Prithvi... [Volume 4]

Chapter 98

Prithvi parked the vehicle at the gate, and looked at his fidgety companion. "We'll get down here. The jeep has to go for servicing."

"Okay," Nandini said with a dry throat and got down readily, grateful for the extra time it would take to reach the bungalow. What would she tell Choti maa... what reason would she give for her behaviour...

"So what did Choti maa say when you told her you're my girlfriend?" Prithvi asked interestedly as they approached the house.

"I didn't tell that!" she gasped. "I didn't – couldn't talk to her at all," she confessed shamefacedly. "She was talking to a child. I waited till she was free. Then she saw me and asked who I was. I couldn't think of an answer. A lady from the kitchen asked her about a dish. When Choti maa was answering her, I - I ran away."

"Damn. There should have been CCTV cameras in the hall," he muttered wistfully.

"There should have what?" she asked suspiciously.

"Someone to help you," he modified promptly. "But don't feel bad. It could happen to anyone. I'll ask Sumer Baba to introduce you to her."

"That would be wonderful," she said earnestly, gladdened by his thoughtfulness. "But I'm still worried. What must Choti maa be thinking of me?"

"Relax. At worst, she might think you've escaped from an asylum," he highlighted charitably.

"Thank you," she said wryly. "That's very reassuring."

"You're welcome," he said graciously. "I'm so good at this...I think I should take up a career in motivational speaking," he ruminated, and then grinned as she started laughing.

But Nandini's laughter ceased within moments, and a shadow of anxiety marred her face. They had reached the doors. Her steps slowed. Before they could pause completely, he caught her hand firmly and led her into the house. They crossed the threshold together, but once inside, he released her hand and coolly sauntered to the nicely designed seating arena.

Sumer Singh bounced up from a huge sofa and happily waved them over. He'd felt troubled on learning that Nandini wanted to stay in the guesthouse. But Prithvi had forbidden him from raising the topic in front of Nandini, and had calmly guaranteed that she would change her mind.

Nandini smiled at Sumer Singh but stayed put, trying to decide if she should remove her slippers. She had not removed them the first time. Was that a bad omen? But she couldn't see any footwear near the door.

"Nandini! Come in," Sumer Singh prompted.

She nodded and hastened to join them.

Prithvi was lounged in a snug armchair, and was taking a tall glass of water from a tray held by a male servant who seemed to have materialised out of nowhere. He drank it in one go and kept the glass back. Sumer Singh resumed his seat and leaned forward to speak to Prithvi.

Nandini ambled around the couch, admiring the insides of the bungalow. It was quite grand. And the lovely winding staircase and gorgeous chandelier enhanced its charm.

The tray was extended to her. She gratefully picked a glass with a genial "Thank you", drained the contents and replaced it on the tray.

A hand tugged hard at her plait, and she turned with an angry hiss. "Why did you do that?"

"You're not under punishment," Prithvi said unrepentantly. "Sit down."

She glowered at him and occupied the armchair next to his.