Page 87 of One Indian Girl
My phone rang. Brijesh. I stepped aside to take the call.
‘Hey,’ I said.
‘I sent you a message.’
‘Sorry, I didn’t see.’
‘Where are you now?’
‘I’m,’ I said and wondered what to say, ‘around. Just around only.’
‘Another sunset walk? Like yesterday?’
Debu went back to pay the bill and smiled at me from a distance. I spoke to Brijesh. ‘No, I don’t want to go for a walk.’
‘Oh okay,’ Brijesh said, disappointed.
‘But I need a drink,’ I said.
‘There’s that open air lounge in the Marriott...’ he said as I interrupted him.
‘No, away from the Marriott. Somewhere else. I need to get away,’ I said.
‘Should I ask for a car?’
‘I want some fresh air. Also, I don’t want to go with a driver. Can you arrange a bike?’
‘You mean one of those rental Activas?’
‘Yeah. Can you ride one of those?’
‘Well, yes. I did in college.’
‘Good. See me outside the Marriott in fifteen minutes.’
I hung up.
‘All good, baby?’ Debu said, coming out of the shack.
‘I am going out with Brijesh,’ I said.
‘Oh,’ he said, sounding disheartened.
‘I am not doing this to hurt you.’
‘You can hurt me. I hurt you as well. But please think. This is about our future. You can’t be with a guy you don’t love.’
‘All this is messing me up, Debu. I need to breathe.’
‘Sure, baby. Take your time.’
‘Thanks. Now don’t come near me. Stay put for five minutes while I walk away.’
He nodded. He opened his arms wide, asking for a hug. I looked around. Nobody could see us. I hugged him. He wouldn’t release me.
‘It feels so nice to hold you, baby,’ he whispered.
‘It’s enough, leave me now. Please,’ I said in a soft voice.
