Page 160 of 12 Years
I looked into Payal’s eyes. I didn’t just remember all that drama. I had it etched in every neuron in my brain. And it wasn’t just drama for me. It was trauma.
‘I do,’ I said, keeping my cup down. ‘Which is what makes it more surprising.’
‘Meaning?’
‘The way it all happened … I thought you were really into the guy, I mean, eventually …’
‘The way what happened?’ Payal said.
‘Forget it, it was a long time ago. Why bring up old stuff?’
‘No, tell me. Why did you think I was “really into the guy”?’
‘Well, you completely cut me off. Got married so fast. Never bothered to get in touch. I figured you must’ve come to like the guy a lot.’
‘That’s what you thought?’
‘Yes. Plus, your family loved him. He was Jain and age-appropriate and had never been married before. That’s whyit’s even more shocking that you and Parimal got divorced. Are Jains even allowed to get a divorce?’
‘Is that supposed to be funny?’
‘Sorry, that was insensitive.’
Payal nodded. ‘It’s okay,’ she said in a subdued tone.
‘How are you doing now?’ I said.
‘I’m much better. I’m grateful for work. It keeps me busy.’
‘Okay …’
‘I didn’t cut you off by choice,’ Payal continued.
‘Leave it, Payal. It’s old stuff. You have your version, I have mine.’
‘And what’s your version? I cut you off because I met Parimal?’
‘Didn’t you? You blocked me everywhere, so I couldn’t reach you either. Then, within a couple of weeks, I hear that you’re married. Then followed years of smiling pictures of both of you, holding each other in different exotic locations. What else was I to conclude?’
Payal kept quiet. She seemed overcome with emotion.
‘This was a bad idea,’ I said, trying to keep my voice calm. ‘This is why I wanted to keep our conversations about business only.’
Payal took a deep breath, as if composing herself. ‘You’re right,’ she said. ‘I did do all that. But maybe you don’t have the full picture.’
‘How can I have the full picture if you never told me anything?’
‘I can tell you now. Will you listen?’
‘Of course,’ I said.
‘You wanted to know what led to my divorce, right?’
‘Yes.’
‘Like I said, it wasn’t one incident. It’s important I tell you everything that happened, right from around that time.’
‘What time?’
