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Sunita over a few months and make her fall for him. But it looked like he had no
    time.
    “Sunita,” she turned around and glared at him. “Come on, Sunita, you don’t blame me for this?
    Don’t give me dirty looks. I’m doing my best to help you out of an impossible situation.”
    “I don’t like your solution.”
    Akshay shrugged. “I can’t think of an alternative. I s’pose you must lead your life the way you want.
    Excuse me.” He got up to get some mineral water, giving her time to think about it.
    Sunita realised she was depending on him to come up with a way out. She felt so alone in the
    world.
    Akshay stood near the sale counter for a while before returning to their table. She waited in vain for
    him to say something as he sat there quietly.
    “Akshay,” he turned to look at Sunita, an eyebrow raised in query. The words stuck in Sunita’s
    throat. He was a stranger but she needed his help, desperately. Why was he so quiet? Sunita looked at
    him pleadingly.
    “What’s it?” Akshay asked.
    “Tell me what to do, please,” Sunita placed a hand on his arm. Akshay put his right hand on hers to
    reassure her.
    “Listen to me, little one. I can promise you freedom from your parents. But for that you’ll have to
    marry me. I can’t just take you away from them—”
    “Hey,” Sunita’s eyes lit up, “I can always run away.”
    “Where to?” asked Akshay reasonably, “and do what?”
    Sunita’s face fell. “Sorry I interrupted. Please continue.”
    “Just that one condition,” Akshay took off from where he left off, “the wedding ceremony, a change
    in your name, status and address. After that you are free to choose the kind of life you want to live,
    your time will be your own, no interference from either me or my parents.” His voice was hypnotic,
    painting an attractive picture of her future.
    “But won’t it be risky—?” asked Sunita.
    “Of course there’ll be some risk involved. You’ll have an altogether different way of life. One thing
    I promise is to protect you from hurt. It’s up to you now.” The ball was in her court.
    Sunita desperately tried to think of another option. Nothing came to mind. The restaurant started
    crowding and the two of them got up by mutual consent to leave. They got into the car without talking,
    Akshay waiting patiently for her decision.
    Sunita looked pathetic. “Akshay, I’m scared,” her voice was hoarse.
    “Do you need more time?” asked Akshay gently.
    “No,” Sunita cleared her throat. “No, I don’t. Let’s get married,” she gave him a nervous half smile.
    “I promise you that you’ll never regret this decision,” said Akshay solemnly, holding her hand in
    his. “I’ll let my lawyer make a pre-nuptial contract for three years.”
    Sunita sighed softly as she straightened her shoulders, bracing herself for the future. She had the
    look of one who has burned her boats.

    Seven

    While the rest of the world slept, Sunita lay wide awake in bed thinking about her impending
    marriage to Akshay. The thought had been with her through the day, extremely disturbing. She could
    neither concentrate on her yoga nor the books she loved. She shut her kindle reader and put it away
    before going to stand at her window. Faint moonlight shone over the lawns in the still of the night. The
    light breeze blowing through the window could do nothing to soothe her nerves.
    She was too angry with her father to say it in words. And Akshay—she was sure he was taking
    advantage of a bad situation. Her mind oscillated to and fro, weighing his personality. The next
    minute she thought ‘Akshay’s not like that. He wouldn’t take advantage of her.’
    What in case he had been bad looking or uncouth or both? Should she thank her lucky stars?
    Akshay was a perfect catch as far as the society was concerned. He was tall, dark and handsome.
    He was an MBA, heading a successful business. He was rich and an only child. More than all these
    he had one