Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkins

Author:Mitali Perkins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

RAVI

INT. BOSE FLAT—NIGHT

Ravi said yes to Shen’s questions, but that was before two hours of nonstop grueling work that includes lifting, jump-roping, crunching, and burpeeing.

Or attempts at all of that, because Ravi sucks at everything.

Shen’s whistle is relentless, though, and when Ravi gets back to the Bose flat, he feels like crawling up the stairs. Does he really want to do this all summer?

PG is back, too, drinking tea with Mira and the boys.

“What happened to you?” PG asks as Ravi throws himself into a chair.

“I’ve been Shenned,” Ravi says.

PG and Mira listen to him describe how he spent his afternoon.

“Sounds like a great opportunity to me,” PG says.

“You’ll at least get a feel for how recruits become rescuers. Arjun said this Shen guy has a great reputation as a trainer.”

“I’m not sure I want to do it,” Ravi says. He didn’t sign up for this extreme training. It’s too hot. He’ll stay in the air-conditioned office and do more data entry instead. When he’s not following up on leads from his search, that is. “Shen’s letting his nephew come just to keep his older brother happy, but he isn’t seriously training him. And he only agreed to take me on as a favor to Arjun. I’m sure he’ll be happy to hear I’m out.”

Ravi leans back and closes his eyes. Even recounting his two hours in that sweaty gym is exhausting. He’s still sweaty, in fact. He didn’t stay to shower because he hadn’t brought along fresh underwear.

“But you can’t quit now, Ravi,” Mira says.

Ravi’s eyes fly open. “Why not?”

“If you quit, you’ll reinforce what Shen thinks about foreigners,” she says. “This is a chance to open his heart again to future visitors. That’s why you were sent there, if I know my husband. He’s entrusting you with this because he thinks you’re capable.”

“Arjun Uncle said it might be good for me, too, though. I’m not sure he’s right.”

“It will be good for you, but also for us.” She turns to PG. “Donors from overseas like to visit and learn about our partnership with local police, but Shen recently closed the doors to them. Did he ask you for a commitment, Ravi?”

Ravi remembers the questions. “Yes, I guess he did.”

“And what did you say?” PG asks.

“I said I would try.”

“Then please don’t quit,” Mira says. “You’ll be proving that Shen—not my husband—is right about working with foreigners.”

PG gives him a stern look. “This sounds like a good ‘act of service’ for you, Ravi. That’s why we came, remember?”

“Act of sacrifice, you mean,” Ravi says, massaging his aching quads.

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