ONE NIGHT @ THE CALL CENTER CHETAN BHAGAT

[Typeset by: Arun K Gupta] This is s !e"ay !y st ry# A $reat %un& inspirati na' One(

Be% re y u be$in this b )& I ha*e a s!a'' re+uest# Ri$ht here& n te , "n three thin$s# -rite , "n s !ethin$ that i. y u %ear& ii. !a)es y u an$ry an, iii. y u , n/t 'i)e ab ut y urse'%# Be h nest& an, "rite s !ethin$ that is !eanin$%u' t y u# 0 n t thin) t !u1h ab ut "hy I a! as)in$ y u t , this# 2ust , it#

One thin$ I %ear: 3333333333333333333333333333333333 One thin$ that !a)es !e an$ry: 3333333333333333333333333333333333 One thin$ I , n t 'i)e ab ut !yse'%: 3333333333333333333333333333333333 O)ay& n " % r$et ab ut this e4er1ise an, en5 y the st ry# Ha*e y u , ne it6 I% n t& p'ease , # It "i'' enri1h y ur e4perien1e % rea,in$ this b )# I% yes& than)s 7 rry % r , ubtin$ y u# 8'ease % r$et ab ut the e4er1ise& !y , ubtin$ y u an, en5 y the st ry#

3333333333333 The ni$ht train ri,e %r ! Kanpur t 0e'hi "as the ! st !e! rab'e 5 urney % !y 'i%e# : r ne& it $a*e !e !y se1 n, b )# An, t" & it is n t e*ery ,ay y u sit in an e!pty 1 !part!ent an, a y un$& pretty $ir' "a')s in# ;es& y u see it in the ! *ies& y u hear ab ut it %r ! %rien,/s %rien, but it ne*er happens t y u# -hen I "as y un$er& I use, t ' ) at the reser*ati n 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& sn rin$ !en an, "ai'in$ in%ants# But this ni$ht "as ,i%%erent# :irst& !y 1 !part!ent "as e!pty# The Rai'"ays ba, 5ust starte, this ne" su!!er train an, n b ,y )ne" ab ut it# 7e1 n,& I "as unab'e t s'eep# I ha, been t IIT Kanpur % r a ta')# Be% re 'ea*in$& 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 b rin$ t spen, ei$ht ins !nia1 h urs in an e!pty 1 !part!ent# I ha, n !a$aBines r b )s t rea,# I 1 u', 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 stati n# 7he pene, the 1urtain % !y en1' sure an, ' )e, puBB'e,# CIs 1 a1h 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 %r nt % y u&/ she ans"ere, her "n +uesti n an, hea*e, her hea*y suit1ase nt the upper berth# 7he sat , "n n the berth pp site !e& an, $a*e ut a si$h % re'ie%# CI 1'i!be, nt the "r n$ 1 a1h# Lu1)i'y the b $ies are 1 nne1te,&/ she sai,& a,5ustin$ her ' n$ hair that en,e, n 1 unt'ess rin$'ets# :r ! the 1 rner % !y eye I trie, t ' ) at her# 7he "as y un$& perhaps ear'y t !i,= t"enties# Her "aist='en$th hair ha, a 'i%e % its "n: a stran, %e'' n her % rehea, repeate,'y# I 1 u', n see her %a1e 1'ear'y& but I 1 u', te'' ne thin$ she "as pretty# An, her eyes n1e y u ' )e, int the!& y u 1 u', n t turn a"ay# I )ept !y $aBe , "n# 7he re=arran$e, stu%% in her han,ba$# I trie, t ' ) ut % the "in, "# It "as 1 !p'ete'y ,ar)# C7 & pretty e!pty train&/ she sai, a%ter ten !inutes# C;es&/ I sai,# CIt/s the ne" h 'i,ay spe1ia'# They 5ust starte, it& "ith ut te''in$ pe p'e ab ut it#/ CN " n,er# Other"ise& trains are a'"ays %u'' at this ti!e#/

8ROLOG9E

CIt "i'' $et %u''# 0 n/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" se1 n,s# CChetanGI , n/t )n "& y ur na!e s un,s %a!i'iar#/ N " this "as 1 '# It !eant she ha, hear, % !y %irst b )# I a! re1 $niBe, rare'y# An, % 1 urse& it ha, ne*er happene, "ith a $ir' n a ni$ht train# C; u !i$ht ha*e hear, % !y b )& :i*e 8 int 7 !e ne# I/! the auth r&/ I sai,# COh yes&/ she sai, an, pause,# COh yes& % 1 urse# I/*e rea, y ur b )# The three un,erper% r!ers an, the pr %/s ,au$hter ne& ri$ht6/ she sai,# C;es# 7 h " ,i, y u 'i)e it6/ CIt "as a'' ri$ht#/ I "as ta)en aba1)# Han& I 1 u', 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*i us'y# C-e''G/ she sai, an, pause,# C-e'' "hat6/ I sai, a%ter ten se1 n,s# C-e''# ;eah& 5ust a'' ri$htG )ay )ay types&/ she sai,# I )ept +uiet# 7he n ti1e, the e4pressi n % !i', ,isapp int!ent n !y %a1e# CAny"ays& ni1e t !eet y u Chetan# -here are y u 1 !in$ %r !6 IIT Kanpur6/ C;es&/ I sai,& !y * i1e 'ess %rien,'y than a %e" ! !ents a$ # CI ha, t $i*e a ta') there#/ COh rea''y6 Ab ut "hat6/ CAb ut !y b )y u )n " the 5ust )ay= )ay type ne# 7 !e pe p'e , "ant t hear ab ut it&/ I sai,& )eepin$ a s"eet t ne t su$ar1 at !y sar1as!= %i''e, " r,s# CInterestin$&/ 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 sh u', 5ust shut it %%& but it "as n t that Late yet# C-hat/s the ne4t stati n6 Is it a n n=st p train6/ she as)e, a%ter %i*e !inutes& b*i us'y t !a)e 1 n*ersati n# CI , n/t )n "&/ I sai, an, turne, t ' ) ut % the "in, " a$ain e*en th u$h I 1 u',n/t see anythin$ in the ,ar)ness# CIs e*erythin$ )ay6/ she as)e, s %t'y# C;es& "hy6/ I sa,& the t ne % !y C"hy/ $i*in$ a"ay that e*erythin$ "as& in %a1t& n t )ay# CN thin$# ; u/*e upset ab ut "hat I sai, ab ut y ur b ) ri$ht6/ CN t 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 " y ur b ) ,i, "e''# ; u are 'i)e this y uth "riter an, e*erythin$# But at ne 'e*e'G 5ust % r$et it#/ C-hat6/ I sai,# CAt ne 'e*e'& y u are har,'y a y uth "riter#/ I turne, si'ent an, ' )e, at her % r a %e" se1 n,s# Her !a$neti1 eyes ha, a s %t but insistent $aBe# CI th u$ht I "r te a b ) ab ut 1 ''e$e )i,s# That isn/t y uth6/ I sai,# C;eah ri$ht# 7 y u "r te a b ) n IIT# A p'a1e "here s %e" pe p'e $et t $ # ; u thin) that represents the entire y uth6 7he as)e, an, t ) ut a b 4 % !ints %r ! her ba$# 7he %%ere, !e ne& but I ,e1'ine,# I "ante, t $et this strai$ht# C7 "hat are y u tryin$ t say6 I ha, t start s !e"here& s I "r te ab ut !y 1 ''e$e e4perien1es# An, y u )n " the st ry is n t s IIT=spe1i%i1# It 1 u', ha*e happene, any"here# I !ean& 5ust % r that y u are trashin$ !y b )#/ CI a! n t trashin$ it# I a! 5ust sayin$ it har,'y represents the In,ian y uth&/ she sai, an, shut the b 4 % !ints# COh rea''yG CI be$an& but "as interrupte, by the n ise as the train passe, *er a ' n$ bri,$e# -e ,i,n/t spea) % r the ne4t three !inutes& unti' the train ha, returne, t s! ther tra1)s# I"hat represents the y uth6/ I sai,# II , n/t )n "# ; u/re the "riter# ; u %i$ure it ut&/ she sai,& an, brushe, asi,e a %e" 1ur's that ha, %a''en n her % rehea,# CThat/s n t %air&/ I sai,& Cthat is s n t %air#/ I s un,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" se1 n,s 'ater& she sp )e a$ain# CAre y u $ 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 n t6/ CBe1ause it , es n t represent the 1 untry/s y uth#/ 7he stare, 'au$hin$# C7ee& I a! ta)in$ %ee,ba1)# An, n " y u 'au$h at !e&/ I sai,# CN & n & she sai,# CI a! n t 'au$hin$ at y u# Can y u st p bein$ s *er= sensiti*e6/ CI a! n t *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 br a,er sense6 ;es& the b ) se''s an, y u $et t $ t IIT Kanpur# But is that "hat it is a'' ab ut6/ she sai,# I-e''& then "hat is it ab ut6/ CI% y u "ant t "rite the y uth& sh u',n/t y u ta') ab ut y un$ pe p'e "h rea''y %a1e 1ha''en$es6 I !ean yes& IITians %a1e 1ha''en$es& but "hat ab ut the hun,re, an, th usan, % thersJ/

CLi)e "h !6/ C2ust ' ) ar un, y u# -hat is the bi$$est se$!ent % y ur %a1in$ 1ha''en$es in ! ,ern In,ia6/ CI , n/t )n "# 7tu,ent6/ CN t th se& Hr# -riter# Get ut % the stu,ent=1a!pus % y ur %irst b ) n "# Anythin$ e'se y u see that y u %in, stran$e an, interestin$6 I !ean& "hat is the sub5e1t % y ur se1 n, n *e'6/ I turne, t ' ) at her 1are%u''y % r the %irst ti!e# Haybe it "as the ti!e % ni$ht& but I )i, y u n t& she "as ne % the ! st beauti%u' " !en I ha, e*er seen# E*erythin$ ab ut 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 +uesti n# Cse1 n, n *e'6 N & ha*en/t th u$h % a sub5e1t yet&/ I sai,# CRea''y6 0 n/t y u ha*e any i,eas6/ CI , # But n thin$ I a! sure ab ut#/ CInteGrestin$& she ,ra"'e,#/ -e''& 5ust bas) in y ur %irst b ) su11ess then#/ -e )ept +uiet % r the ne4t ha'% an h ur# I t ) ut the 1 ntents % !y *erni$ht ba$ an, rearran$e, the! % r n parti1u'ar reas n# I " n,ere, i% it e*en !a,e sense t 1han$e int a ni$ht suit# I "as n t $ in$ t %a'' as'eep any"ay# An ther train n isi'y trun,'e, past us in the pp site ,ire1ti n& 'ea*in$ si'en1e behin,# CI !i$ht ha*e a st ry i,es % r y u&/ she sai,& start'in$ !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 st ry ab ut a 1a'' 1enter#/ CRea''y6/ I sai,# CCa'' 1enters as in business pr 1ess uts ur1in$ 1enters r B8Os6/ I;es& , y u )n " anythin$ ab ut the!6/ I th u$ht ab ut it# I ,i, )n " ab ut 1a'' 1enters& ! st'y %r ! !y 1 usins "h " r)e, there# I;es& I )n " a 'itt'e bit&/ I sai,# C7 !e FKK&KKK pe p'e " r) in the in,ustry# They he'p 97 1 !panies in the sa'es& ser*i1e an, !aintenan1e % their perati ns# 9sua''y y un$er pe p'e " r) there in ni$ht shi%ts# Luite interestin$& a1tua''y#/ C2ust interestin$6 Ha*e y u e*er th u$ht % "hat a'' they ha*e t %a1e6/ she as)e,& her * i1e turnin$ %ir! a$ain# I9h& n t rea''yG/ I sai,# C-hy6 They aren/t the y uth6 ; u , n/t "ant t "rite ab ut the!6/ she sai,& a'! st s1 ',in$ !e# CListen& 'et/s n t start ar$uin$ a$ainG/ CI/! n t ar$uin$# I t ', y u that I ha*e a 1a'' 1enter st ry % r y u#/ I ' )e, at !y "at1h# It "as >@#FK a#!# A st ry " u', n t be su1h a ba, i,es t )i'' ti!e& I th u$ht# CLet/s hear it then& I sai,#

CI/'' te'' y u# But I ha*e a 1 n,iti n&/ she sai,# CC n,iti n6/ I "as intri$ue,# C-hat6 That I , n/t te'' it t any ne e'se6/ I as)e,# CN # 2ust the pp site in %a1t# ; u ha*e t pr !ise !e t "rit it as y ur se1 n, b )#/ C-hat I sai,& a'! st %a''in$ %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 st ry t )i'' ti!e# H "e*er& it , es n t !ean I "i'' spen, t" years % !y 'i%e turnin$ it int a b )# CLi)e a %u'' b )6 Are y u )i,,in$6 I 1an/t pr !ise that# It/s a ' t % " r)&/ I sai,# C9p t y u&/ she sai, an, turne, si'ent# I "aite, % r ten se1 n,s# 7he ,i, n t spea)# CCan/t I ,e1i,e a%ter y u te'' !e the st ry6/ I sai,# CI% it is interestin$& I !ay e*en , it# But h " 1an I ,e1i,e "ith ut 'istenin$ t it6/ CN # it is ! st ab ut 1h i1e# I% I te'' y u& y u ha*e t "rite it&/ she sai,# CA "h 'e b )G6/ I as)e, a$ain# C;es# Li)e it/s y ur "n st ry# In %irst pers n5ust 'i)e in y ur %irst b )# I/'' $i*e y u the 1 nta1ts % the pe p'e in the st ry# ; u 1an !eet the!& , y ur resear1h& "hate*er it ta)es& but !a)e it y ur se1 n, b )#/ C-e'' then& I thin) it/s better i% y u , n/t te'' !e&/ I sai, n her berth& an, then arran$e, her pi'' " an, b'an)et# I $uesses she "as p'annin$ t $ t s'eep# I 1he1)e, !y "at1h a$ain# It "as >:KK a#!#& an, I "as sti'' "i,e a"a)e# This "as a n n=st p train& an, there "ere n stati ns t ' ) % r"ar, t unti' 0e'hi in the ! rnin$# 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 1 u',n/t %i$ure ut "here the bu'b "as# It %e't stran$e& 'i)e "e "ere the n'y t" pe p'e in the uni*erse# As she "as s'i,in$ un,er her b'an)et& I as)e,& C-hat is the st ry ab ut6 At 'east te'' !e a 'itt'e bit ! re#/ C-i'' y u , it then6/ I shru$$e, in the se!i=,ar)ness# CCan/t say# 0 n/t te'' !e the st ry yet 5ust te'' !e "hat it is ab ut#/ 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 st ry ab ut si4 pe p'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' ab ut this ni$ht6/ 7he hea*e, a si$h an, t ) a sip %r ! her b tt'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 ph ne 1a''#/

C-hat6/ I sai, an, burst ut 'au$hin$# C7 a 1a'' 1enter $ets a ph ne 1a'# That is the spe1ia' part6/ 7he ,i, n s!i'e ba1)# 7he "aite, %r !e t st p 'au$hin$ an, then 1 ntinue, as i% I ha,n/t sai, anythin$# C; u see& it "asn/t an r,inary ph ne 1a''# It "as the ni$htGit "as the ni$ht there "as a ph ne 1a'' %r ! G ,#/ Her " r,s ha, !e sprin$ t attenti n# C-hat6/ C; u hear, !e# That ni$ht there "as a ph ne 1a'' %r ! G ,&/ she sai,# C-hat e4a1t'y are y u ta')in$ ab ut6/ CI 5ust t ', y u "hat the st ry "as ab ut# ; u as)e,& re!e!ber6/ she sai,# CAn, thenG h "G I !eanG/ CI/! n t te''in$ y u any! re# N " y u )n " "hat it/s ab ut& i% y u "ant t hear the st ry& y u )n " !y 1 n,iti n#/ CThat is a t u$h 1 n,iti n&/ I sai,# CI )n "# 9p t y u&/ she sai, an, 'i%te, her b'an)et a$ain# 7he 'ay , "n an, 1' se, her eyes# 7i4 pe p'e# One ni$ht& 1a'' 1enter# Ca'' %r ! G ,# The phrases )ept repeatin$ in !y hea, as an ther h ur passe,# At @:KK a#!# she " )e up t ha*e a sip % "ater# CN t s'eepin$6/ she as)e,& "ith eyes n'y ha'% pen# Haybe there "as a * 'ta$e pr b'e!& but this ti!e e*en the b'ue 'i$ht in the 1 !part!ent starte, %'i1)erin$# CN & n t s'eepy at a''& I sai,# CO)ay& $ ,ni$ht any"ay& she sai,& an, be$an t 'ie , "n a$ain# CListen&/ I sai,# G t up# 7it , "n a$ain#/ CHuh6/ she sai,& rubbin$ her eyes# C-hy6 -hat happene,6/ CN thin$# ; u te'' !e "hat happene,# Te'' !e the st ry/ I sai,# C7 y u "i'' "rite it6/ C;es&/ I sai,& "ith a bit % hesitati n# CG ,&/ she sai,& an, sat up a$ain# The 1r ss='e$$e, p siti n "as ba1)# The rest % the ni$ht& she t ', !e the st ry that be$ins %r ! the ne4t pa$e# It is a st ry ab ut si4 pe p'e& three $uys an, three $ir's "h " r)e, as the C nne4i ns Ca'' Center# I 1h se t te'' the st ry thr u$h 7hya!/s eyes# This is be1ause& a%ter I !et hi!& I % un, hi! the ! st si!i'ar t !e as a pers n# The rest % the pe p'e an, "hat happene, tat ni$ht"e''& I "i'' 'et 7hya! te'' y u that#

:ROH N@O
Other"ise6 Esha 7ai,# COther"ise "e ,ie&/ Pr ! sai,# -e staye, +uiet % r a !inute# CE*ery ne ,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 +uesti n 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 b nes 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 y u $uys st p this n nsense6 At 'east be si'ent&/ Esha sai, an, % ',e, her ar!s# Pr ! s!i'e, at her# Then he turne, t !e# II , n/t thin)in$ Esha "i'' s!e'' t !u1h# Her Ca'*in K'ein per%u!e "i'' )eep her 1ar1ass %resh % r ,ays#/

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I "as sp'ashin$ !y han,s in the "ater p int'ess'y in the sea# I 1an/t e*en s"i! in a p n,& 'et a' ne in the In,ian O1ean# I "as in the "ater "hi'e !y b ss Ba)shi "as in a b at ne4t t !e# He "as pushin$ !y hea, , "n in the "ater# I sa" 8riyan)a ,ri%tin$ a"ay in a 'i%eb at# I s1rea!e, e*en as Ba)shi use, b th his han,s t )eep !y hea, sub!er$e,# 7a't "ater %i''e, !y ! uth an, n stri's as I hear, ' u, beeps at a ,istan1e# Hy ni$ht!are en,e, as !y 1e'' ph ne a'ar! ran$ har, in !y 'e%t ear an, I " )e up t its Last Christ!as rin$ t ne# The rin$ t ne "as a $i%t %r ! 7he%a'i& !y ne" se!i=$ir'%rien,# I s+uinte, thr u$h a ha'%=shut eye an, 'i%te, n the s1reen# C0a!n&/ I sai, an, 5u!pe, ut % be,# I " u', ha*e ' *e, t ana'yBe !y ,rea! an, its si$ni%i1an1e in !y insi$ni%i1ant 'i%e& but I ha, t $et ,resse, % r " r)# CHan& the Lua'is "i'' be here in t"enty !inutes&/ I th u$ht& ,i$$in$ !atter ut % !y eye# I "as sti'' tire,& but s1are, t s'eep ! re be1ause I "as $ettin$ 'ate# Besi,es& there "as a seri us ris) % Ba)shi !a)in$ a 1 !eba1) in !y ,rea!s# By the "ay& hi# I a! 7hya! Hehra& r 7a! Har1y as they 1a'' !e at !y " r)p'a1e& the C nne4i ns 1a'' 1enter in Gur$a n# <A!eri1an t n$ues ha*e tr ub'e sayin$ !y rea' na!e an, pre%er 7a!# I% y u "ant& y u 1an $i*e !e an ther na!e t # I rea''y , n/t 1are#. Any"ay& I a! a 1a'' 1enter a$ent# There "as hun,re, % th usan,s& pr bab'y !i''i ns % a$ents 'i)e !e# But this t ta' pain=in=the ne1) auth r 1h se !e& % a'' the a$ents in the 1 untry# He !et !e an, t ', !e t he'p "ith his se1 n, b )# In %a1t& he near as "e'' "ante, !e t "rite the b ) % r hi!# I ,e1'ine,& sayin$ I 1an/t e*en "rite !y resu!e r e*en ther si!p'e thin$s in 'i%e& there is n "ay I 1an "rite a "h 'e ,a!n b )# I e4p'aine, t hi! h " !y pr ! ti n t the p siti n % tea! 'ea,er ha, been put %% % r ne year be1ause !y !ana$er Ba)shi ha, t ', !e I , n/t ha*e the Cre+uire, s)i''=set/s yet# In !y re*ie"& Ba)shi "r te that I "as Cn t a $ =$etter/# <I , n/t e*en )n " "hat C$ =$etter/ !eans& s I $uess I/! n t ne % r sure#. But this auth r sai, he ,i,n/t 1arehe ha, pr !ise, s !e ne he/, , this st ry s I/, better 1 perate& ther"ise he " u', )eep pesterin$ !e# I trie, !y best t "ri$$'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 y u are stu1) "ith !e# I a's "ant t $i*e y u ne ! re "arnin$# Hy En$'ish is n t that $reat a1tua''y& n thin$ ab ut !e is $reat# 7 & i% y u are ' )in$ % r s !ethin$ p sh an, hi$hbr "& then I/, su$$est y u rea, an ther 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/'' $et t that 'ater# I t ', the auth r ab ut !y 'i!ite, En$'ish# H "e*er& the pain=in=the=ne1) auth r sai, bi$ e! ti ns , n t 1 !e %r ! bi$ " r,s# 7 & I ha, n 1h i1e but t , the 5 b# I hate

auth rs# : r n "& 'et us $ " )en up at !y h !e#

ba1) t

the st ry# I% y u re!e!ber& I ha, 5ust

There "ere n ises in the 'i*in$ r !# 7 !e re'ati*es "ere in t "n t atten, a %a!i'y "e,,in$# Hy nei$hb r "as $ettin$ !arrie, t his 1 usinGer s rry& I "as t $r $$y t %i$ure this utn & !y 1 usin "as $ettin$ !arrie, t his nei$hb r# But I ha, t " r)& s I 1 u', n t $ t the "e,,in$# It , esn/t !atter& a'' !arria$es are the sa!e& ! re r 'ess# I rea1he, the bathr ! sti'' ha'%=as'eep& it "as a'rea,y 11upie,# The bathr ! , r "as pen# I sa" %i*e % !y aunts s1ra!b'in$ t $et a %e" s+uare=in1hes % the "ash=basin !irr r# One aunt "as 1ursin$ her ,au$hter % r 'ea*in$ the !at1hin$ bin,is at h !e# An ther aunt ha, ' st the 'itt'e s1re" % her $ ', earrin$ an, "as %'ippin$ ut# CIt is pure $ ',& "here is it6/ she s1rea!e, int !y %a1e# CHas the !ai, st 'en it6/ 'i)e the !ai, ha, n thin$ better t , then stea' ne tiny s1re"# - u',n/t she stea' the "h 'e set6 I th u$ht# CAuntie& 1an I use the bathr ! % r %i*e !inutes# I nee, t $et rea,y % r %%i1e&/ I sai,# COh he'' & 7hya!# - )e up %ina''y6/ !y ! ther/s sister sai,# CO%%i1e6 ; u are n t 1 !in$ % r the "e,,in$6/ CN & I ha*e t " r)# Can I ha*e the bathG/ CL ) h " bi$ 7hya! has be1 !e&/ !y !aterna' aunt sai,# C-e nee, t %in, a $ir' % r hi! s n#/ E*ery ne burst int $i$$'es# It "as their bi$$est 5 )e % the ,ay# CCan I p'easeG/ I sai,# C7hya!& 'ea*e the 'a,ies a' ne&/ ne % !y ',er 1 usins interrupte,# C-hat are y u , in$ here "ith the " !en6 -e are a'rea,y s 'ate % r the "e,,in$/ CBut I ha*e t $ t " r)# I nee, t $et ,resse,&/ I pr teste,& tryin$ t e'b " !y "ay t the bathr ! tap# C; u " r) in a 1a'' 1enter& ri$ht6 Hy 1 usin sai,# C;es#/ C; ur " r) is thr u$h the ph ne# -hy , y u nee, t ,ress up6 -h is $ in$ t see y u6/ I ,i,n/t ans"er# C9se the )it1hen sin)&/ an aunt su$$este, an, han,e, !e !y t thbrush# I $a*e the! a'' a ,irty ' )# N b ,y n ti1e,# I passe, by the 'i*in$ r ! n !y "ay t the )it1hen# The un1'es "ere utsi,e& n their se1 n, "his)ey an, s ,a# One un1'e sai, s !ethin$ ab ut h " it " u', be better i% !y %ather "ere sti'' a'i*e an, ar un, 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 s ap# I "ent ba1) but the bathr ! , r "as b 'te,# There "as n h t "ater in the )it1hen& an, !y %a1e %r Be 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 !irr r 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 n thin$ t eat in the h use# Be1ause they/, be $ettin$ % , at the "e,,in$& !y ! ther ha, %e't there "as n nee, t 1 ) at h !e# The Lua'is h rn s1rea!e, at R#AA p#!# As I "as ab ut t 'ea*e& I rea'iBe, I ha, % r$ tten !y I0# I "ent t !y r !& but 1 u', n t %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 !a5 r "ei$ht 1 !paris ns % "hi1h aunt/s set "as hea*iest# 9sua''y the hea*iest aunt ha, the hea*iest set# CH !& ha*e y u seen !y I06/ I sai,# E*ery ne i$n re, !e# I "ent ba1) t !y r ! as the Lua'is h n)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 ar un, !y ne1)# I "a*e, a $ ,bye t e*ery ne& but n n a1)n "'e,$e, !e# It "asn/t surprisin$& I a! n'y 1are, % r s !u1h# E*ery 1 usin % !ine is be1 !in$ a , 1t r r en$ineer# ; u 1an say I a! the b'a1) sheep % !y %a!i'y# Th u$h I , n t thin) that I e4pressi n is 1 rre1t# A%ter a''& "hat/s "r n$ "ith b'a1) sheep, n/t pe p'e "ear b'a1) s"eaters6 But y u $et an i,ea % !y status in !y 1'an# In %a1t& the n'y reas n pe p'e s !e"hat ta') t !e is I ha*e a 5 b 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 5 b# H "e*er& the a, a$en1y pai, h rrib'e ! ney# A's & a'' the pe p'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 5 inin$ C nne4i ns& as "ith ! ney in y ur "a''et the " r', $i*es y u s !e respe1t an, 'ets 8riyan)a " r)e, there# O% 1 urse& that reas n "as n ' n$er re'e*ant# Hy aunt %ina''y % un, the $ ', s1re" tappe, in her %a)e hair bun# The Lua'is h rn s1rea!e, a$ain& this ti!e in an a$en1y t ne# CI/! 1 !in$&/ I sh ute, as I ran ut % the h use#

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C-hat sahib# Late a$ain6/ The ,ri*er sai, as I t ) the %r nt seat# C7 rry& s rry# Hi'itary 9n1'e/s p'a1e %irst6/ I pante, t the ,ri*er# C;es&/ he rep'ie,& ' )in$ at his "at1h# CCan "e rea1h the 1a'' 1enter by >K:KK p#!#6 I ha*e t !eet s !e ne be% re their shi%t en,s&/ I sai,# C0epen,s i% y ur 1 ''ea$ues 1 !e n ti!e&/ the ,ri*er rep'ie, 'a1 ni1a''y as he ,r *e t "ar,s Hi'itary 9n1'e/s h use# CAny"ay& 'et/s pi1) up the ', !an %irst#/ Hi'itary 9n1'e hates it i% "e are 'ate# I prepare, !yse'% % r s !e ,irty ' )s# His t u$h !anner 1 !es %r ! the Ar!y ba1)$r un,& %r ! "hi1h he retire, a %e" years a$ # A %i%ty p'us& he is the ',est pers n in the 1a'' 1enter# I , n t )n " hi! "e''& an, I " n/t ta') ab ut hi! !u1h# But I , )n " that he use, t stay "ith his s n an, ,au$hter=in='a" be% re he ! *e, ne <read thrown out. t be n his "n# The pensi n "as !ea$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 n t a * i1e a$ent# He sits n the s 'itary n'ine 1hat an, e!ai' stati n# E*en th u$h he sits in ur r !& his ,es) is at a %ar 1 rner near the %a4 !a1hine# He rare'y spea)s ! re than three " r,s at a ti!e# H st % his intera1ti ns "ith us are 'i!ite, t $i*in$ us 1 n,es1en,in$ you-young-people $'an1es# The Lua'is st ppe, utsi,e 9n1'e/s h use# He "as "aitin$ at the entran1e# CLate6/ 9n1'e sai,& ' )in$ at the ,ri*er# -ith ut ans"erin$& the ,ri*er $ t ut t pen the Lua'is ba1) , r# 9n1'e 1'i!be, in& i$n re, the !i,,'e seat an, sat at the ba1)# He pr bab'y "ante, t sit as %ar a"ay %r ! !e as p ssib'e# 9n1'e $a*e !e an it-must-be-your-fault ' )# O',er pe p'e thin) they ha*e a natura' ri$ht t 5u,$e y u# I ' )e, a"ay# The ,ri*er t ) a 9=turn t $ t Ra,hi)a/s h use# One % the uni+ue %eatures ab ut !y tea! is that "e n t n'y " r) t $ether& "e a's share the sa!e Lua'is# Thr u$h a bit % r ute p'annin$ an, ,ri*er persuasi n& "e ensure, that !y -estern App'ian1es 7trate$i1 Gr up 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$ina 2 nes/s h use# As usua'& Ra,hi)a "as 'ate# CRa,hi)a !a,a! is t !u1h&/ the ,ri*er sai,& 1 ntinu us'y pressin$ the h rn# I ' )e, at !y "at1h an4i us'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 !ar n sha"' in her ri$ht han,# C7 rry& s rry s rryG/ she sai, a , Ben ti!es be% re "e 1 u', say anythin$#

C-hat6/ I as)e, her as the Lua'is ! *e, a$ain# CN thin$# 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$$este,# CC/! n 7hya!&/ she sai,& Cshe/s s ',& it is the 'east I 1an , & espe1ia''y "hen her s n is n t here#/ C;eah ri$ht&/ I shru$$e,# C2ust that an, 1 )in$ three !ea's a ,ay an, h useh ', 1h res an, " r)in$ a'' ni$ht an,G/ C7hhG/ she sai,&/% r$e a'' that# Any ne"s n the 1a'' 1entre6 I/! s1are,#/ CN thin$ ne" %r ! "hat Pr ! t ', !e# -e ha*e t ne" r,ers& 1a'' * 'u!es are at an a'' ti!e ' " C nne4i ns is , !e,# 2ust a +uesti n % "hen&/ I sai,# CRea''y6/ her eyes "i,ene,# It "as true# ; u !i$ht ha*e hear, % th se s"an)y& ne"=a$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 C nne4i ns "as n t 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$ C nne4i ns "i'' 1' se , "n6 Li)e % re*er6/ Ra,hi)a as)e,# 9n1'e raise, an eyebr " t ' ) at us& but s n "ent ba1) t br ,in$ by hi!se'% in the ba1) seat# I s !eti!es "ishe, he " u', say ! re& but I $uess it/s better % r pe p'e t shut up rather than say s !ethin$ nasty# CThat& r they "i'' , !a5 r 5 b 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$ pr 1essi n# -e e,$e, % r"ar, as the ,ri*er , ,$e, se*era' %at $r !s n their "n=bur,ene, h rses# I 1he1)e, the ti!e a$ain# 7he%a'i " u', , s !e seri us su')in$ t ,ay# CI nee, this 5 b# 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, 1 urtship in 1 ''e$e# 7he n " 'i*e, in a 5 int %a!i'y "ith Anu5/s u'tra=tra,iti na' parents# It "as t u$h % r ,a,,y/s n'y $ir'& but it/s a!aBin$ "hat pe p'e , % r ' *e# The ,ri*er ,r *e t Esha 7in$h/s <a$ent E'iBa 7in$er/s. p'a1e ne4t# 7he "as a'rea,y utsi,e her h use# The ,ri*er )ept the Lua'is i$niti n 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 n ti1e,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# CO h# -ent sh ppin$6/ Ra,hi)a sai,# CCa'' it a ! !entary 'aps % reas n&/ Esha sai,#

The ,ri*er %ina''y rea1he, a stret1h % e!pty r a, 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, t p per%e1t'y 1 ntraste, "ith her s)irt# 7he " re 1hun)y br "n earrin$s that ' )e, e,ib'e an, her 'ipsti1) "as a thi1) 1 1 a& as is she ha, 5ust )isse, a b "' % 1h 1 'ate sau1e# Her eyes ha, at 'east ne % these thin$s!as1ara& eye'iner an,J r eye=sha, " <I 1an/t te''& but 8riyan)a t ', !e they are ,i%%erent thin$s.# CThe La)!e %ashi n "ee) is in % ur ! nths# Hy a$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 h t& at 'east a11 r,in$ t pe p'e at the 1a'' 1enter# T" ! nths a$ & s !e a$ents in the -estern C !puters bay 1 n,u1te, a stupi, p '' in %%i1e# ; u )n "& the se1ret nes that e*ery ne )n "s ab ut any"ay# 8e p'e * te % r *ari us tit'es& 'i)e "h is h t& "h is han,s !e an, "h is pretty# Esha " n the tit'e % the Ch ttest 1hi1) at C nne4i ns/# 7he a1te, *ery ,is!issi*e % the p '' resu'ts& but %r ! that ,ay there/s been 5ust this tiny hint % *anity in her# But ther"ise& she is %ine# 7he ! *e, t 0e'hi %r ! Chan,i$arh a year a$ & a$ainst her parent/s "ishes# The 1a'' 1enter 5 b he'ps her earn a re$u'ar in1 !e& but ,urin$ the ,ay she appr a1he, a$en1ies an, tries t $et ! ,e'in$ assi$n!ents# 7he/s ta)en part in s !e ' "=)ey %ashi n sh "s in -est 0e'hi# But apart %r ! that an, the h ttest=1hi1) in=h use tit'e& n thin$ 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'# C Esha 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 sh rter 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 n t a s!a'' t "n& it is a uni n territ ry 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'' n n=h t $ir's are 5ea' us % the h t nes# 8riyan)a "asn/t e*en 1 nsi,ere, % r the h ttest 1hi1)# N " I , %in, 8riyan)a ni1e ' )in$& an, she ,i, $et a n !inati n % r the C1a'' 1enter 1utie a"ar,/& "hi1h I thin) is 5ust be1ause % her ,i!p'es an, 1ure r un, %a1e# But 8riyan)a ,i,n/t "in# 7 !e $ir' in HR " n that# -e ha, t pi1) Pr ! ne4tM his rea' na!e is Parun Ha'h tra < % a$ent Pi1t r He''.# H "e*er& e*ery ne 1a''s hi! Pr ! be1ause % his ' *e % r anythin$ n "hee's# The Lua'is turne, int the 'ane % r Pr !/s h use# 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 h rse ' $ n it# CAre y u 1raBy6/ I sai,# Cit/s s 1 ',# Get in& "e/re 'ate a'rea,y#/

0ra$$in$ the bi)e he 1a!e an, st , ne4t t !e# CN & I/! stresse, t ,ay# I nee, t $et it ut % !e "ith a %ast ri,e#/ He "as stan,in$ ri$ht besi,e !e an, n'y I 1 u', hear hi!# C-hat happene,6/ CN thin$# 0a, 1a''e,# He ar$ue, "ith ! ! % r t" h urs# -hy ,i, they separate6 They 1an/t 'i*e "ith ut s1rea!in$ their $uts ut at ea1h ther6/ CIt/s )ay !an# N t y ur pr b'e!&/ I sai,# Pr !/s ,a, "as a business!en "h parte, %r ! his "i%e t" years a$ # He pre%erre, ban$in$ his se1retary t bein$ "ith his %a!i'y& s Pr ! an, his ! ther n " 'i*e, "ith ut hi!# CI 1 u',n/t s'eep at a''# 2ust 'ay in be, a'' ,ay an, n " I %ee' si1)# Nee, t $et s !e ener$y ba1)&/ Pr ! sai, as he stra,,'e, his bi)e# CBut it/s %reeBin$& ,u,eG/ I be$an# C-hat is $ in$ n 7hya! sahib6/ the ,ri*er as)e,# I turne, ar un,# The ,ri*er ' )e, at !e "ith a puBB'e, e4pressi n# I shru$$e, !y sh u',ers# CHe/s 1 !in$ n his bi)e&/ I t ', e*ery ne# CC !e "ith !e&/ Pr ! sai, t !e# CI/'' !a)e y u rea1h in ha'% the ti!e#/ CN than)s&/ I sai,& an, % ',e, !y han,s# I "as n t 'ea*in$ the 1 By Lua'is t $ any"here# Pr ! bent *er t $reet the ,ri*er# CHe'' & ,ri*er sahib&/ Pr ! sai,# CPr ! sahib& , n/t y u 'i)e !y Lua'is6/ the ,ri*er sai,& *isib'y ,e5e1te,# CN 0ri*er ji& I a! in a ! , t ri,e&/ Pr ! sai,& an, %%ere, a pa1) % 1i$arettes t the ,ri*er# The ,ri*er t ) ne# Pr ! si$na'e, hi! t )eep the "h 'e pa1)# C0ri*e the Lua'is i% y u "ant&/ the ,ri*er sai, an, 'i%te, his han,s %% the steerin$ "hee'# CN !aybe 'ater# Ri$ht n " I nee, t %'y#/ CHey Pr !# Any ne"s n C nne4i ns6 Anythin$ happenin$6/ Ra,hi)a as)e,& a,5ustin$ her hair# Apart %r ! the ,ar) 1ir1'es ar un, her eyes& y u " u', say Ra,hi)a "as pretty# 7he ha, hi$h 1hee)b nes an, her %air s)in "ent "e'' "ith her "ispy eyebr "s an, s t=b'a1) eyes# Her s'eep=,epri*e, %a1e sti'' ' )e, ni1e# 7he " re a p'ain !ustar, sari& as saris "ere a'' she 1 u', "ear in her in='a"s/ h use# This "as ,i%%erent appare' %r ! the 5eans an, s)irts Ra,hi)a pre%erre, be% re her !arria$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 h ur 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 p int "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*ery ne rep'ie, e41ept !e# CI sai, hi& 7hya!&/ 8riyan)a sai,# I preten,e, n t t hear# It is stran$e& but e*en sin1e "e br )e up& I %in, it ,i%%i1u't t ta') t her# E*en th u$h I !ust thin) % her thirty ti!es a ,ay# I ' )e, at her# 7he a,5uste, her ,upatta ar un, her ne1)# The % rest $reen sa'"ar )a!eeB she "as "earin$ "as ne"& I n ti1e,# The 1 ' rs suite, her 'i$ht br "n s)in# I ' )e, at her n se an, her n stri's that %'are, up e*ery ti!e she "as upset# I s"ear tiny %'a!es appeare, in the! "hen she "as !a,# C7hya!& I sai, hi&C she sai, a$ain# 7he $ets rea''y pisse, i% pe p'e , n/t resp n, t her# Chi&/ I sai,# I " n,ere, i% Ba)shi " u', %ina''y pr ! te !e a%ter he sa" !y "ebsite !anua' t ni$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 ! t rbi)e n ise# CNi1e per%u!e& Esha# 7h ppin$ a$ain& eh6/ 8riyan)a sai, an, sni%%e,& pu1)erin$ up that tiny n se# CEs1ape& Ca'*in K'ein&/ Esha ann un1e, an, stru1) a p se# C- "( 7 !e ne is $ in$ ,esi$ner&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, b th % the! 'au$he,# This is s !ethin$ I "i'' ne*er un,erstan, ab ut her# 8riyan)a has bit1he, %i%ty ti!es ab ut 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% y u as) !e# I "ishe, Pr ! "as in the Lua'is t # He is the n'y pers n in !y tea! I 1an 1'ai! as a %rien,# At t"enty=t" he is % ur years y un$er than I a!& but I "i'' %in, it easiest t ta') t hi!# Ra,hi)a/s h useh ', ta') is t a'ien t !e# Esha/s ! ,e'in$ trip is a's bey n, !e as n ne is e*er $ in$ t pay !e % r the ' )s# I a! 1ertain'y n t $ , ' )in$: !y ,ay is !a,e i% s !e ne ,es1ribes !y ' )s as Cs'i$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 *ersi n. r she ,u!pe, !e <!y *ersi n.# 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 p 1)et start'e, e*ery ne# C-h /s is that6/ 8riyan)a sai,# COh 7 rry# 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#/ CN b ,y i!p rtant&/ 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# H re 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$a n# -e "ere ten !inutes a"ay %r ! C nne4i ns# CC '& "i'' !eet 7he%a'i by >K:>K& I th u$ht# CCan "e st p % 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% 1 urse n t# 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 1 unter# CHey $uys& , "e ha*e t st p6 -e "i'' $et 'ate&/ I pr teste, a$ainst the 1hai 1h rus# 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, h t paranthas& but ,i, n t r,er as it "as $ettin$ 'ate# The ,ri*er arran$e, p'asti1 1hairs % r us# In,er5eet/s !ini ns 1 ''e1te, tea r,ers as per the *ari us 1 !p'i1ate, ru'es 'ai, ut by the $ir's# CN su$ar in !ine&/ Esha sai,# CE4tra h t % r !e&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# C-ith 1ar,a! ! % r !e&/ 8riyan)a sai,#

-hen "e "ere in 1 ''e$e t $ether& 8riyan)a use, t !a)e 1ar,a! ! tea % r !e in her h ste' r !# Her taste in !en !i$ht ha*e 1han$e,& but b*i us'y n t her taste in be*era$es# The tea arri*e, in three !inutes# C7 "hat/s the $ ssip6/ 8riyan)a sai, as 1uppe, her han,s ar un, 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'' y u "hen "e $et t the bay# It/s bi$&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CTe'' n "&/ Esha sai,& p )in$ 8riyan)a/s sh u',er# CN ti!e# 7 !e ne 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'' any ne& Esha sai,# C-hat6/ Ra,hi)a sai,# C7ee& Esha sai, an, st , up# 7he raise, her t p t e4p se a %'at !i,ri%% n "hi1h there "as a ne"b rn rin$# CC '& 1he1) it ut&/ 8riyan)a sai,& Cs !e ne/s turnin$ tren,y#/ Hi'itary 9n1'e stare, as i% in a state % sh 1)# I suspe1t he "as ne*er y un$& "as 5ust b rn strai$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$ine s !e ne stap'in$ y ur 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 C ns1ienti us "i'' $et upset&/ 8riyan)a suppresse, a s!ir)# I hate her# I "ent t the 1 unter t pay the bi''# I sa" Pr ! "at1hin$ TP# CPr !6/ I sai,# CHi# -hat are y u $uys , in$ here6/ he sai,# I t ', ab ut 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!p ssib'e# CCan y u rush !e t the 1a'' 1enter6 7he%a'i "i'' 'ea*e s n&/ I sai,# Pr !/s eyes "ere trans%i4e, n the TP set n In,er5eet ,habha/s 1 unter# 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 s 1ia' an, $' ba' issues an, a'' that stu%%# He thin)s that 5ust by "at1hin$ the ne"s& he 1an 1han$e the " r',# That& by the "ay& is his trip# A TP rep rter "as spea)in$ in %r nt % 8ar'ia!ent h use& ann un1in$ e'e1ti ns in % ur ! nths# CHey& I )n " that $uy# He use, t " r) in !y pre*i us 5 b&/ Pr ! sai,#

CThe ne"spaper6/ C;es& B nt "e use, t 1a'' hi!t ta' ' ser $uy# 0i,n/t )n " he ! *e, t te'e*isi n# Che1) ut his 1 nta1t 'enses&/ Pr ! sai,& as b th % us pai, the bi''# CLet/s $ & !an# 7he%a'i "i'' )i'' !e#/ C7he%a'i# Oh y u !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 $et "ith her#/ COn ne han, y u ha, 8riyan)a& an, n " y u sin) t 7he%a'i 'e*e's&/ Pr ! sai,& an, bent his e'b " t rest his si4=%eet=t" =in1hes %ra!e n the ,habha 1 unter# C-hat/s "r n$ "ith 7he%a'i6/ I sai,& shu%%'in$ %r ! ne % t t the ther# CN thin$& 5ust that it is ni1e t ha*e a $ir'%rien, "ith ha'% a brain# -hy are y u "astin$ y ur 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 1 unter# C7 "hat/s 7he%a'i& a pa1i%ier6 -hat happene, t the re=pr p sa' p'an "ith 8riyan)a6/ Pr ! sai,# CI/*e t ', y u# N t unti' I be1 !e tea! 'ea,er# -hi1h sh u', be s n !aybe t ni$ht a%ter !e sub!it the "ebsite !anua'# N " 1an "e p'ease $ 6/ I sai,# C;eah& ri$ht# 7 !e h pes y u 'i*e n&/ Pr ! sai,& but ! *e, a"ay %r ! the 1 unter# I he', n ti$ht as Pr ! Bippe, thr u$h NHR at >@K )! an h ur# I 1' se, !y eyes an, praye, 7he%a'i " u', n t be !a,& an, that I " u', tea1h a'i*e# Beep Beep# Beep Beep# Hy ! bi'e "ent %% a$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 b th his 'e$s t ba'an1e# CEasy !an# Pr ! sai, in an irritate, * i1e# CCan y u 5ust 'et !e par)6/ C7 rry# I/! rea''y 'ate&/ I sai, an, ran insi,e#

NF
CI/! n t ta')in$ t y u&/ 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 1 u', be ban$'es# C7 rry 7he%a'i# Hy bay pe p'e !a,e the Lua'is 'ate#/ I st , ne4t t her& 'eanin$ a$ainst her ,es)# 7he sat n her s"i*e' 1hair an, r tate, it ninety ,e$rees a"ay %r ! !e t sh "1ase her su')in$# The , Bens % " r)stati ns in her bay "ere e!pty as a'' the ther a$ents ha, 'e%t# C-hate*er# I th u$ht y u "ere their tea! 'ea,er&/ she sai, an, preten,e, t " r) n her 1 !puter# CI a! n t the tea! 'ea,er# I a! ,ue& but n t ne yet&/ I sai,# C-hy , n/t they !a)e y u tea! 'ea,er6/ she turne, t !e an, %'uttere, her eyes# I hate this e4pressi n % hers# CI , n/t )n "# Ba)shi sai, he/s tryin$& 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 y u $uys , n/t ha*e any tea! 'ea,er#/ CN # Ba)shi says "e ha*e t !ana$e "ith ut ne# I he'p "ith super*is ry stu%% % r n "# But Ba)shi t ', !e I ha*e str n$ %uture p tentia'#/ C7 "hy , esn/t y ur tea! 'isten t y u6/ C-h says they , n/t6 O% 1 urse they , #/ C7 "hy "ere y u 'ateJ/ she sai,& be$innin$ her senten1e "ith a Cs M % r the thir, ti!e# C7he%a'i 1 !e n& ,r p that&/ I sai,& ' )in$ at !y "at1h# CH " ,i, y ur shi%t $ 6/ C7hi%t "as )ay# Tea! 'ea,er sai, 1a'' * 'u!es ha*e ,r ppe, % r -estern C !puters# A'' 1ust !ers are usin$ the tr ub'esh tin$ "ebsite n "#/ CC '# ; u , )n " "h !a,e that ri$ht6/ C;es& y u an, Pr !# But I , n/t thin) y u sh u', !a)e a bi$ ,ea' ut % it# The "ebsite has 1 st C nne4i ns a ' t % business#/ CBut the "ebsite he'ps the 1ust !ers a ' st& ri$ht6/ I sai,# C7hh# 0 n/t ta') ab ut the "ebsite here# 7 !e a$ents are *ery upset# 7 !e ne sai, they " u', 1ut pe p'e#/ CRea''y6/ CI , n/t )n "# Listen& "hy are y u s unr !anti16 Is this h " E,,y Te,,y sh u', ta') t his Cur'y -ur'yJ/ I "ante, t )n " ! re ab ut "hat "as $ in$ n at C nne4i ns# Ba)shi "as super=se1reti*ea'' the sai, "as there "ere s !e 1 n%i,entia' !ana$e!ent pri rities# I th u$ht % as)in$ Pr ! t spy s !e ! re# CE,,y Te,,y6/ 7he%a'i repeate,# I ' )e, at her# I% she st ppe, "earin$ He'' Kitty hairpins& she 1 u', be passab'y 1ute# CHuh6/ CAre y u 'istenin$ t !e6/

