Anu sighed. Though she felt stalked by Kavitha, it was not all that bad having her in life. She found Anu household help, hunted for yoga classes when it became Anu’s obsession, and she willingly sipped Fanta when Anu had a drink and drove her back. Everyone needs someone who makes them feel special.

Anu hurried home. She needed to get dressed before heading to Jake’s.

4

4

Jake of Jake’s Club was in fact Jagannatha. If you watch a lot of English shows and expect Jake, aka, Jagannatha to be a friendly, suave, six-pack toting, bartending owner, you are in for a surprise. Jake here is a sixty-something short and burly man, with a ring on each finger. He walks around in a white-suit without making eye contact with any of the patrons. He does not believe in being a friendly owner who chats up the guests. He is the King of his club and the customers are his subjects. Anu has been going to the club for almost a decade and all she gets from him is an occasional small nod.

When Anu reached the club, Jake was pacing, and Shwetha was already seated and typing furiously on her mobile. She was crunching some numbers for her multinational investment bank employer for sure. Anu waited for Shwetha to finish her work.

A tiny puppy came bounding towards Anu. Before she had a chance to even look at the pup, an equally tiny boy came bounding after to take the puppy away. It was obvious he did not fancy his new dog liking a stranger.

‘What is your puppy’s name?’ Anu asked to break the ice with the boy.

‘I won’t tell you. Don’t be his friend.’ The boy, probably four like Vicky, snapped at Anu.

‘He won’t become my friend. He is only your friend.’ Anu tried to put the boy at ease but he ran without casting a second glance at Anu.

Shwetha looked up from her phone and smiled. ‘Don’t worry. I will be your friend.’

‘Fine. You are not half as cute as the pup, but you will do for now.’ Anu beckoned the waiter.

‘You look nice, Anu. New online haul?’ Shwetha put away her phone. ‘How much money do you spend on clothes?’

‘I spend as much as I can. I can’t have online businesses go bankrupt.’ Anu grinned at her friend. They were a fun company.

‘Regular stuff, madam?’ The waiter who came to their table asked with a wide smile. Unlike the owner, the staff was friendly at the club.

‘Yes, Anand. Budweiser, peanut masala, and Veg Pakoda.’ Anu knew most waiters by name because Jake employed a small staff. ‘How is your new baby?’