Kuljeet immediately sought Rajjo out to inform her she could stay the night, but had to leave first thing. Rajjo, just back from a long journey, slumped on the bed. It took her a minute to take in the turn of events as she looked at Kuljeet. Some pain lurked in her eyes, but then she smiled at Kuljeet.

‘Rani Maa has given the orders and she is meeting Mehtaab. Mehtaab is returning late from a dinner meeting. Rani Maa has taken sleeping pills and retired for the night.’ Kuljeet had not said much but the warning was there, loud and clear. She scurried out of Rajjo’s room. Rajjo’s sweet smile and pained eyes followed her as she limped across the dark cold corridor.

The monkey leaped on her shoulder, left to right, right to left and laughed all the way to her room.

Rajjo, nervous, filled with dread, sat on the gate once again to wait for Mehtaab to return. It was a clear dark night. She could see the twinkling stars. It was all set. She had to get to Mehtaab. Kuljeet had done what she had to.

Rajjo came out of her reverie with a start as sharp headlights shone into her eyes. The car finally came to a stop and Mehtaab was delighted to see Rajjo waiting for him.

They entered the room together as Rajjo told him about her plan. Mehtaab drank scotch and heard her out in detail. His hand held hers and then he dragged it under the table.

His eyes were glazed. He had not heard Rajjo out. Slowly he pushed her face down as well and closed his eyes.

Rajjo thought of the river again. All she had to do was drown and reach the bottom of it. Her soul wet, but her heart still beating.

Rajjo exited his room as he was tying his pyjamas. She wanted to rinse her mouth a million times over. Before she could exit, Mehtaab stopped her. She could smell alcohol and something else on him.

‘Get some food and come back, I am not done yet.’

Back in the kitchen Rajjo set up a plate. She had rinsed her mouth many times over. When she entered the room, she could see Mehtaab lying naked on the bed, his hand caressing himself. He called out to Rajjo and asked her to undress.

Rajjo did so as Mehtaab devoured her naked curves, her satiny skin, the swell of her breast, the rounds of her hips. His hand roamed all over as he turned her around and mounted her, as a master would mount a horse. She screamed in pain but Mehtaab was in a race. They stood leaning on the table, with Mehtaab’s prayer books, pamphlets, prayer beads strewn around as he rode her like a driven horse.

While she moved under him, she vowed she was never again going to sleep with a man she did not love.