Page 89 of Made in Mumbai

Dramatic music and Maya’s drama with her hand on her forehead searching. Then — “Yes, Sim, that’s you! Come up here and get your award.”

Simran rushed up on the makeshift stage, waving both hands at the hoots and applause.

“You’ve single-handedly kept the tea vendors in business,” Maya handed her the trophy. “If they had stock options, you’d be a millionaire by now.”

“Speech! Speech! Speech!” They all hooted and Simran began her speech.

“Can we get out of here?” Sahyadri whispered in his ear. “I wanted to discuss some GK Textiles accounts with you.”

“What’s going on?”

“Let’s talk outside? There’s too much noise here…”

Gautam rose to his feet, leading her out of the office space and into the garden.

“Yes?”

“We have sent all our clients corporate packages and hampers for Diwali. But I think we should also host a private party for them this year. Made in Mumbai is growing, we are venturing into a luxury market. So just, the upper level people. Maybe at your place.”

“We’ve never mixed business with pleasure. Entertaining clients outside is different. I am not getting people into my house.”

“You are shifting out anyway…”

“Sahyadri,” he warned. “I said no. I mean it. If you think it’s important, then arrange something at a lounge or a rooftop. I’ll be there.”

She looked stricken. But nodded. “I understand. What are your Diwali plans?”

He began to walk back in — “The same they are every year…”

“My sister is throwing a house party on Dhanteras night… will you come…?”

His phone buzzed. It was the Turk again.

“Excuse me,” he strode inside the office and directly up the stairs. The sounds from the party quietened as he went on climbing up, reaching his terrace.

“Hello, Mr. Baris.”

“Mister Gautam? Merheba…” the Turk’s thick accented voice sounded in his ear. “I know we finish our talks… but my partner, he want to be there to do quality check. He want to come to Hindistan.”

“Of course. I will be happy to host him. And you. Whenever you both want to travel to India, you are welcome with open arms.”

“He want to go Thekady, is that possible?”

“Yes, we’ll arrange a visit.”

“Guzel, nice… ok. Ok. I will inform him. Thank you.”

Gautam ended the call and turned back to the party. The downstairs was quiet, no mic or music. He frowned, descending the last few steps to Trisha standing with a small group, murmuring.

“What’s going on?”

They turned, their expressions bewildered, then wary.

“Trisha?” He glanced behind them, the party disbanded. “Where’s everyone? Where is Maya?”

“She left.”

“Left?” He frowned. “What happened here?”

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