CO% 1 urse#/ C0i, y u 'i)e !y $i%tJ/ C-hat $i%t6/ CThe rin$ t nes# I $a*e y u si4 rin$s t nes# 7ee& y u , n/t e*en re!e!ber&/ she sai, an, her %a1e turne, sa,# CI , # 7ee I put Last Christmas as !y t ne&/ I sai, an, pi1)e, up !y ph ne t p'ay it# Pr ! " u', pr bab'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 s un,s& !y E,,y te,,y#/ C7he%a'iG/ C-hat6/ CCan y u st p 1a''in$ !e thatJ/ C-hyJ y u , n/t 'i)e it6/ C2ust 1a'' !e 7hya!#/ C; u , n/t 'i)e the na!e I $a*e y u6/ she sai,& her * i1e trans1en,in$ %r ! sa, t tra$i1# I )ept +uiet# ; u ne*er te'' " !en y u , n/t 'i)e s !ethin$ they ha*e , ne# H "e*er& they pi1) up n the si'en1e# CThat !eans y u , n/t 'i)e the rin$ t nes either&/ she sai, an, her * i1e starte, t brea)# CI , &/ I sai,& %earin$ a r un, % 1ryin$# CI ' *e the rin$ t nes#/ CAn, "hat ab ut the na!e6 ; u 1an 1h se an ther na!e i% y u "ant# I a! n t 'i)e y ur 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 th u$ht# I t ) a ,eep breath# A hun,re, an, ei$hty se1 n,s an, she " u', ha*e t 'ea*e % r sure# 7 !eti!es 1 untin$ se1 n,s is a $reat "ay t )i'' ti!e thr u$h " !an/s tantru!s# C-hat )in, % $ir'%rien,sJ/ I sai,# CLi)e&/ she sni%%e,& Cb ssy $ir's "h i!p se their "ay n y u# Li)e y u= )n "="h #/ C-h 6/ -hat are y u i!p'yin$&/ I sai,& !y * i1e $ettin$ %ir!er# It "as trueM 8riyan)a 1 u', be b ssy& but n'y i% y u ,i,n/t 'isten t her# C: r$et it# But "i'' y u $i*e !e a na!e i% I st p 1ryin$6/ her s bs "ere at a seri us ris) % trans% r!in$ int a %u''=%'e,$e, ba"'# Cyes&/ I sai, an, be1a!e n r!a'# CGi*e !e a na!e&/ I th u$h har,# N thin$ 1a!e t !in,# C7he%%y6 H " ab ut 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$ht n "# I ha*e t " r)# Isn/t y ur Lua'is 'ea*in$ s n t 6/ I sai,# 7he ' )e, at her "at1h an, st , up# C;es& I better 'ea*e n "# -i'' y u 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, ar un, 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$i1 Gr up/ r -A7G# 9n'i)e the ther bay that tr ub'esh ts % r 1 !puter 1ust !ers& "e ,ea' "ith 1ust !ers % h !e app'ian1es su1h as re%ri$erat rs& *ens an, *a1uu! 1'eaners# Hana$e!ent 1a''s us the strate$i1 bay be1ause "e spe1ia'iBe in tr ub'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$s <a1tua''y the 'atter app'ies t a ' t % 1a''ers.# -e %e'' spe1ia'& as "e are n t part % the !ain 1 !puters bay# The !ain bay has *er a th usan, a$ents an, han,'es the hu$e C-estern C !puters/ a11 unt# -hi'e the 1a''s are 'ess "eir, there& they !iss the pri*a1y "e en5 y in the -A7G# I 1a!e an, t ) !y seat at the ' n$ 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 pp site !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 stati n is at the 1 rner % the r !# At ea1h % the ther three 1 rners& there are& respe1ti*e'y& the restr !& a 1 n%eren1e r ! an, a stati nery supp'ies r !# H "e*er& n ne apart %r ! 9n1'e "as at their seat "hen I sat , "n# E*ery ne ha, $athere, ar un, 8riyan)a# C-hat/s the ne"s6 Te'' us n "&/ Esha "as sayin$# CO)ay& )ay# But n ne 1 n,iti n# 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*ery ne turne, t ' ) at !e# I p inte, at the ,es) an, the un!anne, ph nes# I ' )e, at !y "at1h# It "as >K:@O p#!# The 1a'' syste! r utine ba1)up "as ab ut t %inish& an, ur 1a''s " u', be$in in a !inute# E*ery ne returne, t their 1hairs an, put n their hea,sets# CG , e*enin$& e*ery ne# 8'ease pay attenti n t this ann un1e!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$ ann un1e!ent&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CThis is the 1 ntr ' r !&/ the spea)er 1 ntinue,# CThis is t in% r! a'' a$ents % a %ire ,ri'' ne4t :ri,ay at !i,ni$ht# 8'ease % '' " instru1ti ns ,urin$ the %ire ,ri'' t 'ea*e the 1a'' 1enter sa%e'y# Than) y u# Ha*e a ni1e shi%t#/ C-hy , they )eep , in$ this6 N b ,y is $ in$ t burn this p'a1e , "n&/ Esha sai,# CG *ern!ent ru'es&/ Pr ! sai,# C n*ersati ns st ppe, !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"it1hb ar, as "e pi1)e, up 1a''s ne a%ter the ther# CG , a%tern n& -estern App'ian1es& Pi1t r spea)in$& h " !ay I he'p y u6/ Pr ! sai, as he t ) ne % his %irst 1a''s# C;es& a11 r,in$ t !y re1 r,s I a! spea)in$ t Hs 7!ith& an, y u ha*e the -A:=@KK ,ish"asher# Is that ri$ht6/ Esha sai,# Esha/s C!e! ry/ i!presse, the 1a''er# It "as n t a bi$ ,ea'& $i*en that ur aut !ate, syste! ha, e*ery 1a''er/s re1 r,s# -e )ne" their na!e& a,,ress& 1re,it 1ar, ,etai's an, past pur1hases %r ! -estern App'ian1es# -e a's ha, ,etai's n "hen they 'ast 1a''e, us# In %a1t& the reas n "hy her 1a'' ha, 1 !e t ur ,es)the -estern App'ian1es 7trate$i1 ,es)"as be1ause she "as a persistent 1a''er# This "ay the !ain bay 1 u', 1 ntinue 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'' n t $ int a'' % the!& but Pr !/s >K:F? p#!# 1a'' "ent s !ethin$ 'i)e this: C;es s 8au's n& % 1 urse "e re!e!ber y u# Happy Than)s$i*in$& I h pe y u 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 ab ut the A!eri1an %esti*a' % the ,ay# I 1 u', n t hear the 1ust !er/s si,e % the 1 n*ersati n& but Hs 8au's n "as b*i us'y e4p'ainin$ her pr b'e! "ith the *en# CN Hs 8au's n& y u sh u',n/t ha*e uns1re"e, the 1 *er&/ Pr ! sai,& as p 'ite'y as p ssib'e# CN & rea''y !a,a!# An e'e1tri1a' app'ian1e 'i)e the -A>KK sh u', n'y he ser*i1e, by traine, pr %essi na's&/ Pr ! sai,& rea,in$ *erbati! %r ! the -A>KK ser*i1e !anua'# Hs 8au's n sp )e % r an ther !inute# Our strate$i1 bay har,'y ha, a reputati n % r e%%i1ien1y& but ' n$ 1a''s 'i)e these 1 u', s1re" up Pr !/s resp nse ti!es# C7ee !a,a!& y u nee, t e4p'ain t !e "hy y u pene, the t p 1 *er# Then perhaps "e/'' un,erstan, "hy y u $ t an e'e1tri1 sh 1)G s te'' !eG yesG h rea''y6 Pr ! 1 ntinue,& ta)in$ ,eep breaths# 8atien1e& )ey t be1 !in$ a star a$ent& ,i, n t 1 !e natura''y t hi!# I ' )e, ar un,M pe p'e "ere busy "ith 1a''s# Ra,hi)a he'pe, s !e ne ,e%r st her %ri,$eM Esha assiste, a 1ust !er in unpa1)in$ a ,ish"asher# E*ery ne "as spea)in$ "ith an A!eri1an a11ent an, s un,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*i us ,ay# I ,i, n t parti1u'ar'y 'i)e , in$ this& but Ba)shi ha, 'e%t !e "ith 'itt'e 1h i1e# C7ee !a,a!&/ Pr ! "as sti'' "ith Hs 8au's n& CI un,erstan, y ur tur)ey ,i, n t %it an, y u ,i, n t "ant t 1ut it& but y u sh u', n t ha*e pene, up the e+uip!entG# But see that is n t the e+uip!ent/s %au'tG I 1an/t rea''y te'' y u "hat t , G I un,erstan, y ur s n is 1 !in$& !a,a!G# N " I% y u ha, the -A>AK& that is a bi$$er siBeG CPr ! sai,& be$innin$ t breathe %aster# Hs 8au's n rante, n % r a "hi'e ' n$er#

CHs 8au's n& I su$$est y u ta)e the *en t y ur ,ea'er as s n as p ssib'e/ Pr ! sai, %ir!'y# CAn, ne4t ti!e& $et a s!a''er tur)ey### an, yes& a rea,y!a,e tur)ey "i'' be a $ , i,ea % r t ni$htG N & I , n/t ha*e a ,ia'=a= tur)ey nu!ber# Than) y u % r 1a''in$ Hs 8au's n& bye#/ Pr ! en,e, the 1a''# Pr ! na$$e, his %ist n the tab'e# CE*erythin$ )ay6/ I sai,& n t ' )in$ up %r ! !y papers# C;eah# 2ust a psy1h 1ust !er&/ he !u!b'e, as an ther 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*i us ,ay# Ba)shi ha, a's assi$ne, !e the resp nsibi'ity % 1he1)in$ the ther a$ent/s eti+uette# E*ery n " an, then& I " u', 'isten in n s !eb ,y/s 1a''# At >K:D? p#!#& I 1 nne1te, t Esha/s 'ine# C;es sir# I s un, 'i)e y ur ,au$hter6 Oh& than) y u# 7 "hat is "r n$ "ith the *a1uu! 1'eanerJ/ she "as sayin$# C; ur * i1e is s s thin$&/ the 1a''er sai,# CThan)s y u sir# 7 & the *a1uu! 1'eanerG6/ Esha/s t ne "as per%e1t5ust the ri$ht !i4 % p 'iteness an, %ir!ness# Hana$e!ent ! nit re, 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$her at t" =an,= a=ha'% !inutes per 1a''# I 1he1)e, !y %i'es % r e*ery ne/s AHTa'' % us "ere "ithin tar$ets# CBeep( The s un, % the %a4 !a1hine !a,e !e ' ) up %r ! !y papers# I " n,ere, "h 1 u', 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$es he ha, sent# I t re the !essa$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' h urs utsi,e !y shi%t t rea1h ne" re1ruits# Apart %r ! the e4tra " r)& I hate a11ent is s 1 n%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 pr n un1e, se*era' ,i%%erent "ays#

I "i'' $i*e y u 5ust ne e4a!p'e T# -ith this 'etter A!eri1ans ha*e % ur ,i%%erent s un,s# T 1an be si'ent s Cinternet/ be1 !es Cinnernet/ an, Cadvantage/ be1 !es Cadvannage/# The se1 n, "ay is "hen T an, N !er$e C"ritten/ be1 !es C"ritn/ an, C1ertain/ is C1ertn/# The thir, s un, is "hen T is in the !i,,'e# There& it s un,s 'i)e a 0Cdaughter/ is Cdaughter/ an, Cwater/ in Cwauder/# The 'ast 1ate$ ry& i% y u 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 1 ns nant# The * "e's are an ther& ! re pain%u' st ry# 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$ht# He sent y u an :;I# 0 y u )n " "hat an :;I is6/ Pr ! sai,# C-hatJ/ C:u1) y u Instea,# It is a stan,ar, "ay t ,u!p resp nsibi'ity n s !e ne e'se#/ CI hate a11ent trainin$ !an# ; u 1an/t tea1h 0e'hi pe p'e t spea) 'i)e A!eri1an in a "ee)#/ C2ust as y u 1an/t train A!eri1ans t spea) "ith a 8un5abi a11ent&/ Pr ! sai, an, 1hu1)'e,# CAny"ay& $ train=train& ' se y ur brain#/ C-hat "i'' I , 6/ I sai,& be$innin$ t "a') ba1) t "ar,s ur ,es)# CG train=train& ' se y ur brain&/ Pr ! sai, an, 'au$he,# He 'i)e, the rhy!e& an, repeate, it se*era' ti!es as "e "a')e, ba1) t the bay# I "as ba1) at !y seat& Pr !/s " r,sCtrain& train/e1h in$ in !y hea,# They "ere !a)in$ !e re!e!ber an ther )in, % train a't $ether# It br u$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$ht 7he 1a!e thirty !inutes 'ate# I ha, seen the "h 'e !useu! t"i1e& e4a!ine, e*ery 'itt'e train ! ,e'& steppe, insi,e In,ia/s ',est 1 a' en$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' p n,# It "as i!pressi*e 'an,s1apin$ % r !useu!# I th u$h % 'i$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# 0 n/t say anythin$# 7 rry& I/! 'ate& I )n "& I )n "&/ she sai, an, sat , "n "ith a thu!p in %r nt % !e# I ,i,n/t say anythin$# I ' )e, at her tiny n se# I " n,ere, h it a'' "e, in en u$h 4y$en# C-hat& say s !ethin$&/ she sai, a%ter %i*e se1 n,s# CI th u$ht y u t ', !e t be +uiet&/ I sai,# CHy ! ther nee,s pr %essi na' 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 ,r ps i!p' ,e# CI/'' te'' y u# :irst& h " , y u '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 en u$h# 2ust as I "as rea,y t 'ea*e t 1 !e here& she !a,e a 1 !!ent n !y ,ress#/ C-hat ,i, she say6/ I as)e,& ' )in$ 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 ab ut# CI "as a'! st at the , r an, then she says& "hy , n/t y u "ear the $ ', ne1)'a1e I $a*e y u % r y u y ur 'ast birth,ay6/ 8riyan)a sai,# CAn, thenJ/ she b*i us'y "asn/t "earin$ any $ ', ne1)'a1e& as !y $aBe turne, t the h '' " % her ne1)& "hi1h I %e't 'i)e t u1hin$# CAn, I "as 'i)e& n ! !& it " n/t $ "ith !y ,ress# ;e'' " !eta' is t ta''y un1 '& n'y aunties "ear it# B !& ne4t thin$ "e are ha*in$ this bi$& ' n$ ar$u!ent# That/s "hat !a,e !e 'ate# 7 rry&/ she sai,# C; u ,i,n/t ha*e t %i$ht# 2ust "ear the 1hain in %r nt % her an, re! *e it 'ater&/ I sai, as the "aiter 1a!e t ta)e ur r,er#

Cbut that/s n t the p int# Any"ays&/ she sai, an, turne, t t eh "aiter& $et !e a p'ate % sa! sas& I/! star*in$# A1tua''y "ait& that is s %attenin$& , y u ha*e a sa'a,6/ The "aiter $a*e us a b'an) ' )# C-here , y u thin) y u are6/ I sai,# Cthis is the Rai' Huseu! 1anteen& n t an Ita'ian bistr # ; u $et "hat y u see#/ CO)ay& )ay&/ she sai,& eyein$ the sta''s# CGet !e the p tat 1hips# N & $et !e the p p1 rn# 8 p1 rn is 'i$hter ri$ht6 7he ' )e, at the "aiter as i% he "as a nutriti nist# C2ust $et the p p1 rn&/ I sai, t the "aiter# C7 & "hat e'se is happenin$6 Het Pr !6/ she sai, CM-as supp se, t & but 1 u',n/t# he ha, a ,ate#/ C-ith "h 6 Ne" $ir'6/ CO% 1 urse# He ne*er sti1)s t ne# I " n,er "hat $ir's see in hi!# A'' h t nes t &/ I sai,# CI 1an/t un,erstan, the ,ea' "ith Pr !# He is the ! st !ateria'isti1 an, une! ti na' pers n I ha*e !et in !y entire 'i%e&/ 8riyan)a sai, as the p p1 rn arri*e, at ur tab'e# CN he isn/t&/ I sai, $rabbin$ ! re p p1 rn than I 1 u', h ',# C-e''& ' ) at hi!5eans& ph nes& 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 p int y u/*e $ t t st p that& ri$ht6/ C-e''& Im happy t sti1) t the ne I ha*e&/ I sai,& !y ! uth *er%' "in$ "ith p p1 rn# C; u are s 1ute&/ 8riyan)a sai,& as she b'ushe, an, s!i'e,# 7he t ) s !e ! re p p1 rn an, stu%%e, it int !y ! uth# CThan)s&/ I sai, as I !un1he, the p p1 rn# CPr ! has 1han$e,# He "asn/t 'i)e this "hen he %irst 5 ine, %r ! his pre*i us 5 b#/ CThe ne at the ne"spaper6/ C;eah& 5 urna'ist trainee# He starte, in 1urrent a%%airs# 0 y u )n " "hat ne % his %a! us pie1es "as 1a''e,6/ CN & "hat6 Oh 1rap&/ 8riyan)a sai,& ' )in$ at s !e ne behin, !e# C-hat happene,6/ CN thin$& 5ust , n/t ' ) ba1)# 7 !e re'ati*es % !ine "ith their pain%u' )i,s are here# Oh n &/ she sai,& ' )in$ , "n at ur tab'e# N " "hen s !e ne te''s y u n t t ' ) at s !ethin$& y u a'"ays %ee' an in1re,ib'e ur$e t , 5ust that# :r ! the 1 rner % !y eye I sa" a %a!i'y "ith t" )i,s at the 1 rner % the r !# C-h e'se , y u e4pe1t t 1 !e here but )i,s6/ I sai,# CAny"ay& they are +uite %ar#/ C7hut up an, ' ) , "n# Any"ay& te'' !e ab ut Pr !/s pie1e&/ she sai,# COh yeah# It "as 1a''e, CWhy ont politi!ians Ever Commit "ui!ide6T/ C-hat6 7 un,s ! rbi,#/

C-e''& the arti1'e sai, a'' )in,s % pe p'e=stu,ents& h use"i*es& business!en& e!p' yees an, e*en %i'! stars1 !!it sui1i,e# But p 'iti1ians ne*er , # That te''s y u s !ethin$#/ C-hat6/ she sai,& sti'' )eepin$ her eyes , "n# C-e''& Pr !/s p int "as that sui1i,e is a h rrib'e thin$ an, pe p'e , it n'y be1ause they are rea''y hurt# This !eans they %ee' s !ethin$# But p 'iti1ians , n/t# 7 & basi1a''y& this 1 untry is run by pe p'e "h , n/t %ee' anythin$#/ C- "( Can/t i!a$ine that $ in$ , "n "e'' "ith his e,it r#/ C; u bet it ,i,n/t# H "e*er& Pr ! ha, snea)e, it in# the e,it r n'y sa" it a%ter it "as printe, an, a'' he'' br )e ' se# Pr ! s !eh " sa*e, his 5 b& but his b sses ! *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,,i1ti n& he ha, , ne a ph t $raphy 1 urse# He 1 u', 1'i1) the pi1tures hi!se'%#/ CC *er 8a$e F be1ause y u are $ , ' )in$6 N " that s un,s ,u!b&/ she sai,# CIt is ,u!b# But Pr ! ' ) his re*en$e there t # He t ) un%'atterin$ pi1tures % the $'itterati%a1es stu%%e, "ith % ,& 1' se=ups % 1e''u'ite thi$hs& ,run) pe p'e thr "in$ upthat s rt % stu%% sh "e, up in papers the ne4t ,ay#/ COh !y G ,&/ 8riyan)a 'au$he,# CHe s un,s 'i)e an a1ti*ist# I 1an/t un,erstan, his s"it1hin$ t the 1a'' 1enter % r ! ney#/ C-e''& a11 r,in$ t hi!& there is a1ti*is! in 1hasin$ ! ney t #/ CAn, h " , es that " r)6/ C-e''& his p int is that the n'y reas n 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$ht# I 1 u', ha*e , ne !y B#E, ri$ht a%ter 1 ''e$e# But I "ante, t sa*e s !e ! ney %irst# Can/t pen !y ,rea! nursery s1h ' "ith ut 1ash# 7 unti' then& it is t" hun,re, 1a''s a ni$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$& h " !ay I he'p y u6 8'ease 'et !e he'p y u6 #leaseG/ I sai,& i!itatin$ an A!eri1an a11ent# 8riyan)a 'au$he, a$ain# C8riyan)a ,i,eeee&/ a %i*e=year ', b y/s * i1e starte, 1ust !ers %r ! their sa! sas# The b y runnin$ t "ar,s 8riyan)a ha, a ! ,e' train set an, a $'ass % % untain 1 )e pre1ari us'y ba'an1e, in his han,s# He ran "ith ut 1 = r,inati n: the e41ite!ent % seein$ 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" an ther three=year= ', $ir' "ith a hu$e ' ''ip p in her ! uth runnin$ t "ar,s us# I ! *e, asi,e %r ! the t rna, t sa*e an ther 1 ''isi n# 7he 'an,e, strai$ht n 8riyan)a/s 'ap# I "ent t the restr ! t 1'ean !y shirt# C7hya!&/ 8riyan)a sai, "hen I returne,& C!eet !y 1 usin& 0r Anura$#/ The entire %a!i'y ha, shi%te, t ur tab'e# 8riyan)a intr ,u1e, !e t e*ery ne# I % r$ t their na!es as s n as I hear, the!# 8riyan)a t ', her , 1t r 1 usin I " r)e, at a 1a'' 1enter# I thin) the 1 usin "as 'ess intereste, in ta')in$ t !e a%ter that# The )i,s ha, eaten ha'% the p p1 rn an, spi't the rest % it# The b y "as runnin$ his ! ,e' train set thr u$h p p1 rn %ie',s n the tab'e an, s1rea!in$ 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 1ha ti1 as a rai'"ay stati n#

NE
COu1h& Esha s1rea! in the !i,,'e % her 1a'' br )e !y train % th u$h an, !e! ries# C-hat6/ I sai,# CI hear, ' u, stati1# Rea''y ba, 'ineG he'' & yes !a,a!& Esha sai,# Ra,hi)a "as )nittin$ s !ethin$ "ith pin) " ' "hi'e she "aite, % r a 1a''# 8e p'e "ere busy& but I 1 u', sense that the 1a'' * 'u!e "as ' "er than usua' t ni$ht# CEe"&/ 8riyan)a sai, %i*e se1 n,s 'ater# C:rea)in$ 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" se1 n,s n "# As) Ba)shi t sen, s !e ne&/ Pr ! sai,& rubbin$ his ear# CI/'' $ t his %%i1e# ; u $uys 1 *er the 1a''s&/ I sai, an, ' )e, at the ti!e# It "as >K:A> p#!# The %irst brea) "as in 'ess than an h ur# I passe, by the trainin$ r ! n !y "ay t Ba)shi/s %%i1e# I per)e, insi,e: %resh trainees "ere atten,in$ a sessi n# 7 !e stu,ents "ere sn Bin$M they "ere pr bab'y sti'' $ettin$ use, t " r)in$ at ni$ht# CFAU>K/& the instru1t r "r te in bi$ b ', 'etters n the b'a1)b ar,# I re!e!bere, the FAU>K ru'e %r ! !y trainin$ ,ays t" years a$ # It he'pe, a$ents a,5ust t their 1a''ers# CRe!e!ber&/ the instru1t r sai, t the 1'ass& Ca thirty=%i*e=year= ', A!eri1an/s brain an, IL is the sa!e as a ten=years= ', In,ian/s brain# This "i'' he'p y u un,erstan, y ur 1'ients# ; u nee, t be as patient as y u are "hen ,ea'in$ "ith a 1hi',# A!eri1ans are ,u!b& 5ust a11ept it# I , n/t "ant any ne ' 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!p ssib'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 pr bab'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$e % r his A/ET b ,y# The *ersiBe, %a1e rese!b'e, the Ra*an 1ut= ut at 0usshera# His %a1e sh ne as usua'# It "as the %irst thin$ y u n ti1e, ab ut Ba)shithe i'%ie',s n his %a1e#

I thin) i% y u 1 u', re1reate Ba)shi/s s)in as ur 'an,s1ape& y u 1 u', s '*e In,ia/s i' pr b'e!# 8riyan)a t ', !e ne that "hen she !et Ba)shi % r the %irst ti!e& she ha, an *er"he'!in$ ur$e t ta)e a tissue an, "ipe it har, a1r ss his %a1e# I , n t thin) ne tissue " u', be en u$h th u$h# Ba)shi "as ar un, thirty but ' )e, % rty an, sp )e 'i)e he "as %i%ty# He ha, " r)e, in C nne4i ns % r the past three years# Be% re that& he ,i, an HBA %r ! s !e unpr n un1eab'e uni*ersity in 7 uth In,ia# He th u$h he "as Hi1hae' 8 rter r s !ethin$ <8 rter 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$ese& "hi1h is an ther 'an$ua$es 'i)e En$'ish an, A!eri1an# C7 & h " are the res ur1es , in$6/ Ba)shi sai,& s"i*e'in$ n his 1hair# He ne*er re%ers t us a pe p'eM "e are a'' Cres ur1es#/ C:ine& sir# I a1tua''y t ta') ab ut a pr b'e!# The ph ne 'ines are n t "a')in$ pr perty' ts % stati1 1 !in$ in the 1a''s# Can y u as) syste!sG/ C:ine& sir# I a1tua''y "ante, t ta') ab ut a pr b'e!# The ph ne 'ines are n t " r)in$ pr pe'y' ts % stati1 1 !in$ in the 1a''s# Can y u as) syste!sG/ C7a!&/ Ba)shi sai,& p intin$ a pen at !e# C;es6/ C-hat ,i, I te'' y u6/ CAb ut "hat6/ CAb ut h " t appr a1h pr b'e!s#/ C-hat6/ CThin)#/ I th u$h har,& but n thin$ 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$ thr u$h n the ph nes an, "e ha, t as) syste!s t %i4 it# I 1 u', ha*e 1a''e, the! !yse'%& but Ba)shi/s inter*enti n " u', $et a %aster resp nse# C7ir& it is a spe1i%i1 issue# Cust !ers are hearin$ ,isturban1eG/ C7a!&/ Ba)shi si$he, an, si$na'e, !e t sit , "n& C"hat !a)es a $ , !ana$er6/ C-hat6/ I sat , "n in %r nt % hi! an, surreptiti us'y ' )e, at !y "at1h# It "as >K:A? p#!# I h pe, the 1a'' %' " "as ! ,erate s the thers " u',n/t ha*e a t u$h ti!e "ith ne 'ess pers n 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 $raph an, turne, the n teb ) hun,re, an, ei$hty ,e$rees t !a)e it %a1e !e# He 1'i1)e, his pen shut "ith a s"a$$er& as pr u, as ,a Pin1i %inishin$ the H na Lisa# C7ir& syste!s6/ I sai,& a%ter stayin$ si'ent % r a %e" se1 n,s# C-ait& %irst y u 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, p ssib'y 1 nne1ti n t the stati1 n the ph ne 'ines# I 1 u',n/t $et it# I sh ) !y hea, in ,e%eat# CT1h=t1h& see 'et !e te'' y u&/ Ba)shi sai,# CThis 1hart is y ur 1areer# I% y u "ant t be ! re seni r& y u ha*e t ! *e up this 1ur*e#/ He put a %in$er n the 1ur*e an, tra1e, it& $ui,in$ !e n h " I sh u', ' ) at !y 'i%e# C;es sir/ I sai, ha*in$ n thin$ better t say# CAn, , y u )n " h " t , thatJ/ I sh ) !y hea,# Pr ! pr bab'y th u$h I "as ut s! )in$# I ,i, %ee' s !e s! )e 1 !in$ ut % !y ears# CBi$ 8i1ture# I 5ust t ', y u % 1us n the bi$ pi1ture# Learn t i,enti%y the strate$i1 *ariab'es& 7a!#/ Be% re I 1 u', spea)& he ha, pu''e, ut his pen a$ain an, "as ,ra"in$ an ther ,ia$ra!#

CHaybe I 1an e4p'ain this t y u "ith the he'p % a @4@ !atri4&/ Ba)shi sai, an, bent , "n t "r te CHi$h an, CL "/ a' n$ the b 4es# I ha, t st p hi!# C7ir p'ease&/ I sai,& p'a1in$ b th !y han,s , "n t 1 *er the sheet# C-hat6/ he sai, "ith irritati n& 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 $ress#/ C7 6/ Ba)shi sai,# CThe ph nes& sir# 8'ease te'' syste!s they sh u', 1he1) the -A7G bay ur$ent'y&/ I sai,& "ith ut 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 p inte, at his te'eph ne 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 ab ut the stati1&/ I sai,# IIs he sen,in$ s !e ne6/ Pr ! as)e, as he untan$'e, his ph ne "ires# CHe sai, I sh u', i,enti%y the strate$i1 *ariab'e %irst&/ I sai, an, sat , "n n !y seat# I reste, !y %a1e n !y han,s# C7trate$i1 *ariab'es6 -hat/s that6/ Pr ! sai,& "ith ut ' )in$ at !e# CH " the he'' , I )n "6/ I sn rte,# 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" se1 n,s& they " u', turn the ph ne a"ay %r ! their ears t a* i, the ' u, stati1# I "ishe, the syste!s $uy " u', 1 !e by s n# C-hat ,ia$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# C8 r Ba)shi& he is 5ust a 'itt'e si''y but a har!'ess 1reature# 0 n/t " rry ab ut hi!&/ Pr ! sai,# C-here the he'' is the syste!s $uy6/ I pi1)e, up the te'eph ne an, sp )e t the syste!s ,epart!ent# They ha, n t yet re1ei*e, a 1a'' %r ! Ba)shi# CCan y u p'ease 1 !e %astGyes& "e ha*e an e!er$en1yGyes& ur !ana$er )n "s ab ut 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 $uys t pr !ise they/, sen, s !e ne ri$ht a"ay# CThin$s are ba, ar un, here& !y %rien,&/ Pr ! sai,# CBa, ne"s !ay be 1 !in$#/ C-hat , y u !ean6 Are they 1uttin$ 5 bs6/ I as)e,& n " a 'itt'e " rrie, an, an4i us& a' n$ "ith bein$ %rustrate,# It/s a!aBin$ h " a'' these nasty e! ti ns ,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 a11 unt is rea''y su%%erin$# I% "e ' se that a11 unt& the 1a'' 1enter "i'' sin)#/ CCrap# I hear, s !ethin$ ab ut it %r ! 7he%a'i# I thin) the "ebsite "e !a,e "as t use%u'# 8e p'e ha*e st ppe, 1a''in$ us&/ I sai,# A *isit r in ur bay interrupte, ur 1 n*ersati n# I )ne" he "as the syste!s $uy& as he ha, three pa$es n his be't an, t" !e! ry 1ar,s ar un, his ne1)# 8riyan)a t ', hi! ab ut the pr b'e! an, !a,e hi! 'isten t the stati1# The syste!s $uy as)e, us t ,is1 nne1t ur 'ines % r ten !inutes# E*ery ne re! *e, their hea,sets# I sa" Esha a,5ustin$ 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$ht=1 ' re, an, intense'y 1ur'y t "ar,s the en,s: the resu't % an e4pensi*e hair sty'in$ 5 b& "hi1h 1 st as !u1h as a !in r sur$ery#

It ,i,n/t e*en ' ) that ni1e i% y u as) !e# Natura''y 1ur'y hair is ne thin$& but pr 1esse, 1ur'y hair ' )s 'i)e tan$'e, te'eph ne "ires# I sa" Pr ! stare at Esha# It is ne*er easy % r $uys t " r) "ith a h t $ir' in %%i1e# I !ean& "hat are y u supp se, t , 6 I$n re their se4iness an, stare at y ur 1 !puter6 7 rry& 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 )n t %ranti1a''y Hi'itary 9n1'e/s syste! "as sti'' " r)in$ an, s !eh " $'ue, t his ! nit r# C-hat are y u )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 n t s"eetC Pr ! be$an t say but Ra,hi)a interrupte, hi!# C7hh Pr !# 7he is %ine& 5ust tra,iti na'#/ CAn, that su1)s& ri$ht6 Pr ! sai,# CN t at a''# In %a1t& I 'i)e the 1 By %a!i'y %ee'in$# They are n'y a 'itt'e bit ',=%ashi ne,&/ Ra,hi)a sai, an, s!i'e,# I ,i, n t thin) the s!i'e "as $enuine& but it "as n ne % !y business# C;eah ri$ht# On'y a 'itt'e# As in a'"ays 1 *er y ur hea, "ith y ur sari types&/ Pr ! sai,# CThey !a)e y u 1 *er y ur hea,6/ Esha as)e,& spea)in$ thr u$h teeth 1'en1he, ar un, her rubber ban,# CThey , n/t ma$e !e , anythin$& Esha# I a! "i''in$ t % '' " their 1u'ture# A'' !arrie, " !en in their h use , 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 y u " 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) th se 5eans6/ Esha sai,& her eyes 'i$htin$ up# CI ' *e the!# But I $uess y u nee, the ri$ht %i$ure % r the!&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# CAny"ays& s rry t 1han$e the t pi1 $uys& but "e/re % r$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 r un,s s n# CN t 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 se1 n,& an, then "ent ba1) t " r)# I " n,ere, i% he/, been this +uiet "hen he 'i*e, "ith his s n an, ,au$hter=in='a"#

CO)ay I , ha*e s !ethin$ t te'' y u&/ 8riyan)a sai, "ith a sheepish $rin& !a)in$ her t" ,i!p'es ! re pr !inent# 7he br u$ht ut a b 4 % s"eets %r ! her 'ar$e p'asti1 ba$# C-hate*er y ur ne"s is& "e , $et t eat the s"eets& ri$ht6 Pr ! "ante, t )n "# CO% 1 urse&/ 8riyan)a sai,& 1are%u''y penin$ the re, 1e'' phane "rappin$ n the b 4# I hate it "hen she is s !eth ,i1a'# 2ust trip the ,a!n "rappin$ %%& I th u$ht# Any"ay& it "as n t !y business# I ' )e, un,er the tab'e % r a %e" se1 n,s& as i% t he'p the syste!s $uy# O% C urse& !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'' y u& but y u $uys ha*e t s"ear it " n/t 'ea*e -A7G&/ 8riyan)a sai,# 7he %%ere, the b 4 t Ra,hi)a an, Esha# Ra,hi)a t ) t" pie1es& "hi'e Esha br )e the tiniest pie1e p ssib'e "ith hu!an %in$ers# I $uess the ' "=1ut 5eans %i$ure 1 !es at a pri1e# CO% 1 urse "e " n/t te'' any ne# I har,'y ha*e any %rien,s utsi,e the -A7G# N " te'' p'ease&/ Esha sai, an, "ipe, her ' n$ %in$ers "ith a tissue# C-e''& 'et/s 5ust say& !y ! ! is the happier pers n n earth t ,ay&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CN ri,,'es !an# 2ust te'' an, the st ry&/ Pr ! sai,# C-e''& y u )n " !y ! ! an, her bsessi n % r an NRI !at1h % r her rebe''i us ,au$hter#/ C9h=uh& Ra,hi)a n ,,e, as she ate her !i') 1a)e# C7 these %a!i'y %rien,s % urs br u$ht a pr p sa' % 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 $uy n the ph nehe s un,e, ,e1ent# He " r)s in Hi1r s %ts is , in$ "e''# His parents are in 0e'hi an, I !et the! t ,ay# Ni1e pe p'e&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, pause, t brea) a pie1e % r herse'%# 7he 1 u', ha*e br )en a s!a''er pie1e& I th u$ht& but it "as n t rea''y !y business# CAn,&/ Esha sai,& her eyes pene, "i,e an, startin$ 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 ,e1isi n up%r nt an, I sai,yes#/ C-aaa "( Oh " "(/ the $ir's s1rea!e, at their hi$hest pit1h p ssib'e# The syste! $uy sh ) in terr r un,er the tab'e# I t ', hi! e*erythin$ "as %ine an, as)e, hi! t 1 ntinue# At 'east e*erythin$ "as %ine utsi,e# Insi,e& I ha, a burnin$ %ee'in$& 'i)e s !e ne ha, t sse, a h t 1 a' 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$# 8e p'e $et !arrie, e*ery,ay# 0i, these $ir's rea''y ha*e t 1reate a s1ene6 I "ishe, the ph nes " u', start " r)in$ a$ain s I ,i, n t ha*e t 'isten t his n nsense# I ' )e, at !y 1 !puter s1reen an, sa" that Hi1r s %t - r, "as pen# An$ri'y I 1' se, a'' "in, "s "ith the Hi1r s %t ' $ n it#

CC n$ratu'ati ns& 8riyan)a&/ Pr ! sai,& Cthat/s bi$ 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 y un$ pe p'e ,e1i,e t $et !arrie,# O% 1 urse& he "as ba1) at his ,es) in t"enty se1 n,s# CThis ,eser*es ! re than !i') 1a)e# -here is ur treat6/ Esha as)e,# Gir's 'i)e Esha har,'y eat anythin$& but sti'' 5u!p ar un, 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 $uy6/ Pr ! sai,# CN & he/s in 7eatt'e# But "e sp )e % r h urs n the ph ne# An, I ha*e seen his pi1ture# He is 1ute# -ant t see the ph t 6/ 8riyan)a sai,# CN than)s&/ I b'urte, ut in re%'e4# 0a!n& I 1 u', n t be'ie*e I/, sai, that by sheer 'u1)& I ha, n t sai, it ' u, en u$h % r 8riyan)a t hear# CHuh6 ; u sai, s !ethin$6/ 8riyan)a as)e,& ' )in$ at !e# I sh ) !y hea, an, p inte, un,er the tab'e# ;es& !y n'y % 1us "as t %i4 the ph nes# C0 y u "ant s !e !i') 1a)e6/ 8riyan)a as)e, an, shunte, the b 4 t "ar,s !e# CN & than)s&/ I sai, an, s'i, the b 4 ba1)# CI th u$ht !i') 1a)e "as y ur %a* rite#/ CN t any! re# Hy tastes ha*e 1han$e,&/ I sai,# CAn, I/! tryin$ t 1ut , "n#/ CN t e*e n a s!a'' pie1e6/ she as)e, an, tit'e, her hea,# At s !e sta$e % !y 'i%e& I sue, t %in, that hea,=ti't 1ute& but t ,ay I re!aine, a,a!ant# I sh ) !y hea,# Our eyes ' 1)e,# -hen y u ha*e share, a re'ati nship "ith s !e ne& the %irst 1han$e is in h " y u ' ) int ea1h ther/s eyes# The $aBe be1 !es ! re %i4e,& an, it is har, t pu'' a"ay %r ! it# CAren/t y u $ in$ t say anythin$6/ 8riyan)a sai,# -hen $ir's say that& it/s n t rea''y a +uesti n# It !eans they want y u t say s !ethin$# CAb ut "hat6 The ph ne 'ines6 They/'' be %i4e, in ten !inutes&/ I sai,# CN t 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 pr p sa' 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 ph t $raph %r ! her han,ba$ an, passe, it ar un,# 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)$r un,& 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 t ta' ' ser i% y u 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 h t& an, $ir's "ith ,i!p'es "ere rea,y t !arry hi! "ith ut e*en !eetin$ 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 $et t s'eep "ith any ne# 9n'ess % 1 urse their ! !s hunt the nei$hb rh , % r the!# CAre y u )ay6/ 8riyan)a sai, t !e# The thers "ere busy ana'yBin$ the pi1ture# C;eah# -hy6/ CN # 5ust e4pe1te, a 'itt'e ! re rea1ti n# -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# CRea1ti n6/ I sai,# CI/! th u$ht I sai, good#/ CThat/s a''6/ 8riyan)a sai,# Her s!i'e ha, 'e%t the bui',in$# C-hat6/ I sai,# CI/! busy tryin$ t $et the syste! %i4e,#/ E*ery ne 1 ntinue, t stare at !e# CO)ay&/ I sai,& C )ay& 8riyan)a# This is great ne"s# I a! so happy % r y u# %$ay6/ C; u 1 u', ha*e use, a better t ne&/ 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*ery ne starin$ at !e6/ I sai, an, e*ery ne 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 pr b'e! 1 u', be utsi,e# Bui',ers are ,i$$in$ a'' *er Gur$a n ri$ht n "& s !e stupi, 1 ntra1t r !ay ha*e ,u$ *er ur 'ines# 2ust ta)e a brea) "hi'e I 1 !e ba1)# Ca'' y ur !ana$er here as "e''&/ he sai, an, 'e%t# I pi1)e, up the te'eph ne t 1a'' Ba)shi# The 'ine "as busy# I 'e%t a * i1e !ai' % r hi! t 1 !e t the ,es)# 8riyan)a returne, %r ! the restr !# I n ti1e, she ha, "ashe, her %a1e# Her n se sti'' has a ,r p % "ater n t p % it# C7 un,s 'i)e an easy ni$ht# I h pe it ne*er $ets %i4e,&/ Ra,hi)a sai,& )n ttin$ %er 1i us'y# CN thin$ better than a 1a'' 1enter 5 b i% the ph nes are n t " r)in$&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, 1' se, the b 4 % s"eets# C7 te'' us ! re& "hat is he 'i)e6/ Esha sai,# C-h 6 Ganesh6/ 8riyan)a as)e,# CHis na!e is Ganesh6 Ni1e&/ Esha sai, an, s"it1he, n her ! bi'e ph ne# E*ery ne e'se % '' "e, suit an, se*era' penin$ t nes %i''e, the r !# N r!a''y a$ents 1 u', n t use 1e'' ph nes 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$ht& an, an ther ne "ishin$ !e s"eet ,rea!s an, a 1u,,'y ni$ht# I 1rin$e,# C0 es 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 ph ne is n&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, s!i'e,# C-e/re sti'' $ettin$ t )n " ea1h ther& s any 1 !!uni1ati ns $ ,#/ C; u s un, sooo happy&/ Esha sai,# Her Cs / 'aste, % ur se1 n,s# CI am happy# I 1an see "hat Ra,hi)a says n " ab ut $ettin$ 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#/ C7 un,s $r ss&/ Pr ! sai,# C7hut up& Pr !&/ Esha sai,# COh 8riyan)a& y u/re s 'u1)y#/ Pr ! sense, that I "as n t e4a1t'y 5u!pin$ "ith 5 y at the 1 n*ersati n# 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$s t sti1)in$ ar un, t %in, ut Ganesh/s h bbies#

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& y u/, say he "as a stu,# 7ti''& a 1i$arette ' )e, ut % p'a1e n his b yish %a1e# 8erhaps 1 ns1i us % the pe p'e "h ha, 1a''e, hi! Baby :a1e be% re& he a'"ays )ept a ne=,ay ', stubb'e# He passe, an a'rea,y burnin$ 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' t pi1# 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 y u buts& y u/'' %reeBe t ,eath#/ CT" " r,s: 'eather 5a1)ets# Any"ay& "hen ,i, y u $ there6/ CLast year# -e t ) a bus th u$h&/ I sai,# C-h a'' "ent6/ Pr ! sai, as he ' )e, % r a p'a1e t %'i1) ash# He % un, n ne# He steppe, t a 1 rner % the par)in$ ' 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, n t resp n, either % r ten se1 n,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=sn b phase& s she insiste, "e ta)e the r,inary s' " bus an, n t the ,e'u4e %ast ne# 7he a's ante, t en5 y the s1enery s' "'y#/ CAn, then6/ Then "hat6 The ! !ent the bus rea1he, the hi$h"ay& she 'earne, n !y sh u',er an, s'ept %%# Hy sh u',er 1ra!pe, an, !y b ,y turne, s re# But apart %r ! that h rrib'e 5 urney& 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$# C7he is# ; u sh u', ha*e seen her then# 7he use, t "ear a'' these bea,s an, :abIn,ia stu%% a'' the ti!e# An, then she/, sit "ith the tru1) ,ri*ers an, ha*e tea#/ C- "# Can/t i!a$ine 8riyan)a 'i)e that n "&/ Pr ! sai,# CTrust !e& the $ir' has a "i', si,e&/ I sai, an, pause,& as her %a1e 1a!e t !in,# CAny"ay& it/s hist ry n "# Gir's 1han$e#/ C; u bet# 7he/'' a'' set n "#/ I n ,,e,# I ,i,n/t "ant t ta') ab ut 8riyan)a any! re# At 'east ne part % !e ,i,n/t# The rest % !y parts a'"ays "ante, t ta') ab ut her#

CNRI 1at1h& Hi1r s %t an, a''# N t ba,&/ Pr ! 1 ntinue, as he 'it an ther 1i$arette# I narr "e, !y eyes at hi!# C-hat6/ he sai,# It/s in !y ,ai'y +u ta# 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#/ CN t theat# 8riyan)a/s "e,,in$# 0 n/t y u thin) she is ,e1i,in$ t %ast6/ C:ast6 C/! n !an& y u , n/t $et !at1hes 'i)e this e*ery,ay# He is in %rea)in$ Hi1r s %t# As $ , as they $et# He is H7 Gr ! >#>,e'u4e e,iti n#/ C-hat is the ,ea' "ith Hi1r s %t6 G , 5 b6/ C0u,e& I/! sure he pa1)s 1' se t a hun,re, $ran, a year#/ C-hat is that6 A hun,re, th usan, 97 , ''ars a year6/ Pr ! n ,,e,# I trie, t 1 n*ert hun,re, th usan, 97 , ''ars t rupees an, ,i*i,e it by t"e'*e t $et the ! nth'y sa'ary# There "ere t !any Ber s an, it "as a t u$h 1a'1u'ati n t , in !y hea,# I ra1)e, !y brain % r a %e" se1 n,s# C7t p 1a'1u'atin$ in rupees&/ Pr ! sai, an, s!i'e,# CI/! n t , in$ any 1a'1u'ati ns#/ C8riyan)a/s $ t a 1at1h# I/! te''in$ y u&/ Pr ! repeate,# He pause, an, ' )e, at !e# His eyes "ere "et 'i)e a puppy/s br "n an, )in, t ' ) at# I 1 u', see "hy $ir's %' 1)e, t hi!# It "as the eyes# CI/! $ in$ t as) y u a +uesti n# -i'' y u ans"er it h nest'y6/ Pr ! sai,# C7ure#/ CAre y u upset she is $ettin$ !arrie,6 I )n " y u 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 str n$ a " r,# It is n t 'i)e "e/re $ in$ ar un, n " r anythin$# N sir& I a! n t upset#/ Pr ! "aite, "hi'e I 1 ntinue, t 'au$h e4a$$erate,'y# -hen I/, st ppe, he sai,& CO)ay& , n/t bu''shit !e# -hat happene, t y ur re=pr p sa' p'ans6/ I re!aine, si'ent# It/s )ay !an# ; u 1an te'' !e#/ I si$he,& C-e''& % 1 urse I %ee' % r her# But they are 5ust *esti$ia' %ee'in$s#/ CPesti "hat6/ CLi)e *esti$ia' r$ans# They ser*e n purp se r *a'ue# But they 1an $i*e y u a pain in the appen,i4# 7a!e "ith !y %ee'in$s % r 8riyan)a# I/! supp se, t ha*e ! *e, n& but b*i us'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# 0 n/t te'' !e y u/re n t $ in$ t &/ Pr ! sai, an, e4ha'e, t" s! )e rin$s# CI "as p'annin$ t rea' s n# I th u$h "e/, sub!it the "ebsite user !anua' an, h pe%u''y that " u', ha*e !a,e it easier % r B st n t appr *e

!y pr ! ti n# H " ,i, I )n " there " u', be !i') 1a)e ,istributi n t ni$ht6 H " "as it by the "ay6 I ,i,n/t t u1h it#/ CHi') 1a)e "as $reat# Ne*er su') "hen % , is at stab'e ,u,e# Any"ays& s1re" that# Listen& y u sti'' ha*e s !e ti!e# 7he has n'y sai, yes#/ CI h pe s # Th u$h e*en as tea! 'ea,er& it/s har, t 1 !pete "ith Hr Hi1r s %t&/ I sai,# -e re!aine, si'ent % r a %e" ! re se1 n,s# Pr ! sp )e a$ain# C;eah !an& Gir's are strate$i1# They/'' ta)e ab ut ' *e an, r !an1e an, a''& that 1rapbut "hen it 1 !es t , in$ the ,ea'& they "i'' 1h se 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& n t a %at 1hi1)en&/ I sai,# C;eah& y u nee, t be %ar& %resh an, %'u%%y# Gir's )n " their stu%%# That/s "hy y u sh u',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$ree "ith Pr ! th u$h# It "as e* 'uti n# Haybe nature "ante, ,i!p'e=1hee)e,& s %t"are=$ee)& !ini=Ganesh babies# They "ere % %ar ! re *a'ue t s 1iety than ,epresse,& $ ,=% r=n thin$ 5uni r 7hya!s# CAn, any"ay& it/s the $ir' "h a'"ays $ets t 1h se# Hen pr p se an, " !en a11ept the pr p sa' r& as in !any 1ases& re5e1t it#/ It/s true# Gir's $ ar un, 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 reas n % r this is that the %e!a'e % the spe1ies has t beat their %%sprin$ "ith a ' t % e%% rt# Hen1e they 1h se their !ates 1are%u''y# Hean"hi'e& !en ,an1e ar un,& spen, 1ash& !a)e the! 'au$h& "rite stupi, p e!s& anythin$ t "in the! *er# The n'y spe1ies "here 1 urtin$ " r)s in re*erse is the sea h rse# Instea, % the %e!a'es& the !a'e sea h rse bears the %%sprin$: they 1arry baby sea h rse e$$s in their p 1)ets# Guess "hat6 The %e!a'e sea h rses are a'"ays hittin$ n the !a'es& "hi'e the 'atter pu1)er their n ses an, $et t pi1) the 1utest %e!a'e# I "ishe, i% I "ere a sea h rse# H " har, 1an it be t 1arry a 1 up'e % e$$s in a ba1)pa1)6 Pr ! interrupte, !y th u$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 $et her ba1)&/ Pr ! sai, an, patte, !y sh u',er in en1 ura$e!ent# C7pea)in$ % ba1)& sh u',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 s un,e, 'i)e a n isy s1h '& e41ept the )i,s "eren/t ta')in$ t ea1h ther& but t 1ust !ers# H nit r pr b'e!& *iruses& stran$e err r !essa$ethere "as n thin$ C nne4i ns 1 u', n t he'p y u "ith# C7ti'' ' )s busy&/ I sai,#

