A Convenient Marriage

by A Convenient Marriage (retail) (epub)

  ‘I am trusting you not to do anything stupid.’ She could tell from the tremor in his voice that he was angry, but trying to keep a lid on it. ‘Understand?’

  ‘Yes,’ she said, even quieter than before.

  ‘Okay.’ In the background the baby started to cry. Thatha sighed. ‘Was there anything else you wanted to tell us?’

  ‘No,’ said Chaya. ‘I’ll call you next week. Tell Malini I said hello.’

  ‘Okay. We’ll speak to you soon.’

  She said her goodbyes and hung up. For several minutes, she sat and stared at the wall. Then she started to cry.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Gimhana – London, 2005

  Gimhana glanced across at Chaya. She was fidgeting in the taxi seat, tweaking the sari, checking the two bracelets on her arm, touching her hair. He knew how she felt. He was nervous too. Which was why he’d come prepared. He pulled a small hip flask out of his coat pocket and unscrewed the top.

  ‘Here.’ He offered it to her. ‘It’ll make you feel better.’

  She frowned but took it and sniffed the top.

  ‘Brandy,’ he said. ‘Dutch courage.’

  She gave him a reproachful look. ‘How much have you had already?’

  He’d had a couple of glasses to get himself psyched up, but he knew not to get too tanked up before the party. He had to be on top of his game this evening. ‘Don’t worry about me,’ he said. ‘Go on. Have a swig.’

  Chaya gave him another look and took a big sip. She pulled a face as the liquid went down. ‘Are you sure this is a good idea, Gim? I’m not great with new people.’

  ‘There’s nothing to it,’ he said. ‘Just imagine it to be the truth and step into that reality.’

  ‘Easy for you to say, you pretend to be someone you’re not all the time.’

  He laughed. ‘The thing is, I’ve been playing the part so long, even I’ve forgotten which bits are real and which bits are made up.’

  She still looked worried, so he said, ‘We’re friends, right? We go out together. So it’s not a lie to say we’re “going out”, is it?’

  She rolled her eyes. ‘Oh, come on.’ She looked at the flask in her hand and sighed. ‘Okay. I’ll try that. I hope I don’t screw up and let you down.’

  ‘You won’t,’ he said. ‘I trust you.’

  She gave a little snort, as though to say she didn’t trust herself. ‘Hope you’re right.’ She took another swig of the brandy and handed the flask back.

  Gimhana grinned at her. Part of him was terrified for the same reasons she was. But another part of him was relishing the challenge.

  Chapter Thirty

  Chaya – London, 2005

  The party was in a five-star hotel. Chaya’s heels clicked on the marble as they strode through a mirrored hallway. She clung on to Gimhana’s arm, concentrating on not falling over. They paused at the entrance. She looked up and caught sight of herself in the mirrors that lined the walls; a bright splash of russet against the austere décor. She looked nervously at Gimhana. He put his free hand over hers and gave her a reassuring smile.

  The hall was enormous. The first thing Chaya noticed were the giant chandeliers that fragmented the light. The entrance was higher than the main floor, so that they had to descend a wide staircase to get to everyone else. This place was designed for someone to make a grand entrance. A few heads turned as they reached the last few steps. Not knowing whom she was supposed to smile at, Chaya avoided eye contact and looked at the floor.

  White-jacketed waiters magically appeared, bearing champagne. Letting go of Gimhana’s arm, she took a glass gratefully. She looked over at Gimhana, who was scanning the crowd.

  ‘So who’s who?’ she whispered.

  Before he could answer someone said, ‘Jim!’

  They both turned to see a man coming towards them. His face was flushed and shiny, and his hair was combed over to cover a bald patch. ‘Jim, old chap! How are you?’ He clapped Gimhana on the shoulder.

  Gimhana caught Chaya’s eye briefly and said, ‘Russ, this is my… girlfriend, Chaya. Chaya, this is Russ. We used to share an office.’

  Russ turned. Chaya held out her hand to be shaken. To her horror, Russ took it and raised it to his lips. ‘Charmed,’ he said, attempting to look into her eyes.

  ‘Likewise,’ said Chaya, retracting her hand and resisting the impulse to wipe it on her sari.

