When she took her usual parking spot near her parent’s house, Anu knitted her brows. Parked a little ahead was her father-in-law’s car. What are they doing here? God, please, at least spare me Padma aunty. Then, some memory, buried deep inside the subconscious, surfaced for Anu. Oh no! Panic rose in her heart and reached the pit of the stomach. It was as though she was in a wild ride in Wonder La, where she was held upside-down and shaken.

It was her father-in-law’s birthday and she had offered to host a party for him at his favourite place, Jake’s Club. But she had made that offer fifteen days ago! In her overzealousness, she had even called her parents and invited them to the party too. And, her father-in-law’s two best friends. She had sent them Whatsapps asking to save the date.

But nobody had reminded her of that in the past fifteen days. Not even her mother! And they all miraculously remembered her offer? Why hadn’t her father-in-law said anything when she wished him in the morning? Maybe she was panicking for no reason. Probably, nobody remembered and they were there to see Vicky. That was it. They probably brought along some sweets too. Anu began to relax and let Vicky out of the car.

Vicky rushed inside when her phone rang. It was Sanju. ‘Hey Anu, heads up. My parents are at your parents’ house. Apparently, you are hosting a birthday bash at Jake’s Club for my dad.’

‘Yeah. Right. That is why I am here early. Wish you were here too, Sanju.’ Anu lied with sweat pouring down her back. She didn’t want Sanju to think she didn’t care or was forgetful.

‘Hmm … are you sure, Anu? You never mentioned it to me. Have you called the club? They won’t have seating for all of you on a Friday evening.’

‘Called the place and they have agreed even to do a bit of decoration. Don’t worry. I will send you the pictures.’

Anu wanted to turn around and run. Run fast and far. What on earth had she gotten herself into?

She called Shwetha and explained the situation quickly. ‘Anu! What will you do?’ Shwetha half screamed.

‘Hey, help me here, will you? Don’t wash your hands off me.’

‘Hmm, let me think. You know, you are the one who can wing such situations. I am no good at that. I am a planner, not a winger.’

‘Think, okay? I will too.’

Anu contemplated calling Sameer. But it was better to call the restaurant first. It was a club with a fair amount of seating inside and out. They could always put a table for eight or so people, right? It was not like they were a party of eighty. A smooth sounding man picked up the phone and Anu asked for a table for eight at eight.