Pr!6/ the hstess sai, an,
$a*e Pr! a %'irtatius s!i'e# 7he bent *er t re'ease the *e'*et rpes# The
s)e'eta' stru1ture % her upper trs "as *isib'e# I% she br)e a bne& she
"u',n/t nee, an 4=ray#
CCan "e $ in n"J/ Esha as)e, the hstess "ith a bre, e4pressin#
C;es# Thu$h Pr!& ne4t ti!e& p'ease te'' yu %rien,s t ,ress up %r
Be,&/ the hstess sai, an, $'an1e, !eanin$%u''y at 8riyan)a an, Ra,hi)a#
CI 1u', "rin$ her tiny ne1)& 5ust 'i)e that# One t"ist an, it "i'' snap
'i)e a 1hi1)en bne&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
As "e "ere in& the bun1er %ris)e, Pr! an, !e# I %ina''y un,erst,
the purpse % his e4isten1e# A%ter us& he "ent t"ar,s 8riyan)a#
C-hat6/ I sai, t the bun1er#
CI nee, t 1he1) this 'a,y&/ he sai,# C7he a1ts 'i)e she 1u', 1ause
trub'e#/ He t"ere, *er 8riyan)a& "h 5ust %rBe#
An, then& I ,n/t )n" h"& but the "r,s 1a!e t !e#
C;u/re nt tu1hin$ her& yu un,erst,&/ I sai,#
The bun1er "as start'e,# He turne, t !e# He ha, bi1eps the siBe %
!y thi$hs& an, ,eep insi,e I shu,,ere, t thin) h" !u1h it "u', hurt i% he
,e'i*ere, a pun1h a1rss !y %a1e#
C-hat/s up n"6/ the hstess 1a!e t"ar,s us#
CNthin$& 5ust tea1h yur TarBan ut here h" t beha*e "ith "!en&/ I
sai, an, pu''e, at 8riyan)a/s han,# In a se1n, "e "ere insi,e Be,#
-e 1hse a 1rner be,& "hi1h ha, t" h)ahs ne4t t it#
C-hy is the hstess s !ean6/ Esha sai,& as she histe, herse'% nt the
be,# 7he t) t" 1ushins t rest her e'b"s# C0i, yu hear her6/ I,o
somewhere elseT# Is that h" yu treat 1ust!ers6/
CIt/s their 5b# They/re pai, t be !ean# It $i*es the p'a1e attitu,e&/
Pr! sai, 1are'ess'y as he 'it up a h)ah# I ')e, at the ht& s!',erin$
1a's an, thu$ht % Ganesh# I ,n/t )n" "hy& I thu$h it "u', be %un t
,rp s!e ,"n his pants#
CI "ant a 5b that pays !e t be !ean# A'' they te'' us in the 1a'' 1enter
is Ibe ni1e& be p'ite& be he'p%u'Tbein$ !ean is s !u1h !re %un&/ Ra,hi)a
sai, an, re1'ine, a'n$ a 'n$ 1ushin# :r s!ene "h ha, 5ust ha, a rea''y
ru$h ni$ht she ')e, ni1eM a'thu$h I/! nt sure any!re 1an ') u$'y in
u'tra*i'et=1an,'e'i$ht any"ay# I "n,ere, h" a !rn 1a''e, Anu5 1u',
'ea*e her#
On'y Esha an, Ra,hi)a $t t 'ie ,"n# The rest % us sat 1rss='e$$e,
n the be,#
Pr! "ent t say hi t 02 2as& "h "as p'ayin$ s!e in1!prehensib'e
:ren1h=A%ri1an=In,ian %usin !usi1# He returne, "ith t"e'*e )a!i)aBe shts#
Hi'itary 9n1'e ,e1'ine,& an, "e ,i,n/t prtest as it !eant !re a'1h' %r us#
Pr! t) 9n1'e/s e4tra shts an, ,ran) the! in +ui1) su11essin#
-e ha, bare'y %inishe, ur )a!i)aBes "hen anther thin "!an <a Be,
spe1ia'ty. 1a!e up t us "ith anther si4 ,rin)s#
CLn$ Is'an, i1e Teas&/ she sai,& C1urtesy 02 2as#/
CNi1e# ;u ha*e yur %rien,s in the ri$ht p'a1es&/ Ra,hi)a sai, as she
starte, $u'pin$ her Ln$ Is'an, 'i)e it "as a $'ass % "ater# -hen yu ,n/t $et
t ,rin) n a re$u'ar basis& yu $ 1raBy at the 1han1e#
CThese Ln$ Is'an, are *ery sti%%&/ I sai, a%ter a %e" sips& I 1u', %ee' !y
hea, spin# CEasy $uys&/ I sai,& Cur shi%t isn/t *er# -e sai, ne +ui1) ,rin)& s
'et/s $ ba1) sn#/
CC' it !an# 2ust ne 'ast ,rin)&/ Pr! sai, as he r,ere, anther set
% 11)tai's#
CI a! $ettin$ hi$h&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CI/! $in$ t !iss this# I a! $in$ t
!iss yu $uys#/
C;eah ri$ht# -e/'' see "hen yu !*e t 7eatt'e# Here $uys& try thisit
is app'e %'a*ur&/ Pr! sai, as he t) a bi$ ,ra$ %r! the h)ah# He passe,
it arun,& an, e*eryne <e41ept Hi'itary 9n1'e& "hse e4pressin "as $r"in$
!re resi$ne, by the !inute. t) turns s!)in$ it# 02 2as/s !usi1 "as
!e''"& "hi1h "ent "e'' "ith the 'n$ ,ra$s "e "ere ta)in$ %r! the h)ah#
There "ere t" %'at LC0 s1reens in %rnt % ur be,& ne tune, t HTP&
an, the ther t CNN# A B''y", ite! nu!ber "as bein$ p'aye, n HTP& as
part % its C;uth 7pe1ia'/ pr$ra!# A $ir' strippe, %% su11essi*e ite!s % her
1'thin$ as the sn$ pr$resse,# The brea)in$ ne"s n CNN "as that the 97
1nsi,erin$ $in$ t "ar "ith Ira+ a$ain# I nti1e, Pr! starin$ at thee TP
sh"in$ CNN#
CA!eri1ans are si1)&/ Pr! sai,& as he pinte, t a 97 p'iti1ian "h
ha, sp)en ut in supprt % the "ar# CL) at hi!# He "u', !a)e the "h'e
"r, i% he 1u', ha*e his "ay#/
CN& nt the "h'e "r',# I ,n/t thin) they/, b'" up China&/ 8riyan)a
sai,& sun,in$ hi$h# CThey nee, the 1heap 'abr#/
CThen I $uess they "n/t b'" up Gur$an either# They nee, the 1a''
1enters&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C7 "e are sa%e&/ Esha sai,& Cthat/s/ $,# -e'1!e t Gur$an& the
sa%est 1ity n earth#/
The $ir's starte, 'au$hin$# E*en Hi'itary 9n1'e s!i'e,#
CIt/s nt %unny $ir's# Our $*ern!ent ,esn/t rea'iBe this& but A!eri1ans
are usin$ us# -e are sa1ri%i1in$ an entire $eneratin t ser*i1e their 1a''
1enters&/ Pr! sai,# Cn*in1in$ !e that ne ,ay he 1u', be a p'iti1ian#
Nb,y respn,e,#
C0n/t yu a$reeJ/ Pr! sai,#
CCan yu p'ease stp this tripG/ I be$an# As usua'& I "as put n !ute#
CC/!n Pr!# Ca'' 1enters are use%u' t us t&/ Esha sai,# C;u )n"
h" har, it is t !a)e %i%teen $ran, a !nth utsi,e# An, here "e are& sittin$
in an air=1n,itine, %%i1e& ta')in$ n the phne& 1''e1tin$ ur pay an,
$in$ h!e# An, it is the sa!e %r hun,re,s an, thusan,s % yun$ pep'e#
-hat/s "rn$ "ith that6/
CAn air=1n,itine, s"eatshp is sti'' a s"eatshp# In %a1t& it is "rse&
be1ause nb,y sees the s"eat# Nb,y sees yu brain $ettin$ ra!!e,&/
Pr! sai,#
CThen "hy ,n/t yu +uit6 -hy are yu sti'' here6/ I sai,# I hate it "hen
he ruins !y hi$h "ith his hi$h $run,#
CBe1ause I nee, the !ney# Hy %rien,s ha*e a 'i%esty'e that I ha*e t
)eep up "ith# Hney 'ets !e 1!e t p'a1es 'i)e this&/ Pr! sai,#
CIt/s 5ust Ba)shi# ;u are "r)e, up abut hi! an, n" yu are b'a!in$
it n the 1a'' 1enter&/ I sai,#
C71re" Ba)shi& he is nt the n'y ba, bss arun,# C/!n& the "h'e
"r', is bein$ run by a ba,& stupi,=e*i' bss&/ he sai,& pintin$ t CNN# CL)
at the!& s1are, ut % their $uys& rea,y t b!b e*eryne# Hean"hi'e& a'' "e
, it ta') n the phne a'' ni$ht# -hite the "r', snres a"ay&/ Pr! sai,#
C7tp 1!p'ainin$ abut "r)in$ at ni$ht# 01trs , it& hte' pep'e ,
it& airp'ane pi'ts , it& %a1try "r)ershe''& e*en that ,es bit1h "r)s at
ni$ht&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CThere is nthin$ "rn$ "ith "r)in$ at ni$ht# An, I a$ree the !ney is
$,# But the ,i%%eren1e is& "e ,n/t ha*e 5bs that !a)e up "r) t ur
ptentia'# L) at ur 1untry& "e are sti'' s behin, these A!eri1ans# E*en
"hen "e )n" "e are n 'ess than the!&/ Pr! sai,& $esturin$ "i','y at the
TP s1reen#
C76 -hat ther )in,s % 5bs 1an there be&/ Esha sai, "ith a hair1'ip in
her !uth# 7he ha, be$un the ritua' % untyin$ an, retyin$ her hair#
C7 'i)e& there is s !u1h t ,# -e shu', be bui',in$ ra,s& p"er
p'ants& airprts& phne net"r)s an, !etr trains in e*ery 1ity 'i)e !a,ness#
An, i% the $*ern!ent !*es its rearen, an, ,es that& the yun$ pep'e in
this 1untry "i'' %in, 5bs there# He''& I "u', "r) ,ays an, ni$hts %r that
as 'n$ as I )n" that "hat I a! ,in$ is he'pin$ bui', s!ethin$ %r !y
1untry& %r its %uture# But the $*ern!ent ,esn/t be'ie*e in ,in$ any rea'
"r)& s they a''" these B8Os t e pene, an, thin) they ha*e ta)en 1are %
the yuth# 2ust a this stupi, HTP thin)s sh"in$ a ,e!an,e, 1hi1) , a ,an1e
in her un,er"ear "i'' !a)e the pr$ra! a yuth spe1ia'# 0 yu thin) they
rea''y 1are6/
C-h6/ I sai,# CThe $*ern!ent r HTP6/ I $t up an, si$na'e, %r the
1he1) <in bars yu a'"ays as) %r the C1he1)/ne*er the Cbi''/.# It "as F:AK
a#!#& an, I ha, enu$h % Pr!/s 'e1ture# I "ante, t$ $et ba1) t the 1a''
1enter sn#
Pr! pai, %r the bi'' "ith his 1re,it 1ar, an, "e pr!ise, t sp'it the
1sts 'ater#
CBth# Bth % the! ,n/t $i*e a %u1)&/ Pr! sai, as "e 'e%t Be,#
The ,r bit1h an, the bun1er $a*e us a puBB'e, ')s "e "a')e, ut#
N@R
Pr! ,r*e us ut % Be, an, "e "ere sn ba1) n the hi$h"ay#
E*ery n" an, then the Lua'is s"aye, t the 'e%t r ri$ht % the ra,#
CCare%u'&/ Esha sai,& Cyu )ay Pr!6/
CI/! %ine# Han& I '*e ,ri*in$&/ Pr! sai, ,rea!i'y#
CI 1an ,ri*e i% yuG/ I sai,#
CI sai, I/! %ine&/ Pr! sai, in a %ir! *i1e# A %e" !inutes 'ater& "e
passe, by 7ahara Hai'& the bi$$est shppin$ !a'' in Gur$an# Abrupt'y& Pr!
bru$ht the Lua'is t a ha't#
CI %ee' nauseus&/ Pr! sai, I thin) "e "ere a'' %ee'in$ a 'itt'e nauseus
a%ter Pr!/s errati1 ,ri*in$#
C-hate*er yu ,& ,n/t thr" up in the Lua'is# The ,ri*er "i'' )i''
yu&/ Esha sai,#
Pr! reste, his hea, n the steerin$ "hee'# The hrn b'e" 'u,
enu$h t "a)e up the street ,$s#
CLet/s ta)e a "a') Pr!&/ I sai, an, tappe, his shu',er# -e $t ut %
the Lua'is#
I !a,e Pr! "a') arun, the peri!eter % the 7ahara !a''# -e passe,
by se*era' a,*ertisin$ har,in$s sh"in$ a'' )in,s % pep'e: a 1up'e a''
s!i'es be1ause they ha, 5ust bu$ht a tthbrushM a $rup % %rien,s $i$$'in$
*er their !bi'e phnesM a %a!i'y happi'y %ee,in$ their )i, 5un) %,M a
yun$ $ra,uate 5u!pin$ "ith 5y& 1'ut1hin$ a 1re,it 1ar,M a $ir' h',in$ se*en
shppin$ ba$s an, bea!in$# A'' the a,s ha, ne thin$ is 1!!n# E*eryne
')e, in1re,ib'y happy#
C-hat the he'' are they s happy abut6/ Pr! sai,# CL) at that
tthbrush 1up'e# Hy !! an, ,a,& they are ne*er that happy#/
C2ust ta)e ,eep breaths an, "a') in a strai$ht 'ine Pr!# ;u/re
,run)&/ I sai,#
CI/! %ine&/ he sai,& Cbut !! an, ,a,G7hya!& "hy , they hate ea1h
ther s !u1h6/
CGr"n ups !an& they are "ay !re 1!p'i1ate, than "e are# 0n/t
e*en try %i$urin$ the! ut&/ I sai,#
Pr! stppe, "a')in$ an, strai$htene, up# He t', !e t pause as
"e''& an, 1ntinue,: CThin) abut this# The pep'e "h $a*e birth t !e 1an/t
stp hatin$ ea1h ther enu$h# -hat ,es that te'' yu abut !e6 Ha'% !y
$enes !ust be %i$htin$ "ith the ther ha'%# N "n,er I a! s %u1)in$ !esse,
up#/
C-e are a'' !esse, up !an& 'et/s $&/ I sai, an, pr,,e, his shu',ers#
He "a')e, %aster t $et a %e" steps ahea, % !e#
At the 1rner % 7ahara Ha'' "e passe, by a 8iBBa Hut# It "as 1'se,#
Pr! "ent up an, st, in %rnt % it# I "n,ere, i% he ha, rea''y $ne
1raByM "as he e4pe1tin$ piBBa at this ti!e6
-e st, near the entran1e# On ur ri$ht& there "as a thirty=%t "i,e
!eta' har,in$ % a 1'a 1!pany# A tp B''y", a1tress he', a ,rin) btt'e
an, ')e, at us "ith in*itin$ eyes# Li)e a %iBBy ,rin) "as a'' it t) t se,u1e
her int be,#
Pr! "a')e, 1'se t the a1tress/s %a1e#
C-hat/s up ,u,eJ/ I sai,#
C;u see her6/ Pr! sai,& pintin$ t the a1tress#
I n,,e,#
CThere she is& ')in$ at us 'i)e she is ur best %rien,# 0 yu thin) she
1ares %r us6/
CI ,n/t )n"# 7he is a yuth i1n !an&/ I shru$$e, !y shu',ers#
C;es& yuth i1n# This airhea, 1hi1) is suppse, t be ut r'e !,e'#
Li)e she )n"s a %u1) abut 'i%e an, $i*es a %u1) abut us# A'' she 1ares abut
is 1ash# 7he ,esn/t 1are abut yu r !e# 7he 5ust "ants yu t buy this
b'a1) piss&/ Pr! sai,& pintin$ t the 1'a btt'e#
CB'a1) piss6/ I sai, an, s!i'e,# I sat ,"n n s!e steps nearby#
C0 yu )n" h" !u1h su$ar there is in ne % these ,rin)s6/ Pr!
sai,#
I sh) !y hea,#
CEi$ht spns % su$ar in e*ery btt'ean, nthin$ e'se# An, yet& they
1n*in1e us this is i!prtant# It isn/t#
Pr! ')e, arun, an, nti1e, a pi'e % bri1)s# He 'i%te, ne an,
thre" it har, at the 1'a har,in$# Ban$( It hit the a1tress/s 1hee)& 1reatin$ a
,i!p'e yu "u', a'!st thin) "as natura'# 7he sti'' )ept s!i'in$#
CCare%u'& %r %u1)/s sa)e# Let/s $ ba1)# 7!ene "i'' see us an, $et us
arreste,#/
CLi)e I 1are# Nb,y 1ares&/ Pr! sai, an, sta$$ere, t"ar,s !e# I
')e, at his 'an)y ut'ine in the street'i$hts# CThe $*ern!ent ,esn/t 1are
%r anyb,y&/ he 1ntinue,# CE*en that Iyuth spe1ia'T 1hanne'& they ,n/t
1are either# They say yuth be1ause they "ant the ,a!n 8iBBa Huts an,
C)es an, 8epsis % the "r', t 1!e an, $i*e piBBa an, 1)e& "e "i'' be
happy# Li)e yun$ pep'e ,n/t ha*e a %u1)in$ brain# Te'' us "hat 1rap t
ha*e an, "e/'' ha*e it#/
Pr! sat ,"n in %rnt % the 8iBBa Hut steps# C7hya!&/ he sai,# CI/!
