For the first time, Lata saw a pleading look in her husband’s eyes. A sudden rush of power went to her head, more potent than any liquid could ever be.
She examined the glass carefully, as Ajay and Malini watched with bated breath.
‘Oh there you are, darling! Meet Captain Raju from Srinagar.’ Rita breezed in, with an appreciative Captain Raju following close behind.
As the introductions were made, Malini folded her hands in a traditional namasté. Lata was about to do the same, when she remembered that she was supposed to be a fast woman. She extended her hand for a shake, but the Captain took it to his lips, even though he didn’t actually kiss it. Lata didn’t dare look at Ajay, who was seething beside her.
‘Why don’t you join us for a dance?’ Rita had one hand on Captain Raju’s elbow, as she pulled Lata with the other.
‘Yes, why don’t we join in?’ Said Ajay smoothly. He took hold of Lata’s elbow, pulling her slightly away from Rita.
‘In a minute, darling. Do you mind putting this on our table for me?’ Lata handed Ajay her glass. He took it, with a look of relief on his face.
‘I might need it later,’ said his demure wife quietly, looking him straight in the eyes.
Since Ajay didn’t want a scene on his hands, he had no choice, but to obey.
‘Malini? Why don’t you join us too?’ Rita had a wicked glint in her heavily shadowed eyes, knowing full well that Malini didn’t dance in public.
Malini shook her head in disbelief, too shocked to say anything, as she stumbled back to the safety of her husband’s shadow. Apparently, her ‘rescue Lata before it’s too late’ mission had failed miserably.
Lata knew that she would make a complete fool of herself, since she had never danced in public before. More importantly she would be forever branded ‘fast’ if she danced with Captain Raju and Rita. She was aware of Ajay’s eyes boring holes in her back, as she took her first tottering steps towards the make-shift dance floor.
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