Where the Secret Lies

by Gandhi, Malika

  ‘What about Khush?’ Gaurav pulled a face.

  ‘She is already carrying a suitcase.’

  Khushboo stuck her tongue out and Tianna grinned. With all the luggage and boxes packed into the taxi boots – five altogether, the family piled in.

  Arianna expected a noisy station but was surprised to hear a quiet hum. The coolies (porters) sat on the platform, smoking their stick-like beedies (cigarettes). They wore sharp, red uniforms. Arianna was impressed.

  She scrutinised the passengers who seemed to be waiting for local trains, mostly men. They held briefcases, wore suits, and kept checking their watches. Some read the morning paper. Arianna also checked the time; it was now seven.

  ‘Thank God we are on time,’ exclaimed auntie, as she sat on a bench.

  The breakfast tiffins arrived and stomachs began to rumble. Coolies rushed to unload the luggage from the party and carried them into their compartments. The family boarded.

  ‘What’s inside the tiffins?’ asked Tianna.

  ‘Chapattis, condiments, chutneys and some south Indian food - idli (semolina cake),’ said auntie filling her plate.

  Plastic cups and plates passed around and everyone began to tuck into their breakfast with zest.

  Very soon, the rest of the wedding party turned up and took their places with the family. Embraces, touching of feet (an Indian custom to show respect) and handshakes went all around. Unknown relatives embraced Arianna and Tianna. Arianna’s mother introduced them as uncles and aunties, and the girls smiled. Arianna hoped she would remember them if they approached her, it could be quite embarrassing otherwise.

  Arianna’s phone beeped, it was a message from Nikhil.

  ‘I miss you Ari.x’

  Arianna smiled and text back. ‘Me too.’

  ‘I love you’ was the next text from him. Arianna’s parents did not know about Nikhil and she wanted it to stay that way. The last thing she wanted was her mother arranging their wedding! She cringed thinking about it. Arianna sent a final text.

  ‘I’ll call you later, be safe. Ps: too many aunties and uncles on the train! Do not call or text. Ok?’

  Nikhil quickly replied. ‘Okay, I await your call, my princess!’

  Arianna hid her smile so that even her ever-observant cousin would not harass her. She leaned back into her seat.

  A song about marriage began within the group and a small boy began to play the Tabla (Indian drums). Uncles, aunties and even her mother and father stood up to dance. Arianna, Tianna, and Khushboo burst out laughing but before long, Arianna was tapping her feet to the beat.

  The country truly amazed Arianna. The green landscape turned red and brown, the grey skies turned blue and the haze cleared as the train chugged away from Mumbai.

  Ten hours into the journey, most of the party fell asleep including Arianna’s parents, uncle, and auntie. Tianna had her head in a book; this time is was "A Guide to Lucknow". Gaurav was playing cards with another fellow cousin whom Arianna did not know.

  ‘Pst!’ said Khushboo.

  ‘What?’ said Arianna. She closed her magazine.

  ‘Do you want to sit on the roof of the train?’ said Khushboo.

  ‘What!’ exclaimed Arianna loudly, a few snores stopped abruptly then started up again. Arianna lowered her tone. ‘Don’t be ridiculous. It’s not only absurd but...but dangerous!’

  ‘Ssh don’t wake the neighbours!’ Khushboo came closer to Arianna. ‘You know that boy in the corner? His name is Jignesh. He is a family friend and knows how to get up on the roof.’

  ‘Have you ever sat on the roof of a train before?’ asked Arianna. Probably has, she thought, nothing could stop this girl.

  ‘I have but only once. Come on, you will love it.’

  ‘What about Tianna and Gaurav?’

  ‘I don’t want to come. You go, I won’t tell mum,’ said Tianna from inside her book.

  ‘I won’t tell either,’ said Gaurav without looking up from his game. ‘I’ve done it more than a dozen times. Go for it.’

  ‘Good it’s settled then. Wait and I will speak to Jignesh.’ Khushboo was gone before Arianna could stop her.

  Damn, Arianna thought. She hated heights; they scared the daylights out of her. A fast moving locomotive – against the wind and so high up! Oh God, this was not good. What was her cousin thinking of? Arianna congratulated herself for wearing jeans, a t-shirt and trainers – suitable for climbing.

