Where the Secret Lies

by Gandhi, Malika

  ‘Okay, you talk to Ma,’ said Khushboo.

  ‘What is all that noise?’ moaned Tianna, waking up. ‘Why are you two talking loudly?’

  ‘It’s six thirty, little sis,’ said Arianna, throwing a pillow at her head.

  ‘Exactly!’ Tianna threw the pillow back at her. ‘Now go and talk somewhere else and let me sleep.’

  Tianna turned around and went back to her slumber.

  Arianna and Khushboo left Tianna as requested. As Arianna exited, she threw the pillow back on Tianna.

  ‘Ari!’

  Arianna longed to wander the busy street and kept glancing at the window, where the noise of tooting cars and shouting vendors, was prominent. Her auntie closed the window.

  ‘They do give me a headache,’ she complained. ‘Especially during breakfast,’ auntie sat back in her place.

  ‘Why don’t you move to a quieter city?’ suggested Arianna’s mother.

  ‘I would love to but it is your brother in law, bhabhi,’ replied auntie. ‘He doesn’t like it too quiet; he says he will get bored and ill without the racket! Can you believe it? Besides, there is also the children’s schooling and your brother-in-law’s work to think of.’

  ‘Well, maybe when all the distractions subside,’ said Arianna’s mother.

  Khushboo nudged Arianna. ‘Ask her.’

  ‘Ask what?’ asked Arianna and Khushboo rolled her eyes. ‘Oh yes, sorry!’

  ‘Ask what, beta?’ asked auntie.

  ‘I was thinking...it would be nice if everyone came to London this year during Christmas. What do you think mum?’ said Arianna.

  ‘Yes, but not in December. It is too cold and very dark. The summer would be much better,’ enthused Arianna’s mother.

  ‘But it is not Christmas in the summer, mum,’ Arianna moaned. ‘Khushboo wants to see the snow and go to all the parties.’

  ‘Ha ha! So this is what it is all about!’ laughed Arianna’s uncle.

  ‘Papa, can we go, please?’ begged Khushboo.

  ‘I don’t see why not,’ he replied.

  ‘What about her exams?’ auntie raised her eyebrows.

  ‘Ma, this is my final year and college will finish in June. Please say yes. Gaurav wants to come too, don’t you?’ Khushboo turned to her brother.

  ‘I can’t, sorry sister,’ Gaurav said changing channels on the TV. ‘I am in Dubai in December.’

  ‘It is your final year? Oh then we should think about your marriage,’ said auntie.

  ‘Ma! I am not getting married yet! I am very young!’ exclaimed Khushboo, aghast.

  ‘I am only joking, dikra,’ laughed auntie.

  ‘Thank God for that! So are we going to London?’

  ‘Khushboo beta, I will make sure all of you come in December,’ Arianna’s father smiled. ‘Never mind the cold; we have central heating and lots of blankets and jumpers.’

  Khushboo and Arianna jumped up and hugged him. ‘Thank you!’

  He hugged them back. ‘It is my pleasure. Well then Bhai (brother), we better begin applying for visas.’

  ‘Yes! You are coming to London!’ Tianna pulled Khushboo and Arianna away from their father and they danced. Gaurav rolled his eyes and went back to his TV.

  The chatter became lively and everyone started talking about London. Arianna’s mother dreamt of showing off her house and garden, her father looked forward to opening the new whisky by the fireplace and Arianna thought of the parties she would go to with Khushboo.

  Arianna decided to go to the cyber café after breakfast whilst Tianna and Khushboo went shopping. She wanted to see if there was an email from Jai.

  Reaching the café, she ordered her usual coke. Arianna had not checked her emails since she last emailed Jai, around a week ago. She hoped he replied. The emails popped up and she scanned the list.

  Yes, there is was – the tenth one in line. Arianna checked the date, it was sent five days ago.

  Dear Ari,

  I am glad you reached India safely and are enjoying your holiday. The weather is fantastic here – hot and sunny. Nevertheless, without you I am empty. I cannot help how I feel about you and I must admit I am disappointed you do not feel the same. It doesn’t matter; I hope we can still be friends?

  I have some news; I have found a job. Can you believe it? The money will tie me over until uni starts.

  I miss you already and cannot wait until you come back so we can hang out.

