A Hundred Flukes

Attacked

Attacked - Chapter 4

"Are you two brothers planning family time here?" Anjali inquired looking skeptically at the exceptionally tall, curly headed guy.

"This place ain't quite party." said Akash Singh Raizada looking disapprovingly at the screen of his Nikon D4." In fact I fail to appreciate what people come here to appreciate."

"History, you know...ghosts of the past." Anjali said helpfully.

"You mean this junk?" he said glancing around the Shahi Bowli at Bara Imambara. "I mean you expect to see ghosts of some Nawab strolling here? Don't tell me, that garden outside was way better than this."

"And what about the corridors?"

"I bet, that place is haunted."

"Maybe you'd appreciate that" said Anjali drawing his attention to a pretty blond tourist.

"Frankly, I'd appreciate her more on a beach."

"Wow, you are normal, I mean after dealing with Arnav..."

"Whats abnormal about Bhai? He already has a girlfriend."

"And how long do you think this one's going to last him?"

"what sort of question is that?" he snapped and paused," not his life..would be my guess."

"Rather imprecise a guess." she observed, "never mind, what I intend to know is the reason for thy benign presence hither."

"Well Bhai had asked me to deal with Shiresh Yadav but the crisis is already over. Shiresh won't listen to me, eventually I had to involve bhai."

"Highlights?"

"He slapped him."

"What? Arnav slapped the minister?"

"Twice." he said adjusting his specs.

"In front of....?" asked a slightly anxious Anjali.

"legal advisors, a bunch of party workers and a couple of policemen."

"And what was their reaction?"

"they did not react. All they wanted were stuffed pockets. We had them for just over 10"

"And didn't Arnav come with one of those enlightening statements?"

"oh yeah, he said I am not used to hear dog's barking, but not before Shiresh had called me son of a b****."

"So there was a proper brawl."

"Not exactly, everyone was very cordial, except for Shiresh saying," he placed his palm on his cheek, "young man you should control your temper." he said imitating the ministers accent.

"I am afraid I'll agree with him for once. On second thought, Akash, whatever happened there is fine and acceptable but don't you think you rely too much on Arnav for even the smallest decisions in your life? Like from which University you attend, what courses you take, what tie you wear to your fair well, what suit for your convocation..."

"See, that makes my life so easy." he said beaming.

"Of course, I can see the day where he decides which girl you marry and how many kids you have." she said sarcastically.

"May be that's one thing I'll decide for myself, our taste in women is radically different... that is apart from the one woman we both love." he said placing his arm around Anjali just as his phone rang. 'Bhai calling' it displayed. Akash sighed, "and you thought we were having family time here."