Titans Genesis: Raven

10. Mother Harumi

Harumi returns to the Singh's house where Mr and Mrs Singh are serving themselves another slice of cake along with a glass of white wine while they whisper to each other flirtatiously. Mrs Singh's cheeks even turn red. When they finally see Harumi enter, they quickly break away and pretend they weren't about to fornicate openly in the parlour.

"Oh, Harumi, you're back," Mrs Singh says in a surprised tone while patting down her robe. "Is the meeting over already?"

"I left early," Harumi says, "I decided not to skip out on a birthday. It is the most important day of Rachel's life, and I rather not ruin it for her by not being here. Where is Rachel anyway?"

"She and Kiran left," Mr Singh says.

Harumi looks perplexed. "Left?"

"Yes, I believe they went off for a walk," Mrs Singh says.

"But we also saw them running with two boys," Mr Singh says. "Kiran thought she could trick, but we saw them. We said nothing. But if they don't return by eleven, I'm grounding her. You should do that same with Rachel."

Harumi frowns. Two boys?

"Dhule, why would you say that about her and our daughter?" Mrs. Singh says. "You know they're responsible and would never do such a thing."

"Well, they're teenagers," Mr. Singh says.

"I'm sorry," Harumi says, "But what boys?"

"Two boys," Mrs. Singh says. "I think it was Tenzin and Tamdin."

Harumi sighs in frustration. "Those boys are going to get them into trouble. Did the girls say where they were going?"

"I think they were going to the pond for a swim," Mrs Singh says.

Harumi rolls her eyes. She is rather fond of the Singh family, especially Kiran, who has been kind to Rachel since childhood and has always been a wonderful influence on her. Her parents are good people as well. However, they can be a little careless as they're not really looking after Rachel like they promised. Kiran seems to be the only adult in the family who cares for Rachel's well-being.

"Well, I better go find them," she says.

"Harumi, relax," Mrs Singh says, "I'm sure they're fine. Kiran is with Rachel and they'll take good care of each other." Her face makes an awkward expression. "That did not come out well, did it?"

"Dhani, I'm not worried about whether Rachel and Kiran are having intercourse. I'm worried because Rachel is epileptic and anything can provoke a seizure."

"That's right. I forgot about that. That is concerning. Oh, I'm sorry, Harumi, we should have known better."

"It's all right. I'll go get the girls." Harumi leaves the house and heads for the pond, not knowing that Rachel is not really there, as it is another lie Kiran told her parents.