$in$ t thr" up#/
COh n&/ I sai, an, !*e, three %eet "ay %r! hi!#
C9nnhG/ Pr! sai, as he thre" up# 8u)e sprea, arun, 'i)e a >@T=thin
1rust piBBa "ith $rss tppin$s utsi,e the entran1e#
C/:ee'in$ betterJ/ I sai, as I 1are%u''y he'pe, hi! up# Pr! n,,e, his
hea,#
He st, up an, 5er)e, his shu',ers %ree %r! !e# He 'i%te, anther
bri1)# He hur'e, it hi$h& an, "ith ne "i,e s"in$ s!ashe, it int the 8iBBa
hut restaurant# Crash( A "in," shattere,& an, bits % $'ass %e'' ,"n 'i)e a
beauti%u' i1e %untain# An a'ar! be$an t rin$#
C0a!n& Pr! ha*e yu $ne !a,6/ 'et/s $et the he'' ut % here&/ I
sai,#
Pr! "as start'e, by the a'ar! as "e''& an, his b,y spran$ t
attentin#
C:u1)& 'et/s run&/ Pr! sai, an, "e sprinte, t"ar,s the Lua'is#
CI thu$ht yu 'i)e, piBBa&/ I sai, "hen "e rea1he, the Lua'is#
CI 'i)e piBBa# 0a!n "e'' I ,# I 'i)e 5eans& !bi'es an, piBBas# I earn& I
eat& I buy shit an, I ,ie# That is a'' the %u1) there is t Pr!# It is a''& bu''shit
!an&/ Pr! sai,& pantin$ an, h',in$ his st!a1h# He ,i,n/t ') t $,&
but at 'east the run see!e, t ha*e sbere, hi! ,"n#
C7erius'y ,u,e& 1an I ,ri*e n"6/ I sai,& as Pr! pene, the %rnt
,r % the Lua'is# He "as ta')in$ nisy& hea*y breaths#
CN "ay !an&/ Pr! sai, an, pushe, !e a"ay#
The 1ar 5er)e, ahea, as Pr! turne, n the i$nitin "hi'e in $ear#
CAre yu )ayJ/ Esha sai,#
Pr! n,,e, an, raise, his han, in ap'$y# He "aite, %r a %e"
se1n,s& an, then starte, the en$ine 1are%u''y# He pr!ise, t ,ri*e s'" an,
sn "e "ere n the ra, a$ain#
C;u 'i)e, Be,6/ Pr! sai,& !re t 1han$e the tpi1 %r! his
inebriate, state#
CGreat p'a1e&/ Esha sai,& C5ust the )in, % hi$h I nee,e,# Hey Pr!&
ha*e yu )ept any !usi1 in the Lua'is6/
CO% 1urse# Let !e see&/ Pr! sai, an, shu%%'e, thru$h the $'*e b4#
He t) ut a tape an, he', it up# CHusa%ir 'un$e6/ he sai,#
CC'&/ Esha an, Ra,hi)a sai,#
CNO&/ 8riyan)a an, I sai, at the sa!e ti!e#
CC/!n $uys# ;u t" nt n'y hate ea1h ther& yu hate the sa!e
thin$s t6/ Pr! sai, an, s!i'e,# He put the tape in an, turne, n the
!usi1# A sn$ 1a''e, 0abba starte, p'ayin$#
-e sat in the sa!e r,er as be%re# E41ept this ti!e I sat ne4t t
8riyan)a# -ith e*ery beat % the sn$& I 1u', %ee' her b,y a'n$ !y entire
ri$ht si,e& 'i)e s%t e'e1tri1 spar)s# I ha, the ur$e t $rab her han, a$ain& but
restraine, !yse'%# I pene, the "in," %r s!e %resh air#
C0n/t pen the "in,"&/ Esha sai,& Cit is s 1',#/
C2ust %r a !inute&/ I sai, an, 'et the breeBe in#
I %1use, n the 'yri1s % the sn$# The sin$er sp)e % "hy n be'*e,
shu', e*er enter his 'i%e# That i% ne ,i,& she shu', ,a!n "e'' stay an,
ne*er 'ea*e# 7!eh" the 'yri1s "ere t 1'se t heart# H"e*er& I "as
!re "rrie, abut the ne4t sn$# It "as )ahi *e"hi1h "u', brin$ ba1)
!e!ries % the F@
n,
Hi'estne par)in$ 't#
I sa" 8riyan)a/s %a1e 1han$e %r! the 1rner % !y eye# 7he ')e,
ner*us in anti1ipatin t# ;es& this "as $in$ t be har,#
CI '*e this sn$&/ Pr! ,e1'are,& as the sn$ I "as ,rea,in$ %i''e, the
Lua'is#
The 'yri1 hit !y ears an, I presse, the re"in,=an,=p'ay buttn in the
pri*a1y % !y hea,# E*ery !!ent % F@
n,
Hi'estne rep'aye, itse'%# I
re!e!bere, h" 8riyan)a sat n !y 'ap& stubbe, !y te an, hit her hea, n
the r%# I re1a''e, e*ery 'itt'e se1n, % her 1are%u'& s'" an, yet a!aBin$
'*e!a)in$# I !isse, her breath n !y stubb'e& her eyes "hen they ')e,
int !ine& the p'easurab'e pain "hen she bit !y ears# What is it about musi!
that it ma$es you remember things you prefer to forget6 I "ishe, I ha, $t
pr!te,# I "ishe, 8riyan)a ha, ne*er 'e%t !e# I "ishe, !y "r', "ere a
happier p'a1e#
I turne, !y %a1e t ') utsi,e# The breeBe %e't 1',& parti1u'ar'y a'n$
t" 'ines n !y 1hee)s# I tu1he, !y %a1e# 0a!n& I 1u',n/t be'ie*e I "as
1ryin$#
CCan "e p'ease 1'se the "in," n"6 It/s ruinin$ !y hair&/ Esha sai,#
I s'i, the "in," shut# I trie, t )eep !y eyes shut as "e''& but I
1u',n/t as tears "ante, t 1!e ut# I ,i,n/t )n" I "as su1h an
e!barrassin$ "uss#
I ')e, at 8riyan)a# Haybe it "as !y i!a$inatin& but her eyes see!e,
"et t# 7he turne, t"ar,s !e an, then +ui1)'y ')e, a"ay# I 1u',n/t
bear t !eet her eyes ri$ht n"# An, I 1ertain'y 1u', nt ') at that nse#
Pr! pu''e, ut t" tissues %r! the tissue b4 in %rnt an, s"un$ his
ar! ba1) t han, the! *er t us#
C-hat6/ I sai,#
CThere is rearQ*ie" !irrr# I 1an see&/ he sai,#
C-e a'' 1an see&/ Ra,hi)a an, Esha sai, t$ether an, burst ut 'au$hin$#
C;u )eep ,ri*in$ a'ri$ht&/ I sai,# I t) the tissue& an, n the prete4t %
"ipin$ !y nse& "ipe, !y eyes# 8riyan)a t) ne an, s"abbe, her eyes as
"e''#
Esha rea1he, behin, %r! her seat an, rubbe, 8riyan)a/s ar!#
C;u $uys are %unny# Re!in, !e a$ain h" yu !et in 1''e$e6/ Pr!
sai,#
C:r$et it&/ I sai,#
CC/!n 7hya!& 5ust e''# ;u $uys ne*er t', !e&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CAt the 1a!pus %air&/ 8riyan)a sai, I sp)e at the sa!e ti!e#
I ')e, at her# -e $a*e ea1h ther a %r!a' s!i'e#
C;u te''&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CN& it/s )ay# ;u say is better&/ I sai,#
8riyan)a sat up strai$ht t te'' a stry "e ha, t', a hun,re, ti!es& but
ne*er $t tire, % repeatin$#
C-e !et at the 1a!pus %air in se1n, year# Bth % us ha, sta''s# Hine
"as n %e!a'e e!p"er!ent# It sh"e, s'i,es % prb'e!s %a1e, by rura'
"!en in In,ia# 7hya! ha, a *i,e $a!es 1unter# H"e*er& nb,y "as
1!in$ t *isit either % use*eryne 5ust "ante, t $ t the %, sta''s#/
CThen6/ Esha sai,& her eyes %1use, n 8riyan)a#
Then 7hya! an, I !a,e a ,ea' that "e "u', *isit ea1h ther/s sta''s si4
ti!es a ,ay# 7hya! "u', 1!e an, see s'i,es n har,"r)in$ %ar!& "!en
an, %e!a'e e,u1atin pr$ra!s# I "u', $ an, p'ay 0! II n the
8'aystatin at his sta''# By the en, % the %air I "as s $,& I 1u', beat hi!&/
8riyan)a sai,#
CN "ay&/ I sai,# CI 1an ta)e yu n at 0! II any ,ay#/
C-e''& any"ays *er three ,ays "e *isite, ea1h ther/s sta''s three
,Ben ti!es# An, by the en, % it& "e %e'tG/ 8riyan)a sai, an, pause,#
C-hat6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C-e %e't that bth the sta''s be'n$e, t us# An, that as 'n$ as "e "ere
t$ether& "e ,i,n/t nee, anyne e'se t *isit&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, her *i1e
1h)e, up#
Hy thrat a'rea,y ha, a 'u!p the siBe % an ran$e& an, I 5ust n,,e, t
)eep a strai$ht e4pressin#
-e )ept si'ent# I "as hpin$ 8riyan)a "u', 1ry bi$ ti!e n"#
C-e''& thin$s 1han$e# Li%e $es n!*e n t better thin$s# It is 'i)e
p'aystatin t V=b4&/ Pr! sai,#
I hate Pr!# 2ust "hen 8riyan)a "as a'' !e''"& Pr!/s "ise "r,s
bru$ht her ba1) t rea'ity# 7he 1!pse, herse'% an, 1han$e, the tpi1#
CH" %ar are "e6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
I ')e, at !y "at1h#
C0a!n Pr!& it is past D a#!# H" !u1h %urther6/
CArun, %i*e )i'!eters %r! the 1a'' 1enter# I a! ,ri*in$ s'"er n"#
;u "ant !e t ,ri*e %aster6/
CN&/ a'' % us 1rie,#
C-e/re $in$ t $et 'ate# Ba)shi "i'' %'ip ut&/ I sai,#
CI 1an ta)e a shrt1ut&/ Pr! sai,#
C7hrt1utJ/ I sai,#
CNe4t 'e%t there is an un=tarre, ra,# It "as !a,e %r 1nstru1tin
pr5e1ts# It 1uts thru$h s!e %ie',ssa*es us abut t" )i'!eters#/
CIs the ra, 'it up6/ Esha sai,#
CN& but "e ha*e hea,'i$hts# I/*e use, that "ay be%re# Let/s ta)e it&/
Pr! sai,#
Pr! t) a sharp 'e%t a%ter a )i'!eter#
COu1h&/ Esha sai,& Cyu ,i,n/t te'' us this ra, "i'' be s bu!py#/
C2ust a %e" !inutes&/ Pr! sai,# Ca1tua''y the $run, is "et t,ay %r!
the rains yester,ay# That is "hy the ri,e is nt s!th#/
-e p'un$e, n int the ,ar)ness& e*en as the hea,'i$hts trie, har, t
sh" us the "ay# -e passe, %ie',s an, 1nstru1tin sites %i''e, "ith !ateria's
'i)e 1e!ent& bri1)s an, irn r,s# In a %e" p'a1es& there "ere ,eep h'es& at
bui',ers 1nstru1te, the %un,atin %r super=hi$h rise apart!ents# I thin)
the "h'e % 0e'hi ha, ,e1i,e, t !*e t Gur$an& an, pep'e "ere $r"in$
h!es a'n$ "ith the 1rps#
CThere& 5ust ne %ina' 1ut an, "e are ba1) n the hi$h"ay&/ Pr! sai,
ta)in$ a sharp ri$ht#
7u,,en'y the Lua'is s)i,,e,# The *ehi1'e ratt'e, an, s'i, ,"n an
in1'ine, path#
CCare%u'&/ e*eryne shute, an, he', n t anythin$ that they 1u',
%in, arun, the!# The Lua'is "ent %% the ra, int a s'ushy ,"nhi'' pat1h#
Pr! ,esperate'y trie, t 1ntr' the steerin$ but the "hee's 1u',n/t $rip
the $run,# Li)e a ,run) tra!p& the Lua'is sta$$ere, ,"n an, int the site
% a hi$h=rise 1nstru1tin pr5e1t#
N@O
The s'pe en,e, but the Lua'is sti'' )ept r''in$ %r"ar,# It s'"e, ,"n
as it s'i, nt a !esh % irn 1nstru1tin r,s# Pr! bra)e, har,& an, the
Lua'is ha'te, n the r,s "ith a !eta''i1 1'an$& bun1e, t"i1e an, 1a!e t a
stp#
C0a!n&/ Pr! sai,#
E*eryne sat in sh1)e, si'en1e#
C0n/t "rry $uys&/ *r! sai, an, starte, the i$nitin# The Lua'is
sh) "ith "i', *ibratins#
C7hutGtheGi$nitinGPr!G/ I sai,# I ')e, un,er the Lua'is# There
"as a %'r % irn be'" us that "as tre!b'in$ *i'ent'y#
Pr!/s han,s tre!b'e, t as he turne, the en$ine %%# I thin) !y
re!ainin$ a'1h' in his b,y ha, e*aprate, in se1n,s#
C-here are "e6/ Esha sai, an, pene, the "in,"# 7he ')e, ut an,
s1rea!e,& COh n(/
C-hat6/ I sai, an, ')e, ut a$ain# This ti!e I ')e, arun, !re
1are%u''y# -hat I sa" "as s1ary: "e ha, 'an,e, in the %un,atin h'e % a
bui',in$& "hi1h ha, a %ra!e % e4pse, !eta' r,s 1*erin$ it# The %un,atin
"as a pit& prbab'y %i%ty=%eet ,eep an, ha, a %ra!e % rein%r1e, 1e!ent
1n1rete r,s ab*e it# The r,s "ere para''e' t the Lua'is an, 5uttin$ ut at
the ther en,an, they "ere a'' that supprte, us# E*ery ti!e "e !*e,&
the Lua'is bun1e,& as the r,s a1te, as sprin$s# I 1u', see %ear in
e*eryne/s %a1e& in1'u,in$ Hi'itary 9n1'e/s#
C-e/re han$in$ ab*e a h'e& supprte, n'y by tthpi1)s# -e/re
s1re"e,&/ Ra,hi)a sai,& su!!in$ up the situatin %r a'' % us#
C-hat are "e $in$ t ,6/ Esha sai,# The 1nta$ius pani1 in her *i1e
!a,e e*eryne ner*us#
C-hate*er yu ,& ,n/t !*e&/ Pr! sai,#
A %e" !inutes passe,# The hea*y breathin$ % si4 pep'e "as the n'y
sun,#
C7hu', "e 1a'' %r he'p6 The p'i1e6 :ire bri$a,e6 Ca'' 1enter6/ Esha
sai, as she t) ut her !bi'e phne %r! her ba$#
Pr! n,,e,# His %a1e ha, the na)e,ness % %ear#
C0a!n& n re1eptin&/ Esha sai,# C0es anyne e'se ha*e a !bi'e that
"r)s6/
8riyan)a an, Ra,hi)a/s 1e'' phnes ,i, nt "r) as "e''# Hi'itary 9n1'e
,i,n/t ha*e a !bi'e# Pr! t) ut his phne#
CN net"r)&/ he sai,#
I t) ut !y phne %r! !y p1)et an, $a*e it t Esha#
C;ur phne is a's nt "r)in$& 7hya!&/ Esha sai, an, p'a1e, it n the
,ashbar,#
C7 "e 1an/t rea1h anyne in this "r',6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
A r, snappe, un,er us# The Lua'is ti'te, a %e" ,e$rees t the ri$ht#
Ra,hi)a %e'' t"ar,s !eM Pr! he', the steerin$ "hee' ti$ht t )eep his
ba'an1e# He %rBe in the ,ri*er/s seat& unab'e t thin) % "hat e'se t ,#
Anther r, snappe,& an, then anther 'i)e %eeb'e t"i$s un,er us# The Lua'is
ti'te, arun, thirty ,e$rees an, 1a!e t a ha't#
A'' % us "ere t s1are, t s1rea!#
C0"s anyne ha*e any i,eas6/ Pr! sai,#
I 1'se, !y eyes %r a se1n,# I *isua'iBe, !y ,eath# Hy 'i%e 1u', en,&
5ust 'i)e this in b'i*in# I "n,ere, "hen an, h" pep'e "un, %in, us# Hay
be 'abrs t!rr" r e*en a%ter a 1up'e % ,ays#
C7i4 irrespnsib'e a$ents %un, ,ea,& a'1h' in b,y/ "u', be the
hea,'ine#
CTry t pen the ,r& Pr!&/ Hi'itary 9n1'e sai,#
Pr! pene, his ,r# The Lua'is "bb'e, an, Pr! shut it
i!!e,iate'y#
CCan/t& Pr! sai,# CHesses up the ba'an1e# An, "hat/s the pint6 -e
1an/t step ut& "e "u', %a'' ri$ht thru$h#/
I turne, arun, t ') ut %r! rear "in,"# I nti1e, bushes a %e"
%eet behin, us#
CH*e t"ar,s the 'e%t# N "ei$ht n the ri$ht# -e ha*e t stay
ba'an1e, unti' s!ene spts us in the !rnin$&/ Pr! sai,#
I 1he1)e, !y "at1h# It "as n'y D:>D a#!# Hrnin$ "as three hurs
a"ay# A 'i%eti!e# An, pep'e 1u', sh" up e*en 'ater#
COther"ise6/ Esha sai,#
COther"ise "e ,ie&/ Pr! sai,#
-e staye, +uiet %r a !inute#
CE*eryne ,ies n ,ay&/ I sai,& 5ust t brea) the si'en1e#
CHaybe it is si!p'er this "ay# 2ust en, 'i%e rather than ,ea' "ith it&/
Pr! sai,#
I n,,e,# I "as ner*us an, I "as $'a, Pr! "as !a)in$ s!a'' ta')#
CHy !ain +uestin isQ "hat i% n ne %in,s us e*en a%ter "e ,ie# -hat
happens then6/ Pr! sai,#
CThe *u'tures "i'' %in, us# They a'"ays ,# I sa" it n 0is1*ery
Channe'&/ I sai,#
C7ee& that !a)es !e un1!%rtab'e# I ,n/t 'i)e the i,ea % sharp bea)s
rearin$ !y !us1'es& 1ra1)in$ !y bnes an, rippin$ !e t shre,s# 8'us& !y
b,y "i'' be s!e''in$ 'i)e he''# I/, rather be burnt in a ,i$ni%ie, !anner an,
$ up in that ne 'ast u'ti!ate pu%% % s!)e#/
CCan yu $uys stp this nnsense6 At 'east be si'ent&/ Esha sai, an,
%',e, her ar!s#
Pr! s!i'e, at her# Then he turne, t !e# II ,n/t thin)in$ Esha "i''
s!e'' t !u1h# Her Ca'*in K'ein per%u!e "i'' )eep her 1ar1ass %resh %r
,ays#/
Beneath us& there "ere t" sharp Cpin$s/ as t" !re r,s snappe,#
COh n&/ 8riyan)a sai, "e hear, anther pin$ ri$ht be'" her# A %'i1)er
% 'i$ht appeare, at the ,ashbar,#
E*eryne spran$ t attentin as !y 1e'' phne be$an *ibratin$#
CThat/s !y phne&/ I sai,#
The phne starte, rin$in$# E*eryne/s !uth hun$ pen#
CH" ,i, this rin$ "ithut a net"r)6/ Esha sai,& her *i1e ner*us#
C-h is it&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C8i1) it up&/ I sai, "ith !y han, stret1he, ut& unab'e t rea1h the
,ashbar, an, un"i''in$ t !*e t !u1h#
Esha 'i%te, the phne# 7he ')e, at the s1reen an, $aspe,#
C-h is it6/ I sai,#
C0 yu )n" s!ene 1a''e,GG,6 It saysGG, 1a''in$&/ Esha sai,#
NFK
Esha/s %in$ers tre!b'e,# 7he presse, the buttn t ta)e the 1a'' n
spea)er !,e#
CHi e*eryne# 7rry t 1a'' s 'ate&/ a 1heer%u' *i1e 1a!e %r! the
phne#
CErr# -h is it6/ Esha sai,#
CIt/s G,&/ the *i1e sai,#
CG,6 G, as inG/ Ra,hi)a sai, as a'' % us ')e, at the bri$ht'y='it
phne in %ri$ht#
CAs in G,# I nti1e, an unusua' situatin here& s I thu$ht I "u', 5ust
1he1) n yu $uys#/
C-h is this6 Is this a 5)eJ/ Pr! as)e, in a strn$er *i1e#
C-hy6 A! I bein$ %unny6 I 5ust sai, I a! G,&/ the *i1e sai,#
I narr"e, !y eyes# Apart %r! the %a1t that G, usin$ a 1e'' phne "as
unusua'& I ne*er thu$ht !y 'i%e "as i!prtant enu$h %r G, t 1a'' !e#
CG, ,esn/t nr!a''y 1a''# 8r*e that yu are G,# Other"ise& 1an yu
p'ease $et us s!e he'p&/ Pr! sai,#
CH" , I pr*e I a! G,6 0 I !a)e this 1e'' phne %'at6 Or , I 1reate