CN t at a''# 8e p'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'' pe p'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 p r'y !ana$e, !a,h use , "n# -hat e'se6 That is "hat happens "hen pe p'e 'i)e Ba)shi spen, ha'% their ti!e p'ayin$ p 'iti1s "ith ther !ana$ers&/ Pr ! sai,# He sp tte, a $ , ' )in$ $ir' in the -estern C !puters bay an, p inte, her ut t !e# CC' se , "n(/ I sai,& a%ter stu,yin$ the pretty $ir' % r ha'% a se1 n,# CAre y u seri us& "hat "i'' happen t the hun,re,s % 5 bs here6/ CLi)e they 1are# ; u thin) Ba)shi 1ares6/ Pr ! sai, an, shru$$e, his 'an)y sh u',ers# CCrap happens in 'i%e# It 1 u', happen t ni$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 seni r en$ineer&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CIt/s an e4terna' %au't# 7 !e 1ab'es are ,a!a$e, I thin)# Gur$a n is $ in$ nuts "ith 1 nstru1ti ns&/ 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 n t t ba,# Ni1e brea)&/ Esha sai, as she %i'e, her nai's "ith a "eir,'y shape, nai' 1utter# 8riyan)a/s 1e'' ph ne be$an t run$ start'in$ e*ery ne# C-h is 1a''in$ y u s 'ate6/ Ra,hi)a sai,& sti'' )nittin$ her s1ar%#/ CL n$ ,istan1e I thin)&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, s!i'e,# CO h(/ Esha s+uea'e,& 'i)e a t" =year= ', n a b un1e 1ast'e# -hat is the bi$ ,ea' ab ut a ' n$ ,istan1e ph ne 1a''6 I th u$ht# CHi Ganesh# I 5ust s"it1he, !y ph ne n&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CI 1an/t be'ie*e y u 1a''e, s s n#/ I 1 u', n t hear Ganesh/s resp nse# Than) G ,# C:i%teen ti!es6 I 1an/t be'ie*e y u trie, !y nu!ber %i%teen ti!esGs s rry&/ 8riyan)a sai,& ' )in$ i,i ti1 "ith happiness# C;es I/! at " r)# But it/s rea''y 1ha ti1 t ,ay# 7yste!s are , "nG He'' 6### H " 1 !e y u/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 ph ne as i% that " u', i!pr *e the re1epti n# I %e't 'i)e sha)in$ her# C-e/re in the base!ent# N thin$ 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,& p intin$ t the spare ph ne n ne ,es)# E*ery tea! in C nne4i ns 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!issi n# N r!a''y this " u', be unthin)ab'e& but ur syste!s "ere , "n s it ,i, n t rea''y !atter# A's & I ,i, n t "ant t ' ) 'i)e a s re ' ser pre*entin$ a ne" 1 up'e %r ! startin$ their r !an1e# I n ,,e, an, preten,e, t be abs rbe, by !y 1 !puter s1reen# As the a,=h 1 tea! 'ea,er& I ha, s !e p "ers# I 1 u', appr *e any pers na' 1a''s# I 1 u', a's 'isten in n any 'ine n the ,es) n !y hea,set# H "e*er& I 1 u', n t 'isten in n the in,epen,ent e!er$en1y ph ne# N t un'ess# I "ent un,er the tab'e an, tappe, it# C&ap the landline&/ a %aint * i1e e1h e, in !y hea,# CN & it/s "r n$&/ I sai, an, !enta''y repri!an,e, !yse'%# I 1 u', sti'' hear ne si,e % the 1 n*ersati n th u$h#

CHe'' G Ganesh& 1a'' the 'an,'ineG yes @@DEFDF an, >>& % r 0e'hiG Ca'' a%ter ten !inutes& ur b ss !i$ht 1 !e n his r un,s s nG I )ne" ten !inutes is si4 hun,re, se1 n,s& I/! sure y u/'' sur*i*e& she 'au$he, un1 ntr ''ab'y an, hun$ up# -hen " !en 'au$h n n=st p& they/re %'irtin$# I hate 8riyan)a# CHe s un,s s !ute&/ Esha sai,& stret1hin$ the 'ast " r, t %i*e ti!es its n r!a' 'en$th# CEn u$h is en u$h& I/! $ in$ t 1a'' Ba)shi# -e nee, t %i4 the syste!s&/ I sai, an, st , up# I 1 u',n/t bear the syste!s $uy 'ur)in$ un,er the tab'e any! re# H re than that& I 1 u', n t bear si4=hun,re,=se1 n,s="ith ut=y u sur*i*a' st ries# I "as "a')in$ t "ar,s Ba)shi/s %%i1e "hen I n ti1e, hi! "a')in$ t "ar,s !e# CA$ent 7a!& "hy aren/t y u n y ur ,es)6/ Ba)shi sai,# CI "as ' )in$ % r y u sir&/ I sai,# CI/! a'' y urs&/ Ba)shi sai, as his %a1e br )e int a s!i'e# He 1a!e an, p'a1e, his ar! ar un, !y sh u',er# I hate it "hen he , es that# Ba)shi an, I returne, t -A7G# E*ery ne hear, the s un, % Ba)shi/s hea*y steps# Ra,hi)a hi, her )nittin$ $ear un,er the tab'e# Esha p ut her nai' %i'e in her ba$# 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 b ss& 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 s n a%ter# He an, the syste!s $uy ,is1usse, $ee) stu%% bet"een the!se'*es in s =1a''e, En$'ish# -hen the ,is1ussi ns "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 1 u', n t 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 , y u "ant us t , 6/ the IT hea, as)e,# A'' eyes turne, t Ba)shi& it "as a situati n Ba)shi hate,t be as)e, t ta)e a ,e1isi n r re1 !!en, a1ti n# CH!!!&/ Ba)shi sai, an, %'e4e, his )nees& )nee by s' " )nee& t buy ti!e# C-e rea''y nee, a !eth ,i1a' $a!e p'an here#/ C-e 1an shut , "n the -A7G syste! t ni$ht# -estern C !puters !ain bay is runnin$ %ine any"ay&/ the 5uni r IT $uy su$$este,# CBut& -A7G has ne ' st a'' its 1apa1ity# B st n " 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 B st n# CH!!!&/ Ba)shi sai, a$ain an, presse, a s"eaty pa'! n !y ,es)# C9psettin$ B st n "i'' n t be $ , at this ti!e# -e are a'rea,y n a s'ippery s' pe at C nne4i ns# Let/s try t be pr a1ti*e'y riente, here#/

Pr ! 1 u',n/t resist a sni$$er at Ba)shi/s 5ar$ n# He ' )e, a"ay an, 1'en1he, his teeth# C7ir& 1an I !a)e a su$$esti n&/ I sai,& e*en th u$h I sh u', ha*e )ept !y trap shut# C-hat6/ Ba)shi sai,# C-e 1 u', ta)e Ban$a' re/s he'p&/ I sai,& re%errin$ t the ' 1ati n % the se1 n, -estern App'ian1es an, C !puters 1a'' 1enter in In,ia# CBan$a' re6/ Ba)shi an, the IT hea, sai, in unis n# C;es sir# It is than)s$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'' $et busier % r the!& but it " n/t *er' a, the!# Hean"hi'e& "e 1an han,'e a 'i!ite, %' " here&/ I sai,# CThat !a)es sense# -e 1an easi'y s"it1h the %' " % r a %e" h urs# -e 1an %i4 the syste!s here in the ! rnin$&/ the 5uni r IT $uy sai,# CThat/s %ine&/ I sai,# CAn, pe p'e "i'' start their Than)s$i*in$ ,inner in the 7tates s n& s 1a'' * 'u!es "i'' %a'' e*en ! re#/ E*ery ne n the ,es) ' )e, at !e an, n ,,e,# 7e1ret'y they "ere thri''e, at the easy shi%t t ni$ht# Ba)shi& h "e*er& ha, %a''en int si'ent 1 nte!p'ati n# C7ir& y u hear, "hat 7hya! sai,# Let/s as) Ban$a' re# That is ur n'y pti n&/ 8riyan)a sai,# Ba)shi re!aine, si'ent an, p n,ere, % r a %e" ! re se1 n,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, e4pressi n# I " n,ere, "hat Ba)shi "as ta')in$ ab ut# -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 5uni r IT $uy be$an& but Ba)shi interrupte, hi!# 8 r 5uni r IT $uy& he isn/t %a!i'iar "ith Ba)shi/s "ays# C7ee& it s un,s unusua'& but s !eti!es y u ha*e t , ut= %=the=b 4 thin)in$# Ba)shi sai, an, tappe, his hea, in se'%=a,!inistrati n# C;es sir&/ I sai,# CThat is a $ , i,ea# -e ha*e it a'' s rte, 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 h ur# -e "ere *er5 ye,& but )ept a strai$ht %a1e be% re Ba)shi# C7ee& pr b'e! s '*e,&/ Ba)shi sai, an, sprea, his han,s# CThat is "hat I/! here % r#/ CLu1)y us& sir&/ 8riyan)a sai,# -e th u$ht Ba)shi " u', 'ea*e& but he ha, ther p'ans# C7hya!& as y u are %ree t ni$ht& 1an y u he'p !e "ith s !e strate$i1 , 1u!ents6 ; u )n "& it "i'' $i*e y u s !e e4p sure#/

C-hat is it& 7ir6/ I sai,& n t happy ab ut sa1ri%i1in$ !y ni$ht# CThese are ten 1 pies % the ! nth'y ,ata sheets I 5ust printe, ut&/ Ba)shi sai, an, he', up s !e , 1u!ents in his ri$ht han,# C: r s !e reas n 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 y u he'p %i4 this6/ C; u ,i,n/t 1 ''ate the!# ; u 1an 1h se the pti n "hen y u print&/ Pr ! sai,# C; u 1an 1h se t 1 ''ate6/ Ba)shi as)e,& as i% "e/, t ', hi! ab ut an pti n % r brain transp'ants# C;e&/ Pr ! sai, an, t ) s !e 1he"in$ $u! %r ! his ,ra"er# He p ppe, a pie1e int his ! uth# CAny"ay& it is easier t ta)e ne print ut an, ph t 1 py the est# 1 !es ut stap'e, t #/ CI nee, t up$ra,e !y te1hni1a' s)i''s# Te1hn ' $y 1han$es s %ast&/ Ba)shi sai,# CBut 7hya!& 1an y u he'p arran$e an, stap'e the! this ti!e6/ C7ure&/ I sai,# As i% I ha, a 1h i1e# Ba)shi ,u!pe, the sheets n !y tab'e an, 'e%t the r !# 8riyan)a ' )e, at !e "ith her ! uth pen# C-hat6/ I sai,# CI 1an/t be'ie*e it&/ 7he sh ) her hea,# C-hy , y u 'et hi! , this t y u6/ CC/! n 8riyan)a& 'ea*e 7hya! a' ne# Ba)shi runs his 'i%e&/ Pr ! sai,# CE4a1t'y# Be1ause he 'ets hi!# -hy 1an/t pe p'e stan, up % r the!se'*es6/ I , n/t )n " "hy I 1an/t stan, up % r !yse'%& but I ,e%inite'y 1an/t stan, 8riyan)a/s rhet ri1a' +uesti ns# 7he , esn/t un,erstan, the p int& an, then as)s the " r', ut a' u,# I trie, t i$n re 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 ab ut t stap'e the! "hen Pr ! sai,& He 1an/t ta)e n Ba)shi ri$ht n "# N t at this ti!e& 8riyan)a& they are in the ! , t %ire pe p'e#/ C;es than)s Pr !# Can s !e ne e4p'ain rea'ity6 I nee, t !a)e a 'i*in$# I , n/t ha*e Hr Hi1r s %t 8 "er8 int "aitin$ % r !e in 7eatt'e&/ I sai, an, presse, the stap'er har,# I !isse, an, stap'e pin pier1e, !y %in$er# CO""(/ I s1rea!e, ' u, en u$h t upr t 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 1 up'e % ,r ps sp'it nt Ba)shi/s , 1u!ent# The $ir's s+uea'e, Cee"s/ in rapi, su11essi n# C7y!b 'is!& ,u,e# Gi*in$ y ur 'i%e b' , t this 5 b&/ Pr ! sai,# CCan s !e ne $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 $ir's 1a!e up an, surr un,e, e# -estern ' *e t repair an in5uryas ' n$ as it is n t t $r ss# CThat/s ba,&/ Esha sai,& ta)in$ ut a ban,=ai, %r ! her ba$# 7he ha, 'i)e %i%ty % the!# CIt/s n thin$# 2ust a !in r 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' , ar un, it# COu1h(/ I s1rea!e,# COh& the stap'e is sti'' in there&/ she sai,# C-e nee, % r1eps# : r1eps any ne6/ 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 en u$h t !a)e a sur*i*a' )it % r Antar1ti1a# 8riyan)a he', the % r1eps an, "ent t " r) !y %in$er "ith a sur$e n/s 1 n1entrati n# CHere/s the 1u'prit&/ she sai, as she pu''e, ut a stap'e pin ,ren1he, in b' ,# I s"ear& e*er sin1e I/*e ,e*e' pe, a %ear % stap'estap' ph bia& y u 1an 1a'' it# 8riyan)a "ipe, !y %i$ure an, then stru1) the ban,=ai, n it# -ith n ! re %un& b' ,y si$hts t see& e*ery ne returne, t their seats# I "ent ba1) t 1 ''atin$ sheets# 8erhaps !y abi'ities rea''y ,i, 'ie in !in,'ess 'ab r# Esha an, Ra,hi)a be$an ta')in$ ab ut Ba)shi# CHe ha, n i,ea "hat IT "as sayin$&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# C;eah& but ,i, y u see his %a1e6/ Esha sai,# CHe ' )e, 'i)e he "as , in$ a CBI in*esti$ati n#/ I ' )e, at 8riyan)a# The " r, CBI br u$ht ba1) !e! ries# E*en as I 1 ''ati n Ba)shi/s sheets& !y !in, ,ri%te, t 8an,ara R a,#

N>K Hy 8ast 0ates "ith 8riyan)aII

Ha*e! re Restaurant& 8an,ara R a, Nine ! nths be% re this ni$ht C7hya!&/ 8riyan)a sai, as she trie, t push !e a"ay# CThis is n t the p'a1e t , these thin$s# This is 8an,ara R a,#/ COh rea''y&/ I sai,& re%usin$ t ! *e a"ay# -e "ere sittin$ n a 1 rner tab'e# A 1ar*e, " ,en s1reen partia''y hi, us# C-hat/s "r n$ "ith 8an,ara R a,6/ I sai,& 1 ntinuin$ 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& y u 1h se this p'a1e# I h pe the % , is as $ , as y u 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 R a,# -e ha, , ne en u$h !useu!s# A%ter the Rai' Huseu!& "e ha, $ ne t the 8'anetariu! <the ,ar) e!pty theatre "ith its r !anti1 p ssibi'ities "as %un& I a,!it.& the Natura' Hist ry Huseu!& the 0 '' Huseu! an, the 71ien1e !useu!# A11 r,in$ t 8riyan)a& !useu! %%ere, $ , pri*a1y& $reat $ar,ens an, 1heap 1anteens# CA hun,re, an, thirty bu1)s % r ,aa'/ 8riyan)a e41'ai!e, as she pene, the !enu# Her ) h'='ine, eyes e4pressi n % a stunne, 1art n 1hara1ter# It "as e!barrassin$& 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=s rt the 1heaper nes base, n 1a' ries# COne naan& n butter# ;e'' " ,aa'&/ she sai, as I $'are, at her# CO)ay& n t ye'' "& b'a1) ,aa'&/ she sai,# CAn,G/ CAn, ne shahi paneer&/ I sai,# C; u a'"ays r,er the sa!e thin$& b'a1) ,aa' an, shahi paneer&/ she !a,e a %a1e# C;es& sa!e $ir'& sa!e % ,# -hy b ther e4peri!entin$ "hen y u 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$ar= ni n %r ! the tab'e# Har,'y r !anti1& but I 'i)e, it# 7he ! *e, he han, a"ay +ui1)'y "hen she sa" a %a!i'y bein$ 'e, t the tab'e a,5a1ent t us# The %a!i'y 1 nsiste, % a y un$ !arrie, 1 up'e& their

'itt'e ,au$hters an, an ', 'a,y# The ,au$hters "ere t"ins& pr bab'y % ur years ',# The entire %a!i'y ha, ! r se %a1es an, n ne sai, a " r, t ea1h ther# I " n,ere, "hy they ha, 1 !e ut "hen they 1 u', be $ru!py % r %ree at h !e# CAny"ay&/ 8riyan)a sai,& C"hat/s the ne"s6/ CN t !u1h& Pr ! an, I are busy "ith the tr ub'esh tin$ "ebsite#/ CC '& h "/s it 1 !in$ a' n$6/ CRea''y "e''# N thin$ %an1y th u$h: the best "ebsites are si!p'e# Pr ! e*en 1he1)e, ut !any sites !eant % r !enta''y han,i1appe, pe p'e# He sai, i% "e 1an ! ,e' it n su1h "ebsites# A!eri1ans "i'' sure'y be ab'e t use it#/ CThey/re n t that ,u!b&/ 8riyan)a 'au$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 t re a pie1e % !y naan an, ,ippe, it in the ,aa'# CI a$ree the pe p'e "h 1a'' us are pretty thi1)# I/! 'i)e%i$ure ut "here the p "er butt n is& he'' J/ she sai,# 7he put !i1r =p rti ns % % , n her p'ate# CEat pr per'y&/ I sai,# C7t p ,ietin$ a'' the ti!e 'i)e Esha#/ CI a! n t that hun$ry&/ she sai,& e*en as I % r1e%u''y $a*e her hu!an p rti ns % % ,# CHey& ,i, I te'' y u ab ut Esha6/ 0 n/t te'' any ne&/ she sai,& her * i1e ,ippin$& eyebr " ,an1in$# I sh 1) !y hea,# C; u ' *e t $ ssip# 0 n/t y u6 ; ur na!e sh u', be Hiss G ssip :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% C urse y u ' *e t $ ssip# -hene*er s !e ne starts "ith I, n/t y u any! re/& that t !e is a 5ui1y tit=bit % $ ssip 1 !in$&/ I sai,# 8riyan)a b'ushe, an, the tip % the n se turne, t !at =re,# 7he ' )e, 1ute as he''# I " u', ha*e )isse, her ri$ht then& but the $ru!py %a!i'y ne4t t us "as be$innin$ t ar$ue !ur!urs# I ,i, n t "ant t sp i' 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 y u# COh rea''y6/ I tease,# C;es& it/s a si$n y u/re intereste, in pe p'e an, 1are % r the!#/ CThat is s 'a!e&/ I burst ut 'au$hin$& p intin$ !y sp n at her# CAny"ay& "hat ab ut Esha# I )n " Pr ! has the h ts % r her# But , es she 'i)e hi!J/ CN 7hya!& "hi1h is ', ne"s# 7he has re5e1te, Pr !/s pr p sa' be% re# The 'atest is that she ha, si$ne, up % r the :e!ina Hiss In,ia 1 ntest#

Last "ee) she is %i*e=%i*e& the !ini!u! is %i*e=si4# Ra,hi)a sa" her 1ry in the t i'et#/ COh " "( Hiss In,ia6/ CC/! n& she is n t that pretty# 7he sh u', rea''y st p this ! ,e'in$ trip % hers# G ,& she is s thin th u$h# O)ay& I/! n t eatin$ 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 pr per'y# The na!e % the restaurant sh u', te'' y u [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 n t 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 ! !# N t that I ,are te'' her that# CO)ay& ne )u'%i p'ease&/ I sai, t the "aiter# CN & r,er $u'ab 5a!un& n 6/ she sai,# CHuh6 I th u$ht y u ,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 reas n t 1e'ebrate# Haybe I "i'' ha*e ha'% a $u'ab 5a!un#/ CAn, "hat happene, 'ast "ee)6/ CLast "ee)6 Oh yes& !y un1'es "ere *er % r ,inner# 7 pi1ture this: ,inner en,s an, "e are a'' ha*in$ butters1 t1h i1e 1rea! at the ,innin$ tab'e# One un1'e !enti ne, that !y 1 usin "as $ettin$ !arrie, t a , 1t r& a 1ar,ia1 sur$e n r s !ethin$&/ 8riyan)a sai,# The "ater 1a!e an, $a*e us the $u'ab 5a!uns# I t ) a bite# COu1h& 1are%u'& these are h t&/ I sai,& b' "in$ air ut CAny"ay& "hat happene, then6/ C7 I/! eatin$ !y i1e 1rea! an, !y ! ther s1rea!s I8riyan)a& !a)e sure y u !arry s !e ne "e'' sett'e,T#/ The 'atter phrase "as sai, in %a'sett # CI/! $ in$ t be a tea! 'ea,er s n&/ I sai, an, %e, her a s'i1e % $u'ab 5a!un# CRe'a4& 7hya!&/ 8riyan)a sai,& as she t ) a bite an, patte, !y ar!# Cit has n thin$ t , "ith y u# The p int is h " 1 u', she sprin$ it n !e in %r nt % e*ery ne# 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 h t $ui't sau1e# Hy y un$er br ther& n b ,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, y u , then6/ I sai,# CN thin$# I s'a!!e, !y sp n , "n n the p'ate an, 'e%t the r !#/

CHa5 r ,ra!a& y u are n 'ess&/ I sai,# CGuess "hat she says then& t e*ery ne& IThis is "hat I $et % r brin$in$ her up an, ' *in$ her s !u1h# 7he , esn/t 1are# I near'y ,ie, in 'ab ur "hen she "as b rn& but she , esn/t 1areT#/ I 'au$he, un1 ntr ''ab'y as 8riyan)a ,i, an utstan,in$ i!itati n % her ! ther# The bi'' arri*e, an, !y eyebr "s sh t up % r a se1 n, as I pai, the % ur hun,re, an, si4ty three bu1)s# -e st , up t 'ea*e an, the $ru!py %a!i'y/s * i1es rea1he, us# C-hat t , 6 7in1e the ,ay this " !an 1a!e t ur h use& ur %a!i'y/s % rtunes ha*e been ruine,&/ the ', " !an "as sayin$# 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$hter=in='a" ha, tears in her eyes# 7he ha, n t t u1he, her % ,# The !an "as eatin$ n n1ha'ant'y# CL ) at her n "& sittin$ there "ith a sti%% %a1e# G & $ t he'' n "# N t n'y ,i, y u n t brin$ anythin$& n " y u 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) ribb ns in the!# The $ir's "ere h ',in$ ne han, % their ! ther ea1h# They ' )e, s1are,# 8riyan)a "as startin$ at the!# I n ti1e, they ha, r,ere, )u'%i an, " n,ere, i% I sh u', ha*e , ne the sa!e an, at 'east sa*e, !y n " s1a',e, t n$ue# C7ay s !ethin$ n "& y u si'ent statue&/ the ! ther=in='a" sai, an, sh ) the ,au$hter=in='a"/s sh u',ers# C-hy , esn/t she say anythin$6/ 8riyan)a "hispere, t !e# CBe1ause she 1an/t&/ I sai,# C-hen y u ha*e a ba, b ss& y u 1an/t say anythin$#/ 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 sh ute,& %a1in$ the ! ther=in='a"# The $ru!py %a!i'y turne, t ' ) at us in ast nish!ent# I ' )e, % r a ,eep t hi,e !yse'% %r ! the e!barrass!ent# C-h are y u6/ she husban, as)e,& pr bab'y his %irst " r,s ,urin$ the entire !ea' C-e/'' " rry ab ut that 'ater&/ 8riyan)a sai,& Cbut "h the he'' are y uJ 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 0 esn/t ' ) 'i)e a %a!i'y t !e&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CI 5ust see an ', shre" an, a ' ser "i!p "h are tr ub'in$ these $ir's# 0 n/t y u ha*e any sha!e6 Is this "hat y u !arrie, her % r6/ C7ee& here is an ther ne&/ the ! ther=in='a" sai,# CL ) at the $ir's % t ,ayT , n/t )n " h " t ta')' ) at her& eyes !a,e up 'i)e a her ine#/ CThe y un$ $ir's )n " h " t ta') an, beha*e# It is y u ', nes "h nee, t be tau$ht a 'ess n# These are y ur $ran,,au$hters& an, y u are

1a''in$ the! 1urses6/ 8riyan)a sai,& her n se a 1uter re, than be% re# I "ante, t ta)es pi1ture % that n se# C-h ! are y u !a,a!6 -hat is y ur business here6/ the husban, sai,& this ti!e in a %ir!e, * i1e# CI/'' te'' y u "h I a!&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, %u!b'e, in her han,ba$# 7he t ) ut her 1a'' 1enter i, 1ar, an, %'ashe, it % r a nan se1 n,# C8riyan)a 7inha& CBI& - !en/s Ce''#/ C-hat6/ the husban, sai,& in ha'%=,isbe'ie%# C-hat is y ur 1ar nu!ber6/ 8riyan)a sai,& ta')in$ in a %'at * i1e# C-hat6/ -hy6/ the be"i',ere, husban, as)e,# COr sh u', 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'' ph ne an, preten,e, t 1a'' a nu!ber# CHe'' 6 7inha here# 8'ease retrie*e re1 r,s n 0GI DEF###yes###7antr Gthan)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,# C0 n/t/ say %a!i'y(/ 8riyan)a sai,& her * i1e ' u,# CHa,a!&/ the ! ther=in='a" sai,& her t ne n " s"eet& as i% s !e ne ha, s a)e, her * 1a' 1 r,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 y ur re1 r,s n "# -e "i'' )eep tra1)# I% y u !ess ar un,& y ur s n an, y u 1an ha*e ' st % !ea's t $etherin 5ai'#/ C7 rry !a,a!&/ the husban, sai, "ith % ',e, han,s# He as)e, % r the bi'' an, %u!b'e, % r 1ash# -ithin a !inute& they ha, pai, an, 'e%t# I ' )e, at 8riyan)a "ith !y ! uth pen# C0 n/t say anythin$&/ she sai,& C'et/s $ #/ CCBI6/ I sai,# C0 n/t# Let/s $ #/ -e sat in the Lua'is I ha, b rr "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& y u 1an say "hat y u "ant n "#/ CI ' *e y u&/ I sai,# C-hat6 -hy this n "6/ CBe1ause& I ' *e it "hen y u stan, up % r s !ethin$ that y u %ee' % r# An, that y u , su1h a h rrib'e 5 b % a1tin$ 'i)e a CBI inspe1t r# I ' *e it "hen y u "ant t r,er the 1heapest ,ishes n'y be1ause I/! payin$ % r the!# I ' *e the ) h' in y ur eyes# I ' *e it "hen y ur eyes 'i$ht up "hen y u ha*e $ ssip % r !e# I ' *e it that y u say y u , n/t "ant ,essert an, then as) !e t 1han$e !ine s y u 1an ha*e ha'%# I ' *e y ur st ries ab ut y ur ! ther# I ' *e it that y u be'ie*e in !e an, are patient "ith !y 1areer# A1tua''y& y u )n " "hat& 8riyan)a6/ I sai,#

C-hat6/ CI !ay n t be a heart sur$e nbut the ne 'itt'e heart I ha*e& I ha*e $i*en it t y u#/ 8riyan)a 'au$he, a' u, an, put her han, n her %a1e# C7 rry&/ she sai, an, sh ) her hea,& sti'' 'au$hin$# C7 rry& y u "ere , in$ s "e''& but % r the heart sur$e n 'ine# N "& that is seri us'y 1heesy#/ C; u )n " "hat&/ I sai, an, re! *e, ne han, %r ! the steerin$ "hee' t t"ea) her n se# CThey sh u', put y u 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 ph ne n her ,es)& brea)in$ up !y 8an,ara R a, ,rea!# E*ery ne turne, t ' ) at her# 7he 1 *ere, her %a1e "ith her han,s an, t ) a 1 up'e % ,eep breaths# C-hat/s up&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CN thin$&/ Ra,hi)a sai, an, hea*e, a si$h# 7he ' )e, upset& but a's y un$er at the sa!e ti!e# :i*e years a$ & Ra,hi)a !ust ha*e been pretty& I th u$ht# CTe'' n &/ Esha sai,# CIt/s Anu5# 7 !eti!es he 1an be s unreas nab'e#/ 7he sai, an, sh "e, her ph ne t Esha# On the s1reen "as an 7H7 !essa$e# C-hat is it6/ 8riyan)a sai,# CRea, it ut&/ Ra,hi)a sai, as she %u!b'e, thr u$h her ba$ % 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$e: 0"how elders res,ect+ -ct like a dau&hter-in-law should+ 1oodni&ht+0 C-hat ,i, I , "r n$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 sh u',er# C-hat happene,6/ Esha as)e, s %t'y# - !en , this s "e'': a %e" se1 n,s a$ she "as s+uea'in$ in e41ite!ent *er Ganesh& n " she "as "hisperin$ in 1 n1ern *er Anu5# CAnu5 is in K ')ata n t ur# 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 y u 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, s n ta') ab ut6/ 8riyan)a sai,# Ra,hi)a 1 ntinue,& 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 h rrib'e6/ CAn, y u/re sti'' )nittin$ a s1ar% % r her6/ Pr ! sai,& p intin$ at the )n ttin$ 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$ain# CAny"ay& 'ea*e !y b rin$ 'i%e an, !e# -hat/s up6 Ganesh 1a''in$ s n r "hat6/ CAre y u )ay6/ Esha sai,& sti'' h ',in$ Ra,hi)a/s ar!# C;es& I/! %ine# 7 rry $uys& I *errea1te,# It/s 5ust a 'itt'e !is1 !!uni1ati n bet"een Anu5 an, !e#/ CL )s 'i)e y ur ! ther=in='a" 'i)es !e' ,ra!a# 7he sh u', !eet y u ! ther&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CRea''y6/ Ra,hi)a sai,#

COh yes# 7he is the Hiss 9ni*erse % !e' ,ra!a# -e 1ry t $ether at 'east n1e a "ee)# Th u$h t ,ay& she is n 1' u, nine&/ 8riyan)a sai,# 7he pu''e, the 'an,'ine 1' ser t her# Hy attenti n "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$& h " !ay I he'p y u6/ It "as ne % !y "eir, 1a''s % the ni$ht# The 1a''er "as %r ! Pir$inia an, "as ha*in$ tr ub'e ,e%r stin$ his %ri,$e# It t ) !e % ur !inutes t %i$ure ut the reas n# Turns ut the 1a''er "as a Cbi$ pers n/& "hi1h is "hat A!eri1ans 1a'' %at pe p'e# Hen1e his %in$ers "ere t thi1) t turn the tiny )n b in the %ri,$e/s 1 !part!ent that " u', a1ti*ate the ,e%r stin$ !e1hanis!# I su$$este, that he use a s1re",ri*er r a )ni%e# : rtunate'y& that s 'uti n " r)e, a%ter se*en atte!pts# CThan)s y u % r 1a''in$ -estern App'ian1es& sir&/ I sai, an, en,e, the 1a''# CH re p 'iteness& a$ent 7a!# Be ! re 1 urte us&/ I hear, Ba)shi/s * i1e an, %e't his hea*y breath n !y ne1)# C7ir& y u a$ain6/ I sai, an, turne, ar un,# Ba)shi/s %a1e "as as shiny as e*er# 7 i'y& he pr bab'y s'ippe, %% his pi'' " e*ery ni$ht# C7 rry& I % r$ t s !ethin$ i!p rtant&/ he sai,# CHa*e y u $uys , ne by the -estern C !puters "ebsite !anua'6 I a! %ina''y sen,in$ the pr 5e1t rep rt t B st n#/ C;es sir# Pr ! an, I %inishe, it yester,ay#/ I sai, an, t ) ut a 1 py %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 y u ha*e a s %t 1 py that y u 1an e!ai' !eJ/ Ba)shi sai,# CB st n "ants it ur$ent'y#/ C;es sir&/ Pr ! sai,& p intin$ t his 1 !puters& CI ha*e it st re, here# I/'' sen, it t y u#/ CA's & ,i, y u , t eh 1 ''ati n& 7a!6/ C;es sir&/ I sai, an, passe, hi! the ten sets# CE41e''ent# I e!p "ere, y u& an, y u ,e'i*ere, the utput# A1tua''y& I ha*e an ther , 1u!ent& the b ar, !eetin$ in*ite# Can y u he'p6/ C-hat , I ha*e t , 6/ I sai,# CHere is a 1 py&/ Ba)shi sai, an, $a*e !e a %i*e=pa$e , 1u!ent# CI ,i,n/t print ! re this ti!e# Can y u Ver 4 ten 1 pies % r !e p'ease6 Hy se1retary is %% t ,ay#/

CErr# 7ure 7ir& 5ust Ver 4in$ ri$ht6/ Ba)shi n ,,e,# C7ir&/ Pr ! sai,& C"hat is the b ar, !eetin$ % r6/ CN thin$& 5ust r utine !ana$e!ent issues&/ Ba)shi sai,# CAre pe p'e $ in$ t $et %ire,6/ Pr ! as)e,& his ,ire1t +uesti n !a)in$ e*ery ne sprin$ t attenti n# 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 1 n%usi n# CThat !eans pe p'e are $ettin$ %ire,& ri$ht6/ Pr ! sai,# Ri$ht siBe ne*er !eant ther"ise# Ba)shi ,i, n t resp n,# C7ir& "e nee, t in1rease ur sa'es % r1e t $et ne" 1'ients# :irin$ pe p'e is n t the ans"er&/ Pr ! sai,& "ith a b ',ness that "as hi$h e*en by his stan,ar,s# Ba)shi ha, a s!ir) n his %a1e as he turne, t Pr !# He put his han, n Pr !/s sh u',er# CI 'i)e y ur e41ite!ent Hr Pi1t r&/ he sai,& Cbut a seas ne, !ana$e!ent has t stu,y a'' un,er'yin$ *ariab'e an, 1 !e up "ith an pti!a' s 'uti n# It is n t s si!p'e#/ CBut sir& "e 1an $et ! reG/ Pr ! "as sayin$ as Ba)shi patte, his sh u',er t"i1e an, 'e%t# Pr ! "aite, t ensure that Ba)shi "as ut % the r ! be% re he sp )e a$ain# Cthis is insanity# Ba)shi/s %u1)e, up the p'a1e an, they are %irin$ inn 1ent a$ents he sai,& his * i1e at sh utin$ 'e*e's# C7tay 1'a!&/ I sai,& an, starte, asse!b'in$ the sheets# C;es stay 1a'!# Li)e Hr Ver 4 B y here%in,s a11eptan1e in e*erythin$&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CE41use !e&/ I sai, ' )in$ up# CAre y u ta')in$ ab ut !e6/ 8riyan)a )ept +uiet# I %e't a$itate, insi,e an, 5ust ha, t resp n,# C-hat is y ur pr b'e!6 I 1 !e here& !a)e %i%teen $ran, a ! nth an, $ h !e# It shu1)s that pe p'e are bein$ %ire,& an, I a! tryin$ t , !y best t sa*e !y 5 b# O*era''& yes I a11ept !y situati n# An, Pr !& be% re I % r$et& 1an y u e!ai' Ba)shi the user !anua' p'ease6/ CI/! , in$ it& Pr ! sai,& as he 1'i1)e, his ! use& Cth u$h "hat is happenin$ here is sti'' "r n$#/ C0 n/t " rry# -e/*e , ne the "ebsite# -e sh u', be sa%e&/ I sai,# C; u ha*e piBBa that %ten6/ Esha sai,# CIsn/t it unhea'thy6/ Ra,hi)a as)e,# 0espite the 7H7 ar$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 1 ntents: $rain in the 1urst& !i') pr tein in the 1heese& *e$etab'es an, !eat as t ppin$s# It has a'' the % , $r ups# I rea, it n the InternetpiBBa is $ , % r y u#/ C; u an, y ur Net&/ Esha sai,# It "as true# Pr ! $ t a'' his in% r!ati n %% the internetbi)es& 5 bs& p 'iti1s&& ,atin$ tips an,& as I ha, 5ust 'earnt& piBBa nutriti n as "e''# C8iBBas are n t 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 $et ti!e t e4er1ise# On t p % that& I 5ut sit an, " r) in a 1 n%ine, spa1e#/ C8riyan)a/s 'ast t" " r,s !a,e !y heart s)ip a beat# CC n%ine, spa1e/ !eans n'y ne thin$ t !ethat ni$ht at the F@n, Hi'est ne ,is1 #

N>@ Hy 8ast 0ates "ith 8riyan)aIII

F@n, Hi'test ne& Gur$a n Hi$h"ay 7e*en ! nths be% re this ni$ht I sh u', n t rea''y 1a'' this ne a ,ate& sin1e this ti!e it "as a $r up thin$ "ith Pr ! an, Esha 5 inin$ us# I ar$ue, ear'ier "ith 8riyan)a ab ut $ in$ ut "ith " r) pe p'e& but she t ', !e I sh u', be 'ess anti=s 1ia'# Pr ! pi1)e, F@n, !i'est ne an, the $ir's a$ree, be1ause the ,is1 ha, n , r=bit1h# A11 r,in$ t 8riyan)a& a , r=bit1h is the h stess "h stan,s utsi,e the ,is1 # 7he s1reens e*ery $ir' "a')in$ in& an, i% y ur "aist is ! re than t"enty=% ur in1hes& r i% y u "ere n t "earin$ s !ethin$ ri$ht ut % an ite! nu!ber& the , r=bit1h "i'' raise an eyebr " at y u 'i)e y u are a %i%ty= year= ', aunty# CRea''y6 I ne*er n ti1e, th se , r $ir's be% re&/ I sai, as "e t ) st 's at the bar# CIt/s a $ir' t $ir' thin$# They siBe y u up& an, un'ess y u are ,r p ,ea, $ r$e us& y u $et that !enta' s!ir)&/ 8riyan)a sai,# C7 "hy sh u', y u 1are6 ; u are $ r$e us&/ I sai,# 7he s!i'e, an, pin1he, !y 1hee)# CHenta' s!ir)6 Gir's an, their 1 ,e, 1 !!uni1ati n# Any"ay& ,rin) any ne6/ Pr ! sai,# CL n$ Is'an, I1e tea p'ease&/ Esha sai, an, I n ti1e, h " stunnin$ she ' )e, "ith !a)e=up# 7he " re a b'a1) %itte, t p an, b'a1) pants# Her pants "ere s ti$ht& she " u', pr bab'y ha*e t r '' the! , "n "hen re! *in$ the!# CL n$ Is'an,6 -ant t $et ,run) +ui1) r "hat6/ I sai,# CC/! n# I nee, t ,e=stress# I ran ar un, 'i)e !a, 'ast ! nth 1hasin$ ! ,e'in$ a$en1ies# Besi,es& I ha*e t "ash , "n 'ast "ee)/s ne th usan, 1a''s&/ Esha sai,# CThat/s ri$ht# T"e'*e hun,re, 1a''s % r !e&/ Pr ! sai,# CLet/s a'' ha*e L n$ 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 $i%t n her 'ast birth,ay# I pre%erre, it t Esha/s Asian 8aints 5 b# CAny 'u1) "ith ! ,e'in$ assi$n!ents6/ I i,'y as)e, Esha# CN t !u1h# I ,i, !eet ta'ent a$ent# He sai, he " u', re%er !e t s !e ,esi$ners an, %ashi n sh " pr ,u1ers# I nee, t be seen in th se 1ir1'es&/ Esha sai, as she pu''e, her t p , "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$e bar n the %irst %' r# A re!i4e, *ersi n % il Chahta (ai p'aye, in the ba1)$r un,# As it "as 7atur,ay ni$ht& the ,is1 ha, ! re than three hun,re, 1ust !ers# They "ere a'' ri1h& r at 'east ha, ri1h %rien,s "h 1 u', a%% r, ,rin)s at *er Rs FKK a 1 1)tai'# Our bu,$et "as a 'a*ish th usan, bu1)s ea1h: a treat % r !a)in$ it thr u$h the e4tre!e'y busy su!!er peri , at the 1a'' 1enter# I n ti1e, s !e sti1)=thin ! ,e's n the ,an1e %' r# Their st !a1hs "ere s %'at& I% they s"a'' "e, a pi'' y u " u', pr bab'y see an ut'ine % it "hen it 'an,e, insi,e# Esha/s ' )s are si!i'ar& e41ept she is a bit sh rt# CChe1) it ut# 7he is t ta''y an re4i1# I 1an bet n it&/ 8riyan)a sai,& p intin$ t a pa'e=1 !p'e4i ne, ! ,e' n the ,an1e %' r# 7he " re a t p "ith ut any s'ee*es r ne1) r 1 ''ar# I $uess the $ir's 1a'' it C %%=sh u',er/# 0e%yin$ physi1s& it ,i, n t s'ip %%& th u$h ! st !en "aite, patient'y# The pa'e=1 !p'e4i ne, ! ,e' turne,& ,isp'ayin$ a 1 !p'ete'y bare ba1)# C- "& I "ish I "ere that thin# But& h !y $ ,& ' ) at "hat she is "earin$&/ Esha sai,# CI 1an/t be'ie*e she is n t "earin$ a bra& !ust be t ta''y %'at&/ 8riyan)a sai,& CGir's/ I sai,# C;es6 Esha an, 8riyan)a turne, t !e# CI/! b re,# Can y u 1h se ! re in1'usi*e 1 n*ersati n t pi1s&/ 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 $ir'ie ta')6/ C-e''& this "as supp se, t be a ,ate# I % r1e, !yse'% t 1 !e "ith the!# I ha*en/t 1au$ht up "ith y u in a$es#/ CI t ', y u& Pr ! as)e, !e an, I ,i,n/t "ant t be anti=s 1ia'&/ 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 y u t & y u )n "6/ C8'eas& 'et/s $ s n#/ 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 s un, 'i*e'y an, happy& as e*ery ne in a ,is1 a'"ays sh u',# CC n$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 th se sp n=%ee,=!e A!eri1ans#/ C7 & pr ! ti n %ina''y 1 !in$ % r Hr 7hya! here&/M 8riyan)a sai,# I n ti1e, she ha, %inishe, a thir, % her ,rin) in 5ust t" sips# CN " Hr 7hya!/s pr ! ti n is an ther st ry&/ 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 B st n t re'ease hea,1 unt# But it "i'' ta)e a "hi'e#/ C-hy 1an/t y u 5ust be %ir! "ith hi!6/ 8riyan)a sai,# CLi)e h "6 H " 1an y u be %ir! "ith y ur "n b ss6/ I sai,& !y * i1e ' u, "ith irritati n# CC ' it $uys&/ Pr ! sai,# CIt/s party ni$ht an,C A bi$ n ise interrupte, ur 1 n*ersati n# -e n ti1e, a 1 !! ti n 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, th u$ht s !e ne ha, pa"e, ne % the $ir's "ith the!# They a11use, that s !e ne e'se an, $rabbe, his 1 ''ar# 7 n& Hr A11use,/s "n $an$ 1a!e t his ,e%ense# As the ,an1e %' r "as t n isy % r * 1a' ar$u!ents& pe p'e e4presse, the!se'*es n'y "ith %ists an, )i1)s# The !usi1 st ppe, "hen s !e ne )n 1)e, ne $uy %'at n the %' r# 7e*era' thers "ere n t p % ea1h ther# B un1ers %ina''y ,isentan$'e, e*ery ne an, rest re, pea1e# A stret1her e!er$e, t 1arry a"ay the )n 1)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' pe p'e in a ,is1 is "at1hin$ a %i$ht# A %i$ht !eans the party is t ta''y r 1)in$# :i*e !inutes 'ater the !usi1 "as ba1) an, 11upyin$ the %' r a$ain "as the an re4i1 $ir'/s bri$a,e# CThat is "hat happens t )i,s "ith ri1h ,a,s an, t !u1h ! ney&/ Pr ! sai,# CC/! n Pr !# I th u$ht y u sai, ! ney is $ ,# That is h " "e/'' beat the A!eri1ans& ri$ht6/ 8riyan)a sai, "ith the 1 n%i,en1e that 1 !es a%ter ,rin)in$ a L n$ Is'an, I1e, Tea in se*en !inutes# C;es& , esn/t ! ney pay % r y ur ! bi'e ph nes& piBBas an, ,is1 s6/ 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 !paris n#/ COh& I %ee' s $ui'ty ,rin)in$ this n "& 8riyan)a sai,# CC/! n& y u $et $ , ! ney# 7i$ni%i1ant'y ! re than the ei$ht $ran, y u !a,e as a 5 urna'ist trainee&/ I sai,# C;es&/ Pr ! sai, as he t ) a bi$ hun,re,=an,=t"enty=rupees sip# C-e $et pai, "e''& %i%teen th usan, a ! nth# :u1)& that is a'! st t"e'*e , ''ars a ,ay# - " I !a)e as !u1h a ,ay as a 97 bur$er b y !a)es in t" h urs# N t ba, % r !y 1 ''e$e ,e$ree# N t ba, at a''# :u1)in$ near'y , ub'e % "hat I !a,e as a 5 urna'ist any"ay#/ He pushe, his e!pty $'ass an, it s'i, t the ther en, % the tab'e#

E*ery ne "as si'ent % r a !inute# Pr ! n his te!per trip is unbearab'e# C7t p bein$ s ,epresse,# Let/s ,an1e&/ Esha sai, an, tu$$e, at Pr !/s han,# CN &/ Pr ! sai,# CC !e % r ne s n$&/ Esha sai, an, st , up %r ! her st '# CO)ay& but i% any ne teases y u& I/! n t $ettin$ int a %i$ht&/ Pr ! sai,# C0 n/t " rry& n ne "i''# There are prettier $ir's here&/ Esha sai,# CI , n/t thin) s # Any"ay& 'et/s $ &/ Pr ! sai, as they "ent t t eh ,an1e %' r# The s n$ p'ayin$ "as "harara "harara& ne % Esha/s %a* rites# 8riyan)a an, I "at1he, the! ,an1e %r ! ur seats# C-ant t $ % r a "a') n "6/ 8riyan)a sai, a%ter a %e" !inutes# C7ure&/ I sai,# -e he', han,s an, "a')e, ut % F@ n, Hi'est ne# The b un1er at the , r sta!pe, ur pa'!s s that "e 1 u', re=enter the ,is1 # -e hea,e, t the par)in$ ' t& as the !usi1 "as s %ter there# Hy ears ne*er %e't s ni1e# CIt/s s 1a'! here&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CI , n/t 'i)e it "hen Pr ! $ets a'' " r)e, up# The b y nee,s t 1 ntr ' his te!per# T p !u1h un1he1)e, a$$ressi n $ in$ n there#/ CHe/s y un$ an, 1 n%use,# 0 n/t " rry& 'i%e "i'' s'ap hi! int shape# I thin) he re$rets ! *in$ t C nne4i ns s !eti!es# Besi,es& he ha, n t ta)en his ,a, an, ! !/s separati n s "e''# It sh "s n " an, then#/ C7ti''& he sh u', $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 n t su1h a $ , i,ea t ha*e a stea,y $ir'%rien,&/ I sai,# CRea''y6 7 Hr 7hya! is ha*in$ se1 n, th u$hts6/ she sai,& ti'tin$ her hea,# CN &/ I sai,& an, pene, the Lua'is a$ain# I t ) ut a b tt'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 1 st % this "h 'e b tt'e# CC '# ; u $uys are s!art&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, pu''e, at !y 1hee)# Then she t ) a sip %r ! the b tt'e# CCare%u'# There/s n nee, t $et ,run) 5ust be1ause it/s %ree#/ CTrust !e# There is a nee, "hen y u a ha*e a psy1h parent#/ C-hat happene, n "6/ CN thin$# I , n/t "ant t ta') ab ut her t ,ay# Let/s , a sh t#/ The b tt'e/s 'i, a1te, as ne 1up& an, I br )e the t p % a 1i$arette pa1)et % r the

ther# -e p ure, Ba1ar,i int b th an, "ar!th tra*e'e, , "n %r ! !y 'ips t !y insi,es as "e t sse, , "n ur %irst sh t# CI/! s rry ab ut the Ba)shi 1 !!ent I !a,e insi,e&/ she sai,# CIt/s a'ri$ht# 0 esn/t !atter&/ I sai,& an, " n,ere, i% "e sh u', , sh t nu!ber t" n " r 'ater# CI 1an be a bit1h s !eti!es# But I , !a)e it up t y u# I/! a ' *in$ pers n& n 6/ she sai,& hi$h %r ! !i4in$ her ,rin)s# C; u/re 5ust %ine&/ I sai, an, ' )e, at her ! ist eyes# Her n se pu1)ere, up a bit an, I 1 u', ha*e ' )e, at it % re*er# C7 & she sai,# C7 "hat6/ I sai,& sti'' hypn tiBe, by her n se# C-hy are y u ' )in$ at !e 'i)e that6/ she sai, an, s!i'e,# CLi)e "hat6/ CThe 1 !e=hither ' )# I see !is1hie% in y ur eyes& !ister&/ she sai, p'ay%u''y& $rabbin$ b th !y han,s# CThere is n !is1hie%that/s 5ust y ur i!a$inati n&/ 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 h use "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 y u e*er !a,e ' *e in 1 n%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$ht6/ C-hat are y u ta')in$ ab ut6/ C-e''& "e ha*e the ti!e& s %t !usi1 an, a ,es 'ate sp t#/ C7 6/ 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$ht behin, the ,is1 & an, "e 1 u', hear the !usi1 % "e "ere +uiet# The s n$ 1han$e, t )ahi *e %r ! the ! *ie +aante# CI ' *e this s n$&/ she sai, an, sat astri,e !y 'ap& %a1in$ !e# CIt/s a p 'e ,an1er s n$# ; u )n " that6/ I sai,# Cyes# But I 'i)e the 'yri1s# Their ' *e is true& but %ate has s !ethin$ e'se in st re#/ CI ne*er % 1us n the 'yri1s#/ C; u 5ust n ti1e the s1anti'y 1'a, $ir's in the *i,e &/ she sai, an, ran her %in$ers thr u$h !y hair# I staye, si'ent# C7 & y u ,i,n/t ans"er !y +uesti nha*e y u !a,e ' *e in 1 n%ine, spa1es6/ she sai,#

