Anu smiled. ‘Do you want anything from the supermarket, aunty? I can drop them off before going to Vijaynagar.’ Yashoda aunty was a widow who lived alone, with both her kids settled in the US.

‘See, you are so kind, Anu. You help me despite being busy.’ Yashoda aunty’s praises that day were a tad too much. Probably, she was trying to make Anu feel better.

‘You send me the list. I will buy them for you.’ Anu offered. She had taught Yashoda aunty to take a photo of her grocery list and WhatsApp it to her.

Now Yashoda aunty got a bit emotional. ‘Anu, I thought I could never use a smartphone, but you helped me with it. Now I can even make video calls to my son!’ It was a different matter altogether that Yashoda aunty had now started making video calls to everyone. Most often she called when Anu had henna on the hair or a charcoal mask on the face.

‘You should learn how to order groceries online, aunty. I will teach you sometime.’ Anu smiled. ‘Did you try booking a cab?’ Anu had taught her to do so recently.

‘Not yet. I have not been going anywhere. But ordering groceries online will be such a great help, Anu. Let me know when you can teach. I will make your favourite poori and chhole. Now, enough about me. Tell me how is Sanjay?’

Anu hesitated and was almost tempted to pour out her woes to the kind elderly woman. That was how she was—when something bothered her, she had to tell everyone, get their advice, and finally end up with a severely messed up brain. This time around, Anu had decided to confine her confessions to Shwetha and Sameer.

‘He is fine, aunty. He will be back soon.’ Anu smiled a smile she did not feel.

‘You go with him next time, Anu. Not wise to leave men alone for long!’ Yashoda aunty gave a slightly naughty smile, which sunk Anu’s heart further. Oh boy, oh boy, that was the end of me. Yashoda aunty suspects foul play too? What would I do now?

Anu walked into the house that looked as messy as ever. Radha confessed sheepishly. ‘I could not tidy the house, akka. But I have fed Vicky chapatis, and I have made a mixed veg curry.’ With that, Radha handed Anu a hot cup of coffee. She had settled Vicky in front of the TV to watch Popeye.

‘I should have married you instead of my husband,’ said Anu sipping coffee and Radha laughed loudly. Well, another reason to marry her—Radha laughed at all of Anu’s jokes.

‘Are you okay, akka? You look a little dull.’ Radha asked with concern. Another reason to marry her. Anu again had an urge to pour her heart out to Radha but restrained herself.

‘Just a headache. Tomorrow you come at four-thirty sharp. I won’t be asleep.’