rain an, 'i$htnin$ n ,e!an,6 Or , yu pre%er !a$i1 ti1)ets6 7pe1ia' e%%e1ts
!aybe6/ G, sai,#
C-e''& I ,n/t )n"# But yeah& s!ethin$ 'i)e that&/ Pr! sai,#
C7& t i!press yu I ha*e t brea) the sa!e 'a"s % physi1s that I
!a,e6 I/! nt int that these ,ays# An, I ha*e p'enty % be'ie*ers# I thu$ht I
1u', he'p& but I 1an han, up# 7ee yu thenG/ G, sai,#
CN& n "ait# 0 he'p usGGGG,&/ Esha sai, an, turne, s'i$ht'y s she s
1u', h', the 1e'' phne bet"een a'' % us#
Ra,hi)a put a %in$er n her 'ips t si$na' Pr! t be +uiet# CO)ay& I/''
stay&/ G, sai, in a 1heer%u' *i1e# CTe'' !e& h" is it $in$6/
CHe'p us $et ut# A %e" !re r,s brea) an, "e are $in$ t ,ie&/ I sai,#
CNt that& h" is it $in$ ther"ise6 H" is 'i%e6/ G, sai,#
I a! rea''y ba, at tu$h& pen=en,e, +uestins 'i)e that# I hate t
a,!it the e4tent t "hi1h !y 'i%e is s1re"e, up#
Cbut ri$ht n" "e/re trappe,G/ I sai, an, G, interrupte, !e#
C0n/t "rry# The Lua'is isn/t $in$ any"here# 2ust re'a4#/
I 'et ut a ,eep si$h# E*eryne "as si'ent#
C7 ba1) t the +uestin& h" is 'i%e $in$6 ;u "ant t $ %irst&
Ra,hi)a6/ G, sai,#
C;u are G,# Ob*ius'y yu !ust a'rea,y )n" e*erythin$# Li%e is
!iserab'e&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CA1tua''y& I do )n"&/ G, sai,# CI 5ust "ant t %in, ut h" yu %ee'
abut it#/
CI/'' te'' yu he "e %ee'# Li%e su1Gsrry&/ Pr! sai,& an, 1he1)e,
hi!se'%& CIt/s a"%u'# Li)e "hat ,i, "e , "rn$6 -hy is ur 'i%e in the pits
'itera''y an, %i$urati*e'y6 That pretty !u1h su!s it up %r a'' % us I thin)#/
E*eryne !a,e 1n1urrin$ sun,s# G, si$he,#
CLet !e as) yu a +uestin# H" !any phne 1a''s , yu ta)e e*ery
,ay6/ G, sai,#
CA hun,re,& n busy ,ays t" hun,re,&/ Pr! sai,#
CO)ay# N" , yu )n" "hi1h is the !st i!prtant 1a'' in the "r',6/
CN&/ Pr! sai,# E*eryne e'se sh) their hea,s#
CThe inner 1a''&/ G, sai,#
CThe inner 1a''6/ e*eryne sai, in unisn#
C;es& the 'itt'e *i1e insi,e that "ants t ta)e t yu# But yu 1an n'y
hear it "hen yu are at pea1e an, then t it is har, t har, t hear it#
Be1ause in !,ern 'i%e& the net"r)s are t busy# The *i1e te''s yu "hat
yu rea''y "ant# 0 yu )n" "hat I a! ta')in$ abut6/
C7rt %&/ 8riyan)a sai,& her eyes ,artin$ a"ay %r! the phne#
CThat *i1e is !ine& G, sai,#
CRea''y6/ Esha sai,& her !uth "i,e pen#
C;es# An, the *i1e is easy t i$nrebe1ause yu are ,istra1te, r busy
r 5ust t 1!%rtab'e in 'i%e# G n& i$nre itunti' yu $et tan$'e, in yur
"n "eb % 1!%rt# An, then yu rea1h a pint 'i)e t,ay& "here 'i%e brin$s
yu t a ,ea, en,& an, there is nthin$ ahea, but a ,ar) h'e#/
C;u/re !a)in$ sense# I ,i,n/t $et it a''& but yu are !a)in$ sense&/ I
1n1e,e,& !re t !yse'%#
CI )n" that *i1e# But it isn/t subt'e in !e# 7!eti!es it shuts an,
bites !e&/ Pr! sai,#
CAn, "hat ,es the *i1e say& Pr!6/ G, sai,#
CThat I shu', nt ha*e ta)en up a 5b 5ust %r !ney# Ca'' 1enters pay
!re& but n'y be1ause the e41han$e rate is in the %a*r % A!eri1ans# They
tss their 'se 1han$e at us# It see!s 'i)e a 't in rupees# But 5bs that pay
'ess 1u', be better# There 1u', be 5bs that ,e%ine !e& !a)e !e 'earn %
he'p !y 1untry# I 5usti%ie, it by sayin$ !ney is pr$ress# But it is nt true#
8r$ress is bui',in$ s!ethin$ 'astin$ %r the %uture&/ Pr! sai,& s!ethin$
as i% there "as a 'u!p in his thrat# He presse, his %a1e int his han,s#
Esha put her han, n Pr!/s shu',er#
CC/!n $uys# This is $ettin$ "ay t senti!enta'# ;u 1an , a 't
better than this# ;u are a'' 1apab'e pep'e&/ G, sai,#
It "as the %irst ti!e s!ene "as usin$ the "r, C1apab'e/ t ,es1ribe
!e#
C-e 1an6/ I sai,#
CO% 1urse# Listen& I "i'' !a)e a ,ea' "ith yu# I "i'' sa*e yur 'i%e
tni$ht& but in return& yu $i*e !e s!ethin$# ;u 1'se yur eyes %r three
!inutes# Thin) abut "hat yu rea''y "ant an, "hat yu nee, t 1han$e in
yur 'i%e t $et it# Then& n1e yu $et ut % here& a!t n thse 1han$es# ;u
, this& an, I "i'' he'p yu $et ut % this pit# 0ea'6/
C0ea'&/ I sai,# Li)e yu "n/t , a ,ea' that sa*es yu %r! ,eath#
E*eryne n,,e,#
-e 1'se, ur eyes an, t) a %e" ,eep breaths#
Han& I te'' yu& 1'sin$ yur eyes %r three !inutes an, nt thin)in$
abut the "r', is the har,est thin$ t ,# I trie, t 1n1entrate& but a'' I
1u', see "as 1!!tin# 8riyan)a& Ba)shi& !y pr!tin an, Ganesh!y
!in, )ept 5u!pin$ %r! ne tpi1 t anther#
C7& te'' !e&/ G, sai, a%ter three !inutes#
-e pene, ur eyes# E*eryne/s %a1e "as a 't 1a'!er#
CRea,y6/ G, sai,#
E*eryne n,,e, their hea,s#
CLet/s $ arun, the Lua'is ne by ne# Pr!& yu %irst&/ G, sai,#
CI "ant t ha*e a 'i%e "ith !eanin$& e*en i% it !eans a 'i%e "ithut Be,
r ,ai'y trips t 8iBBa=Hut# I nee, t +uit this 1a'' 1enter# 7rry& but 1a''in$ is
nt !y 1a''in$&/ Pr! sai,#
I thu$ht his 'ast 'ine "as +uite 1'e*er& but it "asn/t the ri$ht ti!e t
appre1iate *erba' tri1)s#
8riyan)a sp)e a%ter Pr!# Hy ears be1!e e4tra a'ert#
CI "ant !y !ther t be happy# But I 1annt )i'' !yse'% %r it# Hy
!ther nee,s t rea'iBe a %a!i'y is a $reat supprt t ha*e& but u'ti!ate'y&
she is respnsib'e %r her "n happiness# Hy %1us shu', be n !y "n 'i%e
an, "hat I "ant&/ 8riyan)a sai,# I "ishe, she ha, sai, !y na!e s!e"here in
her ans"er& but su1h 'u1)# I thin) ninety per1ent % 8riyan)a# An, then he
sp)e the !st I ha*e hear, hi! spea) e*er#
CI "ant t be "ith !y sn an, !y $ran,sn# I !iss the! e*ery !!ent#
T" years a$& I use, t 'i*e "ith the!# But !y ,au$hter=in='a" ,i, thin$s I
,i,n/t 'i)eshe "ent %r parties& $t a 5b "hen I "ante, her t stay at
h!eG# I% %u$ht "ith the! an, !*e, ut# But I "as "rn$# It Is their 'i%e&
an, I ha*e n ri$ht t 5u,$e the! by !y ut,ate, *a'ues# An, I nee, t $et ri,
% !y in%'ate, e$ an, $ t the 97 t see the! an, ta') it ut#/
Ra,hi)a/s turn 1a!e ne4t# 7he %u$ht ba1) her tears as she sp)e# CI
"ant be !yse'% a$ain& 5ust 'i)e I "as be%re !arria$e& "hen I "as "ith !y
parents# I "ant t ,i*r1e Anu5# I ,n/t "ant t e*er ') at !y !ther=in=
'a"/s %a1e a$ain# T , this& I ha*e t a11ept that I !a,e a "rn$ ,e1isin
"hen I !arrie, Anu5#/
Esha sp)e a%ter Ra,hi)a# CI "ant !y parents t '*e !e a$ain# I , nt
"ant t be1!e a ,u!b !,e'# I a! sure I 1an %in, a better use %r !y ')s&
i% they are "rth anythin$# Any 1areer that !a)es yu 1!pr!ise n yur
!ra's& r 5u,$es yu be1ause yu are nt an in1h ta''er is nt "rth it#/
8ep'e n" turne, t ') at !e& as I "as the n'y ne 'e%t t spea)#
CHe6 Can I pass6/ I sai,#
E*eryne $a*e !e an e*en har,er state# 7!eti!es yu ha*e n 1hi1e
but t share yu "eir, thu$hts "ith the "r',#
CO)ay# This "i'' sun, stupi,& but I "ant t ta)e a sht at !y "n
business# I ha, this i,ea& i% Pr! an, I 1''abrate& "e 1an set up a s!a''
"eb ,esi$n 1!pany# That is a''# But it !ay ne*er "r)& be1ause !st % the
thin$s I , ne*er "r)& but thenG/
C-hat e'se& 7hya!J/ G, sai,& interruptin$ !e#
C9h& nthin$&/ I sai,#
C7hya!& yu are nt ,ne# ;u )n" that&/ G, sai,#
I $uess yu 1an/t uts!art G,# I 5ust ha, t 1!e t the pint# I ')e,
arun, an, sp)e a$ain#
CAn, I "ant t be "rthy % s!ene 'i)e 8riyan)a ne ,ay& I , nt
,eser*e her as % t,ay& an, I a11ept thatG/
C7hya!& I ne*er sai,G/ 8riyan)a sai,#
C8'ease& 'et !e %inish 8riyan)a# It is abut ti!e pep'e stp tra!p'in$ a''
*er !e&/ I sai,#
8riyan)a ')e, at !e an, be1a!e si'ent# I 1u', see she "as in !i',
sh1) at !y %ir!ness#
I 1ntinue,# CBut ne ,ay I/, 'i)e t be "rthy % s!ene 'i)e her
s!ene inte''i$ent& "itty& sensiti*e an, %un& s!ene "h 1an sea!'ess'y
!er$e %rien,ship "ith '*e# An, yes& ne ,ay I "ant t be su11ess%u' t#/
-e ha, a'' %inishe, ur turns# G, staye, si'ent#
CG,6 7ay s!ethin$& n" that "e/*e pure, ut ur ,eepest se1rets t
yu&/ Esha sai,#
CI ,n/t rea''y ha*e t say anythin$# I a! 5ust a!aBe,an, p'ease,at
h" "e'' yu ha*e ,ne# Kn"in$ "hat yu "ant is a'rea,y a $reat start#
Rea,y t %''" it thru$hJ/ G, sai,#
E*eryne n,,e, e41ept !e#
CRea,y& 7hya!6/ G, sai,#
I $a*e a s!a'' n,#
C7hya!& 1an I say s!ethin$ persna' be%re yur %rien,s&/ G, sai,&
Cbe1ause it is i!prtant %r e*eryne as "e''#/
C7ure&/ I sai,# ;eah& use !e as E4hibit I %r Ch" nt t 'i*e yur 'i%e/# At
'east I a! % s!e use#
C;u "ant t be su11ess%u' ri$ht6/ G, sai,#
C;es&/ I sai,#
CThere are %ur thin$s a persn nee,s %r su11ess# I "i'' te'' yu the t"
b*ius nes %irst# One& a !e,iu! a!unt % inte''i$en1e& an, t"& a bit %
i!a$inatin# A$ree,6/
CA$ree,&/ e*eryne sai,#
CAn, a'' % yu ha*e thse +ua'ities&/ G, sai,#
C-hat/s that6/ I sai,#
C7e'%=1n%i,en1e# The thir, thin$ yu nee, %r su11ess is se'%=
1n%i,en1e# But 7hya! has 'st it# He is hun,re, per1ent 1n*i1te, he is $,
%r nthin$#/
I hun$ !y hea,#
C;u )n" h" yu be1a!e 1n*i1te,6/ G, sai,#
CH"6/ I sai,#
CBe1ause % Ba)shi# A ba, bss is 'i)e a ,isease % the su'# I% yu ha*e
ne %r 'n$ enu$h& yu $et 1n*i1te, s!ethin$ is "rn$ "ith yu# E*en
thu$h yu )n" Ba)shi is the rea' 'ser& yu start ,ubtin$ yurse'%# An,
that is "hen yur 1n%i,en1e $es#/
G,/s "r,s sh) !y insi,es 'i)e the *ibratin$ Lua'is ha, a %e"
!inutes a$#
CG,& I "ant t $et !y 1n%i,ent ba1)&/ I sai,#
CG,# 0n/t be s1are, an, yu "i'' $et it ba1)# An, then thee "n/t be
any stppin$ yu&/ G, sai,#
I %e't the b', rush t !y ears# Hy heart "as beatin$ har, an, I "ante,
t be ba1) at the 1a'' 1enter# At the sa!e ti!e& an$er sur$e, in !e as I
thu$ht % Ba)shi# I "ante, t $et e*en "ith the !an "h ha, )i''e, a part %
!e& "h ha, put e*eryne/s 5b n the 'ine& "h ha, ruine, the 1a'' 1enter#
C-hat/s the %urth in$re,ient %r su11ess6/ Pr! sai,#
The %urth in$re,ient is the !st pain%u' ne# An, it is s!ethin$ a'' %
yu sti'' nee, t 'earn# Be1ause it is %ten the !st i!prtant thin$&/ G,
sai,#
C-hatJ/ I sai,#
C:ai'ure&/ G, sai,#
C-hat6 I thu$ht yu "ere ta')in$ abut su11ess&/ Pr! sai,#
C;es& but t be rea''y su11ess%u'& yu !ust %a1e %ai'ure# ;u ha*e t
e4perien1e it& %ee' it& taste it& s%ter it# On'y then 1an yu shine&/ G, sai,#
C-hy6/ 8riyan)a sai,# Ob*ius'y she "as %1use, n !y persna'ity
,isse1tin as "e''# I te'' yu& Ganesh !ay ha*e the Le4us& but she "i'' ne*er
%in, as interestin$ a psy1h 1ase as !e#
C:r n1e yu taste %ai'ure& yu ha*e n %ear# ;u 1an ta)e ris)s !re
easi'y# Then yu ,n/t "ant t snu$$'e in yur 1!%rt Bne any!reyu
are rea,y t %'y# An, su11ess is abut %'yin$& nt snu$$'in$&/ G, sai,#
C8int& C 8riyan)a sai,#
C7& here is a se1ret# Ne*er be a%rai, % %ai'ure# I% it has 1!e yur "ay&
it !eans I "ant t $i*e yu a rea' sht at bein$ su11ess%u' 'ater&/ G, sai,#
CC'&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CThan) yu&/ G, sai,#
CI% n'y yu ha, $i*en In,ia as !u1h as A!eri1a&/ Pr! sai,#
C-hy& yu ,n/t 'i)e In,iaJ/ G, sai,#
CO% 1urse nt# 2ust be1ause In,ia is pr ,esn/t !ean yu stp '*in$
it# It is !ine# But sti''& A!eri1a has a 't&/ Pr! sai,#
C-e''& ,n/t be s hi$h n A!eri1a# A!eri1ans !ay ha*e !any thin$s&
but they are nt the happiest pep'e n earth by any stret1h# Any 1untry
bsesse, "ith "ar 1an/t be happy&/ G, sai,#
CTrue&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CAn, !any % the! ha*e serius issues in the hea,# Issues n'y 1a''
1enter a$ents )n" abut# An, yu 1an use the! t sa*e yur 1a'' 1enter
tni$ht&/ G, sai,#
CThe !esse, up hea,s % A!eri1ans "i'' sa*e ur 1a'' 1enter6 Pr!&
Ra,hi)a an, I sp)e t$ether#
C;es# Thin) abut their "ea) spts& an, then yu 1an "in&/ G, sai,#
CLi)e "hatJ they are %at& 'u,& thi1) an, ,i*r1e a'' the ti!e6/ Esha sai,#
CThere are !re# I "i'' $i*e yu a hint# -hat/s behin, a'' this "ar
senti!ent6/ G, sai,#
C:ear# It is b*ius& they are the !st s1are, an, parani, pep'e n
earth&/ I sai,#
C-e/'' s1are the! int 1a''in$ us# ;es& that "i'' $et us ba1) ur 1a''
*'u!es&/ Pr! sai,& his *i1e e41ite,#
CN" yu are thin)in$# In %a1t& yu 1an %i$ure ut a "ay t $et e*en "ith
Ba)shi t# Nt 1!p'ete'y %air an, s+uare& but by n" yu ,eser*e t ben, a
%e" ru'es in the $a!e&/ G, sai,& an, I thu$h I hear, a 1hu1)'e#
E*eryne s!i'e,#
CRea''y& "e 1an tea1h Ba)shi a 'essnJ/ I sai,#
Csure& re!e!ber Ba)shi is nt yur bss& the u'ti!ate bss is !e# An, I
a! "ith yu# 7 "hat yu a%rai, %6/ G, sai,#
CE41use !e& but yu are nt there "ith us a'"ays# Or h" ,i, "e en,
up here6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
G, si$he, be%re spea)in$ a$ain# CI thin) yu nee, t un,erstan, h"
!y syste! "r)s# ;u see& I ha*e a 1ntra1t "ith a'' hu!an bein$s# ;u ,
yur best& an, e*ery n" an, then& I "i'' 1!e behin, t $i*e yu a bnus
push# But is has t be$in "ith yu# :r ther"ise I 1an/t ,istin$uish "h nee,s
!y he'p !st#/
C8int&/ Pr! sai,#
C7& i% I 'isten t !y inner 1a'' an, pr!ise t , !y best& "i'' yu be
there %r !e6/ I sai,#
CAbs'ute'y# But& I ha*e t $ n"# 7!ene e'se nee,s n rea1h !e&/
G, sai,#
C-ait( He' us $et us ut % this pit %irst&/ Esha sai,#
COh yes& % 1urse# I ha*e t he'p yu ut % this pit&/ G, sai,# CO)ay&
Pr!& yu are ba'an1in$ n a %e" r,s n"# There are t" tri1)s t $et ut
%r! su1h a situatin#/
C-hat/s thatJ/
COne& re!e!ber the re*erse $ear# An, t"& !a)e %rien,s "ith the r,s
, nt %i$ht the!# 9se the r, as rai' tra1)s an, the r,s "i'' $uise yu ut#
7ha)e thin$s arun,& an, yu "i'' %a'' ri$ht thru$h#/
Pr! stu1) his ne1) ut % the "in,"# CBut these stee' 1nstru1tin
r,s are as thin s !y %in$ers# H" , "e bun1h the! up6/
CTie then&/ G, sai,#
CH"6/ Pr! sai,#
C0 I nee, t te'' yu e*erythin$6/ G, sai,#
C0upatta# 9se !y ,upatta&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CHere& I ha*e this ha'% )nOitte, s1ar% in !y han,ba$ t&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CI thin) yu 1an ta)e %r! here# Bye n"# Re!e!ber& I a! insi,e yu
"hen yu nee, !e&/ G, sai,#
CHuh6/ Pr! sai, an, ')e, at the phne#
CBye G,&/ the $ir's sai, ne a%ter the ther#
CBye e*eryne&/ G, sai, an, ,is1nne1te, the 1a''# I "a*e, the phne
$,bye in re%'e4# 7i'en1e %e'' n us#
C-hat# -as# That6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CI ,n/t )n"# Can I ha*e the ,upattas p'ease&/ Pr! sai,# CHi'itary
9n1'e& 1an yu pen the rear ,r an, tie up the r,s un,er the "hee'# Tear
up the ,upatta i% yu "ant t#/
8riyan)a %'in1he, %r a se1n, at the 'ast 'ine& but that "as the 'ast "e
sa" % her ,upatta an, Ra,hi)a/s ha'%=s1ar%# Pr! an, Hi'itary 9n1'e tie, up
the r,s ri$ht un,er the "hee' %r the Lua'is t , its ten=%t 5urney t
rea1h %ir! $run,# 7e*era' ti!es they bent *er ,eep an, ha, t ') ri$ht
int the pit# I "as $'a, I "as nt the ne ,in$ itI "u', ha*e ,ie, 5ust %r!
