Part 6 (2/2)

*When was Sheila unhappy?' I ask Dipti.

But she's not listening. *Since we didn't get married in the States, Udit has left me nothing. Zilch. I came to India to see if I could start afresh. Dad, you there?'

*You are going to live in India?' I ask.

The entire deck of my emotional cards lay out in front of me at once.

*With me?'

*Well, I'm not going to be a burden or anything. I met a lot of people in Bombay this time who can help me get a job. Obviously it will take time because I haven't worked since Choti was born. We will have to be patient.'

We?

She continues: *But there's a hitch. My lawyer called from New York this morning about a court date that has opened up for tomorrow. If I make it on time then there's a good chance that I can at least get child support.'

*So suddenly?'

*Well, she'd told me this could happen and that I had to be in New York at all times, but I needed to take a break, come to India, scope out opportunities.'

*Okay, beta. I will bring Choti home within thirty minutes. Her things are packed. You should be able to fly out tonight.'

*No, Dad. I don't have time to wait for Choti. I have to fly out now, immediately.' She pauses. *In fact, I'm on my way to the airport.'

*What? Just like that? What about Choti?'

*I'll leave Choti with you for some time, Dad. Like a week, or two.'

*How can you leave Choti with me, beta? How will we manage?' I realize I'm shouting.

*What is the big deal, Dad? Kaki is there to help. And I'll be back in three weeks.'

*But right now you said one or two weeks.'

She grunts, exasperated. *Well, I don't know exactly how long the court proceedings will take.'

*Beta, don't do this.'

*Look, Dad, I'm not happy about this situation either. But we have to adjust.'

*I cannot look after Choti. It is not possible.'

*Why not, Dad? I left you two alone so you could get to know each other better, and you seem to like her enough. Just continue doing what you're doing, and you'll both be fine.'

*Dipti, beta-' it has to be said *-I don't have enough money.'

She laughs now, her chortle full of misplaced, cheerful surprise. *No money? You're sitting in an apartment with more rooms than you can use, a property worth crores, a pool, gym. Of course you have money.' Her voice becomes edgy. *Maa would have never thought of money at a time like this.'

I find it difficult to breathe. My chest is tight. My heart is beating too fast. I sit down on a stone bench, unable to speak. Dipti is silent for a minute before she asks, *Dad? Dad? I can't hear you. Are you there?'

I can't reply.

*Dad, I have to go. I'm getting a call from my lawyer.'

*What did Sheila tell you? Why was she unhappy?'

*Dad, this is not the time to talk about it. I'll call after I've checked in to talk to Choti. Don't tell her anything yet.'

She hangs up.

I remain seated, unable to move.

Choti looks at me. *Why didn't Mommy talk to me?'

I don't reply.

*Are you okay, Nanu? You look sick.'

I stand up.

*Don't be angry, Nanu. It's not Mommy's fault. It's my fault. I made a wish. I told Chameli to make me live with you. This is all my fault.'

Choti is crying. I look at my granddaughter and find that I have nothing to comfort her with. I start walking.

Choti runs after me.

*Are we going home now?' she mumbles.

*Yes, we will walk home,' I say.

*Walk?' she says, stopping. *Did you say walk? Isn't home really far away?'

*Yes, home is far away. And till then, we walk.'

FRIENDS.

It is dark when Bhanu's eyes open to the sound of her name.

*Wake up,' a soft voice whispers. A hand strokes her hair tenderly.

Bhanu takes the hand and holds it against her warm cheeks. *Genevive,' she murmurs hoa.r.s.ely as her eyes close again. *What time is it?'

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