  Yours, Jai.xxx

  Arianna’s heart sank. She had hoped his declaration of love was a passing phase...she began to draft a reply.

  Hi Jai,

  Glad you are ok. Say hi to everyone back home, I surely miss everyone, even you my chipmunk! Khushboo has introduced me to many of her friends, Ritu, Sheetal, Nikhil, Mayuri, and Radha. They are a great bunch. I have been to Juhu beach, to the City and to the Gate of India. I will not describe it for you; you will get bored. Keep emailing me – I enjoy hearing from you.

  Take care, Ari.x

  A moment after Arianna sent the email, the chat box popped up from Jai, startling her.

  Who is Nikhil?

  Arianna laughed and began to “chat”.

  Not jealous are you?

  No, why should I be?

  He is only a friend, Jai. Like you are to me.

  I miss you, Ari.

  Please, Jai. Let us not go there. You said you would get past this and we can be best friends.

  I suppose, sorry. You can’t blame me for trying though.

  I suppose not.

  There was a pause in the chat and Arianna waited for him to reply.

  I had better go, have to get ready for work.

  Are you alright, Jai?

  Give a guy time to heal please. :0)

  Arianna knew that was a fake smile.

  Okay. Take care, Jai. Will chat later.

  Bye Ari.

  Bye Jai.

  The chat went offline but Arianna didn’t feel happy. She paid for the coke and the use of the computer, and left with a heavy and disturbed mind.

  Tianna and Khushboo met up with her and they went home together. Khushboo noticed Arianna was not her usual self and wondered what happened. She decided to ask when they were alone. She had a feeling Arianna would not want Tianna to know.

  Arianna went downstairs to the street in the early afternoon. Tianna was out again with their aunt and

  mother and Khushboo decided to stay indoors, complaining of the hot weather.

  Arianna wandered the now, busy street and visited a few of the local shops where she browsed. Her aunt informed her that in India, one has to barter all the time and no price is set even though the shop owner will insist. For a foreigner, they will up the price so she must be extra vigilant. Arianna decided to shop only when her auntie was around.

  Feeling a sweat, she stopped at a small eating-place. She asked the waiting boy for a cola with lots of ice. The boy served her within minutes and Arianna quickly drank the full glass. Only a handful of customers were around and they chatted easily. Arianna went to pay the bill.

  ‘Are you new here?’ asked the owner as he took the money. He spoke in Hindi.

  ‘I am here on holiday,’ smiled Arianna.

  The man said something else in Hindi, which Arianna did not understand.

  ‘I’m sorry, my Hindi is limited,’ she apologised.

  ‘I am sorry,’ the man spoke in English this time with the Indian accent, which Arianna found endearing. ‘I asked where you were from.’

  ‘I am from London. I am visiting my family.’

  ‘London is good. Are your family from this area?’

  ‘Yes, the Mehtas. They live in that building,’ Arianna pointed to the two-storey house.

  ‘Ah the Mehtas from no.23. They order food from here many times. I think in London they call it a Take-Away?’

  Arianna laughed. ‘Correct!’

  ‘My name is Tridev Kapoor. I own this small restaurant,’ the man extended his hand.

  ‘It’s n
ice to meet you. I am Arianna,’ she said giving him a strong handshake.

  ‘You know...’ Tridev seemed to think about something. ‘Wait a moment.’

  He called the waiting boy and whispered something in his ear. The boy nodded and disappeared.

  ‘Would you mind if I asked you for advice, if you not in a hurry to go?’ Tridev gestured Arianna to take a seat.

  ‘Not at all, what advice do you need?’

  ‘Well, what I was saying, my son lives in Amrika.’

  ‘You mean America?’

  ‘Yes, that’s what I meant,’ laughed Tridev. ‘I still need to practice my English.’

  ‘Your English is very good,’ said Arianna.

  ‘Thank you my dear.’

  The boy came back with a long glass of cool mango lassi – a sweet yoghurt drink, and some potato and onion bhajis.

  ‘These are on me,’ said Tridev when Arianna began to protest. ‘Please, you are my guest. So, my son is married and has three beautiful children. My daughter- in-law is okay, I suppose. Well, my son wants me to sell the restaurant, move to the US, and live with them. I would like your opinion.’

  Arianna thought about it as she ate the aromatic food and tasted the heavenly lassi.

