Chapter 4

“What’s going on here?”

Harish’s voice was still groggy from the sleep. He hadn’t gotten up yet.

Meenal and the men quickly went back to their original seats. Meenal next to the window, with an empty space between her and Farooq. Mangal, Kishore and Laksh sitting on the opposite berth. Everyone was quiet, their eyes on Harish, who was now sitting up, rubbing his eyes.

Harish let out a burp, then looked around the bay, blinking in a dazed confusion.

After a few minutes, Harish climbed down from the upper berth with what seemed like considerable effort and sat down next to his wife. Meenal was sitting rigidly, her hands clenched in her lap, her body tense. She could still feel the wetness from when Laksh’s fingers were between her legs moments ago. Nervousness evident on her face.

Harish let out another burp. “Oh my! Meenal, pass me the water bottle. I seem to have an upset stomach.”

Meenal gave the bottle to him. She wanted to remind him that she’d warned him against eating all those peppers, but chose not to. She had bigger things to worry about - she still wasn’t sure if he’d seen her on Laksh’s lap, in that compromising position.

Harish took a sip and looked around at the men. They were all glaring at him, hardly hiding their annoyance with him. ‘Did I say something they didn’t like?’ Harish wondered to himself. But how could he have ... he had just woken up!

He looked at his wife, who wasn’t even looking at him. Meenal seemed out of breath, her fingers nervously fidgeting. ‘What the heck happened when I was sleeping?!’ Harish wondered.

The train started slowing down, the screeching sounds of the brakes filling the compartment. They were approaching a station.

“Ahh, we must be nearing Jhansi,” Harish announced, looking at his watch. “From here it’s just six to seven hours to Indore. We’ll reach early in the morning!”

“Good to know Harish bhai.” Farooq said. “But why did you wake up so soon, you should’ve slept a bit longer.”

Harish leaned in, voice low. “I wanted to. But my stomach’s killing me ... you know ... indigestion.” Harish rubbed his hand across his paunch.

“Ahh, okay” Farooq responded, regretting even asking the question.

Meenal was distracted, her heart still hammering in her chest. She was blaming herself for the near miss with Harish. She cut it way too close this time! If she had waited another second to jump off Laksh’s lap ... she’d be exposed! Her marriage ... over!

But she was also glad they stopped! Things were getting out of control with Laksh. Yet again, she had fallen prey to these men’s moves on her. Why does she keep losing control around such men, she wondered. Why does she keep putting herself in such positions? What would her mother say? What would her father, her sisters, her family say??

The fear of getting caught had snapped Meenal out of her lust. She was done. No more. Not tonight. Not ever — not if she wanted to keep her life, her dignity, her husband.

The train slowed, pulling into Jhansi station, the lights of the platform casting a faint glow through the thick window panes of the AC compartment. The rush of the vendors and passengers outside was visible but not audible through the windows.

“Uhhh ... I really need to visit the restroom now!” Harish said, his voice strained, his hand clutching his belly.

Meenal looked at him, concerned. As Harish started walking towards the door, Mangal spoke up suddenly.

“Farooq, weren’t you saying this compartment’s restroom was broken?”

Farooq didn’t miss a beat and immediately picked up on where Mangal wanted to go. “Oh ... yeah ... yes, yes Harish bhai ... this restroom is broken. Smells bad in there. Really bad!” Farooq said.

“What?” Harish seemed distraught. “Oh man ... what bad luck! I’ll need to walk to the next compartment now ... damn it!” he groaned, rubbing his stomach.

“Don’t worry Harish bhai,” Laksh jumped in, smooth as ever. “We’re going to be at this station for the next 30 minutes at least. Plenty of time! Why don’t you use the facilities on the platform? I am sure they will be much cleaner and more spacious!” Laksh added.

“That’s a great idea, Laksh!” Harish said, already moving toward the door.

Meenal panicked. She stepped in front of Harish, her voice low and urgent. “Wait ... Harish ji” Meenal said, almost whispering. “Please don’t leave me alone on the train. Just use one of the restrooms on the train!”

Harish looked at her like she was crazy. “Wha ... Meenal, what’s gotten into you? You heard Farooq, the restroom is broken, and it smells! You know me, I can’t stand bad smells ... and I REALLY need to go!”

“The restroom must be fine by now, Harish ji.” Meenal said, mostly convinced that Farooq had just made that up. “Please listen to me ... don’t leave me alone here!” Meenal pleaded him

“Oh god ... you village girls are so scared of everything! Don’t worry, Meenal. I’ll be back soon!” Harish patted her shoulder dismissively and stepped out of the compartment, leaving Meenal alone, once again, with the four men.

Meenal watched in shocked anger as Harish walked through the narrow corridor of the compartment and stepped off the train.

Meenal was was livid. At Harish’s dismissive tone. At his obliviousness. And at herself, for being so weak.

Meenal walked to the sliding bay door and yanked it open and then latched it with a loud click. “This door will be open until my husband returns!” she snapped, her voice sharp, her eyes darting between the four men. It was a declaration to let them know that she WON’T be their plaything anymore. It was a line in the sand.