the *ie"#
CO)ay pep'e&/ Pr! sat ba1) n the seat& "ipin$ his han,s& Ch',
ti$ht#/
Pr! starte, the i$nitin# The Lua'is *ibrate,& as the r,s be'" us
starte, +ui*erin$ a$ain#
CPrr###!GI a!Gs'Gipp##in$&/ Esha sai,& tryin$ t $rip the han,'e % the
$'*e b4#
In a nanse1n,& Pr! put the Lua'is in re*erse an, ,r*e ba1)# A'' %
us ,u1)e, ,"n& partia''y s Pr! 1u', see& but !st'y in %eat#
The Lua'is sh) as i% It "as ru!b'in$ ,"n a hi''# H"e*er& "e ,i, nt
%a''# Hy upper an, '"er 5a"s 1hattere, s har, that I thu$ht a 1up'e %
teeth "u', brea) 'se#
In si4 se1n,& it "as a'' *er# -e "ere ut % the pit an, n the s'ushy
!u, ra, a$ain#
CIt/s ,ne# I thin) I a! a'i*e&/ Pr! sai, "ith a $rin % re'ie%# He turne,
arun,# C0i, anyne sur*i*e6/
NF>
E*eryne re'ease, their breaths t$ether# The $ir's br)e int hu$s& an,
Pr! rea1he, ut an, ba1)s'appe, !e s har, I thu$ht I "u', ,ie % a
br)en spina' 1r,#
Pr! t) a 9=turn an, ,r*e ba1) s'"'y in %irst $ear unti' "e
rea1he, the hi$h"ay#
C-e !a,e it&/ Esha sai, an, "ipe, her tears# 8riyan)a %',e, her han,s
an, praye, a %e" ti!es#
CI thu$ht "e "u', ,ie&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C-hat "as that 1a''6/ Esha sai,#
C7!ethin$ *ery stran$e*an "e !a)e a pa1t t nt ta') abut it6/ I
sai,# E*eryne n,,e,& as i% I ha, sai, e4a1t'y "hat "as n their !in,# It "as
true# The 1a'' %e't s persna'& I ,i, nt "ant t ,is1us it any!re#
C-hate*er it "as& "e are )ay n"# An, "e sha'' be in %%i1e sn&/
8riyan)a sai,#
CIt/s sti'' n'y D:DK# -e are 5ust t" )i'!eters a"ay&/ Pr! sai,# He
sn re$aine, his 1n%i,en1e an, be$an ,ri*in$ at si4ty an hur#
CI/! 5ust 'u1)y t be a'i*e& I ,n/t 1are "hen "e rea1h&/ Esha sai,#
CI , "ant t rea1h sn an, %in, ut abut the 'ay%%s# H"e*er& I/!
+uittin$ in any 1ase&/ Pr! sai,#
C;es& enu$h/s enu$h&/ Pr! sai,#
CI ,n/t )n" 'n$=ter!!aybe $et ba1) t 5urna'is!# But as an
i!!e,iate shrt=ter! $a'& I/! $in$ t try an, sa*e the 1a'' 1enter&/ Pr!
sai,#
C-ith yu6/ Pr! sai,& ')in$ ba1) at !e#
CI/! +uittin$ t&/ I sai,#
CRea''y6/ 8riyan)a/s eyes pppe, pen# 7he ')e, at !e as i% a se*en=
year=', ha, 5ust annun1e, his ,e1isin t 1'i!b Ht# E*erest#
C;es& I 1a!e 1'se t ,eath in that pit# I 1u', ha*e ,ie, there& "ith
ha*in$ trie, nthin$ in 'i%e# I a! tire, % s%t& 1!%rtab'e ptins# It is ti!e
t %a1e the rea' "r',& e*en i% it is har,er an, pain%u'# I/, rather %'y an,
1rash& than 5ust snu$$'e an, s'eep#/
E*eryne n,,e,# I "as sh1)e,M pep'e "ere rea''y 'istenin$ t !e %r
the %irst ti!e#
C8'us& I ha*e !a,e ne !re pr!ise t !yse'%&/ I sai,#
C-hat6/ Pr! an, 8riyan)a sai, t$ether#
CThat I a! nt $in$ t "r) %r an i,it any!re& any"here# E*en i% it
!eans 'ess !ney# I 1', s)ip a !ea' a ,ay an, s'eep hun$ry& but& he''& I 1an/t
spen, !y 'i%e "r)in$ %r a !rn#/
CNt ba,&/ Pr! sai,& C')s 'i)e ur tea! 'ea,er=in="aitin$ 5ust
be1a!e "iser#/
CI ,n/t )n" i% it is "ise r nte& but at 'east I ha*e !a,e a 1hi1e# -e
"i'' see "hat happens# :r n"& I ha*e a shrt=ter! $a' t#/
CLi)e "hat&/ Pr! sai,& as he ,r*e "ith ut!st 1n1entratin& C,n/t
te'' !e it is 1a'' ,1u!entatin an, a''#/
CN# I ha*e t ta)e 1are % Ba)shi t# 7in1e "e ha*e nthin$ t 'se&
'et/s tea1h hi! a 'essn&/ I sai,#
Pr! s1ree1he, the Lua'is t a ha't an, "e a'' %e'' %r"ar,#
CN" "hat6/ I sai,#
C-ait# I 5ust ha, an Eure)a !!ent# I ha*e an i,ea %r %i4in$ Ba)shi an,
the 1a'' 1enter&/ Pr! sai,#
C-hat6/
CAha& I 'i)e it&/ Pr! sai, an, s!i'e, t hi!se'%#
C-hat& ,a!n it&/ I sai,#
He 'eane, ba1) an, "hispere, s!ethin$ in !y ear#
CN "ay& I !ean h"J/ I sai,#
C;es "ay& I !ean h"6/ I sai,#
C;es "ay& I/'' te'' yu h" "hen "e $et ba1)# Let/s !eet in the -A7G
1n%eren1e r!&/ he sai, an, presse, the a11e'eratr har, as "e !a,e the
%ina' stret1h t rea1h the 1a'' 1enter# -e entere, the Cnne4ins !ain $ate at
D:DA a#!# -e passe, Ba)shi/s 1ar a$ain#
C-ant t bu!p it# 7hu', "e $i*e it a nasty ,ent6/ I sai, t Pr!#
CThe thu$ht 1rsse, !y !in,&/ Pr! sai, an, 'et ut a si$h& Cbut I
'*e a'' aut!bi'es t !u1h t hurt the!# This Lan1er is a'rea,y su%%erin$
un,er Ba)shi# 0n/t "rry& "e "i'' ,ea' "ith hi! insi,e#
Pr! t) the Lua'is t the par)in$ 't# Our ,ri*er "as s'eepin$ in
anther *ehi1'e& s "e +uiet'y par)e, the Lua'is ne4t t hi!# -e "ante, t
$i*e hi! a %e" !re hurs % rest be%re he sa" his !u,=1ate, *ehi1'e#
C8ep'e& 'et/s $& D:DE&/ Pr! sai, an, 5u!pe, ut % the 1ar#
At ur ,es)& I sa" an AD=siBe, sheet stu1) n !y !nitr "ith bi$ b',
'etters s1ra"'e, n it#
CChe1) this ut&/ I sai, # It "as Ba)shi/s "ritin$#
W4E5E I" E6E5*78E? 29E-"E C-99:5E275% %7 /* 7!!ICE
-"-2+ W4E5E -5E /* #7-5' /EE%I81 -1E8'- C72IE"?
W4-% 4-22E8E' %7 %4E ;E57; /-C4I8E? -1E8%
6IC%750" /78I%75?
Pr! ')e, at the nti1e an, 'au$he,# C-hate*er# He/'' $et hi
ans"ers# But %irst& he "i'' ans"er us# Guys& 1n%eren1e r! %irst&/ *r!
sai,#
-e "ent insi,e the 1n%eren1e r! an, Pr! b'te, the ,r#
CGuys& srry t sun, 'i)e the HBA types& but I thin) in the ne4t %e"
hurs "e ha*e a three=pint a$en,a# One& t sa*e this 1a'' 1enter# An, t"& t
tea1h Ba)shi a 'essn# A$ree,6/
C-hat/s the thir, pint6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
CThat/s bet"een !e an, 7hya!# It/s pri*ate# O)ay& 'istenG/
An, that is "here Pr! re*ea'e, his p'an t a. sa*e the 1a'' 1enter an,
b. ta)e 1are % Ba)shi# A'' % us 5u!pe, in ur seats "hen "e %irst hear, it#
7'"'y& Pr! 1n*in1e, us# Bet"een 'au$hter an, intense 1n1entratin&
e*eryne p'e, in t re%ine the p'an %urther# -e 1n1'u,e, ur !eetin$ at
A:>KK a#!# an, 1a!e ut % the -A7G 1n%eren1e r!#
CA'' set6/ Pr! sai,#
CO% 1urse&/ a'' % us sai, in unisn#
CG,# 7tep >: Gettin$ Ba)shi ut % his %%i1e&/ Pr! sai,# CEsha& yu
rea,y6/
C;es&/ Esha sai, an, "in)e, at us#
7he pi1)e, up the phne& ,ia'e, Ba)shi/s nu!ber an, t) n the *i1e
% an ',er "!an#
C7ir& this is E'ina 1a''in$ %r! the !ain bay# 7ir& there is a 1a'' %r yu
%r! Bstn I thin)&/ Esha sai,# In a ,u!b=but=1ns1ientius se1retaria' tne#
CN sir& I 1an/t see! t trans%er itG 7ir& I trie, that& but the 'ine ,es
nt $ thru$hG 7ir& I a! a ne" assistant here& s I sti'' , nt )n" h" the
phnes "r)G 7ir& srry but 1an yu 1!e ,"n sirG ;es sir&/ Esha sai, an,
hun$ up the phne#
C-r)e,6/ I sai,#
CTta' su1)er %r anythin$ Bstn# He is 1!in$ ri$ht n"# But he/'' n'y
be ut %r a %e" !inutes& s 'et/s rush#/
NF@
As e4pe1te,& Ba)shi/s %%i1e "as e!pty "hen "e $t there# Pr! "ent
strai$ht t Ba)shi/s 1!puter an, pene, his e!ai'#
Ra,hi)a& 8riyan)a an, I sat as Ba)shi/s 1n%eren1e tab'e#
CHurry&/ Ra,hi)a sai, an, )ept ne eye n the ,r#
C2ust ne !re !inute&/ Pr! sai, as he %urius'y type, n Ba)shi/s
)eybar,#
I )n" "hat "e "ere ,in$ "as "rn$& but s!eh" ,in$ this "rn$
thin$ "as nt ass1iate, "ith Crea'& har,& pain%u' $ui't&/ as Esha ha, put it# In
%a1t& it %e't $,# On1e he ha, %inishe,& Pr! printe, se*era' 1pies n
Ba)shi/s printer#
C:i*e 1pies&/ he sai,& Cne %r ea1h % us# :', it an, )eep is sa%e#/
I %',e, !y 1py an, put in !y shirt p1)et#
Ba)shi arri*e, t"enty se1n,s 'ater#
CCan/t be'ie*e "e ha*e su1h ut,ate, te'ephne syste!s&/ Ba)shi "as
ta')in$ t hi!se'% as he 1a!e int his %%i1e# He nti1e, us at the 1n%eren1e
tab'e#
CThere yu $uys are# -here "ere a'' % yu6 An, "hat happene, t the
Ver4 !a1hine an, a$ent Pi1tr/s !nitr6/ Ba)shi sai,# He "rappe, his ar!s
arun, 'i)e !i,,'e an, ')e, at ea1h % us in +ui1) su11essin#
C7it ,"n %r a se1n,& "i'' yu Ba)shi6/ Pr! sai,& pattin$ a 1hair
ne4t t hi!#
C-hatJ/ Ba)shi sai,& sh1)e, at Pr! re%errin$ t hi! by his na!e# ;u
shu', 'earn h" t a,,ress senirsG/
C-hate*er Ba)shi&/ Pr! sai, an, put his %eet up n Ba)shi/s !eetin$
tab'e#
CA$ent Pi1tr& "hat ,i, yu say an, "hat e4a1t'y , yu thin) yu are
,in$J/ Ba)shi sai,& sti'' stan,in$#
CAhh/ Pr! sai,& Cthis is s !u1h !re 1!%rtab'e# -hy ,n/t pep'e
a'"ays sit 'i)e this6/ Pr! 1rsse, his 'e$s n the tab'e#
CI 1an/t be'ie*e yu are !isbeha*in$ in ti!es "hen I ha*e t re1!!en,
ri$htsiBin$G/ Ba)shi sai, as Pr! interrupte, hi! a$ain#
C;u are !e$a %u1)e, Ba)shi##/ Pr! interrupte, hi!#
CE41use !eJ "hat ,i, yu 5ust say A$ent Pi1tr6/
C7 yu are nt n'y ,u!b& but ,ea% t# 0i,n/t yu hear hi!6/ Esha
sai,& tryin$ har, t suppress a s!i'e#
C-hat the he'' is $in$ n here6/ Ba)shi sai, an, ')e, at !e b'an)'y
'i)e I "as a ren"ne, interpreter % nnsense#
Pr! pushe, a printut t"ar,s Ba)shi#
C-hat/s this6/ Ba)shi sai,#
CRea, it# They tau$ht yu h" t rea, in the HBA 1urse& ri$ht6/ Pr!
