Page 171 of One Indian Girl
‘Hi,’ Neel said to Debu.
‘Let’s get some breakfast,’ I said.
I sat down at one of the sea-facing tables. Both of them froze where they stood.
‘Come, both of you,’ I said and smiled.
They sat down hesitantly. The waiter arrived to take the order.
‘I will have a cappuccino and brown-bread toast. With peanut butter and honey. How about you guys?’ I said.
Debu and Neel looked at each other.
‘Black coffee. Porridge, please,’ Neel said.
‘Er...orange juice,’ Debu said.
The waiter left. I continued to smile, enjoying their confused state.
‘Is he a friend?’ Neel said, asking about Debu.
‘Yeah, you could say that,’ I said.
‘You want to introduce me properly?’ Debu said, clearing his throat.
‘Of course I will.’
‘Yeah, because sorry, Debu, I don’t know you and so it is all a bit confusing and surprising...’ Neel was saying when I cut him off.
‘Both of you are my exes. My past lovers,’ I said.
If there were prizes for priceless expressions, Neel and Debu could both share a Nobel.
‘Sorry, I don’t understand,’ Neel said. ‘I am an ex but who is he?’
‘Debu. My boyfriend in New York, remember?’
‘Oh,thatguy,’ Neel said.
‘Neel is your ex too? Sorry, when was this?’ Debu said.
‘Hong Kong.’
‘Oh,’ Debu said, and became silent. He studied Neel openly.
‘Yeah, he’s older, Debu. Much older,’ I said. ‘Neel’s married too.’
Debu realized I had caught him staring at Neel and took his gaze away from him.
‘I was. Not now,’ Neel corrected me. ‘So Debu’s come to attend your wedding? That’s nice.’
‘He’s not come to attend it. He’s come to marry me. He wants to sit in the groom’s place. Right here, in Goa.’
‘What?’ Neel said. ‘I thought things ended badly for you guys. Debu’s the same guy who made you leave New York, right?’
‘Yeah,’ I said. ‘Change of heart now. Just like you.’
I guess it takes a while for people to realize my worth.