C8riyan)a& are y u 1raBy r are y u ,run)6/ 7he unbutt ne, the t p %e" butt ns % !y shirt# CB th& O)ay !ister& the thin$ ab ut 1 n%ine, spa1es is that y u ha*e t 1 perate# N " ! *e y ur han,s ut % the "ay&/ she sai,# -e "ere +uiet& apart %r ! ur breathin$# 7he 1 n%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 y ur 1' thes& "e/'' nee, t %in, the! +ui1)'y a%ter"ar,s&/ she sai,# CAre y u !a,G/ I $aspe, e*en as I raise, !y ar!s s she 1 u', pu'' !y shirt *er !y hea,# 7he ! *e, t )eep !y shirt asi,e an, her % t 'an,e, n !y 'e%t baby t e# COu1h(/ I s1rea!e,# CO ps& s rry&/ she sai, in a nau$hty=ap ' $eti1 t ne# As she ! *e, her % t a"ay& her hea, hit the r %# COu1h&/ she sai,# C7 rry& this isn/t as e'e$ant as in the &itani! movie#/ CIt/s a'ri$ht# C'u!sy se4 is better than 1h re $raphe, se4# An, 1ertain'y better than n se4&/ I sai, as I pu''e, her 1' se# CBy the "ay& , y u ha*e a 1 n, !6/ she sai,# C;es sir# -e 'i*e in 1 nstant h pe&/ I sai, as I pu''e, ut !y "a''et# -e 'au$he, as she e!bra1e, !e# 7he starte, )issin$ !e n !y %a1e# I )isse, her sh u',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$ain a%ter "e ha, ,resse,# C0 y u ' *e !e6/ she as)e,# Her * i1e "as seri us# CH re than anyb ,y e'se n this p'anet& an, that in1'u,es !e&/ I sai,& 1aressin$ her hair# C; u thin) I/! a 1arin$ pers n6/ she sai,# Her * i1e t ', !e she "as 1' se t tears# C-hy , y u )eep as)in$ !e that6/ I sai,# CHy ! ther "as ' )in$ at ur %a!i'y a'bu! t ,ay# 7he st ppe, 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, y u )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 n se 'i)e a butt n# 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$ht an, %e't her b ,y sha)e# I th u$ht har, ab ut "hat I 1 u', say# Guys 1an ne*er %i$ure ut "hat t say in su1h e! ti na' ! !ents an, a'"ays en, up sayin$ s !ethin$ stupi,# C; ur ! ther is 1raByG/ C0 n/t say anythin$ ab ut !y ! ther# I ' *e her# Can y u 5ust 'isten t !e % r %i*e !inutes6/ 8riyan)a sai,# CO% 1 urse# 7 rryG/ I sai, as her s bs $re" ' u,er# I s" re t !yse'% t stay +uiet % r the ne4t %i*e !inutes# I starte, 1 untin$ !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$ht I thin)# Then as I be1a!e ',er& she be1a!e 1raBier&/ she sai,# I " n,ere, i% I sh u', p int ut that she ha, 5ust t ', !e n t t 1a'' her !u! 1raBy# H "e*er& I ha, pr !ise, !yse'% I " u', )eep +uiet# C7he ha, ,i%%erent ru'es % r !e an, !y br ther# An, that be$an t b ther !e# 7he " u', 1 !!ent n e*erythin$ I " re& e*ery"here I "ent& "hereas !y br therGshe " 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 1 u',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$# -hen se4 is *er& 1 n%ine, spa1es are a pain# CA'' thr u$h 1 ''e$e I i$n re, her an, ,i, "hat I "ante,# In %a1t& this "h 'e , n/t=1are phase "as b rn ut % that# But at ne 'e*e'& I %e't s $ui'ty# I trie, a$ain t 1 nne1t "ith her a%ter 1 ''e$e# But she ha, a pr b'e! "ith e*erythin$!y thin)in$& !y %rien,s& !y b y%rien,#/ The 'ast " r, 1au$ht !y attenti n# I ha, t spea)& e*en th u$h n'y %i%ty=se*en breaths ha, passe,# C7 rry& but ,i, y u say b y%rien,6/ C-e'' yeah# 7he )n "s I/! "ith y u# An, she ha, this thin$ ab ut !e %in,in$ s !e ne 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 !e ne ri1h& r s !e ne "h $ets pre,i1tab'e 1ash %' "s at the en, % e*ery ! nth# E41ept parents , n t say it that "ay be1ause then it rea''y s un,s 'i)e they/re tra,in$ their ,au$hter t the hi$hest bi,,er# But in s !e "ays& they are# They , n t $i*e a ,a!n ab ut ' *e r %ee'in$s r 1rap 'i)e that# C7h " !e the ! ney an, )eep ur ,au$hter % r the rest % y ur 'i%e#/ That is the arran$e!ent in an arran$e, !arria$e# C-hat are y u thin)in$ ab ut6/ she sai,# CI/! a ' ser a11 r,in$ t y ur ! !& isn/t it6/ I sai,# CThat is n t "hat I sai,#/ C0 n/t y u brin$ up Ba)shi an, !y pr ! ti n e*ery ti!e "e ha*e a 1 n*ersati nJ/ I sai,& ! *in$ a"ay# C-hy , y u $et s ,e%ensi*e6 Any"ay& i% Ba)shi , esn/t pr ! te y u& y u 1an ' ) % r an ther 5 b#/

CI/! tire, % 5 b huntin$# There is n thin$ $ , ut there# An, I/! tire, % re5e1ti ns# H re *er& "hat is the p int % 5 inin$ an ther 1a'' 1enter6 I/'' 5ust ha*e t start as a 5uni r a$ent a'' *er a$ain"ith ut y u& "ith ut !y %rien,s# An, 'et !e te'' y u this& I !ay n t be tea! 'ea,er& but I a! happy I a! 1 ntent# ; u rea'iBe that6 An, te'' y ur ,ra!a +ueen ! ! t 1 !e say it t !y %a1e that I a! a ' ser# An, she 1an sen, y u %% "ith "hi1he*er %u1)in$ sett'e, annuity in1 !e earner she 'i)es# I a! "hat I a!###/ I sai,& !y %a1e beetr t=re,# C7hya!& p'ease 1an y u try an, un,erstan,6/ C9n,erstan, "hat6 ; ur ! ther6 N & I 1an/t# An, y u 1an/t either& but I suspe1t ,eep , "n y u !i$ht a$ree "ith her# Li)e& "hat a! I , in$ "ith this ' ser&/ I sai,# C7t p ta')in$ n nsense&/ 8riyan)a sh ute,# CI 5ust !a,e ' *e t y u % r $ ,/s sa)e# An, st p usin$ that ' ser " r,M she sai, an, br )e int tears a$ain# T" brie% )n 1)s n the "in, " ,isturbe, ur 1 n*ersati n# It "as Pr !M Esha "as stan,in$ ne4t t hi!# CHe'' 6 I th u$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'eph ne br u$ht !e ba1) %r ! F@n, Hi'est ne# 8riyan)a $rabbe, the ph ne# CHiiii Ganesh&/ she sai,& her stret1he, t ne t %'irty& i% y u as) !e# But then& "h the he'' 1ares % r !y pini n any"ay# I " n,ere, "hat his t ne 'i)e# /,et under the table' &ap the phone' "hyam&/ a * i1e t ', !e# I i!!e,iate'y s1 ',e, !yse'% % r the h rrib'e th u$ht# CO% 1 urse I )ne" it "as y u# N ne e'se 1a''s n this e!er$en1y 'ine&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, ran her %in$ers thr u$h her hair# - !en p'ayin$ "ith their hair "hi'e ta')in$ t a $uy is an aut !ati1 %e!a'e preenin$ $estureM I sa" it n1e n 0is1 *ery Channe'# C;eah&/ 8riyan)a sai, a%ter a %e" se1 n,s& CI 'i)e 1ars# -hi1h ne are y u p'annin$ t buy6###Le4us6 CLe4us( The ,u,e is buyin$ a Le4us&/ Pr ! s1rea!e,& ' u, en u$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$s t ,is1uss than 1ar ! ,e's& /Esha sai,# C-hat 1 ' ur6 C/! n it/s y ur 1ar# H " 1an I ,e1i,e % r y u6/ 8riyan)a sai, as her %in$ers starte, p'ayin$ "ith the 1ur'e, te'eph ne "ire# O*er the ne4t %i*e !inutes Ganesh ,i, ! st % the ta')in$& "hi'e 8riyan)a )ept sayin$ ! n sy''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 y ur !eetin$# I/! here n'y& 1a'' !e 'ater&/ 8riyan)a sai, as she en,e, her 1a''# I $uess Hr Hi1r s %t ,i, ha*e s !e " r) t , a%ter a''# CPr ! is Le4us a ni1e 1ar6/ 8riyan)a sai,# Pr ! "as a'rea,y n the Net& sur%in$ Le4us pi1tures# He turne, his ! nit r 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" se1 n,s an, then turne, t the $ir's# CHe "ants !e t 1h se the 1 ' ur# Can y u be'ie*e that6 I , n/t thin) I sh u', th u$h&/ she sai,# Pr ! pushe, hi!se'% ba1) in his s"i*e' 1hair# CG % r b'a1) r si'*er# N thin$ is s 1 ' as the 1'assi1 1 ' rs# But I/'' 1he1) ur s !e ! re % r y u&/ he sai,# CAn, te'' hi! the interi rs ha*e t be ,ar) 'eather#/ Hean"hi'e& !y interi rs "ere n %ire# I %e't 'i)e thr "in$ up# I " n,ere, "hen I 1 u', tap the ph ne# It "as t ta''y "r n$& an, 8riyan)a an, the rest % the $ir's " u', pr bab'y )i'' !e i% they % un, ut# But I ha, t ,

it# It "as !as 1histi1& 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 $et beneath the tab'e# -hy ha*e there been n 1a''s in the 'ast ten !inutes6/ I sai,# CI sh u', 1he1) % the 1 nne1ti ns are %ine#/ CLet it be&/ Esha sai,# I/! en5 yin$ the brea)#/ C;es !e t &/ Ra,hi)a sai,# CAn, the 1 nne1ti n is )ay# Ban$a' re is 5ust *er=ea$er an, pi1)in$ up a'' the 1a''s#/ CBi 6/ 8riyan)a sai, t Esha it "as their 1 ,e " r, t $ the t i'et t $ether % r a pri*ate 1 n*ersati n# 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 n thin$ !u1h is happenin$ ri$ht n "#/ As s n as the $ir's "ere ut % si$ht I ,i*e, un,er the tab'e C-hat are y u , in$6/ Pr ! sai,# CN thin$# I , n/t thin) the 1 nne1ti ns are %ir!&/ I sai,# CAn, "hat the he'' , y u )n " ab ut the 1 nne1ti ns&/ Pr ! sai,# He bent , "n t ' ) un,er the tab'e# CTe'' !e h nest'y "hat y u/re , in$#/ I t ', hi! ab ut !y un1 ntr ''ab'e ur$e t tap the ph ne# Pr ! s1 ',e, !e % r %i*e se1 n,s& but then $ t e41ite, by the 1ha''en$e an, 5 ine, !e un,er the tab'e# CI 1an/t be'ie*e I/! he'pin$ y u "ith this# The $ir's "i'' )i'' us i% they %in, ut&/ Pr ! sai,# CThey " n/t ha*e a 1'ue&/ I sai,& an, 1 nne1te, the "ires# CL )& it/s a'! st , ne#/ Pr ! pi1)e, up the 'an,'ine an, "e teste, the arran$e!ent# I 1 u', se'e1t an pti n n !y 1 !puter an, 'isten in n the 'an,'ine *ia !y hea,set# Hr Hi1r s %t "as in the ba$# C-hy are y u , in$ this6/ Pr ! sai,# CI , n/t )n "# 0 n/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 t i'et#/ CAn, y u , n/t "ant t hear "hat they/re sayin$6 I/! sure they/re ,is1ussin$ Hr Hi1r s %t there#/ COh n &/ I sai,& " rrie, ab ut "hat I 1 u', be !issin$# CA'th u$h h " " u', "e be ab'e t ea*es,r p6/ C:r ! the 1 rner sta'' % the !en/s t i'et&/ Pr ! sai,# Cit shares a "a'' "ith the $ir'/s t i'et# I% y u press y ur ear har, a$ainst the "a''& y u 1an hear the!#/ CRea''y6/ I sai,& !y eyes 'i$htin$ up# Pr ! n ,,e,#

CIt/'' be "r n$ th u$h& ea*es,r ppin$ thr u$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 1 rner sta'' % the -A7G !en/s t i'et# -e presse, ur ears a$ainst the "a''# I 1 u', hear Ra,hi)a/s * i1e# C;es& he s un,s 'i)e a rea''y ni1e $uy&/ she "as sayin$# CBut I sh u',n/t te'' hi! the 1 ' r& n 6/ it/s his 1ar an, it is s e4pensi*e# But y u )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, Iy u ha*e br u$ht 1 ' ur t !y 'i%e& s y u $et t 1h se the 1 ' rT#/ COh& he s un,s s r !anti1&/ Esha sai,# CThat is su1h a 'a!e ' ser 'ine# C ' r % !y 'i%e& !y ass&/ I sai, t Pr !# C7hh# They/'' hear us& stupi,# Keep +uiet&/ Pr ! sai, an, put his han, n !y ! uth# CAny"ay& h "/s Anu56/ 8riyan)a sai,# I 1 u', hear the 5in$'e % her ban$'es# 7he "as pr bab'y brushin$ her hair# CAnu5 is %ine&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# CHe is at a ,ea'er 1 n%eren1e in K ')ata# I thin) he has t be up 'ate as s !e ,ea'ers 1an/t see! t ha*e en u$h t ,rin)#/ C7a'es 5 bs are t u$h&/ Esha sai,# CO)ay& e41use !e& but I ha*e t 1han$e thisG u1h(/ C-hat/s happenin$6/ I sai, Pr ! shru$$e, his sh u',ers# CEsha& y ur " un, has n t hea'e, % r ,ays# 2ust a ban,=ai, is n t en u$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 %ashi n "ee)&/ Esha sai,# CLet/s $ ba1) $ir's& it is a'! st >:KK a#!#&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# COther"ise the b ys "i'' $ru!b'e#/ CThe b ys 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 $ru!b'y# At 'east someone is&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# Pr ! p inte, a %in$er at !e# ;es& the $ir's "ere ta')in$ ab ut !e# I $ru!b'e, in 'ip syn1# C; u thin) 7hya! is n t ta)in$ the ne"s "e''6/ 8riyan)a sai, her * i1e be1 !in$ %ainter as they "a')e, t "ar,s the t i'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 t i'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 Hi1r s %t $i*es these 1heesy 'ines an, he is 1ute an, r !anti1# I say n thin$ 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) Thr u$h the !irr r& Ba)shi sa" b th % us# His 5a" ,r ppe, as he turne, t "ar,s us# CHe'' 7ir&/ Pr ! sai, an, "ent up t the sin) ne4t t hi!# C7ir& it is n t "hat y u thin)G/I sai,& p intin$ ba1) at the sta''# CI a! n t thin)in$ anythin$# -hat y u , in y ur pers na' 'i*es is up t y u# But "hy aren/t y u at the ,es)6/ Ba)shi sai,# C7ir& "e 5ust t ) a sh rt brea)# Ca'' tra%%i1 is *ery ' " t ,ay&/ I sai,# C0i, y u ' $ y ur 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 y u 5ust use the t i'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 y ur b ss in the t i'et as he pees is ne % the " r',/s ! st a")"ar, situati ns# -hat are y u supp se, 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 n t6 C7ir& h " 1 !e y u are usin$ this restr !6/ I sai,& as I ha, n t seen hi! there be% re# C0i,n/t !ean t # I a'"ays use the e4e1uti*e t i'et&/ Ba)shi sai,& e!phasiBin$ his superi r p siti n 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 y ur ,es) t ,r p %% a 1 urier % r Esha#/ CC urierJ/ Pr ! sai, %r ! his p siti n 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 y u 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,#/ CN thin$# I "ant t share s !e pertinent insi$hts "ith the res ur1es# Any"ay& 1an I as) y u a 1 up'e % +uesti ns n the "ebsite6 ; u )n " it "e''& ri$ht6/ C;es sir# An, ! st +uesti ns "i'' be ans"ere, in the :AL se1ti n % the user !anua' "e sent y u&/ Pr ! sai,# C:AL6 C:re+uent'y as)e, +uesti ns#/

CG ,# B st n !ay ha*e s !e +uesti ns# I "i'' re'y n y u s!art pe p'e t ans"er the!# : r instan1e& h " , y u up,ate the site % r ne" 1 !puter ! ,e's6/ CIt/s easy& 7ir# Any syste!s pers n 1an ! ,i%y the "ebsite ba1)en, an, 1han$e the +ueries t suit the ! ,e'&/ Pr ! sai,# Ba)shi as)e, us a %e" ! re +uesti ns# They "ere si!p'e en u$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 y ur )n "'e,$e# Any"ay& than)s % r the user !anua'& I ha*e a'rea,y sent it t B st n&/ Ba)shi sai, an, sh ) his han,s ,ry# I ! *e, a"ay t a* i, any ,r p'ets %ai'in$ n !e# C; u ,i,J/ b th % us sai, in unis n# C7ir& i% y u 1 u', ha*e 1 pie, 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 s rry# I a! n t $ , "ith e!ai's any"ay# I/'' 5ust % r"ar, it t y u# But y u $uys !an the bay n "& )ay6/ CO% 1 urse& 7ir&/ I sai,# CAn, ha*e y u %inishe, the a,=h 1 tas) I $a*e y u&/ Ba)shi sai,# C-hat& 7ir6/ I sai,& an, then rea'iBe, he !eant the ph t 1 pyin$ % the b ar, !eetin$ in*ite# CA'! st , ne& 7ir# I "i'' sen, it t y u#/ Ba)shi n ,,e, an, 'e%t us behin, in the restr !# I %e't "eir, that Ba)shi ha, n t 1 pie, us n the e!ai' sen,in$ ut the "ebsite pr p sa'# H "e*er& it ,i, n t surprise !e# CIs he a t ta' ! r n r "hat6 Can/t 11 pe p'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 n t t put h t pans in the ,ish"asher# Esha tau$ht an ', !an t pre=heat an *en an, si!u'tane us'y , ,$e, his te'eph ni1 Cy ur=* i1e=is= s =se4y/ pass# An ther 1a'' %'ashe, n !y s1reen# CI )n " this $uy# Can I ta)e this 1a''6/ Pr ! sai,# C-h is it6/ I raise, !y eyebr "s# CA pri1) 1a''e, -i''ia! : 4# Listen in i% y u "ant&/ Pr ! sai,# I se'e1te, the pti n n !y 1 !puter# CG , a%tern n& -estern App'ian1es& Pi1t r spea)in$# H !ay I he'p y u t ,ay& Hr : 4&/ Pr ! sai,# C; u b' ,y "e'' he'p !e s!art ass&/ the !an n the ph ne sai,# He ha, a r u$h * i1e& "ith a hea*y s uthern A!eri1an a11entM he s un,e, 'i)e he "as in his !i,=thirties# I 1 u', $uess he "as ,run)# C-h is he&/ I "hispere,& but Pr ! shushe, !e# C7ir& i% I !ay 1 n%ir!& I a! spea)in$ t Hr -i''ia! : 46/ C; u bet y u are# ; u thin) 5ust C1 s y u )n " !y na!e it/s )ay t se'' !e 1rap h *ers6/ C-hat is the pr b'e! "ith y ur *a1uu! 1'eaner& 7ir6 It/s a PV=>KK6/ C/7ir& , y u re!e!ber "hen y u 'ast 1han$e, the ,ust ba$s6/ Pr ! sai,# CLi)e %u1) I re!e!ber "hen y u 'ast 1han$e, the ,ust ba$s# It/s 5ust a 1rap !a1hine y u ,u!bass#/ Pr ! t ) three ,eep breaths# He re!e!bere, the su$$este, 'ine in su1h a situati n# C7ir& I re+uest y u t n t use that 'an$ua$e#/ COh rea''y6 Then !a)e y ur %u1)in$ h *er " r)#/ Pr ! presse, a butt n n his ph ne be% re he sp )e a$ain# C:u1) y u %irst y u s n %abit1h pri1)hea,G/ he sai,# C-hat are y u , in$6/ I sai,& pani1)in$# C2ust *entin$& , n/t " rry it is n !ute&/ Pr ! s!ir)e,# CBa1) t n r!a' n "#/ He presse, the butt n a$ain an,& tryin$ his best t )eep his t ne 1a'!& sai,& 7ir& y u nee, t 1han$e the ,ust ba$s "hen they are %u''#/ C-h a! I spea)in$ t 6/ the * i1e n the ph ne be1a!e a$itate,# CPi1t r& sir#/ CTe'' !e y ur %u1)in$ na!e# ; u/re s !e )i, in In,ia& isn/t it6/ C7ir& I a! a%rai, I 1an/t ,is1' se !y ' 1ati n#/ C; u/re %r ! In,ia# Te'' !& b y#/ C;es sir# I a! in In,ia&/ Pr ! $a*e in# C7 "hat ,i, y u ha*e t , t $et this 5 b6 :u1)in$ ,e$ree in nu1'ear physi1s6/ C7ir& , y u nee, he'p "ith y ur 1'eaner r n t6/ Pr ! sai,#

CC/! n s n& ans"er !e# I , n/t nee, y ur he'p# ;eah& I/'' 1han$e the ,ust ba$# -hat ab ut y u $uys6 -hen "i'' y u 1han$e y ur ,usty 1 untry6/ CE41use !e& sir& but I "ant y u t st p 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 st ppe, abrupt'y as I 1ut %% the 1a''# Pr ! ,i,n/t ! *e % r a %e" se1 n,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 th se pe p'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 y u&/ 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' ,$e, the p "er "ires& ,is1 nne1tin$ 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$s I 1ann t stan,&/ he sai, an, sh "e, us t" %in$ers# CRa1ists# An, A!eri1ans#/ 8riyan)a starte, 'au$hin$# C-hat is there t 'au$h6/ I sai,# Cbe1ause there is a 1 ntra,i1ti n# 0 esn/t 'i)e ra1ists& but 1an/t stan, A!eri1ans&/ 8riyan)a sai,# C-hy6/ Pr ! sai,& i$n rin$ 8riyan)a# C-hy , s !e %at=ass& ,i!="itte, A!eri1ans $et t a1t superi r t us6 0 y u )n " "hy6/ CN b ,y ans"ere,# Pr ! 1 ntinue,& CI/'' te'' y u "hy# N t be1ause they are s!arter# N t be1ause they are better pe p'e# But be1ause their 1 untry is ri1h an, urs is p r# That is the n'y ,a!n reas n# Be1ause is ri1h an, urs is p r# That is the n'y ,a!n reas n# Be1ause the ' sers "h ha*e run ur 1 untry % r the 'ast %i%ty years 1 u',n/t , better than !a)e In,ia ne % the p rest 1 untries n earth# Great 5 b& than) y u& ,ear $reat %u1)in$ 'ea,ers#/ C7t p *errea1tin$ Pr !# 7 !e stupi, $uy 1a''s an,G/ Ra,hi)a sai,# C71re" A!eri1ans&/ I sai, an, $a*e hi! a b tt'e % "ater# CL )& y u/*e br )en , "n the entire syste!#/ I p inte, t the b'a1) 1a'' s1reens# C7 !e ne )i1)e, the A!eri1ans a bit t har,# N ! re 1a''s % r n "&/ 8riyan)a sai,& r ''in$ her eyes# CLet !e ta)e a ' )&/ I sai, an, "ent un,er the tab'e# I "as ! re " rrie, ab ut the "ires tappin$ the e!er$en1y ph ne# H "e*er& they "ere inta1t# C7hya!& "ait&/ Esha sai, C" ha*e a $reat e41use % r n t ta)in$ 1a''s# Let it be % r a "hi'e#/ E*ery ne 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 t i'et&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CT ,e'i*er a 1 urier % r Esha&/ I sai,# CAn, he sai, there is a tea! !eetin$ at @:FK a#!# Oh !an& I sti'' ha*e t Ver 4 the b ar, !eetin$ in*ite#/ I asse!b'e, Ba)shi/s sheets a$ain# C-hat 1 urier&/ Esha sai,# CThis6/ 7he 'i%te, a br "n pa1)et that "as 'yin$ near her 1 !puter# CHust be&/ Pr ! sai,& Cth u$h "hi1h 1 urier ,e'i*ers stu%% at this ti!e6/ Esha pene, the pa1)et# 7he t ) ut t" bun,'es % hun,re, rupee n tes# One bun,'e ha, a s!a'' ye'' " p st=it n te n it# 7he rea, the p st=it an, her %a1e "ent pa'e# C- "& s !e ne/s ri1h&/ Pr ! sai,# CN t ba,# -hat/s the ! ney % r6/ Ra,hi)a sai,# CIt/s n thin$# 2ust a %rien, returnin$ ! ney she b rr "e, %r ! !e&/ Esha sai,# 7he ,u!pe, the pa1)et in her ,ra"er an, t ) ut her ! bi'e ph ne# Her %a1e "as pensi*e& as i% she "as ,ebatin$ "hether r n t t !a)e a 1a''# I 1 ''e1te, !y sheets t $ t the Ver 4 r !# C-ant t he'p6/ I 1a''e, ut t Pr !# CN than)s# 8e p'e I " r)e, "ith are be1 !in$ nati na' TP rep rters& but ' ) at !e# Ta)in$ 1a''s %r ! ' sers an, bein$ as)e, t he'p "ith ' ser 5 bs&/ Pr ! sai, an, ' )e, a"ay %r ! !e#

N>A
I s"it1he, n the Ver 4 !a1hine in the supp'ies r ! an, put Ba)shi/s sta1) in the , 1u!ent %ee,er# I ha, 5ust presse, the Cstart/ butt n n the a$en,a , 1u!ent "hen the 1 pier 1rea)e, an, $r ane, t a ha't# C8aper 2a!: Tray @/ appeare, in bi$& b ', 'etters n the s1reen# The 1 pier in ur supp'ies r ! is n t a !a1hine# It is a pers n# A pers n "ith a psy1h ti1 s u' an, a $ru!py attitu,e t "ar,s 'i%e# -hene*er y u 1 py ! re than t" sheets& there is paper 5a!# A%ter that& the !a1hine teases y u: it $i*es y u syste!ati1 instru1ti ns n h " t un=5a! itopen !over. remove tray. pull lever# N " i% it )n "s this !u1h& "hy , esn/t it %i4 itse'%6 C0a!n&/ I !u!b'e, t !yse'% as I bent , "n t pen the paper trays# I turne, a %e" 'e*ers& an, pu''e, ut "hate*er paper "as in si$ht# I st , up an, rearran$e, the , 1u!ents n the %ee,er tray# I presse, Cstart/ a$ain& n t 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$htene, ar un, !y ne1)# CAaar$&/ I sai, as I 1h 1)e,# The I0 "ent insi,e the !a1hine/s $uts& an, the strap 1ur'e, ti$hter ar un, !y ne1)# I s1rea!e, ' u,'y an, pu''e, at !y I0# H "e*er& the !a1hine ha, ! re stren$th# I "as sure it "ante, t )i'' !e an, pr bab'y !a)in$ a 1 py % !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, n np'usse,# He sa" AD sheets sprea, a'' *er the r !& a $r anin$ Ver 4 !a1hine& an, !e 'yin$ , "n n t p % the ph t 1 piers& ,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 p eti1 " r,s C8aper 2a!/# Hy I0 strap ran ri$ht int the !a1hine# Pr ! ' )e, ar un, the supp'ies r ! an, % un, a pair % s1iss rs# C7h u', I6/ he sai, an, s!i'e, at !e# CI rea''y "ant the thers t see this#/ C7hutGupGan,G1ut&/ I sai,# 7nap( In ne snap& !y breath 1a!e ba1)# CO)ay n "6/ Pr ! as)e, as he thre" the s1iss rs ba1) in the supp'ies tray# I n ,,e, as I rubbe, !y ne1) an, t ) "heeBin$ breaths# I reste, !y hea, , "n n the "ar!& s thin$ $'ass % the ph t 1 py !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,& Cy u br )e the $'ass#/ C-hat6/ I sai, as I 'i%te, !y hea,# CGet %%&/ Pr ! sai, an, pu''e, !e %% the !a1hine# C-hat is "ith y u !an6/ ha*in$ a ba, %%i1e supp'ies ,ay6/

C-h )n "s6/ I sai,& 1 ''e1tin$ Ba)shi/s , 1u!ent# CI rea''y a! $ , % r n thin$# Cann t e*en , these ' ser 5 bs# I a'! st ,ie,# Can y u i!a$ine the hea,'ineIC pie, ,e1apitates !an& ,up'i1ates , 1u!entT#/ Pr ! 'au$he, an, put his ar! ar un, !y sh u',er# C0 n/t ta)e tensi n ,u,e# An, I ap ' $iBe#/ C: r "hat&/ I sai,# N b ,y has e*er ap ' $iBe, t !e in the past t"enty= si4 years % !y 'i%e# CI/! s rry I "as ru,e an, ,i,n/t 1 !e an, he'p y u# :irst these ru! rs ab ut the 1a'' 1enter 1' sin$ , "n# Then B nt !a)es it t N0TP# An, Ba)shi sen,s the , 1u!ent "ith ut 1 pyin$ us# Hean"hi'e& s !e psy1h 1a''er s1rea!s 1urses at !e# 2ust $ets t y u s !eti!es#/ C-hat $ets t y u6/ I as)e,# I "as tryin$ t 1 py Ba)shi/s , 1u!ent a$ain& but the Ver 4 !a1hine "as hur'in$ abusi*e !essa$e n the s1reen e*ery ti!e I presse, a butt n# 7 n 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 y u# ; u thin) y u are per%e1t'y happyy u )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 Ver 4 !a1hine#/ I ,i, n t %u''y un,erstan, Pr !/s $'ass pane the ry % 'i%e& but his %a1e t ', !e he "as upset# I ,e1i,e, t s the the !an "h ha, 5ust sa*e, !y 'i%e# CPr !& y u )n " "hat y ur pr b'e! is6/ C-hat6/ C; u , n/t ha*e rea' ' *e in y ur 'i%e# ; u nee, t %a'' in ' *e& be in ' *e an, stay in ' *e# That is the $ap y u are %a1in$&/ I sai, %ir!'y& as i% I rea''y )ne" "hat I "as ta')in$ ab ut# C; u thin) s 6/ Pr ! sai,# CI/*e ha, $ir'%rien,s# I/'' !a)e an ther ne s ny u )n " that#/ CN t th se )in, % $ir's# 7 !e ne y u rea''y 1are ab ut# An, I thin) "e a'' )n " "h that is#/ CEsha6/ he sai,# I )ept +uiet# CEsha is n t intereste,# I ha*e as)e, her# 7he has her ! ,e'in$ an, says she has n ti!e % r a re'ati nship# 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 !paris n# It/s 'i)e as)in$ " !en that they 1are % r ! re& ni1e sh es r !en# There is n easy ans"er#/ CRea''y6 7 "e are ben1h!ar)e, t % t"ear6/ CTrust !e& " !en 1an i$n re !en % r se4y sh es# But 1 !e t the p int Esha#/ C0 y u thin) y u ' *e her6/ I sai,# CCan/t say# But I/*e %e't s !ethin$ % r her *er a year n "#/

CBut y u ,ate, ther $ir's 'ast year#/ CTh se $ir's "ere ne*er i!p rtant# They "ere 'i)e TP 1hanne's y u sur% "hi'e ' )in$ % r the rea' pr $ra! y u "ant t see# ; u are "ith that Cur'y -ur'y 1hi1)& an, y u sti'' ha*e %ee'in$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 y u %% " !en % re*er# Haybe that "i'' he'p y u $et *er 8riyan)a&/ Pr ! sai,# C0 n/t 1han$e the t pi1# -e/re ta')in$ ab ut y u# I thin) y u sh u', as) Esha a$ain % r a rea' re'ati nship# 0 it !an#/ Pr ! ' )e, at !e % r a %e" se1 n,s# C-i'' y u 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 y u be ar un, "hen I ta') t her6 2ust 'isten t ur 1 n*ersati n# Haybe "e 1an ana'yBe it 'ater#/ CO)ay& sure# 7 & 'et/s , it n "#/ CN "6/ C-hy n t6 -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 1 u', be nearby& but in1 nspi1u us#

N>E
CE*erythin$ )ay6 I hear, n ises&/ Esha sai,& as "e returne, %r ! the supp'ies r !# 7he stret1he, ba1) n her 1hair# Her t p s'i, up an, the na*e' rin$ t"in)'e,# CThe Ver 4 !a1hine ,ie,# Any"ay& any ne % 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$ht 1a''#/ A s1 p % h t ! 'ten 'ea, entere, thr u$h !y hea, an, 'e%t !y t es# &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 ab ut t $et up "hen I st ppe, her# CA1tua''y Ra,hi)a& 1an y u stay ba1)6 I% Ba)shi "a')s by& at 'east he/'' see s !e pe p'e n the ,es)&/ I sai,# Ra,hi)a sat ba1) puBB'e, as "e 'e%t the r !# The ,inin$ area The ,innin$ area at C nne4i ns is a 1r ss bet"een a restaurant an, a 1 ''e$e h ste' !ess# There are three r "s % ' n$ $ranite=1 *ere, tab'es& "ith seatin$ n b th 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$e!ent re1ent'y ren *ate, the p'a1e "hen s !e *erpri1e, 1 nsu'tin$ ' % HBAs. re1 !!en,e, that a bri$ht ,inin$ r ! " u', be $ , % r e!p' yee ! ti*ati n# A !u1h 1heaper pti n " u', ha*e 5ust been t %ire# Ba)shi& i% y u as) !e# Pr ! t ) a 1heese san,"i1h an, 1hips <"e , n/t ser*e In,ian % , a$ain % r ! ti*ati n reas ns. in his tray an, sat at ne % the tab'es# Esha 5ust t ' s ,a "ater an, sat pp site Pr !# I thin) s'i1e % eats n1e e*ery three ,ays# I t ) an unhea'thy siBe, s'i1e % 1h 1 'ate 1a)e# I sh u',n/t ha*e& but 5usti%ie, it as a "e''=,eser*e, re"ar, % r he'pin$ a %rien,# I sat at the a,5a1ent tab'e& t ) ut !y ph ne& 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$&/ Pr ! sai,# Esha r ''e, her eyes an, n ,,e,# CA1tua''y Esha& I "ante, t te'' y u s !ethin$&/ Pr ! sai,& %in$erin$ the 1hips n his p'ate# I ha, a'rea,y %inishe, ha'% !y 1a)e# I "as pr bab'y a pi$ "ith a re*erse eatin$ ,is r,er in !y pre*i us 'i%e# C;eahJ/ Esha sai, t Pr !& ,ra$$in$ the " r, as an eyebr " r se in suspi1i n# The in*isib'e %e!a'e antennae "ere ut an, su$$estin$ 1auti n# CTa') ab ut "hat6/ CEsha&/ Pr ! sai,& 1'earin$ his thr at# CI/*e been thin)in$ ab ut y u a ' t 'ate'y#/ CRea''y6/ she sai, an, ' )e, si,e"ays t see i% I "as ea*es,r ppin$# O% 1 urse I "as& but I !a,e an e4tra e%% rt t ,isp'ay a %a1ia' e4pressi n that

sh "e, I "as rea''y % 1usin$ n !y 1a)e# 7he "at1he, as I 5 y%u''y 1 nsu!e, "hat "as pr bab'y her "ee)'y 1a' ri%i1 1 nsu!pti n in a %e" se1 n,s# C;es rea''y& Esha# I !ay ha*e !et a ' t % $ir's& but n ne is 'i)e y u#/ 7he $i$$'e, an,& ta)in$ a %' "er ut %r ! the *ase& be$an p'u1)in$ ut its peta's# C;es&/ Pr ! 1 ntinue,& Can, I thin) rather than % ' ar un,& 1 u', , "ith a rea' re'ati nship# 7 & I/! as)in$ y u a$ain"i'' y u $ ut "ith !e6/ Esha "as +uiet % r a %e" !inutes# C-hat , y u e4pe1t !e t say6/ CI , n/t )n "# H " ab ut a yes6/ CRea''yJ "e'' un% rtunate'y that " r, ,i, n t 11ur t !e&/ Esha sai,& her e4pressi n seri us# C-hy6/ Pr ! sai,# I 1 u', te'' he th u$h it "as *er a'rea,y# He ha, t ', !e n1e& i% a $ir' hints she is n t intereste,& it/s ti!e t 1ut ' sses an, +uit# Ne*er try the persuasi n $a!e# CI/*e t ', y u be% re# I ha*e t % 1us n !y ! ,e'in$ 1areer# I 1an/t a%% r, the 'u4ury % !a)in$ a b y%rien,&/ she sai,& her * i1e unusua''y 1 ',# C-hat is "ith y u& Esha6 0 n/t y u "ant s !e ne t supp rt y uG/ Pr ! sai,# Cthat/s ri$ht& "ith three ,i%%erent $ir'%rien,s 'ast year& I a! sure y u "i'' a'"ays be there % r !e&/ Esha sai,# CThe ther $ir's "ere 5ust % r %un# They !eant n thin$& they/re 'i)e piBBa r ! *ies r s !ethin$# They are 1hanne' sur%in$& y u are ! re seri us&/ Pr ! sai,# C7 "hat seri us 1hanne' a! I6 The BCC6/ Esha sai,# CI ha*e )n "n y u % r ! re than a year# -e ha*e spent hun,re,s % ni$hts t $etherG/ I th u$h Pr !/s 'ast phrase 1a!e ut ,,& but Esha "as t pre 11upie, t n ti1e# C2ust ,r p it& Pr !&/ Esha sai, put the %' "ers ba1) in the *ase# Her * i1e "as brea)in$& th u$h she "as n t 1ryin$ yet# CAre y u )ay6/ Pr ! sai, an, e4ten,e, his han, t h ', hers# 7he sense, the ! *e an, pu''e, her han, a"ay nan se1 n,s be% re he rea1he, it# CN t rea''y&/ Esha sai,# CI th u$ht "e "ere %rien,s# I 5ust "ante, t ta)e it t the ne4t 'e*e'G/ Pr ! sai,# C8'ease st p it&/ Esha sai,& an, 1 *ere, her eyes "ith her han,s# C; u 1h se the " rst ti!e t ta') ab ut this#/ C-hat/s "r n$ Esha6 Can I he'p6/ Pr ! sai,& his * i1e n " he', ! re 1 n1ern than the ner* usness % r !an1e# 7he sh ) her hea, %ranti1a''y# I )ne" Pr ! ha, %ai'e, !iserab'y# This $ir' "as n t intereste, an, "as in a stran$e ! , t ni$ht any"ay# I %inishe, !y th usan,=1a' rie 1h 1 'ate 1a)e& an, "ent t the 1 unter 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 % 1h 1 '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,ati n n the best sh ps in 0e'hi % r bri,a' ,resses# Esha an, Pr ! "ere si'ent# Hy $ui't % r eatin$ the 1h 1 'ate 1a)e 1 !bine, "ith !y $ui't % r n t rep rtin$ 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 ph ne# I )ept a 1a'! %a1e "hi'e I se'e1te, the pti n t 'isten in n the 1a''# CH !&/ 8riyan)a sai,& C"hy aren/t y u s'eepin$6 -h $a*e y u this nu!ber6/ C-hat s'eepin$6 N ne has s'ept a "in) t ,ay&/ her ! ther sai, in an e41ite, * i1e# I ha, ne*er !et her# H "e*er& thr u$h 8riyan)a/s st ries& I %e't I )ne" her inti!ate'y# The tappe, 'ine ha, e41epti na' 1'arity# Her ! ther s un,e, e'ate,& "hi1h "as unusua' % r a " !an "h <a11 r,in$ t 8riyan)a. ha, spent ! st % 'i%e in se'%=i!p se,& bsessi*e=1 !pu'si*e ,epressi n# 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 n t s'eptM they ha, been 1a''in$ 8riyan)a/s parents at 'east n1e an h ur# Ganesh ha, t ', 8riyan)a/s %a!i'y that he "as C n t p % 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 ab ut y u s !u1h&/ 8riyan)a/s ! ther sai,# That/s $reat ! !& but "hat/s up6/ 8riyan)a sai,# I/'' be h !e in a %e" h urs# H " 1 !e y u 1a''e, her6/ C2ust 'i)e that# Can/t a ! ther 1a'' her ,au$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'' y u 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 1 u', see $ir's# But n " that he has !a,e his 1h i1e& 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, ar un, a a'' % us "ith a sh 1)e, e4pressi n# E*ery ne returne, puBB'e, ' )s& as they ,i, n t )n " "hat "as $ in$ n# O% 1 urse& I a's preten,e, t ' ) 1 n%use,# CH !& n (/ 8riyan)a "ai'e,# CH " 1an I $et !arrie, ne4t ! nth6 That is 'ess than %i*e "ee)s#/

COh y u , n/t ha*e t " rry ab ut 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 $ran, e*ent#/ CH ! I/! n t " rrie, ab ut r$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'eph ne "ire# CHuh6/ O% 1 urse& y u are rea,y % r it# -hen the %a!i'ies ha*e %i4e, the !at1h& bri,e an, $r ! are happy& "hy ,e'ay6 An, the b y 1an/t 1 !e a$ain an, a$ain# He is in an i!p rtant p siti n a%ter a''#/ ;eah ri$ht& I th u$ht# He "as pr bab'y ne % the th usan,s % In,ian $ee)s 1 ,in$ a"ay in Hi1r s %t# XBut t his in='a"s& he "as Hr Bi'' Gates hi!se'%# CH !& p'ease# I 1ann t , it ne4t ! nth# 7 rrybut n &/ 8riyan)a sai,& Can, I ha*e t )eep the ph ne , "n n "#/ C-hat , y u !ean n 6 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 y u6/ in %a1t& h " , es it ha*e anythin$ t , "ith y u6 It is !y 'i%e& an, s rry& I 1an/t !arry any ne I ha*e n'y )n "n % r %i*e "ee)s#/ 8riyan)a/s ! ther staye, si'ent % r a "hi'e# I th u$ht she " u', reta'iate& but then I %i$ure, ut: this si'en1e "as " r)in$ ! re e%%e1ti*e'y than " r,s# 7he )n "s h " t put an e! ti na' stasher )ni%e ti$ht at 8riyan)a/s ne1)# CH !& are y u there6/ 8riyan)a as)e, a%ter ten se1 n,s# C;es& I a! sti'' here# -i'' be ,ea, s n& but un% rtunate'y sti'' here#/ CH ! 1/! n n "G/ C0 n/t e*en !a)e !e happy by !ista)e&/ 8riyan)a/s ! ther sai,# -hat a )i''er 'ine& I th u$ht# I a'! st app'au,e,# 8riyan)a thre" a han, up in the air in e4asperati n# 7he $rabbe, a stress ba'' 'yin$ near Pr !/s 1 !puter a1r ss 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# 0 n/t , this#/ C; u )n " I praye, % r ne h ur t ,ayGprayin$ y u stay happyG % re*er&/ 8riyan)a/s ! ther sai, as she br )e int tears# -h e*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 $'an,s& i% n t an be,ient ,au$hter# CH !& , n/t 1reate a s1ene# I/! at " r)# -hat , y u "ant %r ! !eJ I ha*e a$ree, t the b y# N " "hy is e*ery ne pushin$ !e6/ CIsn/t Ganesh ni1e6 -hat is the pr b'e!6/ her ! ther sai, in a tra$i1 t ne that 1 u', put any B ''y" , her /s ! ther t sha!e# CH !& I ,i,n/t say he isn/t ni1e r there is a pr b'e!# I 5ust nee, ti!e# C; u aren/t ,istra1te,& are y u6 Are y u sti'' ta')in$ 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 ', y u s !any ti!es I ha*e a$ree, t Ganesh ri$ht6/

C7 & "hy 1an/t y u a$ree % r ne4t ! nth% r e*ery ne/s happiness6 Can/t a ! ther be$ her ,au$hter % r this6/ There y u $ : C1an/t a ! therG/ nu!ber II % r the ni$ht# 8riyan)a 1' se, her eyes t 1 !p se herse'%# 7he sp )e s' "'y& CCan I thin) ab ut it6/ CO% 1 urse# Thin) ab ut it# But thin) % r a'' % us# N t 5ust y urse'%#/ CO)ay# I "i''# 2ustG 5ust $i*e !e s !e ti!e#/ 8riyan)a hun$ up the ph ne an, )ept sti''# The $ir's as)e, her % r ,etai's# 7he ' )e, ar un, an, thre" the stress ba'' at her ! nit r# CCan y u be'ie*e this6 7he "ants !e t $et !arrie, ne4t ! nth# Ne4t ! nth(/ 8riyan)a sai, an, st , up# CThey br u$ht !e up % r t"enty=%i*e years& an, they 1an/t "ait ! re than t"enty=%i*e ,ays t $et ri, % !e# -hat is "ith these pe p'ea! I su1h a bur,en6/ 8riyan)a repeate, her 1 n*ersati n t Esha an, Ra,hi)a# Pr ! 1he1)e, his 1 !puter t see i% Ba)shi ha, sent us any e!ai's# CIt , esn/t !atter ri$ht6 ; u ha*e t !arry hi! any"ay# -hy ,ra$ it ut6/ Ra,hi)a sai, t 8riyan)a# C;es& y u $et t ,ri*e the Le4us s ner t &/ Pr ! sai,& "ith ut ' )in$ up %r ! his s1reen# 71re" Pr !# I $a*e hi! a %ir! $'are ut % the 1 rner % !y eye# C-hat "i'' I "ear6/ Esha sai,# Her s !ber ! , ha, 'i$htene, "ith the ne" ann un1e!ent# Gi*e her a 1han1e t ,ress up an, she "i'' i$n re pe p'e ,yin$ ar un, her# CThis is t sh rt a n ti1e&/ she 1 ntinue,& C I nee, a ne" ,ress % r e*ery 1ere! ny#/ CGet y ur designer friends t 'en, y u a %e" ,resses&/ Pr ! sai, t Esha& "ith a hint % sar1as! in his * i1e# Esha/s %a1e ,r ppe, 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 n t rea,y % r this# In ne ! nth I/'' be s !e ne/s "i%e# G sh& 'itt'e )i,s "i'' 1a'' !e auntie&/ 8riyan)a sai,# E*ery ne ,is1usse, the pr s an, 1 ns % 8riyan)a $ettin$ !arrie, in % ur "ee)s# H st % the! %e't $ettin$ !arrie, s +ui1)'y "asn/t su1h a bi$ ,ea' n1e she ha, 1h sen the $uy# O% 1 urse& ! st pe p'e , n/t $i*e a ,a!n ab ut !e as "e''# In the !i,st % the ,is1ussi n 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 !e ne 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 b y/ res un,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 n t ' n$ a$ : it "as ne % ur 'ast ,ates at H 1ha Ca%S#

