We Do Not Make Love Here by Nisha Mehraj

Author:Nisha Mehraj
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Epigram Books

Chapter 10

Siddharth

Scissors. Paper. Stone.

It was not until later that I asked her if she had eaten at all that day. Malli looked at me, not having anything to say immediately and then nodded quickly, a cue for me to stop speaking. I relaxed around her eccentricity. She reached for the glass containing a bunch of pink serviettes, bringing it closer to her. The plate of food I offered was wiped cleaned and was back to my side of the table. She unfolded a serviette and refolded it into another shape, her fingers itching to do something.

Sashi scooped up what remained of her mashed potato on her plate and ate it quietly, her mouth barely moving. I had met her while shopping for a pair of sandals. It was my second week in Chennai, and after a few guided trips to the slums, I realised my shoes drew more interest than me or my camera. I felt their accusatory stares burning the back of my neck, more intense than the heat of the day, as I walked around their living quarters. I figured my shoes had to go, together with any plans I had for my hair. I was contemplating wearing it long, like the few white, new Hindu devotees I chanced upon in the street stalls. They spoke about the ashrams they stayed in and wore badges to show off their favourite deities. Some had elaborate Sanskrit tattoos on their forearms and spoke fluent Tamil.

Sashi’s hair was what had caught my attention. It was the one thing that was messy about her. Uninhibited strands fell all over her face, covering her forehead and ears. She wore her plait loose, the length of it reaching her waist. It was haphazardly plaited, but that was the intent. She had looked lost when I went up to her and invited her out for a drink. She had asked me how I had known that she would accept my invitation when I drove her to a restaurant near the mall. What if I was married? she had wanted to know. I had smiled. Truth was, I hadn’t anticipated her answer. I only thought as far as asking.

Now, looking at her, I felt something stir in me. She was trying hard to hold her own beside Malli.

“Dad said the business is doing well, and I shouldn’t worry about it.”

“So stop worrying. Listen to him.”

“Like you always do?”

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