‘Ah, so you’ve come.’
‘Yes. Of course. I got your note this morning.’
‘I haven’t chosen a bad time for you?’
‘No worse than any other,’ said Malati. ‘Oh, that sounds bad. What I meant was that life is so hectic I don’t know why I don’t simply collapse. When I was in Nainital and far away from anyone whom I knew I was quite at peace.’
‘I hope you don’t mind sitting in a corner? We could change.’
‘No, I prefer it.’
‘Well, what’ll you have?’ asked Kabir.
‘Oh, just a cup of coffee, nothing more. I have to go to a wedding. That’s why I’m so overdressed.’
Malati was wearing a green silk sari with a broad border in a darker green and gold. She was looking ravishing. Her eyes were a deeper green than usual.
‘I like what you’re wearing,’ said Kabir, impressed. ‘Green and gold – quite dazzling. And that necklace with those little green things and that paisley pattern.’
‘Those little green things are emeralds,’ said Malati, laughing a little, indignantly but delightfully.
‘Oh, well, you see, I’m not used to this stuff. It looks lovely, though.’
The coffee came. They sipped it and talked to each other about the photographs of the play, which had come out well, about the hill stations they had both been to, about skating and riding, about recent politics and other events, including the religious riots. Malati was surprised how easy Kabir was to talk to, how likable he was, how very handsome. Now that he was no longer Malvolio, it was easier to take him seriously. On the other hand, since he had once been Malvolio, she felt something of a sense of guild solidarity with him.
‘Did you know that there’s more snow and ice in India than anywhere else in the world other than the poles?’
‘Really?’ said Malati. ‘No I didn’t.’ She stirred her coffee. ‘But I don’t know lots of things. Such as, for instance, what this meeting’s about.’
Kabir was forced to come to the point.
‘It’s about Lata.’
‘I thought as much.’
‘She won’t see me, she won’t answer my notes. It’s as if she hates me.’
‘Of course she.doesn’t, don’t be melodramatic,’ laughed Malati. ‘She likes you, I think,’ she said more seriously. ‘But you know what the problem is.’
‘Well, I can’t stop thinking about her,’ said Kabir, his spoon going round and round his cup. ‘I’m always wondering when she’ll meet someone else, just like she met me – whom she’ll get to like more than me. Then I won’t have any chance at all. I just can’t stop thinking of her. And I feel so strangely low, it’s no joke. I must have walked around the college grounds five times yesterday, thinking she was here – or she wasn’t here – the bench, the slope down to the river, the steps of the exam hall, the cricket field, the auditorium – she’s really getting me annoyed. That’s why I want you to help me.’
‘Me?’
‘Yes. I must be crazy to love anyone so much. Not crazy, well…’ Kabir looked down, then continued quietly. ‘It’s difficult to explain, you know, Malati. With her I had a sense of joy – of happiness, which, really, I hadn’t had for at least a year. But it lasted for no time at all. She’s so cool towards me now. Tell her I’ll run away with her if she wants – no, that’s ridiculous, tell her – how can she – she’s not even religious.’ He paused. ‘I’ll never be able to forget the look on her face when she realized I was Malvolio! She was furious!’ He started laughing, then sobered up again. ‘So it’s all up to you.’
‘What can I do?’ asked Malati, wanting to pat his head. He seemed in his confusion to believe that she had endless power over Lata, which was quite flattering.
‘You can intercede with her on my behalf.’
‘But she’s just gone to Calcutta with her family.’
‘Oh.’ Kabir looked thoughtful. ‘Calcutta again? Well, write to her then.’
‘Why do you love her?’ asked Malati, looking at him strangely. In the course of a year, the number of Lata-lovers had shot up from zero to at least three. At this rate it would hit the double digits by next year.
‘Why?’ Kabir looked at Malati in amazement. ‘Why? Because she has six toes. I have no idea why I love her, Malati – anyway, that’s irrelevant. Will you help me?’
‘All right.’
‘All this is having the strangest effect on my batting,’ continued Kabir, not even pausing to thank her. ‘I’m hitting more sixes, but getting out sooner. But I performed well against the Old Brahmpurians when I knew she was watching. Odd, isn’t it?’