N>R Hy 8ast 0ates "ith 8riyan)aIP

H 1ha Ca%S& Greater Kai'ash I :i*e ! nths be% re this ni$ht -e pr !ise, t !eet n ne 1 n,iti n"e " u', n t %i$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, ar un, !e# H 1ha/s ,S1 r ha, a Hi,,'e Eastern t"ist& "ith h )ahs& *e'*et 1ushi ns an, 1 ' re, $'ass 'a!ps e*ery"here# Hany % the tab'es "ere 11upie, by 1 up'es& sittin$ "ith intert"ine, %in$ers& b*i us'y ,eep'y in ' *e# The $ir's 'au$he, at "hate*er the $uys sai,# The $uys r,ere, the ! st e4pensi*e ite!s n the !enu# E*ery n " an, then their eyes nee,e, t be happy "as ea1h ther# The si''y ,e'usi n in the initia' sta$e % a re'ati nship: aren/t they a!aBin$6 Hy 'i%e "as n "here near per%e1t& % 1 urse# : r starters& !y $ir'%rien,& i% I 1 u', sti'' 1a'' her that& "as 'ate# 8'us& I 1 u', sense she "as it1hin$ t ,u!p !e# 8riyan)a an, I ha, en,e, ei$ht % ur 'ast ten 1a''s "ith s !e ne han$in$ up the ph ne n the ther# I ha, n t s'ept the entire ,ay& "hi1h is n t a bi$ ,ea' % r ! st pe p'e& but 1 nsi,erin$ I " r) a'' ni$ht& it ha, n 'e%t !e %ee'in$ t $ ,# Hy 5 b "as $ in$ n "here& "ith Ba)shi bent n su1)in$ e*ery 'ast ,r p % !y b' ,# Haybe he "as ri$htI 5ust ,i, n t ha*e the strate$i1 *isi n r !ana$eria' 'ea,ership r "hate*er 1rap thin$s y u are supp se, t ha*e t , "e'' in 'i%e# Haybe 8riyan)a/s ! ! "as ri$ht t her ,au$hter "as stu1) "ith a ' ser# These th u$hts en*e' pe, !e as she 1a!e in# 7he ha, 5ust ha, a hair1ut# Her "aist='en$th hair "as n " 5ust a %e" in1hes be' " her sh u',ers# I 'i)e, her "ith ' n$ hair& but she ne*er 'istene, t !e# I t ', y u& 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 t p 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 % pr test# C7 rry& 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!p rtant than !e&/ I sai,& "ith ut any e! ti n in !y * i1e# CI th u$ht "e sai, n sar1as!&/ she sai,& Can, I ,i, say s rry#/ CThat/s ri$ht# On1e s rry % r ha'% an h ur see!s %air& in %a1t& $ $et a t" =h ur %a1ia' , ne as "e''# ; u 1an 1 !e ba1) an, say s rry % ur ti!es#/ C7hya!& p'ease# I )n " I/! 'ate# -e pr !ise, n t t %i$ht# 7atur,ay is the n'y ,ay I $et ti!e % r a hair1ut#/

CI t ', y u t )eep y ur hair ' n$&/ I sai,# CI ,i, % r a ' n$ ti!e# But it/s s p har, t !aintain it& 7hya!# I/! s rry& but y u nee, t un,erstan, s !eti!es# I ha, the ! st b rin$ hair in the " r', an, I 1 u', , n thin$ "ith it# An, it t ) ne h ur t i' the ,a!n thin$# An, it %ee's s h t in the 0e'hi heat#/ C-hate*er&/ I sai, in a b re, * i1e& ' )in$ at the !enu# C-hat , y u "ant6/ CI "ant !y 7hya! t be in a $ , ! n&/ she sai, an, he', !y han,# -e ,i,n/t intert"ine %in$ers th u$h# CHy/ 7hya!# I $uess I sti'' 1 unt& I th u$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 1h 1 'ate br "nies an, i1e 1rea!&/ she sai,# CAt 'east s !ethin$ y u , n/t $et at h !e#/ CI th u$ht y u sai, y u/'' ha*e "hate*er I "ant&/ I sai,# C;es& but Ha$$i6/ she sai, an, !a,e a +uir)y %a1e# Her n stri's 1 ntra1te, % r a se1 n,# I ha, seen that %a1e be% re& an, I 1 u', n t he'p but s!i'e# I sa*e, !yse'% ti!e by r,erin$ the br "nie# The "aiter br u$ht the 1h 1 'ate br "nie an, p'a1e, it in %r nt % 8riyan)a# Ha'% a 'iter % 1h 1 'ate sau1e ,rippin$ *er a b' b % *ani''a i1e 1rea! p'a1e, pre1ari us'y *er a hu$e s'i1e % ri1h 1h 1 'ate 1a)e# It "as a heart atta1) ser*e, n a p'ate# 8riyan)a ha, t" sp ns an, s'i, the ,ish t "ar,s !e# CL ) at !e& eatin$ a"ay 'i)e a 1 "&/ she sai,# C0i, y u ha*e a heart t heart "ith y ur ! !6/ I sai,# 8riyan)a "ipe, her 1h 1 'ate='ine, 'ips "ith tissue# I %e't 'i)e )issin$ her ri$ht then# H "e*er& I hesitate,# -hen y u hesitate in ' *e& y u )n " s !ethin$ is "r n$# CHe an, !y ! !&/ she sai,& Care in1apab'e % ha*in$ a rati na'& sane 1 n*ersati n# I trie, t ta') t herab ut y u an, !y p'ans t stu,y %urther# It s un,s 'i)e a si!p'e 1 n*ersati n& ri$ht6/ C-hat happene,6/ C-e "ere 1ryin$ in se*en !inutes# Can y u be'ie*e it6/ C-ith y ur ! 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, y u# Be1ause y u are n t sett'e,& an, be1ause sin1e the ,ay I starte, ,atin$ y u I ha*e 1han$e, an, be1 !e an una%%e1ti nate an, 1 ', pers n#/ C9na%%e1ti nate6 -hat theG6/ I sh ute,& !y %a1e turnin$ re,# CH " the he'' ha*e I 1han$e, y u6

The se1 n, 1 !!ent 1ut !e int thin s'i1es# 7ure& I hate, the Cn t sett'e,/ ta$ t & but there "as s !e truth t that# H " 1 u', she a11use !e % turnin$ 8riyan)a int a 1 ', pers n& th u$h6 7he ,i, n t say anythin$# Her %a1e s %tene, an, I hear, tiny s bs# It "as s un%air& I "as the ne bein$ insu'te,: I sh u', be the ne $ettin$ t 1ry# H "e*er& I $uess n'y $ir's ' ) ni1e 1ryin$ n ,ates# CListen 8riyan)a& y ur ! ! is a psy1h G/ I sai,# CN she is n t# It is n t be1ause % y u& but I have 1han$e,# Haybe it is be1ause % !y a$ean, she 1 n%uses it "ith !y bein$ "ith y u# -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$# E*ery ne in the 1a%S !ust ha*e th u$ht I ha, 1heate, n !y $ir'%rien, an, "as ,u!pin$ her r s !ethin$# I $ t s !e Cy u=h rrib'e= !en/ ' )s %r ! $ir's at ther tab'es# CCa'! , "n& 8riyan)a# -hat , es she "ant6 An, te'' !e h nest'y& "hat , y u "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 $atin$ terr rists# 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 !e ne she 1h ses % r !e#/ CAn, "hat , y u "ant6/ I sai,# CI , n/t )n "&/ she t ', the tab'e1' th# -hat the he''6 I th u$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 y u6 I a! 5ust n t $ , en u$h % r y ur %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, b ys an, they are ri1her t ,ay# Her 1 n1ern % r !e 1 !es %r ! there# 7he is !y ! ther# It is n t as i% she , es n t )n " "hat is $ , % r !e# I "ant s !e ne , in$ "e'' in his 1areer as "e''#/ C7 y ur ! ther is n t the n'y 1ause % r the strain in ur re'ati nship# It is y u as "e''#/ CA re'ati nship ne*er %' un,ers % r ne reas n a' ne# There are !any issues# ; u , n/t ta)e %ee,ba1)# ; u are sar1asti1# ; u , n/t un,erstan, !y a!biti ns# 0 n/t I a'"ays te'' y u t % 1us n y ur 1areer6/ C2ust $et ' st )ay&/ I sai,# Hy ' u, * i1e attra1te, the attenti n % the nei$hb rin$ tab'es# A'' the $ir's at H 1ha "ere pr bab'y 1 n*in1e, I "as the " rst p ssib'e !a'e 1hau*inist pi$ e*er# Her tears "ere ba1)# H "e*er& she n ti1e, pe p'e "at1hin$ us an, 1 !p se, herse'%# A %e" "ipes "ith a tissue an, she "as n r!a' a$ain# C7hya!& it is this attitu,e % y urs# At h !e& !y ! ther , esn/t un,erstan,# O*er here& y u , n/t# -hy ha*e y u be1 !e 'i)e this6 ; u ha*e

1han$e, 7hya!& y u are n t the sa!e happy pers n I %irst !et&/ she& her * i1e restraine, ut 1a'!# CN thin$ has happene, t me# It is y u "h %in,s ne" %au'ts in !e e*ery,ay# I ha*e a ba, b ss an, I a! tryin$ t !ana$e as happi'y as p ssib'e# -hat has happene, t y u6 ; u use, t eat at tru1) ,ri*ers/ ,habas# N " a'' % a su,,en y u nee, an NRI 1ar,ia1 sur$e n t !a)e en,s !eet6/ -e starte, at ea1h ther % r t" se1 n,s# CO)ay& it/s !y %au't# That is "hat y u "ant t pr *e& ri$ht6 I a! a 1 n%use,& se'%ish& !ean pers n ri$ht6/ she sai,# I ' )e, at her# I 1 u',n/t be'ie*e I ha, ' *e, her an, th se %'are, n stri's % r % ur years# An, n " it "as ,i%%i1u't t say % ur senten1es "ith ut ,isa$reein$# I si$he,# CI th u$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 y u&/ she sai, an, he', !y han,# CHe t &/ I sai,& Cbut I thin) "e nee, t ta)e 1are % ther thin$s in ur 'i%e as "e''#/ -e as)e, % r the bi'' an, !a,e 1urs ry 1 n*ersati n ab ut the "eather& tra%%i1 an, the ,S1 r % the 1a%S# -e "ere ta')in$ a ' t& but "e "eren/t 1 !!uni1atin$ at a''# CCa'' !e in the e*enin$ i% y u/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*i us'y& n t a "a)in$ h ur passe, "ith ut ne % us 7H7=in$ r 1a''in$ the ther# CO)ay& r I "i'' 7H7 y u&/ she sai,# An 7H7 see!e, si!p'er than ,ea'in$ "ith an ther 1 n*ersati n# -e ,i, a basi1 hu$& "ith ut rea''y t u1hin$# A )iss "as ut % the +uesti n# C7ure&/ I sai,& Cit/s a'"ays ni1e t $et y ur !essa$e#/ 7ar1as!# Han& "i'' I ne*er 'earn6

N>O
H 1ha 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 interi rs# I 1he1)e, the ti!e: it "as 1' se t @:KK a#!# I $ t up t ta)e a sh rt "a')# I ,i, n t )n " "hat "as ! re ,is$ustin$thin)in$ ab ut 8riyan)a/s ! ther r hearin$ the $ir's bsess ab ut 8riyan)a/s !arria$e# I "ent t the 1 rner % 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& rhin s& 'i ns an, ,eer# CAre th se y ur 1ust !ersJ/ I sai, an, 'au$he, at !y "n n n=%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 $ran,s n#/ CC '# He 'i)es ani!a's6/ I sai, an, beet *er t ta)e a 1' ser ' ) at the 1hi!p# It b re an un1anny rese!b'an1e t Ba)shi# C;es& I/! sen,in$ it by e!ai' t !y s n# But I/! ha*in$ tr ub'e as ur e!ai's , n t 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 $uy ha, %i4e, the ph nes# CH!!G these are 'ar$e %i'es&/ I sai,& as I t ) *er his ! use# CI 1 u', try t Bip the!th u$ht that " n/t 1 !press i!a$es !u1h# The ther "ay is t !a)e the pi1tures ' " res 'uti n# Other"ise& y u 1an 'ea*e a %e" ani!a's ut#/ Hi'itary 9n1'e "ante, t )eep the! hi$h res 'uti n# -e a$ree, t 'ea*e ut the ,eer an, the hipp s as th se "ere n t his $ran,s n/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 $ratitu,e# It "as har, t be'ie*e he ha, been b te, ut be1ause he "as t b ssy "ith his ,au$hter=in='a"a pie1e % $ ssip Ra,hi)a ha, n1e passe, n t !e# C; u/re "e'1 !e&/ I sai,# I n ti1e, Pr ! si$na' t !e t 1 !e ba1)# H pin$ that the t pi1 % 8riyan)a/s "e,,in$ "as *er& I returne, t the ,es)# Ba)shi has sent us a 1 py % the pr p sa'&/ Pr ! sai,# I sat at !y ,es) an, pene, !y inb 4# There "as a !essa$e %r ! Ba)shi# The 1a''s ha, n t resu!e,M the syste!s $uy ha, $ ne ba1) t his ,epart!ent a$ain t $et ne" "ires# CLet/s see "hi1h "hit e b B s he su1)e, up t # -h has he sent it t 6/ Pr !/s * i1e "as e41ite,# I pene, the !ai' t see "h ha, been the ri$ina' re1ipients# It "as the "h /s "h % -estern C !puters an, App'ian1es in B st n: the sa'es !ana$er& the IT !ana$er& the perati ns hea, an, se*era' thers# Ba)shi ha,

sent it t the entire ,ire1t ry % pe p'e in ur 1'ient base# I ha*e t say& he is better at bein$ a !ass=su1)=up than a $an$ban$ p rn star# CHe has 1 pie, e*ery ne# 7eni r !ana$e!ent in B st n in the It T %ie',& an, then In,ia seni r !ana$e!ent in the I11T %ie',&/ I sai,# CAn, yet s !eh " he % r$ t t 1 py us# Ba)shi the $reat&/ Pr ! sai,# I rea, ut the 1 ntents % his sh rt !ai': C0ear A''& Atta1he, p'ease %in, the !u1h=a"aite, user !anua' % the 1ust !er ser*i1e "ebsite that 1han$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 B st nG/ I 'et ut a si'en1e "hist'e# CB st n6 H " is that ass $ in$ t B st n&/ Pr ! sai,# CBa)shi/s $ in$ t B st n&/ Pr ! sai,# CAny % y u 'a,ies "ant t ta$ a' n$6/ C-hat6/ Esha sai,# C-hat is he $ in$ t B st n % r6/ CT ta') ab ut 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 1 sts& n the ther han, there is 1ash t sen, i,i ts n trips t the 976/ Pr ! sai, an, thre" his stress ba'' n the tab'e# It hit the pen stan, an, the 1 ntents %e'' ut# CCare%u'&/ Esha sai,& s un,in$ irritate,& as a %e" pens r ''e, t "ar,s her# 7he ha, her ! bi'e ph ne in her han,& pr bab'y sti'' tryin$ t 1a'' s !e ne# CHa,ness# That is "hat this C nne4i ns is# B st n(/ 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 ab ut t 1' se Ba)shi/s !essa$e "hen *r ! st ppe, !e# COpen the , 1u!ent&/ Pr ! sai,& C5ust pen the %i'e he sent& CIt/s the sa!e %i'e "e sent hi!# The user !anua'&/ I sai,# C0i, y u pen it6/ CN & "hat is the nee,G/ C2ust pen it&/ he sai, s ' u,'y that Esha ' )e, at us# I " n,ere, "h ! she "as 1a''in$ 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 b tt ! % the %irst pa$e& !y 5a" $re" 'a4& part'y in h rr r an, part'y in re%'e4 preparati n t * i1e s !e !a5 r 1urse " r,s# Western Com,uters %roubleshootin& Website 2ro$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 1 nne1t t a nu!ber at 'east t"enty ti!es# 7he thre" an an$ry ' ) at Pr ! an, hur'e, the pen ba1) at hi!# He i$n re, her as his eyes "ere n !y s1reen# CIt says it is by %u1)in$ 7ubhash Ba)shi&/ Pr ! sai,#& tappin$ his %in$er har, n !y ! nit r# CChe1) this ut# Hr H r n& "h 1an/t te'' a 1 !puter %r ! a pian & has , ne this "ebsite an, this !anua'# Li)e 1rap he has#/ Pr ! ban$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 "r n$ "ith y u6/ Esha sai, an, pu''e, her 1hair a"ay t a* i, t sh "er % pens# 0esperate'y sha)in$ the ph ne t $et a 1 nne1ti n& she $ t up an, "ent t the 1 n%eren1e r !# CHe passe, %% ur " r) as his& 7hya!# 0 y u rea'iBe thatJ/ he sai, an, sh ) !y sh u',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$ht t breathe# CThis is s 1rap# 7i4 ! nths % " r) n this !anua' a' ne&/ I sai, an, 1' se, the %i'e# CI ne*er th u$ht he " u', st p this ' "#/ CAn,6/ Pr ! sai,# CAn, "hat6 I , n/t rea''y )n " "hat t , # I/! in sh 1)# 8'us& ri$ht n " there is this %ear he !ay , "nsiBe usG/ I sai,# C0 "nsiBe us6/ Pr ! sai, an, st , up# C-e " r)e, n it % r si4 ! nths !an# An, a'' y u 1an say is "e 1an/t , anythin$ as he !ay , "nsiBe us6 This %u1)in$ ' ser Ba)shi is turnin$ y u int a ' ser# Hr 7hya!& y u are turnin$ int a ! usepa,& pe p'e are r ''in$ *er y u e*ery,ay# 8riyan)a te'' hi! t say s !ethin$# G t Ba)shi/s %%i1e an, h ', his ,a!n 1 ''ar#/ 8riyan)a ' )e, up at us& an, % r the se1 n, ti!e that ni$ht& ur eyes !et ban$ n# 7he ha, that ' )M that sa!e $aBe that ha, !a,e !e %ee' s!a'' be% re# Li)e "hat "as the p int % e*en sh utin$ 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 $i*e th se ' )s "hen y u ha*e a Le4us "aitin$ % r y u& 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 pr spe1ts % r !y pr ! ti n "ere $ ne# An, that !eantpr %(8riyan)a "as $ in$ t # But ri$ht n " the pe p'e see y u as "ea) i% y u e4press hurt# They a'"ays "ant t see y u str n$& !eanin$ in a ra$in$ te!per# Haybe I , n t ha*e it in !e# That is "hy I a! n t a tea! 'ea,er# That is "hy n $ir's ,istribute s"eets in the %%i1e % r !e# CAre y u there& Hy 7hya!6/ Pr ! sai,# CLet/s e!ai' a'' the pe p'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 sh u', "e a1t 'i)e6 L sers6 Te'' us 7hya!& y u sh u', be the e4pert n that&/ Pr ! sai,# A sur$e % an$er 1h 1)e, !e# C2ust shut up an, sit , "n&/ I sai,# C-hat , y u "ant t , 6 7en, an ther !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 B st n t !eet the! r s !e %rustrate, a$ent "h 1'ai! he ,i, a'' the " r)6 Get rea' Hr Pr !# ; u/'' $et %ire, an, n tin$ e'se# Ba)shi is !ana$e!enthe !ana$es& yes& he , es# But n'y his "n e*en n ti1e Ra,hi)a# 7he "as stan,in$ ne4t t !e "ith a b tt'e % "ater in her han,# CThan)s&/ I sai, an, t ) a %e" n isy sips# C:ee'in$ better6/ Ra,hi)a sai,# I raise, !y han, t st p her %r ! sayin$ ! re# CI , n/t "ant t ta') ab ut this any! re# It is bet"een us an, Ba)shi# An, I , n/t "ant s !e ran, ! pe p'e& "h se 'i%e is ne bi$ party& t $i*e their pini n n it# ;es& !y b ss su1)s# H st b sses su1)# It isn/t su1h a bi$ ,ea'&/ I sai, an, sat , "n# I $'are, at Pr !# He sat , "n as "e''# Pr ! pene, a n tepa, an, ,re" a @4@ !atri4# C-hat the %u1) is thatJ/ I sai,# CI thin) I/*e %ina''y %i$ure, Ba)shi ut# Let !e e4p'ain "ith the he'p % a ,ia$ra!&/ Pr ! sai,# C0 n/t !ess "ith !e# I , n/t "ant any ,ia$ra!s&/ I sai,# C2ust hear !e&/ Pr ! sai, as he 'abe'e, the !atri4# On the h riB nta' a4is he "r te C$ ,/ an, Ce*i'/ ne4t t ea1h b 4# On the *erti1a' a4is& he "r te Cs!art/ an, Cstupi,#/ CO)ay& here is !y the ry ab ut pe p'e 'i)e Ba)shi&/ Pr ! sai, an, p inte, "ith his pen t the !atri4# CThere are % ur )in,s % b sses in this " r', base, n t" ,i!ensi ns: a. h " s!art r stupi, they are& an, b. "hether they are $ , r e*i'# On'y "ith e4tre!e $ , 'u1) , y u $et a b ss "h is s!art and a $ , hu!an bein$# H "e*er& Ba)shi is the ! st ,an$er us 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 e1h e,# C;es& "e un,erstan, hi!# He is s1ary ne# He is 'i)e a b'in, sna)e: y u %ee' s rry % r it& but it sti'' has a p is n us 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 b tt'e %r ! !y ,es)# C7 rry t interrupt y ur ,is1ussi n $uys& but I h pe y u "eren/t ta')in$ ab ut !e "hen y u sai, pe p'e "h se 'i%e is a party# Hy 'i%e is n t a party& !y %rien,# It rea''y isn/tC CIt "asn/t y u& 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$ pe p'e# As I %e't& I 1 u', hear Pr !/s " r,s: CI% I

1 u', 5ust n1e ha*e the pp rtunity t %u1) this Ba)shi/s happiness& I/, 1 nsi,er !yse'% the 'u1)iest pers n n earth#/

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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$ th se bits t e*ery street , $ in 0e'hi# I appr a1he, the 1 n%eren1e r !# The , r "as shut# I )n 1)e, an, "aite, % r a %e" se1 n,s# E*erythin$ see!e, +uiet insi,e# CEsha6 I sai, an, turne, the )n b t pen the , r# Esha "as sittin$ ne % the 1 n%eren1e r ! 1hairs# Her ri$ht 'e$ "as bent an, restin$ n an ther 1hair# 7he "as e4a!inin$ the " un, n her shin# 7he he', a b' ,=tippe, b 4 1utter in her han,# I n ti1e, a use, ban,= ai, n the tab'e# There "as %resh b' , 1 !in$ ut % the " un, n her shin# CAre y u )ay6/ I sai,& ! *in$ 1' se t her# Esha turne, t ' ) at !e "ith a b'a1) e4pressi n# COh hi 7hya!&/ she sai, in a 1a'! t ne# C-hat are y u , in$ here6 E*ery ne/s ' )in$ % r y u#/ C-hy6 -hy " u', any ne ' ) % r !e6/ CN parti1u'ar reas n# -hat are y u , in$ here any"ay6 An, y ur " un, is b'ee,in$& , y u "ant s !e ' ti n r a ban,a$eJ/ I sai, an, ' )e, a"ay# The si$ht % b' , nauseates !e# I , n/t )n " h " , 1t rs sh " up t " r) e*ery,ay# CN 7hya!& I 'i)e it 'i)e this# -ith ' ti n& it !ay st p hurtin$&/ 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 p inte, t the " un, "ith the b 4 1utter# CThis pain ta)es !y !in, a"ay %r ! the rea' pain# 0 y u )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, s n& I/, thr " up !y re1ent'y 1 nsu!e, 1h 1 'ate 1a)e# CListen& I/'' $et the %irst=ai, )it %r ! the supp'ies r !#/ C; u ,i,n/t ans"er !y +uesti n# -hat is the rea' pain& 7hya!J/ CI , n/t )n "G"hat is it6/ I sai,& shi%tin$ an4i us'y as I sa" %resh ,r ps % b' , tri1)'e , "n her s! th 'e$# CRea' pain is !enta' pain&/ Esha sai,# CRi$ht&/ I sai,& tryin$ t s un, 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'' " $uy& y u see# I , n/t %ee' a ' t % thin$s&/ I sai,# CE*ery ne %ee's pain& be1ause e*ery ne has a ,ar) si,e t their 'i%e#/ C0ar) si,e6/ C;es& ,ar) si,es !ethin$ y u , n/t 'i)e ab ut y urse'%& s !ethin$ that !a)es y u an$ry r s !ethin$ that y u %ear& a'' this !a)es up ur ,ar) si,e# 0 y u ha*e a ,ar) si,e& 7hya!J/ COh 'et/s n t $ 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' $ui't6/ she sai, as her * i1e be1a!e "ea)# C-hat happene,& EshaJ/ I sai,& as I %ina''y % un, a p siti n that a'' "e, !e t ' ) at her %a1e but a* i, a *ie" % her " un,# CCan y u pr !ise n t t 5u,$e !e i% I te'' y u s !ethin$6/ CO% 1 urse&/ I sai,& as it t ) !e a se1 n, t %i$ure ut "hat Cs'ept/ !eant# It ,i,n/t !ean CBBBs#/ C;es& !y a$ent sai, this !an "as 1 nne1te,# I 5ust ha, t s'eep "ith hi! n1e t $et a brea) in a !a5 r %ashi n sh "# N b ,y % r1e, !e# I 1h se t , it# But e*er sin1e& I %ee' this a"%u' $ui't# E*ery sin$'e ! !ent# I th u$ht it " u', pass& but it hasn/t# an, that pain is s ba,& this " un, in !y 'e$ %ee's 'i)e a ti1)'e&/ she sai, an, t ) the b 4 1utter t her shin# 7he starte, s1rappin$ s)in ar un, the " un,# C7t p it Esha& "hat are y u , in$J/ I sai, an, snat1he, the b 4 1utter %r ! her# CAre y u insane6 ; u/'' $et tetanus r $an$rene r "hate*er ther h rrib'e=thin$s they sh " n TP in th se *a11inati n a,s#/ CThis is ta!e# I/'' te'' y u "hat is ,an$er us# ; ur "n %u1)e, up brain& the ,e'usi na' * i1e in y u that says y u ha*e it in y u 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 b 4 1utter t the ther si,e % the tab'e# CThe $uy I s'ept "itha % rty=year= ', ,esi$ner# He t ', !y a$ent 'ater I "as t sh rt t be a ra!p ! ,e'&/ Esha sai,& her * i1e risin$ 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 sh utin$ $ir' r a 1ryin$ ne# I/! a"%u' at han,'in$ either# I p'a1e, !y han,s n Esha/s sh u',ers& rea,y % r a hu$ in 1ase she nee,e, it# CAn, that s n % a bit1h sen,s s !e 1ash as 1 !pensati n a%ter"ar,s&/ she sai,& n " s bbin$# CAn, !y a$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 b 4 1utter ba1)& 7hya!&/ she sai,& sprea,in$ a pa'!# CN & I " n/t# Listen& n " I a! n t rea''y sure "hat t , in this situati n& but 5ust ta)e it easy&/ I sai,# It "as trueM n b ,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 territ ry# CI hate !yse'%& 7hya!# I 5ust hate !yse'%# An, I hate !y %a1e& an, the stupi, !irr r that sh "s !e this %a1e# I hate !yse'% % r be'ie*in$ pe p'e "h t ', !e I 1 u', be a ! ,e'# Can I $et !y %a1e a'tere,6/ I ,i, n t )n " % any p'asti1 sur$e ns "h spe1ia'iBe, in turnin$ pretty $ir's u$'y& s I )ept +uiet# 7he st ppe, 1ryin$ a%ter ninety se1 n,s& ar un, the ti!e any $ir' " u', st p 1ryin$ i% y u i$n re, her# 7he t ) a tissue %r ! her ba$ 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 reas n t than) pe p'e i% they 'isten t the!#

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T !y ,is$ust& 8riyan)a/s "e,,in$ "as sti'' the t pi1 % ,is1ussi n "hen Esha an, I returne, t the bay# Esha sat , "n +uiet'y# CN " "here "ere y u6/ 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 n t ' )in$ % r"ar, t that part# 7he see!s ni1e n "& but "h )n "s h " she "i'' turn ut#/ CC/! n& y u 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 y u Pr !&/ 8riyan)a sai,& sti'' 'au$hin$& CI rea''y "i''#/ C-h e'se "i'' y u !iss6/ Pr ! sai, an, a'' % us %e'' si'ent# 8riyan)a shi%te, n her seat: Pr ! ha, 1au$ht her n the sp t# 7he ,i, n t "ant t say !y na!e& I )ne" it# COh I/'' !iss a'' % y u&/ she sai,& ,ip' !a1y +ueen that she 1an be "hen she "ants t # 7he thin)s she 1an uts!art the " r', "ith her b rin$ 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 y ur ! ther=in='a" is e*i'6/ Pr ! sai,# CI ne*er sai, she is ba,# But she ,i, say th se thin$s t Anu5# -hat "i'' he thin)6/ CN thin$# He " n/t thin) anythin$# He )n "s h " 'u1)y he is t ha*e y u&/ 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 any ne e'se/s ! ! better than !y "n# Hy ! !/s neur sis has !a,e !e ! ther=in='a" pr %&/ 8riyan)a sai,& an, e*ery ne n the ,es) 'au$he,# I ,i, n t& as there is n thin$ %unny ab ut 8riyan)a/s ! ! t !e# E! ti na' !anipu'at rs 'i)e her sh u', be put in 5ai' an, !a,e t "at1h sappy TP seria's a'' ,ay# CAnu5 sh u', 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 y u 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 ab ut Anu5 an, Ra,hi)a6 CLet/s p'ay ra,i 5 1)ey&/ Pr ! sai,# Cit/s rea''y %un#/ C-hat is ra,i 5 1)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$e b u+uet % r ses an, a b 4 % 7"iss 1h 1 'ates that he 1an sen, t any ne he ' *es& any"here in In,ia& "ith a ' *in$ !essa$e# 7 then& "e a'' $et t hear "hat r !anti1 'ines he says t y u#/ CC/! n& it "i'' ne*er " r)&/ 8riyan)a sai,# C; u 1an/t s un, 'i)e an R2#/ CTrust !e# I a! a 1a'' 1enter a$ent# I 1an !a)e a 1 n*in1in$ R2#/ Pr ! sai,# I "as 1uri us 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*ery ne# An, n n ise: 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 ph ne# -e $'ue, the earpie1e t ur ears# The te'eph ne ran$ %i*e ti!es# CHe/s s'eepin$&/ 8riyan)a "hispere,# C7hhh&/ Pr ! "ent& as "e hear, s !e ne pi1) up# CHe'' 6/ Anu5 sai, in a s'eepy * i1e# CHe'' there& !y %rien,& is this OR>K>=DEFK>6/ Pr ! sai, in an insane'y 1heer%u'& ra,i 5 1)ey * i1e# C;es& "h is it6/ Anu5 sai,# CIt is y ur 'u1)y 1a'' % r t ni$ht# This is R2 Ha4 1a''in$ %r ! Ra,i City OR#A :H& an, y u !y %rien, ha*e 5ust " n a priBe#/ CRa,i City6 Are y u tryin$ t se'' !e s !ethin$6/ Anu5 sai,# I $uess bein$ a sa'espers n hi!se'%& he "as s)epti1a'# CN !y %rien,& I a! n t se''in$ anythin$n 1re,it 1ar,s& n insuran1e p 'i1ies an, n ph ne p'ans# I a! 5ust $ in$ t %%er y u a s!a'' priBe %r ! ur sp ns r Inter%' ra an, y u 1an re+uest a s n$ i% y u "ant t # Han& pe p'e , ubt !e s !u1h these ,ays&/ Pr ! sai,# C7 rry& I "as 5ust n t sure&/ Anu5 sai,# CHa4 is the na!e# -hat/s y urs6/ Pr ! sai,# CAnu5&/ CNi1e ta')in$ t y u Anu5# -here are y u ri$ht n "6/ CK ')ata#/ COh& the 'an, % s"eets& e41e''ent# Any"ay& Anu5& y u $et t sen, a , Ben re, r ses "ith y ur !essa$e t any ne in In,ia# This ser*i1e is br u$ht t y u by Inter%' ra& ne % the " r',/s 'ar$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 y u rea,y "ith y ur spe1ia' pers n/s na!e an, a,,ress6/ C;es sure# I/, 'i)e t sen, it t !y $ir'%rien, 8aya'#/ I thin) the earth sh ) beneath us# I ' )e, at Pr !/s %a1e& his 5a" ha, ,r ppe, "i,e pen# He "a*e, a han, in 1 n%usi n# C8aya'6/ Pr ! sai,& his * i1e ,r ppin$ t ! re n r!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 % $ir'& s p'ease !a)e the b u+uet tren,yG/ Anu5 sai,# Ra,hi)a 1 u', n t stay si'ent any ' n$er# C8aya'6 -hat ,i, y u 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& y u assh 'e&/ Ra,hi)a sai,& pr bab'y 1ursin$ % r the %irst ti!e sin1e she $ t !arrie,# C-hat !essa$e "ere y u $ in$ t sen, this 8aya'6/ CRa,hi)a& h ney# 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$an be% re Ra,hi)a Qst , up an, 1ut the 'ine# 7he set ba1) , "n n her 1hair& stunne,# A %e" se1 n,s 'ater& she br )e int tears# Pr ! ' )e, at Ra,hi)a# C,a!n& Ra,hi)a I a! s s rry&/ he sai,# Ra,hi)a ,i, n t ans"er# 7he 5ust 1rie, an, 1rie,# In bet"een& she 'i%te, the ha'%=)nit s1ar% t "ipe her tears# 7 !ethin$ 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, thr u$h han,s be1ause Esha starte, 1ryin$ as "e''# 8riyan)a "ent an, br u$ht ba1) "ater# Ra,hi)a p ure, ut a $'ass%u' % tears& an, ,ran) the $'ass % "ater# CTa)e it easy# It/s pr bab'y a !isun,erstan,in$&/ 8riyan)a sai,# 7he ' )e, at Esha& puBB'e, ab ut "hy Esha "as s upset *er 8aya'& I $uess Esha/s Crea' pain/ "as ba1)# Ra,hi)a ri%'e, thr u$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 t i'et# 8riyan)a tappe, Ra,hi)a/s sh u',er an, the $ir's st , up# CN " "here are y u $ir's $ in$6/ Pr ! sai,# CI 1ause, this situati n# Can/t y u 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# CN thin$&/ I sai,# CC/! n te'' !e& she !ust ha*e t ', y u in the 1 n%eren1e r !#/ CI 1an/t te'' y u&/ I sai, an, ' )e, at !y s1reen# I trie, t 1han$e the t pi1# C0 y u 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% n t that& then "hat is it6/ Pr ! sai,& ' )in$ at !e "ith a puBB'e, e4pressi n# I shru$$e, !y sh u',ers# C:ine# I/'' use ur ear'ier te1hni+ue# I a! $ in$ t the t i'et t %in, ut&/ Pr ! sai,# CN Pr !& n &/ I sai,# I trie, t $rab his shirt& but he pu''e, a"ay an, "ent t the !en/s r !# I ,i, n t 1hase a%ter hi!# I ,i, n t 1are i% he % un, ut# I %i$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, n t 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 $uys are busy# C !puters are supp se, t he'p !enbut en u$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') ar un, the r !# I passe, by Hi'itary 9n1'e/s raise, his hea,# I ' )e, at his %a1e: his "rin)'es see!e, ! re pr n un1e,& !a)in$ hi! ' ) ',er# CHy s n 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$ht !y eye# It "as an e!ai' %r ! his s n# 'ad+++ you have cluttered my life enou&h( now sto, clutterin& my mailbo.+ I do not know what came over me that I allowed communication between you and my son+ I don0t want your shadow on him+ 2lease stay away and do not send him any more emails+ !or literally or otherwise( we don0t want your attachments+ CIt/s n thin$&/ 9n1'e sai,& as he 1' se, a'' the "in, "s n his s1reen# CI sh u', $et ba1) t " r)# -hat happene,6 ; ur syste!s are , "n a$ain6/ CA ' t is , "n t ni$ht& n t 5ust the syste!s&/ I sai, an, returne, t !y seat#

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C0i, y u )n "6/ Pr ! "hispere, t !e as he returne, %r ! the !en/s t i'et# C-hat6/ I sai,# CEsha/s bi$ ba, st ry#/ CI/, rather n t ,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, y ur 'an$ua$e&/ I sai,& Can, "here are the $ir's6/ CC !in$ ba1) s n# ; ur 1hi1) "as 1 ns 'in$ Ra,hi)a "hen I 'e%t#/ C8riyan)a is n t !y 1hi1) Pr !# -i'' y u 5ust shut up6/ I sai,# CO)ay& I "i'' shut up# That is "hat a $ , 1a'' 1enter a$ent , es ri$ht6 Crap happens ar un, hi! an, he 5ust s!i'es an, says h " 1an I he'p y uJ Li)e& s !e ne 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, y u )n " n thin$ ab ut Esha#/ The ,es) "as si'ent as the $ir's t ) their seats# Pr ! "as ab ut t say s !ethin$& 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# s rtin$ A!eri1ans/ *en an, %ri,$e pr b'e!s "as easier then s '*in$ ur 'i%e/s pr b'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' $uys !e ne "h ha, n 1 !petiti n %r ! a ' ser 'i)e !e# Certain'y n t a%ter Ba)shi ba1)stabbe, !e "ith his "ebsite& I th u$ht# But ha, I $i*en up6 id I still feel for her6 I sh ) !y hea, at the irre'e*ant +uesti ns# H " ,i, it !atter i% I sti'' %e't % r her6 I ,i, n t ,eser*e her& an, I "as n t $ 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 t i'et# 8riyan)a "as tryin$ t 1heer her up# CGet a %' "in$ 'ehn$a % r the en$a$e!ent# But "hat "i'' y u "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! 1 nstant'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*i us'y !u1h better& r she "as at 'east ,istra1te, %r ! it& $i*en she 1 u', ,is1uss her ,ress p'ans % r 8riyan)a/s bi$ ,ay# C0 n/t , anythin$ e'ab rate&/ 8riyan)a sai,& CI/! $ in$ t te'' !y ! ther I "ant a si!p'e sari# O% 1 urse& she "i'' %rea) ut# Hey Ra,hi)a& are y u )ay6/ 8riyan)a sai,& as she n ti1e, 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$# H " !ay I he'p y u6/ The 'an,'ine te'eph ne/s rin$ 1au$ht e*ery ne/s attenti n# This is !y 1a''# Guys I )n " syste! is 'i*e& but 1an I ta)e this 1a''6/ 8riyan)a sai,# C7ure# Ca'' %' " is s 'i$ht any"ays&/ Pr ! sai, as the 'an,'ine 1 ntinue, t rin$# 8riyan)a/s han, rea1he, % r the te'eph ne# I 1asua'ty s"it1he, the pti n n !y s1reen t 'isten in t the 1 n*ersati n# 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, $'an1e# CAt 'east that is "hat I thin)&/ Pr !/s * i1e ,r ppe, as he inter1epte, !y ' )# CHe'' & !y 1enter % attenti n&/ Ganesh/s bea!in$ * i1e 1a!e *er 8riyan)a an, !y ph nes# CHi Ganesh&/ 8riyan)a sai, se,ate'y# C-hat/s up& 8riya6 ; u s un, seri us&/ Ganesh sai,# 8riyan)a hates it "hen pe p'e sh rten her na!e t 8riya# This ! r n ,i, n t )n " that# CN thin$# 2ust ha*in$ a r u$h ,ay###s rry ni$ht# An, p'ease 1a'' !e 8riyan)a& she sai,# C-e''& I a! ha*in$ a r 1)in$ ,ay here# E*ery ne in %%i1e is s e41ite, % r !e# They )eep as)in$ !e Is "hen is the ,ate6T& I-here is the h ney! n6T/ C;eah Ganesh& ab ut the ,ate&/ 8riyan)a sai,& C!y ! ! 5ust 1a''e,#/ C7he ,i,# Oh n # I th u$ht I/, $i*e y u the $ , ne"s !yse'%#/ C-hat $ , ne"s6/ CThat I a! 1 !in$ t In,ia ne4t ! nth# -e sh u', $et !arrie, then n'y# -hat say& h ney! n strai$ht %r ! there6 8e p'e sai, the Baha!as is a!aBin$# But I/*e a'"ays "ante, t $ t 8aris# Be1ause "hat 1 u', 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 y u/, 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 n t ,i%%i1u't t $uess that h ney! n p'annin$ "as in pr $ress# C7ure# -hat , y u "ant t say6/ Ganesh sai,# C0 n/t y u 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 $et !u1h 'ea*e here# An, 1 nsi,erin$ I n " spen, !y e*ery 'i*in$ ! !ent thin)in$ ab ut y u& I/, rather $et y u here at the ear'iest#/ CBut& this is !arria$e Ganesh# N t 5ust a *a1ati n# - 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 $ether# CBut&/ Ganesh sai,& Cy u sp )e t y ur ! ther& ri$ht6 ; u hear, h " happy she is ab ut us $ettin$ !arrie, ne4t ! nth# Hy %a!i'y is e41ite, as "e''# Harria$e is a %a!i'y 11asi n t & ri$ht6/ CI )n "# Listen& !aybe I a! 5ust ha*in$ a r u$h ni$ht# Let !e s'eep *er it#/ C7ure# Ta)e y ur ti!e# But ,i, y u thin) % a 1 ' r6/ C: r "hat6 The 1arJ/ C;eah& I a! $ in$ t pay the ,ep sit t ! rr "# 7 it is there "hen y u arri*eassu!in$ y u a$ree t ne4t ! nth& % 1 urse#/ 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)# 0 n/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 1h i1e# The " r,s Cmy wife/ siBB'e, !y insi,e the "ay they %ry :ren1h %ries at H10 na',/s# I 1' se, !y eyes % r a %e" se1 n,s# I 1 u', n t bear t hear an ther !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 b ss# 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'' y u "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 h use# COur h use6 ; u !ean y u ha*e a pri*ate p '6/ CO% C urse# ; 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 y u# I a! sure there are !any interestin$ p ssibi'ities in the p '#/ The :ren1h %ries "ere burnt 1har1 a' 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 ph ne# C-hat/s up&/ Esha sai, as she %i'e, her nai's# CN thin$& sa!e stu%%# :irst te'' !e& y u )ay6/ 8riyan)a sai,# CI a! %ine p'ease )eep !e ,istra1te,# I hear, 8aris#/

C;es& h ney! n ,estinati n# An, % 1 urse& ! 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 s ner rather than 'aterG/ Esha sai, an, ' )e, *er at us# CRi$ht $uys6/ C7ure&/ Pr ! sai,# C-hat , y u thin) 7hya!J/ 7tupi, ass& I hate Pr !# CHe6/ I sai, as e*ery ne 1 ntinue, t ' ) at !e# Esha )ept starin$ at !e % r %i*e se1 n,s n n=st p# I ,i, n t "ant t 1 !e a1r ss as su')in$ % r 1hi',ish& !y ne" ta$ % r the ni$ht.& s I resp n,e,# C7ure& !i$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 n se t"it1he, as she th u$ht har,# C-hat ,i, y u 5ust say 7hya!6/ 8riyan)a sai, s' "'y& ' )in$ strai$ht at !e& her n stri's %'arin$ bi$=ti!e# CN thin$&/ I sai,& a* i,in$ eye 1 nta1t# CI 5ust sai, $et !arrie, an, $ t 8aris s ner#/ CN & y u a's sai, Baha!as# H " ,i, y u )n " Ganesh !enti ne, Baha!as6/ 8riyan)a sai,# I )ept +uite# CAns"er !e& 7hya!# Ganesh a's su$$este, Baha!as& but I ,i,n/t te'' y u $uys# H " ,i, y u )n " he/, sai, that6/ CI , n/t )n " anythin$# I 5ust ran, !'y sai, it&/ I sai,& tryin$ t be 1 n*in1in$& but !y sha)in$ * i1e "as $i*in$ !e a"ay# C-ere y u 'istenin$ t !y 1 n*ersati n6 7hya!& ha*e y u p'aye, ar un, "ith the ph ne6/ 8riyan)a sai, an, $ t up# 7he 'i%te, the 'an,'ine ph ne an, pu''e, it a"ay %r ! the tab'e# The "ires % '' "e, her# 7he ' )e, , "n un,er the tab'e an, tu$$e, at the "ires a$ain# A 'itt'e "ire tense, up a'' the "ay ba1) t !y seat# amn. busted& I th u$ht# C7hya!&/ 8riyan)a s1rea!e, at the t p % her * i1e an, ban$e, the 'an,'ine instru!ent n the tab'e# C;es&/ I sai,& as 1a'!'y as p ssib'e# C-hat is $ in$ n here6 I 1ann t be'ie*e y u 1 u', sin) s ' "# This is the hei$ht % in,e1en1y&/ she sai,# At 'east I ha, a1hie*e, the hei$hts in s !ethin$# I th u$ht# Ra,hi)a an, Esha ' )e, at !e# I thre" up !y han,s& preten,in$ t be i$n rant % the situati n# Pr ! st , an, "ent up t 8riyan)a# He put his ar! ar un, her sh u',er& CC/! n 8riyan)a& ta)e it east# -e are a'' ha*in$ a r u$h ni$ht here#/ C7hut up# This is insane&/ she sai, an, turne, t !e# CH " 1 u', y u tap int !y pers na' 1a''s6 I 1an 1 !p'ain ab ut this an, $et y u %ire,#/ CThen , it&/ I sai,& C"hat are y u "aitin$ % r6 Get !e %ire,# 0 "hate*er6/ Pr ! ' )e, at 8riyan)a an, then at !e# Rea'iBin$ he 1 u', n t , 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, ,is1 nne1te, the tappe, "ire# I sh "e, her the unh )e, 1ab'e an, thre" it n the tab'e# Our eyes !et# E*en th u$h "e "ere si'ent& ur eyes 1 !!uni1ate,# Hy eyes sai, t her: -hy are y u hu!i'iatin$ !e6 Her eyes sai, t !e: -hy are y u , in$ this 7hya!6 I thin) eye=ta') is ! re e%%e1ti*e than " r,=ta')# E*ery n " an, then& hu!an bein$s sh u', shut up an, 'et their eyes spea)# But 8riyan)a "as in n ! , t be si'ent# C-hy 7hya! "hy6 -hy , y u , su1h 1hi',ish& i!!ature thin$s6 I th u$ht "e "ere $ in$ t !a)e this a!i1ab'e# -e a$ree, t s !e ter!s an, 1 n,iti ns& ,i,n/t "e6/ I ,i, n t "ant t ,is1uss ur ter!s an, 1 n,iti ns in pub'i1# I "ante, her t shut up an, % r !e t s1rea! instea,# H "e*er& I "as in the "r n$& 'i)e the 1ar ,ri*er "h hits a bi1y1'e# I ha, n 1h i1e but t stay +uiet# I ha, t pay % r !y C1hi',ishness/# /-e sai, "e 1 u', 1 ntinue t " r) t $ether# An, that e*en i% "e ha*e en,e, ur re'ati nship& "e , n t ha*e t en, ur %rien,ship# But this6/ she sai, an, 'i%te, the "ire t the tab'e# Then she thre" it , "n a$ain# C7 rry&/ I sai,& r rather "hispere,# C-hatJ/ she sai,# C7 rry&/ I sai,& this ti!e ' u, an, 1'ear# I hate it "hen she , es this t hu!i'iate !e# :u1) it& i% y u ha*e hear, an ap ' $y5ust a11ept it# C0 !e a hu$e %a* ur# 7tay ut % !y 'i%e p'eas# -i'' y u6/ 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 1 ntinue, 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 y u 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 1 u', see he "as busy at the 1hat he'p'ine# CLet/s $ Ra,hi)a&/ Pr ! sai,#

C0 y u 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 sh 1)# Or !aybe n b ,y has tau$ht !e an appr priate rea1ti n % r this situati n# Hy husban, is 1heatin$ n !e# -hat a! I supp se, t , 6 71rea!6 Cry6 -hat6/ CN thin$ % 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, 1 n,iti ns/# Li)e ur brea)=up "as a business 1 ntra1t# 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$a n : ur ! nths be% re this ni$ht 7he 1a!e n ti!e that ,ay# A%ter a''& she "as 1 !in$ "ith a purp se# This "as n t a ,ate"e "ere !eetin$ t % r!a''y brea) up# A1tua''y& there "as n thin$ 'e%t in ur re'ati nship t brea) any! re# 7ti''& I ha, a$ree,& i% n'y t see her %a1e as she t ', !e# 7he a's "ante, t ,is1uss h " "e "ere t intera1t "ith ea1h ther an, ! *e % r"ar,# 0is1uss& intera1t& ! *e % r"ar,"hen y u start usin$ " r,s 'i)e that& y u )n " the re'ati nship is ,ea,# -e 1h se 8iBBa Hut n'y be1ause it "as& "e''& 1 n*enient# : r brea)= ups& ' 1ati n ta)es pri rity *er a!bien1e# 7he ha, 1 !e t sh p 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 y u6/ she he', her shirt 1 ''ar an, sh ) it % r *enti'ati n# CI 1an/t be'ie*e it is s h t in 2u'y#/ 8riyan)a 1ann t t 'erate a")"ar, si'en1esM she "i'' say anythin$ t %i'' in the $aps# Cut the bu''shit& I "ante, t say& but ,i, n t# CIt/s 0e'hi# -hat e'se , y u e4pe1t6/ I sai,# CI thin) ! st pe p'e "h 1 !e t !ai's 5ust 1 !e % r the air= 1 n,iti nin$C CCan "e , this +ui1)'y6/ I sai,& interruptin$ her# C nsu!er ! ti*es % !a'' *isit rs ,i, n t interest !e# CHuh6/ she sai,& start'e, by !y t ne# The "aiter 1a!e an, t ) ur r,er# I r,ere, t" separate s!a'' 1heese Cn !ushr ! piBBas# I ,i, n t "ant t share a 'ar$e piBBa "ith her& e*en th u$h& n a per s+uare in1h % piBBa basis& the 'ar$e ne " r)e, ut "ay 1heaper# CI a! n t $ , at this brea)=up stu%%& s 'et/s n t ,ra$ this ut&/ I sai,# C-e/*e !et % r a purp se# 7 n " "hat6 Is there a brea)=up 'ine that I/! supp se, t say6/ 7he stare, at !e % r t" se1 n,s# I a* i,e, ' )in$ at her n se# Her n se& I ha, a'"ays %e't& be' n$e, t !e# C-e'' I 5ust th u$ht "e 1 u', , 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 ,e1isi n bet"een a b y%rien, an, n =%rien,s6 CI , n/t thin) s # B th % us ha*e en u$h %rien,s#/ C7ee& this is "hat I , n/t 'i)e ab ut y u# That t ne % * i1eG/ she sai,#

