Page 85 of One Indian Girl
‘Yeah, at some remote copper mine in the south of Sri Lanka. Don’t ask. No flights from here. Wait, let me check my computer.’
Aditi didi knocked on the bathroom door.
‘Seriously, Neel, I have to go. Bye.’
‘Okay, bye. Congratulations,’ he said.
‘Oh well. Whatever. Bye now.’
I came out of the bathroom.
‘What? You washed away the mehndi?’ Aditi didi said.
‘It’s still a strong colour,’ I said. I began to change into my workout clothes.
‘It’s your wedding mehndi. You couldn’t be patient for a few hours?’
‘Sorry, didi. I am not as nice a girl as you. Okay?’ I said, irritated.
‘Arey? Why are you snapping at me? And why are you changing into these clothes?’
‘Sorry for being rude, didi. I just need to get some air. I am going for a walk on the beach.’
‘With whom?’
‘Alone.’
‘Why? I will come with you.’
‘No, didi,’ I said, my voice firm. ‘I want to be alone. No Brijesh. No you. No mom and dad. Can I get an hour? I need to clear my head.’
Aditi didi came and patted my cheek.
‘What happened?’
‘Nothing. All this wedding stuff is just too much. I need an hour.’
She gave me a hug.
‘Go. I will cover for you.’
I walked on the beach outside Marriott. I continued further north until I had left the hotel behind. I saw that Brijesh had messaged me. I decided not to open it. I couldn’t deal with anyone. I focused on the orange sun, which sank deeper into the water every minute. My mind was filled with thoughts.How did Neel find out? Oh well, it isn’t difficult if you work in the same firm, even if in different offices. What’s he doing in Sri Lanka? Making even more money, I guess. Why did he call me? Why didn’t he tell me what he wanted to? What’s with all the suspense?
‘Radhika,’ a voice from behind startled me.
‘Debu?’ I turned around. He wore a white printed T-shirt and Bermuda shorts. He came running to me, huffing and puffing as he caught his breath.
‘Are you following me?’ I said.
‘No. I stay in that property,’ he said and pointed to a hotel building at a distance.
‘Don’t stalk me.’
‘I am not...’
‘Oh really?’
‘I am just waiting for your reply. I hung out at the beach all day. Honestly, I saw you alone so I couldn’t resist. Sorry.’