  He is ready, let’s go!’ Khushboo said when she came back.

  Arianna did not move. ‘Are you sure about this?’

  Khushboo pulled Arianna behind her with surprising strength and enthusiasm, which she wished she did not have.

  ‘Climb up this ladder and make sure you hold onto the rungs tightly,’ said Jignesh.

  ‘Too right I will,’ Arianna thought as she heart thumped in fear.

  ‘It’s safe,’ he reassured her. ‘I’m right here in case you fall, not that you will,’ he said quickly.

  ‘Come up, it is amazing!’ Khushboo called from the roof.

  Taking a deep breath, Arianna climbed, not making the mistake of looking down. Khushboo grabbed her hand once she reached the top rung and pulled her up. Arianna crawled to her spot and clung to the rails. She had her eyes closed. Khushboo laughed, putting an arm around her.

  ‘Open your eyes Ari. Look straight ahead,’ she said kindly. Arianna did but held onto her cousin in a tight grasp.

  Jignesh came to sit with them. He hugged his knees instead of holding onto something.

  ‘This is too good, na?’ he said. ‘Feel the fresh air, smell and sense it.’

  Arianna dared to look around. Indeed, a spectacular view opened before her and let herself relax – a little. Five minutes later, she asked Jignesh how and when she could get down. He laughed.

  ‘Tell me a little about yourself. What is your name?’

  Ah, he is trying to distract me.

  ‘I am Arianna.’

  ‘Where are you from? You are not from India,’ he said.

  ‘Ari is from London,’ said Khushboo.

  ‘Do you like India?’ he asked.

  ‘I like it more than I expected to,’ Arianna spoke from the heart.

  The steam from the funnel billowed through them.

  ‘I can’t wait to see the haveli,’ Jignesh said. ‘I’ve never seen this one even though we are close to the family.’

  Arianna smiled. She looked forward to seeing the haveli also.

  ‘But you know...I have heard things...’ said Jignesh mysteriously.

  Khushboo raised an eyebrow. ‘Don’t believe a word he says,’ she warned Arianna.

  ‘What do you mean?’ asked Arianna.

  Jignesh shrugged. ‘Strange things happen in that place.’

  ‘Such as?’

  ‘I don’t know. I just heard stories...’

  The train began to slow as it approached a station.

  ‘Jignesh, are you up on the roof again!’ shouted someone from inside the train.

  ‘Ma’s calling. I had better go down. Nice talking to you,’ he said.

  ‘Wait for us,’ said Khushboo.

  Arianna followed Khushboo closely and climbed down after her. She breathed a sigh of relief when she was back inside the train again.

  Just about everyone was awake. They were drinking chai. Arianna took hers and wandered what Jignesh meant. What strange things? What t happened there? The haveli began to appeal to her more than ever.

  FOURTEEN

  Arianna stood at the gates and stared at the size of the haveli in wonder; an exquisite beauty with clever architectural designs, painted in blues, oranges, and whites. She imagined it the size of four detached houses in England, if not more.

  Tall, potted plants stood parallel to each other around the front entrance and twinkly lights draped the surrounding walls, hanging from the rooftop and cascading to the bottom. Arianna imagined the beauty of the haveli when lit up; she could not wait until nightfall.

  Rani,
the bride-to-be, and her parents came to greet the wedding party at the station, welcoming them with orange garlands. Arianna did not mind the garlands this time; it was a wedding after all.

  ‘Look how tall and beautiful you have become,’ said Rani’s mother, kissing Arianna and Tianna on the cheek.

  Rani came forward. ‘I’m so glad you could come.’ Her voice was sweet and soft, which reminded Arianna of a delicate, pink flower in the middle of dozens of others, the only one more colourful and prominent. Rani touched the feet of the elders and they blessed her in return.

  Arianna did not know Rani very well and spoke via email occasionally. Arianna was glad of this opportunity to get acquainted. She embraced Rani and congratulated her on her impending wedding.

  The party boarded a coach hired specially for the transfer to the haveli and what a fine trip it was.