CI th u$ht "e ,e1i,e, n t t ,is1uss ea1h ther/s %'a"s t ,ay# I ha*e 1 !e here t brea) up& n t t !a)e a %rien, r $et an in=,epth ana'ysis % !y beha*i r#/ 7he )ept si'ent unti' the piBBas arri*e, n ur tab'e# I starte, eatin$ a s'i1e# C8erhaps y u % 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 tensi n 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 , y u su$$est6 I ha*e br )en up a'rea,y& n " sh u', I resi$n as "e''6/ I sai,# CI ,i,n/t say that# Any"ay& I a! $ in$ t be in this 5 b n'y nine ! re ! nths# By ne4t year I " u', ha*e sa*e, en u$h t %un, !y B#E,# There% re the situati n "i'' aut !ati1a''y 1 rre1t itse'%# But i% "e 1an a$ree t 1ertain ter!s an, 1 n,iti ns'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 appr a1h t re'ati nship is ,i%%erent# 7 rry i% it is n t pra1ti1a' en u$h % r y u# But I 1an/t %a)e it#/ CI/! n t te''in$ y u t %a)e it&/ she sai,# CG ,# Be1ause y u are past the sta$e % te''in$ !e "hat t , # N "& 'et us 5ust $et this *er "ith# -hat are "e supp se, t say6 I n " pr n un1e urse'*es br )en up6 Then "e say& I , & I , 6/ I pushe, !y p'ate a"ay# I ha, 1 !p'ete'y ' st !y appetite# I %e't 'i)e t ssin$ the piBBa 'i)e a :risbee t the en, % the r !# C-hat& say s !ethin$&/ I sai,& a%ter she ha, re!aine, si'ent % r ten se1 n,s# CI , n/t )n " "hat t say&/ she sai,& her * i1e 1ra1)in$# CRea''y6 N " r,s % a,*i1e& n 'ast !inute prea1hin$& n ! ra' hi$h $r un, in these %ina' ! !ents % r y ur $ ,=% r=n thin$ unsett'e, b y%rien,s6 C/! n 8riyan)a& , n/t ' se y ur 1han1e t s'a!!in$ the ' ser#/ 7he 1 ''e1te, her ba$ an, st , up# 7he t ) ut a hun,re,=rupee n te an, put it n the tab'eQher 1 ntributi n % r the piBBa# CO)ay& she 'ea*es in si'en1e a$ain# On1e a$ain I $et t be the pri1)&/ I !u!b'e,& ' u, en u$h % r her t hear# C7hya!&/ she sai,& s'in$in$ her ba$ n t her sh u',er# C;es6/ I sai,# C; u )n " h " y u a'"ays say y u are n t $ , at anythin$6 I , n/t thin) that/s true# Be1ause there is s !ethin$ y u are +uite $ , at&/ she sai,# C-hat6/ I sai,# 8erhaps she "ante, t $i*e !e s !e 'ast !inute praise t !a)e !e %ee' better& I th u$ht# C; u are ,a!n $ , at hurtin$ pe p'e# Keep it up#/ -ith that& !y e4=$ir'%rien, turne, ar un, an, 'e%t#

N@D

-e rea1he, Ba)shi/s %%i1e at @:FK AH# The siBe % a ne=be,r ! %'at& it is pr bab'y the 'ar$est unpr ,u1ti*e %%i1e in the " r',# His ,es)& n "hi1h he ha, a s"an) %'at s1reen O8C& is at ne 1 rner# Behin, the ,es) is a b )she'% %u'' % hea*y !ana$e!ent b )s % a s1ary thi1)ness# 7 !e % the! are s hea*y y u 1an use the! as assau't "eap ns# The th u$ht % s'a!!in$ ne har, n Ba)shi/s hea, ha, %ten 1r sse, !y !in, ,urin$ pre*i us tea! !eetin$s# Apart %r ! b' n,e threes !es& I thin) hittin$ y ur b ss is the u'ti!ate In,ian !a'e %antasy# At an ther 1 rner % the r ! is a 1 n%eren1e tab'e an, si4 1hairs# In the 1enter % the tab'e is a spea)erph ne % r !u'tiparty 1a''s "ith ther %%i1es# Ba)shi "as n t in his %%i1e "hen "e rea1he, his r !# C-here the he'' is her6/ Pr ! sai,# CHaybe he/s in the t i'et6/ I sai,# CE4e1uti*e t i'et& it is a ,i%%erent %ee'in$&/ Pr ! sai, as I n ,,e, in a$ree!ent# -e sat ar un, Ba)shi/s 1 n%eren1e tab'e# A'' % us ha, br u$ht n teb )s t the !eetin$# -e ne*er rea''y use, the!& but it a'"ays see!s ne1essary t sit in !eetin$s "ith an pen n teb )# C-here is he6/ 8riyan)a sai,# CI , n/t )n "# -h 1ares&/ Pr ! sai, an, st , up# CHey 7hya!& "ant t t 1he1) ut Ba)shi/s 1 !puterJ/ he "a')e, *er t Ba)shi/s ,es)# C-hat6/ I sai,# CAre y u 1raBy6 He "i'' 1 !e any !inute# -hat 1an y u see s %ast any"ay6/ C2ust % r %un# 0 y u "ant t )n " "hat "ebsite Ba)shi *isits6/ Pr ! sai, an, 'earne, *er s he 1 u', rea1h Ba)shi/s )eyb ar,# He pene, up Internet E4p' rer an, presse, Ctr'YH t pu'' ut the hist ry % *isite, "ebsites# CHa*e y u $ ne nuts6/ y u/'' $et in tr ub'e&/ I sai,# CC !e ba1) Pr !&/ Esha sai,# CO)ay& I/*e 5ust %ire, a print ut&/ Pr ! sai, an, sprinte, a1r ss the r ! t Ba)shi/s printer# He %et1he, the print ut an, 'eape, ba1) t the 1 n%eren1e tab'e# CAre y u stupi,6/ I sai,# CO)ay $uys 1he1) this ut&/ Pr ! sai, as he he', the AD sheet in %r nt % hi!# CTi!es %in,ia#1 !& re,i%%#1 !& an, then "e ha*e& Har*ar, business re*ie" "ebsite& B st n "eather "ebsite& B st n p'a1es t see& B st n rea' estateC C-hat "ith hi! an, B st n6/ Esha sai,# CHe is $ in$ there n a business trip s n&/ 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 p rn site % r In,ian $ir's& a,u't%rien,%in,er#1 !a se4 pers na's site&

1abaret' un$e#1 !a strip 1'ub in B st n& p rninspe1t r#1 !G he'' & the 'ist $ es n this ,epart!ent#/ C-hat/s "ith hi! an, B st n6/ 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 h urs a$ #/ CI/'' try an, as) hi! ab ut B st n&/ 8riyan)a sai,# -e hear, Ba)shi/s % tsteps an, Pr ! +ui1)'y % ',e, the sheet# -e turne, +uiet an, pene, ur n teb )s t %resh b'an) pa$es# Ba)shi t ) %ast steps as he entere, his %%i1e# C7 rry tea!# I ha, t *isit the 1 !puters bay tea! 'ea,ers % r s !e pertinent !ana$eria' a%%airs# 7i& h " is e*ery ne , in$ t ni$ht6/ Ba)shi sai, as he t ) the 'ast e!pty seat at his 1 n%eren1e tab'e# N ne resp n,e,# I n ,,e, !y hea, t sh " I "as , in$ %ine& but Ba)shi "as n t ' )in$ at !e# CTea!& I ha*e 1a''e, y u t ,ay t te'' y u ab ut a %e" 1han$es that !ay happen at C nne4i ns# -e nee, t ri$ht siBe pe p'e#/ C7 & pe p'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 sh 1)e, e4pressi n# C-e ne*er "ant t %ire pe p'e& Hr Pi1t r# But "e ha*e t ri$ht siBe s !eti!e#/ C-hy6 -hy are "e %irin$ pe p'e "hen 1'ear'y there are ther thin$s "e 1an , &/ *r ! sai,# C-e ha*e 1are%u''y& e*a'uate, a'' the p'ausib'e an, %easib'e a'ternati*es& I a! a%rai,& CBa)shi sai, an, t ) ut a pen# E*ery ne ! *e, ba1) ner* us'y# The 'ast thin$ "e nee,e, "as an ther Ba)shi ,ia$ra!# CC st=1uttin$ is the n'y a'ternati*e&/ Ba)shi sai, an, be$an t ,ra" s !ethin$# H "e*er& the pen ,i, n t " r)# He trie, t sha)e it int a1ti n& a p int'ess thin$ t , "ith a ba'' pen# The pen re%use, t 1 perate& 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 st p !e# Ba)shi 1 ntinue, t 'e1ture us# He sp )e n n=st p % r si4 !inutes < r ninety=si4 breaths.# He "ent int *ari us !ana$e!ent phi' s phies& s1h 's % th u$ht& 1 rp rate $ *ernan1e !eth ,s an, ther ,eep'y 1 !p'i1ate, stu%% that I )n " n thin$ ab ut& his p int "as that "e sh u', !a)e the 1 !pany ! re e%%i1ient# He 5ust ,i, n t ha*e an e%%i1ient "ay t say it# Pr ! ha, pr !ise, !e he " u', n t !enti n the "ebsite t Ba)shi t ni$ht& at 'east unti' the 'ay= %%s "ere *er# H "e*er& this ,i, n t st p hi! %r ! ta)in$ n Ba)shi# C7ir& but 1 st=1uttin$ is use'ess i% "e ha*e n sa'es $r "th# -e nee, ! re 1'ients& n t n n=st p 1uts unti' there is n 1 !pany 'e%t&/ Pr ! sai,& a%ter Ba)shi ha, %inishe, his spee1h# I $uess s !e"here "ithin hi! "as a ,ie= har, pti!ist "h rea''y th u$ht Ba)shi " u', 'isten t hi!# C-e ha*e th u$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 th usan,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 n t $uys6 Pr ! sai, an, ' )e, at us& as i% "e " u', %uri us'y n , ur hea,s in appr *a'# I "as the n'y ne 'istenin$& 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 n tepa,# 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 n teb ) t shre,s# Esha "as ,i$$in$ her pen/s nib ,eep int her n tepa, s that it 1a!e ut at the ther en,# C7en, a$ents t the 976 H *e the! t B st n6/ Ba)shi sai, an, 'au$he,# C-e'' a %e" % the!& at 'east n tria' basis# 7 !e % the! are rea''y s!art# -h )n "s& they !ay $et that ne 1'ient that 1 u', sa*e a hun,re, 5 bs# Ri$ht 7hya!6/ Pr ! sai, CHuh6/ I sai, start'e, t hear !y na!e# CHr Pi1t r& as a %ee,ba1)= riente, !ana$er I appre1iate y ur inputs# H "e*er& I , n t thin) it is su1h a $ , i,ea&/ Ba)shi sai,# C-hy n t6/ Pr ! ,e!an,e, "ith the inn 1en1e % a pri!ary s1h ' )i,# CBe1ause i% it "as su1h a $ , i,ea& s !e ne " u', ha*e th u$ht % it be% re# -hy ,i,n/t it stri)e !e % r instan1e6/ Ba)shi sai,# CHuh6/ Pr ! sai,& 1 !p'ete'y %'abber$aste,# I ha, hear, it a'' be% re s it ,i, n t ! *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,# /7 n# -e are %ina'iBin$ the 'ist& but "e 'et y u )n " by this ! rnin$ r ear'y t ! rr " ni$ht&/ Ba)shi sai,& his % rehea, sh "in$ re'ie% as I ha, n t 1ha''en$e, hi!# CH " !any pe p'e "i'' ' se their 5 b& 7ir6/ "hat per1enta$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 ann un1in$ the te!perature utsi,e# CThat/s hun,re,s % pe p'eZ/ Pr ! sai,# As i% it "as su1h a ,i%%i1u't 1a'1u'ati n# C7u1h is 1 rp rate '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 $ir's 1 ''e1te, their n teb )s pri!'y an, st , up# Pr ! sat there % r a %e" ! re se1 n,s# He 1rushe, the print ut % "ebsites *isite, by Ba)shi an, put it in his p 1)et# CThan) y u& 7ir&/ Esha sai,# C; u/re "e'1 !e# As y u )n "& I a! an e*er=appr a1hab'e !ana$er# Here r B st n& y u 1an rea1h !e anyti!e#/ -e "ere at the , r "hen 8riyan)a as)e, a +uesti n# C7ir& are y u $ in$ t B st n s nJ/ Ba)shi "as ba1) at his ,es)# He ha, pi1)e, up the te'eph ne but pause, "hen he hear, 8riyan)a/s +uesti n# COh yes& I nee, t te'' y u ab ut that# N t that it/s *ery i!p rtant# I a! trans%errin$ t B st n s n# Haybe in a ! nth r s #/ CTrans%errin$ t B st n6/ Pr !& Ra,hi)a& Esha& 8riyan)a an, I a'' sp )e t $ether# C;es# ; u see I , n t 'i)e t b' " !y "n tru!pet# But ' )s 'i)e they re1 $niBe, !y 1 ntributi n in the *a'ue=a,,iti n 1y1'e % the 1 !pany&/ Ba)shi sai,& a s!u$ s!i'e s'i!in$ a1r ss his shiny %a1e# I th u$h % t pp'in$ the entire b )she'% n his hea,# CBut ,etai's "i'' 1 !e 'ater# Any"ay& i% y u , n t !in,& I nee, t !a)e a 1a''# I/'' )eep y u p ste, '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' " ! ti n& "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 1 u', n t 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 1 urses# He pene, the interna' "eb pa$e % C nne4i ns n his 1 !puter# it ha, the !ap % the 97 n it# He he', up a pen an, tappe, at a p int n the 97 east 1 ast# CThis& this is B st n&/ he sai, an, 1'en1he, his %ist ti$ht ar un, the pen# CThis is "here r b ss "i'' be "hi'e "e are n the r a, ' )in$ % r 5 bs#/ E*ery ne staye, +uiet# CCan I as) "hy e*ery ne is s b' ,y +uiet6/ Pr ! sai,# CI thin) "e sh u', start pi1)in$ up s !e 1a''s&/ I sai, starte, %u!b'in$ "ith the 1 ntr 's n the te'eph ne# CLi)e %u1) "e sh u',&/ Pr ! sai, an, 5abbe, his pen har, n the ! nit r# A ' u, pin$ start'e, e*ery ne n the ,es)# 7hattere, $'ass !a,e a nine=in1h "i,e& spi,er="eb pattern n Pr !/s ! nit r# The rest % his s1reen " r)e, as i% n thin$ ha, happene,# C-hat happene,&/ the $ir's sai, an, 1a!e ar un, t Pr !/s 1 !puter# C0a!n it&/ Pr ! sai, an, thre" his pen har, n the $r un,# It br )e int t" pie1es# 7 !e pe p'e brea) int tears "hen they are upset# 7 !e brea) "hate*er is ar un, the!# COh n # the ! nit r is t ta''y $ ne&/ Esha sai,# 7he put her han, n Pr !/s sh u',er& CAre y u )ay6/ C0 n/t y u ,are t u1h !e& y u s'ut&/ Pr ! sai, an, pushe, her han, a"ay# C-hat6/ Esha sai,# C-hat ,i, y u 5ust sai,6/ CN thin$# 2ust 'ea*e !e a' ne& a' ri$ht6 G pray % r y ur 5 bs 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" se1 n,s the $ir's st , there& stunne,# Then& s' "'y& they "a')e, ba1) t their seats# C-hat/s "r n$ "ith hi!6/ 8riyan)a as)e, Esha in a "hisper& "hi1h "as au,ib'e t us# CI t ', y u he pr p se, a$ain# Haybe he/s n t ta)in$ !y re5e1ti n s "e''&/ Esha sai, t 8riyan)a# COh rea''y6/ Pr ! sh ute, an, st , up# C; u thin) this is ab ut the pr p sa'6 Li)e I , n n t )n " ab ut y ur es1apa,es# E*ery ne here )n "s it 7hya!& Ra,hi)a an, 8riyan)a# ; u th u$ht I " u', n t %in, ut6 I "ish I/, )n "n be% re I pr p se, t a 1erti%ie, s'ut "h /'' ban$ % r bu1)s# I %ee' si1)#/ Esha ' )e, at a'' % us& sh 1)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 ,ep site, a har, s'ap a1r ss Pr !/s %a1e# CLearn h " t ta') t " !en y u say ne ! re nasty thin$ an, I/'' s1re" y ur 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 5 b in a %e" h urs&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, ! *e, ba1) t her seat# 7he 1 ntinue, t %'are at Pr !# CAt 'east sit , "n&/ I sai,# CI "ant hi! t ap ' $iBe t Esha# The i,i t has t "at1h "hat he is sayin$&/ 8riyan)a sai,# Esha 1 ntinue, t 1ry as Ra,hi)a trie, t 1 ns 'e her# C-hat , y u 1are ab ut a 5 b6 ; u are $ettin$ !arrie, - !en ha*e it easy&/ Pr ! sai,# -hat6 0 n/t y u 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 p inte, 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 $et a %air brea) un'ess she s'eeps past 1reepy !en# But they are n t brea)in$ ! nit rs an, sh utin$ 1urses& Pr !# 2ust be1ause "e , n/t !a)e a n ise , esn/t !ean it is easy&/ she sai,& sh utin$ ' u, en u$h s y u 1 u', 1a'' it n ise# CCan "e n t ta') % r t" !inutes# 0 n t ta)e 1a''s# But at 'east )eep +uiet&/ I p'ea,e,# Esha st ppe, 1ryin$ 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 1 u', pr bab'y % r$et ab ut bein$ a tea! 'ea,er# CI/! s rry&/ Pr ! sai,# C-hat6/ Esha sai,# CI/! s rry& Esha&/ Pr ! sai,& 1'earin$ his thr at# CI sai, h rrib'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 th se h rrib'e thin$s t !yse'%# Be1ause&/ Pr ! sai, an, ban$e, t" %ists si!u'tane us'y n the tab'e& Cbe1ause the rea' h )er is !e& n t y u#/ C-hat6/ I sai,# C;es& this sa'ary has h )e, !e# E*ery ni$ht I 1 !e here an, 'et pe p'e %u1) !e&/ Pr ! sai, an, pi1)e, up the te'eph ne hea,set# CThe A!eri1ans %u1) !e "ith this& in !y ears hun,re,s % ti!es a ni$ht# Ba)shi %u1)s !e "ith

his !ana$e!ent the ries& ba1)stabbin$ 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 y u "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 h urs 'e%t % r the shi%t t $et *er#/ CN # I "ant a brea) n "# I "ant t $ % r a ,ri*e# C/! n pe p'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 ab ut the 1a''s6 ; u !ay n t e*en ha*e a 5 b# Get up#/ CA1tua''y& i% s !e ne is $ in$& 1an y u p'ease $et s !e pi''s % r !e %r ! the @D=h urs 1he!istJ/ Ra,hi)a sai,# CN & a'' % us are $ in$&/ Pr ! sai,# CGet up 7hya!# I% y u 1 !e e*ery ne "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*ery ne "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, C nne4i ns# CO)ay& "e 1an $ # But "e ha*e t be ba1) s n&/ 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 suspi1i ns# CGet up& Hi'itary 9n1'e&/ Pr ! sai,& as he "ent t his ,es)# CHuh6/ 9n1'e sai, $ettin$ up# N r!a''y he " u', ha*e s1 %%e, at Pr !& but I $uess he "as in t !u1h pain *er his s n/s e!ai' t $i*e a 1 ns1i us rea1ti n# C-e/re a'' $ in$ % r a ,ri*e# The thers "i'' te'' y u e*erythin$# I/'' $et the Lua'is&/ Pr ! sai, an, s"it1he, %% 9n1'e/s ! nit r#

N@E
At F:KK A#H# share "e "ere utsi,e the !ain entran1e % C nne4i ns# 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 ) y u s ' n$&/ Esha sai,& $ettin$ int the %r nt# C; u try shi%tin$ a s un,=as'eep ,ri*er t an ther 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 C nne4i ns# -e sa" Ba)shi/s "hite Hitsubishi Lan1er# CBa)shi/s $ t a %'ash 1ar&/ Esha sai,# CC !pany pai,& r 1 urse&/ 8riyan)a sai,# Pr ! in1he, the Lua'is % r"ar, an, st ppe, 1' se t the 'an1er# He s"it1he, n the Lua'is hea,'i$hts# Ba)shi/s 1ar sh ne bri$ht# CCan I as) a +uesti n6 -hat/s the punish!ent % r runnin$ pe p'e *er6 Pr ! sai,# CE41use !e6/ I sai,# C-hat is "e ran this Lua'is *er Ba)shi6 -e 1 u', , 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 1 n*ersati n& but 8riyan)a 'e, hi! n any"ay# C0epen,s n h " the 1 urt sees it# I% they see it as an a11i,ent an, n t as h !i1i,e r !ur,er& ab ut t years&/ she sai,# Pr ! restarte, the 1ar an, turne, t "ar,s the e4it $ates# CT" years is n t a ' t# Can "e ,i*i,e it a! n$ 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 n thin$ 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$h"ay# Apart %r ! a %e" tru1)s& the r a,s "ere e!pty In,ia has a bi''i n pe p'e& but at ni$ht& ninety=nine per1ent % the! are %ast as'eep# This 'an, then be' n$s t a 1h sen %e": tru1) ,ri*ers& 'ater shi%t " r)ers& , 1t rs& h ste' sta%% an, 1a'' 1enter a$ents# -e& the n 1turna'& ru'e the r a,s an, the 1 untry# Pr ! a11e'erate, the Lua'is t ei$hty )i' !eters an, h ur# CI , ubt y u 1an sp'it the punish!ent# CThe ,ri*er $ets the %u'' ,ea'&/ 8riyan)a sai,& sti'' n the stupi, Ba)shi=h !i1i,e t pi1& Cp'us i% they )n " it/s pre!e,itate,& y u are ta')in$ ten years p'us#/ CH!!!# N " ten years is a t ta''y ,i%%erent e+uati n# -hat y u say 7hya!& sti'' n t t ba, t $et ri, % Ba)shi6/ CO)ay& en u$h % this stupi,ity&/ I sai,# CI th u$h y u "ere ta)in$ 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 st p at a 1he!ist&/ Ra,hi)a sai,& $i*in$ herse'% a hea, !assa$e# -e ,r ppe, the t pi1 % )i''in$ Ba)shi# Th u$h i% the 'a" a'' "e, !e n e %ree !ur,er in !y 'i%e& I a! +uite 1'ear "h "i'' t p the 'ist# N "ait& I a! % r$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 r a, that 'e, t a @D=h urs 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 ne n re, 1r ss# CTrust !e# I )n " this area&/ Pr ! sai, an, a11e'erate, the Lua'is t a hun,re,# CHan& r a,s an, $ir's are s !u1h ! re %un at ni$ht#/ CThat/s si1)&/ 8riyan)a sai,# C7 rry& 1 u',n/t he'p it&/ Pr ! sai, an, $rinne,# Pr ! par)e, the Lua'is near the 1he!ist# A s'eepy b y& n ! re than se*enteen& !anne, the !e,i1ine sh p# A %e" !e,i1a' entran1e e4a! $ui,es 'ay n the 1 unter in %r nt % hi!# A %'y s"atter ser*e, the %un1ti n % a b )!ar)# He ' )e, b re, an, $rate%u' t see us& ! re % r the 1 !pany& pr bab'y& than the business# Pr ! an, Ra,hi)a $ t ut % the Lua'is# I steppe, ut t stret1h !y 'e$s as "e''# Ra,hi)a "a')e, +ui1)'y upt the b y# C-hat , y u "ant& Ra,hi)a6 7ari, n6/ Pr ! sai, as "e rea1he, the 1 unter# CN &/ she sh ) her hea,# Turnin$ t the b y& she sai,# CThree strips % :'u 4etine& an, %i*e strips ea1h % 7ertra'ine an, 8ar 4etine# Ha)e it %ast p'ease#/ 7he be$an t tap n the 1 unter an4i us'y# Her ree, ban$'es 5in$'e, a 'itt'e# The b y $ape, at Ra,hi)a# Then he turne, ar un, an, starte, ri%'in$ thr u$h the she'*es# Pr ! an, I ! *e, a %e" steps a"ay % es1ape the s!e'' % !e,i1ine# Pr ! 'it a 1i$arette an, "e share, a %e" pu%%s# The b y returne, "ith a sta1) % tab'ets an, p'a1e, the! n the 1 unter# Ra,hi)a rea1he, ut t $rab the!& but he put his ri$ht han, n t p % the pi'e % !e,i1ines an, s'i, the! a"ay %r ! her# CThis is pretty str n$ stu%%& !a,a!# ; u ha*e a pres1ripti n6/ he as)e,# CIt/s three in the ! rnin$&/ Ra,hi)a sai, in an irritate, * i1e# CI ran ut % pi''s at " r)# -here the he'' , y u e41ept !e t %in, a pres1ripti n6/ C7 rry !a,a!# 2ust that s !eti!es these y un$ )i,s 1 !e here t pi1) up stran$e !e,i1ines be% re $ in$ t ,is1 sG/ CL ) at !e& Ra,hi)a sai,& p intin$ t her %a1e& C, I ' ) 'i)e a teena$er in a ! , t party6/

N & Ra,hi)a ,i, n t ' ) 'i)e a teena$er ut t party t !eshe ' )e, i''& "ith ,ar) 1ir1'es un,er her eyes# I "ishe, the b y " u', $i*e her the !e,i1ines s n# CBut these are sti'' a ' t % str n$ !e,i1ines& !a,a!# -hat , y u nee, these % r6 I !ean& "hat is "r n$ "ith y u6/ the b y sai,# C:u1) y u&/ Ra,hi)a sai, an, ban$e, her %ist har, n the $'ass 1 unter# 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''i n pie1es# 7hattere, bits % bri$ht $'ass s1attere, a' n$ the 1 unter# The n ise s1are, the b yM he 5u!pe, ba1) t" steps# Pr ! 1rushe, his 1i$arette an, "e 5 ine, the! at the 1 unter# CE41use !e& !a,a!&/ the b y sai,# C:u1) y u# ; u "ant t )n " "hat is "r n$ "ith !e6 ; u 'itt'e pun)& y u "ant t )n " "hat is "r n$ "ith me6/ C-hat/s up Ra,hi)a& e*erythin$ )ay6/ Pr ! sai,# CThis ,u!bass "ants t )n " "hat is "r n$ "ith !e&/ Ra,hi)a sai,& p intin$ her %in$ers at the b y# C-h the he'' is he6 -hat , es he )n " ab ut !e6/ /Ca'! , "n Ra,hi)a&/ I sai,& but she pr bab'y ,i, n t e*en hear !e# That is the st ry % !y 'i%eM ha'% the thin$s I say $ unn ti1e,# C-hat , es he )n " ab ut "r n$ an, ri$ht6 E*erythin$ is "r n$ "ith !e y u ! r n!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" se1 n,s# Then she re! *e, her han,s %r ! her hea, an, $rabbe, the !e,i1ines# The b y at the 1 unter ,i, n t pr test this ti!e# C-ater# Can I ha*e s !e "ater6/ Ra,hi)a sai,# The b y ran insi,e his sh p returne, "ith a $'ass % "ater# Ra,hi)a t re a %e" pi''s ut % her ne" sta1)# One& t" & threeI thin) she p ppe, in three % the!# 7 !e !i$raine 1ure this "as& I th u$ht# C: ur hun,re, si4ty three rupees& !a,a!&/ the b y sai,& his * i1e tre!b'in$ "ith %ear# CI a! a'i*e be1ause % this stu%%# I nee, it t sur*i*e& n t 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 , 1t r&/ Pr ! sai,# C; u sure she has a pres1ripti n % r th seJ/ I sai,# CAs) her& i% y u ha*e the $uts&/ Pr ! sai,# CN "ay# Let/s $et t the ' un$e bar s n#/ CE*erythin$ )ay6/ Esha sai, as "e $ t int the Lua'is# C-e hear, ar$u!ents#/ CN thin$# As Ba)shi " u', say& "e 5ust ha, s !e 1 !!uni1ati n issues# But n "& 'et/s put the! t Be,&/ Pr ! sai, an, turne, the Lua'is ar un,# 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', $ "ith ut the en$ine 1ryin$ % r !er1y# C7' " , "n Pr !&/ Esha sai,# C0 n/t use the " r,s s' " an, Pr ! in ne senten1e& Pr ! sai,# C0ia' $ue&/ I sai,& Csh u', "e 1'apJ/ A tru1) stu%%e, "ith ba$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,# C7 rry $uys&/ Ra,hi)a sai,& her * i1e be1 !in$ ! re n r!a' as the ,ru$s t ) e%%e1t# CI ap ' $iBe % r 1reatin$ a s1ene there#/ C-hat ,i, y u buy Ra,hi)a6 -hy ,i, the 1he!ist !a)e a %uss6/ I sai,& unab'e t 1 ntr ' !y 1uri sity# CAnti=,epressants# Che!ists as) +uesti ns& as they/re pres1ripti n ,ru$s# But ! st % the ti!e they , n/t 1are#/ C- "( Pr ! sai,# C; u !ean happy ,ru$s 'i)e 8r Ba1 an, stu%%#/ C;es& :'ue 4etine is 8r Ba1# E41ept it is the In,ian *ersi n& s a ' t 1heaper#/ CLi)e a'' % us&/ Pr ! sai, an, 'au$he, at his "n 5 )e# CBut it/s ,an$er us t ta)e it "ith ut !e,i1a' super*isi n&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CIsn/t it a,,i1ti*e6/ CIt/s 'e$a' a,,i1ti n# I 1an/t 'i*e "ith ut it an,& yes& it/s is rea''y ba, % r y u# But it is sti'' better than ha*in$ t %a1e !y 'i%e&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# CLea*e it Ra,hi)athey "i'' har! y u&/ 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*ery ne p'ease s"it1h t an ther t pi16 H " %ar is this Be,6/ C5ust t" )i' !eters %r ! here# Ninety se1 n,s i% I a! ,ri*in$& a ' t ! re his 1 !!ent& as I pre%erre, % r hi! t )eep his eyes n the r a,# 7 !e inebriate, tru1)ies ,r *e past as Pr ! , ,$e, the!# CI hear, the Be, is rea''y sn ty&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CI/! n t ,resse, at a''#/ 7he a,5uste, her sa'"ar )a!eeB# I n ti1e, the b r,er % $'itterin$ st ne=" r) n her ,ar) $reen 1hi%% n ,upatta# C; u ' ) %ine&/ Esha reassure, her& Cthe 1hi%% n ' ) is rea''y in# I sh u', be " rrie,# I ' ) s $run$y#/ C0 n/t " rry Esha# Any ne "ith a na*e' rin$s t ne*er ,enie, entry in a ,is1 &/ Pr ! sai,# C-e''& i% y u $ir's are in , ubt& they ,e%inite'y " n/t 'et in a b rin$ h use"i%e 'i)e !e&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# C0 n/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'' y u s1h ' 1'ass!ates ha*e su1h %un)y 5 bs&/ I sai,# C-e''& that is the pr b'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, 1 urtesy y ur hu!b'e ,ri*er& it is

5ust F:@F a#!# He %'ashe, the hea,'i$hts at a si$n# It sai, CBe, L un$e an, Barr: ; ur 8ers na' 7pa1e/# COh n & ,i,n/t rea'iBe "e/re there a'rea,y&/ Esha sai,# 7he %ishe, ut a !irr r %r ! her purse an, e4a!ine, her 'ips# (ow did women manage before mirror were invented/ CH " is !y hair6 It is a"%u' as usua'6/ 8riyan)a sai, t Ra,hi)a# I ' )e, at her ' n$ 1ur'y hair# 8riyan)a a'"ays sai, h " she ha, the C! st b rin$ %air in the " r',/& an, h " 1 u',/ , n thin$ "ith it/# I %e't the ur$e t run !y %in$ers thr u$h it 5ust as I ha, , ne a hun,re,s ti!es be% re# But I 1 u',n/t& as s !e ne 1a''e, Ganesh " u', be , in$ it % r !e in a %e" "ee)s/ ti!e# The i' % r the H1 0 na',/s :ren1h %ries starte, si!!erin$ a$ain in !y $ut# -hat is the i' they use at H10 na',/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 b un,er an, a !a'n urishe, " !an st , besi,es it# CAre y u a !e!ber& sir6/ the !a'n urishe, " !an a,,resse, Pr !# 7he "as the h stess < r , r=bit1h.& a11 r,in$ t 8riyan)a. an, " re a b'a1) ,ress# 7he "as ab ut %i*e %eet % ur in1hes& but ' )e, "ay ta''er be1ause % her thin %ra!e an, hee's the siBe % a 1 )e b tt'e# C7 & "e/*e 5ust 1 !e % r a +ui1) ,rin)&/ Pr ! sai, an, t ) ut his 1re,it 1ar,# CHere& y u 1an pen the tab n this#/ CI/! s rry sir& t ni$ht is % r !e!bers n'y&/ she sai,# The bee%y b un1er ' )e, at us "ith a b'a1)& ,a%t $'are# Li)e Ba)shi& he be' n$e, t the n n= hu!an spe1ies % !an)in,# CH " , y u be1 !e a !e!ber6/ I sai,# C; u ha*e t %i'' a % r! an, pay the annua' !e!bership %ee % %i%ty th usan,&/ the h stess sai,& as 1a'!'y as i% she/, as)e, us % r s!a'' 1han$e# C-hat6 :i%ty $ran, % r this p'a1e in the !i,,'e % n "here6/ 8riyan)a sai, an, p inte, her %in$er t the , r# 7he ha, ,rape, her ,upatta in re*erse& in an atte!pt t ' ) hip# CI su$$est y u $ s !e"here e'se then&/ the h stess sai,# 7he ' )e, at 8riyan)a s1 rn%u''y# A %u''y=1'a, %e!a'e is a n =n at ,is1 # C0 n/t y u ' ) at !e 'i)e that&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CHey 1 ' it& 8riyan)a& Pr ! sai, an, turne, t the b un1er# C-hat/s the ,ea'& ,u,e# Is 02 2as insi,e6 I )n " hi!#/ CHuhG"hatG/ the b un1er sai, "ith a ,u!b& ner* us e4pressi n# It "as the ! st 1ha''en$in$ +uesti n any ne ha, as)e, hi! in ! nths# C; u )n " 2as6/ the h stess sai,& her * i1e "ar!er n "# C71h ' bu,,y % se*en years# Te'' hi! Pr ! is here&/ Pr ! sai,# CC '# -hy ,i,n/t y u te'' !e that be% re& Pr !6/ the h stess sai, an, $a*e Pr ! a %'irtati us s!i'e# 7he bent *er t re'ease the *e'*et r pes# The s)e'eta' stru1ture % her upper t rs "as *isib'e# I% she br )e a b ne& she " u',n/t nee, an 4=ray# CCan "e $ in n "J/ Esha as)e, the h stess "ith a b re, e4pressi n# C;es# Th u$h Pr !& ne4t ti!e& p'ease te'' y u %rien,s t ,ress up % r Be,&/ the h stess sai, an, $'an1e, !eanin$%u''y at 8riyan)a an, Ra,hi)a# CI 1 u', "rin$ her tiny ne1)& 5ust 'i)e that# One t"ist an, it "i'' snap 'i)e a 1hi1)en b ne&/ 8riyan)a sai,# As "e "ere in& the b un1er %ris)e, Pr ! an, !e# I %ina''y un,erst , the purp se % his e4isten1e# A%ter us& he "ent t "ar,s 8riyan)a# C-hat6/ I sai, t the b un1er# CI nee, t 1he1) this 'a,y&/ he sai,# C7he a1ts 'i)e she 1 u', 1ause tr ub'e#/ He t "ere, *er 8riyan)a& "h 5ust %r Be# An, then& I , n/t )n " h "& but the " r,s 1a!e t !e# C; u/re n t t u1hin$ her& y u un,erst ,&/ I sai,#

The b un1er "as start'e,# He turne, t !e# He ha, bi1eps the siBe % !y thi$hs& an, ,eep insi,e I shu,,ere, t thin) h " !u1h it " u', hurt i% he ,e'i*ere, a pun1h a1r ss !y %a1e# C-hat/s up n "6/ the h stess 1a!e t "ar,s us# CN thin$& 5ust tea1h y ur TarBan ut here h " t beha*e "ith " !en&/ I sai, an, pu''e, at 8riyan)a/s han,# In a se1 n, "e "ere insi,e Be,# -e 1h se a 1 rner be,& "hi1h ha, t" h )ahs ne4t t it# C-hy is the h stess s !ean6/ Esha sai,& as she h iste, herse'% nt the be,# 7he t ) t" 1ushi ns t rest her e'b "s# C0i, y u hear her6/ I,o somewhere elseT# Is that h " y u treat 1ust !ers6/ CIt/s their 5 b# They/re pai, t be !ean# It $i*es the p'a1e attitu,e&/ Pr ! sai, 1are'ess'y as he 'it up a h )ah# I ' )e, at the h t& s! ',erin$ 1 a's an, th u$ht % Ganesh# I , n/t )n " "hy& I th u$h it " u', be %un t ,r p s !e , "n his pants# CI "ant a 5 b 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$ 1ushi n# : r s !e ne "h ha, 5ust ha, a rea''y r u$h ni$ht she ' )e, ni1eM a'th u$h I/! n t sure any! re 1an ' ) u$'y in u'tra*i 'et=1an,'e'i$ht any"ay# I " n,ere, h " a ! r n 1a''e, Anu5 1 u', 'ea*e her# On'y Esha an, Ra,hi)a $ t t 'ie , "n# The rest % us sat 1r ss='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 %usi n !usi1# He returne, "ith t"e'*e )a!i)aBe sh ts# Hi'itary 9n1'e ,e1'ine,& an, "e ,i,n/t pr test as it !eant ! re a'1 h ' % r us# Pr ! t ) 9n1'e/s e4tra sh ts an, ,ran) the! in +ui1) su11essi n# -e ha, bare'y %inishe, ur )a!i)aBes "hen an ther thin " !an <a Be, spe1ia'ty. 1a!e up t us "ith an ther si4 ,rin)s# CL n$ Is'an, i1e Teas&/ she sai,& C1 urtesy 02 2as#/ CNi1e# ; u ha*e y ur %rien,s in the ri$ht p'a1es&/ Ra,hi)a sai, as she starte, $u'pin$ her L n$ Is'an, 'i)e it "as a $'ass % "ater# -hen y u , n/t $et t ,rin) n a re$u'ar basis& y u $ 1raBy at the 1han1e# CThese L n$ Is'an, are *ery sti%%&/ I sai, a%ter a %e" sips& I 1 u', %ee' !y hea, spin# CEasy $uys&/ I sai,& C ur shi%t isn/t *er# -e sai, ne +ui1) ,rin)& s 'et/s $ ba1) s n#/ CC ' it !an# 2ust ne 'ast ,rin)&/ Pr ! sai, as he r,ere, an ther set % 1 1)tai's# CI a! $ettin$ hi$h&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CI/! $ in$ t !iss this# I a! $ in$ t !iss y u $uys#/ C;eah ri$ht# -e/'' see "hen y u ! *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 ar un,& an, e*ery ne <e41ept Hi'itary 9n1'e& "h se e4pressi n "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 %r nt % 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 s n$ pr $resse,# The brea)in$ ne"s n CNN "as that the 97 1 nsi,erin$ $ in$ t "ar "ith Ira+ a$ain# I n ti1e, Pr ! starin$ at thee TP sh "in$ CNN# CA!eri1ans are si1)&/ Pr ! sai,& as he p inte, t a 97 p 'iti1ian "h ha, sp )en ut in supp rt % the "ar# CL ) at hi!# He " u', !a)e the "h 'e " r, i% he 1 u', ha*e his "ay#/ CN & n t the "h 'e " r',# I , n/t thin) they/, b' " up China&/ 8riyan)a sai,& s un,in$ hi$h# CThey nee, the 1heap 'ab r#/ CThen I $uess they " n/t b' " up Gur$a n either# They nee, the 1a'' 1enters&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# C7 "e are sa%e&/ Esha sai,& Cthat/s/ $ ,# -e'1 !e t Gur$a n& the sa%est 1ity n earth#/ The $ir's starte, 'au$hin$# E*en Hi'itary 9n1'e s!i'e,# CIt/s n t %unny $ir's# Our $ *ern!ent , esn/t rea'iBe this& but A!eri1ans are usin$ us# -e are sa1ri%i1in$ an entire $enerati n t ser*i1e their 1a'' 1enters&/ Pr ! sai,# C n*in1in$ !e that ne ,ay he 1 u', be a p 'iti1ian# N b ,y resp n,e,# C0 n/t y u a$reeJ/ Pr ! sai,# CCan y u p'ease st p this tripG/ I be$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=1 n,iti ne, %%i1e& ta')in$ n the ph ne& 1 ''e1tin$ ur pay an, $ in$ h !e# An, it is the sa!e % r hun,re,s an, th usan,s % y un$ pe p'e# -hat/s "r n$ "ith that6/ CAn air=1 n,iti ne, s"eatsh p is sti'' a s"eatsh p# In %a1t& it is " rse& be1ause n b ,y sees the s"eat# N b ,y sees y u brain $ettin$ ra!!e,&/ Pr ! sai,# CThen "hy , n/t y u +uit6 -hy are y u sti'' here6/ I sai,# I hate it "hen he ruins !y hi$h "ith his hi$h $r un,# CBe1ause I nee, the ! ney# Hy %rien,s ha*e a 'i%esty'e that I ha*e t )eep up "ith# H ney 'ets !e 1 !e t p'a1es 'i)e this&/ Pr ! sai,# CIt/s 5ust Ba)shi# ; u are " r)e, up ab ut hi! an, n " y u are b'a!in$ it n the 1a'' 1enter&/ I sai,# C71re" Ba)shi& he is n t the n'y ba, b ss ar un,# C/! n& the "h 'e " r', is bein$ run by a ba,& stupi,=e*i' b ss&/ he sai,& p intin$ t CNN# CL ) at the!& s1are, ut % their $uys& rea,y t b !b e*ery ne# Hean"hi'e& a'' "e , it ta') n the ph ne a'' ni$ht# -hite the " r', sn res a"ay&/ Pr ! sai,# C7t p 1 !p'ainin$ ab ut " r)in$ at ni$ht# 0 1t rs , it& h te' pe p'e , it& airp'ane pi' ts , it& %a1t ry " r)ershe''& e*en that , es bit1h " r)s at ni$ht&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CThere is n thin$ "r n$ "ith " r)in$ at ni$ht# An, I a$ree the ! ney is $ ,# But the ,i%%eren1e is& "e , n/t ha*e 5 bs that !a)e up " r) t ur p tentia'# L ) at ur 1 untry& "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#

C7 6 -hat ther )in,s % 5 bs 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 sh u', be bui',in$ r a,s& p "er p'ants& airp rts& ph ne 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 y un$ pe p'e in this 1 untry "i'' %in, 5 bs 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 1 untry& % 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 y uth# 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 y uth spe1ia'# 0 y u thin) they rea''y 1are6/ C-h 6/ I sai,# CThe $ *ern!ent r HTP6/ I $ t up an, si$na'e, % r the 1he1) <in bars y u a'"ays as) % r the C1he1)/ne*er the Cbi''/.# It "as F:AK a#!#& an, I ha, en u$h % Pr !/s 'e1ture# I "ante, t $ $et ba1) t the 1a'' 1enter s n# Pr ! pai, % r the bi'' "ith his 1re,it 1ar, an, "e pr !ise, t sp'it the 1 sts 'ater# CB th# B th % the! , n/t $i*e a %u1)&/ Pr ! sai, as "e 'e%t Be,# The , r bit1h an, the b un1er $a*e us a puBB'e, ' )s "e "a')e, ut#

N@R
Pr ! ,r *e us ut % Be, an, "e "ere s n ba1) n the hi$h"ay# E*ery n " an, then the Lua'is s"aye, t the 'e%t r ri$ht % the r a,# CCare%u'&/ Esha sai,& Cy u )ay Pr !6/ CI/! %ine# Han& I ' *e ,ri*in$&/ Pr ! sai, ,rea!i'y# CI 1an ,ri*e i% y uG/ I sai,# CI sai, I/! %ine&/ Pr ! sai, in a %ir! * i1e# A %e" !inutes 'ater& "e passe, by 7ahara Hai'& the bi$$est sh ppin$ !a'' in Gur$a n# Abrupt'y& Pr ! br u$ht the Lua'is t a ha't# CI %ee' nause us&/ Pr ! sai, I thin) "e "ere a'' %ee'in$ a 'itt'e nause us a%ter Pr !/s errati1 ,ri*in$# C-hate*er y u , & , n/t thr " up in the Lua'is# The ,ri*er "i'' )i'' y u&/ Esha sai,# Pr ! reste, his hea, n the steerin$ "hee'# The h rn b'e" ' u, en u$h t "a)e up the street , $s# CLet/s ta)e a "a') Pr !&/ I sai, an, tappe, his sh u',er# -e $ t ut % the Lua'is# I !a,e Pr ! "a') ar un, the peri!eter % the 7ahara !a''# -e passe, by se*era' a,*ertisin$ h ar,in$s sh "in$ a'' )in,s % pe p'e: a 1 up'e a'' s!i'es be1ause they ha, 5ust b u$ht a t thbrushM a $r up % %rien,s $i$$'in$ *er their ! bi'e ph nesM a %a!i'y happi'y %ee,in$ their )i, 5un) % ,M a y un$ $ra,uate 5u!pin$ "ith 5 y& 1'ut1hin$ a 1re,it 1ar,M a $ir' h ',in$ se*en sh ppin$ ba$s an, bea!in$# A'' the a,s ha, ne thin$ is 1 !! n# E*ery ne ' )e, in1re,ib'y happy# C-hat the he'' are they s happy ab ut6/ Pr ! sai,# CL ) at that t thbrush 1 up'e# Hy ! ! an, ,a,& they are ne*er that happy#/ C2ust ta)e ,eep breaths an, "a') in a strai$ht 'ine Pr !# ; u/re ,run)&/ I sai,# CI/! %ine&/ he sai,& Cbut ! ! an, ,a,G7hya!& "hy , they hate ea1h ther s !u1h6/ CGr "n ups !an& they are "ay ! re 1 !p'i1ate, than "e are# 0 n/t e*en try %i$urin$ the! ut&/ I sai,# Pr ! st ppe, "a')in$ an, strai$htene, up# He t ', !e t pause as "e''& an, 1 ntinue,: CThin) ab ut this# The pe p'e "h $a*e birth t !e 1an/t st p hatin$ ea1h ther en u$h# -hat , es that te'' y u ab ut !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 sh u',ers# He "a')e, %aster t $et a %e" steps ahea, % !e# At the 1 rner % 7ahara Ha'' "e passe, by a 8iBBa Hut# It "as 1' se,# Pr ! "ent up an, st , in %r nt % 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$ht& there "as a thirty=% t "i,e !eta' h ar,in$ % a 1 'a 1 !pany# A t p B ''y" , a1tress he', a ,rin) b tt'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,& p intin$ t the a1tress# I n ,,e,# CThere she is& ' )in$ at us 'i)e she is ur best %rien,# 0 y u thin) she 1ares % r us6/ CI , n/t )n "# 7he is a y uth i1 n !an&/ I shru$$e, !y sh u',ers# C;es& y uth i1 n# This airhea, 1hi1) is supp se, t be ut r 'e ! ,e'# Li)e she )n "s a %u1) ab ut 'i%e an, $i*es a %u1) ab ut us# A'' she 1ares ab ut is 1ash# 7he , esn/t 1are ab ut y u r !e# 7he 5ust "ants y u t buy this b'a1) piss&/ Pr ! sai,& p intin$ t the 1 'a b tt'e# CB'a1) piss6/ I sai, an, s!i'e,# I sat , "n n s !e steps nearby# C0 y u )n " h " !u1h su$ar there is in ne % these ,rin)s6/ Pr ! sai,# I sh ) !y hea,# CEi$ht sp ns % su$ar in e*ery b tt'ean, n thin$ e'se# An, yet& they 1 n*in1e us this is i!p rtant# It isn/t# Pr ! ' )e, ar un, an, n ti1e, a pi'e % bri1)s# He 'i%te, ne an, thre" it har, at the 1 'a h ar,in$# Ban$( It hit the a1tress/s 1hee)& 1reatin$ a ,i!p'e y u " u', a'! st thin) "as natura'# 7he sti'' )ept s!i'in$# CCare%u'& % r %u1)/s sa)e# Let/s $ ba1)# 7 !e ne "i'' see us an, $et us arreste,#/ CLi)e I 1are# N b ,y 1ares&/ Pr ! sai, an, sta$$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 1 ntinue,# CE*en that Iy uth spe1ia'T 1hanne'& they , n/t 1are either# They say y uth be1ause they "ant the ,a!n 8iBBa Huts an, C )es an, 8epsis % the " r', t 1 !e an, $i*e piBBa an, 1 )e& "e "i'' be happy# Li)e y un$ pe p'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 %r nt % 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, ar un, 'i)e a >@T=thin 1rust piBBa "ith $r ss t ppin$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 sh u',ers %ree %r ! !e# He 'i%te, an ther 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 y u $ 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 attenti n#

