Excerpt from Chapter 10 - The Bribe
As he debated his next course of action, Sajjan came and brusquely interrupted the cold silence between him and Shivani.
“O.K. you two! We must be getting back now. It’s getting very late.”
“Bhaiyya, we’ve decided to spend the night in Ujjain itself. Rather than making this long trip again tomorrow, we think that it is wise to remain here itself and go back tomorrow evening.” As Shivani firmly briefed Sajjan, Himesh had a sense of impending doom.
Clutching at straws, he immediately said, “However, if the Professor doesn’t agree, we’ll return today!” Shivani gave him a dirty look.
As Himesh started dialling the Professor’s number, she said triumphantly, “Wait a minute! I’ve already informed him.”
Himesh and Sajjan looked at each other exasperatedly. Then Sajjan said, “But I must confirm with him, otherwise he’ll be hopping mad at me!”
“That means you don’t trust me!” remarked Shivani, a trifle loudly.
“It doesn’t matter what you think of me, young lady, I will do what I must!” he said coolly.
But when the Professor acknowledged that Shivani had indeed taken permission from him, Sajjan and Himesh could only squirm and remain silent.
Then Sajjan said, “O.K. then, I’ll take your leave. I’m going home. Inform me about tomorrow’s plans so that I may come to pick you up.” He left the duo without much ado.
Now that he didn’t have the tonga-driver’s support, Himesh ridiculously felt as if he had been deserted with a ‘witch’! His mind worked feverishly trying to think about how he could ‘save’ himself from Shivani. He quietly walked with her to the hotel.
The Gulmohar hotel was a small and cosy one tucked into a by-lane. There were lush green gulmohar trees all around it, justifying the hotel’s name. A small portico led to the reception area.
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