sai,#
The e!ai' rea, as %''"s:
!rom: "ubhash #akshi
%o: Esha "in&h
"ent: <+0= am
"ub$ect: )ust one ni&ht
'ear Esha(
'on0t be u,set+ /y offer is sim,le-$ust s,end one ni&ht with
me+ *ou make ma ha,,y >I0ll save your you from the ri&ht-
si?in&+ /y ,leasure for you security>I think it is a fair deal+
-nd who knows( you mi&ht en$oy it too+ 9et me know your
decision soon+
*our admirer+
#akshi+
Ba)shi/s %a1e turne, "hite# His !uth pene, %i*e in1hes "i,e as he re=
rea, the e!ai' se*era' ti!es#
C-hat is this6 -hat the he'' is this6/ Ba)shi sai,& his han,s tre!b'in$ as
!u1h as his *i1e# His !uth "as sti'' pen an, *ibrate, 'i)e it "as battery
perate,#
C;u te'' us# It is a !ai' %r! yur inb4& ,u!b ass&/ Pr! sai,#
But I ne*er "rte it&/ Ba)shi sai,& unab'e t hi,e a hint % ,esperatin in
*i1e& CI ne*er "rte it#/
CRea''y6/ Pr! sai, as he 'it a 1i$arette# CN" h" 1an yu pr*e yu
,i,n/t "rite it6 Can yu pr*e it t pep'e in the Bstn %%i1e that yu ,i,n/t
"rite it6/
C-hat are yu ta')in$ abut6 H" is the 1nne1te, t Bstn6/ Ba)shi
sai,& his %a1e sprutin$ ,rp'ets % s"eat thru$h the i'%ie',s#
CLet/s see# -hat is "e %r"ar, Bstn a 1py % this !ai'6 The sa!e
pep'e "h yu 1pie, n the "ebsite !anua'6 I a! sure they '*e e!p'yees
"h ,& "e''& fair deals&/ I sai,#
CI ne*er "rte it&/ Ba)shi sai,& unab'e t thin) % better 'ines#
COr "e 1u', sen, a 1py t the p'i1e&/ Pr! sai, as he b'e" a hu$e
pu%% % s!)e n Ba)shi/s %a1e& Can, t s!e % !y reprter %rien,s# ;u "ant
t be in the papers t!rr" Ba)shi6 Here is yur 1han1e&/ Pr! t) ut
his phne& COh "ait& !aybe I 1an e*en $et yu n TP#/
CTP6/ Ba)shi sai,#
C;es& i!a$ine the hea,'ine: CCa'' 1enter bss as)s $ir's %r se4ua' %a*rs
in e41han$e %r 5b/# N0TP 1u', 'i*e n that %r a "ee)# 0a!n& I )n" I 1u',
be a $, 5urna'ist&/ Pr! sai, an, 'au$he,#
CBut "hat ,i, it ,6/ Ba)shi sai, an, ran t his ,es)# He pene, his
e!ai' an, 1he1)e, the C7ent Ite!s/ %',er#
C-h "rte this6/ Ba)shi sai, an, ran t his ,es)# He pene, his e!ai'
an, 1he1) the C7ent Ite!sT %',er#
C-h "rte this6/ Ba)shi sai, as he sa" the sa!e !ai' n his s1reen#
C;u ,i,n/t6/ 8riyan)a sai,& as i% in $enuine 1n%usin#
CHr Ba)shi& I he', yu in su1h hi$h estee!# T,ay !y %aith in !y r'e=
!,e' is shattere,&/ Esha san, an, put her han,s t her %a1e# 7he "as $,I
thin) she shu', try %r an a1tin$ 1areer#
CN& I s"ear I ,i, nt&/ Ba)shi sai,& as he s1ra!b'e, "ith his !use an,
)eybar,#
CThen "h "rte it6 7anta C'aus6 The tth %airy6/ Pr! shute, an,
st, up# C;u e4p'ain this t the p'i1e& the 5urna'ists an, *er the *i,e
1n%eren1e t Bstn e41es#/
Chah( L) I ha*e ,e'ete, it&/ Ba)shi sai, "ith a s!u$ s!i'e is he
re'ease, his 1!puter !use#
CC/!n Ba)shi&/ Pr! sai, "ith a si$h& Cit/s sti'' in yur C0e'ete, Ite!s
%',er#/
COh&/ Ba)shi sai, an, 5er)e, his !use# A %e" 1'i1)s 'ater he sai,&
CThere& it is $ne# N !re e!ai'#/
Pr! s!i'e,& COne !re tip %r yu Ba)shi# G t yur 0e'ete, Ite!s&
se'e1te, the t's !enu an, 1hse the Ire1*er ,e'ete, ite!sT ptin# The
!ai' "i'' be there&/ Pr! sai,#
Ba)shi/s %a1e pani1)e, a$ain as trie, t %''" Pr!/s 1!p'e4
instru1tins# He ,esperate'y 1'i1)e, his !use#
COh& stp it Ba)shi# The !ai' is in !y inb4 as "e''# An, Pr! has !any
printuts&/ Esha sai,#
CHuh6/ Ba)shi sai, as he ')e, 'i)e a s1are, rabbit# C;u/'' ne*er $et
a"ay "ith this# Esha yu )n" I ,i,n/t , it# ;u "ear ri$ht s)irts an, tps
but I n'y ') at the! %r! a ,istan1e# E*en thse 5eans that sh" yur "aist
I n'y sa"G/
C7tp ri$ht there& yu si1)&/ Esha sai,#
C;u 1an/t $et a"ay "ith this&/ Ba)shi sai,#
C-e ha*e %i*e "itnesses Ba)shi& they "i'' supprt Esha/s testi!ny&/ I
sai,#
COh& an "e ha*e s!e ther e*i,en1e as "e''# In Esha/s ,ra"er there is
a pa1)et "ith 1ash& it has yur %in$erprints n I& in 1ase yu "ant t $et tt
hat 'e*e'&/ Pr! sai,#
Ba)shi/s %in$ers tre!b'e, as i% he "as $ettin$ rea,y t p'y ,ru!s#
C-e a's ha*e a printut % yur *isits t prn$raphi1 "ebsites&/
Ra,hi)a sai,#
C;u )n" it is nt !e Esha& I "i'' %ina''y $et pr*e, inn1ent&/ Ba)shi
sai,& his *i1e sun,in$ 'i)e a hap'ess be$$ar/s# His eyes ')e, rea,y t 'ea)#
CHaybe# But the a!aBin$ pub'i1ity "i'' be enu$h t s1re" yur 1areer#
G,bye Bstn&/ I sai, an, "a*e, !y han, t in,i1ate %are"e''# E*eryne
e'se rai,e, their han, an, "a*e, $,bye as "e''#
Ba)shi ')e, at us in hrrr an, sat ,"n# His "hite %a1e ha, n"
turne, re,& r rather purp'ee*en thu$h it "as sti'' as shiny as e*er# I 1u',
see a t"it1hin$ ner*e n the si,e % his %rehea,# I %e't an ur$e t !a)e hi!
su%%er !re# I st, up t pi1) a thi1) !ana$e!ent b) %r! his b)she'%#
I "ent up t Ba)shi an, st, ne4t t hi!#
C-hy are yu ,in$ this t !e6 I "i'' be 'ea*in$ yu %re*er t $ t
Bstn&/ Ba)shi sai,#
CBstn6/ I sai,# C;u , nt ,eser*e a pstin$ t Bhatin,a# ;u , nt
e*en ,eser*e a 5b# In %a1t& ne 1u', ar$ue yu , nt e*en ,eser*e t 'i*e#
;u are nt 5ust a ba, bss& yu are a parasite: t us& t this 1!pany& t this
1untry# 0a!n yu#/
I ban$e, the !ana$e!ent b) n his har, hea,# G,& it %e't hea, "as
h''"& as the i!pa1t !a,e a bi$ nise# G,& it %e't $,# :e" pep'e in this
"r', $et t hit their bss& but thse "h , "i'' te'' yu it is better than se4#
C-hat , yu "ant6 -hat is it yu "ant6 ;u "an t ,estry !e&/ Ba)shi
sai,& rubbin$ his hea,# CI ha*e a %a!i'y "ith t" )i,s# -ith $reat ,i%%i1u'ty !y
1areer is $in$ %ine# Hy "i%e "ants t 'ea*e !e any"ay# 0n/t ,estry !e# I
a! hu!an t#/
I ,isa$ree, "ith Ba)shi/s 'ast phrase# I ,i,n/t thin) he "as hu!an at a''#
C0estryin$ yu is a $,& %un ptin&/ Pr! sai,& Cbut "e ha*e !re
"rth"hi'e $a's %r n"# I "ant t , a ,ea' "ith yu# -e bury this issue an,
in return yu , s!e thin$s %r us#/
C-hat )in, % thin$s6/ Ba)shi sai,#
COne# I "ant t ha*e 1ntr' % the 1a'' 1enter %r the ne4t t" hurs# I
nee, t $et n the !ass spea)er#/
The ne !ana$e!ent is use, t ta') t e*eryne# -hy , yu "ant it6
-i'' yu ta') abut this e!ai'6/ Ba)shi sai,#
CN& yu !rn# It is s sa*e 5bs at the 1a'' 1enter# N"& , I ha*e the
spea)er6/
C;es# -hat e'se6/
CI "ant yu t "rite ut a resi$natin 'etter %r 7hya! an, !e# Lay%%s
r nt& "e are +uittin$ Cnne4ins#/
C;u $uys are +uittin$ ri$ht n"6/ the $ir's sai,#
C;es# 7hya! an, I "i'' start a s!a'' "ebsite ,esi$n business# Ri$ht&
7hya!6/ Pr! sai,#
C;es&/ I sai,# -"( I thu$ht#
CG,# An, this ti!e& n i,it "i'' ta)e 1re,it %r ur "ebsites&/ Pr!
sai, an, s'appe, Ba)shi/s %a1e# Ba)shi/s %a1e turne, si4ty ,e$rees %r! the
i!pa1t# He he', his 1hee)s but re!aine, si'ent& apart %r! a tiny ,ry sb# His
%a1ia' e4pressin ha, a 1!binatin % ninety per1ent pain an, ten per1ent
sha!e
CHay I6/ I sai,#
CBe !y $uest&/ Pr! sai,#
7'ap( I $a*e a s'ap n Ba)shi/s %a1e# The %a1e turne, si4ty ,e$rees in the
ther ,ire1tin# It "as !y !st %un 1areer !!ent# The shiny %a1e turne,
ht#
C7 yu "i'' , the resi$natin 'etter& )ay6/ Pr! sai,#
CO)ay&/ Ba)shi sai,& rubbin$ his 1hee)# CBut Esha "i'' ,e'ete the e!ai'
ri$ht6/
C-ait# -e are nt ,ne# Our business "i'' re+uire start=up 1apita'#
There%re& "e nee, a se*eran1e pa1)a$e % si4 !nths/ sa'ary# 9n,erst,6/
Pr! sai,#
CI 1annt , si4 !nths# It is unpre1e,ente, %r a$ents&/ Ba)shi sai,#
CN0TP r Ti!es % In,ia& yu pi1)&/ Pr! sai, as he t) ut his phne#
C7i4 !nths is pssib'e# G, !ana$ers brea) pre1e,ents&/ Ba)shi sai,# I
$uess n nu!ber % s'aps 1u', brea) his 5ar$n#
CNi1e# Last thin$# I "ant yu t retra1t the ri$ht=siBin$ prpsa'# Arran$e
a 1a'' "ith Bstn# As) the! t pstpne the 'ay%%s t try a ne" sa'es=,ri*en
re1*ery p'an %r Cnne4ins#
CI 1an/t , that&/ Ba)shi sai,#
Pr! 'i%te, his !bi'e phne an, put it in %rnt % Ba)shi/s %a1e#
CI/'' !a)e sure a'' % In,ia )n"s yu by t!rr"&/ Pr! sai,# CListen&
yu i,it# I ,n/t 1are abut this 5b& but there are a$ents "ith )i,s& %a!i'ies
an, respnsibi'ities in 'i%e# ;u 1an/t 5ust %ire the!# They are pep'e& nt
resur1es# N"& "hi1h ne"s 1hanne' is yur %a*rite6/
CGi*e !e ha'% an hur# I/'' set up a 1a'' "ith Bstn&/ Ba)shi sai,#
CG, "e/'' bury the e!ai'# But yu $et the he'' ut % the 1a'' 1enter&
this 1ity& an, this 1untry as %ast as yu 1an# -e nee, a ne" bss# -e nee, a
nr!a'& ,e1ent& inspirin$ hu!an bein$ an, nt a s'i!y& b',=su1)in$ $%ba''
"ith %an1y ,e$rees#/
Ba)shi n,,e, as he 1ntinuus'y "ipe, the s"eat %r! his %a1e#
CG,# Anythin$ e'se6M yu ha, s!e +uestins abut !y !nitr6/
Pr! sai,#
CHnitr6 -hat !nitr6/ Ba)shi sai,#
NFF
Ba)shi $a*e Pr! the )ey t the spea)er r!# 7n& Ba)shi "as n his
phne& 1a''in$ Bstn t arran$e !ana$e!ent !eetin$s# I ha*e ne*er seen
hi! "r) s e%%i1ient'y#
Pr! "ent t the bra,1ast r! an, s"it1he, n the !i)es# I "ent t
the !ain 1!puters bay t 1he1) %r sun, +ua'ity#
CHe''& e*eryne# Hay I ha*e yur attentin p'ease6 This is Pr!& %r!
the strate$i1 $rup#/
Pr!/s *i1e e1he, thru$h Cnne4ins# E*ery a$ent ')e, up at the
spea)ers as they 1ntinue, t ta') tt heir 1ust!ers#
C7rry& t bther yu& but "e ha*e an e!er$en1y# This is abut the
'ay%%s# Can yu p'ease ,is1nne1t a'' yur 1a''s&/ the spea)er sai,#
E*eryne hear, the "r, 'ay%%s an, a thusan, 1a''s en,e, at the sa!e
ti!e# Ne" 1a''s %'ashe,& but n ne pi1)e, the! up# Pr! 1ntinue,:
CI,its ha*e !ana$e, this p'a1e& be1ause % "hi1h "e ha*e t su%%er
tni$ht# :r their !ista)es& !re than a thir, % yu "i'' 'se yur 5bs# It
,es nt see! %air t !e# 0es it see! %air t yu6/
N respnse 1a!e ba1)#
CC/!n $uys& I "ant t hear yu# 0 I ha*e yur supprt t sa*e yur
5bs ban, this 1a'' 1enter6/
A'' the a$ents ')e, at ea1h ther& sti'' in partia' ,isbe'ie%# Hany %
the! sai, a "ea) Cyes/#
CLu,er $uys& a'' t$ether# 0 I ha*e yur supprt6/ Pr! sai,#
C;es(/ a 1''e1ti*e s1rea! r1)e, Cnne4ins#
I "as stan,in$ at the 1rner ha'' % the !ain bay# E*ery a$ent $'ue, his
r her eyes t the %ire=,ri'' spea)er# Pr! 1ntinue,& this ti!e in a %ir!er
*i1e#
CThan) yu# Hy %rien,s& I a! an$ry# Be1ause e*ery ,ay& I see s!e %
the "r',/s strn$est an, s!artest pep'e in !y 1untry# I see a'' this
ptentia'& yet it is a'' $ettin$ "aste,# An entire $eneratin up a'' ni$ht&
pr*i,in$ 1rut1hes %r the "hite !rns t run their 'i*es# An, then bi$
1!panies 1!e an, 1n*in1e us "ith their a,*ertisin$ t *a'e 1rap "e ,n/t
nee,& , 5bs "e hate s that "e 1an but stu%%5un) %,& 1're, %iBBy
"ater& ,u!bass 1re,it 1ar,s an, *erpri1e, shes# They 1a'' it yuth 1u'ture#
Is this "hat they thin) yuth is abut6 T" $eneratins a$& the yuth $t this
1untry %ree# N" that "as s!ethin$ !eanin$%u'# But "hat happene, a%ter
that6 -e ha*e 5ust been re,u1e, t a hi$h=spen,in$ ,e!$raphi1# The n'y
yuth p"er they 1are abut is ur spen,in$ p"er&/ Pr! sai,& an, e*en I
"as a!aBe, at the attentin e*ery a$ent $a*e hi!#
Pr! 1ntinue,: CHean"hi'e ba, bsses an, stupi, A!eri1ans su1) the
'i%e b', ut % ur 1untry/s !st pr,u1ti*e $eneratin# But tni$ht "e "i''
sh" the!# An, %r that I nee, yur supprt# Te'' !e are yu rea,y t "r)
har, %r the ne4t t" hurs6/
C;es(/ a 1''e1ti*e *i1e 1a! ba1)# The "h'e 1a'' 1enter *ibrate, as
Pr! pause, t ta)e a breath#
CG,& then 'isten# The 1a'' 1enter "i'' sur*i*e i% ur 1a'' tra%%i1 $es up#
Hy p'an is t s1are the A!eri1ans int 1a''in$ us re$u'ar'y# Te'' the! that
terrrists ha*e hit A!eri1a "ith a ne" 1!puter *irus that "i'' ta)e their
1untry ,"n# The n'y "as they 1an be sa%e is i% they )eep 1a''in$ us t
reprt there status# -e , it 'i)e this& pu'' ut e*ery 1ust!er nu!ber yu
ha*e an, 1a'' the!# I "i'' sen, yu a 1a'' s1ript n e!ai'# The !ai' "i'' 1!e
t yu in %i*e !inutes# 9nti' then& $et thse nu!bers ut&/ Pr! sai,#
Nise 'e*e's rse in the !ain bay as hun,re,s % '1a'iBe, 1n*ersatin
t) p'a1e si!u'taneus'y# There "as a %renBy as pep'e t) printuts % a''
1ust!er nu!bers in their ,atabase# Nb,y "as sure i% the p'an "u', "r)&
but pep'e "ere "i''in$ t try anythin$ t a*i, 'ay%%s#
Pr! an, I 1a!e t ur bay# He type, %urius'y n his 1!puter an,
tappe, !y shu',er a%ter a %e" !inutes#
CChe1) yur e!ai'&/ Pr! sai, an, pinte, t !y s1reen#
I pene, !y inb4# Pr! ha, sent the !ai' t e*eryne in the 1a''
1enter#
"ub$ect: 7,eration *ankee !ear
'ear -ll+
7,eratin& *ankee !ear0s sin&le aim is to increase the
incomin& call traffic
In the Cnne4ins 1a'' 1enter& 1apita'iBin$ n A!eri1ans bein$ the bi$$est
1"ar,s n the p'anet# This "i'' pre*ent the p'anne, !ass='ay%%s an, he'p
us buy !re ti!e t %i4 thin$s arun, the p'a1e& in1'u,in$ a !ar)etin$
e%%rts t $et ne" 1'ients#
Operatin ;an)ee :ear 1annt su11ee, "ithut yur >KK[ 1peratin# 7&
p'ease rea, the instru1tins be'" 1are%u''y an, re'ent'ess'y %1us n
!a)in$ 1a''s %r the ne4t t" hurs# -hen yu 1a'' ea1h 1ust!er& the )ey
!essa$e yu ha*e t ,e'i*er is as %''"s:
># 7tart by sayin$ yu are srry t ,isturb the! n Than)s$i*in$ 0ay#
@# 7tate that Ce*i' %r1es/ % the "r', ha*e un'eashe, a 1!puter *irus
that threatens t per*a,e e*ery 1!puter in A!eri1a# This "ay the e*i'
%r1es "i'' !nitr e*ery A!eri1an an, e*entua''y ,estry the A!eri1an
e1n!y# Te' the! that& a11r,in$ t yur in%r!atin& the *irus has
hit their 1!puter#
3. I% as)e, "hat the Ce*i' %r1es/ are& $i*e *a$ue e4p'anatin 'i)e C%r1es
that "ant t har! the 97/ r Cr$aniBatins that threaten %ree,! an,
'iberty/ et1# Re!e!ber& the !re *a$ue yu are& the $reater the
a!unt % %ear yu 1an 1reate# Try t in5e1t $enuine pani1 int yur
*i1e#
4. T 1he1) "hether the *irus has hit the! r nt& !a)e the! , an
H7-r, test# Te'' the! t pen an e!pty H7-r, %i'e& an, type in
Uran, <@KK& OO. an, press enter# I% a 't % te4t pps 1!es ut& that
!eans there is a *irus# <0n/t "rry: the te4t "i'' pp ut=it is a bu$ in
H7-r,.# On1e that happens& yur 1ust!ers !i$ht start sha)in$ in
%ear#
A# Te'' the! yu 1an sa*e the! %r! this *irus as a. yu are %r! In,ia&
an, a'' In,ians are $, at 1!puters b. In,ia has %a1e, terrris! %r
years an, 1. they are *a'ue, 1'ients an, yu be'ie*e in 1ust!er
ser*i1e#
E# H"e*er& i% they "ant ur he'p& they !ust )eep 1a''in$ the Cnne4ins
1a'' 1enter e*ery si4 hurs# E*en i% nthin$ happens& they shu', 5ust
1a'' t say thin$s are )ay# <The shrter the 1a''s& the better %r us
any"ay.#
?# On1e 1a''s rise& I "i'' spea) t Bstn abut the su,,en rise in tra%%i1
an, re1!!en, "e pstpne the 'ay%%s %r t" !nths#
A%ter that& "e 1an i!p'e!ent a re*i*a' strate$y#
Cheers&
Parun @ -A7G
Pr! $rinne, an, "in)e, at !e as I %inishe, rea,in$ the e!ai'#
C-hat/s "ith the H7-r, tri1)6/ I sai,#
I pene, an e!pty -r, ,1u!ent an, type, in Uran, <@KK&OO.#
As sn as I presse, Enter& t" hun,re, pa$es % te4t pppe, ut# It "as
sp)y& an, "ent s!ethin$ 'i)e this:
&he 1ui!$ brown fo2 jumps over the la3y dog' &he 1ui!$ brown fo2 jumps
over the la3y dog' &he 1ui!$ brown fo2 jumps over the la3y dog' &he 1ui!$
brown fo2 jumps over the la3y dog' &he 1ui!$ brown fo2 jumps over the la3y
dog' &he 1ui!$ brown fo2 jumps over the la3y dog' &he 1ui!$ brown fo2
jumps over the la3y dog' &he 1ui!$ brown fo2 jumps over the la3y dog' &he
1ui!$ brown fo2 jumps over the la3y dog' &he 1ui!$ brown fo2 jumps over
the la3y dog' &he 1ui!$ brown fo2 jumps over the la3y dog' &he 1ui!$ brown
fo2 jumps 4444
CThis is unbe'ie*ab'e# -hat is this6/ I sai,#
CI t', yu# It/s bu$ in H7-r,# Nthin$ is per%e1t# N" 5ust "ait an,
"at1h the %un&/ Pr! sai,#
Pr!/s e!ai' rea1he, a thusan, !ai'b4es an, a$ents rea, it
i!!e,iate'y#
Tea! 'ea,er %urther assiste, a$ents in 1'ari%yin$ ,ubts# -ith in
!inutes& a$ents "ere ,in$ a 5b they )ne" n'y t "e'': 1a''in$ pep'e t
,e'i*er a !essa$e as %ast as pssib'e# I 'e%t !y bay an, passe, by the !ain
bay# I pi1)e, up ran,! senten1es %r! the te'ephne 1n*ersatins#
CHe'' Hr -i''ia!& srry t ,isturb yu n Than)s$i*in$# I a! %r!