C:u1)& 'et/s run&/ Pr ! sai, an, "e sprinte, t "ar,s the Lua'is# CI th u$ht y u 'i)e, piBBa&/ I sai, "hen "e rea1he, the Lua'is# CI 'i)e piBBa# 0a!n "e'' I , # I 'i)e 5eans& ! bi'es an, piBBas# I earn& I eat& I buy shit an, I ,ie# That is a'' the %u1) there is t Pr !# It is a''& bu''shit !an&/ Pr ! sai,& pantin$ an, h ',in$ his st !a1h# He ,i,n/t ' ) t $ ,& but at 'east the run see!e, t ha*e s bere, hi! , "n# C7eri us'y ,u,e& 1an I ,ri*e n "6/ I sai,& as Pr ! pene, the %r nt , r % the Lua'is# He "as ta')in$ n isy& hea*y breaths# CN "ay !an&/ Pr ! sai, an, pushe, !e a"ay# The 1ar 5er)e, ahea, as Pr ! turne, n the i$niti n "hi'e in $ear# CAre y u )ayJ/ Esha sai,# Pr ! n ,,e, an, raise, his han, in ap ' $y# He "aite, % r a %e" se1 n,s& an, then starte, the en$ine 1are%u''y# He pr !ise, t ,ri*e s' " an, s n "e "ere n the r a, a$ain# C; u 'i)e, Be,6/ Pr ! sai,& ! re t 1han$e the t pi1 %r ! his inebriate, state# CGreat p'a1e&/ Esha sai,& C5ust the )in, % hi$h I nee,e,# Hey Pr !& ha*e y u )ept any !usi1 in the Lua'is6/ CO% 1 urse# Let !e see&/ Pr ! sai, an, shu%%'e, thr u$h the $' *e b 4# He t ) ut a tape an, he', it up# CHusa%ir ' un$e6/ he sai,# CC '&/ Esha an, Ra,hi)a sai,# CNO&/ 8riyan)a an, I sai, at the sa!e ti!e# CC/! n $uys# ; u t" n t n'y hate ea1h ther& y u hate the sa!e thin$s t 6/ Pr ! sai, an, s!i'e,# He put the tape in an, turne, n the !usi1# A s n$ 1a''e, 0abba starte, p'ayin$# -e sat in the sa!e r,er as be% re# E41ept this ti!e I sat ne4t t 8riyan)a# -ith e*ery beat % the s n$& I 1 u', %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# C0 n/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 s n$# The sin$er sp )e % "hy n be' *e, sh u', e*er enter his 'i%e# That i% ne ,i,& she sh u', ,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, ab ut the ne4t s n$# It "as )ahi *e"hi1h " u', brin$ ba1) !e! ries % the F@n, Hi'est ne par)in$ ' t# I sa" 8riyan)a/s %a1e 1han$e %r ! the 1 rner % !y eye# 7he ' )e, ner* us in anti1ipati n t # ;es& this "as $ in$ t be har,# CI ' *e this s n$&/ Pr ! ,e1'are,& as the s n$ I "as ,rea,in$ %i''e, the Lua'is# The 'yri1 hit !y ears an, I presse, the re"in,=an,=p'ay butt n in the pri*a1y % !y hea,# E*ery ! !ent % F@n, Hi'est ne rep'aye, itse'%# I re!e!bere, h " 8riyan)a sat n !y 'ap& stubbe, !y t e an, hit her hea, n the r %# I re1a''e, e*ery 'itt'e se1 n, % 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 t u1he, !y %a1e# 0a!n& I 1 u',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 1 u',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$inati n& but her eyes see!e, "et t # 7he turne, t "ar,s !e an, then +ui1)'y ' )e, a"ay# I 1 u',n/t bear t !eet her eyes ri$ht n "# An, I 1ertain'y 1 u', n t ' ) at that n se# Pr ! pu''e, ut t" tissues %r ! the tissue b 4 in %r nt an, s"un$ his ar! ba1) t han, the! *er t us# C-hat6/ I sai,# CThere is rearQ*ie" !irr r# 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 n se& "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 " y u !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 st ry "e ha, t ', a hun,re, ti!es& but ne*er $ t tire, % repeatin$# C-e !et at the 1a!pus %air in se1 n, year# B th % us ha, sta''s# Hine "as n %e!a'e e!p "er!ent# It sh "e, s'i,es % pr b'e!s %a1e, by rura' " !en in In,ia# 7hya! ha, a *i,e $a!es 1 unter# H "e*er& n b ,y "as 1 !in$ t *isit either % use*ery ne 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,u1ati n pr $ra!s# I " u', $ an, p'ay 0 ! II n the 8'aystati n at his sta''# By the en, % the %air I "as s $ ,& I 1 u', beat hi!&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CN "ay&/ I sai,# CI 1an ta)e y u 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 b th the sta''s be' n$e, t us# An, that as ' n$ as "e "ere t $ether& "e ,i,n/t nee, any ne e'se t *isit&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, her * i1e 1h )e, up# Hy thr at a'rea,y ha, a 'u!p the siBe % an ran$e& an, I 5ust n ,,e, t )eep a strai$ht e4pressi n# -e )ept si'ent# I "as h pin$ 8riyan)a " u', 1ry bi$ ti!e n "# C-e''& thin$s 1han$e# Li%e $ es n! *e n t better thin$s# It is 'i)e p'aystati n t V=b 4&/ Pr ! sai,# I hate Pr !# 2ust "hen 8riyan)a "as a'' !e'' "& Pr !/s "ise " r,s br u$ht her ba1) t rea'ity# 7he 1 !p se, herse'% an, 1han$e, the t pi1# CH " %ar are "e6/ 8riyan)a sai,# I ' )e, at !y "at1h# C0a!n Pr !& it is past D a#!# H " !u1h %urther6/ CAr un, %i*e )i' !eters %r ! the 1a'' 1enter# I a! ,ri*in$ s' "er n "# ; u "ant !e t ,ri*e %aster6/ CN &/ a'' % us 1rie,# C-e/re $ in$ t $et 'ate# Ba)shi "i'' %'ip ut&/ I sai,# CI 1an ta)e a sh rt1ut&/ Pr ! sai,# C7h rt1utJ/ I sai,# CNe4t 'e%t there is an un=tarre, r a,# It "as !a,e % r 1 nstru1ti n pr 5e1ts# It 1uts thr u$h s !e %ie',ssa*es us ab ut t" )i' !eters#/ CIs the r a, '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,& Cy u ,i,n/t te'' us this r a, "i'' be s bu!py#/ C2ust a %e" !inutes&/ Pr ! sai,# Ca1tua''y the $r un, is "et t ,ay %r ! the rains yester,ay# That is "hy the ri,e is n t s! th#/ -e p'un$e, n int the ,ar)ness& e*en as the hea,'i$hts trie, har, t sh " us the "ay# -e passe, %ie',s an, 1 nstru1ti n sites %i''e, "ith !ateria's 'i)e 1e!ent& bri1)s an, ir n r ,s# In a %e" p'a1es& there "ere ,eep h 'es& at bui',ers 1 nstru1te, the % un,ati n % r super=hi$h rise apart!ents# I thin) the "h 'e % 0e'hi ha, ,e1i,e, t ! *e t Gur$a n& an, pe p'e "ere $r "in$ h !es a' n$ "ith the 1r ps# CThere& 5ust ne %ina' 1ut an, "e are ba1) n the hi$h"ay&/ Pr ! sai, ta)in$ a sharp ri$ht# 7u,,en'y the Lua'is s)i,,e,# The *ehi1'e ratt'e, an, s'i, , "n an in1'ine, path# CCare%u'&/ e*ery ne sh ute, an, he', n t anythin$ that they 1 u', %in, ar un, the!# The Lua'is "ent %% the r a, int a s'ushy , "nhi'' pat1h# Pr ! ,esperate'y trie, t 1 ntr ' the steerin$ but the "hee's 1 u',n/t $rip the $r un,# Li)e a ,run) tra!p& the Lua'is sta$$ere, , "n an, int the site % a hi$h=rise 1 nstru1ti n pr 5e1t#

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 % ir n 1 nstru1ti n r ,s# Pr ! bra)e, har,& an, the Lua'is ha'te, n the r ,s "ith a !eta''i1 1'an$& b un1e, t"i1e an, 1a!e t a st p# C0a!n&/ Pr ! sai,# E*ery ne sat in sh 1)e, si'en1e# C0 n/t " rry $uys&/ *r ! sai, an, starte, the i$niti n# The Lua'is sh ) "ith "i', *ibrati ns# C7hutGtheGi$niti nGPr !G/ I sai,# I ' )e, un,er the Lua'is# There "as a %' r % ir n be' " us that "as tre!b'in$ *i 'ent'y# Pr !/s han,s tre!b'e, t as he turne, the en$ine %%# I thin) !y re!ainin$ a'1 h ' in his b ,y ha, e*ap rate, in se1 n,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$ain# This ti!e I ' )e, ar un, ! re 1are%u''y# -hat I sa" "as s1ary: "e ha, 'an,e, in the % un,ati n h 'e % a bui',in$& "hi1h ha, a %ra!e % e4p se, !eta' r ,s 1 *erin$ it# The % un,ati n "as a pit& pr bab'y %i%ty=%eet ,eep an, ha, a %ra!e % rein% r1e, 1e!ent 1 n1rete 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 supp rte, us# E*ery ti!e "e ! *e,& the Lua'is b un1e,& as the r ,s a1te, as sprin$s# I 1 u', see %ear in e*ery ne/s %a1e& in1'u,in$ Hi'itary 9n1'e/s# C-e/re han$in$ ab *e a h 'e& supp rte, n'y by t thpi1)s# -e/re s1re"e,&/ Ra,hi)a sai,& su!!in$ up the situati n % r a'' % us# C-hat are "e $ in$ t , 6/ Esha sai,# The 1 nta$i us pani1 in her * i1e !a,e e*ery ne ner* us# C-hate*er y u , & , n/t ! *e&/ Pr ! sai,# A %e" !inutes passe,# The hea*y breathin$ % si4 pe p'e "as the n'y s un,# C7h u', "e 1a'' % r he'p6 The p 'i1e6 :ire bri$a,e6 Ca'' 1enter6/ Esha sai, as she t ) ut her ! bi'e ph ne %r ! her ba$# Pr ! n ,,e,# His %a1e ha, the na)e,ness % %ear# C0a!n& n re1epti n&/ Esha sai,# C0 es any ne e'se ha*e a ! bi'e that " r)s6/ 8riyan)a an, Ra,hi)a/s 1e'' ph nes ,i, n t " r) as "e''# Hi'itary 9n1'e ,i,n/t ha*e a ! bi'e# Pr ! t ) ut his ph ne# CN net" r)&/ he sai,# I t ) ut !y ph ne %r ! !y p 1)et an, $a*e it t Esha# C; ur ph ne is a's n t " r)in$& 7hya!&/ Esha sai, an, p'a1e, it n the ,ashb ar,# C7 "e 1an/t rea1h any ne 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 %r Be in the ,ri*er/s seat& unab'e t thin) % "hat e'se t , # An ther r , snappe,& an, then an ther 'i)e %eeb'e t"i$s un,er us# The Lua'is ti'te, ar un, thirty ,e$rees an, 1a!e t a ha't# A'' % us "ere t s1are, t s1rea!# C0 "s any ne ha*e any i,eas6/ Pr ! sai,# I 1' se, !y eyes % r a se1 n,# I *isua'iBe, !y ,eath# Hy 'i%e 1 u', en,& 5ust 'i)e this in b'i*i n# I " n,ere, "hen an, h " pe p'e " un, %in, us# Hay be 'ab rs t ! rr " r e*en a%ter a 1 up'e % ,ays# C7i4 irresp nsib'e a$ents % un, ,ea,& a'1 h ' in b ,y/ " u', be the hea,'ine# CTry t pen the , r& Pr !&/ Hi'itary 9n1'e sai,# Pr ! pene, his , r# The Lua'is " bb'e, an, Pr ! shut it i!!e,iate'y# CCan/t& Pr ! sai,# CHesses up the ba'an1e# An, "hat/s the p int6 -e 1an/t step ut& "e " u', %a'' ri$ht thr u$h#/ I turne, ar un, t ' ) ut %r ! rear "in, "# I n ti1e, bushes a %e" %eet behin, us# CH *e t "ar,s the 'e%t# N "ei$ht n the ri$ht# -e ha*e t stay ba'an1e, unti' s !e ne sp ts us in the ! rnin$&/ Pr ! sai,# I 1he1)e, !y "at1h# It "as n'y D:>D a#!# H rnin$ "as three h urs a"ay# A 'i%eti!e# An, pe p'e 1 u', sh " up e*en 'ater# COther"ise6/ Esha sai,# COther"ise "e ,ie&/ Pr ! sai,# -e staye, +uiet % r a !inute# CE*ery ne ,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 +uesti n 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 b nes 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 y u $uys st p this n nsense6 At 'east be si'ent&/ Esha sai, an, % ',e, her ar!s# Pr ! s!i'e, at her# Then he turne, t !e# II , n/t thin)in$ 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$s/ as t" ! re r ,s snappe,# COh n &/ 8riyan)a sai, "e hear, an ther pin$ ri$ht be' " her# A %'i1)er % 'i$ht appeare, at the ,ashb ar,# E*ery ne spran$ t attenti n as !y 1e'' ph ne be$an *ibratin$# CThat/s !y ph ne&/ I sai,#

The ph ne starte, rin$in$# E*ery ne/s ! uth hun$ pen# CH " ,i, this rin$ "ith ut 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 ,ashb ar, an, un"i''in$ t ! *e t !u1h# Esha 'i%te, the ph ne# 7he ' )e, at the s1reen an, $aspe,# C-h is it6/ I sai,# C0 y u )n " s !e ne 1a''e,GG ,6 It saysGG , 1a''in$&/ Esha sai,#

NFK
Esha/s %in$ers tre!b'e,# 7he presse, the butt n t ta)e the 1a'' n spea)er ! ,e# CHi e*ery ne# 7 rry t 1a'' s 'ate&/ a 1heer%u' * i1e 1a!e %r ! the ph ne# CErr# -h is it6/ Esha sai,# CIt/s G ,&/ the * i1e sai,# CG ,6 G , as inG/ Ra,hi)a sai, as a'' % us ' )e, at the bri$ht'y='it ph ne in %ri$ht# CAs in G ,# I n ti1e, an unusua' situati n here& s I th u$ht I " u', 5ust 1he1) n y u $uys#/ C-h is this6 Is this a 5 )eJ/ Pr ! as)e, in a str n$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'' ph ne "as unusua'& I ne*er th u$ht !y 'i%e "as i!p rtant en u$h % r G , t 1a'' !e# CG , , esn/t n r!a''y 1a''# 8r *e that y u are G ,# Other"ise& 1an y u p'ease $et us s !e he'p&/ Pr ! sai,# CH " , I pr *e I a! G ,6 0 I !a)e this 1e'' ph ne %' at6 Or , I 1reate rain an, 'i$htnin$ n ,e!an,6 Or , y u 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 y u I ha*e t brea) the sa!e 'a"s % physi1s that I !a,e6 I/! n t int that these ,ays# An, I ha*e p'enty % be'ie*ers# I th u$ht I 1 u', he'p& but I 1an han, up# 7ee y u thenG/ G , sai,# CN & n "ait# 0 he'p usGGGG ,&/ Esha sai, an, turne, s'i$ht'y s she s 1 u', h ', the 1e'' ph ne 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,# CN t that& h " is it $ in$ ther"ise6 H " is 'i%e6/ G , sai,# I a! rea''y ba, at t u$h& pen=en,e, +uesti ns 'i)e that# I hate t a,!it the e4tent t "hi1h !y 'i%e is s1re"e, up# Cbut ri$ht n " "e/re trappe,G/ I sai, an, G , interrupte, !e# C0 n/t " rry# The Lua'is isn/t $ in$ any"here# 2ust re'a4#/ I 'et ut a ,eep si$h# E*ery ne "as si'ent# C7 ba1) t the +uesti n& h " is 'i%e $ in$6 ; u "ant t $ %irst& Ra,hi)a6/ G , sai,# C; u are G ,# Ob*i us'y y u !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 " y u %ee' ab ut it#/ CI/'' te'' y u h e "e %ee'# Li%e su1Gs rry&/ Pr ! sai,& an, 1he1)e, hi!se'%& CIt/s a"%u'# Li)e "hat ,i, "e , "r n$6 -hy is ur 'i%e in the pits 'itera''y an, %i$urati*e'y6 That pretty !u1h su!s it up % r a'' % us I thin)#/

E*ery ne !a,e 1 n1urrin$ s un,s# G , si$he,# CLet !e as) y u a +uesti n# H " !any ph ne 1a''s , y u ta)e e*ery ,ay6/ G , sai,# CA hun,re,& n busy ,ays t" hun,re,&/ Pr ! sai,# CO)ay# N " , y u )n " "hi1h is the ! st i!p rtant 1a'' in the " r',6/ CN &/ Pr ! sai,# E*ery ne e'se sh ) their hea,s# CThe inner 1a''&/ G , sai,# CThe inner 1a''6/ e*ery ne sai, in unis n# C;es& the 'itt'e * i1e insi,e that "ants t ta)e t y u# But y u 1an n'y hear it "hen y u are at pea1e an, then t it is har, t har, t hear it# Be1ause in ! ,ern 'i%e& the net" r)s are t busy# The * i1e te''s y u "hat y u rea''y "ant# 0 y u )n " "hat I a! ta')in$ ab ut6/ C7 rt %&/ 8riyan)a sai,& her eyes ,artin$ a"ay %r ! the ph ne# CThat * i1e is !ine& G , sai,# CRea''y6/ Esha sai,& her ! uth "i,e pen# C;es# An, the * i1e is easy t i$n rebe1ause y u are ,istra1te, r busy r 5ust t 1 !% rtab'e in 'i%e# G n& i$n re itunti' y u $et tan$'e, in y ur "n "eb % 1 !% rt# An, then y u rea1h a p int 'i)e t ,ay& "here 'i%e brin$s y u t a ,ea, en,& an, there is n thin$ ahea, but a ,ar) h 'e#/ C; u/re !a)in$ sense# I ,i,n/t $et it a''& but y u are !a)in$ sense&/ I 1 n1e,e,& ! re t !yse'%# CI )n " that * i1e# But it isn/t subt'e in !e# 7 !eti!es it sh uts an, bites !e&/ Pr ! sai,# CAn, "hat , es the * i1e say& Pr !6/ G , sai,# CThat I sh u', n t ha*e ta)en up a 5 b 5ust % r ! ney# Ca'' 1enters pay ! re& but n'y be1ause the e41han$e rate is in the %a* r % A!eri1ans# They t ss their ' se 1han$e at us# It see!s 'i)e a ' t in rupees# But 5 bs that pay 'ess 1 u', be better# There 1 u', be 5 bs that ,e%ine !e& !a)e !e 'earn % he'p !y 1 untry# I 5usti%ie, it by sayin$ ! ney is pr $ress# But it is n t 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 thr at# He presse, his %a1e int his han,s# Esha put her han, n Pr !/s sh u',er# CC/! n $uys# This is $ettin$ "ay t senti!enta'# ; u 1an , a ' t better than this# ; u are a'' 1apab'e pe p'e&/ G , sai,# It "as the %irst ti!e s !e ne "as usin$ the " r, C1apab'e/ t ,es1ribe !e# C-e 1an6/ I sai,# CO% 1 urse# Listen& I "i'' !a)e a ,ea' "ith y u# I "i'' sa*e y ur 'i%e t ni$ht& but in return& y u $i*e !e s !ethin$# ; u 1' se y ur eyes % r three !inutes# Thin) ab ut "hat y u rea''y "ant an, "hat y u nee, t 1han$e in y ur 'i%e t $et it# Then& n1e y u $et ut % here& a!t n th se 1han$es# ; u , this& an, I "i'' he'p y u $et ut % this pit# 0ea'6/ C0ea'&/ I sai,# Li)e y u " n/t , a ,ea' that sa*es y u %r ! ,eath# E*ery ne n ,,e,# -e 1' se, ur eyes an, t ) a %e" ,eep breaths#

Han& I te'' y u& 1' sin$ y ur eyes % r three !inutes an, n t thin)in$ ab ut the " r', is the har,est thin$ t , # I trie, t 1 n1entrate& but a'' I 1 u', see "as 1 !! ti n# 8riyan)a& Ba)shi& !y pr ! ti n an, Ganesh!y !in, )ept 5u!pin$ %r ! ne t pi1 t an ther# C7 & te'' !e&/ G , sai, a%ter three !inutes# -e pene, ur eyes# E*ery ne/s %a1e "as a ' t 1a'!er# CRea,y6/ G , sai,# E*ery ne n ,,e, their hea,s# CLet/s $ ar un, the Lua'is ne by ne# Pr !& y u %irst&/ G , sai,# CI "ant t ha*e a 'i%e "ith !eanin$& e*en i% it !eans a 'i%e "ith ut Be, r ,ai'y trips t 8iBBa=Hut# I nee, t +uit this 1a'' 1enter# 7 rry& but 1a''in$ is n t !y 1a''in$&/ Pr ! sai,# I th u$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 1ann t )i'' !yse'% % r it# Hy ! ther nee,s t rea'iBe a %a!i'y is a $reat supp rt t ha*e& but u'ti!ate'y& she is resp nsib'e % r her "n happiness# Hy % 1us sh u', 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 s n an, !y $ran,s n# I !iss the! e*ery ! !ent# T" years a$ & 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 5 b "hen I "ante, her t stay at h !eG# I% % u$ht "ith the! an, ! *e, ut# But I "as "r n$# 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 "r n$ ,e1isi n "hen I !arrie, Anu5#/ Esha sp )e a%ter Ra,hi)a# CI "ant !y parents t ' *e !e a$ain# I , n t "ant t be1 !e a ,u!b ! ,e'# I a! sure I 1an %in, a better use % r !y ' )s& i% they are " rth anythin$# Any 1areer that !a)es y u 1 !pr !ise n y ur ! ra's& r 5u,$es y u be1ause y u are n t an in1h ta''er is n t " rth it#/ 8e p'e n " turne, t ' ) at !e& as I "as the n'y ne 'e%t t spea)# CHe6 Can I pass6/ I sai,# E*ery ne $a*e !e an e*en har,er state# 7 !eti!es y u ha*e n 1h i1e but t share y u "eir, th u$hts "ith the " r',# CO)ay# This "i'' s un, stupi,& but I "ant t ta)e a sh t at !y "n business# I ha, this i,ea& i% Pr ! an, I 1 ''ab rate& "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& n thin$&/ I sai,#

C7hya!& y u are n t , ne# ; u )n " that&/ G , sai,# I $uess y u 1an/t uts!art G ,# I 5ust ha, t 1 !e t the p int# I ' )e, ar un, an, sp )e a$ain# CAn, I "ant t be " rthy % s !e ne 'i)e 8riyan)a ne ,ay& I , n t ,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 ab ut ti!e pe p'e st p tra!p'in$ a'' *er !e&/ I sai,# 8riyan)a ' )e, at !e an, be1a!e si'ent# I 1 u', see she "as in !i', sh 1) at !y %ir!ness# I 1 ntinue,# CBut ne ,ay I/, 'i)e t be " rthy % s !e ne 'i)e her s !e ne inte''i$ent& "itty& sensiti*e an, %un& s !e ne "h 1an sea!'ess'y !er$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$& n " that "e/*e p ure, ut ur ,eepest se1rets t y u&/ Esha sai,# CI , n/t rea''y ha*e t say anythin$# I a! 5ust a!aBe,an, p'ease,at h " "e'' y u ha*e , ne# Kn "in$ "hat y u "ant is a'rea,y a $reat start# Rea,y t % '' " it thr u$hJ/ G , sai,# E*ery ne n ,,e, e41ept !e# CRea,y& 7hya!6/ G , sai,# I $a*e a s!a'' n ,# C7hya!& 1an I say s !ethin$ pers na' be% re y ur %rien,s&/ G , sai,& Cbe1ause it is i!p rtant % r e*ery ne as "e''#/ C7ure&/ I sai,# ;eah& use !e as E4hibit I % r Ch " n t t 'i*e y ur '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 pers n nee,s % r su11ess# I "i'' te'' y u the t" b*i us nes %irst# One& a !e,iu! a! unt % inte''i$en1e& an, t" & a bit % i!a$inati n# A$ree,6/ CA$ree,&/ e*ery ne sai,# CAn, a'' % y u ha*e th se +ua'ities&/ G , sai,# C-hat/s that6/ I sai,# C7e'%=1 n%i,en1e# The thir, thin$ y u nee, % r su11ess is se'%= 1 n%i,en1e# But 7hya! has ' st it# He is hun,re, per1ent 1 n*i1te, he is $ , % r n thin$#/ I hun$ !y hea,# C; u )n " h " y u be1a!e 1 n*i1te,6/ G , sai,# CH "6/ I sai,# CBe1ause % Ba)shi# A ba, b ss is 'i)e a ,isease % the s u'# I% y u ha*e ne % r ' n$ en u$h& y u $et 1 n*i1te, s !ethin$ is "r n$ "ith y u# E*en th u$h y u )n " Ba)shi is the rea' ' ser& y u start , ubtin$ y urse'%# An, that is "hen y ur 1 n%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 1 n%i,ent ba1)&/ I sai,# CG ,# 0 n/t be s1are, an, y u "i'' $et it ba1)# An, then thee " n/t be any st ppin$ y u&/ 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 th u$ht % Ba)shi# I "ante, t $et e*en "ith the !an "h ha, )i''e, a part % !e& "h ha, put e*ery ne/s 5 b n the 'ine& "h ha, ruine, the 1a'' 1enter# C-hat/s the % urth in$re,ient % r su11ess6/ Pr ! sai,# The % urth in$re,ient is the ! st pain%u' ne# An, it is s !ethin$ a'' % y u sti'' nee, t 'earn# Be1ause it is %ten the ! st i!p rtant thin$&/ G , sai,# C-hatJ/ I sai,# C:ai'ure&/ G , sai,# C-hat6 I th u$ht y u "ere ta')in$ ab ut su11ess&/ Pr ! sai,# C;es& but t be rea''y su11ess%u'& y u !ust %a1e %ai'ure# ; u ha*e t e4perien1e it& %ee' it& taste it& s %ter it# On'y then 1an y u shine&/ G , sai,# C-hy6/ 8riyan)a sai,# Ob*i us'y she "as % 1use, n !y pers na'ity ,isse1ti n as "e''# I te'' y u& Ganesh !ay ha*e the Le4us& but she "i'' ne*er %in, as interestin$ a psy1h 1ase as !e# C: r n1e y u taste %ai'ure& y u ha*e n %ear# ; u 1an ta)e ris)s ! re easi'y# Then y u , n/t "ant t snu$$'e in y ur 1 !% rt B ne any! rey u are rea,y t %'y# An, su11ess is ab ut %'yin$& n t snu$$'in$&/ G , sai,# C8 int& C 8riyan)a sai,# C7 & here is a se1ret# Ne*er be a%rai, % %ai'ure# I% it has 1 !e y ur "ay& it !eans I "ant t $i*e y u a rea' sh t at bein$ su11ess%u' 'ater&/ G , sai,# CC '&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CThan) y u&/ G , sai,# CI% n'y y u ha, $i*en In,ia as !u1h as A!eri1a&/ Pr ! sai,# C-hy& y u , n/t 'i)e In,iaJ/ G , sai,# CO% 1 urse n t# 2ust be1ause In,ia is p r , esn/t !ean y u st p ' *in$ 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 n t the happiest pe p'e n earth by any stret1h# Any 1 untry bsesse, "ith "ar 1an/t be happy&/ G , sai,# CTrue&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# CAn, !any % the! ha*e seri us issues in the hea,# Issues n'y 1a'' 1enter a$ents )n " ab ut# An, y u 1an use the! t sa*e y ur 1a'' 1enter t ni$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) ab ut their "ea) sp ts& an, then y u 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 y u a hint# -hat/s behin, a'' this "ar senti!ent6/ G , sai,# C:ear# It is b*i us& they are the ! st s1are, an, paran i, pe p'e n earth&/ I sai,#

C-e/'' s1are the! int 1a''in$ us# ;es& that "i'' $et us ba1) ur 1a'' * 'u!es&/ Pr ! sai,& his * i1e e41ite,# CN " y u are thin)in$# In %a1t& y u 1an %i$ure ut a "ay t $et e*en "ith Ba)shi t # N t 1 !p'ete'y %air an, s+uare& but by n " y u ,eser*e t ben, a %e" ru'es in the $a!e&/ G , sai,& an, I th u$h I hear, a 1hu1)'e# E*ery ne s!i'e,# CRea''y& "e 1an tea1h Ba)shi a 'ess nJ/ I sai,# Csure& re!e!ber Ba)shi is n t y ur b ss& the u'ti!ate b ss is !e# An, I a! "ith y u# 7 "hat y u a%rai, %6/ G , sai,# CE41use !e& but y u are n t there "ith us a'"ays# Or h " ,i, "e en, up here6/ Ra,hi)a sai,# G , si$he, be% re spea)in$ a$ain# CI thin) y u nee, t un,erstan, h " !y syste! " r)s# ; u see& I ha*e a 1 ntra1t "ith a'' hu!an bein$s# ; u , y ur best& an, e*ery n " an, then& I "i'' 1 !e behin, t $i*e y u a b nus push# But is has t be$in "ith y u# : r ther"ise I 1an/t ,istin$uish "h nee,s !y he'p ! st#/ C8 int&/ Pr ! sai,# C7 & i% I 'isten t !y inner 1a'' an, pr !ise t , !y best& "i'' y u be there % r !e6/ I sai,# CAbs 'ute'y# But& I ha*e t $ n "# 7 !e ne e'se nee,s n rea1h !e&/ G , sai,# C-ait( He' us $et us ut % this pit %irst&/ Esha sai,# COh yes& % 1 urse# I ha*e t he'p y u ut % this pit&/ G , sai,# CO)ay& Pr !& y u are ba'an1in$ n a %e" r ,s n "# There are t" tri1)s t $et ut %r ! su1h a situati n#/ C-hat/s thatJ/ COne& re!e!ber the re*erse $ear# An, t" & !a)e %rien,s "ith the r ,s , n t %i$ht the!# 9se the r , as rai' tra1)s an, the r ,s "i'' $uise y u ut# 7ha)e thin$s ar un,& an, y u "i'' %a'' ri$ht thr u$h#/ Pr ! stu1) his ne1) ut % the "in, "# CBut these stee' 1 nstru1ti n 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'' y u 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) y u 1an ta)e %r ! here# Bye n "# Re!e!ber& I a! insi,e y u "hen y u nee, !e&/ G , sai,# CHuh6/ Pr ! sai, an, ' )e, at the ph ne# CBye G ,&/ the $ir's sai, ne a%ter the ther# CBye e*ery ne&/ G , sai, an, ,is1 nne1te, the 1a''# I "a*e, the ph ne $ ,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 y u pen the rear , r an, tie up the r ,s un,er the "hee'# Tear up the ,upatta i% y u "ant t #/

8riyan)a %'in1he, % r a se1 n, 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 5 urney t rea1h %ir! $r un,# 7e*era' ti!es they bent *er ,eep an, ha, t ' ) ri$ht int the pit# I "as $'a, I "as n t the ne , in$ itI " u', ha*e ,ie, 5ust %r ! the *ie"# CO)ay pe p'e&/ Pr ! sat ba1) n the seat& "ipin$ his han,s& Ch ', ti$ht#/ Pr ! starte, the i$niti n# 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 $' *e b 4# In a nan se1 n,& Pr ! put the Lua'is in re*erse an, ,r *e ba1)# A'' % us ,u1)e, , "n& partia''y s Pr ! 1 u', see& but ! st'y in %eat# The Lua'is sh ) as i% It "as ru!b'in$ , "n a hi''# H "e*er& "e ,i, n t %a''# Hy upper an, ' "er 5a"s 1hattere, s har, that I th u$ht a 1 up'e % teeth " u', brea) ' se# In si4 se1 n,& it "as a'' *er# -e "ere ut % the pit an, n the s'ushy !u, r a, a$ain# CIt/s , ne# I thin) I a! a'i*e&/ Pr ! sai, "ith a $rin % re'ie%# He turne, ar un,# C0i, any ne sur*i*e6/

NF>
E*ery ne 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 th u$ht I " u', ,ie % a br )en spina' 1 r,# 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 th u$ht "e " u', ,ie&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# C-hat "as that 1a''6/ Esha sai,# C7 !ethin$ *ery stran$e*an "e !a)e a pa1t t n t ta') ab ut it6/ I sai,# E*ery ne n ,,e,& as i% I ha, sai, e4a1t'y "hat "as n their !in,# It "as true# The 1a'' %e't s pers na'& I ,i, n t "ant t ,is1us it any! re# C-hate*er it "as& "e are )ay n "# An, "e sha'' be in %%i1e s n&/ 8riyan)a sai,# CIt/s sti'' n'y D:DK# -e are 5ust t" )i' !eters a"ay&/ Pr ! sai,# He s n re$aine, his 1 n%i,en1e an, be$an ,ri*in$ at si4ty an h ur# CI/! 5ust 'u1)y t be a'i*e& I , n/t 1are "hen "e rea1h&/ Esha sai,# CI , "ant t rea1h s n an, %in, ut ab ut the 'ay %%s# H "e*er& I/! +uittin$ in any 1ase&/ Pr ! sai,# C;es& en u$h/s en u$h&/ Pr ! sai,# CI , n/t )n " ' n$=ter!!aybe $et ba1) t 5 urna'is!# But as an i!!e,iate sh rt=ter! $ a'& I/! $ in$ t try an, sa*e the 1a'' 1enter&/ Pr ! sai,# C-ith y u6/ Pr ! sai,& ' )in$ ba1) at !e# CI/! +uittin$ t &/ I sai,# CRea''y6/ 8riyan)a/s eyes p ppe, pen# 7he ' )e, at !e as i% a se*en= year= ', ha, 5ust ann un1e, his ,e1isi n t 1'i!b Ht# E*erest# C;es& I 1a!e 1' se t ,eath in that pit# I 1 u', ha*e ,ie, there& "ith ha*in$ trie, n thin$ in 'i%e# I a! tire, % s %t& 1 !% rtab'e pti ns# 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*ery ne n ,,e,# I "as sh 1)e,M pe p'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! n t $ in$ t " r) % r an i,i t 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 ! r n#/ CN t 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 n te& but at 'east I ha*e !a,e a 1h i1e# -e "i'' see "hat happens# : r n "& I ha*e a sh rt=ter! $ a' t #/

CLi)e "hat&/ Pr ! sai,& as he ,r *e "ith ut! st 1 n1entrati n& C, n/t te'' !e it is 1a'' , 1u!entati n an, a''#/ CN # I ha*e t ta)e 1are % Ba)shi t # 7in1e "e ha*e n thin$ t ' se& 'et/s tea1h hi! a 'ess n&/ 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'' y u h " "hen "e $et ba1)# Let/s !eet in the -A7G 1 n%eren1e r !&/ he sai, an, presse, the a11e'erat r har, as "e !a,e the %ina' stret1h t rea1h the 1a'' 1enter# -e entere, the C nne4i ns !ain $ate at D:DA a#!# -e passe, Ba)shi/s 1ar a$ain# C-ant t bu!p it# 7h u', "e $i*e it a nasty ,ent6/ I sai, t Pr !# CThe th u$ht 1r sse, !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# 0 n/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 an ther *ehi1'e& s "e +uiet'y par)e, the Lua'is ne4t t hi!# -e "ante, t $i*e hi! a %e" ! re h urs % rest be% re he sa" his !u,=1 ate, *ehi1'e# C8e p'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 ! nit r "ith bi$ b ', 'etters s1ra"'e, n it# CChe1) this ut&/ I sai, # It "as Ba)shi/s "ritin$# W4E5E I" E6E5*78E? 29E-"E C-99:5E275% %7 /* 7!!ICE -"-2+ W4E5E -5E /* #7-5' /EE%I81 -1E8'- C72IE"? W4-% 4-22E8E' %7 %4E ;E57; /-C4I8E? -1E8% 6IC%750" /78I%75? Pr ! ' )e, at the n ti1e an, 'au$he,# C-hate*er# He/'' $et hi ans"ers# But %irst& he "i'' ans"er us# Guys& 1 n%eren1e r ! %irst&/ *r ! sai,# -e "ent insi,e the 1 n%eren1e r ! an, Pr ! b 'te, the , r# CGuys& s rry t s un, 'i)e the HBA types& but I thin) in the ne4t %e" h urs "e ha*e a three=p int a$en,a# One& t sa*e this 1a'' 1enter# An, t" & t tea1h Ba)shi a 'ess n# A$ree,6/ C-hat/s the thir, p int6/ 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 ! 1 n*in1e, us# Bet"een 'au$hter an, intense 1 n1entrati n& e*ery ne p 'e, in t re%ine the p'an %urther# -e 1 n1'u,e, ur !eetin$ at A:>KK a#!# an, 1a!e ut % the -A7G 1 n%eren1e r !# CA'' set6/ Pr ! sai,# CO% 1 urse&/ a'' % us sai, in unis n# CG ,# 7tep >: Gettin$ Ba)shi ut % his %%i1e&/ Pr ! sai,# CEsha& y u rea,y6/ C;es&/ Esha sai, an, "in)e, at us# 7he pi1)e, up the ph ne& ,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 y u %r ! B st n I thin)&/ Esha sai,# In a ,u!b=but=1 ns1ienti us se1retaria' t ne# CN sir& I 1an/t see! t trans%er itG 7ir& I trie, that& but the 'ine , es n t $ thr u$hG 7ir& I a! a ne" assistant here& s I sti'' , n t )n " h " the ph nes " r)G 7ir& s rry but 1an y u 1 !e , "n sirG ;es sir&/ Esha sai, an, hun$ up the ph ne# C- r)e,6/ I sai,# CT ta' su1)er % r anythin$ B st n# 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$ht t Ba)shi/s 1 !puter an, pene, his e!ai'# Ra,hi)a& 8riyan)a an, I sat as Ba)shi/s 1 n%eren1e tab'e# CHurry&/ Ra,hi)a sai, an, )ept ne eye n the , r# C2ust ne ! re !inute&/ Pr ! sai, as he %uri us'y type, n Ba)shi/s )eyb ar,# I )n " "hat "e "ere , in$ "as "r n$& but s !eh " , in$ this "r n$ thin$ "as n t ass 1iate, "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' 1 pies n Ba)shi/s printer# C:i*e 1 pies&/ he sai,& C ne % r ea1h % us# : ', it an, )eep is sa%e#/ I % ',e, !y 1 py an, put in !y shirt p 1)et# Ba)shi arri*e, t"enty se1 n,s 'ater# CCan/t be'ie*e "e ha*e su1h ut,ate, te'eph ne syste!s&/ Ba)shi "as ta')in$ t hi!se'% as he 1a!e int his %%i1e# He n ti1e, us at the 1 n%eren1e tab'e# CThere y u $uys are# -here "ere a'' % y u6 An, "hat happene, t the Ver 4 !a1hine an, a$ent Pi1t r/s ! nit r6/ Ba)shi sai,# He "rappe, his ar!s ar un, 'i)e !i,,'e an, ' )e, at ea1h % us in +ui1) su11essi n# C7it , "n % r a se1 n,& "i'' y u Ba)shi6/ Pr ! sai,& pattin$ a 1hair ne4t t hi!# C-hatJ/ Ba)shi sai,& sh 1)e, at Pr ! re%errin$ t hi! by his na!e# ; u sh u', 'earn h " t a,,ress seni rsG/ C-hate*er Ba)shi&/ Pr ! sai, an, put his %eet up n Ba)shi/s !eetin$ tab'e# CA$ent Pi1t r& "hat ,i, y u say an, "hat e4a1t'y , y u thin) y u are , in$J/ Ba)shi sai,& sti'' stan,in$# CAhh/ Pr ! sai,& Cthis is s !u1h ! re 1 !% rtab'e# -hy , n/t pe p'e a'"ays sit 'i)e this6/ Pr ! 1r sse, his 'e$s n the tab'e# CI 1an/t be'ie*e y u 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, y u 5ust say A$ent Pi1t r6/ C7 y u are n t n'y ,u!b& but ,ea% t # 0i,n/t y u hear hi!6/ Esha sai,& tryin$ 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 % n nsense# Pr ! pushe, a print ut t "ar,s Ba)shi# C-hat/s this6/ Ba)shi sai,# CRea, it# They tau$ht y u h " t rea, in the HBA 1 urse& ri$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&htsi?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 ! y ur inb 4& ,u!b ass&/ Pr ! sai,# But I ne*er "r te it&/ Ba)shi sai,& unab'e t hi,e a hint % ,esperati n in * i1e& CI ne*er "r te it#/ CRea''y6/ Pr ! sai, as he 'it a 1i$arette# CN " h " 1an y u pr *e y u ,i,n/t "rite it6 Can y u pr *e it t pe p'e in the B st n %%i1e that y u ,i,n/t "rite it6/ C-hat are y u ta')in$ ab ut6 H " is the 1 nne1te, t B st n6/ Ba)shi sai,& his %a1e spr utin$ ,r p'ets % s"eat thr u$h the i'%ie',s# CLet/s see# -hat is "e % r"ar, B st n a 1 py % this !ai'6 The sa!e pe p'e "h y u 1 pie, n the "ebsite !anua'6 I a! sure they ' *e e!p' yees "h , & "e''& fair deals&/ I sai,# CI ne*er "r te it&/ Ba)shi sai,& unab'e t thin) % better 'ines# COr "e 1 u', sen, a 1 py t the p 'i1e&/ Pr ! sai, as he b'e" a hu$e pu%% % s! )e n Ba)shi/s %a1e& Can, t s !e % !y rep rter %rien,s# ; u "ant t be in the papers t ! rr " Ba)shi6 Here is y ur 1han1e&/ Pr ! t ) ut his ph ne& COh "ait& !aybe I 1an e*en $et y u n TP#/ CTP6/ Ba)shi sai,# C;es& i!a$ine the hea,'ine: CCa'' 1enter b ss as)s $ir's % r se4ua' %a* rs in e41han$e % r 5 b/# N0TP 1 u', 'i*e n that % r a "ee)# 0a!n& I )n " I 1 u', be a $ , 5 urna'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 "r te this6/ Ba)shi sai, an, ran t his ,es)# He pene, his e!ai' an, 1he1) the C7ent Ite!sT % ',er# C-h "r te 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 1 n%usi n#

CHr Ba)shi& I he', y u 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 sh u', try % r an a1tin$ 1areer# CN & I s"ear I ,i, n t&/ Ba)shi sai,& as he s1ra!b'e, "ith his ! use an, )eyb ar,# CThen "h "r te it6 7anta C'aus6 The t th %airy6/ Pr ! sh ute, an, st , up# C; u e4p'ain this t the p 'i1e& the 5 urna'ists an, *er the *i,e 1 n%eren1e t B st n 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 y ur 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 y u Ba)shi# G t y ur 0e'ete, Ite!s& se'e1te, the t 's !enu an, 1h se the Ire1 *er ,e'ete, ite!sT pti n# The !ai' "i'' be there&/ Pr ! sai,# Ba)shi/s %a1e pani1)e, a$ain as trie, t % '' " Pr !/s 1 !p'e4 instru1ti ns# He ,esperate'y 1'i1)e, his ! use# COh& st p it Ba)shi# The !ai' is in !y inb 4 as "e''# An, Pr ! has !any print uts&/ Esha sai,# CHuh6/ Ba)shi sai, as he ' )e, 'i)e a s1are, rabbit# C; u/'' ne*er $et a"ay "ith this# Esha y u )n " I ,i,n/t , it# ; u "ear ri$ht s)irts an, t ps but I n'y ' ) at the! %r ! a ,istan1e# E*en th se 5eans that sh " y ur "aist I n'y sa"G/ C7t p ri$ht there& y u si1) &/ Esha sai,# C; u 1an/t $et a"ay "ith this&/ Ba)shi sai,# C-e ha*e %i*e "itnesses Ba)shi& they "i'' supp rt Esha/s testi! ny&/ I sai,# COh& an "e ha*e s !e ther e*i,en1e as "e''# In Esha/s ,ra"er there is a pa1)et "ith 1ash& it has y ur %in$erprints n I& in 1ase y u "ant t $et t t hat 'e*e'&/ Pr ! sai,# Ba)shi/s %in$ers tre!b'e, as i% he "as $ettin$ rea,y t p'y ,ru!s# C-e a's ha*e a print ut % y ur *isits t p rn $raphi1 "ebsites&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# C; u )n " it is n t !e Esha& I "i'' %ina''y $et pr *e, inn 1ent&/ Ba)shi sai,& his * i1e s un,in$ 'i)e a hap'ess be$$ar/s# His eyes ' )e, rea,y t 'ea)# CHaybe# But the a!aBin$ pub'i1ity "i'' be en u$h t s1re" y ur 1areer# G ,bye B st n&/ I sai, an, "a*e, !y han, t in,i1ate %are"e''# E*ery ne e'se rai,e, their han, an, "a*e, $ ,bye as "e''# Ba)shi ' )e, at us in h rr r an, sat , "n# His "hite %a1e ha, n " turne, re,& r rather purp'ee*en th u$h it "as sti'' as shiny as e*er# I 1 u', see a t"it1hin$ 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 y u , in$ this t !e6 I "i'' be 'ea*in$ y u % re*er t $ t B st n&/ Ba)shi sai,# CB st n6/ I sai,# C; u , n t ,eser*e a p stin$ t Bhatin,a# ; u , n t e*en ,eser*e a 5 b# In %a1t& ne 1 u', ar$ue y u , n t e*en ,eser*e t 'i*e# ; u are n t 5ust a ba, b ss& y u are a parasite: t us& t this 1 !pany& t this 1 untry# 0a!n y u#/ I ban$e, the !ana$e!ent b ) n his har, hea,# G ,& it %e't hea, "as h '' "& as the i!pa1t !a,e a bi$ n ise# G ,& it %e't $ ,# :e" pe p'e in this " r', $et t hit their b ss& but th se "h , "i'' te'' y u it is better than se4# C-hat , y u "ant6 -hat is it y u "ant6 ; u "an t ,estr y !e&/ Ba)shi sai,& rubbin$ 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# 0 n/t ,estr y !e# I a! hu!an t #/ I ,isa$ree, "ith Ba)shi/s 'ast phrase# I ,i,n/t thin) he "as hu!an at a''# C0estr yin$ y u is a $ ,& %un pti n&/ Pr ! sai,& Cbut "e ha*e ! re " rth"hi'e $ a's % r n "# I "ant t , a ,ea' "ith y u# -e bury this issue an, in return y u , s !e thin$s % r us#/ C-hat )in, % thin$s6/ Ba)shi sai,# COne# I "ant t ha*e 1 ntr ' % the 1a'' 1enter % r the ne4t t" h urs# I nee, t $et n the !ass spea)er#/ The ne !ana$e!ent is use, t ta') t e*ery ne# -hy , y u "ant it6 -i'' y u ta') ab ut this e!ai'6/ Ba)shi sai,# CN & y u ! r n# It is s sa*e 5 bs at the 1a'' 1enter# N "& , I ha*e the spea)er6/ C;es# -hat e'se6/ CI "ant y u t "rite ut a resi$nati n 'etter % r 7hya! an, !e# Lay %%s r n t& "e are +uittin$ C nne4i ns#/ 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$ht& 7hya!6/ Pr ! sai,# C;es&/ I sai,# - "( I th u$ht# CG ,# An, this ti!e& n i,i t "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 s b# His %a1ia' e4pressi n ha, a 1 !binati n % 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 ,ire1ti n# It "as !y ! st %un 1areer ! !ent# The shiny %a1e turne, h t# C7 y u "i'' , the resi$nati n 'etter& )ay6/ Pr ! sai,# CO)ay&/ Ba)shi sai,& rubbin$ his 1hee)# CBut Esha "i'' ,e'ete the e!ai' ri$ht6/

