‘I went to Gandhi Bazar,’ Pete spoke. It took Anu a moment to understand Pete’s mispronunciation of the place. ‘It was so vibrant with flowers and fruits and whatnot. But along the way, there were also piles and piles of garbage and construction debris and horrendous traffic.’ Pete was not being snobbish about what he said. He was just sharing his awe mixed with horror.

‘I love the city with its chaos, traffic, processions and noise. I don’t like to live in this isolated bubble where I have to pay five-hundred rupees for a coffee.’ Anu put her cup down. ‘Nice meeting you, Pete. And, thanks for the coffee.’

‘Wait, Anu. I didn’t mean to offend you.’

‘None taken. I just want to sleep off the humiliation at the court.’

‘I am sure nobody even remembers you by now. So don’t feel humiliated.’ Pete patted Anu’s hand. ‘Come back to the court at three. I will play with you.’

Anu’s eyes lit up, as they always did when she was excited, giving her away completely. ‘Will you?’

‘Don’t look so hopeful! I coach two kids at three in the afternoon. You can join in.’

‘How old are they? Kindergartners?’ Anu rolled her eyes but she was going to take up on the offer.

‘Close. Fourth graders. They could beat you, though.’

‘Very comforting. What do you charge?’ Anu looked at him suspiciously. ‘An arm? A leg? Liver?’

‘Heart,’ Pete replied solemnly. ‘A heartfelt thank you is all I take.’

‘That is what he said.’ Anu smiled, quoting Michael Scott.

‘Michael Scott fan, ye!’ Pete laughed. ‘Nice meeting you, Anu.’ He quite mispronounced her simple name too.

‘Did I tell you the twins I coach are my grandsons?’

Anu laughed. ‘I would have remembered if you did. If it is all in the family, can I bring my son too sometime?’

‘More the merrier. Bring him along! By the way, a smile suits you better than a frown.’

Anu had the best time that afternoon. ‘Thank you, Pete.’ Anu smiled all sweaty and pink after hitting a few balls that Pete fed her very very slowly. ‘I feel like a champion!’

‘You are what you feel! See you tomorrow. Same time, same place.’

Feeling light and fit, Anu walked home through the calm winding paths, flowering trees on either side, kids biking. Somehow everything looked beautiful. So beautiful, it felt surreal. This was a slice out of some European countryside. She had gone on a twenty-one-day package tour to Europe with her parents. Her family was considered affluent in Vijaynagar for doing so. But probably only the maids and gardeners took such package tours here. She thought of Vicky and how excited he would be to play tennis with Pete’s grandkids.