In Mumbai,
Anastasia and the kids are walking down the airport hallway, finding their way to the reception.
"You shouldn't let him treat you like that mom." Elle says her tone down so that she doesn't offend her mother. She wraps her tiny fingers around her mother's wrist as they sit awaiting directions.
"Who?" Anastasia gets uncomfortable with the situation and she starts to react. "What are you talking about Gabi?"
"Dad. You know, all the yelling and him hitting you. We notice too." Concern is written all over her face.
"I think he's a douche. No one treats his girl like that. You know when I grow up Mama, I will not allow anyone to even make my princess feel bad." Mac is demonstrating holding a baby and he smiles at his mother.
"Is that so Mac? You mean like how you try to beat me up for not letting you have my popcorn? Sometimes I think you two belong together." Elle smirks.
"That's enough, both of you! He is your father and I don't want to hear you disrespect him or each other! Okay?"
She says with finality and they tone down. All mothers have to act strong for their kids. Its the rule of the jungle. They need to make them understand that life is not always served to them on a silver platter.
The awkward silence in the taxi is clear and mac begins to doz off.
"How much longer to Delhi?" Anastasia signals the driver for water.
"Just 45 minutes ma'am." He answers, his Indian accent evident and hands her the bottle of water which she gulps down.
At the Gates Foundation Institute in Delhi, everyone is going about their business and no one seems bothered. Anastasia spots a young good-looking lady probably in her early thirties, behind a desk. She smiles and the lady smiles back to give her an okay to approach.
"I am a delegate from the New-York Institute. They said I should join the tour Mr Gates has in Duram... Some Du..." She is not conversant with the name yet.
"Dumraon." The lady says and smiles causing Anastasia to smile shyly.
"Greetings madam." The lady begins to say.
"Anastasia." Anastasia extends her hand to meet the lady's which was already outstretched. "Anastasia Jones is my name. I'm so sorry I totally didn't begin by wishing you. I'm so embarrassed." Anastasia tries to smile to hide her embarrassment.
"It's okay madam Jones. It's that way." She extends her hand to the left where there was an entrance sign.
"Thankyou." Anastasia holds her handbag to her shoulder and walks off.
•••
Mac and Elle could not keep their calm. They are roaming the streets of Delhi, having fun under the hot sun and Elle grabs Mac and pulls him towards a temple.
"Where are you taking me?" Mac protests and when they stop he stands unable to move.
"Shhh... It's a temple small brother. Watch." Elle matches up to one kid seated by the entrance with his mother, spreading incense. She goes down and touches the lady's feet then stands and folds her arms, palms facing. "Namaste." She smiles
The lady smiles and folds her arms palms facing also then nods her head. They seem to put up an expression that they like her which makes her more comfortable with them. She signals her brother to join them and he does so slowly, which makes Elle giggle softly.
"I'm sorry, we're new here." Elle turns to the lady and her son.
"We have noticed." The lady answers politely and smiles.
"We go to church on Sundays. Do you have a specific day for the Temple?" Mac is still in awe that Elle could even smile with these people let alone ask these kind of questions.
"We pray everyday young lady, but today, it's the 24th of August." Her Indian accent doesn't hinder Elle from digging deeper about 24th of August.
"Why 24th? What happens on this day?" She asks politely and seems so engrossed im the conversation.
"Lord Krishna Janmashtami." The little boy who appears to be almost the same age as Mac, but shorter and with a protruding tummy, answers.
"I have heard of Lord Krishna." Elle says rather excited. "But... What ia Jaha- shta- mi?" She struggles to say the word and says it more to herself. The boy giggles out loud and the lady smiles. Elle realizes she missed the pronunciation and joins in the laugh. The old lady is unable to contain it too so it's a trio-laugh.
"The naughty boy who stole butter was born today." The old lady says amidst her laughter.
"Oh," Elle holds her mouth and giggles longer. "That word means birthday?"
"Yes red head." The boy replies and laughs more. Not trying to be offensive, just practicing what he sees on TV.
"Call me Elle." She turns to her side and suddenly stands in shock. "Where's Mac?" The two stare blankly at her and she gets all tensed up. "Maac!" She calls out and turns her back on the temple entrance. Someone tips her from behind but she doesn't fall. She turns after regaining her balance and it's Mac. She rushes over to where he fell and sat. She holds his shoulders and shakes him. "Why would you disappear on me like that!"
"There's a blue boy in the temple!" He shouts closing his eyes. Elle smiles and hugs him.
"That's Lord Krishna dummy." Elle answers softly not to scare him further.
"Blue Lord? I thought 'gods' are white. Like ghosts." Elle shakes her head and looks in the direction of the Indians who were halfway on their way in the temple. She holds his hand and they walk away from the temple.
"Where did you even learn this?" Mac is curious.
"Bubble bee." She sighs.
"Stop calling me that!" Mac protests.
Elle ignores him and continues.
"Listen to your bigger sister when she says, watch more important thing, not just buzz, avengers, lightning McQueen." She giggles softly and leaves him behind, but he catches up.
••••
Jonathan is having a party in the house. The girls are giggling all over him. He's half naked and drinking liquor. He lets them touch him however and some even staggering to throw up in his bathroom. It is messy with club lights in the house.
••••
"How are my two babies?" Anastasia says closing the door behind her. Mac seems rather excited, but Elle looks bored and response is rather low. "Excited.... And grumpy babies." She places her bag on the table and walks towards the fridge. "You two look dressed up. You have not left the house have you?"
"No."
"Yes."
They both reply at the same time.
"To a temple mama, do you know Elle can speak Hindi?" Mac continues.
"That was absolutely unnecessary. Can't you just shut up?" Elle stands to leave and Mac is quiet.
"Gabi don't you leave that chair!" Anastasia turns her head to look at her daughter.
"Why? You want to feel in control now? Why don't you try doing that with your husband!" Impulsively Anastasia slaps her.
"That is not how you get to talk to your mother! Now, sit!" Elle stares and clenches her teeth. "Gabrielle," Anastasia swallows. "I said, sit!" Elle sits one leg on the other.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it." Elle says softly and hangs her head. Anastasia sits beside her.
"It's okay sweetheart." She wraps her arms around her and Gabrielle responds by laying her head on her chest. Mac joins in. "I wasn't going to get angry that you went to a temple darling," everyone is silent for a while and Anastasia lets go. "They do not serve dinner at room service here. We can catch up on the temple vibe after dinner." She smiles.
Down at dinner, they are laughing and making a mess on the table as well as their faces.