  ‘I wish I could say I’ve heard all about you,’ said Russ. ‘But young Jim here has kept you very secret. Mind you, not that I blame him.’ He gave Gimhana what was supposed to be a conspiratorial wink. ‘Wanted to keep the lovely lady all to yourself, eh?’

  Gimhana gave him a tight smile. ‘You’re right, of course.’ He took Chaya’s hand. ‘Could you excuse us a moment? I should really introduce Chaya to a few people.’ He led her gently away and Russ wandered off to gush over someone else.

  ‘Friend of yours?’ said Chaya, out of the corner of her mouth.

  ‘Nope,’ said Gimhana, out of the corner of his. ‘He hates my guts.’

  ‘Thought so.’

  As they walked, Chaya looked around her. Most of the women were in cocktail dresses and lethal-looking stilettos. Silver lamé was in this season, by the looks of things. They looked like fish, weaving in between the men in black suits.

  A glamorous young woman in a blue dress with a plunging neckline floated up to them. ‘Gim! How lovely to see you,’ she said, looking up at him and leaning forward. Gimhana leaned away slightly, his eyes wrinkling with amusement. Chaya suppressed a smile. This girl fancied him and had drunk too much to be subtle about it.

  ‘Hi Felicia,’ he said. ‘Let me introduce my girlfriend, Chaya.’

  ‘Hi,’ said Felicia, giving Chaya an unconvincing smile and looking her up and down. ‘That is such a fabulous outfit. Such beautiful colours! Did you get that from India?’

  ‘Sri Lanka,’ said Chaya and Gimhana in unison. They looked at each other and shared a grin. Felicia made a dismissive gesture with her hand.

  ‘Yes,’ said Chaya. ‘I did, in fact, get it in Sri Lanka. I like your dress,’ she added, as pleasantly as she could.

  ‘Thanks,’ said Felicia. ‘It’s Dolce & Gabbana.’

  ‘Oh,’ said Chaya. ‘Right.’

  Gimhana eased her away from Felicia.

  ‘Let me guess,’ Chaya whispered. ‘She hates my guts.’

  Gimhana grinned. ‘Welcome to the world of corporate entertainment.’

  * * *

  Gimhana introduced Chaya to so many people that she couldn't remember them all. She got used to hearing Gimhana say ‘my girlfriend’. More than one woman (and a few of the men) had given her the same appraising look as Felicia, but with considerably less venom. She knew they were curious about Gimhana’s mysterious partner.

  She looked sideways at him as he chatted to someone. They were seeing him the way she used to see him; a beautiful man sculpted in gold with sparkling black eyes and long eyelashes that had no business being on a man. They saw his easy confidence and cheerful smile and wondered how on earth he had stayed single for so long. No wonder they wanted to know what kind of woman had finally caught him. Tonight, she had to pretend to be that woman. That wasn’t as hard as she’d thought it would be. She had never been the object of so much attention before. It was rather fun. She allowed herself a little smile.

  When they finally sat down to eat, she found herself next to a large man with pepper-grey hair.

  Gimhana introduced her to him. ‘Chaya,’ he said, ‘this is Oliver Thomas, one of the partners in the firm. This is Chaya.’ Although outwardly Gimhana seemed relaxed, Chaya could tell from the slight edge to his laugh and the angle at which he held his head that he was thrumming with tension.

  They shook hands and Oliver introduced her to his wife, Beth, who was sitting on the other side of him. She was a short, plump lady whose hair was perfectly white. She gave Chaya a warm smile and complimented her on her sari.

  ‘So, Chaya,’ said Oliv
er, as the first course arrived. ‘What do you do?’

  ‘I’m a research scientist,’ she said.

  ‘Really, how fascinating. What do you work on?’

  They chatted about science and the intricacies of turning ideas into successful businesses. Chaya hadn’t needed to talk to anyone about her work in a non-academic setting for a long time. Neurones she hadn’t exercised in a while woke up and started finding information for her. Much to her surprise, she was enjoying herself.

  Eventually, Oliver’s wife leaned across and said, ‘Oliver, stop grilling the poor girl about her work!’

  ‘It’s very interesting,’ Oliver protested.

  ‘I don’t mind,’ said Chaya, nodding.

