The Unventured Passions

Indecisive Intimacy

When we feel the fear in us, we feel the need to educate ourselves about the dangers of a polluted and frightened world around, and it was then that we are pushed down into our primitive brains - the part of us that evolved to deal with immediate danger requiring violent and impulsive solutions. That's where quick-wittedness comes in handy.

Bondita was still standing infront of Satya, along with Anirudh and Batuk a little away, and Satya closed his eyes to plot the entire escape plan in his mind like a bioscope climax.

"Anirudh Da, go through the back exit of this hotel, they have two, use the south gate," his eyes were still closed, calculating, "get a phaeton from the rikshaw stand, that should take us to Babu Ghat in less than ten minutes, and we'll get into Rashik majhi's boat from there."
Anirudh nodded at once and turned to Batuk, holding his shoulders.
"You think you can manage the girls?"

"More than you think I can." Batuk smiled proudly.

Anirudh patted him on the cheek and rushed out along the corridor of the hotel lobby.
"Bondita... See you outside, fast." He spared a glance at her, before vanishing down the stairs towards the instructed direction.

"Raimoti is dressing inside, should be out in a minute." Bondita turned restlessly, looking at the closed door.
"I'll go check on Mira once before leaving."

She was about to step away as a sharp scream drew their attention, and upon looking infront they both saw an English lady yelling at the receptionist for asking about her identity.

"You bloody manager, how dare you ask for my ID?" She yelled on top of her voice and the frightened man shook in terror standing behind the reception desk.

"Mrs. Governor General." Batuk mouthed the words to the man and turned towards the lady.
"Candice... Madam... This way..." Batuk had quickly rushed towards her, pulling her by her shoulders, and both Bondita and Satya saw with gaped expression as how the woman calmed down immediately, following Batuk, with a smile on her deep scarlet lips.
She wore a large round hat, covering most of her face, but from whatever was visible Bondita thought her to be extremely beautiful.

"It that the governor's wife?" She hushed and Satya nodded silently.

"Guess so."

The woman was approaching them, her hand wrapped around Batuk's arm, and he escorted her with great care.

Bondita gaped at the sight, but only for a moment, as Raimoti came out of the room and called her out.
"See you outside." She pressed Satya's arms and hurried accross the corridor along with Raimoti.

"Which one's her? Bondita?"
Candice asked Batuk, her eyes still following the trail of the two women leaving.

"The one in yellow."

Candice just breathed a little louder in reply, pulling out the scarf from her neck, and Satya narrowed his eyes at the sight of fresh red blotches tainted on her pale fair skin.

"Batuk, this is dangerous... " He lowered his voice, speaking in vernacular, "bringing her here wasn't a good move... What if she..."

His concern was legitimate, and with experience he had always known how British women had forever favoured their kin over the native Indians. Although this woman looked a little different, a little much under Batuk's influence, but Batuk too has appeared to be a bit different that morning!
He hadn't replied to Satya's concern directly, instead he had kept his hand on Satya's shoulder, with a bit of haughtiness perhaps, as he smirked at him mysteriously.

"Trust me Satya Da... I know a thing or two about women, she won't bite."

He winked, and Satya gasped at his words, eyeing the fidgeting foreigner once again, and his eyes widened in disbelief.