‘This way.’ Abhimanyu signalled for the Aptes to go into a room adjacent to the hall, speaking loudly so that they could hear him over the sound of roaring laughter and clinking glasses.

They followed him into a room that was small, but much cozier and quieter compared to the raucous main floor.

‘Please have a seat,’ he directed Kamladevi to a comfortable couch. The rest of them stood talking.

Abhimanyu was a chivalrous host. He had instinctively known that the Aptes would be uncomfortable in the glamorous setting of the grand hall, and had arranged a private room for them. Still, he didn’t want to make them feel as though he was setting them aside. Occasionally, he would pull the right guests from the crowd and introduce them to the Aptes. Members of the royal family of Lucknow, well-known cricketers and movie stars, all came over to greet the wide-eyed family. Gradually, Kamal and his siblings felt comfortable even though they found themselves in the presence of the high and mighty members of the club.

A good hour passed by before Abhimanyu asked for their attention.

‘Veena, Kamal, Meera – I have an announcement to make. Pardon me, but I have taken the liberty to sign Meera up for a short opening performance right before Pandit Bhairo takes the stage.’

Meera almost choked on her paneer pakora.

‘Oh my,’ Veena gasped.

‘Oh no. No, no, no,’ Meera began to say, looking like she was gearing up to run away.

‘Are you kidding me, Meera!’ Kamal exclaimed. ‘This is amazing!’

Meera was having a nervous breakdown while her siblings bounced around in excitement. Even their mother was smiling with joy.

‘I can’t. I just can’t. Abhimanyuji, you shouldn’t have.’

Abhimanyu looked concerned when he saw Meera’s reaction – it was well beyond the normal hesitance anyone would have in such a situation. Kamal and Veena were trying to talk some sense into her, but Meera was having none of it. She gave Abhimanyu a reproachful look, not dissimilar to the one she had been wearing at the maidan. Understanding the gravity of her emotions, Abhimanyu intervened.

‘Meera, you don’t have to get on the stage if you are uncomfortable. It’s completely fine. I just thought you’d enjoy the experience.’

‘Oh come on, Meera, you’re acting like a child. She always shies away from big occasions,’ Veena said. She couldn’t believe that her younger sister was passing up on the offer of a lifetime.

‘How many times have you told us you want to perform in front of a big audience?’ Kamal asked, exasperated.

‘Folks, if I can have a moment with Meera,’ Abhimanyu said.

The two siblings gave up and moved away from Meera and Abhimanyu.

‘Walk with me,’ said Abhimanyu, politely but firmly. Meera had no choice but to follow him through the crowd, across the hall and up a flight of stairs. Abhimanyu didn’t speak till they were alone in a long corridor with exquisite paintings hanging on each side. To Meera, the paintings looked as real as photographs that could come alive at any moment.