-estern C!puters "ith an ur$ent situatin# A!eri1a is un,er a *irus atta1)&/
ne a$ent sai,#
C;es sir& yur 1!puter as per ur re1r,s is a%%e1te,G/ sai, anther#
C0n/t %rea) ut sir# But& yes& it ')s 'i)e the e*i' %r1es ha*e tar$ete,
yu&/ an ei$hteen=year=', a$ent sai,# CBut "e 1an sa*e yu#/
C2ust )eep 1a''in$ us# E*ery %ur t si4 hurs&/ sai, ne& as she en,e,
the 1a''#
The !re a$$ressi*e a$ents "ent a step %urther: CAn, I "ant yu t te''
a'' yur %rien,s an, re'ati*es# ;es& they 1an 1a'' us t#/
7!e 1ust!ers pani1)e,& an, a$ents ha, t reassure the!: CN
prb'e!# -e "i'' sa*e this 1untry# The e*i' %r1es "i'' ne*er su11ee,#/
A thusan, a$ents& %ur !inutes t a 1a''"e 1u', , thirty thusan,
1a''s in t" hurs# I% they 1a''e, us e*ery si4 hurs& "e "u', ha*e *er a
hun,re, thusan, 1a''s a ,ay# E*en i% this 'aste, a "ee)& "e "u', hit ur
tar$ets t 1*er the ne4t t" !nths# Hpe%u''y& "ith a ne" !ana$er an,
e4tra sa'es e%%rt& Cnne4ins 1u', re1*er# An, %r n"& n ne "u', 'se
his r her 5b#
Pr! 1a! ')in$ %r !e in the !ain bay# -e "ent ba1) t the -A7G#
Pr! si$na'e, !e int the 1n%eren1e r!#
CThe respnse is a!aBin$# -e ha*e 5ust 1a''e, %r thirty !inutes& an,
1a'' tra%%i1 is up %i*e ti!es a'rea,y#/ Pr! sai,#
CR1)in$ !an&/ I sai,# C;u !a)e !e %ee' 1n%i,ent abut ur "eb
,esi$n 1!pany# But 'et/s $ ba1) t the ,es)& "hy ha*e yu 1a''e, !e here6/
C-e ha*e t ,is1uss the thir, pri*ate a$en,a#/
C-hat/s that6/ I sai,#
CThe thir, a$en,a is %r yu# 0n/t yu "ant 8riyan)a ba1)6/
NF D
CN# 8riyan)a an, I are *er&/ I sai,#
CBe hnest ,u,e# ;u sp)e t G, an, e*erythin$#/
I ')e, ,"n# Pr! "aite, unti' I sai, s!ethin$#
CIt ,esn/t !atter i% I "ant t r nt# L) at !y 1!petitin# H" a! I
$in$ t su11ee, a$ainst Hr 8er%e1t Hat1h Ganesh6/
C7ee& that is the prb'e!# -e a'' thin) Ganesh is Hr 8er%e1t# But nb,y
is per%e1t#/
C;eah ri$ht# A huse "ith a p'& a 1ar that 1sts !re than ten years/
% !y sa'ary& %rea)in$ "r)in$ %r the "r',/s tp 1!panyI ,n/t see !u1h
i!per%e1tin in that#/
CE*eryne has a %'a"& ,u,e# The tri1) is t %in, a %'a" in Ganesh#/
C-e'' h" are "e e*er $in$ t , that6 An, e*en i% "e %in, a %'a" in
hi!& "hat is the pint6 He is s $,& 8riyan)a "i'' sti'' $ %r hi!&/ I sai,#
CAt 'east 8riyan)a "i'' )n" she isn/t !a)in$ the per%e1t tra,e=%%&/
Pr! sai,#
I re!aine, si'ent %r t" !inutes# C;es& but h" , "e %in, Ganesh/s
%'a" n"6/ I sai, an, ')e, at !y "at1h# It "as A:FK a#!#
CThere !ust be a "ay&/ Pr! sai,#
CThe shi%t is *er in ninety !inutes& an, then 8riyan)a $es h!e# -hat
are yu p'annin$ t ,6 Hire s!e instant ,ete1ti*es in 7eatt'e6/ I sai,& !y
*i1e irritate,#
C0n/t $i*e up 7hya!&/ Pr! sai, an, patte, !y shu',er#
CI a! tryin$ t %r$et 8riyan)a# But i% yu sear1h "ithin !e& there is sti''
pain# 0n/t !a)e it "rse& Pr!#/
C-"& "hat ,ra!a# 7ear1h "ithin !e& there is pain& Pr! sai, an,
'au$he,#
C7rry %r !y 'a!e 'ines# Let/s $ ba1) t the bay&/ I sai,#
CHey "ait a !inute# ;u 5ust sai, sear!h#/
C;es& sear1h "ithin !e& there is sti'' pain# 8retty 1heesy& I )n"# -hy6/
I sai,#
C7ear1h# That is "hat "e 1an ,# G$'e "i'' be ur ,ete1ti*e# Let/s , a
sear1h n his na!e an, see "hat 1!es ut# There 1u', be s!e surprises#/
C-hat6 ;u "ant t , a sear1h %r Ganesh6/
C;es& but "e nee, his %u'' na!e# Let/s %in, ut his 1''e$e at "e''# I
thin) he ,i, his !asters in 1!puters %r! the 97&/ he sai, an, $rabbe, !y
shirt# CC/!n& 'et/s $#/
C-here6/ I sai,& e*en as I 'et !yse'% $et ,ra$$e,#
CT the -A7G bay&/ Pr! sai,#
8riyan)a "as busy n the phne& s1arin$ A!eri1ans ut % their "its# I
thin) she 1an put n that *i1e % authrity "hen she "ants& an, it is
i!pssib'e nt t be'ie*e her# It 1!es %r! her !ther I thin)# Pr! sp)e
t her a%ter she ha, en,e, a 1a''#
CHey 8riyan)a& +ui1) +uestin# Hy 1usin a's ,i, a Hasters in
1!puters %r! the 97# -hi1h 1''e$e ,i, Ganesh $ t6/
CHuh6 -is1nsin I thin)&/ she sai,#
CRea''y# Let !e e!ai' !y 1usin an, as) hi! i% it is the sa!e ne# -hat
is Ganesh/s %u'' na!e by the "ay6/
CGupta# Ganesh Gupta&/ 8riyan)a sai, as she prepare, t !a)e anther
1a''#
COh Hrs 8riyan)a Gupta&/ Esha sai, in a !1) hi$h=s1iety *i1e an,
'au$he,# 8riyan)a p1)e, her "ith her e'b"# 8riyan)a/s ne" na!e sent
ripp'es % pain ,"n !y rib 1a$e#
CC'# Keep 1a''in$&/ Pr! sai, an, "ent ba1) t his seat#
As Pr!/s !nitr "as br)en& he t) 1ntr' % !y 1!puter# He
sear1he, %r the %''"in$ ter!s n $$'e#1!:
&anesh &u,ta drunk Wisconsin
&anesh &u,ta fines Wisconsin
&anesh &u,ta &irlfriend
7e*era' 'in)s pppe, ut& but there "as nthin$ "e 1u', !a)e !u1h
sense r use %# -e hit upn Ganesh/s 'ist % 1'ass!ates& an, %un, ut that
he "as in the 0ean/s 'ist in Bstn#
C0a!n& "hat a brin$ $uy# Let !e try s!e !re&/ Pr! sai, an, ,i,
s!e !re sear1hes#
&anesh &u,ta fail
&anesh &u,ta ,arty
Nthin$ interestin$ 1a!e ut#
C:r$et it !an# He "as prbab'y the hea, by in s1h'&/ I sai,#
C;u bet& ne % thse tea1her/s per types&/ Pr! sai,& 'ettin$ ut a
%rustrate, breath# CI $i*e up# I a! sure i% I type s!ethin$ 'i)e this# Lts "i''
pp ut& a1hie*er that he is#/
&anesh &u,ta /icrosoft award
Hre 'in)s pppe, ut# -e 1'i1)e, thru$h a %e"& an, then "e hit n
ne "ith his pi1ture# It "as Ganesh/s n'ine a'bu!#
C0a!n& it is hi!& "ith his bu,,ies&/ Pr! "hispere, an, 1'i1)e, n the
'in)# CLet/s 1he1) ut h" u$'y his %rien,s are#/
The 'in) pene, t a "ebpa$e tit'e, CHi1rs%t A"ar, 8arty phts#/
The party "as at Ganesh/s huse# Ganesh ha, "n s!e si,ey ,e*e'per
a"ar, at Hi1rs%t# A 1up'e % his %rien,s ha, 1!e t his huse t
1e'ebrate#
C0 s'i,esh"&/ I sai, as Pr! se'e1te, the ptin# -e ')e, up n1e
t 1n%ir! the $ir's "ere busy "ith their 1a''s#
As the pi1ture 1a!e n the s1reen& "e sa" a $ar,en party %u'' % In,ian
pep'e# On the tab'es& there "as enu$h %, t %ee, a s!a'' t"n# I sa"
Ganesh/s huse an, the *er=hype, persna' p'# It "as n !re than an
*ersiBe, bathtub& i% yu as) !e& e*en thu$h Ganesh ha, !a,e it sun, 'i)e
O'y!pi1 1ha!pins traine, in it#
CHey& I thin) "e %un, s!ethin$# Che1) ut ur !an&/ Pr! sai,# He
pinte, t ne % the phts in "hi1h Ganesh he', a beer $'ass#
C-hat is the bi$ ,ea'6/ I sai,# It "as har,'y s1an,a'us t h', a $'ass %
beer# 8riyan)a herse'% 1u', )n1) ,"n ten % the! i% they "ere %ree#
CChe1) ut Ganesh/s hea,&/ Pr! sai,#
C-hatJ/ I sai,# I ')e, 1'ser& an, then I sa" it#
COh n&/ I sai,& an, 1*ere, !y !uth t )eep !y *i1e ,"n#
In the pi1ture& Ganesh ha, a ba', spt in the !i,,'e % his hea,# It "as
the siBe % the a Happy !ea' bur$er an, ha, 1au$ht the 1a!era/s %'ash'i$ht#
C9nbe'ieG/ I sai,#
C7hhh(/ Pr! sai,# C0i, yu see that# He has per%e1t hair in the statue
% Liberty pi1ture#/
CAre a'' his phts in this a'bu! 'i)e this6/ I sai,#
C;es sir&/ Pr! sai, an, %'i1)e, thru$h the s'i,esh"# One brin$
pi1ture a%ter anther %''"e,!ain'y pep'e "ith !uths an, p'ates stu%%e,
"ith %,# E*ery pi1ture ha, ne thin$ in 1!!n: "hate*er there "as
Ganesh& there "as a shiny spt#
Pr! pushe, his 1!puter !use a"ay# He re1'ine, ba1) n his 1hair
"ith a pru, e4pressin& CAs I sai, sir& n ne is per%e1t# Apart %r! G$'e&
% 1urse#/
I ')e, at the s1reen an, Pr!/s %a1e in a!aBe!ent#
C7& n" "hat6/ I sai,#
CN" "e in*ite the 'a,ies %r a *ie"in$&/ Pr! sai, an, $rinne,#
CN# this is nt ri$htG/ I sai,& but it "as t 'ate#
CEsha& Ra,hi)a& 8riyan)a# -ant t see s!e !re Ganesh pi1tures6
C!e here %ast&/ Pr! sai,#
The $ir's stppe, their phne 1a''s an, ')e, at us# Esha an, Ra,hi)a
st, up#
C-here& "here6 7h" us&/ Esha sai,#
C-hat are yu ta')in$ abut6/ 8riyan)a sai, an, 1a!e *er t ur si,e#
CThe p"er % the internet# -e %un, an n'ine a'bu!# C!e see "hat
yur ne" huse is 'i)e&/ Pr! sai,# He )ept +uiet abut the shiny spt s
that the $ir's ,is1*er it %r the!se'*es# I sa" the !i4ture % e41ite!ent an,
1urisity in 8riyan)a/s %a1e#
CNi1e pa,&/ Esha sai,& as she nti1e the barbe+ue behin, the p'& Cbut
"here is Ganesh# Let !e $uess&/ she sai, an, bru$ht her %in$er t the
!nitr# Here& this ne n# but "ait& he is a ba',ie# Is he the e',er brther6/
8riyan)a an, Ra,hi)a ')e, 1'ser#
CN& that is Ganesh&/ 8riyan)a sai, as her !uth pene, as "i,e as the
ba', spt# I 1u', sense that the "in, ha, been )n1)e, ut % her 'un$s#
CBut I ,i,n/t nti1e the ba', spt in the pht yu sh"e, us 8riyan)aG/
Esha sai,# Ra,hi)a s+ueeBe, Esha/s ar!# Esha stppe, ta')in$ an, raise, her
eyebr"s#
8riyan)a 1a!e 1'se, t the 1!puter an, be$an %'ippin$ thru$h the
i!a$es# 7he ,i, nt rea'iBe it& but her hair "as %a''in$ n !y shu',ers as she
bent *er# It %e't ni1e#
H"e*er& 8riyan)a "as nt %ee'in$ ni1e# 7he bru$ht ut the statue %
'iberty pi1ture an, "e ')e, at it a$ain# Ganesh ha, per%e1t hair#
CHaybe the $uy in the n'ine a'bu! is Ganesh/s e',er brther&/ Ra,hi)a
sai,#
CN# Ganesh ,es nt ha*e a brther# He n'y has ne sister# 8riyan)a
sai,& her %a1e ,istrau$ht#
There "as si'en1e %r a %e" se1n,s#
C-e'' ,esn/t rea''y !atter !u1h& eh6 -hat/s a bit % s!th s)in
bet"een the true *er % t" su's&/ Pr! sai,# I 1'a!pe, !y 5a"s shut t
pre*ent a 'au$h es1apin$# CLet/s $ ba1) pep'e& enu$h % %un# 0n/t %r$et
the 1a''s&/ Pr! sa,#
8riyan)a retra1e, her steps in s'" !tin# 7he "ent ba1) t her seat
an, t) ut her !bi'e phne# 7he ,ia'e, a 'n$ nu!ber& prbab'y 'n$
,istan1e# This 1a'' "as $in$ t be %un& an, I "ishe, I 1u', ha*e tappe, it#
CHe'' Ganesh&/ 8riyan)a sai, in a ,ire1t *i1e# CListen& I 1annt ta') %r
'n$# I 5ust "ant t 1he1) n s!ethin$Gyes& 5us ne +uestinGa1tua''y I "as
5ust sur%in$ the InternetG/ 8riyan)a sai, an, $t up %r! her seat# 7he !*e,
t the 1rner % the r! an, I 1u', nt hear her therea%ter#
I !a,e a %e" 1a''s an, terrriBe, a %e" !re A!eri1ans# 8riyan)a
returne, a%ter ten !inutes an, tsse, her 1e'' phne n the ,es)#
Esha 5i$$'e, her eyebr"s up an, ,"n& as i% t as) C-hat/s up6/
CIt is hi! in the n'ine pi1tures&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CHe ,i,n/t ha*e !u1h t
say# He sai, his !ther as)e, hi! t s'i$ht'y tu1h up the hair in the 7tatus %
Liberty snap as that "u', he'p in the arran$e, !arria$e !ar)et#/
COh n&/ Esha sai,#
CHe ap'$iBe, se*era' ti!es# He sai, he "as a$ainst ta!perin$ "ith the
pi1ture but ha, t a$ree "hen his !ther insiste,#/
CCan/t he thin) %r hi!se'%6/ Esha sai,#
COh G,& "hat a! I $in$ t ,6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
C0i, the ap'$ies see! $enuine6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C;es# I thin) s# He sai, he un,erst, h" I !ust %ee'# He sai, he "as
rea,y t ap'$iBe in %rnt % !y %a!i'y as "e''#/
C-e''& then it is )ay# -hat ,i%%erent ,es it !a)e6 ;u ,n/t rea''y
1are abut hi! bein$ ba',& , yu6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C;eah& besi,es pra1ti1a''y a'' !en be1!e ba', in a %e" years any"ay#
It/s nt 'i)e yu 1an , s!ethin$ abut it then&/ Esha sai,#
CThat/s true&/ 8riyan)a sai,& in a !e''" *i1e# I 1u', see her re'entin$&
an, I turne, t Pr!#
C;eah& ,esn/t !atter# 2ust !a)e sure he "ears a 1ap at the "e,,in$#
9n'ess yu "ant t tu1h up a'' the "e,,in$ pi1tures&/ Pr! sai, an,
1hu1)'e,# Esha an, I ')e, ,"n t suppress ut $rins#
C7hut up& Pr!&/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C7rry& I a! bein$ !ean# Hnest'y& it is n bi$ ,ea' 8riyan)a# N ne is
per%e1t& "e a'' )n" that ri$ht6 7& 'et/s $et ba1) t the 1a''s&/ Pr! sai,#
NFA
:r the ne4t ha'% hur "e %1use, n ne a1ti*ity!a)in$ 1a''s t sa*e
Cnne4ins#
At E:FK a#!#& I "ent up the !ain bay# Tea! 'ea,ers hu,,'e, arun, !e
as they $a*e !e the ne"s# The in1!in$ 1a''s ha, sht up a'rea,y e*en
thu$h "e ha, e4pe1te, the bi$ bst si4 hurs 'ater# 0espite tur)ey ,inners#
A!eri1ans "ere s1are, ut % their "its# 7!e ha, 1a''e, us se*era' ti!es an
hur#
Pr! an, I "ent t Ba)shi/s %%i1e "ith s!e senir tea! 'ea,ers#
Ba)shi ha, arran$e, an ur$ent *i,e 1n%eren1e 1a'' "ith the Bstn %%i1e#
Ba)shi supprte, us as "e presente, the ne" 1a'' ,ata& insi$hts int the 1a''
tra%%i1& an, ptentia' ne" sur1es % re*enue# A%ter a t"enty=!inute *i,e
,is1ussin& Bstn a$ree, t a t"=!nth reprie*e t the 'ay%%s# They a's
a$ree, t e*a'uate the pssibi'ity % sen,in$ tp tea! 'ea,ers n a shrt=ter!