  ‘This is so good,’ she complimented and Tridev smiled. ‘I think it would be nice to go and live in America. It will make your wife very happy to see your son.’

  ‘Oh no, we are divorced,’ Tridev said. ‘But that is another story.’

  ‘Mr Kapoor, do you want to sell the restaurant? Do you have any family here?’ asked Arianna.

  ‘My family members are scattered around the world. I have a brother who lives with his family in Australia. My daughter lives in Germany and works as a designer and you know about my son. Selling my restaurant will be no big thing.’

  ‘Then I don’t see what you are waiting for. Go, sell this place, and move to America!’

  ‘I suppose you are right but I will miss India, the good hot weather. I hear New York is very cold.’

  ‘Wow, New York? I want to go there too one day. Mr Kapoor, do not delay. Having family nearby is what every person needs.’

  ‘Thank you so much, you have helped me. You are wise beyond your young years.’

  Arianna and Tridev chatted some more and soon the sky began to darken. There were more people on the road now as well.

  ‘Mr Kapoor, what time is it?’ asked Arianna.

  ‘It is coming to six.’

  ‘Oh, I didn’t realise how late it was. I must go or my family will be worried.’

  ‘Ari! There you are!’ Khushboo came in followed by Tianna who was eating an ice cream.

  ‘I’m sorry, I did leave a note,’ said Arianna. ‘How long have you been looking for me?’

  ‘Five minutes. Okay, I saw you from my bedroom window,’ said Khushboo. ‘But I was worried when you didn’t get home by five.’

  ‘How are you, dikra (daughter)?’ asked Tridev.

  ‘I am fine, uncle,’ said Khushboo. ‘How are you?’

  ‘Very good. Say hello to your parents from me. Here, take a few betel leaves for everyone.’

  ‘Thank you for everything Mr.Kapoor,’ said Arianna.

  ‘No, thank you,’ said Tridev.

  After dinner, Khushboo told Arianna they all were going to Lonavala – a beautiful hill station, for a long weekend. Nikhil will be coming with another friend.

  ‘I am coming too,’ said Tianna.

  ‘Did mum say yes?’ said Arianna.

  ‘We argued but I won as I always do. Papa said I could go.’

  ‘Well, just behave. I will be watching you. When are we leaving?’

  ‘Tomorrow, so you need to pack tonight,’ said Khushboo.

  ‘I will be with Gaurav, if you need me,’ Tianna walked away leaving Arianna and Khushboo alone.

  ‘Ari, can I ask you something?’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘Earlier when we were coming back from the café, you seemed distracted, why?’

  Arianna told her about her chat with Jai.

  ‘I don’t know what to do. I don’t feel very good,’ confessed Arianna.

  Khushboo put an arm around her cousin. ‘Don’t worry, Ari. Just concentrate on the weekend. It will clear your mind. Now, let’s pack.’

  NINE

  Arianna, Tianna and Khushboo piled into the awaiting car.

  ‘Are we ready?’ Nikhil asked, looking through his rear view mirror. He caught Arianna’s eye and smiled. ‘Arianna, Tianna – this is Kabir.’

  ‘Hello,’ said Arianna and Tianna together.

  ‘It is nice meeting you,’ Kabir smiled in return.

  ‘Ti, I hope you have not googled Lonavala,’ Khushboo raised her eyebrow. ‘I want this experience to be a surprise, uplifting and magical. Understood?’

  ‘Alright, no reading!’ Tianna grumbled.

  Arianna suppressed a laugh. She knew how desperate her sister longed for information on new destinations.

  The monsoon season was the perfect time to visit Lonavala; they were lucky. Tianna hated the rain and getting wet, and nearly pulled out of going – had she not seen Kabir who according to her was gorgeous! His fine fitted t-shirt revealed his solid biceps and chiselled body. To accompany this, Kabir sported a model smile.

  ‘Tianna, I want you to behave yourself,’ said Arianna.

  This was a silly crush and hoped she will not embarrass herself or poor Kabir.

  ‘I will drive first,’ Kabir said to Nikhil. ‘You can take over later.’

  Nikhil settled into the front passenger seat with the three girls in the back.

  ‘The journey has begun!’ he announced and everyone cheered.

  ‘How long will it take to get there?’ asked Tianna.

