CHAPTER THIRTEEN

I was skeptical about eating that heavily loaded paratha Chhaya Didi had just served me. It was too oily, and I was in no mood to spoil my curves. I stared at the ghee dripping from it and decided to dab at it with a tissue. As I was about to grab the tissue, Maa stopped me, “Beta, this one paratha won’t mess up your body. Stop worrying so much, just eat properly.”

Everyone laughed at me and Arnav winked at my feebleness. These people did not like me slim. Abhishek Bhaiya then asked, “so, how’s the Indore thing going?”

“It's almost ready, but I don't think we should waste time with a grand opening party for it. I think a formal opening targeting the customers will work just fine,” said Arnav.

“Yes, I believe you’re right. We should narrow our focus and really try to connect with the customers of Indore. The party and all, that can be held later,” said Maa in a more business-like manner than I had thought her capable of.

“So, when is the opening proposed?” asked Bhaiya.

“It’s scheduled for next Friday. If everything goes as planned, that is.” Arnav flicked through photos of the site on his phone as he spoke.

“Hardly ten days are left. That means you will have to start spending a lot more time over there.”

“Yeah, I need to be there next week,” said Arnav. “Although everything should be done by then, I will still need to do a final check.”

“The house in Indore, is it fully furnished now?” asked Bhaiya.

Arnav gave a curt nod, “It’s almost done. The major things are there. A few minor things left. It can be finished once we get there.”

There was no way I could have stopped myself from speaking. “Arnav ji, you have another house in Indore?”

He casually answered, “yeah I do.”

“It's your own house?” I replied idiotically. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I mean seriously, he has his own house. In Indore. My husband is damn rich. How did I not know about this?

Arnav gave an entirely uninterested sigh. “Yes, Kriti ji it's my own house.”

I posed another question to him. “When did you buy it?”

“When I decided to open the new restaurant there, a little over a year ago. I had to stay there so often setting up the new restaurant, I purchased it.”

“And why was Indore chosen?” My breakfast was completely forgotten now.

“Because I wanted to step out of U.P. and when I looked into Indore I found that it's a very foodie city.”

He answered all my questions, and then he went right back to his same, teasing way. “Kriti ji, I'm wealthy. What can I say?” He was totally unapologetic. “Now finish up your breakfast, I have lots of money to spend today. We best get on it.” I couldn’t do anything but smile absurdly in front of everyone. Maa and Bhaiya started to laugh at me. How does he always know what I’m thinking?

Bhaiya and Chacha ji stood up to leave and the next few minutes were lost in clearing away breakfast and saying goodbye as he left for work. It was just three of us now: me, Arnav and our Maa. After that Maa said, “Arnav, when are you planning to go?”

“Maa…see today is Wednesday, so I think we should leave by Monday. Then we would have four days there. I will be able to check everything, and the move can be completed by then,” he explained. The fact that he would be leaving so soon discomforted me. I would miss him.

“Yeah…you are right. You will need to start preparing for it. Have you booked both of your tickets?” asked Maa? Both? What? Arnav and who? Was he going to take someone else with him? As soon as I heard that word, I looked at Arnav. He was staring at me with a bizarre expression. As if he had hidden something from me.

Arnav said, “Maa, I'm thinking to go by car. It’s just a 12-hour drive and I will need the car immediately once I’m there. I've driven to Indore before.”

“Yeah but beta, do you think it will be safe? Other times are different from this one. This time Kriti will be with you. Will it be a safe and secure journey?” asked Maa in a very concerned tone. I was shocked. My fear had become a reality. Arnav was planning to take me with him.

“It will be fine. We will leave around six in the morning and be in Indore by 9 pm.” his eyes didn’t leave my face. I looked away instantly. I didn’t want to say anything in front of Maa.

He hadn’t even asked me if I wanted to go with him. I didn't want to leave Kanpur. How could this be the same Arnav who had taken so much care with me? He’d said repeatedly that I was free. How could he make such a big decision without even speaking to me? All I knew was that he was opening a new restaurant in Indore. I had no idea we’d be moving there! How could he think that I would want to leave Kanpur? Leave my family? Leave my friends? I kept looking at Arnav. He looked at me and said after a few seconds, “Maa…I think I should move there alone. I mean, at least for now.”

Maa replied, face twisted in concern, “why would you go alone? Kriti needs you. And you need her.”

“Maa…I haven't actually asked her if she’d like to come yet.”

“So what? We can ask her right now,” Said Maa, clapping her hands together in blissful excitement. “Kriti, you will accompany Arnav to Indore na?”

I looked from Arnav to Maa. The hope and expectation was clear on her face. I just couldn’t bear to disappoint her. I just nodded, narrowing my eyes at Arnav. I hoped he knew exactly how much I hated him in that moment.

Maa beamed. “See, she’ll love it. Now, we must prepare. We’ve got lots of packing to do. And Arnav, you must arrange a maid as soon as you get there.”

“Yes, Maa,” said Arnav.

My anger was at a boiling point. He’d made a huge decision and he didn't even think to mention it to me. I had left my home once already because of him, I didn’t want to leave this new home, too. Moreover, I had spent my whole life in Kanpur, all my friends, all those memories were here. At least, I could meet my family every once in a while if I still lived in Kanpur. I could visit them and meet Mumma, Daddy, and Betu. But, I had to say ‘yes’ when Arnav had sprung this news on me. I couldn’t disappoint Maa there. I couldn’t voice my decision again. All because of him.

I squared my shoulders and made the decision to find him that night and tell him that I was not going to Indore.