“Thank you.” Jatin accepted the leather handbag.
“I hope she’ll be okay. Now, can we make the bill?” the owner asked.
“I’ve already bought one ring. And there’s another one, and those earrings for seventy thousand. But I think I’d rather wait for my fiancee. I’d just like to confirm her choice for the necklace.”
“All right, Jatinji!” Nodding, Mr Wadekar moved away again to attend to the other customers.
The dull sounds of the drumming and rejoicing of the enthusiastic devotees rang in his ears… That moment when Naina’s hand had jerked out of his, he had experienced the worst kind of terror. As if he was never going to see his dear Naina again. As if he was losing her forever! Jatin shook his head frantically, trying to shake off the smothering terror. This was ridiculous, really. She would return any minute. They would pay their bill and return home. And then they had to visit a good Doctor and get her totally cured. He only hoped that right now she was coping with the crowds along with her asthma.
Mr Wadekar returned. “I think we should settle the account now, Jatinji. We have to close the shop.”
“I understand,” Jatin agreed. It was past three and it was mandatory for all the shops on Lakshmi Road to be shut soon. But why wasn’t Naina back yet? Her mobile! He could call her up on her cell phone! He quickly dialled her number and waited breathlessly for her sweet voice to answer. Any moment now. The phone rang continuously. But there was no response. Perhaps she still wasn’t out of the crowds. He waited a few seconds, then dialled again. The bell rang. Jatin’s heartbeat increased. Answer the phone, Naina! he beseeched.
“Hello?” Muted sounds of dholaks playing could be heard through the receiver.
“Hello, Naina!” he exclaimed, then stopped short.
“This is Pradeep and I found this phone lying on the pavement!” a male voice answered.
Pure terror streaked through Jatin. Naina! What had happened to her? Had she fainted? Had someone pushed her? Oh God, no!
Jatin’s head reeled. His legs wobbled, giving way, and he grasped a chair and stumbled into it. Outside, the drumming seemed to grow louder as the swelling crowds marched and danced on the rhythm of two huge dholaks. The sound seemed to drill painfully into Jatin’s brain. He wanted to scream at everyone and order them to end the merrymaking. Naina was ill. All he could think of was her safety. God, please let Naina be all right, he pleaded silently.
“Is something the matter, Jatinji?” Mr Wadekar inquired, a trifle sharply.
“I don’t know” Jatin mumbled. His head seemed dizzy and his heart thudded painfully.
Sonia and Inspector Divekar rushed into the store at that very moment.
“Jatin! Are you all right?” Sonia asked anxiously, hastening towards him.
“Boss,” he whispered faintly, rising. “Naina.” The deathly paleness of his face made her heart go cold.
“I know! No, don’t get up. Just sit down, please.” She took command.
Mr Wadekar, now very much roused, pushed ahead. “I’d like to know what’s going on! Jatinji, where is your friend? She was wearing my diamond earrings and necklace when she had that attack. And now you say that you don’t know where she is?”
Sonia sighed. “I’m afraid I have some bad news for you. That girl has just vanished with your precious jewels!”
Jatin gasped in shock and Mr Wadekar looked startled. He turned swiftly to Inspector Divekar. “My God! Those jewels were worth a fortune! You can’t let this happen. I’ve known Jatinji for years and that’s why I allowed that girl to wear the jewels and go out of my shop. I trusted this boy! He will have to pay me for those missing jewels. There’s money in the purse. I’m going to see that I’m paid!” he thundered.
Inspector Divekar scooped up the purse. His face was impassive as he said, “This money’s useless. It is counterfeit money.”
Jatin’s head jerked up. “Counterfeit?” he asked incredulously. His stunned expression matched the one on the shopkeeper’s face.
Sonia nodded. “I’ll explain later, Jatin. Did you touch her money?”
Jatin shook his head, his face white and pinched. Suddenly his life was spinning dangerously off its hinges!
“Thank God! Look, we have a job in hand at the moment. We must convince Mr Wadekar that you are in no way involved with this racket.”
“Racket? What racket?” Jatin repeated, bewildered.
Sonia’s eyes were soft with regret. “You still haven’t got it, have you? Naina’s not coming back, Jatin. She’s gone forever and she’s stolen those jewels!”
Her Assistant gaped at her, grappling with the truth. The expression of disbelief, stupefaction, and consternation on his face seemed to pierce her heart.
“We have to convince Mr Wadekar that you’re absolutely innocent and knew nothing whatsoever about the counterfeit. Then we can return to the office. Will you be all right on your own?” Sonia watched her Assistant uneasily.
Jatin nodded, grateful for the numbness seeping through his heart and brain! He didn’t ever wish to think or to feel again…
Inspector Divekar was checking the contents of Naina’s purse while the salesmen watched on curiously. The Inspector glanced at Sonia as she rose. Together they turned to the owner of Wadekar Jewellery.
“Can we talk in private?” Sonia asked Mr Wadekar.
Sonia stared across at Jatin. He was halfheartedly sipping hot chai, avoiding looking at her. His face was still drawn, but it was his silence which was most disturbing. He hadn’t uttered a word since they had returned to the office. She feared that he was still reeling under shock.
Sonia threw Mohnish a desperate, pleading look. For the first time in her life, she felt totally ill equipped to handle a situation.
“Jatin, don’t you want to know what exactly happened?” Mohnish asked.
“I don’t care!” he mumbled, without glancing up.
“You’ve had a lucky escape and you don’t care?” Mohnish asked, a trifle sharply. “Do you think either one of us enjoyed seeing you hurt? Sonia and I were as shocked and hurt as you are. Only, we couldn’t sit nursing that hurt,