sa'es assi$n!ent t Bstn# H"e*er& the tea! 'ea,ers "u', ha*e t present
a 1'ear p'an *er the ne4t %r "ee)s#
CH" ,i, "e , it !an6 I ne*er thu$ht it "u', "r)&/ I as)e, Pr! as
"e 1a!e ut % Ba)shi/s %%i1e#
C8r!ise A!eri1ans 'ts % %uture ,''ars& an, they 'isten t yu# On'y a
t"=!nth reprie*e& but that/s enu$h %r n"&/ Pr! sai,#
Reassure, that Cnne4ins "as sa%e& I returne, t !y ,es)# Pr! "ent
utsi,e t 1'ean the Lua'is be%re the ,ri*er ")e up# I ha, t', Pr! I
"ante, t s'ip a"ayn $,byes& n hu$s an, n pr!ises t !eet&
espe1ia''y in %rnt % 8riyan)a Pr! a$ree, an, sai, he "u', be rea,y "ith
his bi)e utsi,e at E:AK a#!#
The $ir's stppe, their 1a''s at E:DA a#!# as ur shi%t $t *er# E*eryne
be$an t '$ ut s they 1u', be in ti!e %r the Lua'is& "hi1h "u', be rea,y
at the $ate at ?:K a#!#
CI/! s e41ite,# Ra,hi)a is !*in$ int !y p'a1e&/ Esha sai, as she
s"it1he, %% her !nitr# 7he pene, her han,ba$ an, starte, re=arran$in$
the 1ntents#
CRea''y6/ I sai,#
C;es& I a!&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# CAn, Hi'itary 9n1'e is $in$ t re1!!en, a
'a"yer %rien,# I nee, a $,& tu$h ,i*r1e 'a"yer#/
C-n/t yu try t "r) it ut6/ 8riyan)a sai, as she 1''e1te, the s"eet
b4es an, p'a1e, the! ba1) in the ba$#
C-e/'' see# I a! in n !, t 1!pr!ise# An, I a! nt $in$ ba1) t
hi huse n" %r sure# T,ay& !y !ther=in='a" "i'' !a)e her "n
brea)%ast#/
CAn, a%ter that& I/! ta)in$ her t Chan,i$arh %r the "ee)en,&/ Esha
sai, an, s!i'e,#
E*eryne "as busy !a)in$ p'ans# I e41use, !yse'% n the prete4t %
$in$ t the "ater 1'er %r a ,rin) s I 1u', 'ea*e the %%i1e %r! there#
NFE
At E:D? a#!# I rea1he, the "ater 1'er# I bent t"ar,s the tap t ta)e
a 'ast ,rin) at the 1a'' 1enter#
As I %inishe,& I st, up t %in, 8riyan)a behin, !e#
CHi&/ she sai,# CLea*in$6/
COh& hi# ;es& I a! $in$ ba1) n Pr!/s bi)eG/ I sai, an, "ipe, !y
!uth#
CI/'' !iss yu&/ she sai,& interruptin$ !e#
CHuh6 -here6 In the Lua'is6/ I sai,#
CN 7hya!& I/'' !iss yu in $enera'# I/! srry abut the "ay thin$s
turne, ut#/
C0n/t be srry&/ I sai,& sha)in$ !y %in$ers ,ry# CIt is !re !y %au't# I
un,erstan, that# I a1te, 'i)e a 'serG/
C7hya!& yu )n" h" Pr! sai, 5ust be1ause In,ia is pr ,esn/t
!ean yu stp '*in$ itJ/ 8riyan)a sai,#
C-hat6/ I b'in)e, at the 1han$e % tpi1# COh yes# An, I a$ree& it is ur
1untry a%ter a''G/
C;es& "e '*e In,ia be1ause it is urs# But& , yu )n" the ther
reasn "hy "e ,n/t stp '*in$ it6/
C-hy6/
C;u ,n/t be1ause it isn/t 1!p'ete'y In,ia/s %au't that "e are behin,#
;es& s!e % ur past 'ea,er 1u', ha*e ,ne thin$s ,i%%erent'y& but n" "e
ha*e the ptentia' an, "e )n" it# An, as Pr! says& ne ,ay "e "i'' sh"
the!#/
C8int G, 8int&/ I sai,# I %un, it stran$e that she shu', ta')
natina'is! this ear'y in the !rnin$# Nt t !entin ,urin$ "hat "as
pssib'y ur 'ast ti!e t$ether#
I n,,e, an, starte, "a')in$ a"ay %r! her# CAny"ay& I thin) Pr!
"i'' be "aitin$G/ I sai,#
C-ait& I a! nt ,ne&/ she sai,#
C-hat6/ I sai, an, stppe, t ') at her#
CI app'ie, the sa!e '$i1 t s!ethin$ e'se&/ she sai,# CI thu$ht& this is
the sa!e as !y 7hya!& "h !ay nt be su11ess%u' n"& but it ,esn/t !ean
the ,esn/t ha*e the ptentia'# An, it sure as he'' ,esn/t !ean I stp '*in$
hi!#/
I st, there ,u!bstru1)# This "as une4pe1te,# I %u!b'e, %r "r,s&
an, %ina''y sp)e sha)i'y:
C;u )n" "hat 8riyan)a6 ;u say these $, 'inesGthat e*en thu$h
a'' ni$ht I trie, t hate yu& it/s i!pssib'e# But I )n" I shu', hate yu an,
then I shu', !*e n# Be1ause I 1an/t %%er yu "hat Hr Hi1rs%t 1anG/ I
"as spea)in$ hasti'y ut % ner*usness an, sh1)#
CGanesh&/ she interrupte, !e#
C-hat6/ I sai,#
CGanesh is his na!e# Nt Hr Hi1rs%t&/ she sai,#
C;es& "hate*er&/ I )ept ta')in$&& "ithut pausin$ t breathe# CI 1an/t
%%er yu "hat Ganesh 1an# N "ay I 1u', e*er buy a Le4us# Haybe a Haruti
RKK ne ,ay& but that/s abut itG/
7he s!i'e,#
CRea''y6 RKK6 -ith r "ithut AC6/ she sai,#
C7hut up& I a! tryin$ t say s!ethin$ ,eep an, yu %in, a %unny&/ I
sai,#
7he 'au$he, a$ain& thu$h $ent'y# I "ipe, a tear %r! !y ri$ht eye# 7he
raise, her han, an, "ipe, the ther tear %r! !y 'e%t eye#
CAny"ay& it is *er bet"een us& 8riyan)a# An, I )n" it# I shu', $et
*er it sn# I )n"& I )n"&/ I sai,& ta')in$ !re t !yse'%#
7he "aite, unti' I ha, 1!pse, !yse'%# I bent *er t sp'ash !y %a1e
"ith "ater at the 1'er#
CAny"ay& "here is yur "e,,in$6 ;ur !! "i'' prbab'y b'" a'' her
1ash %r a bi$ $i$&/ I sai,& strai$htenin$ up#
C7!e %i*e=star hte'& I a! sure# 7he/'' be payin$ %% 'ans %r years& but
she has t $et a $',=p'ate, sta$e that ni$ht# ;u/'' 1!e& ri$ht6/
CI ,n/t )n"&/ I sai,#
C-hat , yu !ean yu ,n/ )n"6 It/'' be s stran$e i% yu aren/t
there#/
CI ,n/t "ant t 1!e there an, %ee' hrrib'e# Any"ay& "hat/s s
stran$e i% I a! nt there6/
C-e''& it/s 'itt'e stran$e i% the $r! is nt there at his "n "e,,in$&/
8riyan)a sai,#
I %rBe as I hear, the "r,s# I re"un, her 'ast senten1e three ti!es in
!y hea,#
C-hat& "hat ,i, yu 5ust say6/ I sai,#
7he pin1he, !y 1hee) an, i!itate, !e: C-hat& "hat ,i, yu 5ust say6/
I 5ust st, there sh1)e,#
CBut ,n/t thin) I a! $in$ t 'et yu $ that easy# One ,ay I "ant !y
RKK "ith AC&/ she sai, an, 'au$he,#
C-hat6/ I sai,#
C;u hear, !e# I "ant t !arry yu& 7hya!&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
I 1u', nt be'ie*e her "r,s# I thu$h I "u', 5u!p in 5y& but !st'y I
"as sh1)e,# An, e*en thu$h I "ante, t hu$& 1ry an, 'au$h at the sa!e
ti!e& a %ir! *i1e as)e, 'i)e a $uar, insi,e !e# What was this all about6
(ell. however miserable my life was. I didnt want pity#
C-hat are yu sayin$ 8riyan)a6 ;u "i'' 1hse !e *er Ganesh6 Is this
a sy!pathy ,e1isin6/
C7tp thin)in$ abut yurse'%# Hy 'i%e/s bi$$est ,e1isin 1an/t be a
sy!pathy ,e1isin# I ha*e thu$ht abut it# Ganesh is $reat& butG/
CBut "hat6/ I sai,#
CBut the "h'e tu1hin$ up % the pht bthers !e# He is an a1hie*er
n his "n# 7 "hy ,i, he ha*e t 'ie6/
C;u are re5e1tin$ hi! be1ause he is ba',6 Hy hair isn/t re'iab'e either&/
I sai,# It "as true# E*ery ti!e I t) a sh"er& the t"e' ha, !re ti!e than
!e#
CN# I a! nt re5e1tin$ hi! be1ause he is ba',# Hst !en $ ba', ne
,ay&& it is hrrib'e& I )n"&/ she sai, an, ru%%'e, !y hair# 7he 1ntinue,: CHe
!i$ht be %ine in !st "ays& but the pint is& he 'ie,# An, this $i*es !e a 1'ue
abut the persn he is# I ,n/t "ant t spen, !y 'i%e "ith a persn 'i)e that#
In %a1t& I ,n/t "ant t spen, !y 'i%e "ith a persn I ,n/t )n" "e''
be%rehan,# That is ne part % !y ,e1isin# There is the ther bi$ part#/
C-hatJ/ I sai,#
CThat I '*e yu# Be1ause yu are the n'y persn in the "r', I 1an be
!yse'% "ith# An, be1ause yu are the n'y persn "h )n"s !e "ith a'' !y
%'a"s an, sti'' '*es !e 1!p'ete'y# I hpe&/ she sai,& "ith a +ui*erin$ *i1e#
I ,i, nt say anythin$#
7he sp)e a$ain: CAn, e*en i% the "r', says I a! 1',& there is a part %
!e that is senti!enta'& irratina' an, r!anti1# 0 I rea''y 1are abut !ney6
On'y be1ause pep'e te'' !e I shu',# He''& I pre%er tru1) ,ri*er ,habhas *er
%i*e=star hte's# 7hya!& I )n" !! an, yu say I a! un1arin$G/
CI ne*er sai, thatG/ I sai, an, he', her shu',ers#
CI/! srry& 7hya!# I 5u,$e, yu s !u1h# I a! su1h a bit1h&/ 8riyan)a
sai,#
7he sni%%e,# Her pu1)ere, nse ')e, 1uter than it e*er ha,#
CIt/s )ay 8riyan)a&/ I sai, an, "ipe, her tears#
C7 that is it& 7hya!# 0eep insi,e& I a! 5ust a $ir' "h "ants t be "ith
her %a*urite by# Be1ause 'i)e yu& this $ir' is a persn "h nee,s a 't %
'*e#/
CL*e6/ I nee, a 't % '*e6/ I sai,#
CO% 1urse& yu ,# An, e*eryne e'se ,es t#M %unny "e ne*er say it#
It is )ay t s1rea! in pub'i1 i% yu are hun$ry IIm starvingT# It is )ay t
!a)e a %uss i% yu are tire, IIm so sleepyT# But s!eh" "e 1annt say II
5ust nee, s!e !re '*eT# -hy 1an/t "e say it& 7hya!6 It is as basi1 a nee,#/
I ')e, at her# -hene*er she $i*es these ,eep& phi'sphi1a' 'ines& I
$et hrrib'y attra1te, t her# The $uar, insi,e re!in,e, !e& C-e firm#
C8riyan)a6/
C;es& she sai,& sti'' sni%%'in$#
CI '*e yu&/ I sai,#
CI '*e yu t&/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CThan)s# H"e*erG8riyan)a& I 1an/t !arry yu# 7rry t say this& but !y
ans"er t yur !in,=b'"in$ prpsa' is n&/ I sai,#
C-hat6/ 8riyan)a sai, as her eyes pene, "i,e in ,isbe'ie%# The $uar,
insi,e !e "as in %u'' 1har$e#
CN# I 1annt !arry yu# I a! a ne" persn tni$ht# An, this ne" persn
nee,s t !a)e a ne" 'i%e an, %in, ne" respe1t %r hi!se'%# ;u 1hse Ganesh&
an, he is %ine# ;u ha*e an ptin %r a ne" 'i%e# ;u ,n/t rea''y nee, !e# 7
!aybe it is better this "ay&/ I sai,#
CI sti'' '*e yu 7hya!& an, n'y yu# 8'ease ,n/t , thisG/ she sai, an,
1a!e 1'ser t !e#
C7rry&/ I sai, an, !*e, ba1) three steeps# CI 1an/t# I a! nt yur spare
"hee'# I appre1iate yu 1!in$ ba1)& but I thin) I a! rea,y t !*e n#/
7he 5ust st, there an, 1rie,# Hy heart %e't "ea)& but !y hea, "as
strn$#
CBye 8riyan)a &/ I $in$er'y patte, her shu',er an, 'e%t#
NF?
C-hat the he'' )ept yu6/ Pr! sai,& as he sat n his bi)e an, the !ain
entran1e# He sh"e, his "at1h t !e& it "as E:AO a#!#
C7rry !an& 8riyan)a !et !e at the "ater 1'er&/ I sai, an, san) nt
the pi''in seat#
CAn,6/ Pr! sai,#
CNthin$# 2ust $,bye an, a''# Oh& an, she "ante, t $et ba1)!arry
!e& she sai,# Can yu be'ie*e it6/
Pr! turne, t !e#
CRea''y6 -hat ,i, yu say6/
CI sai, n&/ I sai, 1''y#
C-hat6/ Pr! sai,#
As "e "ere ta')in$& Ra,hi)a& Esha an, Hi'itary 9n1'e 1a!e ut % the
!ain entran1e int the "intry sunshine#
CHi& yu $uys sti'' here6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#
C7hya! 5ust sai, n t 8riyan)a# 7he "ante, t !arry hi!&/ but he sai,
n#/
C-hatJ/ Ra,hi)a an, Esha sp)e unisn#
CHey $uys& 1hi'' ut# I ,i, "hat I nee,e, t , t $et s!e respe1t in !y
'i%e# Luit btherin$ !e&/ I sai,#
The Lua'is ,ri*er btherin$ !e&/ I sai,#
C-e aren/t btherin$ yu# It/s yur 'i%e'et/s $ Esha&/ Ra,hi)a sai, an,
$a*e !e a ,irty ')# 7he turne, t Esha as they "a')e, t the Lua'is#
C-here/s 8riyan)a !a,a!6 -e are $ettin$ 'ate&/ the ,ri*er sai,#
C7he/s 1!in$# 7he is n the phne "ith her !ther# Ganesh/s parents
are 1!in$ h!e %r brea)%ast# Her !ther is !a)in$ ht paranthas&/ Ra,hi)a
sai,& 'u, enu$h s I 1u', hear# The !entin % paranthas !a,e !e hun$ry#
But I $uess I "u', be the 'ast persn t be in*ite, t this brea)%ast#
CL)s 'i)e their entire %a!i'ies are $ettin$ !arrie, t ea1h ther&/
Pr! sai,# He 'it a 1i$arette t ta)e a %e" %ina' pu%%s be%re "e be$an ur
ri,e ba1)#
The ,ri*er starte, the Lua'is# Esha an, Ra,hi)a sat in the !i,,'e r"&
"hi'e Hi'itary 9n1'e sat behin,#
8riyan)a 1a!e runnin$ ur % the !ain entran1e# 7he a*i,e, !e an,
"ent strai$ht t the Lua'is %rnt seat# The ,ri*er turne, the Lua'is s its rear
en, %a1e, us#
As the Lua'is be$an t !*e& Hi'itary 9n1'e ')e, ut %r! his "in,"
an, sai, s!ethin$# I 1u', n'y !a)e ut in 'ip syn1# C;u b',y i,itG/ I
thu$ht it "as#
Be%re I 1u', rea1t& the Lua'is "as $ne#
Pr! stubbe, ut his 1i$arette#
COh n# I am a b',y i,it# I 'et her $&/ I sai,#
C9h=huh&/ Pr! sai, as he "re his he'!et#
CIs that a yes6 ;u thin) I a! a tta' i,it6/
C;u are yur best 5u,$e&/ Pr! sai, as he ,ra$$e, the bi)e "ith his
%eet#
CPr!& "hat ha*e I ,ne6 I% she rea1hes h!e an, has paranthas "ith
Ganesh/s %a!i'y& it is a'' *er# I a! su1h a !rn&/ I sai, an, starte, 5u!pin$
up an, ,"n n !y seat#
C7tp ,an1in$ arun,# I ha*e t ri,e&/ Pr! sai, s he p'a1e, his %t n
the )i1)=pe,a'#
CPr!& "e ha*e t 1at1h the Lua'is# Can yu ri,e %ast enu$h t 1at1h
it6/
Pr! re!*e, his he'!et 'au$he,#
CAre yu insu'tin$ !e6 ;u are ,ubtin$ that I 1an 1at1h that "re1) % a
Lua'is6 I a! hurt& !an#/
CPr!& 'et/s $# 8'ease&/ sai, an, pushe, his shu',ers#
CN# %irst yu ap'$iBe %r ,ubtin$ !y ,ri*in$ abi'ities#/
CI a! srry& bss& I a! srry&/ I sai, an, %',e, !y han,s# CN" !*e&
71hu!a1her#/
Pr! )i1)=starte, his bi)e# In a %e" se1n,s& "e ha, Bippe, ut % the
1a'' 1enter# The !ain ra, "as $ettin$ busier in the !rnin$& but Pr! sti''
!ana$e, ninety an hur# -e ,,$e, 1ars& s1ters& auts& s1h' buses an,
ne"spaper ha")ers as "e t) the ra, t 0e'hi#
:ur !inutes 'ater& I nti1e, a Lua'is at a ,istant tra%%i1 si$na'#
CIt !ust be that ne&/ I pinte, ut#
2ust as Pr! !*e, ahea,& a her, % $ats ,e1i,e, t 1rss the ra,#
There "ere %i%ty % the!& b'1)in$ ur "ay#
C0a!n& "here ,i, they 1!e %r!6/ I sai,& ner*us as he''#
CGur$an "as a *i''a$e unti' re1ent'yM the $ats are prbab'y as)in$
"here ,i, we 1!e %r!&/ Pr! sai, as he 1ra1)e, his )nu1)'es#
C7hut up an, , s!ethin$&/ I sai,#
Pr! trie, t !*e his bi)e& but he n'y bu!pe, int a $at/s hrns#
He 1nsi,ere, ta)in$ the ri$ht si,e % the ra, "ith tra%%i1 $in$ the ther
"aybut it "as %u'' % tru1)s that "u', )i'' us in %i*e se1n,s#
CThere is n'y ne ptin&/ Pr! sai, an, s!i'e, at !e thru$h the
he'!et#
C-haG/ I "as sayin$ "hen Pr! 'un$e, his bi)e up n the ra, ,i*i,er#
CAre yu 1raBy6/ I sai,#
CN& yu are 1raBy t 'et her $&/ Pr! sai, an, starte, ri,in$ n the
,i*i,er# Te $ats an, tra%%i1 ')e, at us in sh1)# Pr! ,,$e, thru$h the
street 'i$hts& unti' "e ha, 1rsse, the her,# On1e ba1) n the ra,& Pr!
