This thick smell that pervaded their 'us' time in those two weeks, had not escaped Pari. Her womanhood was wearing away her naivety. She was slowly realising, as only a woman realises, her power to control. This realisation had been a sudden one, taking Pari by surprise.
She started noticing that Ashok was noticing her. She was learning to create her aura. Her wet hair plastered on her forehead after a shower, the soft sound of her anklet, which she had got from home, the low-cut, body hugging kameez that she wore, things that would probably be usual, were sending different signals now.
Initially it had confused her but then she started enjoying, the way power is enjoyed. She started holding his gaze, while saying something. Lightly touching his hand, when she was giving him something. She would also keep the door of the children's room slightly ajar, when she realised Ashok would cross it, more than usual, on his way to the toilet.
Pari was not old enough to initiate a relation. Ashok was not bold enough to do it. Both were waiting for Seema to return and save them.
London, early September 2016
Seema and the children were back end of August. Pari had decided she would tell Seema about Monty's proposal. She knew Seema di would step in. Ashok had not brought up the topic, after Monty left on that rainy Sunday; and when in the evening Pari, her eyes swollen red, had given him his tea, he had said, "Pari I am sorry. Please don't cry anymore." Pari had not spoken to Ashok apart from doing the needful.
Seema brought lot of Calcutta specialities such as sweets, badi's, sona mung dal, and the exotic pabda, which was Ashok's favourite fish. "Pari, see what I got you," Seema said excitedly, showing her the bunch of children's story books in English that she had got from India. Here in London they were too costly. Seema was still in the habit of getting 'stuff from home,' though London had been 'home' for the last 10 years. "I will help you when you get stuck and then you can read them to Riaan."
Pari spend the afternoon arranging everything, all the time talking to Riaan, who would not leave her side.
They had gone to bed late, after settling in the excited children and winding up the kitchen. Seema hugged her and said, "Thanks Pari. Kal deri te utho, brunch korbo amra."
Pari changed into the soft cotton night dress that Seema had got for her. Tying her plait tidily, she felt glad that tomorrow was Sunday and they could get up a bit late. 'I will try the new kachodi recipe for brunch,' she mused smiling to herself. Seema being back somehow made things better.
The jingle of the phone pierced though her groggy mind. It stopped after a while and started again. Who was calling on a Sunday morning and that too repeatedly, Pari thought crossly. She fumbled for her mobile and saw it was almost 8 am. Then she saw the 13 missed calls on her phone. She remembered the day clearly; it was 4th of September.
Abbu was in hospital. Ratan assured Pari that there was nothing she could do, apart from sending money for the surgery. "I could have managed Pari but the surgery itself will cost about 50,000 taka. Ar tar por tow medicine ar pottho," he had said in a hesitant apologetic tone giving her the estimate of the huge expense.
Ashok da had immediately wired some money. But then the cost of pacemaker, and to run the household, Pari needed more.
And so things changed.
London, September 2016
"Ashok have you applied for Pari's renewal?" Seema asked, ending her call. Their weekly board meeting had ended late, and Seema was instructing Pari with dinner prep. Normally she left her to take a call. But Pari had been extremely agitated the last few days. Though her father was out of danger and the pace maker would be implanted next week, she was still very disconcerted.
They had been back from India a few days ago. And the day after they were back, Pari had a call from home. Her abbu had been taken ill.
"I was having second thoughts Seema. Riyaan has already started pre-school. We can do without a full time person. It's a lot of money, you know. And now with this extra burden at home, Pari would not be able to make things work with our employment."
"How would we manage work and home? And where can Pari go, if we don't renew the contract?" Seema panicked both for Pari and herself.
"We will figure something out. I will have a word with Dr. Sadat. Maybe we can work different shifts. That way we can take care of the children and work. As for better paying job for Pari, let me have a word with Monty."
Ashok had been thinking about it for some time. They had booked a flat in Kolkata. One of the new condominiums, targeted specifically for non-resident Indians. It was a huge investment, even by pound standards. With their growing expenses in London, ageing parents, it was a steep chase. Cutting expenses was a logical solution. In fact he and Seema had discussed this before booking, though not with regard to Pari.
Then things changed.
"I know, we discussed before booking Urbana. I was just hoping we could make it happen without having to let Pari go. And now with this new development, her working for us is not going to be adequate," Seema sounded despondent. "Ashok, we have to tell her. She has so many dreams for her brother and sister."
Ashok was touched by Seema's concern and suddenly mortified with guilt. Maybe he could have prevented this; saved Pari from Monty. Maybe some extra classes, paid lectures, it may just have been possible. But then would he have been able to save himself?
"Yes, we will tell her. Seema maybe there is a way out. Let me think."
Monty stepped in as a saviour. Perfect time, perfect excuse. He would be her visa sponsor. Pari would apply for a short term visa for doing an office assistant course. Monty would take care of the finance. In exchange Pari would work in Monty's new venture.
Seema was thrilled. "Ashok I never thought Monotosh was such a helpful person." Ashok kept a stoic silence. Seema had not liked the idea that Pari would stay at Monty's place. But there was no other alternative and when Monty with a boyish twinkle said, "Seema don't steal my luck. At last I have someone to take care of me," she smiled wanly.
She wanted to accompany them, but Ashok had a seminar to attend, and said he would drop Pari, on his way. She hugged Pari and made her promise to come over. Raahi was not too bothered. But Riaan sensed something and started to cry.
On their way, Pari said, "Ashok da, don't tell ammi now."