Page 93 of You Had Me At Annyeong!
Forgive me, Timira, but I must. I hope one day you’ll realize that I did not feel particularly great doing it, but a girl’s got to do what she’s got to do. I have people and things to protect, too.
‘The love that Rodrigo spoke of at his unveiling? The love that he has followed to Seoul? I happen to know who this love is.’
Oh, so it IS true.
‘Right. And you think it is okay to divulge this to me? Without even a shred of concern for this, I presume woman’s privacy?’
‘Well, what can I say, I am ruthless. I have something to protect, and I’m prepared to go to any lengths to do it.’
‘I admire your honesty, Mina-ssi. I can tell we will be of use to one another.’
‘I’m glad we have an understanding!’
‘So, who is this lady then?’
Timira’s sunny countenance flashes before Mina’s eyes. Seeing her navigate her way around a new job, a new language, a new country, a philandering ex, a boss who likes her but is too afraid to admit it has only made Mina admire her over the past weeks. Through everything, even Mina’s desperate attempts at shaking her up, Timira has maintained her dignity and has been doing a stellar job at work. For a brief few seconds, Mina feelsashamed, but quickly shrugs it off as she remembers all that is at stake: her family, her work, her love.
This is the only way to not let Rodrigo affect Appa and the club. And to keep Haneul away from Timira. The only way.
‘Her name is Timira. Timira Leia Marak.’
* * *
Washing Powder Nirma, washing powder Nirma, doodh si safedi Nirma se aaye, rangeen kapda bhi khil khil jaaye, sabki pasand Nir …
Timira has been humming an ad jingle for the Indian detergent brand Nirma that was widely popular when she was growing up back in the 1990s while hanging laundry on the clothesline when her phone announces an incoming call.
Unhappy at being interrupted, Timira grumbles but her face lights up when she reads the name flashing on the screen.
It’s a video call from Alice.
‘ALLY, HIIIIIIII!’ Timira waves maniacally at Alice and sports a huge grin.
‘Timmy, hi, baby! Hang on … Bhaskar, yeobo, Tim’s on the line. Come!’
Turning towards the screen, Alice notices a tub full of clothes.
‘Wow, Tim, have you been doing your own laundry? I’m so proud of you!’
‘Well, technically, the washing machine is …’ Timira giggles at her silly joke.
She opens her mouth to say something but decides against it. She then touches her mouth with her fingers, chuckles some more and blushes a deep red.
I know that look. I’ve seen it before. This has got to be about the boy, the boss boy!
‘Tim, do you have anything to say?’
‘Um, I mean, nothing of great significance but, yeah there is someth—’
‘Abbe, Tim, aur kitni moti hogi be tu? Korea se Japan bhej denge tujhe, sumo wrestler banne!’ Bhaskar has joined Alice holding two cups of fresh coffee and laughing.
Timira sticks her tongue out at him.
‘Chup bey! Tere toh saare baal jhar gaye, taklu uncle, despite having a hair doctor wife, bada aaya mere pe comment maarne, chal chal!’
‘You guys, cut it out!’ Alice wants Timira to spill the tea and is annoyed at Bhaskar for cutting in.
‘Timmy, you were saying … ignore Bhaskar, like you usually do.’