  Rani being a good host showed Tianna, Khushboo, and Arianna around the haveli, the interior decorated just as lovely as the exterior. Flower strings hung low from each arch along the corridor and at the entrance doorways. The perfume overwhelmed the girls as they walked under.

  The bedrooms were situated along the upper corridor where the wedding guests were to sleep. One could see the courtyard situated directly below by looking over the balcony. A canopy made of weaved Jasmine hung over the square and a lovely arrangement of low tables with soft seating brought a welcoming sight. No expense spared, Rani’s parents had the floor covered in red and gold carpeting, and soft lighting illuminated the space – a perfect place where guests could relax and enjoy food and entertainment.

  Arianna loved the organza material flowing down from the corridor balcony and gazed at the twinkling lights that accompanied the material. The atmosphere was magical.

  ‘You are very lucky to have such a grand wedding, you must be excited,’ she said to Rani.

  ‘You are kind,’ replied Rani. ‘All this is really my parent’s dream. They wanted an extravagant wedding and like to show off.’ Her smile did not reach her eyes. ‘I would be happy with a simple wedding celebration but I won’t complain. I like to see my parents happy.’

  Arianna and Tianna looked at each and agreed this was an odd conversation, what girl shies away from such an elegant wedding? Tianna changed the subject.

  ‘Is there any food? I can’t stay hungry for too long.’

  ‘This way,’ Rani led the way.

  As they followed Rani, Arianna felt a presence behind her and turned around.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ asked Khushboo startled, and forced to stop directly in front of her.

  ‘I thought someone...never mind, I’m being silly,’ said Arianna.

  ‘Are you alright?’

  ‘I’m good. You go ahead of me, I’m slowing you down.’

  Khushboo shrugged and caught up with Tianna. Arianna deliberately slowed down, thinking about the peculiar feeling of someone watching her. She passed several doors, each one decorated with orange and red flower garlands, all except one. She felt a magnetic pull...her head began to swim...

  ‘You have come at last,’ a voice spoke, the echo lingering.

  ‘Who said that?’ Arianna wrenched herself out of the pull, her heart pumping. She glanced left and right; no one was around.

  Arianna, not normally spooked, was frightened but curious. Who spoke to her? What did they mean by that statement? Not wanting to stay a minute longer, she hurried to join the others.

  Lunch service was underway. Tianna and Khushboo were already eating with Jignesh and Gaurav, when Arianna arrived.

  ‘What are your plans today?’ Tianna asked Gaurav.

  ‘I plan to sleep, eat, and drink today and nothing else. I am so tired,’ he replied.

  ‘Well, I am going to the library. Someone told me there is one not far from here and is amazing!’

  ‘You want to go to a library? Khush, we have one weird cousin. Look Ti; forget your books whilst you are here. Enjoy the wedding!’ Gaurav advised like a big brother.

  ‘That’s what I have been telling her all along,’ said Arianna.

  ‘Not my style,’ said Tianna, eating her rice and paneer (cottage cheese). ‘Ari, this is delicious.’

  Arianna spotted her mother with Rani and excused herself from the table.

  ‘Oh hello beta, are you enjoying yourself?’ asked her mother. ‘Isn’t everything lovely?’

  ‘Mum, can I speak to Rani alone?’ asked Arianna.

  ‘Oh of course,’ her mother said. ‘Are you alright dikra (darling)? You look pale.’

  ‘Mum, I’m fine. I just want to talk to Rani, to catch up.’

  ‘Well alright dikra. Rani, remember what I said.’

  ‘Yes auntie,’ Rani said.

  ‘What was all that about?’ Arianna asked when her mother went to bother someone else.

  ‘Your mother was explaining what happens after marriage,’ Rani giggled. ‘I think Ma put her up to it.’

  Arianna pulled a face. ‘I hope she never tries to give me that advice!’

  ‘Arianna, I am really happy you came to my wedding. We have seen each other after so long...I hope you are enjoying yourself...Arianna, are you alright?’

  Arianna had not heard Rani at all and was surprised when Rani shook her gently by the arm.

  ‘Arianna?’

  ‘I’m so sorry! I don’t know what has come over me...perhaps you can help. I have felt a little strange since I arrived and then I saw something peculiar.’

  ‘Go on,’ encouraged Rani.

