Party And Prejudice

7. The Plan

"Do you guys want to join us at the resort theatre tonight? They're screening this really good English film".

"What do you mean really good?", Zoya asked.

Sanam and Ameesha exchanged a glance and winked at each other.

"We'll come", Riya said quickly.

"Should we really go? I don't like those two girls very much", I said as Sanam and Ameesha walked away.

"Neither do I", Riya said "But what harm can come from hanging out with them a bit?"

Of course, what harm can come from hanging out with them a bit?

We would find out the answer a week later.

"Let's wear something today evening's skimpy no", Riya said rummaging through her suitcase.

I wanted to tell her that I hadn't brought any skimpy clothing. My suitcase was full of sweaters and jackets and socks that my mother had insisted I should take along. There was nothing in there that didn't cover my neck. You'd think I was a grandma going to Antarctica.

We heard voices outside. Riya abandoned her search and flew out of the room. I followed her.

Lakshan was standing in the porch with a girl in a lace dress. His hands were on her (I'd rather not say which part).

"Sorry Keerthana", Laksh was telling her, "Can we meet tonight at the theatre instead?"

"But I picked this outfit for our dinner", she said gesturing to the clingy piece fabric she had worn.

I felt like something had released within me. I turned to Riya with a triumphant smile and whispered, "See madam? He has a girlfriend. Will you close the Lakshan chapter now?"

Riya rolled her eyes, "The girl is not from here. Can't you see even that?"

"So? Even we are not from here. Anyway, who cares? Maybe it's Laksh's habit to trap girls who come here for vacation".

"We are not here on vacation", Zoya supplied.

"Or even better...maybe he is her client", I said.

"Mind your words", Riya said. There was a momentary pause.

"I'll wear another outfit tonight. It's from Chanel. I brought a whole set of Chanel outfits from Chennai just for this trip".

"You look stunning in anything Keerthu darling", Laksh said sycophantically. Keerthu darling blushed.

I didn't know how the hell my fellow females in this planet fell for crap like this.

"I'll see you in the evening", Laksh said to the girl. She nodded and left. Laksh walked away in the opposite direction too.

"Will you come inside now?", I asked Riya "We still have an outfit problem".

"I have an idea", Riya said.

•••

"Listen guys", Riya spoke to the bedroom at large, ten minutes later, as I polished my nails and Zoya fumbled through more clothes.

Reyansh was plonked in one corner with a salad he had made for himself from the vegetables that had remained from the carving. My boyfriend who had grown up like a prince was eating leftover vegetables. What a tragedy.

"We have three hours to get outfits for ourselves", Riya said.

"Count me out", Reyansh said.

Riya ignored him and continued, "Well, Zoya suggested that we run to some boutique and get three outfits. Well, why should we waste so much when we can borrow the outfits?"

I rolled my eyes, "Where will you borrow from?"

"From Keerthana's room"

"What? Are you mad?"

"Didn't you hear her? She has a whole set of Chanel dresses in her room. We just have to sneak in and grab them after she leaves. We'll put them back. It's not stealing", Riya finished assuringly. My mouth fell open. Even Reyansh looked impressed.

"But we have to get the keys", I said.

"That we will manage", Riya said.

I realised I was giving in. As usual. Zoya also looked curious. Reyansh was listening too as he ate. That's Riya. The girl talks crap but still gets you interested.

"But how will you get the keys from Revathi?"

"Well, Revathi doesn't know who stays in which villa does she?", Riya asked.

"So?"

"So one of us has to pretend to be a guest and go and ask her for the keys."

"They won't give keys just like that to anybody. There's security issues", I said, thinking fast. I couldn't believe I was considering this stupid plan, "Besides Revathi already knows all of us. She knows we are no guests".

"Oh we can solve the security problem", Riya said dismissively, "We just need another girl to go and ask for keys".

"And from where will you find another girl?", I asked.

Riya's eyes danced wickedly. She was looking at Reyansh.

Reyansh looked up from his salad bowl, "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"