C-ait# -e are n t , ne# Our business "i'' re+uire start=up 1apita'# There% re& "e nee, a se*eran1e pa1)a$e % si4 ! nths/ sa'ary# 9n,erst ,6/ Pr ! sai,# CI 1ann t , si4 ! nths# It is unpre1e,ente, % r a$ents&/ Ba)shi sai,# CN0TP r Ti!es % In,ia& y u pi1)&/ Pr ! sai, as he t ) ut his ph ne# C7i4 ! nths is p ssib'e# G , !ana$ers brea) pre1e,ents&/ Ba)shi sai,# I $uess n nu!ber % s'aps 1 u', brea) his 5ar$ n# CNi1e# Last thin$# I "ant y u t retra1t the ri$ht=siBin$ pr p sa'# Arran$e a 1a'' "ith B st n# As) the! t p stp ne the 'ay %%s t try a ne" sa'es=,ri*en re1 *ery p'an % r C nne4i ns# CI 1an/t , that&/ Ba)shi sai,# Pr ! 'i%te, his ! bi'e ph ne an, put it in %r nt % Ba)shi/s %a1e# CI/'' !a)e sure a'' % In,ia )n "s y u by t ! rr "&/ Pr ! sai,# CListen& y u i,i t# I , n/t 1are ab ut this 5 b& but there are a$ents "ith )i,s& %a!i'ies an, resp nsibi'ities in 'i%e# ; u 1an/t 5ust %ire the!# They are pe p'e& n t res ur1es# N "& "hi1h ne"s 1hanne' is y ur %a* rite6/ CGi*e !e ha'% an h ur# I/'' set up a 1a'' "ith B st n&/ Ba)shi sai,# CG , "e/'' bury the e!ai'# But y u $et the he'' ut % the 1a'' 1enter& this 1ity& an, this 1 untry as %ast as y u 1an# -e nee, a ne" b ss# -e nee, a n r!a'& ,e1ent& inspirin$ hu!an bein$ an, n t a s'i!y& b' ,=su1)in$ $ %ba'' "ith %an1y ,e$rees#/ Ba)shi n ,,e, as he 1 ntinu us'y "ipe, the s"eat %r ! his %a1e# CG ,# Anythin$ e'se6M y u ha, s !e +uesti ns ab ut !y ! nit r6/ Pr ! sai,# CH nit r6 -hat ! nit r6/ Ba)shi sai,#

NFF
Ba)shi $a*e Pr ! the )ey t the spea)er r !# 7 n& Ba)shi "as n his ph ne& 1a''in$ B st n t arran$e !ana$e!ent !eetin$s# I ha*e ne*er seen hi! " r) s e%%i1ient'y# Pr ! "ent t the br a,1ast r ! an, s"it1he, n the !i)es# I "ent t the !ain 1 !puters bay t 1he1) % r s un, +ua'ity# CHe'' & e*ery ne# Hay I ha*e y ur attenti n p'ease6 This is Pr !& %r ! the strate$i1 $r up#/ Pr !/s * i1e e1h e, thr u$h C nne4i ns# E*ery a$ent ' )e, up at the spea)ers as they 1 ntinue, t ta') t t heir 1ust !ers# C7 rry& t b ther y u& but "e ha*e an e!er$en1y# This is ab ut the 'ay %%s# Can y u p'ease ,is1 nne1t a'' y ur 1a''s&/ the spea)er sai,# E*ery ne hear, the " r, 'ay %%s an, a th usan, 1a''s en,e, at the sa!e ti!e# Ne" 1a''s %'ashe,& but n ne pi1)e, the! up# Pr ! 1 ntinue,: CI,i ts ha*e !ana$e, this p'a1e& be1ause % "hi1h "e ha*e t su%%er t ni$ht# : r their !ista)es& ! re than a thir, % y u "i'' ' se y ur 5 bs# It , es n t see! %air t !e# 0 es it see! %air t y u6/ N resp nse 1a!e ba1)# CC/! n $uys& I "ant t hear y u# 0 I ha*e y ur supp rt t sa*e y ur 5 bs ban, this 1a'' 1enter6/ A'' the a$ents ' )e, at ea1h ther& sti'' in partia' ,isbe'ie%# Hany % the! sai, a "ea) Cyes/# CL u,er $uys& a'' t $ether# 0 I ha*e y ur supp rt6/ Pr ! sai,# C;es(/ a 1 ''e1ti*e s1rea! r 1)e, C nne4i ns# I "as stan,in$ at the 1 rner ha'' % the !ain bay# E*ery a$ent $'ue, his r her eyes t the %ire=,ri'' spea)er# Pr ! 1 ntinue,& this ti!e in a %ir!er * i1e# CThan) y u# Hy %rien,s& I a! an$ry# Be1ause e*ery ,ay& I see s !e % the " r',/s str n$est an, s!artest pe p'e in !y 1 untry# I see a'' this p tentia'& yet it is a'' $ettin$ "aste,# An entire $enerati n up a'' ni$ht& pr *i,in$ 1rut1hes % r the "hite ! r ns t run their 'i*es# An, then bi$ 1 !panies 1 !e an, 1 n*in1e us "ith their a,*ertisin$ t *a'e 1rap "e , n/t nee,& , 5 bs "e hate s that "e 1an but stu%%5un) % ,& 1 ' re, %iBBy "ater& ,u!bass 1re,it 1ar,s an, *erpri1e, sh es# They 1a'' it y uth 1u'ture# Is this "hat they thin) y uth is ab ut6 T" $enerati ns a$ & the y uth $ t this 1 untry %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! $raphi1# The n'y y uth p "er they 1are ab ut is ur spen,in$ p "er&/ Pr ! sai,& an, e*en I "as a!aBe, at the attenti n e*ery a$ent $a*e hi!# Pr ! 1 ntinue,: CHean"hi'e ba, b sses an, stupi, A!eri1ans su1) the 'i%e b' , ut % ur 1 untry/s ! st pr ,u1ti*e $enerati n# But t ni$ht "e "i'' sh " the!# An, % r that I nee, y ur supp rt# Te'' !e are y u rea,y t " r) har, % r the ne4t t" h urs6/

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$u'ar'y# Te'' the! that terr rists ha*e hit A!eri1a "ith a ne" 1 !puter *irus that "i'' ta)e their 1 untry , "n# The n'y "as they 1an be sa%e is i% they )eep 1a''in$ us t rep rt there status# -e , it 'i)e this& pu'' ut e*ery 1ust !er nu!ber y u ha*e an, 1a'' the!# I "i'' sen, y u a 1a'' s1ript n e!ai'# The !ai' "i'' 1 !e t y u in %i*e !inutes# 9nti' then& $et th se nu!bers ut&/ Pr ! sai,# N ise 'e*e's r se in the !ain bay as hun,re,s % ' 1a'iBe, 1 n*ersati n t ) p'a1e si!u'tane us'y# There "as a %renBy as pe p'e t ) print uts % a'' 1ust !er nu!bers in their ,atabase# N b ,y "as sure i% the p'an " u', " r)& but pe p'e "ere "i''in$ t try anythin$ t a* i, 'ay %%s# Pr ! an, I 1a!e t ur bay# He type, %uri us'y n his 1 !puter an, tappe, !y sh u',er a%ter a %e" !inutes# CChe1) y ur e!ai'&/ Pr ! sai, an, p inte, t !y s1reen# I pene, !y inb 4# Pr ! ha, sent the !ai' t e*ery ne in the 1a'' 1enter# "ub$ect: 7,eration *ankee !ear 'ear -ll+ 7,eratin& *ankee !ear0s sin&le aim is to increase the incomin& call traffic In the C nne4i ns 1a'' 1enter& 1apita'iBin$ 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$s ar un, the p'a1e& in1'u,in$ a !ar)etin$ e%% rts t $et ne" 1'ients# Operati n ;an)ee :ear 1ann t su11ee, "ith ut y ur >KK[ 1 perati n# 7 & p'ease rea, the instru1ti ns be' " 1are%u''y an, re'ent'ess'y % 1us n !a)in$ 1a''s % r the ne4t t" h urs# -hen y u 1a'' ea1h 1ust !er& the )ey !essa$e y u ha*e t ,e'i*er is as % '' "s: ># 7tart by sayin$ y u are s rry 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'' ! nit r e*ery A!eri1an an, e*entua''y ,estr y the A!eri1an e1 n !y# Te' the! that& a11 r,in$ t y ur in% r!ati n& the *irus has hit their 1 !puter# 3. I% as)e, "hat the Ce*i' % r1es/ are& $i*e *a$ue e4p'anati n 'i)e C% r1es that "ant t har! the 97/ r C r$aniBati ns that threaten %ree, ! an, 'iberty/ et1# Re!e!ber& the ! re *a$ue y u are& the $reater the a! unt % %ear y u 1an 1reate# Try t in5e1t $enuine pani1 int y ur * i1e# 4. T 1he1) "hether the *irus has hit the! r n t& !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 p ps 1 !es ut& that !eans there is a *irus# <0 n/t " rry: the te4t "i'' p p ut=it is a bu$ in H7- r,.# On1e that happens& y ur 1ust !ers !i$ht start sha)in$ in %ear# A# Te'' the! y u 1an sa*e the! %r ! this *irus as a. y u are %r ! In,ia& an, a'' In,ians are $ , at 1 !puters b. In,ia has %a1e, terr ris! % r years an, 1. they are *a'ue, 1'ients an, y u be'ie*e in 1ust !er ser*i1e# E# H "e*er& i% they "ant ur he'p& they !ust )eep 1a''in$ the C nne4i ns 1a'' 1enter e*ery si4 h urs# E*en i% n thin$ happens& they sh u', 5ust 1a'' t say thin$s are )ay# <The sh rter the 1a''s& the better % r us any"ay.# ?# On1e 1a''s rise& I "i'' spea) t B st n ab ut the su,,en rise in tra%%i1 an, re1 !!en, "e p stp ne the 'ay %%s % r t" ! nths# A%ter that& "e 1an i!p'e!ent a re*i*a' strate$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 s n as I presse, Enter& t" hun,re, pa$es % te4t p ppe, ut# It "as )y& an, "ent s !ethin$ 'i)e this:

sp

&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 ', y u# It/s bu$ in H7- r,# N thin$ is per%e1t# N " 5ust "ait an, "at1h the %un&/ Pr ! sai,# Pr !/s e!ai' rea1he, a th usan, !ai'b 4es 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 5 b they )ne" n'y t "e'': 1a''in$ pe p'e t ,e'i*er a !essa$e as %ast as p ssib'e# I 'e%t !y bay an, passe, by the !ain bay# I pi1)e, up ran, ! senten1es %r ! the te'eph ne 1 n*ersati ns#

CHe'' Hr -i''ia!& s rry t ,isturb y u n Than)s$i*in$# I a! %r ! -estern C !puters "ith an ur$ent situati n# A!eri1a is un,er a *irus atta1)&/ ne a$ent sai,# C;es sir& y ur 1 !puter as per ur re1 r,s is a%%e1te,G/ sai, an ther# C0 n/t %rea) ut sir# But& yes& it ' )s 'i)e the e*i' % r1es ha*e tar$ete, y u&/ an ei$hteen=year= ', a$ent sai,# CBut "e 1an sa*e y u#/ C2ust )eep 1a''in$ us# E*ery % ur t si4 h urs&/ sai, ne& as she en,e, the 1a''# The ! re a$$ressi*e a$ents "ent a step %urther: CAn, I "ant y u t te'' a'' y ur %rien,s an, re'ati*es# ;es& they 1an 1a'' us t #/ 7 !e 1ust !ers pani1)e,& an, a$ents ha, t reassure the!: CN pr b'e!# -e "i'' sa*e this 1 untry# The e*i' % r1es "i'' ne*er su11ee,#/ A th usan, a$ents& % ur !inutes t a 1a''"e 1 u', , thirty th usan, 1a''s in t" h urs# I% they 1a''e, us e*ery si4 h urs& "e " u', ha*e *er a hun,re, th usan, 1a''s a ,ay# E*en i% this 'aste, a "ee)& "e " u', hit ur tar$ets t 1 *er the ne4t t" ! nths# H pe%u''y& "ith a ne" !ana$er an, e4tra sa'es e%% rt& C nne4i ns 1 u', re1 *er# An, % r n "& n ne " u', ' se his r her 5 b# Pr ! 1a! ' )in$ % r !e in the !ain bay# -e "ent ba1) t the -A7G# Pr ! si$na'e, !e int the 1 n%eren1e r !# CThe resp nse is a!aBin$# -e ha*e 5ust 1a''e, % r thirty !inutes& an, 1a'' tra%%i1 is up %i*e ti!es a'rea,y#/ Pr ! sai,# CR 1)in$ !an&/ I sai,# C; u !a)e !e %ee' 1 n%i,ent ab ut ur "eb ,esi$n 1 !pany# But 'et/s $ ba1) t the ,es)& "hy ha*e y u 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 y u# 0 n/t y u "ant 8riyan)a ba1)6/

NFD
CN # 8riyan)a an, I are *er&/ I sai,# CBe h nest ,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 n t# L ) at !y 1 !petiti n# H " a! I $ in$ t su11ee, a$ainst Hr 8er%e1t Hat1h Ganesh6/ C7ee& that is the pr b'e!# -e a'' thin) Ganesh is Hr 8er%e1t# But n b ,y is per%e1t#/ C;eah ri$ht# A h use "ith a p '& a 1ar that 1 sts ! re than ten years/ % !y sa'ary& %rea)in$ " r)in$ % r the " r',/s t p 1 !panyI , n/t see !u1h i!per%e1ti n in that#/ CE*ery ne 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 p int6 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 y u p'annin$ t , 6 Hire s !e instant ,ete1ti*es in 7eatt'e6/ I sai,& !y * i1e irritate,# C0 n/t $i*e up 7hya!&/ Pr ! sai, an, patte, !y sh u',er# CI a! tryin$ t % r$et 8riyan)a# But i% y u sear1h "ithin !e& there is sti'' pain# 0 n/t !a)e it " rse& Pr !#/ C- "& "hat ,ra!a# 7ear1h "ithin !e& there is pain& Pr ! sai, an, 'au$he,# C7 rry % 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 $'e "i'' be ur ,ete1ti*e# Let/s , a sear1h n his na!e an, see "hat 1 !es ut# There 1 u', be s !e surprises#/ C-hat6 ; u "ant t , a sear1h % r Ganesh6/ C;es& but "e nee, his %u'' na!e# Let/s %in, ut his 1 ''e$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 ph ne& s1arin$ A!eri1ans ut % their "its# I thin) she 1an put n that * i1e % auth rity "hen she "ants& an, it is i!p ssib'e n t 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) +uesti n# Hy 1 usin a's ,i, a Hasters in 1 !puters %r ! the 97# -hi1h 1 ''e$e ,i, Ganesh $ t 6/ CHuh6 -is1 nsin I thin)&/ she sai,# CRea''y# Let !e e!ai' !y 1 usin 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 an ther 1a''# CO h Hrs 8riyan)a Gupta&/ Esha sai, in a ! 1) hi$h=s 1iety * i1e an, 'au$he,# 8riyan)a p 1)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 ! nit r "as br )en& he t ) 1 ntr ' % !y 1 !puter# He sear1he, % r the % '' "in$ ter!s n $ $'e#1 !: &anesh &u,ta drunk Wisconsin &anesh &u,ta fines Wisconsin &anesh &u,ta &irlfriend 7e*era' 'in)s p ppe, ut& but there "as n thin$ "e 1 u', !a)e !u1h sense r use %# -e hit up n Ganesh/s 'ist % 1'ass!ates& an, % un, ut that he "as in the 0ean/s 'ist in B st n# C0a!n& "hat a b rin$ $uy# Let !e try s !e ! re&/ Pr ! sai, an, ,i, s !e ! re sear1hes# &anesh &u,ta fail &anesh &u,ta ,arty N thin$ interestin$ 1a!e ut# C: r$et it !an# He "as pr bab'y the hea, b y in s1h '&/ I sai,# C; u bet& ne % th se tea1her/s per types&/ Pr ! sai,& 'ettin$ ut a %rustrate, breath# CI $i*e up# I a! sure i% I type s !ethin$ 'i)e this# L ts "i'' p p ut& a1hie*er that he is#/ &anesh &u,ta /icrosoft award H re 'in)s p ppe, ut# -e 1'i1)e, thr u$h a %e"& an, then "e hit n ne "ith his pi1ture# It "as Ganesh/s n'ine a'bu!# C0a!n& it is hi!& "ith his bu,,ies&/ Pr ! "hispere, an, 1'i1)e, n the 'in)# CLet/s 1he1) ut h " u$'y his %rien,s are#/ The 'in) pene, t a "ebpa$e tit'e, CHi1r s %t A"ar, 8arty ph t s#/ The party "as at Ganesh/s h use# Ganesh ha, " n s !e si,ey ,e*e' per a"ar, at Hi1r s %t# A 1 up'e % his %rien,s ha, 1 !e t his h use t 1e'ebrate# C0 s'i,esh "&/ I sai, as Pr ! se'e1te, the pti n# -e ' )e, up n1e t 1 n%ir! the $ir's "ere busy "ith their 1a''s# As the pi1ture 1a!e n the s1reen& "e sa" a $ar,en party %u'' % In,ian pe p'e# On the tab'es& there "as en u$h % , t %ee, a s!a'' t "n# I sa" Ganesh/s h use an, the *er=hype, pers na' p '# It "as n ! re than an

*ersiBe, bathtub& i% y u as) !e& e*en th u$h Ganesh ha, !a,e it s un, 'i)e O'y!pi1 1ha!pi ns traine, in it# CHey& I thin) "e % un, s !ethin$# Che1) ut ur !an&/ Pr ! sai,# He p inte, t ne % the ph t s 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 $'ass % beer# 8riyan)a herse'% 1 u', )n 1) , "n ten % the! i% they "ere %ree# CChe1) ut Ganesh/s hea,&/ Pr ! sai,# C-hatJ/ I sai,# I ' )e, 1' ser& an, then I sa" it# COh n &/ I sai,& an, 1 *ere, !y ! uth t )eep !y * i1e , "n# In the pi1ture& Ganesh ha, a ba', sp t in the !i,,'e % his hea,# It "as the siBe % the a Happy !ea' bur$er an, ha, 1au$ht the 1a!era/s %'ash'i$ht# C9nbe'ieG/ I sai,# C7hhh(/ Pr ! sai,# C0i, y u see that# He has per%e1t hair in the statue % Liberty pi1ture#/ CAre a'' his ph t s in this a'bu! 'i)e this6/ I sai,# C;es sir&/ Pr ! sai, an, %'i1)e, thr u$h the s'i,esh "# One b rin$ pi1ture a%ter an ther % '' "e,!ain'y pe p'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 sp t# Pr ! pushe, his 1 !puter ! use a"ay# He re1'ine, ba1) n his 1hair "ith a pr u, e4pressi n& CAs I sai, sir& n ne is per%e1t# Apart %r ! G $'e& % 1 urse#/ I ' )e, at the s1reen an, Pr !/s %a1e in a!aBe!ent# C7 & n " "hat6/ I sai,# CN " "e in*ite the 'a,ies % r a *ie"in$&/ Pr ! sai, an, $rinne,# CN # this is n t ri$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 $ir's st ppe, their ph ne 1a''s an, ' )e, at us# Esha an, Ra,hi)a st , up# C-here& "here6 7h " us&/ Esha sai,# C-hat are y u ta')in$ ab ut6/ 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 y ur ne" h use is 'i)e&/ Pr ! sai,# He )ept +uiet ab ut the shiny sp t s that the $ir's ,is1 *er it % r the!se'*es# I sa" the !i4ture % e41ite!ent an, 1uri sity in 8riyan)a/s %a1e# CNi1e pa,&/ Esha sai,& as she n ti1e the barbe+ue behin, the p '& Cbut "here is Ganesh# Let !e $uess&/ she sai, an, br u$ht her %in$er t the ! nit r# Here& this ne n # but "ait& he is a ba',ie# Is he the e',er br ther6/ 8riyan)a an, Ra,hi)a ' )e, 1' ser# CN & that is Ganesh&/ 8riyan)a sai, as her ! uth pene, as "i,e as the ba', sp t# I 1 u', sense that the "in, ha, been )n 1)e, ut % her 'un$s# CBut I ,i,n/t n ti1e the ba', sp t in the ph t y u sh "e, us 8riyan)aG/ Esha sai,# Ra,hi)a s+ueeBe, Esha/s ar!# Esha st ppe, ta')in$ an, raise, her eyebr "s#

8riyan)a 1a!e 1' se, t the 1 !puter an, be$an %'ippin$ thr u$h the i!a$es# 7he ,i, n t rea'iBe it& but her hair "as %a''in$ n !y sh u',ers as she bent *er# It %e't ni1e# H "e*er& 8riyan)a "as n t %ee'in$ ni1e# 7he br u$ht ut the statue % 'iberty pi1ture an, "e ' )e, at it a$ain# Ganesh ha, per%e1t hair# CHaybe the $uy in the n'ine a'bu! is Ganesh/s e',er br ther&/ Ra,hi)a sai,# CN # Ganesh , es n t ha*e a br ther# He n'y has ne sister# 8riyan)a sai,& her %a1e ,istrau$ht# There "as si'en1e % r a %e" se1 n,s# C-e'' , esn/t rea''y !atter !u1h& eh6 -hat/s a bit % s! th s)in bet"een the true *er % t" s u's&/ Pr ! sai,# I 1'a!pe, !y 5a"s shut t pre*ent a 'au$h es1apin$# CLet/s $ ba1) pe p'e& en u$h % %un# 0 n/t % r$et the 1a''s&/ Pr ! sa,# 8riyan)a retra1e, her steps in s' " ! ti n# 7he "ent ba1) t her seat an, t ) ut her ! bi'e ph ne# 7he ,ia'e, a ' n$ nu!ber& pr bab'y ' n$ ,istan1e# This 1a'' "as $ in$ t be %un& an, I "ishe, I 1 u', ha*e tappe, it# CHe'' Ganesh&/ 8riyan)a sai, in a ,ire1t * i1e# CListen& I 1ann t ta') % r ' n$# I 5ust "ant t 1he1) n s !ethin$Gyes& 5us ne +uesti nGa1tua''y I "as 5ust sur%in$ the InternetG/ 8riyan)a sai, an, $ t up %r ! her seat# 7he ! *e, t the 1 rner % the r ! an, I 1 u', n t hear her therea%ter# I !a,e a %e" 1a''s an, terr riBe, a %e" ! re A!eri1ans# 8riyan)a returne, a%ter ten !inutes an, t sse, her 1e'' ph ne 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$ht'y t u1h up the hair in the 7tatus % Liberty snap as that " u', he'p in the arran$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 ' $iBe in %r nt % !y %a!i'y as "e''#/ C-e''& then it is )ay# -hat ,i%%erent , es it !a)e6 ; u , n/t rea''y 1are ab ut hi! bein$ ba',& , y u6/ Ra,hi)a sai,# C;eah& besi,es pra1ti1a''y a'' !en be1 !e ba', in a %e" years any"ay# It/s n t 'i)e y u 1an , s !ethin$ ab ut it then&/ Esha sai,# CThat/s true&/ 8riyan)a sai,& in a !e'' " * i1e# I 1 u', 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 y u "ant t t u1h 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,#

C7 rry& I a! bein$ !ean# H nest'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'% h ur "e % 1use, n ne a1ti*ity!a)in$ 1a''s t sa*e C nne4i ns# At E:FK a#!#& I "ent up the !ain bay# Tea! 'ea,ers hu,,'e, ar un, !e as they $a*e !e the ne"s# The in1 !in$ 1a''s ha, sh t up a'rea,y e*en th u$h "e ha, e4pe1te, the bi$ b st si4 h urs 'ater# 0espite tur)ey ,inners# A!eri1ans "ere s1are, ut % their "its# 7 !e ha, 1a''e, us se*era' ti!es an h ur# Pr ! an, I "ent t Ba)shi/s %%i1e "ith s !e seni r tea! 'ea,ers# Ba)shi ha, arran$e, an ur$ent *i,e 1 n%eren1e 1a'' "ith the B st n %%i1e# Ba)shi supp rte, us as "e presente, the ne" 1a'' ,ata& insi$hts int the 1a'' tra%%i1& an, p tentia' ne" s ur1es % re*enue# A%ter a t"enty=!inute *i,e ,is1ussi n& B st n a$ree, t a t" =! nth reprie*e t the 'ay %%s# They a's a$ree, t e*a'uate the p ssibi'ity % sen,in$ t p tea! 'ea,ers n a sh rt=ter! sa'es assi$n!ent t B st n# H "e*er& the tea! 'ea,ers " u', ha*e t present a 1'ear p'an *er the ne4t % r "ee)s# CH " ,i, "e , it !an6 I ne*er th u$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 y u# On'y a t" =! nth reprie*e& but that/s en u$h % r n "&/ Pr ! sai,# Reassure, that C nne4i ns "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$s an, n pr !ises t !eet& espe1ia''y in %r nt % 8riyan)a Pr ! a$ree, an, sai, he " u', be rea,y "ith his bi)e utsi,e at E:AK a#!# The $ir's st ppe, their 1a''s at E:DA a#!# as ur shi%t $ t *er# E*ery ne be$an t ' $ ut s they 1 u', 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 ! nit r# 7he pene, her han,ba$ an, starte, re=arran$in$ the 1 ntents# 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 $ ,& t u$h ,i* r1e 'a"yer#/ C- n/t y u try t " r) it ut6/ 8riyan)a sai, as she 1 ''e1te, the s"eet b 4es an, p'a1e, the! ba1) in the ba$# C-e/'' see# I a! in n ! , t 1 !pr !ise# An, I a! n t $ in$ ba1) t hi h use 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$arh % r the "ee)en,&/ Esha sai, an, s!i'e,# E*ery ne "as busy !a)in$ p'ans# I e41use, !yse'% n the prete4t % $ in$ t the "ater 1 'er % r a ,rin) s I 1 u', '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 y u&/ she sai,& interruptin$ !e# CHuh6 -here6 In the Lua'is6/ I sai,# CN 7hya!& I/'' !iss y u in $enera'# I/! s rry ab ut the "ay thin$s turne, ut#/ C0 n/t be s rry&/ I sai,& sha)in$ !y %in$ers ,ry# CIt is ! re !y %au't# I un,erstan, that# I a1te, 'i)e a ' serG/ C7hya!& y u )n " h " Pr ! sai, 5ust be1ause In,ia is p r , esn/t !ean y u st p ' *in$ itJ/ 8riyan)a sai,# C-hat6/ I b'in)e, at the 1han$e % t pi1# COh yes# An, I a$ree& it is ur 1 untry a%ter a''G/ C;es& "e ' *e In,ia be1ause it is urs# But& , y u )n " the ther reas n "hy "e , n/t st p ' *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 1 u', ha*e , ne thin$s ,i%%erent'y& but n " "e ha*e the p tentia' an, "e )n " it# An, as Pr ! says& ne ,ay "e "i'' sh " the!#/ C8 int G , 8 int&/ I sai,# I % un, it stran$e that she sh u', ta') nati na'is! this ear'y in the ! rnin$# N t t !enti n ,urin$ "hat "as p ssib'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! n t , ne&/ she sai,# C-hat6/ I sai, an, st ppe, t ' ) at her# CI app'ie, the sa!e ' $i1 t s !ethin$ e'se&/ she sai,# CI th u$ht& this is the sa!e as !y 7hya!& "h !ay n t be su11ess%u' n "& but it , esn/t !ean the , esn/t ha*e the p tentia'# An, it sure as he'' , esn/t !ean I st p ' *in$ 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 th u$h a'' ni$ht I trie, t hate y u& it/s i!p ssib'e# But I )n " I sh u', hate y u an, then I sh u', ! *e n# Be1ause I 1an/t %%er y u "hat Hr Hi1r s %t 1anG/ I "as spea)in$ hasti'y ut % ner* usness an, sh 1)# CGanesh&/ she interrupte, !e# C-hat6/ I sai,# CGanesh is his na!e# N t Hr Hi1r s %t&/ she sai,#

C;es& "hate*er&/ I )ept ta')in$&& "ith ut pausin$ t breathe# CI 1an/t %%er y u "hat Ganesh 1an# N "ay I 1 u', e*er buy a Le4us# Haybe a Haruti RKK ne ,ay& but that/s ab ut itG/ 7he s!i'e,# CRea''y6 RKK6 -ith r "ith ut AC6/ she sai,# C7hut up& I a! tryin$ t say s !ethin$ ,eep an, y u %in, a %unny&/ I sai,# 7he 'au$he, a$ain& th u$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 sh u', $et *er it s n# I )n "& I )n "&/ I sai,& ta')in$ ! re t !yse'%# 7he "aite, unti' I ha, 1 !p se, !yse'%# I bent *er t sp'ash !y %a1e "ith "ater at the 1 'er# CAny"ay& "here is y ur "e,,in$6 ; ur ! ! "i'' pr bab'y b' " a'' her 1ash % r a bi$ $i$&/ I sai,& strai$htenin$ up# C7 !e %i*e=star h te'& 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$ht6/ CI , n/t )n "&/ I sai,# C-hat , y u !ean y u , n/ )n "6 It/'' be s stran$e i% y u aren/t there#/ CI , n/t "ant t 1 !e there an, %ee' h rrib'e# Any"ay& "hat/s s stran$e i% I a! n t there6/ C-e''& it/s 'itt'e stran$e i% the $r ! is n t there at his "n "e,,in$&/ 8riyan)a sai,# I %r Be as I hear, the " r,s# I re" un, her 'ast senten1e three ti!es in !y hea,# C-hat& "hat ,i, y u 5ust say6/ I sai,# 7he pin1he, !y 1hee) an, i!itate, !e: C-hat& "hat ,i, y u 5ust say6/ I 5ust st , there sh 1)e,# CBut , n/t thin) I a! $ in$ t 'et y u $ that easy# One ,ay I "ant !y RKK "ith AC&/ she sai, an, 'au$he,# C-hat6/ I sai,# C; u hear, !e# I "ant t !arry y u& 7hya!&/ 8riyan)a sai,# I 1 u', n t be'ie*e her " r,s# I th u$h I " u', 5u!p in 5 y& but ! st'y I "as sh 1)e,# An, e*en th u$h I "ante, t hu$& 1ry an, 'au$h at the sa!e ti!e& a %ir! * i1e as)e, 'i)e a $uar, insi,e !e# What was this all about6 (ell. however miserable my life was. I didnt want pity# C-hat are y u sayin$ 8riyan)a6 ; u "i'' 1h se !e *er Ganesh6 Is this a sy!pathy ,e1isi n6/ C7t p thin)in$ ab ut y urse'%# Hy 'i%e/s bi$$est ,e1isi n 1an/t be a sy!pathy ,e1isi n# I ha*e th u$ht ab ut it# Ganesh is $reat& butG/ CBut "hat6/ I sai,# CBut the "h 'e t u1hin$ up % the ph t b thers !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! n t re5e1tin$ hi! be1ause he is ba',# H st !en $ ba', ne ,ay&& it is h rrib'e& I )n "&/ she sai, an, ru%%'e, !y hair# 7he 1 ntinue,: CHe !i$ht be %ine in ! st "ays& but the p int is& he 'ie,# An, this $i*es !e a 1'ue ab ut the pers n he is# I , n/t "ant t spen, !y 'i%e "ith a pers n 'i)e that# In %a1t& I , n/t "ant t spen, !y 'i%e "ith a pers n I , n/t )n " "e'' be% rehan,# That is ne part % !y ,e1isi n# There is the ther bi$ part#/ C-hatJ/ I sai,# CThat I ' *e y u# Be1ause y u are the n'y pers n in the " r', I 1an be !yse'% "ith# An, be1ause y u are the n'y pers n "h )n "s !e "ith a'' !y %'a"s an, sti'' ' *es !e 1 !p'ete'y# I h pe&/ she sai,& "ith a +ui*erin$ * i1e# I ,i, n t 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'& irrati na' an, r !anti1# 0 I rea''y 1are ab ut ! ney6 On'y be1ause pe p'e te'' !e I sh u',# He''& I pre%er tru1) ,ri*er ,habhas *er %i*e=star h te's# 7hya!& I )n " ! ! an, y u say I a! un1arin$G/ CI ne*er sai, thatG/ I sai, an, he', her sh u',ers# CI/! s rry& 7hya!# I 5u,$e, y u s !u1h# I a! su1h a bit1h&/ 8riyan)a sai,# 7he sni%%e,# Her pu1)ere, n se ' )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 b y# Be1ause 'i)e y u& this $ir' is a pers n "h nee,s a ' t % ' *e#/ CL *e6/ I nee, a ' t % ' *e6/ I sai,# CO% 1 urse& y u , # An, e*ery ne e'se , es t #M %unny "e ne*er say it# It is )ay t s1rea! in pub'i1 i% y u are hun$ry IIm starvingT# It is )ay t !a)e a %uss i% y u are tire, IIm so sleepyT# But s !eh " "e 1ann t 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' s phi1a' 'ines& I $et h rrib'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 y u&/ I sai,# CI ' *e y u t &/ 8riyan)a sai,# CThan)s# H "e*erG8riyan)a& I 1an/t !arry y u# 7 rry t say this& but !y ans"er t y ur !in,=b' "in$ pr p sa' 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 1ann t !arry y u# I a! a ne" pers n t ni$ht# An, this ne" pers n nee,s t !a)e a ne" 'i%e an, %in, ne" respe1t % r hi!se'%# ; u 1h se Ganesh& an, he is %ine# ; u ha*e an pti n % r a ne" 'i%e# ; u , n/t rea''y nee, !e# 7 !aybe it is better this "ay&/ I sai,#

CI sti'' ' *e y u 7hya!& an, n'y y u# 8'ease , n/t , thisG/ she sai, an, 1a!e 1' ser t !e# C7 rry&/ I sai, an, ! *e, ba1) three steeps# CI 1an/t# I a! n t y ur spare "hee'# I appre1iate y u 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 str n$# CBye 8riyan)a &/ I $in$er'y patte, her sh u',er an, 'e%t#

NF?
C-hat the he'' )ept y u6/ 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#!# C7 rry !an& 8riyan)a !et !e at the "ater 1 'er&/ I sai, an, san) nt the pi''i n seat# CAn,6/ Pr ! sai,# CN thin$# 2ust $ ,bye an, a''# Oh& an, she "ante, t $et ba1)!arry !e& she sai,# Can y u be'ie*e it6/ Pr ! turne, t !e# CRea''y6 -hat ,i, y u say6/ CI sai, n &/ I sai, 1 ''y# C-hat6/ Pr ! sai,# As "e "ere ta')in$& Ra,hi)a& Esha an, Hi'itary 9n1'e 1a!e ut % the !ain entran1e int the "intry sunshine# CHi& y u $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 unis n# CHey $uys& 1hi'' ut# I ,i, "hat I nee,e, t , t $et s !e respe1t in !y 'i%e# Luit b therin$ !e&/ I sai,# The Lua'is ,ri*er b therin$ !e&/ I sai,# C-e aren/t b therin$ y u# It/s y ur '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$# 7he is n the ph ne "ith her ! ther# Ganesh/s parents are 1 !in$ h !e % r brea)%ast# Her ! ther is !a)in$ h t paranthas&/ Ra,hi)a sai,& ' u, en u$h s I 1 u', hear# The !enti n % paranthas !a,e !e hun$ry# But I $uess I " u', be the 'ast pers n 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$ht t the Lua'is %r nt seat# The ,ri*er turne, the Lua'is s its rear en, %a1e, us# As the Lua'is be$an t ! *e& Hi'itary 9n1'e ' )e, ut %r ! his "in, " an, sai, s !ethin$# I 1 u', n'y !a)e ut in 'ip syn1# C; u b' ,y i,i tG/ I th u$ht it "as# Be% re I 1 u', rea1t& the Lua'is "as $ ne# Pr ! stubbe, ut his 1i$arette# COh n # I am a b' ,y i,i t# I 'et her $ &/ I sai,# C9h=huh&/ Pr ! sai, as he " re his he'!et# CIs that a yes6 ; u thin) I a! a t ta' i,i t6/

C; u are y ur best 5u,$e&/ Pr %eet#

! sai, as he ,ra$$e, the bi)e "ith his

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 ! r n&/ I sai, an, starte, 5u!pin$ up an, , "n n !y seat# C7t p ,an1in$ ar un,# 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 y u ri,e %ast en u$h t 1at1h it6/ Pr ! re! *e, his he'!et 'au$he,# CAre y u 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 sh u',ers# CN # %irst y u ap ' $iBe % r , ubtin$ !y ,ri*in$ abi'ities#/ CI a! s rry& b ss& I a! s rry&/ I sai, an, % ',e, !y han,s# CN " ! *e& 71hu!a1her#/ Pr ! )i1)=starte, his bi)e# In a %e" se1 n,s& "e ha, Bippe, ut % the 1a'' 1enter# The !ain r a, "as $ettin$ busier in the ! rnin$& but Pr ! sti'' !ana$e, ninety an h ur# -e , ,$e, 1ars& s1 ters& aut s& s1h ' buses an, ne"spaper ha")ers as "e t ) the r a, t 0e'hi# : ur !inutes 'ater& I n ti1e, a Lua'is at a ,istant tra%%i1 si$na'# CIt !ust be that ne&/ I p inte, ut# 2ust as Pr ! ! *e, ahea,& a her, % $ ats ,e1i,e, t 1r ss the r a,# 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$a n "as a *i''a$e unti' re1ent'yM the $ ats are pr bab'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 h rns# He 1 nsi,ere, ta)in$ the ri$ht si,e % the r a, "ith tra%%i1 $ in$ the ther "aybut it "as %u'' % tru1)s that " u', )i'' us in %i*e se1 n,s# CThere is n'y ne pti n&/ Pr ! sai, an, s!i'e, at !e thr u$h the he'!et# C-haG/ I "as sayin$ "hen Pr ! 'un$e, his bi)e up n the r a, ,i*i,er# CAre y u 1raBy6/ I sai,# CN & y u 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 sh 1)# Pr ! , ,$e, thr u$h the street 'i$hts& unti' "e ha, 1r sse, the her,# On1e ba1) n the r a,& Pr ! spe, up t a hun,re,# A !inute 'ater& ur bi)e !et the Lua'is at a re, 'i$ht# I $ t %% the bi)e an, tappe, the %r nt "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 r a,si,e *en, r# CI a! an i,i t&/ I sai,# CAn,6/ 8riyan)a sai,#

E*ery ne in the Lua'is r ''e, , "n their "in, "s t ' ) at !e# CI a! a ! r n# I a! stupi, an, insane an, nuts# 8'ease I "ant t !arry y u#/ COh rea''y6 -hat ab ut the ne" !an nee,in$ respe1t6/ 8riyan)a sai,# CI ,i,n/t )n " "hat I "as sayin$# -hat , es ne , "ith respe1t6 I 1an/t )eep it in !y p 1)et&/ I sai,# C7 y u "ant t )eep !e in y ur p 1)etJ/ 8riyan)a sai,# C; u are a'rea,y in e*ery p 1)et % !y 'i%e& !y heart& !y !in,& !y s u'p'ease 1 !eba1)# -i'' y u 1 !e ba1)6/ I sai,& as the re, 'i$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, $reen# The ,ri*er& as i% en5 yin$ !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$$e, his sh u',ers# I ' )e, insi,e the Lua'is# Ra,hi)a an, Esha shru$$e, their sh u',ersM she "asn/t in there# 7 !e ne 1a!e up %r ! behin, an, hu$$e, !e# CI t ', y u "e ,i,n/t "ant t buy anythin$# -hy are y u b therin$ us6/ I turne, ar un, t ' ) at 8riyan)a# CI , n/t )n " "hat I "as , in$ at the "ater 1 'er&/ I sai,# C7hut up an, hu$ !e&/ 8riyan)a sai, an, pene, her ar!s# Our eyes !et& an, e*en th u$h I "ante, t spea) a ' t& ur eyes ,i, a' the ta')in$# I hu$$e, her % r a %e" se1 n,s& an, then she )isse, !e# Our 'ips ' 1)e,& an, e*ery passen$er stu1) in the tra%%i1 5a! ' )e, at us& en5 yin$ the ear'y ! rnin$ sh "# It "as a")"ar, t )iss in this settin$& but I 1 u', n t e4tra1t !yse'% %r ! her# -e "ere )issin$ a%ter si4 ! nths& an, there "as a ' t % pent=up ,e!an,# Pr ! an, e*ery ne e'se %r ! the Lua'is surr un,e, us# 7 n& they be$an t 1'ap an, "hist'e# The *ehi1'es n the r a, 5 ine, in "ith their h rns in syn1 "ith the app'ause# But I 1 u', n t see the! r hear the!# A' I 1 u', see "as 8riyan)a& an, a'' I 1 u', 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 st ry en,s# -e ,i, n t )n " "hat& h " r "hen thin$s " u', happen in the %uture# An, t s !e e4tent& "e sti'' , n/t )n "# But that is "hat 'i%e is 'i)eun1ertain& s1re"e, up at ti!es& but sti'' %un# H "e*er& 'et !e te'' y u "here "e "ere ne ! nth a%ter this ni$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 n t# N internati na' r,ers yet& but "e sha'' see# Esha +uit her ! ,e'in$ aspirati ns an, 1 ntinue, t " r) at the 1a'' 1enter# H "e*er& she " r)s "ith this NGO ,urin$ the ,ay# Her 5 b is t %un,raise "ith 1 rp rate# I hear, she is , in$ "e''# I $uess "hen !a'e e4e1uti*es hear su1h a h t " !an as) % r ! ney % r a $ , 1ause& they 1ann t say n # ! st % the! are pr bab'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 s n# He has n t 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 C nne4i ns 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 ! ! $a*e up n the heart atta1) %r nt an, 1' se, the Ganesh %i'e# 7 ' )s 'i)e thin$s are " r)in$ ut# As % r !e as a pers n& 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=n thin$ n n=a1hie*er# But that is n t true# A%ter a''& I he'pe, sa*e ' ts % 5 bs at a 1a'' 1enter& tau$ht !y b ss a 'ess n& starte, !y "n 1 !pany& "as 1h sen *er a bi$=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''#

3333333333333 C- "&/ I sai,& s !e st ry that "as#/ 7he n ,,e,# An, ha, a sip % "ater %r ! her b tt'e# 7he he', the b tt'e ti$ht t pre*ent the "ater %r ! spi''in$ *er in the ! *in$ train# CThan) y u&/ 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 5 urney "as a'! st *er# 0e'hi "as 'es than an h ur a"ay# The train "as tearin$ thr u$h the ni$ht& an, ,eep int the h riB n& I 1 u', see a strea) % sa%%r n 'i$ht up the s)y# C7 & y u 'i)e, it6/ C;es& it "as %un# But a's & it !a,e !e thin)# I "ant thr u$h a si!i'ar phase 'i)e 7hya!& at " r) an, in !y pers na' 'i%e# I "ish I ha, )n "n this st ry 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 y u $ # It is ne % th se rare st ries that is %un but 1an he'p y u as "e''# An, that is "hy I a! as)in$ y u t share it# ; u rea,y t !a)e it int a b )6/ she sai,& rep'a1in$ the 1ap n the "ater b tt'e# CI $uess# It "i'' ta)e y ur ti!e th u$h&/ I sai,# C: r sure# An, I "i'' $i*e y u a'' the pe p'e/s ,etai's# :ee' % r t 1 nta1t te! i% y u "ant# Thr u$h "hi1h % the! "i'' y u te'' the st ry6/ C7hya!# Li)e I sai,& he an, his st ry are a ' t 'i)e !ine# I re'ate t hi! a ' tM I ha, si!i'ar pr b'e!s# Hy "n ,ar) si,e#/ CRea''y6 That/s interestin$&/ she sai,# CIt is true thr u$h& "e a'' ha*e a ,ar) si,es !ethin$ "e , n/t 'i)e ab ut urse'*es& s !ethin$ that !a)es us an$ry an, s !ethin$ "e "ant t 1han$e ab ut urse'*es# The ,i%%eren1e is h " "e 1h se t %a1e it#/ I n ,,e,# The train r 1)e, in a s thin$& $ent'e ! ti n# -e "ere si'ent unti' I sp )e a%ter a %e" !inutes# CListen& s rry t say this# There it ne issue I thin) rea,ers !ay ha*e "ith this st ry#/ C-hat6/ CThe 1 n*ersati n "ith G ,#/ 7he s!i'e,# C-hat/s the issue "ith that&/ she sai,# C-e''& 5ust thats !e pe p'e !ay n t buy it# One has t present rea'ity in a st ry# Rea,ers a'"ays say& Ite'' !e "hat rea''y happene,T# 7 in the 1 nte4t& h " is this IG , 1a''in$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, n t n ti1e, be% re# C-e''& I , n/t )n "# It b*i us'y , es n t happen a ' t# I !ean& thin$s nee, t ha*e a rati na'& s1ienti%i1 e4p'anati n#/ CRea''y6 0 es e*erythin$ in 'i%e " r) that "ay6/ CI $uess6/

E8ILOG9E

C-e''& 'et/s see# ; u sai, y u ,i, n t )n " "hy& but y u 1 u', rea''y re'ate t 7hya!# -hat/s the s1ienti%i1 an, rati na' e4p'anati n % r that6/ I th u$ht % r a %e" ! !ents but 1 u', n t thin) % a suitab'e ans"er# 7he sa" !e %i,$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 ab ut that6/ CO)ay& 'isten# I a! $ in$ t $i*e y u an a'ternati*e t the CG ,/s ph ne 1a''T bit# A rati na' ne& )ay6/ she sai, an, )ept her b tt'e a"ay# C-hat a'ternati*e6/ I sai,# CLet/s re"in, a bit# 7 they ,r *e int a pit an, the Lua'is it trappe,& suspen,e, by r ,s& ri$ht6 ; u )ay "ith that part6/ CRi$ht# I 1an 'i*e "ith that&/ I sai,# CAn, then they %e't the en, "as near# There "as n h pe in 'i%e 'itera''y an, %i$urati*e'y# A$ree,6/ CA$ree,&/ I sai,# CO)ay&/ she 1 ntinue,& Cs 'et/s 5ust say that& at that ! !ent& Hi'itary 9n1'e sp )e up# He sai, II n ti1e, y u $uys are in an unusua' situati n here& s I th u$ht I sh u', inter*ene an, $i*e y u s !e a,*i1eT#/ CThat/s e4a1t'y "hat G , sai,&/ I sai,# CC rre1t# An, %r ! that p int n& "hate*er G , sai,& y u 1an substitute as i% Hi'itary 9n1'e sai, it# He t ', the! ab ut su11ess& the inner 1a'' an, a'' th se ther thin$s#/ CRea''y6 Is that "hat happene,6/ I sai,# CN # I ,i, n t say that# I 5ust sai, y u ha*e the pti n t , thatM s that e*erythin$ appears ! re s1ienti%i1& ! re rati na'# ; u un,erstan, !y p int6/ C;es&/ I sai,# C7 & y u 1h se "hi1he*er *ersi n y u "ant in the !ain st ry# It "i''& a%ter a''& be y ur st ry#/ I n ,,e,# CBut 1an I as) y u ne +uesti n6/ C7ure&/ I sai,# C-hi1h % the t" is a better st ry6/ I th u$ht % r a se1 n,# CThe ne "ith G , in it&/ I sai,# C2ust 'i)e 'i%e# Rati na' r n t& 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$ s n&/ she sai, an, ' )e, ut# The %ie',s ha, en,e,& an, "e 1 u', see the h uses % 0e'hi/s b r,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, y u thin) I "as her6/ CBe1ause y u are s $ ,Q' )in$#/ CThan)s&/ she 'au$he,& Cbut s rry& I a! n t Esha#/ C7 6 8riyan)a6/ I sai,# CN #/

C0 n/t te'' !eRa,hi)a6/ CN & I a! n t Ra,hi)a either&/ she sai,# C-e'' thenG"h are y u6/ 7he 5ust s!i'e,# That is "hen it stru1) !e# 7he "as a $ir'& she )ne" the %u'' st ry& but she "as n t Esha& 8riyan)a r Ra,hi)a# -hi1h !eant there "as n'y ne a'ternati*e 'e%t# C7 Gthat !eansG h !yG/ Hy "h 'e b ,y sh ) as I % un, it ,i%%i1u't t ba'an1e# I %e't , "n n !y )nees# Her %a1e sh ne& an, bri$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'ati n % a h 'y te4t# Hy eyes % 1use, n a %e" 'ines n the pa$e that 'ay pen: A'"ays thin) % He& be1 !e Hy ,e* tes& " rship He an, %%er y ur h !a$e unt He# Thus y u "i'' 1 !e t He "ith ut %ai'# I 8r !ise y u this be1ause y u 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$ht t ) its t ''# I 1' se, !y eyes# -hen I pene, the!& the train ha, st ppe,& an, I )ne't n the %' r "ith !y hea, , "n# The train "as at 0e'hi 7tati n# The 1a1 ph ny % p rters& tea se''ers an, passen$er ! *e!ent ran$ in !y ears# I s' "'y ' )e, up at her seatbut she "as $ ne# C7ir& "i'' y u $et ut n y ur "n r , y u nee, he'p&/ a p rter tappe, !y sh u',er#

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