One Indian Girl by Chetan Bhagat

‘But Radhika.. .’ Debu began.
I placed a finger on my lips to shush him right there.
‘And Neel, you are amazing, no doubt. The chartered plane, tempting, of course. Now with the
divorce and everything I know you love me too. But you know what, you love only half of me. My
other half is Kusum, the woman you left. You want a party girl. Someone young, who allows you to
cling on to your youth. The same youth you work so hard in the gym for. Well, I won’t be this young
girl forever. I don’t know what Neel Gupta will do with me then. He likes Radhika, his young vice
president, but will he like Radhika, the diaper-changing wife and mom?’
‘Of course, I.. .’
‘Shh. I am not going to compromise and settle for less. I have made up my mind. Thank you for
listening. Now, no more lectures. I will simply tell you the action plan.’
‘What?’ Debu said.
‘Both of you, I need you to leave, right now. This hotel, Goa and my life. You will not bother
me, my family or my guests. No messages, no calls. You are my past, but guess what, I am done with
my past. So please,’ I said. I pointed to the exit.
‘But,’ Debu said.
‘I am saying fuck off in the nicest way possible. Please do appreciate that. And do fuck off,’ I
said.
Debu and Neel looked at each other. They looked at me once more and stood up to leave. In
silence they walked out of the restaurant. Together. Out of my life.
Brijesh entered the coffee shop just as they left. He came up to me. He wore grey workout
clothes. He noticed the used crockery and cutlery on the table.
‘Good morning, wife-to-be,’ he said. ‘These people? They came to see you?’
‘Good morning, Brijesh, come. We need to talk,’ I said. He saw my serious expression and sat
opposite me looking a little baffled.
‘Yeah sure,’ he said. ‘By the way, white suits you.’
‘Thanks.’
Brijesh ordered a plain dosa and coffee.
‘Feeling better from last night?’ Brijesh said after the waiter left.
‘Sort of.’
‘We always feel more anxious at night,’ Brijesh said. ‘Don’t worry. Remember, whatever
happens in life, eventually it is all going to be okay.’
‘You really believe that?’ I said.
‘Yes.’
‘Good. So Brijesh, I thought about it all night. This just doesn’t seem right. I can’t get married
to you today.’
‘What?’ he said. ‘Are you serious? Some nervousness is understandable but.. .’
‘I am going to inform my parents now. After that I will talk to your parents.’
‘What?’
‘Unless you can talk to them first. I prefer that. Put the blame on me.’
‘Radhika!’
I ignored him and continued, ‘I will settle all bills. Nothing needs to be paid from your
family’s side. I am so sorry for this and.. .’
Brijesh interrupted me.
‘Who the hell do you think you are?’ Brijesh said in an out-of-character high pitch.