  ‘Well, I want to know how you two met,’ said Mrs Thomas, indicating Gimhana.

  Chaya turned and looked at Gimhana in alarm. They hadn’t cleared this part of the story. It hadn’t occurred to her to ask what he had told people. Gimhana’s eyes told her that he was thinking the same thing, but his expression remained affable and smiling.

  She would have to answer before the silence became too awkward. ‘We met… er… at a party,’ said Chaya, turning back to Mrs Thomas, who was looking at her, expecting more information.

  ‘I was hiding from my mum who was trying to introduce me to some girl she’d decided was right for me,’ said Gimhana, from behind her.

  Chaya relaxed and let him tell the story, broadly based on the truth, about how they had been expecting to meet other people and met each other instead. He made a performance of it, embellishing parts until everyone at the table was listening and laughing.

  ‘Oh, what a sweet story,’ said Mrs Thomas. ‘Your mothers must have found it so funny when you finally got together.’

  Chaya looked over her shoulder at Gimhana and their eyes met. ‘Yes,’ she said, turning back. ‘They were very amused.’

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Gimhana – London, 2005

  Gimhana was amazed. Chaya, after a few drinks, was spectacular. She was still a little reserved, but she chatted to people and answered questions and put up with the seemingly endless curiosity of his colleagues. More to the point, when she was required to lie, she did it effortlessly, sticking to the script they’d agreed on.

  ‘She complements you nicely,’ one of his colleagues said to him. ‘She’s quiet, where you’re outgoing, but she’s sharp and cutting where you’re smooth. I can see why you make a good couple.’

  That was the thing. They did make a good double act. He genuinely enjoyed her company. Since he’d started hanging out with her, he was rediscovering the things he did for fun – movies, books, the theatre, food. It was all so much better for having a friend to share it with. It turned out he loved having someone to cook for. He was his mother’s son after all.

  After those first few weeks, when he’d worried about her, they had fallen into an easy sort of friendship. Since they were both clear that they weren’t going to be in a relationship, there was no pressure to be available. If they went to something together, it was because they both wanted to. He still worried about her, of course, but he rather liked having someone to worry about. For the first time, he realised just how isolated he’d become. His life revolved around work. He didn’t really have a life outside of it. Until now. That was all due to Chaya.

  At the end of the evening, they bundled themselves into a taxi. For a while, they sat slumped in their seats, neither of them speaking. The orange streetlights gently floated past as they joined the late night traffic.

  Finally, Gimhana said, ‘Thank you.’

  Chaya turned away from the window. ‘It was a pleasure. I enjoyed myself.’

  ‘Really?’ he said. ‘I’m glad.’ He was. She had done him a huge favour, so if she’d had fun doing it, that was only fair.

  They looked at each other as the light slid over them, alternating orange and dark.

  ‘I was a bit worried when they asked how we met,’ said Chaya. ‘I’m glad you told them the truth.’

  ‘I didn’t tell them anything beforehand,’ said Gimhana. ‘As far as they’re concerned, you’re the original mystery woman.’ He smiled.

  Chaya’s smile faltered. ‘Does that mean I’ll have to do this more regularly?’ she indicated her sari.

  Gimhana nodded. ‘Maybe. Would you mind? I’ll try and make sure it’s not very often. Maybe about once a year…’

  Chaya shrugged. ‘Sure. Like I said, I really didn’t mind. It wasn’t that difficult pretending to be your partner. After all, I spend enough time with you that I know you pretty well.’ She yawned and settled further into her seat.

  ‘Yes,’ said Gimhana slowly. ‘We do spend a lot of time together.’

  Chaya closed her eyes. ‘You know,’ she said, sleepily. ‘We make a great couple. It’s a shame neither of us is interested.’

  Gimhana didn’t reply. They did make a good couple. Did they really have to be interested in each other sexually? He frowned and looked out of the window, an idea beginning to form.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chaya – London, 2005

  The morning after the party Chaya woke up expecting to feel the darkness towering above her. What greeted her instead was a colossal headache. She groaned and rolled out of bed. This is why she didn’t drink more than one glass of wine. She staggered over to her medicine cabinet and clawed out an aspirin. Once the pill was safely gulped down, she crawled back into bed.