  ‘Around three hours but we will make stops,’ said Kabir.

  Grey clouds gathered, a rumble heard in the distance. The rain came fast. Tianna huddled closer to Arianna who covered her with a blanket.

  ‘I brought one, just in case,’ she said.

  ‘I hate the rain,’ Tianna moaned and snuggled under the blanket disappearing out of sight.

  Nikhil took out a book from his bag.

  ‘What are you reading?’ asked Arianna.

  ‘It’s not a reading book but his journal,’ said Khushboo. ‘He brings it everywhere. He is secretive so do not even think of asking him what he writes in it!’

  Nikhil half turned in his seat to face the girls. ‘I like to write about journeys, what I see, what I feel, and what I like. It’s a passion of mine,’ his eyes locked with Arianna’s. She blushed and shifted her eyes.

  ‘You never told me that,’ accused Khushboo.

  ‘You never asked, ‘said Nikhil.

  ‘I bet you mentioned a specific girl...’ Khushboo glanced at Arianna.

  ‘Khushboo, what are you doing?’ she hissed.

  ‘Having some fun,’ winked Khushboo.

  Nikhil turned back to face the road. ‘Khush, you are so immature.’

  Khushboo stuck her tongue out.

  Kabir drove out of the city and soon they were in the midst of lush green fields. Arianna gazed out in fascination at the complete change of landscape.

  Passing through, the weather changed. Cloudy skies brightened to sunshine and the temperature hiked. Everyone wound their windows down. Tianna threw the blanket off, fanning herself vigorously with her hands. Mumbai now far behind, Arianna saw fields, hills and steep roads that curved. She leaned out of the window and let the air rush by. She inhaled.

  ‘Khush, can you pass a soda?’ Nikhil asked.

  Khushboo duly passed everyone a can.

  ‘Mmmm, refreshing,’ he said, taking a long drink.

  ‘You sound like an ad,’ laughed Tianna.

  ‘I used to work on an ad you know – behind the scenes.’

  ‘Really?’ Tianna was wide eyed.

  ‘Yeah, he was the tea and errand boy,’ laughed Khushboo.

  ‘I worked hard and I did it honestly, I h
ave nothing to be ashamed of.’

  ‘Children, stop squabbling and be good,’ Kabir warned. ‘Do not make me stop the car.’

  An hour later Tianna and Khushboo nodded off, Kabir yawned too.

  ‘I wouldn’t mind a nap,’ he stopped the car. ‘Nikhil, you drive. Arianna, do you mind swapping seats?’

  ‘Not at all,’ she said as Nikhil took the driving seat and Kabir went to the back. Arianna sat in Nikhil’s former seat; he seemed delighted.

  Tianna woke up. ‘Are we there yet?’

  ‘No,’ said Arianna.

  Tianna went back to sleep and as soon as the car moved, Kabir was asleep too.

  ‘He must be tired,’ commented Arianna.

  ‘Kabir doesn’t like driving on long journeys,’ said Nikhil. ‘I’m surprised he volunteered to drive first. Arianna...I’m glad you came,’ Nikhil said.

  ‘Why?’

  Nikhil checked the rear view mirror, making sure everyone was asleep.

  ‘I, well...I wanted to spend a little more time with you...’

  I, too want to spend time with you, thought Arianna. She liked him, a lot but this was only a holiday and it will not do any good starting something, she reminded herself.

  ‘So what do you like doing? Do you have any hobbies?’ she asked.

  ‘I love drawing and photography. I have a studio in Mumbai, I hope you will come and see it.’

  ‘I would love to,’ she said. ‘Do you mind if I put on some music?’

  ‘Go ahead. The CDs are in the glove compartment.’

  Arianna chose a Bollywood CD and settled down to the music.

  ‘I’d have thought you would have gone for an English track,’ commented Nikhil. ‘There’s a Michael Jackson CD in there somewhere.’

  ‘I like old Michael but I prefer Bollywood. It’s the best.’

  Nikhil stopped at a small offside restaurant. The rain slowed to a drizzle. Everyone filled up on chai and hot samosas and stretched their legs.

  ‘Time to change places,’ said Nikhil as he got in the back.

  ‘Ari, you go to the back now. I want to sit in the front,’ said Tianna.

  Arianna obliged but made sure Khushboo sat between her and Nikhil.