When Aditya reached Paradise twenty minutes later, Sam was waiting at the gate. ‘Thanks, Sam. I will take it from here,’ Aditya said, much to the old man’s relief.
A weary-faced Rohit had opened the door before Aditya reached the entrance. He waved Aditya inside and sat down on the sofa in the living room. The room was dimly lit and the television was on.
‘What happened? How are you?’ Aditya asked.
Covering his eyes with both hands, Rohit broke down and sobbed like a child. Aditya had never seen a grown man weep like this. He sat down next to Rohit, trying to console him. ‘Everything will be okay.’
‘I am sorry ... I just ...’ said Rohit, embarrassed at his outburst.
‘And where is Tanvi? How did you manage her?’
‘I waited outside with Sam for some time. When I came back, she was in bed, sleeping, as if nothing had ever happened.’
‘Come, let’s see.’ Aditya rose and went to the staircase, motioning to Rohit to follow him.
The door to Tanvi’s room was ajar; a sliver of yellow light fell into the passage outside. Rohit whispered to Aditya, ‘She must be awake again. I had switched off the light.’
They tiptoed to the door, slowly pushed it open and waited in the passage for a few seconds, listening for sudden movements inside. There were none. Aditya took a step inside.
‘Who are you?’ a calm voice inquired, startling both men. It was Tanvi. She was sitting on an armchair by the open window, its curtains swaying in the sea breeze.
‘He ... he is a friend ... Aditya,’ Rohit said.
‘Hello, Aditya,’ Tanvi said.
‘Hello, Tanvi. How are you feeling now?’ Aditya asked.
‘I am fine. Why do you ask? Is something wrong with me?’
‘No, not at all.’
‘Now, if you will excuse me, I would like to sleep,’ she said.
‘Sure, goodnight,’ Aditya said and turned back to the door.
‘Goodnight, darling. Sleep well,’ Tanvi said to Rohit, smiling slightly.
What game are you playing, Tanvi? Aditya wondered, as he walked out of the room.