He peers into my face and his breath tells me that he has had more than a few drinks himself.

‘No, not yet,’ I reply and glance at his face.

His eyes look a bit out of focus too.

‘Why don’t you come with me then and let me get you a drink?’ Virat says.

Before I can respond, he puts his right arm around my waist and walks me towards the dining room. I’d noticed earlier that the dining table was being used as the bar for the evening and that’s where we’re headed.

I’m very aware of his arm on my waist. The hair on his arm brushes against my skin and I give an involuntary jump. He tightens his arm around me and … and slides his thumb under the hem of my blouse.

I nearly trip over the hem of my sari with shock.

‘Hey, hey, don’t fall Polly,’ he says.

He pulls me closer as he helps me stand and squeezes my right breast. I totally panic then and twist away but he grabs my breast.

I push him roughly—he stumbles backwards, the glass in his hand spilling its contents and shattering on the floor.

‘Taxi!’ a chorus sounds from the drawing room.

‘What happened?’ Neelima calls out from the study.

‘Aww no need for that love,’ says Virat and lunges for me.

‘Sorry, excuse me, need to go—to—to the toilet,’ I say and dash towards the stairs.

I run up the stairs as fast as it is possible to wearing a sari and heels and don’t stop till I reach the landing of the floor above.

I look around, panting—there are three shut doors—which one should I enter? I hear voices coming up the stairs and I’m afraid that Virat has followed me. I quickly look around, notice the open terrace door and walk out on to the terrace.

The terrace is quite big and has many potted plants scattered carelessly around. The only light comes from flickering candles. I choose the corner nearest the door—which is also the darkest—and stand there quietly. There’s a huge potted palm and I hope it hides me.

There are stars out tonight but the Delhi smog ensures no starlight reaches the terrace; for once I am grateful for the city’s pollution. I fervently hope that even if that obnoxious man has followed me he’s too drunk to look in my corner.

The voices come closer—there are at least two people talking—and they’re heading for the terrace as well!

Go away, please go away.