  ‘On the balcony, overlooking the courtyard there is a door. That particular door was the only one bare – undecorated and then...I felt a strong pull towards it. This must sound crazy.’

  Arianna watched Rani’s face and was certain she saw a flicker of uncertainty but the expression changed to a smile in an instant.

  ‘Oh that door. It’s nothing, just an old room for the servants to store cleaning materials,’ Rani said. ‘Um Arianna, what do you mean you felt strange?’

  ‘I can’t explain...look, don’t worry, I’m being silly.’

  ‘If you are feeling unwell, a good sleep may make you better?’

  ‘Sounds like a plan,’ Arianna smiled. Deep inside, she was unsettled and knew no sleep would be able to cure that.

  ‘Did you believe what Rani said about the wedding? All this about “I want a simple wedding”, she cannot be serious. This is the dream wedding!’ Khushboo exclaimed, bursting into the room she, Arianna and Tianna shared.

  Arianna was lying on the bed; she had taken Rani’s advice. Although she couldn’t sleep, she rested her tired body. The train journey had been very long.

  ‘Are you feeling alright? You didn’t eat anything,’ said Khushboo.

  ‘I had a slight headache but it has gone,’ Arianna sat up. ‘Rani could be telling the truth though; this may not be her dream wedding.’

  ‘I think there is more to this than meets the eye, Ari.’

  ‘Look, it’s none of our business.’

  ‘Perhaps...’ Khushboo said.

  Arianna shook her head. ‘Shall we go downstairs; aren’t they starting the rangoli competition?’

  The older generation waited for the competition to begin. Ten girls and two boys crouched over their area with a dish of coloured powder, ready to create the best

  design on the flat stone surface. The prize was a weekend in Goa – all expenses paid and no one wanted to lose this one. Tianna was one of the competitors.

  ‘The rules are simple – the winner will produce a neat and colourful image of a peacock,’ said Rani’s mother. ‘The colours must stay within the white boundary. Colours can only be mixed for one part of the picture, for example the tail. In the first round, five people will be eliminated. In the second, another five leaving two. The last round will decide the winner. Good luck.’

  The competition got under way and silence reigned as best efforts of a splendid peacock began. Arianna crossed her fingers for Tianna. She was optimistic; Tianna had won an art competitio
n after all last year during Diwali.

  Arianna wandered, her mind drifting to the door, the voice, and the pull. She did not want to think about it, yet her mind kept bringing images up in her head.

  ‘And STOP! Dust those hands children. Rani’s uncle, can you judge please?’

  Round one ended; Arianna was brought back to the present. She saw Tianna hold her breath when Rani’s uncle came to check hers. He smiled and nodded his head; she was still in the competition.

  ‘Yes!’ shouted Tianna.

  Arianna smiled.

  ‘Cheer up Ti, you are a runner up,’ said Arianna. ‘That was a lovely picture of the haveli. You did very well in round three.’

  ‘I wanted to go to Goa,’ complained Tianna.

  ‘Well maybe if we ask mum and dad nicely, we might all go after the wedding.’

  ‘I suppose. At least I got one thousand rupees, not a bad prize for a runner up.’

  It was late evening and dinner was served. Arianna, already eaten, left Tianna with Khushboo and decided to go for a stroll around the haveli. She liked being alone and able to think without being interrupted. The haveli...she felt part of it but could not understand why. That door in particular...

  Arianna found she had arrived at the courtyard where some guests were talking quietly. A warm breeze caressed her face and she closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation.

  ‘Arianna?’

  She opened her eyes to find an auntie staring at her.

  ‘Yes...er hello,’ she said.

  ‘Are you alone? Come and join us.’

  The woman took Arianna to a table where an old man was already seated.

  ‘Hello dikra,’ said the man. ‘It is nice when young people come and talk to us.’

  Arianna smiled politely.

  ‘We were talking about the haveli,’ the man continued.

  ‘Oh, what about it?’ Arianna asked, intrigued.

  ‘How much do you know about this haveli?’

  ‘Nothing at all.’

  The woman nodded. ‘The haveli has history, it was built in 1887 I believe. We used to live across the road and moved when the rioting got worse,’ she looked at uncle. ‘We married young and had to leave with the family in 1948.’