Myra woke up happy the next day, she recalled his promise from last night, "May I call?" She knew he would. The fact that he had not taken her number was immaterial. When he had set his heart to do something, no obstacle was insurmountable.
Besides, he always kept his promises to her. But that was not what troubled her. She feared his questions. How will she answer them, how could she tell him what had happened? All-day long she continued in this trance like state startling at every movement. She dreaded his call.
He might have called, had there not been a slight practical difficulty. Nothing that his men might not effectively and effortlessly tackle; but that would mean giving them access into his inner life. He was yet not sure of his position with respect to her; yet unaware of her feelings for him; yet unknown of the nature of their current relationship.
So he must play safe. He preferred the safer route of a friend than letting the White House espionage team hound her trail. He decided to ask Kaki-maa for the information. But, how could he bring the subject delicately, given that he was not a gifted communicator?
When the time came to put his plans into action, strangely and painfully enough, his incoherent words and her innocent playfulness became a source of great amusement for his friends.
"Kaki-maa" - he began, "Do you know all the guests and their names."
"But of course, I do." She replied sharply.
"Who was the gentleman talking to you?" – he remembered Anmol had introduced him to Myra's father-in-law but he hadn't paid much attention. All his attention was absorbed by Myra.
"Which one, there were many, I should think?" – she replied thoughtfully
"Well, the tall and imposing one." Aman elaborated
"There were quite a few imposing ones there." -said Kaki-maa. "We are a very intimidating family I think."
"The one who was standing next to you when you were talking to Myra." he was losing his calm
"Who was standing beside me? I saw no one. I was only looking at my darling." she said dreamily.
"Myra's father-in-law." By now he was thoroughly exasperated
"Oh, that one. Yes, I do remember him. He is my cousin. But what about him?" She was puzzled.
"Who is he and where does he live?" Aman had by now dropped his camouflage
"Well, he lives somewhere here in Delhi. But why do you ask?"
"Does he have a name and an address?"
"Sure he does. We used to call him Bittoo when we were young."
"Bittoo! what kind of a name is that?" Aman screamed in sheer desperation. "Who calls himself Bittoo? Does he go around by that name in business circles? What business is he in anyways?" roared Aman. Anmol and Sunanda almost burst into laughter.
"I can understand your anger," said Kaki-maa. "You see in those days we did not have the right to choose our names. Besides Shakespeare had said – What's in a name?"
"Hang the name, where does the man live?"
"Here in Delhi."
"Wh – which part of Delhi… if you please?" he was having a hard time keeping his temper and the audience keeping a straight face.
"Well, the part I have never been to." - said the aunt smugly
This was Aman's limit. He might have exploded like a volcano had Anmol not intervened. "Mother, please give us the name. We can check the directory for the address."
"But what does he want with the man?" The game was only too delicious for her to give in.
"I don't care for the man. He may go to hell for all I care. I want Myra's number. I wish to speak to her."
"Be careful young man, such bitterness does not do anyone good." The wise woman was waiting for this moment. She dropped her pretences as Aman did his. "Be caution, lest you make a fool of yourself."
Aman got up from his chair and walked towards the open window. He inhaled deeply the fragrant air and let out a deep sigh. Once he was calm again, he turned around and said – "I have been patient all my life. Self-restraint has done me no good. All my life I have waited for a chance to ask her, why did she cut me off so mercilessly from her life." He turned to the window once again, "You talk of restraint, what do you know about it? What do you know how I have kept myself together? After all these years, fate has once again thrown me in her path." A lump in his throat choked his voice, he let the sorrow subside.
"I need to hear from her… to see if she is all right. Yesterday, I saw something in her eyes… I have never seen such expression before as if her eyes were telling me something…some…" he was struggling for the right expression.
"…pathos of a defeated warrior," said Kaki-maa, she had seen it too.
"Yes, when those eyes were raised on me …. I know not with what expressions in them…my heart quailed." and then, the recollection of his promise brought in a new wave of longing in him. He swung around and walked up to the table. His eyes were wild with hunger. "I have promised her I will call; give me the name and the address."
"Kulbhushan Raichand, director of the Raichand Consortium. He lives in 11 RCR." She challenged him. "There, you have it from me. Go ahead, call her or meet her. What purpose will it serve? She is not what she used to be. You notice how subdued she was, didn't you? I know my cousin well; he is a very domineering man, one who prizes his reputation more than anything else in the world. He will not hesitate to sacrifice anyone or anything at that altar. I saw it yesterday… I saw how he has broken her down." She waited till her words sunk in. He was quiet and tamed.
"Think carefully. Whatever you do, remember her position. She is much too frail to defend herself." Like a dagger, her words tore his heart.
"Is it a crime to meet an old friend?"
"Is this a friend's eagerness?" retorted the wise old woman
He was stumped. He could no longer pretend that his interest in her was platonic. She was the love of his life, the centre of all that was pious and worth living. He remained there for a long time… long after everyone had gone. Delving…debating…wondering about the debacle that life was. He might smirk at the thought, but it was also true that she is a married woman.
Life became oppressive once again and he choked for fresh air.