Rajjo did not sleep a wink, wondering if it was time to play another card that could change the whole scenario, bring her on the brink of being thrown out or have a secure position in the ashram. As she saw the pink and orange dawn approach, Arjan Singh walked the corridor towards Mehtaab’s room. It was clear Mehtaab sought counsel from his trusted aides. Rajjo knew Arjan would try his best to tell Mehtaab that she was harmless.

Shortly afterwards, Kuljeet limped through the corridor. Rajjo knew she would try to convince Mehtaab that she was a worm of the worst kind who they should get rid of.

It was time to play the card. But was it too late already, waiting for dawn perhaps was going to prove too long a wait.

Mehtaab joined Rajjo and Rani Maa sitting in the fruit garden after the morning prayers and breakfast. Rajjo made a vision in the pink sari she wore. She’d dressed up carefully. If she was going to be thrown out, she might as well be in her Sunday best!

Mehtaab admired her curves and the glossy curls she had left open. Rani Maa caught his look and ordered Rajjo to get her some tea with a curt note.

As if on cue, there was a gust of breeze and her bosom was uncovered. She looked up at Mehtaab daring him to look away. There was a flood of excitement and awareness in Mehtaab. Rani Maa felt the exchange between them. She was not sure if Rajjo had been the solution to her problem or was another problem in the making. Asha arrived with a fresh plate of fruits as Rajjo departed with a deliberate swing to her hips, leaving Mehtaab with Rani Ma.

‘She is going and Sukhmani is staying,’ muttered Mehtaab. Rani Maa nodded her acceptance. His statement travelled all the way from the fruit garden to the kitchen through Asha, and then travelled from the kitchen to the attic to Raahat where Asha relayed it to him as they lit a cigarette after a quick lovemaking session. From the attic it reached Rajjo. But the sun had raced ahead of the news, travelled the sky and was ready to retire by the time Rajjo heard. Darkness took over.