Page 194 of 12 Years
‘Not that much, but, yes, a lot,’ I said.
‘Then? What’s stopping you now? You need to bring that passionate Saket back.’
I looked at her and sighed. ‘Let me check if the food’s ready,’ I said and stood up.
‘There we go again. Practical Saket again, deflecting topics at important moments,’ Payal said, slamming her glass on the table.
‘First of all, no more wine for you,’ I said. ‘And second, let me come right back from the kitchen.’
I went back into the house. Shanti didi had finished preparing the dinner.
‘Please serve it to us in the garden,’ I told her.
When I went back to the garden, Payal smiled at me a little sheepishly. She picked up the wine bottle and waved it. ‘You were right. There is literally no more wine for Payal.’
‘Payal,’ I said, taking the empty wine bottle from her. ‘What did you do? Do you realize you drank almost the whole bottle?’
‘Did I? Weren’t we sharing?’ she said, slurring.
I shook my head.
Shanti didi came out with the food at that moment. She’d arranged everything on a large tray, and she left it on the rattan table.
‘Let’s eat,’ I said to Payal.
‘No,’ she said. ‘Can you get me some more wine first?’
‘Absolutely not,’ I said. ‘Come, eat.’ I took a spoonful of the dal chawal and held it close to her mouth. She leaned forward and ate the food.
‘Now eat the rest of your food yourself,’ I said.
‘No.’
‘Are you drunk?’
‘Not drunk-drunk. Just happy high.’
‘So, you can eat the dal chawal yourself. Here, have it,’ I said, handing her the plate and picking up my own dinner.
We finished our meal in a few minutes, and Shanti didi came back to clear the table. The food helped Payal sober up somewhat.
‘Thank you, that was the most wonderful dinner,’ she said, coming and sitting next to me.
‘It was just dal chawal,’ I said.
‘I loved it. I had homemade food after such a long time,’ she said. Then she gently held my arm and rested her head on my shoulder. ‘Is this okay?’ she whispered.
I nodded, even though I was unsure.
‘Do you want me to show you the rest of my house?’ I said.
‘Oh, sure,’ Payal said.
We walked back into the house and took the stairs to the floor above. I showed her the rooms one by one.
‘You live in such a huge house all by yourself,’ she said. ‘Doesn’t it ever get lonely?’
‘It’s okay. I’m used to it.’
