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You bagged a Gates Foundation grant. Incredible,’ Jyoti said. We
ate chapatis and chana masala for dinner at Shailesh’s house on my
first night in New York.
‘My school did. They liked the good work the team had done,’ I
said.
‘It’s him,’ Shailesh said. ‘He cracked it. Bill Gates himself saw the
school and proposed the grant.’
Jyoti said, ‘Can this internship lead to a full-time job in New
York?’
‘I don’t want a job,’ I said.
‘You’re doing it for the experience?’ Shailesh said.
'It’s for... Well, there is another reason.’ I said and turned silent. I
looked at Jyoti.
Shailesh understood my hesitation.
‘You want to tell me later?' he said.
‘Buddy secrets, is it?’Jyoti smiled. I smiled back. Jyoti stood up to
go to the kitchen.
‘Whatever you tell me, I will end up telling her,’ Shailesh said and
looked at her. She blew him a kiss.
‘All right then. Sit,Jyoti,’ I said.
Jyoti sat down again, very attentive.
‘I am here to look for someone,’ I said.
‘Look for?' Jyoti said. ‘You don’t have his contact?’
‘Her. No, I don’t. I’m not even sure she’s here.’
‘Ah, her. It’s about a girl. Isn’t it always?’Jyoti said.
‘Who?’ Shailesh said.
‘Riya,’ I said.
'Riya? Who? Riya Somani?’ Shailesh said.
‘Well, yes,’ I said.
Shailesh let out a whistle.
‘What the fuck,’ Shailesh said. ‘Really? You’re in New York