spe, up t a hun,re,# A !inute 'ater& ur bi)e !et the Lua'is at a re, 'i$ht# I
$t %% the bi)e an, tappe, the %rnt "in,"# 8riyan)a ')e, a"ay# I ban$e,
the $'ass "ith !y pa'!#
7he pene, the "in,"# C-hat is it6 -e ,n/t "ant t buy anythin$&/
8riyan)a sai,& as i% I "as a ra,si,e *en,r#
CI a! an i,it&/ I sai,#
CAn,6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
E*eryne in the Lua'is r''e, ,"n their "in,"s t ') at !e#
CI a! a !rn# I a! stupi, an, insane an, nuts# 8'ease I "ant t !arry
yu#/
COh rea''y6 -hat abut the ne" !an nee,in$ respe1t6/ 8riyan)a sai,#
CI ,i,n/t )n" "hat I "as sayin$# -hat ,es ne , "ith respe1t6 I 1an/t
)eep it in !y p1)et&/ I sai,#
C7 yu "ant t )eep !e in yur p1)etJ/ 8riyan)a sai,#
C;u are a'rea,y in e*ery p1)et% !y 'i%e& !y heart& !y !in,& !y
su'p'ease 1!eba1)# -i'' yu 1!e ba1)6/ I sai,& as the re, 'i$ht turne,
ye''"#
CH!!# Let/s seeG/ 8riyan)a sai,#
C8riyan)a& p'ease ans"er %ast#/
CI ,n/t )n"# Let !e thin)# Heet !e at the ne4t re, 'i$ht )ay6 Let/s
$ 0ri*er ji&/ she sai, as the 'i$ht turne, $reen# The ,ri*er& as i% en5yin$ !y
!isery& t) %% at %u'' spee,#
C-hat ,i, she say6/ Pr! sai, as I sat n the bi)e#
C7he/'' ans"er at the ne4t re, 'i$ht# Let/s $#/
There "as a !ini=Utra%%i1 5a! at the ne4t re, 'i$ht# I $t %% the bi)e
an, ran past a %e" *ehi1'es t rea1h the Lua'is# I tappe, the "in," a$ain#
8riyan)a "asn/t there#
C-here is she6/ I as)e, the ,ri*er# He shru$$e, his shu',ers#
I ')e, insi,e the Lua'is# Ra,hi)a an, Esha shru$$e, their shu',ersM
she "asn/t in there#
7!ene 1a!e up %r! behin, an, hu$$e, !e#
CI t', yu "e ,i,n/t "ant t buy anythin$# -hy are yu btherin$ us6/
I turne, arun, t ') at 8riyan)a#
CI ,n/t )n" "hat I "as ,in$ at the "ater 1'er&/ I sai,#
C7hut up an, hu$ !e&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, pene, her ar!s#
Our eyes !et& an, e*en thu$h I "ante, t spea) a 't& ur eyes ,i, a'
the ta')in$# I hu$$e, her %r a %e" se1n,s& an, then she )isse, !e# Our 'ips
'1)e,& an, e*ery passen$er stu1) in the tra%%i1 5a! ')e, at us& en5yin$
the ear'y !rnin$ sh"# It "as a")"ar, t )iss in this settin$& but I 1u', nt
e4tra1t !yse'% %r! her# -e "ere )issin$ a%ter si4 !nths& an, there "as a
't % pent=up ,e!an,# Pr! an, e*eryne e'se %r! the Lua'is surrun,e,
us# 7n& they be$an t 1'ap an, "hist'e# The *ehi1'es n the ra, 5ine, in
"ith their hrns in syn1 "ith the app'ause# But I 1u', nt see the! r hear
the!# A' I 1u', see "as 8riyan)a& an, a'' I 1u', hear "as !y inner *i1e that
sai,)iss her& )iss her an, )iss her s!e !re#
NFR
-e'' $uys& that is h" that ni$ht& an, !y stry en,s# -e ,i, nt )n"
"hat& h" r "hen thin$s "u', happen in the %uture# An, t s!e e4tent&
"e sti'' ,n/t )n"# But that is "hat 'i%e is 'i)eun1ertain& s1re"e, up at
ti!es& but sti'' %un# H"e*er& 'et !e te'' yu "here "e "ere ne !nth a%ter
this ni$ht# Pr! an, I starte, this "ebsite ,esi$n 1!pany "ith the see,
1apita' that Ba)shi $a*e us# -e 1a''e, it the B'a1) 7heep -eb 0esi$n
C!pany# In a !nth& "e ha, n'y !ana$e, t $et ne '1a' r,er# It he'pe,
us brea) e*en r e*en sh" a pr%it,epen,in$ n "hether Pr! 1har$e,
the 1i$arettes t the 1!pany r nt# N internatina' r,ers yet& but "e
sha'' see#
Esha +uit her !,e'in$ aspiratins an, 1ntinue, t "r) at the 1a''
1enter# H"e*er& she "r)s "ith this NGO ,urin$ the ,ay# Her 5b is t
%un,raise "ith 1rprate# I hear, she is ,in$ "e''# I $uess "hen !a'e
e4e1uti*es hear su1h a ht "!an as) %r !ney %r a $, 1ause& they
1annt say n# !st % the! are prbab'y starin$ at her na*e' rin$ "hen they
are si$nin$ the 1he+ue# Apart %r! that& Pr! as)e, her ut n a 1%%ee
se!i=,ate <"hate*er that !eans. %r ne4t "ee) an, I thin) she sai, yes#
Hi'itary 9n1'e $t a *isa %r the 97 an, "ent t !a)e a!en,s "ith his
sn# He has nt 1!e ba1)& s thin$s !ust be "r)in$ ut# Ra,hi)a is %i$htin$
her ,i*r1e 1ase "ith her husban,& an, has !*e, in "ith Esha# 7he is a's
p'annin$ t *isit her parents %r a "hi'e# Anu5 has ap'$iBe,& but Ra,hi)a is
in n !, t re'ent yet#
8riyan)a "r)s at Cnne4ins as "e''& but in si4 !nths she "i'' $ t
1''e$e %r an a11e'erate, neK=year B#E,# -e ,e1i,e, that !arria$e is at
'east t" years a"ay# Ri$ht n"& "e !eet %ten but the %irst %1us is 1areer#
Her !ther %a)e, three heart atta1)s "hen 8riyan)a sai, n t Ganesh& but
8riyan)a ya"ne, e*ery sin$'e ti!e unti' her !! $a*e up n the heart atta1)
%rnt an, 1'se, the Ganesh %i'e#
7 ')s 'i)e thin$s are "r)in$ ut# As %r !e as a persn& I sti'' %ee'
the sa!e %r the !st part# H"e*er& there is a ,i%%eren1e# I use, t %ee' I
"as a $,=%r=nthin$ nn=a1hie*er# But that is nt true# A%ter a''& I he'pe,
sa*e 'ts % 5bs at a 1a'' 1enter& tau$ht !y bss a 'essn& starte, !y "n
1!pany& "as 1hsen *er a bi$=1at1h NRI $r! by a "n,er%u' $ir' an, n"
I e*en %inishe, a "h'e b)# this !eans that i. I 1an , "hate*er I rea''y
"ant ii. G, is a'"ays "ith !e an, iii. there is n su1h thin$ as a 'ser a%ter
a''#
E8ILOG9E
3333333333333
C-"&/ I sai,& s!e stry that "as#/ 7he n,,e,# An, ha, a sip % "ater
%r! her btt'e# 7he he', the btt'e ti$ht t pre*ent the "ater %r! spi''in$
*er in the !*in$ train#
CThan) yu&/ I sai,& Cit !a,e ur ni$ht $ by pretty +ui1)'y#/
I 1he1)e, the ti!eM it "as 1'se t ? a#!# Our 5urney "as a'!st *er#
0e'hi "as 'es than an hur a"ay# The train "as tearin$ thru$h the ni$ht& an,
,eep int the hriBn& I 1u', see a strea) % sa%%rn 'i$ht up the s)y#
C7& yu 'i)e, it6/
C;es& it "as %un# But a's& it !a,e !e thin)# I "ant thru$h a si!i'ar
phase 'i)e 7hya!& at "r) an, in !y persna' 'i%e# I "ish I ha, )n"n this
stry then# It !i$ht ha*e !a,e !e , thin$s ,i%%erent'y& r at 'east "u',
ha*e !a,e !e %ee' 'ess ba,#/
CThere yu $# It is ne % thse rare stries that is %un but 1an he'p yu
as "e''# An, that is "hy I a! as)in$ yu t share it# ;u rea,y t !a)e it int
a b)6/ she sai,& rep'a1in$ the 1ap n the "ater btt'e#
CI $uess# It "i'' ta)e yur ti!e thu$h&/ I sai,#
C:r sure# An, I "i'' $i*e yu a'' the pep'e/s ,etai's# :ee' %r t 1nta1t
te! i% yu "ant# Thru$h "hi1h % the! "i'' yu te'' the stry6/
C7hya!# Li)e I sai,& he an, his stry are a 't 'i)e !ine# I re'ate t hi! a
'tM I ha, si!i'ar prb'e!s# Hy "n ,ar) si,e#/
CRea''y6 That/s interestin$&/ she sai,# CIt is true thru$h& "e a'' ha*e a
,ar) si,es!ethin$ "e ,n/t 'i)e abut urse'*es& s!ethin$ that !a)es us
an$ry an, s!ethin$ "e "ant t 1han$e abut urse'*es# The ,i%%eren1e is
h" "e 1hse t %a1e it#/
I n,,e,# The train r1)e, in a sthin$& $ent'e !tin# -e "ere si'ent
unti' I sp)e a%ter a %e" !inutes#
CListen& srry t say this# There it ne issue I thin) rea,ers !ay ha*e
"ith this stry#/
C-hat6/
CThe 1n*ersatin "ith G,#/
7he s!i'e,#
C-hat/s the issue "ith that&/ she sai,#
C-e''& 5ust thats!e pep'e !ay nt buy it# One has t present rea'ity
in a stry# Rea,ers a'"ays say& Ite'' !e "hat rea''y happene,T# 7 in the
1nte4t& h" is this IG, 1a''in$T $in$ t %it in6/
C-hy6 ;u ,n/t thin) that 1an happen6/ she sai, shi%tin$ in her seat#
Her b'an)et !*e,& un1*erin$ a b) I ha, nt nti1e, be%re#
C-e''& I ,n/t )n"# It b*ius'y ,es nt happen a 't# I !ean& thin$s
nee, t ha*e a ratina'& s1ienti%i1 e4p'anatin#/
CRea''y6 0es e*erythin$ in 'i%e "r) that "ay6/
CI $uess6/
C-e''& 'et/s see# ;u sai, yu ,i, nt )n" "hy& but yu 1u', rea''y
re'ate t 7hya!# -hat/s the s1ienti%i1 an, ratina' e4p'anatin %r that6/
I thu$ht %r a %e" !!ents but 1u', nt thin) % a suitab'e ans"er#
7he sa" !e %i,$etin$ an, ')e, a!use,#
C8'ease try an, un,erstan,&/ I sai,# CCa''s %r! G, ,n/t happen a 't#
H" 1an I "rite abut that6/
CO)ay& 'isten# I a! $in$ t $i*e yu an a'ternati*e t the CG,/s phne
1a''T bit# A ratina' ne& )ay6/ she sai, an, )ept her btt'e a"ay#
C-hat a'ternati*e6/ I sai,#
CLet/s re"in, a bit# 7 they ,r*e int a pit an, the Lua'is it trappe,&
suspen,e, by r,s& ri$ht6 ;u )ay "ith that part6/
CRi$ht# I 1an 'i*e "ith that&/ I sai,#
CAn, then they %e't the en, "as near# There "as n hpe in 'i%e
'itera''y an, %i$urati*e'y# A$ree,6/
CA$ree,&/ I sai,#
CO)ay&/ she 1ntinue,& Cs 'et/s 5ust say that& at that !!ent& Hi'itary
9n1'e sp)e up# He sai, II nti1e, yu $uys are in an unusua' situatin here&
s I thu$ht I shu', inter*ene an, $i*e yu s!e a,*i1eT#/
CThat/s e4a1t'y "hat G, sai,&/ I sai,#
CCrre1t# An, %r! that pint n& "hate*er G, sai,& yu 1an substitute
as i% Hi'itary 9n1'e sai, it# He t', the! abut su11ess& the inner 1a'' an, a''
thse ther thin$s#/
CRea''y6 Is that "hat happene,6/ I sai,#
CN# I ,i, nt say that# I 5ust sai, yu ha*e the ptin t , thatM s that
e*erythin$ appears !re s1ienti%i1& !re ratina'# ;u un,erstan, !y pint6/
C;es&/ I sai,#
C7& yu 1hse "hi1he*er *ersin yu "ant in the !ain stry# It "i''&
a%ter a''& be yur stry#/
I n,,e,#
CBut 1an I as) yu ne +uestin6/
C7ure&/ I sai,#
C-hi1h % the t" is a better stry6/
I thu$ht %r a se1n,#
CThe ne "ith G, in it&/ I sai,#
C2ust 'i)e 'i%e# Ratina' r nt& it 5ust $ets better "ith G, in it#/
I re%'e1te, n her "r,s %r a %e" !inutes# 7he be1a!e si'ent# I ')e,
at her %a1e she ')e, e*en better in the 'i$ht % ,a"n#
C-e''& ')s 'i)e 0e'hi is 1!in$ sn&/ she sai, an, ')e, ut# The %ie',s
ha, en,e,& an, "e 1u', see the huses % 0e'hi/s br,er *i''a$es#
C;eah& the trip is *er&/ I sai,# CThan)s %r e*erythin$err& 'et !e $uess&
Esha ri$ht6/ I st, up t sha)e her han,#
CEsha6 -hy ,i, yu thin) I "as her6/
CBe1ause yu are s $,Q')in$#/
CThan)s&/ she 'au$he,& Cbut srry& I a! nt Esha#/
C76 8riyan)a6/ I sai,#
CN#/
C0n/t te'' !eRa,hi)a6/
CN& I a! nt Ra,hi)a either&/ she sai,#
C-e'' thenG"h are yu6/
7he 5ust s!i'e,#
That is "hen it stru1) !e# 7he "as a $ir'& she )ne" the %u'' stry& but
she "as nt Esha& 8riyan)a r Ra,hi)a# -hi1h !eant there "as n'y ne
a'ternati*e 'e%t#
C7Gthat !eansGh !yG/ Hy "h'e b,y sh) as I %un, it ,i%%i1u't t
ba'an1e# I %e't ,"n n !y )nees# Her %a1e shne& an, bri$ht sun'i$ht entere,
ur 1!part!ent in ne str)e#
I ')e, up at her as she s!i'e,# 7he ha, an pen b) ne4t t her# It
"as the En$'ish trans'atin % a h'y te4t# Hy eyes %1use, n a %e" 'ines n
the pa$e that 'ay pen:
A'"ays thin) % He& be1!e Hy ,e*tes& "rship He an, %%er yur
h!a$e unt He# Thus yu "i'' 1!e t He "ithut %ai'# I 8r!ise yu this
be1ause yu are Hy *ery ,ear %rien,#
C-hat&/ I sai, as I %e't !y hea, spin# Haybe the s'eep'ess ni$ht "as
1at1hin$ up# But she 5ust s!i'e, an, s!i'e,# 7he raise, her han, an, )ept in
n !y hea,#
CI ,n/t )n" that t say&/ I sai, in the b'in,in$ 'i$ht#
A sense % tire,ness en$u'%e, !e as the s'eep'ess ni$ht t) its t''# I
1'se, !y eyes#
-hen I pene, the!& the train ha, stppe,& an, I )ne't n the %'r
"ith !y hea, ,"n# The train "as at 0e'hi 7tatin# The 1a1phny % prters&
tea se''ers an, passen$er !*e!ent ran$ in !y ears# I s'"'y ')e, up at her
seatbut she "as $ne#
C7ir& "i'' yu $et ut n yur "n r , yu nee, he'p&/ a prter tappe,
!y shu',er#
:INI7H