  Chaya surfaced from sleep to an insistent buzzing. She was out of bed and standing in her slippers before she was awake enough to figure out what the noise was. It was the intercom from the bottom of the building.

  She stabbed the reply button. ‘Yes?’

  ‘Hi. It’s Gimhana. I’ve brought lunch.’

  ‘Wha…? What time is it?’

  ‘About midday.’ He sounded far away and tinny through the microphone.

  ‘Oh.’ She pressed the button to let him in. ‘Right.’ She straightened up. She had a few minutes to make herself presentable. She dragged on a pair of jeans, t-shirt and jumper and was just staggering out to the toilet on the landing when Gimhana came bounding up the stairs.

  ‘Morning,’ he said.

  She nodded and waved him into the room.

  When she got back, he was sitting on the floor, unpacking food bags onto the coffee table. ‘I brought you spicy chicken,’ he said. ‘It’s from a place near my house. They make it nice and hot.’ He upended a bag of chicken legs and thighs onto a plate.

  ‘I haven’t even cleaned my teeth yet,’ said Chaya, rubbing her eyes with one hand and shutting the door with the other.

  ‘You do that. I’ll make coffee.’

  Once she’d washed her face, she started to feel better. The smell of chicken and chips woke up her stomach and reminded her that she was hungry. Gimhana gave her a mug of coffee and sat down to eat. She sank down to the floor and joined him. Gimhana stretched his legs awkwardly to the side of the table. ‘I wish you’d get some chairs,’ he said.

  ‘Uhuh, and where would I put them?’ said Chaya, biting into a chip and feeling the hot starch melt into her mouth. ‘I’m not exactly awash with space here.’

  Gimhana looked around him, frowning, as though he were thinking.

  ‘Sauce,’ muttered Chaya, wondering if she had any ketchup.

  Still frowning, Gimhana reached into his bag and pulled out a bottle of chilli sauce.

  ‘Thanks,’ said Chaya tipping some onto her plate. ‘You read my mind.’

  Gimhana gave her a guarded smile. Something was bothering him. Was it something to do with the night before? ‘I thought last night went rather well, didn’t you?’ she said.

  ‘I did,’ he said. ‘You were a hit.’

  Chaya smiled. ‘Good.’ She ate in silence, relishing the fiery burn. She thanked whatever instinct it was that had led Gimhana to bring her protein and chillies, the best things to see off a hangover.

  ‘Um… Chaya,’ said Gimhana.

  �
��Hmm?’

  ‘Last night, when you said we made a good couple… did you mean it?’

  She looked up. Where was this going? ‘Yes, I suppose I did.’

  He nodded. ‘Do you think…’ He was concentrating on his plate. ‘Perhaps…’ he looked up. ‘We could be a couple?’

  She stared at him. A suspicion of what he meant started to form in her aching head. Pretending to be his girlfriend for a party was one thing. Doing it long term was a different matter entirely. ‘What are you talking about, Gim? You’re gay.’

  ‘I know that,’ he shook his head impatiently. ‘What I mean is, I need to find a wife, you need to find a husband. We get on really well. We’d both know what we were letting ourselves in for…’

  ‘No!’ said Chaya, appalled. ‘That’s a stupid idea.’

  ‘No, actually, it’s not,’ said Gim. ‘Think about it. You’ve been introduced to a number of blokes, right?’

  ‘Yes, but…’

  ‘How many of those did you like – as people, I mean, not potential husbands?’

  She opened her mouth and shut it again. ‘One or two,’ she said.

  ‘Did you think you could love any of those few?’

  She shook her head. Her heart was no longer hers to give away. He knew that.

  ‘See, you’re not looking for an ideal partner, you’re just looking for someone you don’t hate. Someone you can see yourself spending evenings talking to, someone you can introduce to your friends.’ He leaned forward. ‘That’s what I’m looking for too.’

  ‘You,’ said Chaya, ‘are looking for a man.’

  He shook his head impatiently. ‘I can’t have a man. It would break my parents’ hearts.’ He looked intently at her. ‘I can’t have the sort of relationship I want. You can’t have the man you want. Why don’t we just get together and get everyone off our backs?’ He reached forward to take her hand. She frowned and his hand stopped millimetres away from hers.